J&A_.pdf

Reference DOSAR 606.303-2

JUSTIFICATION AND APPROVAL

FOR OTHER THAN FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION, PRICE

JUSTIFICATION (JOFOC)

ACQUISITION OF HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS IN SUPPORT OF SENIOR

HIGH LEVEL USG VIP VISIT

1. I recommend that the Department of State use other than full and open competition for the acquisition of hotel rooms for this VIP visit. The estimated cost is USD 3,143,338.00

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

Senior High Level USG Principal traveling with a delegation inclusive of support elements in: Security, Communications, Logistics and Operations.

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

El Rosario SA - Park Hyatt Buenos Aires (Alvear 1661-CABA)

Buenos Aires, Argentina

Estimated maximum cost: 3,143,338.00 USD

Estimated maximum 165 sleeping rooms and 3 conference/functional rooms

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

The types of events, meetings, locations and availability of venues to support the

Senior High Level USG VIP and the delegation are often times designated by the host countries. In this case, the Argentina Ministry of Foreign Affairs also designated these specific properties for use by the United States delegation.

Unique requirements for communications support are under severe time limitations and always a determining factor in the selection process as its capacity to be augmented to the unique requirements necessary to support certain Senior

High Level USG Principals.

Many of the arrangements for hotel and transportation are often not confirmed until just before the actual visit. In addition to supporting a large delegation within a short time frame, last minute and frequent changes of itineraries for supporting personnel often result in significant changes in how Posts work with the vendors.

With the exception of a few trips, contracts are not permitted to be signed until the

Department of State (Post) has written confirmation from all supporting agencies, which enables collection of funds from said agencies in the event of cancellation.

These unique Senior High Level USG VIP travel requirements result in only a single responsible source with no other supplies or services capable of satisfying agency requirement in accordance with 41 U.S.C. 253 (c ) (2), Far 6.302-2.

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

Security and logistics are the Department of State’s primary considerations when procuring hotel rooms. The Department of State must be able to provide a safe and secure environment for VIP visitors. Frequently VIP visits are not announced or confirmed in sufficient time to conduct a competition, creating an urgent and compelling need. At other times, the security requirements and/or requirements of the host country government limit the acquisition to one or a small number of predetermined hotels.

[ X ] The host country government requires the use of this/these hotel(s).

[ X ] The proposed contractor has the following unique qualifications which meet the Department of State’s security and logistical requirements.

[ X ] Set-back (hotel is safe distance from the street)

[ X ] Location (able to secure building, travel route; distance to and from event)

[ X ] Size and number of rooms (able to house everyone in one hotel)

[ X ] Conference facilities (adequate space for meetings, press conferences)

[ X ] Communications (able to install equipment/lines, command center)

[ X ] Accommodating to security needs

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

Due to urgency and exception in FAR 25.401(a)(5) this solicitation cannot be posted but the JOFOC will be published in FedBizOpps.

The following other hotels were reviewed but were not adequate because of the following:

The Alvear Palace

The Alvear Art

Hotel Emperador

The above-mentioned hotels were reviewed. Selection made based on security, availability of rooms, hotel location in regards to key trip venues, and host government hotel assignments. Other available hotels in town are unacceptable for category and location.

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

These proposals included payment terms and prices that, after negotiation, were approved by USG. The price quoted was considered reasonable based on comparison with similar services purchased before and local market prices for hotel lodging fees. See chart in

Determination of fair and reasonable pricing.

8. Any other facts supporting the use of other than full and open competition. None.

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

None.

10. 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. None.

CERTIFICATIONS

I certify that the information in this justification is accurate and contains complete data necessary to support the recommendation for other than full and open competition to the best of my knowledge and belief.

Date: PTS Director, Michael Dodds

I certify that this justification is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief. Based on my assessment, I conclude that other than full and open competition is justified and the proposed price is fair and reasonable.

Date: Huguette Thornton, Contracting Officer

As the Competition Advocate at post, I approve this justification:

Date: Jeremey Neitzke, Management Officer