J A_Security_Jam_2016_Redactedv_Redacted.pdf

GSA/FAS Mid-Atlantic Region 3

Justification Review Document for Sole Source (FAR 13.5 Test Program)

Authority: Test Program for Commercial Items, Section 4202 of the Clinger-Cohen Act of 1996 as implemented by FAR 13.5.

1. Identification of Agency, Contracting Activity and the Type of Document

This Justification and Approval (J&A) is processed on behalf of United States European Command J9 – Interagency Partnering, HQ USEUCOM/ECJ9, Unit 30400, APO AE 09131

The contracting activity is GSA/FAS (3QFA) – MidAtlantic Region 3, The Dow Building - 3rd Floor 100 S. Independence Mall West, Philadelphia, PA 19106

2. Nature and/or Description of Action

GSA region 3 proposes to procure by means of other than full and open competition to have a contractor administer an online/virtual “Security Jam” event that brings together a global mix of perspectives to discuss, debate and discover the possibilities of new solutions to long-standing societal challenges.

3. Description of the Services to Meet the Agency’s Needs

The contractor shall be responsible for planning, organizing, and executing 2016 Security Jam event to the standards of this SOW. The Security Jam online event will start at 1400 CET 25 April 2016 and run continuously, 24 hours per day until 1900 CET 28 April 2016. This event will be no less than 54 hours in length. The purpose of this Security Jam online forum shall be to bring together a global audience to discuss six security topics in order to generate solutions for these issues around the world.

A comprehensive error free analytical report of publication quality based upon the online proceedings shall be prepared in English and reflect the principal conclusions of the 2016 Security Jam participant interaction, as well as the most intriguing ideas put forward. The estimated value is $299,900.

Tapping into this environment and expertise to inform a broad sector of opinion shapers and decision makers on EUCOM perspectives has been an essential part of moving the message via this forum. In addition, understanding the reactions in real time to security related information has helped EUCOM to rapidly adapt their approaches and re-introduce updated versions of key issues during the Jam. The positive effect of these historical Jam events has been invaluable on EUCOM’s public affairs. The feedback from the dialogue from various perspectives from these events and coupled with a high quality written end product is essential for EUCOM’s mission.

4. Identification of Statutory Authority and Supporting Rationale.

The statutory authority permitting other than full and open competition is FAR 6.302-2, Unusual and compelling urgency, and 10 USC 2304(c)(2).

5. Demonstrate that the nature of the acquisition requires use of the authority cited.

A Security Jam is an urgent imperative due to the rapidly deteriorating security situation following the Paris attacks, Russia's increasing involvement in Syria, the un-relenting irregular migration crisis, the late-breaking Russia-Turkey conflict, unresolved violations of the Minsk Agreements regarding Eastern Ukraine, and Europe's escalating involvement in the counter-ISIL coalition none of which was evident or predicted until recently. The late April date of the Security Jam provides EUCOM with a unique and incredibly valuable opportunity to achieve an unparalleled level of feedback at an historic inflection point in the evolution of western civilization.

The statutory authority cited is FAR 6.302-2, unusual and compelling urgency is necessary as a delay in the procurement of this award of this contract would put EUCOM in a precarious position. EUCOM would lose an immediate opportunity to inform the pivotal audience at the most critical time in Europe since the end of the Cold War.

The European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy will present an EU Global Strategy which will be presented to EU leader by June 2016. This Security Jam will be an opportunity to ensure that a wide range of views are taken into account through online discussions of a new European Security Strategy. This revised strategy seeks to replace the EU's 2003 Security Strategy, which is outdated. Considering the outcomes of the Security Jam in conjunction with EU's new Security Strategy will give the Jam an enduring impact on the future of Europe. The timing of High Representative very public discussion of the new European Security Strategy in 2016 increases the urgency for a Security Jam to be available the last week of April 2016. This requires that the contractor have as much time as possible to prepare the event so that ECUOM can leverage open discussions of the similar topics of the European Security Strategy in this event.

