JOFOC_19UK5621D0011.pdf

Reference DOSAR 606.303-2

SBU - CONTRACTING AND ACQUISITIONS

JUSTIFICATION AND APPROVAL

FOR OTHER THAN FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION, PRICE JUSTIFICATION (JOFOC)

ACQUISITION OF COVID-19 PCR FIT-TO-FLY TESTS IN SUPPORT OF SENIOR HIGH LEVEL

USG VIP VISIT

1. I recommend that the Department of State use other than full and open competition for the acquisition of Covid-19 PCR Fit-to-Fly Tests for this VIP visit. The estimated cost is

£392,858.00 GBP/ $557,858.36 USD (ROE $1.42)

2. Nature and/or description of the action being approved.

Senior High Level USG Principal traveling with a delegation inclusive of support elements in: Security, Communications, Logistics and Operations.

3. A description of the supplies or services required to meet the agency’s needs.

Covid-19 PCR Fit-to-Fly tests as required by the UK Government for commercial travel, administered by a medical professional at various sites chosen by the USG and with one-day results reporting.

4. An identification of the statutory authority permitting other than full and open competition.

[ X ] 41 U.S.C. 253 (c) (2), FAR 6.302-2; Unusual and Compelling Urgency;

(Based on the available time and urgency of the requirement as detailed below)

Security concerns prohibit sufficient advanced notification of VIP travel to allow for sufficient time to conduct full and open competition. The Department of State can only communicate with the staff at Posts abroad when authorization is given due to security concerns. Duration of stays is often not communicated to Post until very close to commencement of visit, and dates often changes on short notice. At the same time, UK Government regulations for Fit-to-Fly PCR testing for commercial flights which must be conducted within a specific time window are subject to change at very short notice. The practicability of requiring a large group of staff to all book tests individually within a short time frame of possibly only 1-4 days in a remote locality are taken into consideration as a determining factor in the urgent need for this requirement.

The ability to provide on-site testing by a medical professional by reputable medical provider who can guarantee reportable results within the required timeframes for groups as large as 1200 over a 4 day period is a determining factor in the selection process. This results in an unusual and compelling urgency in accordance with 41 U.S.C. 253 (c) (2), FAR 6.302-2.

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

Security and logistics are the Department of State’s primary considerations when fulfilling UK Government Covid-19 PCR Fit-to-Fly requirements. The Department of State must be able to ensure properly administered, UK Government approved tests with rapid turnaround in results reporting for large delegations on short notice. Frequently VIP visits are not announced or confirmed in sufficient time to conduct a competition, creating an urgent and compelling need. At other times, the security requirements and/or requirements of the UK Government may change the acquisition timeline prior to departure. This contractor has provided services for Post Med Unit previously and Post’s Med Unit has determined that contractor will be able to meet all requirements of this contract.

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

Due to urgency and exception in FAR 25.401(a)(5) this solicitation cannot be posted but the JOFOC will be published in FedBizOpps.

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

Rates of other medical service providers who offer the same testing locally were gathered during the market survey and in comparing the rates offered for a turnaround within 24 hours and the market rates, it is determined that the prices offered by The London General Practice for testing are fair and reasonable and comparable with alternative providers.

8. Any other facts supporting the use of other than full and open competition.

None

9. A listing of sources, if any, that expressed, in writing, an interest in the acquisition.

None

10. A statement of the actions, if any, the agency may take to remove or overcome any barriers to competition before any subsequent acquisition for the supplies or services required.

Should the UK Government continue to require Covid-19 PCR Fit-to-Fly tests prior to travellers departing the UK, Post will advertise and solicit an IDIQ Contract using full and open competition.

CERTIFICATIONS

I certify that the information in this justification is accurate and contains complete data necessary to support the recommendation for other than full and open competition to the best of my knowledge and belief.

Date: 06/07/2021 P. Ngo Director

I certify that this justification is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief. Based on my assessment, I conclude that other than full and open competition is justified and the proposed price is fair and reasonable.

C. Adamson Date: 06/07/2021 Contracting Officer

As the Competition Advocate at post, I approve this justification:

S. Parmentier Date: 06/07/2021 Management Officer