J and A Project Management Specialist (Health).pdf

JUSTIFICATION AND APPROVAL FOR EXPEDITED PROCEDURES PACKAGE

TO: Sean Hofmann, Contracting Officer

CC: Deborah Broderick, Agency Competition Advocate

FROM: Debbie Gueye, Office Director, Office of Social Services

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 XXXXXXX for a base period of one year with two option years1. Under this action XXXXXXX will provide Project Management Specialist (Health) services for USAID/Afghanistan. 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:

XXXXXXXX will serve as a Project Management Specialist (Health) for USAID/Afghanistan.

The estimated value of this one-year base period USPSC contract is approximately $192,700.00.

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 provide 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.

The Statement of Duties (SOD) for this position outlining the required services have been included in this package as an attachment.

A complete position description is attached. The estimated value of the contract is $192,700.00

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.

XXXXXXX is well qualified for the position of Project Management Specialist and meets all the requirements of the position. Her academic background exceeds the required qualifications with a medical degree and a master’s degree in health policy. In addition, she is a PhD candidate in global health with a focus on quality of reproductive and maternal health services in low and middle – income countries.

With more than 10 years of public health experience, XXXXX qualifications include relevant work experiences with the World Banks’ Global Financing Facility, Jhpiego Corporation and UNICEF. She formerly served as Project Management Specialist with the US mission in Kabul making her knowledgeable about USAID health programming in Afghanistan as well as the overall context of the Afghan health sector. XXXXXX is an expert on maternal, neonatal and child health contributing at a global level demonstrated through her most recent engagement leading the USAID Global Health Bureau’s development of a maternal and newborn health strategy for fragile settings and co-leading the development of a Maternal Mental Health (MMH) strategy. While with USAID/Afghanistan, XXXXX was integral in overseeing USAID’s efforts in primary health care, maternal, newborn and child health, family planning/reproductive health, nutrition and health systems strengthening for public and private sectors. She provided technical support for USAID’s two large bilateral health programs and successfully engaged with donors, UN agencies, private, civil society, and professional associations. After receiving her work permit in the United States, XXXXXX continued to contribute to USAID/Afghanistan to further develop a quality-of-care initiative in maternal and reproductive health with close engagement with the technical leadership across relevant donors, particularly the World Bank, and implementing partners in Afghanistan, demonstrating her ability to work effectively and diplomatically with the broader donor community, non-governmental organizations, and the private sector.

XXXXX educational background and years of technical experience combined with her demonstrated dedication to improving the health care of the Afghan people, her tenacity and her creative problem-solving approach make her an excellent candidate for the Program Management Specialist position.

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 USAIDs Position Level and Market Value Determination and therefore is determined to be fair and reasonable. For this award the anticipated TEC amount is USD$192,700.00 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 XXXXX 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

Clearance Page: Justification for Other than Full and Open Competition Under the Expedited Procedures Package (EPP) for Afghanistan for Project Management Specialist (Education)

USAID/Afghanistan, DMD, Michael Ashkouri: Clear Date: 9/23/2024