J and A Project Management Specialist (Education).pdf

JUSTIFICATION AND APPROVAL FOR EXPEDITED PROCEDURES PACKAGE

TO: Sean Hofmann, Contracting Officer

CC: Deborah Broderick, Agency Competition Advocate

FROM: Katelyn Runyan-Gless, Deputy 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 XXXXXX XXXXX for a base period of one year with two option years1. Under this action XXXXXX will provide Project Management Specialist (Education) 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:

XXXXXX will serve as a technical expert for the implementation of basic education or higher education activities in Afghanistan. He will provide management oversight of implementing partners and contribute to the development of technical and operational implementation

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.

strategies, program monitoring, and evaluation. XXXXXX will also be responsible for ensuring programs are aligned to and have the greatest impact, advancing USAID/Afghanistan’s priorities, strategies, and USAID’s Education Policy.

A complete position description is attached. The total estimated cost of the contract is $166,600.00.

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.

XXXXXXXX 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, XXXXXXX 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 16-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, XXXXXX worked as Accelerated Learning Manager, Deputy Education Manager, and Education Coordinator where he had responsibilities including 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, XXXXXXX has remained engaged in USAID/Afghanistan’s education programming serving as a project management specialist initially for Dexis Consulting Group and currently as a USPSC in a similar position. In this role he serves as AOR for USAID’s Women’s Scholarship Endowment and USAID’s Young Women Lead Activity.

XXXXXX 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 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$166,600.00 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 XXXXXXX 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