JOFOC PR12105600 mobile labs sole source- ACA Signed.pdf

Justification and Approval US Embassy Lusaka, Zambia PR12105600 Mobile Labs

SOLE SOURCE JUSTIFICATION FOR SIMPLFIED ACQUISITIONS

FOR OTHER THAN FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pursuant to FAR Subpart 6.3

1. Identification of the agency and the contracting activity.

In accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Subpart 6.3 and 41 U.S. Code 1901, the Office of Acquisition Management Regional Procurement Support Office Frankfurt proposes to award a purchase order based on other than full and open competition for deployable infectious disease laboratories for Zambian National Institute for Infectious Disease (ZNPH) on behalf of the Office of Security Cooperation at the US Embassy Lusaka, Zambia. The total estimated cost is USD 1.8 million dollars.

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

This Justification and Approval (J&A) outlines the necessity for the issuance of a firm-fixed-price sole source purchase from DST Innovation for Zambian National Public Health Institution (ZNPHI) laboratories. These labs require specialized expertise in equipment operation, maintenance, and application. They are crucial for ZNPHI's participation in regional surveillance activities, enhancing public health initiatives in Zambia and Africa. DST Innovation has a proven track record in similar projects across Africa and will facilitate coordination with the German center for disease control, further supporting ZNPHI's efforts. Therefore, a sole source purchase from DST Innovation is justified to ensure timely acquisition and support for essential infrastructure. The period of performance is 180 days.

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

The objective of this project is to equip the Zambian National Public Health Institute (ZNPHI) with advanced disease detection equipment capable of deployment to rural areas. These modular and scalable laboratories are designed for transport via various platforms, including air and road, enhancing Zambia's ability to detect diseases crucial for national and international pandemic control.

Selecting the right contractor is paramount. The chosen contractor must possess expertise in pandemic programs and a profound understanding of infectious diseases.

This ensures proper utilization of the equipment, aligning with Zambia's needs and contributing to regional health initiatives.

Active involvement of senior-level ZNPHI officials is integral to the program's success.

Their participation not only adds credibility but also underscores collaborative efforts between the Zambian government, US CDC, and health sectors in combatting infectious diseases. This initiative not only benefits Zambia but also holds significant potential for the wider region.

Ultimately, the success of this endeavor lies in the ability of the chosen contractor to quickly deliver quality and requested equipment while coordinating with US organizations such as the CDC and USAID.

The process requires these following components:

a. Research

b. Specialization in modular solutions

c. Insurance

d. Coordination with US CDC

e. Coordination with ZNPHI

f. Interoperability between systems and equipment

g. Provision of equipment easily serviced and availability of spare parts.

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

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 action require use of the authority cited.

DST Innovation is renowned for its expertise in developing modular solutions for emergency health and safety equipment. With a proven track record of collaboration with the German Government and participation in international programs across Africa, DST is well-equipped to address the unique challenges posed by Zambia's harsh and underdeveloped rural environments.

Given Zambia's vast expanse and limited infrastructure, it is imperative that the equipment provided is interchangeable, portable, and easily serviced. DST's specialization in creating solutions tailored for such environments ensures that the equipment meets these essential criteria. This capability is crucial for ensuring effective deployment and maintenance of the equipment in remote areas of Zambia, thereby bolstering the country's ability to respond to health emergencies efficiently.

. Capabilities:

- experience with modular solutions

- established relations ZNPHI

- research staff

- engineers

- stability to provide travel and production costs

- support from local and international disease centers.

6. A description of the efforts made to ensure that offers are solicited from as many potential sources as is practicable, include whether a notice was or will be publicized as required by Subpart 5.2 and, if not, which exception under 5.202 applies.

In the course of internet research and coordination with key USG partners, specifically the ZNPHI, CDC and USAID it has been found that DST is recognized for providing durable equipment solutions for austere environments. This company has a proven track record of collaboration and has access to ZNPHI and US CDC in planning pandemic programs.

The gravity of the subject matter, in Zambia, underscores the importance of trust and established access within the government. DST Innovation emerges as a crucial partner in this context, possessing a unique ability to interact with key organizations and navigate the delicate nature of the subject matter.

A memorandum of intent to award a sole source contract to DST Innovation was posted on sam.gov on April 10, 2024. The notice posting resulted in no companies came forward proposing to possess the required capabilities and skill set. This clear result confirmed the government’s sole source approach.

