JOFOC.pdf

SINGLE SOURCE JUSTIFICATION UNDER THE SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION THRESHOLD (SAT)

PURSUANT TO FAR 13.106-l(b)(l)

Identification of the agency and the contracting activity:1.

This is a justification to solicit from a single source for an acquisition being conducted by the Department of State, assessment on the implementation of the Quality Management

System at the El Salvador's Police Crime Laboratory.

A description of the supplies or services required (including estimated value).

The El Salvador Police Crime Laboratory requires an assessment and implementation support for ISO certifications (ISO/IEC 27001:2022, ISO 9001:2015, ISO/IEC 17025:2017, ISO/IEC 17020:2012) at an estimated cost of $70,000. This includes developing a quality plan, providing leadership guidance, conducting management system training, and offering auditor oversight. These services aim to strengthen the lab's expertise and contribute to fulfilling mission goals and objectives related to the Rule of Law In El

Salvador. Specifically, the project will enhance skills, build capacity, and codify processes for identifying and prosecuting criminals, creating a sustainable foundation for long-term effectiveness In upholding the law.

2.

An identification of the circumstances that preclude competition:

In accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 13.106-l(b)(l), the Contracting

Officer has deemed only one source reasonably available based on the following:

3.

□ Urgency

□ Exclusive licensing agreements

□ Brand-name

□ industrial mobilization lEI Other: Expedite the implementation process of the QMS and minimize disruption to ongoing operations.

Supporting information and facts.4.

A competitive bidding process is not recommended In this instance due to the following factors:

● ASCAE has demonstrably provided substantial prior assistance in establishing the Lab's current QMS, ensuring its alignment with ISO norms. This prior experience positions them uniquely to seamlessly integrate and finalize the system. Shifting to a new service provider would necessitate significant rework of the existing QMS, leading to inefficiencies and potential delays. ASCAE's existing knowledge of the Lab's processes and personnel ensures a smooth continuation and finalization of the current implementation. ASCAE possesses a deep understanding of the Salvadoran accreditation landscape, particularly regarding the

Organismo Salvadorefio de Acreditacidn (OSA), the primary body responsible for most accreditations conducted to date. This familiarity will streamline the accreditation process for the Lab's QMS.

● It is important to note that on several previous occasions, open bidding processes were conducted for similar services at the Lab. In each instance, ASCAE emerged as the sole bid^Fr This repeated outcome reinforces the scarcity of qualified providers with the specific expertise required by the Lab.

Awarding a sole source contract to ASCAE represents the most efficient and effective course of action for finalizing the Lab's ISO-compliant QMS.

CERTIFICATION

/PROGRAM

f ; A

OFFICE SIGNATURE:

INL Management Officer INL El Salvador e'Desrardihs Date

Venkatesh Ramachandrai

Contracting Officer

US Embassy El Salv^^^

Date