IUCN Membership Dues FAR 6.3 Justification and Approval_Signed.pdf

Justification & Approval Natural Resources and Environment (NRE) Mission Area

United States Department of Agriculture Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Part 6.3 or 13.5, 41 U.S.C. 1901

1. Identification of the agency and the contracting activity.

USDA Forest Service, International Programs

2. The nature and/or description of the action being approved.

The USDA Forest Service proposes to enter into a contract on a basis other than full and open competition, firm fixed-price contract with the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources.

International Programs works closely with other U.S. government agencies and host country partners to evaluate, develop and implement policy for improved forest conservation worldwide. In addition, our Policy Team plays a critical role as a technical advocate for U.S. interests in international policy negotiations. The team engages with other U.S. Government agencies, multilateral institutions, NGOs, and the private sector to advise and influence environmental, science, and trade policy to protect and promote U.S. forests and the interests of U.S. forest stakeholders internationally. To further our work, IP is requesting an annual membership to the International Union of Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

3. A description of the supplies or services required to meet the agency’s needs (including the estimated value).

In order for U.S. Forest Service experts to vote on IUCN’s programmatic agenda, the agency must a member in good financial standing. IP requires access to IUCN’s member benefits, which include access to partnerships and networks and the Union Portal. These benefits will help IP expand and develop partnerships by being part of an alliance of Government and NGOs. Access to the Union Portal will allow for networking, interaction and the sharing of information across the entire Union:

Councilors, Members, National and Regional Committees, Commission members and the Secretariat. It is both a working area and an important communication and networking tool for all IUCN constituents. The Portal is a source of knowledge, a hub for creating new institutional partnerships and place to learn about new opportunities.

This award is intended to have a Base Year estimated value of $17,000 with 4 additional option year periods estimated at $17,000 per option year (note: payment is made in Swiss Franc so actual amount varies depending on exchange rate). Total Contract Award Amount is Estimated at $92,500 including Exchange Rate Differences.

4. The statutory authority permitting other than full and open competition.

41 U.S.C. 3304(a)(1), as implemented by FAR 6.302-1, titled "Only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements."

5. A statement demonstrating the unique qualifications of the proposed contractor or the nature of the action requiring the use of the authority.

IUCN is the only international organization that provides the required combination of access to partners and networks, via the Union Portal, and assistance with the coordination of international initiatives important to the USFS. Among the latter are IUCN coordination of the Global Partnership on Forest Landscape Restoration and the Bonn Challenge for forest restoration, of which the USFS is a key member. Lastly, USFS serves as the representation on behalf of USG land management agencies as a voting member on IUCN programs and policies and USFS scientists serve on IUCN’s specialists commissions. All of these benefits require USFS membership in

IUCN.

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

N/A – there are no other organizations that offer the above-mentioned membership.

7. A determination by the Contracting Officer that the anticipated cost to the Government will be fair and reasonable.

In accordance with FAR Part 15.404-1 the Contracting Officer is responsible for evaluation the reasonableness of the offered prices. The Government may use various price analysis techniques and procedures to ensure a fair and reasonable price. Such techniques may include:

Comparison of previously proposed prices and previous Government and commercial contract prices with current proposed prices for the same or similar items, if both the validity of the comparison and the reasonableness of the previous price(s) can be established – current prices being paid.

Analysis of pricing information provided by the Offeror

8. A description of the market research conducted and the results or a statement of the reason Market Research was not conducted.

Market research was not conducted as this is a membership due to a specific organization that is required for International Programs’work.

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

Previous Awards for same services issued under award 12318719P0016 and 12318722C0005.

10. A listing of the sources, if any, that expressed a written interest in the acquisition.

N/A

11. A statement of actions, if any, the agency may take to remove or overcome any barriers to competition if subsequent acquisitions are anticipated.

N/A

Certifications & Approvals

Supporting data that form the basis for and included in this justification are certified accurate and complete.

Ashlee Jackson Deputy Assistant Director, Operations

The information contained in this Justification for Other Than Full and Open Competition is certified accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief.

Cassandra Carey Contracting Officer