Sole Source Justification - Highly Specialized Strategic Budgeting and Congressional Liaison Support Services

The Hanford Field Office of the Department of Energy is awarding a non-competitive, time and materials contract to Mercia Advisors, LLC under the sole source authority of FAR 6.302-1, citing the firm’s unique and irreplaceable qualifications essential to mission continuity. The contract supports highly specialized strategic budgeting, financial planning, policy analysis, and critical congressional liaison functions, requiring unparalleled institutional knowledge of HFO’s mission, funding history, and operational challenges, along with established, long-standing relationships with key Congressional appropriations and armed services committees. Market research confirmed no other entity possesses the necessary expertise in interagency coordination, congressional engagement preparation, and deep familiarity with HFO’s strategic priorities without introducing unacceptable risk or delay. The services will be performed primarily in Richland, Washington, with a one-year base period and no option years; performance will involve direct support to HFO staff, including strategic briefings, congressional response materials, and hands-on coaching for high-stakes legislative interactions. The firm’s personnel are expected to have prior federal service within DOE or HFO, ensuring immediate operational readiness and credibility. Although the contract is time and materials-based, no estimated value, ceiling, or pricing details are disclosed, as the award is based solely on unique capability rather than competitive cost evaluation. The contracting officer is Megan Harrison, with Pam Zimmerman serving as the likely technical monitor. While no formal FAR clauses, contract clauses, or detailed representations are provided in the documentation, the sole source justification explicitly relies on the firm’s pre-existing relationships, institutional knowledge, and proven track record, with no alternative vendor deemed capable of performing the required duties without mission risk. Specific packaging, marking, delivery, or clearance requirements are not stated, but the sensitive nature of the work implies implicit access to classified or controlled information, necessitating appropriate security protocols. The solicitation was posted on SAM.gov on May 8, 2026, following a Notice of Intent that triggered the required market research and justification process, resulting in a single qualified offeror.