19GE5023P0015 JOFOC.pdf

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

I. I recommend that the Department of State use other than full and open competition for the acquisition of hotel rooms for a high-level official USG delegation's participation in the Munich Security Conference 2023 from February 17-19.

The estimated costs of this acquisition are shown in the attached addendum.

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

Procurement of hotel rooms for use as offices for the overflow support for the high-level official delegation, which includes security, communications, logistics and operational support elements.

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

The Department of State has a requirement to procure hotel rooms for a high-level USG delegation.

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

41 U.S.C. 1901, FAR Subpart 13.5;

Unusual and Compelling Urgency (Based on the available time and urgency of the requirement as detailed below)

Due to the inherent security concerns surrounding the travel of senior, high-level USG principals and the lack of sufficient advanced notification of said travel, the conduct of full and open competition cannot be accomplished in regard to procuring hotel rooms for the high-level participation in the Munich Security Conference. The Westin Grand Hotel and its sister property Four Points by Sheraton, were chosen because of their proximity to each other, and their ability to accommodate the needs of the delegation's Travel Office. In addition, they have demonstrated the ability and willingness to support the security, communication, and logistical needs of the high level delegation in a significantly condensed timeframe. Further considerations were the proximity to outside event sites and the number of other US or foreign delegations competing for available hotel space during this multi-lateral event. Adding to the urgency of this requirement is the fact that contracts cannot be fully executed until Post has been officially notified of the visit and funding identified. In this case, identifying funding requires coordination with several different USG agencies.

SENSITIVE BUT UNCLASSIFIED

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 competition, creating an urgent and compelling need.

(Check all that apply.)

(X) The VIP visit information was not available in sufficient time thereby creating an urgent and compelling need.

( ) The host country government required 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 location)

(X) Conference facilities (adequate space for meetings, conferences)

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

(X) Accommodating to security needs (Hotel will allow occupancy of the desired floors of the hotel)

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

The very unique security and location constraints demonstrated herein, soliciting this requirement is impracticable.

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

The Requiring Office has determined that the anticipated cost to the Government is both fair and reasonable.

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

None

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

No other sources were solicited due to the nature of the procurement.

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.

Due to the nature of the acquisition and the security considerations involved, the Department of State cannot remove or overcome barriers to competition in relation to the visits of senior level USG officials.

REQUIREMENTS OFFICE

I certify that this justification is accurate, and that it contains complete information necessary to enable other officials to make an informed recommendation for approval or disapproval.

Date: Caroline E. Harley General Services Officer

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: Nicolas Wilhelm Contracting Officer