JOFOC MSC Westin Grand Hotel 021022.pdf

JUSTIFICATION AND APPROVAL

FOR OTHER THAN FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION, PRICE

JUSTIFICATION (JOFOC)

ACQUISITION OF HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS

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 hotel rooms for a Senior High Level USG Principal to participate in the Munich Security Conference, February 17-20, 2022

The estimated cost of this acquisition is€ 1,072,800.00 EURO or$ 1,247,442.00.

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

Procurement of hotel rooms for use as offices for the Senior High Level Principal and the accompanying delegation which includes security, communications, logistics and operational support elements.

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

As many as 275 rooms accommodated over a two-week period.

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

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)

Due to the inherent security concerns surrounding the travel of senior, high-level USG principals and the lack of sufficient advanced notification of said travel, the conduct of full and open competition cannot be accomplished in regard to procuring hotel rooms for the Principal's participation in the MSC. The two hotels, The Westin Grand Hotel and the Sheraton Arabella Park, were chosen because of their demonstrated ability and willingness to support the security, communication and logistical needs of the Principal's delegation in a significantly condensed timeframe. Further considerations were the proximity to outside event sites and the number of other US or foreign delegations competing for available hotel space during this multi-lateral event. Adding to the urgency of this requirement is the fact that contracts cannot be fully executed until Post has been officially notified of the visit and funding identified. In this case, identifying funding requires coordination with several different USG agencies.

(X) Location (able to secure building, travel route; distance to and from event)

(X) Size and number of rooms (able to house everyone in one hotel)

(X) Conference facilities (adequate space for meetings, conferences)

(X) Communications (able to install equipment/lines, command center)

(X) Accommodating to security needs (Hotel will allow DOS to occupy the desired three floors of the Hotel)

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 procuring hotel rooms. The Department of State must be able to provide a safe and secure environment for VIP visitors. Frequently VIP visits are not announced or confirmed in sufficient time to conduct competition, creating an urgent and compelling need.

(Check all that apply.)

(X) The VIP visit information was not available in sufficient time thereby creating an urgent and compelling need.

( ) The host country government required the use of this/these hotel/s.

(X) The proposed contractor has the following unique qualifications which meet the Department of State's security and logistical requirements.

(X) Set-back (hotel is safe distance from the street)

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

Due to urgency and the national security concerns outline in section 5, the requirement could not be publicly advertised.

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

The Contracting Officer has determined that the anticipated cost to the Government is both fair and reasonable.

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

None

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

No other sources were solicited due to the nature of the procurement.

2/8/2022

02-08-2022