A13. SSJ for SAM.gov.pdf

JUSTIFICATION FOR SOLE SOURCE PROCUREMENT (OPEN MARKET OR GSA)

UNDER $250,000

Sole source acquisitions may be used on a limited basis and only when the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR)/Program Official has provided sufficient justification and the Contracting Officer has determined that the circumstances warrant such action. The content for a justification must contain detailed facts and rationale to justify the sole source acquisition. Soliciting from a single source must be done in accordance with FAR 13.106-1(b) or 8.405-6. At a minimum, the following information must be included:

Identification of Program Office, Contracting Activity, and Proposed Requirement, Justification and Program Office Certification:

A. Program Office:

Poxvirus and Rabies Branch, DHCPP, NCEZID 1600 Clifton Rd NE Building 18, room 1-160 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Atlanta, GA 30333

B. Contracting Activity:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Office of Financial Resources Acquisition Branch II

C. Identification of Requirement:

1. Nature of Action to be Approved by Contracting Officer:

a. Sole source acquisition of: Training and ecological investigations of mpox virus in Cameroon.

b. Procurement Request (PR) Number (if available): 00HCREC-2024-82202

2. Proposed Vendor and Estimated Procurement Amount (if available):

a. Proposed Vendor: Care and Health Program, BP 2338 Yaounde, Yaounde, Cameroon

b. Estimated Procurement Amount:

3. Is the requirement on GSA Schedule? ☐ Yes ☒ No

If yes, provide schedule number: Click here to enter text.

Rev. 5/14/19

Justification:

1. The justification for this non-competitive action is:

☒ In accordance with FAR 13.106-1(b)(1), “only one source [is] reasonably available” which states that, “For purchases not exceeding the simplified acquisition threshold. (i) Contracting officers may solicit from one source if the contracting officer determines that the circumstances of the contract action deem only one source reasonably available (e.g., urgency, exclusive licensing agreements, brand-name or industrial mobilization). (ii) Where a single source is identified to provide a portion of a purchase because that portion of the purchase specifies a particular brand-name item, the documentation in paragraph (b)(1)(i) of this section only applies to the portion of the purchase requiring brand-name item. The documentation should state it is covering only the portion of the acquisition which is brand- name.”

☐ Urgency ☐ Exclusive licensing agreements/Proprietary data ☐ Brand name required ☐ Industrial mobilization ☒ Other (e.g., compatibility, space issues, continuity, compatibility, etc.)

☐ In accordance with FAR 8.405-6 “Limiting Sources” which states that, “the only circumstances that may justify the action are – (A) An urgent and compelling need exists, and following the procedures would result in unacceptable delays; (B) Only one source is capable of providing the supplies or services required at the level of quality required because the supplies or services are unique or highly specialized; or (C) In the interest of economy and efficiency, the new work is a logical follow-up to an original Federal Supply Schedule order provided that the original order was placed in accordance with the applicable Federal Supply Schedule ordering procedures. The original BPA must not have been previously issued under sole-source or limited-sources procedures.”

☐ Urgency ☐ Only One Source ☐ Logical Follow Up ☐ Brand name required

2. Other facts supporting sole source procurement:

a. What can this product/service do that other products/services cannot do?

Care and Health Program (CHP) is uniquely qualified to accomplish the necessary tasks. CHP has experience working with Biologists at the University of Douala, the National Veterinary Laboratory (LANAVET), and the Military Health Research Center (CRESAR) for field and laboratory based One Health investigations involving zoonotic diseases in Cameroon. CHP has experience in conducting public health and ecological projects in Cameroon and the staff are fluent in French, English, and local languages in the different regions of the country. This capacity combined with knowledge, skill, and a demonstrated success in working with local partners makes CHP well prepared for this activity. The specific needs in requesting a sole source contract are: 1) knowledge and expertise in humane small mammal sampling and identification of mammal species found in Cameroon following CDC approved animal care and use protocols is necessary, 2) experience working with local populations and village level authorities is essential to maintain political relationships in the region, 3) experience in biosafety in both the field and laboratory settings is essential to conducting these activities in a safe and secure manner. It is extremely important for the vendor to have knowledge and experience working with local people and authorities in this area. CHP has over 25 years of experience working on public health projects in Cameroon including developing good relationships with the local populations. No other vendor satisfies this set of requirements. These factors result in the ability to perform the statement of work with exceptional expertise and within the available timeframe. There are no other vendors with the required experience and abilities. Other vendors that were identified do not have all of the required skills and experience.

b. What other products/services were considered and why did they not meet the need?

We have been unable to identify any other vendor that could satisfy our basic requirements including: 1) knowledge of public health project implementation and working with local populations, 2) ecological training and conducting safe and humane ecological investigations using knowledge of the native mammal species of Cameroon and 3) relevant experience in biosafety and laboratory diagnostic activities. Metabiota Cameroon and Labyrinth Global Health were evaluated but deemed not to have the ability to conduct this work. Metabiota could have done this work in the past, however, they are closing as a company and all existing contracts with Metabiota Cameroon are being transferred to other contractors. Labyrinth has experience with work in Cameroon and conducting lab analyses, however, they are not skilled in animal capture and sampling activities, which are the priority of this project. These animal handling skills are required to conduct this work within USG requirements for animal welfare and worker safety.

3. Program Office efforts to seek potential offerors:

Program staff conducted research via literature review and facilitated discussions with the CDC office in Cameroon to explore other possible vendors capable of meeting our specific needs. Through these efforts, program staff learned that the only group capable is CHP. No other potential vendors were identified to currently have of knowledge and ability to complete the task as assigned.

(Provide a description of the market research conducted and the results or a statement of the reason market research was not conducted. Example: “Conducted internet and/or catalog search for instruments meeting the performance parameters of X, Y, and Z.” Or “Conducted internet and/or catalog search for vendors who provide maintenance on XY200 machine, including GSA Advantage website.” Please delete this note prior to submitting the justification.)

D. Program Office Certification:

I have reviewed this sole source justification and certify the justification is true and accurate to the best of my knowledge and adequate to support other than full and open competition.

Center/Institute/Office COR/Program Official Name/Title:

Center/Institute/Office COR/Program Official Signature:

E. Contracting Office Certification:

I have fully relied on the information provided herein and hereby certify that this justification is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief:

Contracting Officer Name: G. Henrietta Fumbah Wei.

Contracting Officer Signature:

Certification Date: January 19, 2024