Bridge FAR Part 8 J&A- APHIS OM&E
Overview
Buyer
Place of Performance
NAICS
PSC
Set Aside
Original Source
Timeline
Qualification Details
Fit reasons
- NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
- Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.
Risks
- Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
- Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.
Next steps
Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.
Quick Summary
The USDA, Departmental Administration has issued a Justification for Other Than Full and Open Competition for a Firm-Fixed-Price Bridge Contract to AttainX, Inc. for Operations & Maintenance, development, and minor enhancements of critical APHIS systems (VEHCS, PCIT, LAWGS). This $773,828.01 contract, awarded after the fact, ensures continuity of essential services in Herndon, VA, due to unforeseen delays in a competitive procurement.
Purpose & Justification
This document justifies a sole-source bridge contract to AttainX, Inc. under FAR 8.4 and GSAM 538.7104-3 (b)(i) (Unusual Urgency). The action was necessary to prevent disruption of critical APHIS systems due to an unforeseen delay in transferring the requirement and financial issues, which prevented a timely competitive procurement. Failure to award this bridge would jeopardize billions in trade, stop products from entering the U.S., and prevent compliance and enforcement against illegal trade.
Scope of Work
The contract covers the continued operations, maintenance, development, and minor enhancements for three vital APHIS systems: the Veterinary Export Health Certification System (VEHCS), Phytosanitary Certificate Issuance & Tracking (PCIT), and The Lacey Act Web Governance System (LAWGS). These systems support mission areas related to import, shipment, tracking of commodities, and monitoring/regulating animal and plant commodities.
Contract Details
- Type: Firm-Fixed-Price (FFP) Bridge Contract
- Period of Performance: Anticipated one task order for three months
- Estimated Value: $773,828.01
- Contractor: AttainX, Inc. (current incumbent)
- Authority: FAR 8.4 and GSAM 538.7104-3 (b)(i) - Unusual Urgency
- Place of Performance: Herndon, VA
Set-Aside & Eligibility
AttainX, Inc. is a Small Business (NAICS 541512) and holds socio-economic designations including Women-Owned Small Business, SBA Certified Economically Disadvantaged Women-Owned Business, and Small Disadvantage Business. The sole-source award to the incumbent supports small business and small disadvantaged business goals while leveraging their specialized expertise to ensure continuity of critical services.
Future Plans
This bridge contract is a temporary measure. The agency plans to conduct a full competitive procurement for a base year plus one option year on the STRATUS platform following this bridge period.
Contact
Jessica Massey (jessica.massey@usda.gov)