The Contracting Officer, in conjunction with the OPDIV/STAFFDIV Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), may determine, as part of conducting market research for independent risk analysis services expected to exceed the micro-purchase threshold, that obtaining the required services from a source other than a GSA BPA holder will result in the best value to the Government. In that event, the Contracting Officer shall prepare a request for approval at least 15 business days prior to the planned date of the contract or order award and forward it through the HCA and the OPDIV/STAFFDIV CISO for concurrence, to the SPE. The SPE shall coordinate the processing of the request with the CAO and the HHS CIO. The request for approval shall briefly describe the services required, indicate the intended source's pricing and other terms and conditions, and provide the rationale for award to the intended source rather than the GSA BPA holders. The request may include additional supporting rationale to document the best value decision, as appropriate.
