**Attachment C**

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  **HHS Template and Instructions for a\
  Justification for Other than Full and Open Competition**

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**Completion Instructions:** HHS has established a standard template for
preparation of a Justification for Other than Full and Open Competition
(JOFOC) for [non]{.underline}-Federal Supply Schedule acquisitions
exceeding the simplified acquisition threshold. Operating Divisions
(OPDIVs) shall prepare the template in accordance with these completion
instructions. ([NOTE]{.underline}: *The Project Officer (PO) has
responsibility for completing all of the information items included in
the template, with any necessary assistance from the cognizant
Contracting Officer (CO) and Contract Specialist (CS) \-- especially for
items 3.(b), 4., 6., 7., 8. and 10. listed below.*

The instructions for preparing a JOFOC are specified in "red" and should
be deleted prior to processing the document for review and approval.
Also, do not include the completion instructions in the completed
document.

A completed JOFOC must contain all of the applicable bolded headings in
the order specified. Place the required information directly next to, or
under, the applicable heading. If a heading does not apply to a specific
JOFOC, indicate "not applicable" (N/A) next to it. Reference and attach
any additional information necessary to support the JOFOC.

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  **Justification for Other than Full and Open Competition**

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*"Source Selection Information -- see FAR 2.101 and 3.104"*

1.  **Identification of the agency and contracting activity.** Provide
    the following information:

    a.  **Federal agency and contracting activity.** **HHS.** Enter the
        OPDIV name after "HHS."

    b.  **Sponsoring organization.** Specify the name of the OPDIV's
        major subcomponent organization (such as Institute, Center,
        Office, or Division) and lower-tier organization, if applicable,
        that is sponsoring the proposed acquisition.

    c.  **Project Officer information.** Provide the following
        information:

        -   **Project Officer name.**

        -   **Mailing address.**

        -   **E-mail address.**

        -   **Telephone number.**

2.  **Nature and/or description of the action being approved.** Provide
    the following information:

    a.  **Acquisition purpose and objectives.** State the nature,
        purpose, and objective(s) of the acquisition and the overall
        program of which it is a part. Identify the authorizing program
        legislation, as applicable.

    b.  **Project background.** Specify any project background that is
        important to understanding the acquisition and the need it will
        satisfy. If the project is a continuation or renewal of an
        ongoing contract/order, provide the current contract/order
        number and indicate: (i) the name of the incumbent or
        predecessor contractor; (ii) the period of performance; (iii)
        total dollar amount obligated to date; and (iv) whether the
        initial and any subsequent awards were competed and, for any
        sole-source or limited competition awards, the basis for the
        approved JOFOC.

3.  **Description of the supplies or services required to meet the
    agency's needs (including the estimated value).** Provide the
    following information:

    a.  **Project title.** Enter the project title as it will appear in
        the solicitation and resultant contract/order.

    b.  **Project description.** Provide a brief (i.e., half-page or
        less) narrative description of the project.
        \[[NOTE]{.underline}: A Statement of Work (SOW) may be
        referenced and attached in lieu of providing a project
        description. The term SOW, as used throughout this document,
        includes "Specification," "Statement of Objectives" (SOO), and
        "Performance Work Statement (PWS)."\]

> Provide the following information:

-   **Requirement type.** Check the appropriate box:

> **** Research & development (R&D)
>
> **** R & D support services
>
> **** Support services (non-R&D)
>
> **** Supplies/equipment
>
> **** Information technology (IT)
>
> **** Construction
>
> **** Architect-engineer (A & E) services
>
> **** Design-build\
> **** Other (specify): \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

-   **Type of action.** Check the appropriate box:

> **** New requirement
>
> **** Follow-on
>
> **** Other (specify): \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

-   **Proposed contract/order type.** Check all that apply:

> **** Firm-fixed-price
>
> **** Other fixed-price (specify, e.g., fixed-price award-fee,
> fixed-price incentive-fee): \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_
>
> **** Cost-plus-fixed-fee
>
> **** Other cost reimbursement (specify, e.g., cost-plus-award-fee,
> cost-plus-incentive-fee): \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_
>
> **** Time and materials
>
> **** Indefinite delivery (specify whether indefinite quantity,
>
> definite quantity, or requirements): \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_
>
> **** Other (specify): \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\
> **** Completion Form **** Term form

-   **Acquisition identification number.** Specify the requisition
    number, proposed solicitation number, or other acquisition
    identification number, if applicable.

> **c. Total estimated dollar value and performance/delivery period.**
> Specify the total estimated dollar value of the acquisition, inclusive
> of options, and the total performance/delivery period.

