JA EPP Security Specialist Safety and Security 2404.pdf

JUSTIFICATION AND APPROVAL FOR EXPEDITED PROCEDURES PACKAGE

TO: Michael Teske, Contracting Officer

CC: Deborah Broderick, Agency Competition Advocate

FROM: Charnell Cassette, PLSO Office Director

DATE: November 13, 2023

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 the hire of XXXXX XXXX under a Personal Services Contract for the position of Security Specialist (Safety and Security) for a base period of one year with two option years1. Under this action XXXXX XXXX will provide liaison and coordination between embassy security elements, Implementing Partners (IP), host Government entities, and international donor organizations. Performance will commence o/a November 2023 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:

The Security Specialist is responsible for liaison and coordination between embassy security elements, Implementing Partners (IP), host Government entities, and international donor organizations. The incumbent monitors daily and weekly security incidents and maintains a

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 abroad. FY 2022 CR Section 2401 provides an exception for PSCs but only if they are funded in FY 2022 and FY 2023, and FY 2023 CR Section 135 (P.L. 118-15) extends that authority up to

11/17/2023. Consult with OFM and RLO on the availability of funding these PSCs in FYs 2024 and beyond.

database cataloging all PLSO Sensitive Security Equipment by type, provincial location, and supported IP. The incumbent serves as the second point of contact for the Partner Liaison

Security Office (PLSO) and assists the PLSO Director in providing a high level of safety, security, and operational support to USAID/Afghanistan IPs and grantees through proactive engagement. These engagements include, but are not limited to meetings, site visits (whenever applicable), translated written and oral communication and document development. Incumbent must manage the entire PLSO Armored Vehicle fleet. Primary responsibility is to

USAID/Afghanistan IPs; providing security coordination and measures to ensure the safety of operations. Incumbent continuously monitors and updates USAID safety and security policies and practices and ensures maximum safety and security for Implementing Partners operating in the field through operations tracking and information dissemination. The incumbent is also the secondary point of contact for all program-related and non-routine security matters within

USAID/Afghanistan and serves as the alternate on-the-ground lead for all USAID/SEC initiatives. Lastly, the incumbent supports planning and responding to information requests regarding IP security measures and status.

The incumbent is responsible for liaising with USAID IPs, various United States Government

(USG) agencies and others as required to support and carry out Partner Liaison Security Office

(PLSO) responsibilities. Assists Senior Security Specialist by participating in technical reviews of IP security plans and making suggestions for improvement when necessary. Tracks and manages the USAID/Afghanistan Armored Vehicle (AV) and Security Equipment Programs and ensures compliance with all applicable U.S. Government and general Afghanistan transportation and licensing laws and regulations. The contractor also coordinates the transfer and/or disposal of these vehicles, maintains an excel database of the AVs and security equipment and assists IPs with the vehicle documentation, registration, permits, transportation legality issues and Ministry affairs surrounding the AVs.

A complete position description is attached.

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 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 XXXX is uniquely qualified holding a bachelor’s degree of Law, Administration and

Diplomacy and a Masters degree in International Relations. He is also equipped with over seventeen (17) years of relevant experience, five (5) of these in a similar capacity with

USAID/Afghanistan. He has the institutional knowledge that is required to ensure the seamless continuation of the PLSO program, is connected with the current partners and has been involved in setting up the current operating procedures.

With almost two decades of management and operations experience providing security, safety, Counter Insurgency/Terrorism, and threat response support to various partners and support https://drive.google.com/file/d/12CqgUimNdLMSny3fGFAaQdy1DawypRgp/view?usp=drive_link organizations within an active theater environment, XXXXX XXXX is well qualified for this position. His experience includes supporting USAID Implementing Partners (IPs) in a complex and high threat environment throughout Afghanistan, expertise as both a liaison and providing coordination, analyzing complex battleground scenarios, regional threat contexts, conducting physical security and risk assessments, security plan reviews, identifying and reporting on threats and vulnerabilities. XXXXX XXXX has additional experience providing risk mitigation support, planning and responding to incidents and natural disasters and emergencies. In addition to all these, XXXXX XXXX can speak, write, and read several languages, including Pashto, Dari, Persian, and English, making him able to both understand and communicate on multiple levels related to security contexts.

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

The solicitation for the position was issued on October 27, 2023 and closed on November 3, 2023. The solicitation was publicized to all one-hundred and seventy-four (174) former FSNs for expressions of interest in providing these services. Two (2) expressions of interest were received.

Of these two candidates, XXXXX XXXX was the only candidate that was fully qualified to be advanced in his candidacy.

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$215,985.00 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

XXXX’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.

There were a total of two (2) sources that expressed an interest in writing.

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:

Any future needs or announcements for this position will go through a full and open competitive process.

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).

Charnell Cassette 11/13/2023

Charnell Cassette, PLSO Director Date

13. Resident Legal Office Clearance:

JPower 11/14/2023

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.

Michale Teske, Contracting Officer Date mailto:charnell.cassette@gmail.com