IHT 2.0 delay forces VA to award short term Integrated Standards Support contract

Awardee Name: BOOK ZURMAN, INC.
Unique Entity ID: E9N2H4LL2BW5
Total Contract Value: $2,279,013.20
Action Obligation: $1,820,374.84
Department Name: VETERANS AFFAIRS, DEPARTMENT OF
Number of Bidders: 1
Award ID: 36C10X24C0038
RFP ID: 36C10X24Q0305
Set Aside Used: SDVOSB Sole Source
NAICS: 541618
Award Type: Definitive Contract
Start Date: 2024-09-30
Ultimate Completion Date: 2025-09-30

Notice ID: 36C10X24C0038

Department/Ind. Agency: VETERANS AFFAIRS, DEPARTMENT OF

Justification for Other Than Full and Open Competition

(1) Identification of the Agency and Contracting Activity

This Justification and Approval (J&A) for Other Than Full and Open Competition is executed by the Strategic Acquisition Center – Frederick (SAC-F) on behalf of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Veterans Health Administration (VHA), Digital Health Office (DHO).

(2) Nature and Description of the Action Being Approved

This J&A approves the sole-source award of a contract to BookZurman Inc. for the immediate recovery and continuation of critical program requirements until the VA’s Integrated Health Technologies 2.0 (IHT 2.0) contract is finalized. The contract will provide specialized services crucial to the VA’s Standards and Interoperability community.

(3) Description of Supplies or Services Required

The services required include:

• Management and execution of interoperability standards
• Ensuring compliance with health IT standards
• Supporting VA’s mission-critical programs

The period of performance is expected to be one year, and the estimated contract value is $2,297,276.61.

(4) Demonstration of the Proposed Contractor’s Unique Qualifications

Book Zurman Inc. was the incumbent contractor from 2016 to 2021, consistently receiving exceptional performance ratings in CPARs. They met all program office expectations and are highly respected in the Standards and Interoperability community.

A determination that only one SDVOSB can meet the requirement is not required under VAAR 819.7008, which allows awarding a contract to a VIP-listed service-disabled veteran-owned small business (SDVOSB) using other than competitive procedures provided:

• The anticipated award price (including options) will not exceed $5 million (this contract is valued at $2,297,276.61).
• The requirement is synopsized and the justification is posted in accordance with FAR part 5 within 14 days of contract award.
• The SDVOSB has been determined to be a responsible contractor based on CPARS records and Integrity reports.
• The Contracting Officer determines the price to be fair and reasonable, offering the best value to the Government.

(5) Market Research and Best Interest of the Government

Market research included reviewing past performance records, consulting subject matter experts, and analyzing the capability of potential vendors. Research from SBA VetCert identified Book Zurman Inc. as a suitable SDVOSB. The required services are not available on an existing purchasing vehicle (e.g., GWAC, GSA FSS).

Due to delays with the IHT 2.0 IDIQ award, this one-year effort is being executed under VAAR 819.7008 as a sole-source award to Book Zurman Inc.. The contractor’s proven track record and expertise ensure they can meet the VA’s immediate needs.

🔊 Listen to Story