JFOC - CMR Architecture - Feb 2025.pdf

JUSTIFICATION AND APPROVAL FOR OTHER THAN FULL AND OPEN

COMPETITION (OVERSEAS CONTRACTING ACTIVITIES)

1. I recommend that U.S. Contractors for U.S. Embassy Zagreb, Croatia use other than full and open competition for professional research services to support the heritage stewardship mandate for historic properties owned by the USG and managed by the Department of State, Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations (OBO), Office of Cultural Heritage that are located outside of the United States. The estimated cost is € 24,218.75.

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

The Embassy seeks the services of a historical research consultant with expertise in architectural history and urban design in early 20th‐ century Zagreb. The historical research consultant will supply a written report, illustrated with archival images and current photographs, and provide the supporting materials for the report. This is a very specialized report which requires significant experience and reach to various and wide historical and contemporary data.

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

The Contractor shall conduct archival research, gather documentation about the property, and produce a written report about the property that places it in context within architectural design, urban development, and social history of Zagreb.

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

41 USC 253 (c)(1) ONLY ONE RESPONSIBLE SOURCE AND NO OTHER

SUPPLIES OR SERVICES WILL SATISFY AGENCY REQUIREMENT

5. A demonstration that the proposed contractor’s unique qualifications or the nature of the acquisition requires use of the authority cited (for sole source acquisitions; also required for unusual and compelling urgency where more than one offer will not be solicited).

The Faculty of Architecture in Zagreb has proven experience in conducting research and writing reports of similar scope, scale, and quality on historic buildings and landscapes, with a particular emphasis on the early 20th century in Zagreb.

They have, unlike other resources we’re able to detect, a unique ability to identify sources and gather materials from various public and private libraries, archives, building and planning agencies, government ministries, private collections, and other relevant repositories.

The faculty also possesses all the necessary licenses and certifications to conduct such a research on heritage properties in Croatia. Other possible sources do not have access to such a large database of materials and historical data that are crucial for this type of research.

6. A description of efforts made to ensure that offers are solicited from as many potential sources as is practicable. The description should include whether a BetaSam.gov notice was or will be publicized, as required by FAR 5.2, and if not, which exception under FAR 5.202 applies (e.g., blanket waiver provided in DOSAR 605.202‐70).

The Statement of Work (SOW) was created by OBO Cultural Heritage and is specifically designed to align with their standards, which differ considerably from local Croatian standards. The Architectural Faculty in Zagreb possesses the unique expertise to deliver this highly specialized service, a scope that is too extensive for any commercial entity to handle.

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

This work was determined to be fair and reasonable by the OBO Office of Cultural Heritage which is why they sent us the money for post to award the project. The Contracting Officer also believes the cost to the USG is fair and reasonable.

8. A description of the market survey conducted and the results or a statement of the reasons a market survey was not conducted.

Market survey was conducted and it proves that on Croatian market there is no other private or public company that can provide this type of the report. The Faculty of Architecture in Zagreb is the only one that have this type of expertise and access to relevant data in both private and government libraries, archives and relevant repositories.

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

This study will guide the direction of a multi‐million‐dollar investment.

Having in mind such a large‐scale investment it is important to have a good basis project to support any further decisions. Hiring a less competent company could result in suboptimal outcomes and higher costs in the future.

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

Further explained under paragraph 5.

11. 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 this justification is accurate and contains complete data necessary to support the recommendation for other than full and open competition.

Date Jeremiah Petsas ‐ Facility Manager

Requirements Office

I certify that this submission is accurate, and that it contains complete

02/27/2025 09:54 GMT

Petsas, Jeremiah (PetsasJS@state.gov) information necessary to enable other officials to make an informed recommendation for approval or disapproval.

Date Contracting Officer