EUCOM’s need to align as much as possible the strategic perspectives of the EU, NATO and the U.S. is, in the context of today's maelstrom of events, more urgent than ever. A late April Security Jam is also perfectly timed to the deliberations for and planning for the upcoming NATO Summit in Warsaw, Poland from 8-9 July 2016. The NATO Warsaw Summit comes at a crucial time for the Alliance, as the tectonic plates of Euro-Atlantic security have shifted both in the East and the South. NATO is already implementing the biggest reinforcement of the Alliance's collective defense since the end of the Cold War. In Warsaw, NATO Heads of State and Government will chart the course for the Alliance's adaptation to the new security environment, so that NATO remains ready to defend all Allies against any threat from any direction. NATO will build on its valuable work with partner nations and organizations to keep our AOR stable. NATO will stress its long-term commitment to Afghanistan through the Enduring Partnership, and NATO will further strengthen the bond between Europe and North America on which the Alliance is founded.

This unique forum is invaluable as it allows EUCOM direct and dynamic interaction with myriad European and global leaders, governments, organizations, industries, media personalities and outlets, and Jam participants. Friends of Europe’s ability to capture this diverse audience as clearly demonstrated by their past successful experiences will increase EUCOM’s visibility of and within NATO, with the European Union (the Commission and the European External Action Service) and all 51 countries in the AOR through the active participation of members of national governments and European think-tanks. These is an unparalleled opportunity for key world leaders to engage, debate, and consult with stakeholders from the wider community toward more fully developing their fledgling efforts to broaden our targeted message through Key Leader and Senior Leader Engagements. There is no other venue, event, communication method, or organization that can deliver these results for EUCOM. The Security JAM leverages the inputs of other combatant commands (COCOM), 51 Embassies around the world, and the United States Government (USG) because by its very nature the Jam is global. Delayed procurement would weaken the USG public messaging and would deprive concrete military efforts of the public support that will be garnered based on such a global debate timed to coincide with the NATO Summit.

The tragic loss of life in terrorist attacks such as those in Paris, Moscow, Bali and other places around the word is a dramatic reminder that success in countering this threat remains elusive.

Despite enhanced attention and more concerted action, the problem of terrorism will require sustained long-term action if it is to be addressed successfully. EUCOM shall play an increasing role in dissuading would-be-perpetrators of terror by setting effective international norms, and issuing a clear message on the unacceptability of acts of violence targeting civilians. The Security Jam will provide EUCOM and other Government and non-Government agencies a forum to brainstorm ways to combat terrorism.

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

Currently, only one contractor with a proven record of timely and satisfactory performance for previous similar work with EUCOM J9 was contacted. In accordance with FAR 5.202 (a)(2) a synopsis was not required.

7. Determination by the contracting officer that the anticipated cost to the government for the proposed acquisitions will be fair and reasonable.

The Contracting Officer has determined that the anticipated cost to the Government for this contract will be fair and reasonable based on price analysis including comparison of proposed prices to an independent government estimate and to historical prices paid for the same or similar items by the Government and in the commercial marketplace.

8. Description of market research conducted and the results or a statement of the reasons that a market survey was not conducted.

The Army has conducted recent and relevant market research for past Security Jams. At this time, due to the urgency of this event considering recent events, this requirement cannot by fulfilled from any other vendor other than Friends of Europe. Market research will continue to be conducted on an ongoing basis and alternative solutions will be considered if this type of requirement becomes an ongoing need for EUCOM.

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

NA

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

To date, no other known sources have expressed an interest in the acquisition.

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.

The urgent need for this Security Jam is reactive due to volatile and emerging security threats under EUCOM AOR. In order to overcome barriers to competition, long-term acquisition solutions will be researched if the need becomes more stable.

12. Contracting Officers Certification: I certify that this justification is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief.

Contracting Officer GSA FAS, Mid-Atlantic Region

Signature:

Date: __29 Feb 2016__________

13. Technical Certification: I certify that the supporting data under my cognizance, which are included in the J&A, are accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief.

Information Technology Specialist GSA FAS, Mid-Atlantic Region

Date: __29 Feb 2016__________