4.  **Identification of the statutory authority permitting other than
    full and open competition.** Check the applicable block below based
    on the acquisition circumstance.

> **** **This acquisition is conducted under the authority of 41 United
> States Code (U.S.C.) 253(c)(\_\_) as set forth in Federal Acquisition
> Regulation (FAR) 6.302- \_\_.** Check this block for an acquisition
> that is based on the authority used to support the noncompetitive
> acquisition (see FAR 6.302-1 through 6.302-7). Enter the appropriate
> U.S.C. exception and FAR citation in the spaces provided.
>
> **** **This acquisition is conducted under the authority of section
> 4202 of the Clinger-Cohen Act of 1996.** Check this block for an
> acquisition that *is* based on the authority of the test program for
> commercial items -- specifically section 4202 of the Clinger-Cohen Act
> of 1996 \[see FAR 13.501(a)(1)(ii)\].
>
> ** This acquisition is conducted under the authority of the Services
> Acquisition Reform Act of 2003 (41 U.S.C. 428a).** Check this block
> for an acquisition that *is* based on the authority of the test
> program for commercial items -- specifically the Services Acquisition
> Reform Act of 2003 \[see FAR 13.500(e) and 13.501(a)(1)(ii)\].
> {[NOTE]{.underline}: This authority may only be used when acquiring
> items in support of a contingency operation or to facilitate the
> defense against or recovery from nuclear, biological, chemical, or
> radiological attack \[see FAR 13.500(e)(1)\]}.

5.  **Demonstration that the proposed contractor(s) unique
    qualifications or the nature of the acquisition requires use of the
    authority cited.** Provide the following information, as applicable:

    a.  **Name and address of the proposed contractor(s).** Enter
        the (i) name and address of the proposed sole source contractor
        or (ii) names and addresses of the contractors to whom the
        proposed acquisition will be limited.

    b.  **Nature of the acquisition and proposed unique qualifications
        of the contractor(s).** Describe fully why only the designated
        supply/service will meet the sponsoring organization's needs and
        the contractor's unique qualifications to provide the
        requirement. Discuss how those qualifications or the nature of
        the acquisition relate to the authority cited.

6.  **Description of the efforts made to ensure that offers are
    solicited from as many potential sources as practicable. Indicate
    whether a FedBizOpps notice was or will be publicized as required by
    FAR Subpart 5.2 and, if not, which exception under FAR 5.202
    applies*. ***Explain the efforts taken (or to be taken) to solicit
    as many potential offerors as possible, particularly if the basis of
    the JOFOC is the authority cited in FAR 6.302-2 (i.e., unusual and
    compelling urgency) or 6.302-6 (i.e., national security.)
    ([NOTE]{.underline}: Proposed acquisitions for other than full and
    open that are expected to exceed \$25,000 must be announced in
    Federal Business Opportunities (FedBizOpps), whether or not a
    sources sought notice or other presolicitation notice was issued
    previously.) Indicate whether a FedBizOpps notice will be published
    as required by FAR Subpart 5.2 and, if not, state the exception in
    FAR 5.202 that applies.

