JA_Project Management Specialist (Education) 72030622R00030 - (1).pdf

JUSTIFICATION AND APPROVAL FOR EXPEDITED PROCEDURES

PACKAGE

TO: Julie Lamadrid, Contracting Officer

CC: Deborah Broderick, Agency Competition Advocate

FROM: Siana Tackett, Director – Office of Social Services

DATE: September 26, 2022

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. 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.

RECOMMENDATION

It is recommended that you approve this justification for use of other than full and open competition pursuant to the Action Memorandum EPP for Afghanistan, approved on December

9, 2021. 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. Nature and/or description of the action being approved.

The Office of Social Services (OSS) manages the education, health, and water and sanitation

(WASH) programs for USAID/Afghanistan. The OSS is currently operating remotely from the

U.S. and Almaty, Kazakhstan. The Education Team of OSS was formerly composed of a staff of twelve, eight of whom were Foreign Service Nationals (FSN). The OSS Education staff has been reduced to one foreign service officer (currently filled by a Foreign Service Limited hire), one USPSC, one FSN out of USAID/Pakistan, and four, short-term institutional contractors. The

OSS requests that the Contracting Office approve use of the EPP to hire Mr. XXXX XXXXX under a US Personal Service Contracts to fill the position of Project Management Specialist

(Education) for a base period of one year with two additional option years1. Performance will

1 For PSCs being hired with a U.S. duty station, all funding must be provided in FYs 2022 and FY 2023, 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 commence on or about November 2022, following the completion of onboarding processes. The place of work for this position is continental United States (CONUS). This is a remote work position to be carried out from continental United States (CONUS).

3. A description of the supplies or services required to meet USAID’s needs (including the estimated value)

Mr. XXXX XXXXX will serve as a Project Management Specialist (Education) for

USAID/Afghanistan. The estimated value of this one-year base period USPSC contract is approximately $179,669.00. As the base period will be full-time remote from the CONUS, it is significantly lower as all allowances such as post differential, danger pay, and Cost of Living

Allowance (COLA) have been removed as the candidate would not be eligible while working remotely. 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 $179,669.00.

4. Identification of statutory authority permitting other than full and open competition.

AIDAR 706.302-70(b)(3) and 40 U.S.C. §113; See Action Memorandum entitled “Expedited

Acquisition and Assistance Procedures for Afghanistan” approved December 9, 2021.

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

Mr. XXXX XXXXX is well qualified for the position of Project Management Specialist

(Education) and meets all the requirements of the position. His academic background meets the required qualifications with a bachelor’s degree in science education.

With more than 20 years of experience designing, managing and monitoring education programs, Mr. XXXX XXXXX’s qualifications include relevant work experiences as a classroom teacher, as an administrator, as a civil servant, and as well as an international development practitioner.

Former employers include Ittehad High School, ACTED, AFRAN, Afghan Ministry of Foreign

Affairs, Norwegian Afghanistan Committee, Catholic Relief Services, Afghan Ministry of

Education, and USAID. During his 14-year service with USAID/Afghanistan, he served as an

Contracting Officer Representative and Activity Manager on a range of education awards, making him knowledgeable about USAID education programming in Afghanistan as well as the overall context of the Afghan education sector.

In his prior roles, Mr. XXXX XXXXX worked as Accelerated Learning Manager, Deputy

Education Manager, and Education Coordinator where he had responsibilities including abroad. FY 2022 CR Section 2401 provides an exception for PSCs but only if they are funded in FY 2022 and FY 2023. Consult with OFM and RLO on the availability of authority for funding these PSCs in FYs 2024 and beyond.

designing and planning of non-formal education programs, managing project implementation, engagement and coordination with education officials, and monitoring and evaluation of project results. He possesses strong skills in USAID programming, project design and procurement, financial management, and monitoring, evaluation and learning.

Since his arrival in the United States, Mr. XXXX XXXXX has remained engaged in

USAID/Afghanistan’s education programming serving as a project management specialist for

Dexis Consulting Group. In this role he serves as Activity Manager for USAID’s Girls’

Education Challenge Activity and UNICEF Keep School Open Activity.

Mr. XXXX XXXXX’s educational background and years of technical experience, combined with his demonstrated commitment to supporting the education needs of Afghan children and youth make him an ideal candidate for the position of Project Management Specialist.

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

The position was solicited to 174 former FSNs for expressions of interest in providing the services highlighted in the solicitation. A full and open competition solicitation would impair the

OSS’s ability to meet the demanding needs within the office at this time. The Mission’s immediate need is a compelling urgency and any postponement in award will cause unacceptable delays in fulfilling the agency's requirements. The full and open competition contracting process would impair OSS’ ability to meet the needs of having a contractor in place as soon as possible.

A Personal Services Contract with the proposed candidate, Mr. XXXX XXXXX, would meet this urgent requirement to have the service in a timely manner.

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$179,669.00.

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, as the general costs of an offeror with Mr. XXXX

XXXXX’s 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.

Upon issuance of the solicitation to the entire network of Afghans who previously served as

Foreign Service Nationals at the time of the evacuation, eleven total candidates expressed interest in the acquisition. Mr. XXXX XXXXX was selected as the one of the best available and eligible candidates.

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 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).

By email on 9/28/2022 Siana Tackett, Director, Office of Social Services

13. Resident Legal Office

Clear 09/28/2022

John Power, Senior Legal Advisor 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.

Julie Lamadrid, Contracting Officer Date