U--SAW ECHO EDUCATION PRODUCTS

JUSTIFICATION FOR SINGLE SOURCE AWARDS IAW FAR 13.106-1 (OVER MICRO-PURCHASE THRESHOLD($3K) BUT NOT EXCEEDING THE SAT ($150K)) IAW FAR13.104, COs must promote competition to the maximum extent practicable to obtain supplies and services from the source whose offer is the most advantageous to the Government, considering the administrative cost of the purchase. When competition is not practicable, IAW FAR13.106-1(b), COs solicit from a single source for purchases not exceeding the simplified acquisition threshold. COs may solicit from one source if the CO determines that the circumstances of the contract action deem only one source reasonably available (e.g., urgency, exclusive licensing agreements, brand-name or industrial mobilization). IAW FAR13.106-3(b)(3),COs are required to include additional statements explaining the absence of competition (see 13.106-1 for brand name purchases) if only one source is solicited and the acquisition does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold (does not apply to an acquisition of utility services available from only one source) or supporting the award decision if other than price-related factors were considered in selecting the supplier. This template when completed can be used to document single source awards IAW FAR13.106-3(b)(3). Note: Statements such as "only known source" or "only source which can meet the required delivery date" are inadequate to support a sole source purchase. 1. PURCHASE REQUEST OR REQUISITION NUMBER: 488-15-2-629-0002 1A. PROJECT/TASK NUMBER 1B. ESTIMATED AMOUNT: $120,066.20 2. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SUPPLIES OR SERVICES REQUIRED AND THE INTENDED USE: Brand Name justification for purchasing two Catalyst Learning education programs to include materials, training, website access, software and support for School at Work (SAW) and Expanding your Career and Health Care Opportunities, (ECHO) employee training programs for all 7 stations within VISN 11 for the period 1/15/2015 to 10/31/2015. 3. UNIQUE CHARACTERISTICS THAT LIMIT AVAILABILITY TO ONLY ONE SOURCE, WITH THE REASON NO OTHER SUPPLIES OR SERVICES CAN BE USED: Catalyst Learning offers two unique comprehensive career development programs in health care organizations, one program targeting GS-01 thru GS-04 and Wage Grade equivalents and one program targeting GS-05 thru GS-08 and Wage Grade equivalents to help students hone their knowledge and develop the confidence needed to enroll in degree and certificate programs. Other vendors might offer some training programs, but not a comprehensive employee training program provided by Catalyst. 4. REASON THAT SUGGESTED SOURCE IS THE ONLY SOURCE, WHICH CAN PROVIDE THE SUPPLIES OR SERVICES: School at Work, and Expanding your Career and Health Care Opportunites have been Copyrighted and are owned by Catalyst Learning Company and are only available from Catalyst. 5. DESCRIPTION OF MARKET RESEARCH CONDUCTED AND RESULTS OR STATEMENT WHY IT WAS NOT CONDUCTED: A Market Survey was completed of both GSA and Open Market vendors. A few GSA vendors provided Employee Development resources. But no single vendor offered comprehensive programs. An Intent to sole source was published to FBO with negative results. 6. Contracting Officer's Certification: Purchase is approved in accordance with FAR13.106-1(b). I certify that the foregoing justification is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief. Signature: ______________________________ Date:____________________ Name:_______________ Title:______________ Facility:__________