JA_NAS_2013_-_REDACTED.pdf

JUSTIFICATION AND APPROVAL (J&A)

FOR OTHER THAN FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

1. The Office of Acquisition Management is conducting this acquisition for the services of the National Academy of Sciences on behalf of the Bureau of Arms Control Verification and Compliance to coordinate the participation of world class U.S., Russian, and Chinese leaders in the field of nuclear, cyber, and biological technical security. The estimated cost is $50,000.

2. Nature and/or description of the action being approved

New sole source contract, Firm Fixed Price, to National Academy of Science, Washington, DC.

3. A description of the supplies or services required to meet the Department’s needs.

This effort will establish the necessary coordination and communication with world renowned experts in Russia and China to secure their commitment to participate in non-governmental, technically based National Security Dialogues. The objective of the dialogues is to develop joint activities that can transition from Non-governmental (Track

II) cooperation to government-to-government (Track I) cooperation. Securing participation of world experts is essential to achieving meaningful outcomes from the dialogues and getting the attention of key governmental leaders.

4. An identification of the statutory authority permitting other than full and open competition.

This Sole Source award is being issued under 41 USC 253(c)(1), FAR 6.302-1, Only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements.

5. A demonstration that the proposed contractor’s unique qualifications or the nature of the acquisition requires use of the authority cited.

The National Academy of Science Committee on International Security and Arms

Control (CISAC) has a continuing Track II dialogue with the Russian Academy of

Science (RAS) on issues related to security aspects of Weapons of Mass Destruction or

Effect (WMDE) and these dialogues would be an evolution of work initiated in those discussions.

With Regard to China, the CISAC has previously worked successfully with the Chinese

Scientists Group on Arms Control (CSGAC) to produce educational references that proved valuable to US and Chinese experts working to enhance U.S - Chinese security relations.

It is the mix of expertise, and the group’s unique standing within their countries that enables CISAC to make progress that others do not. No other organization has the vast prestige essential to securing the commitment of world class leaders in technical security matters and produce results that would garner the attention of governmental leaders.

6. A description of efforts made to ensure that offers are solicited from as many potential sources as is practicable.

This J&A along with a notice of intent to sole source will be posted to the Government

Point of Entry to meet the requirements of FAR 5.201.

7. A determination by the Contracting Officer that the anticipated cost to the

Government will be fair and reasonable.

The Contract Officer Representative (COR) will conduct a technical review of the proposal to ensure it is a reasonable reflection of the effort that will be required.

Furthermore, a comparison of historical costs paid for by the Department for the same/similar service will be made to ensure the cost to the Government will be fair and reasonable.

8. A description of the market survey conducted and the results or a statement of the reasons a market survey was not conducted.

A formal market survey ( ie. source sought on FBO) was not conducted because of the relative small size of this project and market research commensurate with the requirement suggested that the proposed source is in position to implement this project efficiently, effectively, and with reasonable cost to the U.S. government.

9. Any other facts supporting the use of other than full and open competition.

None.

10. A listing of sources, if any, that expressed, in writing, an interest in the acquisition.

None at this time.

11. A statement of the actions, if any, the agency may take to remove or overcome any barriers to competition before any subsequent acquisition for the supplies or services required. Include a statement that this J&A for other than full and open competition will be published on FedBizOpps in accordance with FAR Section 6.305 within 14 days of award (or within 30 days if the J&A is for unusual and compelling urgency.)

This J&A will be posted with a notice of intent to sole source to meet the requirements of

FAR 5.201 and FAR 13.501 (a) (1) (iii).