> **7. Determination by the Contracting Officer that the anticipated
> cost/price to the Government will be fair and reasonable.** Provide a
> statement, based on the specific circumstances and type of acquisition
> proposed, that reflects the steps the CO will take (including
> documentation) regarding the fairness and reasonableness of the
> cost/price of the contract/order prior to its award. The determination
> shall cite, at a minimum: (a) the type of cost or pricing information
> that will be obtained from the proposed contractor(s) and whether it
> will be certified -- see FAR 15.406-2; (b) the type and extent of cost
> or price analysis anticipated; and (c) whether an audit will be
> performed.
>
> **8. Description of the market research conducted (see FAR Part 10)
> and the results, or a statement of the reasons market research was not
> conducted.** Describe the market research that was conducted and the
> results of that effort (see FAR Part 10). Examples of market research
> include: (a) issuing a sources sought announcement in FedBizOpps; (b)
> publishing a request for information in technical or scientific
> journals or business publications; (c) reviewing literature published
> by qualified organizations; (d) contacting knowledgeable acquisition
> and program officials in Government and industry regarding market
> capabilities; and (e) convening a presolicitation conference to
> exchange information with the marketplace. If market research was not
> conducted, provide an explanation. ([NOTE]{.underline}: Issuing the
> FBO notice under Item 6. above does not, in and of itself, constitute
> market research.)
>
> **9. Any other facts supporting the use of other than full and open
> competition.** Cite any other factors not mentioned earlier in the
> justification as to why the requirement cannot be competed. Also, if
> applicable:
>
> \(a\) explain why technical data packages, engineering descriptions,
> or a SOW suitable for full and open competition have not been
> developed or are not available for a competitive acquisition;
>
> \(b\) when the requirement can only be satisfied by one responsible
> source for a follow-on acquisition \[see FAR 6.302-1(a)(2)(ii)\],
> indicate whether there would be (i) unacceptable delays in fulfilling
> the agency's requirements and/or (ii) duplication of cost by award to
> another organization and, if so, provide an estimate of the cost
> duplication and how it was derived;
>
> \(c\) if the justification is based on unusual and compelling urgency
> (see FAR 6.302-2), indicate (using data, estimated cost, or other
> rationale) the extent and nature of the harm that the sponsoring
> organization would incur and/or the unacceptable delays that would
> occur. Also, explain whether the proposed period of performance is the
> minimum acceptable period necessary to meet mission requirements,
> including why a shorter period is not advisable. If future extensions
> are anticipated, indicate what steps will be taken to encourage and
> solicit competition. ([NOTE]{.underline}: The length of a contract or
> order awarded under these circumstances cannot exceed one year unless
> approved by the OPDIV Head of the Contracting Activity.)
>
> **10. Listing of sources, if any, that expressed, in writing, an
> interest in the acquisition.** List the sources, if any, that have
> expressed an interest, in writing, in the acquisition and provide an
> explanation of why they are not being considered. If no expressions of
> interest have been received, enter "No other sources have expressed an
> interest, in writing, in the proposed acquisition."
>
> Any responses, such as capability statements, received in response to
> a published notice (e.g., a sources sought notice or request for
> information), must be evaluated. Include all evaluations as an
> attachment to the JOFOC, along with the names of the individuals who
> participated in the review and a copy of the communication to each
> organization that responded. In addition, document any requests made
> to the CO by interested organizations for a copy of the solicitation
> or SOW with the following information: (a) the name of and contact
> information for the organization that submitted the request; (b) any
> communications with the requestor; and (c) the disposition of the
> request.
>
> ([NOTE]{.underline}: Normally, a JOFOC should be routed for review and
> approval after the FedBizOpps notice period (see Item 6.) has expired.
> However, in extenuating circumstances (e.g., when substantial
> administrative, funding, or technical delays or issues are anticipated
> or occur that could jeopardize timely review and approval of a JOFOC),
> a JOFOC that does not require Senior Procurement Executive (SPE)
> review and approval may be routed for review (but not approval) prior
> to completion of the synopsis period. The OPDIV HCA must provide prior
> written/electronic concurrence with such an action. In no event shall
> the justification be forwarded to the approving official before
> expiration of the synopsis period and before the results of any
> expressions of interest in the acquisition have been evaluated (other
> than requests for a copy of the solicitation) and documented. Further,
> a solicitation may only be released to an intended source
> [after]{.underline} approval of a JOFOC.)
>
> **11. Statement of the actions, if any, the agency may take to remove
> or overcome any barriers to competition before any subsequent
> acquisition for the required supplies or services.** Provide a brief
> statement as to whether or not there are future plans to acquire the
> same type of supplies or services, e.g., further extensions or
> renewals by competitive or other means. If subsequent acquisitions are
> anticipated, cite actions taken, or anticipated, to avoid continued
> noncompetitive acquisition of the requirement in the future and a
> schedule for accomplishing those actions. ([NOTE]{.underline}: This
> may involve recompeting a successor requirement at a logical juncture
> in the phasing of the project or "breaking out" segments of the
> requirement to facilitate competition, where feasible.) If no actions
> have been or will be undertaken to overcome barriers to competition
> for future acquisitions, so indicate and provide an explanation.
>
> **12. Program office certification.** The program officials cited
> shall complete the information required below and sign the
> certification in the blocks provided.
>
> ***This is to certify that the portions of this justification that
> have been developed by the undersigned program office personnel,
> including supporting information and/or data verifying the
> Government's minimum needs, schedule requirements and other rationale
> for other than full and open competition, are accurate and
> complete.***

  ---------------- ---------------------- -------------------- -----------
  **Official**     **Name & Title**       **Signature**        **Date**

  **Project                                                    
  Officer**                                                    

  **Project                                                    
  Officer's                                                    
  Immediate                                                    
  Supervisor**                                                 

  **Head of the                                                
  Sponsoring                                                   
  Program Office**                                             
  ---------------- ---------------------- -------------------- -----------