Given that no other company has emerged with similar capabilities in terms of government trust and access, DST Innovation stands out as an indispensable ally in partnering with Zambia to detect infectious diseases early before they become pandemics.

Their track record and established relationships with government entities position them as a key player in facilitating meaningful dialogue and understanding on this topic.

After award processing, this acquisition will be posted on sam.gov.

7. A determination by the contracting officer that the anticipated cost to the

Government will be fair and reasonable.

The Contracting Officer has determined the anticipated cost to be fair and reasonable based on comparisons between the IGCE and market research.

8. A description of the market research conducted (per FAR Part 10) and the results or a statement of the reason market research was not conducted.

Internet market research was the chief method conducted to verify the composition of the three mobile laboratories components e.g. inflatable laboratory tents, collection equipment, analysis instrumentation, power generation, protective equipment, work bench, refrigerator freezer and autoclave standard which is unique to the Institute of Microbiology (IMB) belonging to the German Military Forces in Munich. Additionally, the project management, air cargo and export partner, specialized user training were market researched in the same manner. The results of the market research verify the niche requirement and proposed concept provided by DST Innovation to be ideal.

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

DST Innovation has solidified its relationship with both ZNPHI and the US CDC, granting the organization access to key ministry personnel. This signifies the mutual importance and trust among all partners in DST's capabilities. Such access not only underscores DST's credibility but also highlights the level of trust placed in the organization by government ministries.

Futureproofing Zambia against the next pandemic depends on the national acceptance, trust and confidence in the collection and interpretation of epidemic data provided by this acquisition. DST emerges as the sole entity with the capability to conduct research, develop equipment packages, and provide training for ZNPHI. This exclusivity positions DST as an indispensable partner, uniquely equipped to address the sensitive nature of pandemics and collaborate effectively with key stakeholders in government ministries.

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

The result of having posted the memorandum of intent to award a sole source contract to DST Innovation on sam.gov on April 10, 2024 was the absence of companies expressing a desire to be listed. Therefore, a listing of sources doesn’t exist for this acquisition.

11. A statement of any actions the agency will take to remove or overcome any future 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.)

The acquisition of a country’s infectious disease detection through tailored mobile labs is a niche product without barriers of competition to overcome. This J&A for other than full and open competition will be published on sam.gov in accordance with FAR Section

6.305 within 14 days of award.

CERTIFICATIONS

TECHNICAL AND REQUIREMENTS CERTIFICATION AQM QA Plan I certify that this justification is accurate and contains complete data necessary to support the recommendation for other than full and open competition.

SIGNATURE:

LTC Ben Kenion Date Chief, Office of Security Cooperation US Embassy Lusaka, Zambia

CONTRACTING CERTIFICATION AQM QA Plan I certify that this submission is accurate to the best of my knowledge, and that it contains complete information necessary to enable other officials to make an informed recommendation for approval or disapproval.

SIGNATURE:

Date Branch Chief Office of Acquisition Management

(A/OPE/AQM/IP – RPSOFR)

CONTRACTING OFFICER CERTIFICATION AQM QA Plan I certify that this submission is accurate to the best of my knowledge, and that it contains complete information necessary to enable other officials to make an informed recommendation for approval or disapproval.

SIGNATURE:

Nicolas A. Wilhelm Date Acting Director Office of Acquisition Management

(A/OPE/AQM/IP – RPSOFR)

Benjamin R Kenion Digitally signed by Benjamin R Kenion Date: 2024.05.14 15:32:46 +02'00'

DAVID D MACHEN Digitally signed by DAVID D MACHEN Date: 2024.06.04 16:49:04 +02'00'

Nicolas A Wilhelm

Digitally signed by Nicolas A Wilhelm Date: 2024.06.05 08:38:44 +02'00'

LEGAL ADVISER CERTIFICATION (L/BA)

Kathleen D. Martin Date Senior Attorney Adviser

L/BA

Office of the Legal Adviser for Buildings and Acquisitions

COMPETITION ADVOCATE’S APPROVAL (Ref: FAR 6.304(a)(2).

Sharon D. James Date Competition Advocate Office of Procurement Executive (A/OPE/AP) Office Director

Kathleen D Martin Digitally signed by Kathleen D Martin Date: 2024.06.20 08:39:14 -04'00'