Expert Services Sources Sought Notice

Amendment / Modification

This document is a Class Justification and Approval (J&A) for Other Than Full and Open Competition, dated 2020-0002. It approves the issuance of contractual actions for expert or third-party neutral services.

• Nature and description of action: Authorizes the acquisition of expert or neutral services for current or anticipated litigation or disputes, citing 41 U.S.C. 3304(a)(3) and FAR 6.302-3(a)(2)(iii).
• Description of the supplies or services required: Covers services from various contractors for SEC mission support, including expert or third-party neutral services for litigation or disputes. This Class J&A covers contracts awarded until rescinded.
• Aggregate Value: The total value of contracts under this J&A shall not exceed $30 Million per fiscal year, with individual actions limited to $3 Million.
• Scope of Expert Services: Details a broad range of specialized technical areas for expert services, including accounting, economics, financial analysis, and legal specialties relevant to securities law enforcement.
• Limitations: Excludes foreign counsel services, opposing counsel's experts, trial/presentation support, and expert services exceeding $3,000,000 per action.
• Contracting Officer Actions: Outlines requirements for contracting officers, including logging actions, maintaining documentation, and ensuring services remain sole source.
• Publicity: Notices for individual contract requirements under this J&A will not be publicized, as per FAR 5.202(a)(14) and FAR 6.302-3.
• Cost Determination: Anticipated costs will be fair and reasonable, with price or cost analysis performed before awarding contracts.
• Market Research: SEC will conduct market research, maintaining an Enforcement Directory of potential vendors. Notices may be issued on FedBizOpps to identify additional qualified sources.
• Future Plans: SEC plans to rely on this Class J&A for expert and third-party neutral services requirements.

This document does not directly impact proposal submission deadlines or evaluation factors for a specific solicitation. Instead, it provides the justification for using other than full and open competition for a class of contracts related to expert and neutral services.

Other / Unclassified

This document is a Class Justification and Approval (J&A) for Other Than Full and Open Competition, dated 2020-0001. It justifies the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission's (SEC) need to procure expert or third-party neutral services for current or anticipated litigation or disputes using a method other than full and open competition, as authorized by 41 U.S.C. 3304(a)(3) and FAR 6.302-3(a)(2)(iii).

This document indicates that the SEC intends to award contracts for expert and third-party neutral services without full and open competition. These services are crucial for supporting the Division of Enforcement and other SEC divisions in litigation, investigations, and dispute resolution. The document outlines the broad range of specialized expertise required, including but not limited to accounting, forensic accounting, computer forensics, economic analysis, and various aspects of securities and financial markets. The aggregate value of contracts under this J&A is capped at $30 million per fiscal year, with individual actions limited to $700,000. While this J&A allows for non-competitive awards under specific circumstances, it also mentions that a notice will be issued on www.fbo.gov to seek additional qualified sources for expert testimony, suggesting potential future opportunities for vendors in this specialized field.