> **13. Contracting Officer certification.** The CO shall complete the
> information required below and sign the certification in the block
> provided. \[[NOTE]{.underline}: The CO's signed certification may
> serve as approval of a JOFOC over \$100,000 but not exceeding
> \$550,000[^1], depending on OPDIV procedures.)
>
> ***This is to certify that the justification for the proposed
> acquisition has been reviewed and that to the best of my knowledge and
> belief the information and/or data provided to support the rationale
> and recommendation for approval is accurate and complete.***

  --------------- ---------------------- -------------------- ------------
  **Official**    **Name & Title**       **Signature**        **Date**

  **Contracting                                               
  Officer**                                                   
  --------------- ---------------------- -------------------- ------------

> **14. Chief of the Contracting Office and Head of the Contracting
> Activity signature(s).** The Chief of the Contracting Office (CCO), if
> applicable, and the HCA shall indicate review of, and concurrence
> with, any JOFOC over \$550,000[^2] by providing the information
> required below and signing in the applicable block.

  --------------- ---------------------- -------------------- ------------
  **Official**    **Name & Title**       **Signature**        **Date**

  **Chief of the                                              
  Contracting                                                 
  Office**                                                    

  **Head of the                                               
  Contracting                                                 
  Activity**                                                  
  --------------- ---------------------- -------------------- ------------

> **15. Competition Advocate signature.** The designated OPDIV
> Competition Advocate (CA), upon acceptance of the rationale provided
> in the JOFOC, shall complete the information required below and sign
> in the block provided as the approving official for any JOFOC over
> \$550,000 but not exceeding \$57 million[^3]. However, if the CA does
> not meet the requirements of FAR 6.304(a)(3)(ii) for a JOFOC over
> \$11.5 million, but not exceeding \$57 million, an individual other
> than the CA shall exercise the approval authority.
>
> The signature of the CA, or that of an individual meeting FAR
> 6.304(a)(3)(ii) requirements for a JOFOC over \$11.5 million, but not
> exceeding \$57 million, shall serve as concurrence on any JOFOC over
> \$57 million that requires the approval of the HHS SPE.

  --------------- ---------------------- -------------------- ------------
  **Official**    **Name & Title**       **Signature**        **Date**

  **Competition                                               
  Advocate**                                                  
  --------------- ---------------------- -------------------- ------------

> **16. HHS Senior Procurement Executive signature.** The HHS SPE, upon
> acceptance of the rationale provided in the JOFOC, shall complete the
> information required below and sign in the block provided as the
> approving official for any JOFOC over \$57 million[^4].

  --------------- ---------------------- -------------------- ------------
  **Official**    **Name & Title**       **Signature**        **Date**

  **HHS Senior                                                
  Procurement                                                 
  Executive**                                                 
  --------------- ---------------------- -------------------- ------------

[^1]: This dollar range is current as of the date of issuance of interim
    acquisition policy memorandum No. 2008-03, but is subject to change
    -- see FAR 6.304(a)(1) and 13.501(a)(2)(i). See HHSAR 306.304(a)(1)
    and 313.501(a)(2)(i) for additional information regarding CO
    approval of a JOFOC in this dollar range.

[^2]: This review and concurrence requirement is applicable to the
    dollar ranges over \$550,000 cited in the FAR, specifically: (i)
    over \$550,000 but not exceeding \$11.5 million; (ii) over \$11.5
    million but not exceeding \$57 million; and (iii) over \$57 million
    -- see FAR 6.304(a)(2) through (4) and 13.501(a)(2)(ii) through
    (iv). See HHSAR 306.304 and 313.501(a)(1)(iii) for additional
    information regarding CCO/HCA review of and concurrence with a JOFOC
    in these dollar ranges. These dollar ranges are current as of the
    date of issuance of interim acquisition policy memorandum No.
    2008-03, but are subject to change.

[^3]: This approval authority is applicable to the following dollar
    ranges cited in the FAR, specifically: (i) over \$550,000, but not
    exceeding \$11.5 million; and (ii) over \$11.5 million, but not
    exceeding \$57 million -- see FAR 6.304(a)(2) and (3) and
    13.501(a)(2)(ii) and (iii). See HHSAR 306.304(a)(2) and (3) and
    313.501(a)(ii) and (iii) for additional information regarding this
    approval authority, including when the CA does not meet the
    requirements of FAR 6.304(a)(3)(ii). These dollar ranges are current
    as of the date of issuance of interim acquisition policy memorandum
    No. 2008-03, but are subject to change.

[^4]: This dollar range is current as of the date of issuance of interim
    acquisition policy memorandum No. 2008-03, but is subject to change
    -- see FAR 6.304(a)(4) and 13.501(a)(2)(iv). See HHSAR 306.304(a)(4)
    and 313.501(a)(2)(iv) for additional information regarding SPE
    approval of a JOFOC in this dollar range.