USDA/PSD Integrated Acquisition System (IAS) IT Support Services
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 Exception to Fair Opportunity for Integrated Acquisition System (IAS) IT Support Services. This document justifies a sole source award to Buchanan & Edwards, Inc. (DBA: Buchanan and Edwards) under GSA OASIS+UR Contract 47QRCA25DU513 to ensure continuity of critical IT support. The action is driven by urgent agency needs and the expiration of a current bridge contract on February 28, 2026.
Purpose & Justification
This justification outlines the urgent need to retain specialized expertise for the IAS, a mission-critical system. Providing fair opportunity for this requirement would result in unacceptable delays, citing FAR 16.505(b)(2)(i)(A). Buchanan & Edwards possesses unique knowledge of the IAS SDLC, PRISM upgrades, Oracle DB migration, and USDA-specific interfaces, making them essential for risk mitigation and continuity. The urgency is further highlighted by the need to support the Requirements Planning Tool (RPT) 2.0, which cannot be achieved within the timeframe without current personnel.
Scope of Work
The required services include:
- IAS System Operations: Monitoring, administration, and database support.
- IAS/IPP Help Desk Support.
- IAS Releases, Upgrades, and Enhancements.
- IAS Security and Program Management.
Contract Details
- Type: Firm Fixed-Price Order
- Period of Performance: 6 months base period with a 6-month option period.
- Set-Aside: Not applicable (Sole Source Justification)
- Awardee: Buchanan & Edwards, Inc. (DBA: Buchanan and Edwards)
- Contract Vehicle: GSA OASIS+UR Contract 47QRCA25DU513
- Place of Performance: Virginia (VA 22102), United States
Financial & Future Actions
The anticipated prices are deemed fair and reasonable, based on negotiated rates on the OASIS contract, offering reduced annual spend by 55% and average hourly rates by 10% compared to previous contracts. This approach represents the best value considering price, technical requirements, and continuity. The USDA plans a future competitive procurement for IAS support services with a revised scope that will reflect the consolidation of disparate systems and processes.
Contact Information
Primary Point of Contact: Jenna Highfill, jenna.highfill@usda.gov