19GE5026P0036_JOFOC_Redacted.pdf

This statutory authority permitting other than full and open competition is 41 U.S. Code 1901 implemented by FAR 12.000; see also FAR 12.102(b).

SECTION 5: DEMONSTRATION THAT THE PROPOSED CONTRACTOR’S

UNIQUE QUALIFICATIONS OR THE NATURE OF THE ACQUISITION REQUIRES

USE OF THE AUTHORITY CITED

(a) URGENCY: INL has identified this procurement as an immediate and critical priority on behalf of the Government of Armenia (GOA)

. Without this equipment, malign influence . This procurement directly fulfills commitments made at the Washington Peace Summit and operationalizes White House priorities under the U.S. – Armenia “Crossroads of Peace Capacity Building Partnership” Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), specifically the objective of “Strengthening cyber security best practices and capacities.” Failure to execute this procurement risks endangering the spirit and intent of the MOU, which could cause reputational damage to the United States and strain U.S.–Armenia relations at a sensitive political moment.

Market research indicates that delivery of this specialized equipment requires a minimum of 90 days from date of award.

Market research further shows that Microring LLC is the only vendor capable of delivering the required products within the necessary timeframe;

(b)Microring LLC possesses both the unique knowledge and experience required to design, acquire and implement highly complicated technical solutions for intelligence/law enforcement agencies, such as MOIA.

Market research showed that Microring LLC is the only in-country vendor capable of fulfilling this requirement.

asking for an FBI cybercrime expert to review and advise on the equipment list. Additionally, INL Program Specialist reached out to several enterprises to get direct quotes for their specialized products.

Only one local company (Microring LLC) responded to INL market research with a list of technical questions, to be able to build detailed specifications and costs. Other local IT companies, as well as US companies (ex. Cisco) were contacted regarding the requirement. None of the other companies could provide the complete list of requirements. Cisco provided a quote for only a portion of the requirements, however the total cost of the items quoted was 56% higher than the total quote from Microring LLC. The remaining items in the scope of work would need to be purchased from a different source.

SECTION 7. DETERMINATION BY THE CONTRACTING OFFICER THAT THE

ANTICIPATED COST TO THE GOVERNMENT IS FAIR AND REASONABLE

The Contracting Office has determined that the anticipated price(s) will be fair and reasonable based on INL Yerevan’s market research. By signing the justification, the Contracting Officer makes a determination that the $893,654.00 price to the Government is expected to be fair and reasonable.

SECTION 8. DESCRIPTION OF THE MARKET RESEARCH CONDUCTED (SEE

PART 10) AND THE RESULTS OR A STATEMENT OF THE REASON A MARKET

RESEARCH WAS NOT CONDUCTED

See Section 6.

Microring LLC possesses non-disclosure agreements (NDA) and representation certificates from GrayKey/Magnet and other enterprises.

SECTION 9. ANY OTHER FACTS SUPPORTING THE USE OF OTHER

THAN FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Microring LLC has a clear understanding of the products specifics, technical specifications, is in direct contact with OSINT enterprises, is well-versed in local and international IT sales market, understands USG procurement requirements (based on previous RPSO contracts), is well aware of the high priority nature of this request, and is a trusted vendor that can meet the timeline and deliver the products if not in totality, then in portions by June/ through summer 2026.

SECTION 10. LISTING OF SOURCES, IF ANY, THAT EXPRESSED A WRITTEN

INTEREST IN THE ACQUISITION

None of the companies included in the market research expressed capability to supply the full list of requirements stated in the SoW.

SECTION 11. 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

This request covers only Phase 1 list, requiring sole-source procurement given the nature of required products. INL is planning Phase 2 and Phase 3 procurements for the same laboratory, which will be submitted as separate procurement requests in ARIBA later in 2026, and will be reviewed for viability of competitive procurements.