19AQMM20F3683 - JA Exception Fair Opportunity - final updated 260313 CompAdv - SAM.gov.pdf

This is a Justification for Exception to Fair Opportunity (J&A) submitted by the U.S. Department of State's Office of Acquisitions Management for an interim (bridge) award to Sensis Agency (dba Sensis Inc.), a small business currently holding award number 19AQMM20F3683.

The interim award covers comprehensive social media services for the Global Public Affairs/Office of International Media Engagement (GPA/IME) across Spanish-language, French-language, and Portuguese-language accounts. Services encompass social media content creation, promotion, analytics, reporting, short text translations, and coordination services executed daily through media hubs in Miami and Brussels. The objective is to amplify U.S. Government messaging in target languages through visually engaging digital products leveraging U.S. Government-produced content. The contractor will maintain availability during Miami Media Hub core business hours and must possess a valid business license in the contractor's location, with no mandated place of performance required. The interim award is structured as a firm-fixed-price (FFP) contract with a total estimated cost of $950,000.00 for a maximum 18-month period comprising a six-month base period, a six-month option period, and a potential six-month FAR 52.217-8 extension. The exception to fair opportunity is justified under FAR 16.507-6(b)(1) based on urgent agency need, with the Contracting Officer determining the cost is fair and reasonable based on the current award. The agency intends to issue a follow-on award through limited competition using a GSA Schedule with small business set-aside before the interim award expires.