Sole Source Federal 8(a) Contracting with Black Marlin Ventures

This guide explains how federal end-users and contracting officers can utilize the sole source process for awarding contracts to Black Marlin Ventures (BMV), a joint venture between Commdex, LLC and Lucayan Technology Solutions, LLC. Lucayan Technology Solutions, LLC is the 8(a) certified partner in the BMV JV, allowing direct awards with Commdex as their non-certified joint venture partner.

What is the 8(a) Program?

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) 8(a) program helps develop small disadvantaged businesses. Federal agencies can award sole source contracts to qualified 8(a) firms, bypassing the usual competitive bidding process. The 8(a) program contracting procedures can be found at FAR 19.8. See the link below:
https://acquisition.gov/far/current/html/Subpart%2019_8.html#wp1092796

Why Choose Black Marlin Ventures as a Sole Source Provider?

• Combined Expertise: Black Marlin Ventures leverages the experience of both Commdex and Lucayan, offering a comprehensive solution for your needs. No requirement for BMV JV to be the lowest priced – technical capabilities are key
• 8(a) Certification Advantage: Awarding a contract to Black Marlin Ventures fulfills your agency’s 8(a) contracting goals while acquiring qualified services.
• Faster procurement: Less than 2 weeks) compared to full competition. Alleviates 90- 180 days of acquisition time.
• Increased Efficiency: Focused negotiation with a qualified vendor.
• Streamlined process: Less complexity than competitive procurements

Eligibility for Sole Source 8(a) Awards

To be eligible for a sole source 8(a) award to Black Marlin Ventures, the requirement must meet the contracting Value Threshold:

• Up to $4.5 million for services and other procurements.
• Up to $7 million for manufacturing (exceptions may apply).

How to Award a Streamlined 8(a) Sole Source Contract:

1. The Government end user or Program Manager (PM) develops a Statement of Work and secures funding.
2. BMV submits a proposal to the Government Program Manager for evaluation.
3. Having chosen BMV to perform the work, the PM then submits a Procurement Request to his/her agency Contracting Officer (CO) email or written letter to request their procurement be purchased through an 8(a) Sole Source Vehicle. An end user requesting an 8(a) sole source set aside contract is exempt from the requirement to write a Justification & Approval (J&A) letter per FAR 6.302- 5(c)(2)(iii).
4. The CO will then send an Offer Letter (including the agency contact person’s name, telephone, and e-mail address) and a Statement of Work (SOW) via email to SBA Business Opportunity Specialist assigned to Lucayan requesting permission to conduct sole source negotiations with Lucayan Technology.
Lucayan’s Small Business Administration (SBA) officer, listed below:
Ronald A. Brunner
Lead Business Opportunity Specialist
U.S. Small Business Administration – South Florida District Office
777 S. Harbour Island Blvd., Suite 215, Tampa, FL 33602
Phone: (305) 536-5899
Email: ronald.brunner@sba.gov
Please send all 8(a) offer letters to MIAOfferLetters@sba.gov
5. The SBA then confirms the eligibility of Lucayan Technology and authorizes the negotiations to begin. This usually happens within 48 hours.
6. The CO prepares a contract award document and sends it to Lucayan Technology for signature.(Ricardo Burrage, rburrage@lucayantechnology.com)
7. Upon receipt of the fully executed contract from the CO, the contract period of performance begins at the stated date in the contract.

​This entire acquisition process should take about 2 (two) weeks or less in duration.

​Company Information:

Joint Venture Information:

Joint Venture Name: Black Marlin Ventures
Cage Code: 9M5B4
SAM UEI: XZA8EKDMTFA4
Email: mhyer@blackmarlinjv.com
Phone: 814-397-6832

​8a Company Information
8a Company Name: Lucayan Technology Solutions, LLC
Address: 1228 E. 7th Avenue, Suite 201, Tampa, FL 33605-3505
Point of Contact/Title: Ricardo Burrage, CEO
Email: rburrage@lucayantechnology.com
Phone: 254-458-3132
8(a) Case Number: C00o6v
8(a) Entrance Date: 9/26/2020
8(a) Exit Date: 9/25/2029
GSA Schedules: eLibrary Link
Cage Code: 7HSE7
DUNS: 12-944-9892
SAM UEI: N8BZNAQJAP43
Cage Code: 9M5B4