J and A IT Specialist (Systems Administrator).pdf

JUSTIFICATION AND APPROVAL FOR EXPEDITED PROCEDURES PACKAGE

TO: Sean Hofmann, Contracting Officer

CC: Deborah Broderick, Agency Competition Advocate

FROM: Jerome Burns, Deputy Office Director, Office of Management

DATE: September 19, 2024

SUBJECT: Justification for Other than Full and Open Competition under the Expedited

Procedures Package (EPP) for Afghanistan.

1. This document sets forth the facts and rationale justifying the use of other than full and open competition.

Approval is requested for the justification for use of other than full and open competition pursuant to the authorities under the Expedited Acquisition and Assistance Procedures (EPP) for Afghanistan, approved on December 9, 2021 and extended on October 7, 2023 through December 8, 2025. Your approval of this J&A constitutes the justification for other than full and open competition as required by Tab 1 (D&F for the Authorization of Less than Full and Open Competitive Procedures in the Modification or Award of Contracts) of the EPP.

2. The nature and/or description of the action being approved:

This is a request to approve a follow-on United States Personal Services Contract (USPSC) award to XXXXXXXXX for a base period of one year with two option years1. Under this action XXXXXX will provide information technology services for USAID/Afghanistan further detailed below in item #3. Performance will commence o/a October 2024 when all onboarding processes are completed. The place of work for this position is continental United States (CONUS).

3. Description of the supplies or services required, including an estimated value:

This position is located within the Office of Executive Office, Information Technology (IT) section (EXO/IT) of the USAID/Afghanistan Mission and requires an estimated budget cost for one (1) base year of $171,000.00. The Information Technology Specialist (System Administrator) is responsible for a wide breadth of IT tasks to include maintaining the Missions

1 For PSCs being hired with a U.S. duty station, all funding must be provided in FYs 2022, FY 2023 and FY 2024, including funding for option years, unless authority is identified for funding after those FYs. Under FAA 636(a)(3), PSCs are hired to perform services abroad. FY 2022 CR Section 2401 and subsequent reauthorizations of Section 2401 Authority provides an exception for PSCs but only if they are funded in FY 2022, FY 2023 and FY 2024.

Consult with OFM and RLO on the availability of funding these PSCs in FYs 2025 and beyond.

global IT and communications infrastructures in coordination with and under the technical guidance of the USAID CIO. The Information Technology Specialist performs complex management of IT security systems, maintains Mission computer systems to include servers and other equipment and provides day to day management and assistance to customers utilizing various IT devices in the course of USAID/Afghanistan’s day to day operations.

A complete position description is attached. The total estimated cost of the contract is $171,000.00.

4. Statutory authority permitting other than full and open competition:

AIDAR 706.302-70(b)(3) and 40 U.S.C. §113; see Action Memorandum titled “Expedited Acquisition and Assistance Procedures for Afghanistan” approved on December 9, 2021. On October 7, 2023, the EPP was extended through December 8, 2025.

5. A discussion of the proposed contractor’s unique qualifications or the nature of the acquisition that requires use of the authority cited.

XXXXX has served in this type of highly specialized IT role within the United States Government for over twelve years and is considered an expert in a broad variety of Information Technology systems. XXXXXX has maintained the existing USAID/Afghanistan IT infrastructure for the past five years during a trying and complicated series of events. These events are noteworthy and considerable since they involve the immediate closure of a USAID Mission, relocation of hundreds of Mission staff to geographical points around the world utilizing different systems and access methods and equipment to access USAID critical systems necessary for the continued developmental efforts in Afghanistan and for operations necessary to run a USAID Mission. In carrying out this role, XXXXXX worked with autonomy and was responsible for providing expert advice on IT systems and programs to include coordination and assisting the CIO in ensuring that all staff had access to USAID systems. This effort included staff members who at this point in time were operating from virtually every continent and from different service points, all connecting to one central system which allowed the Mission to continue its efforts for Afghanistan and USAID Washington without interruption.

After the evacuation from Afghanistan, most CCNs, including XXXXXX, had their CCNPSC contracts terminated, were relocated to the United States, and began the process of immigration.

After the CCNPSCs’ relocation to the United States XXXXX was hired as an Institutional Support Contractor (ISC) by ZemiTek International Support Services to support the Mission IT section. He was also later hired by USAID/Afghanistan directly under a USPSC. If approved, as a USPSC IT Specialist, XXXXXXX will provide continuity and stable IT support to Mission-staff working under very difficult operating conditions and preparing to transition to the U.S.

Embassy/Astana to reconstitute USAID/Afghanistan. It is imperative USAID/Afghanistan employ a dedicated IT Specialist who will help ensure the Mission’s compliance with CIO requirements and provide continuity for the critical Mission infrastructure.

6. A description of efforts made to ensure that offers are solicited from as many potential sources as is practicable.

The initial award was made following a solicitation publicized to around one-hundred and fifty-one (151) former CCNPSCs.

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

The anticipated cost was calculated based on the classification grade and step range, including allowances. It is consistent with USAID’s Position Level and Market Value Determination and therefore is determined to be fair and reasonable. For this award the anticipated TEC amount is USD$171,000.00 for the one (1) year base period.

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

No formal market research was conducted, and the general costs of an offeror with XXXXXX background, coupled with his salary history are deemed fair. The skills available in the US labor market are well known through USAID's ongoing recruitment and screening processes.

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

None.

10. Sources, if any, that expressed, in writing, an interest in the acquisition.

None.

11. The actions the Agency may take to remove or overcome any barriers to competition before any subsequent acquisition for the supplies or services required:

Subsequent acquisition of services after completion of all option years or substantive changes to the statement of duties under a reorganized USAID/Afghanistan Mission will be solicited from as many potential sources as practical.

12. Technical or Requirements Personnel Certification:

In accordance with FAR 6.303, I hereby certify that the technical statements included above which form a basis for the justification are complement and accurate in accordance with EPP titled Expedited Acquisition and Assistance Procedures for Afghanistan approved December 9, 2021 (attached).

Technical Office Representative Date

13. Resident Legal Office Clearance:

Resident Legal Officer Date

14. Contracting Officer Certification:

In accordance with FAR 6.303, I hereby certify that the justification is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief.

Sean Hofmann, Contracting Officer Date