JOFOC Vnet_ 2022.pdf

JUSTIFICATION AND APPROVAL FOR OTHER THAN FULL AND OPEN

COMPETITION (OVERSEAS CONTRACTING ACTIVITIES)

1. I recommend that Embassy Abu Dhabi use other than full and open competition for the renewal of the 80Mbps V Net Internet Transport Service for one year 02/22/2022-

02/21/2023. This contract covers 12 user sections. The estimated cost of which is

AED 39,315.00 ($10,704) per user, totaling AED 471,780.00 ($128,445) for the year.

2. This purchase is a renewal for Embassy Abu Dhabi’s current 80 Mbps Dedicated

Internet Leased Link for the existing V Net circuit link. This is a follow on contract for renewal of the subscription.

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

80Mbs Dedicated Internet Leased Link for V Net Circuits

4. FAR 6.302-1(c) grants authority for Contracting Officers to purchase goods and services by means other than full and open competition.

5. Purchase of the requested 80Mbs Dedicated Internet Leased Link from local Internet

Service Provider Etisalat is requested due to service suspension date of 02/22/2022.

Per Department reference VQ 1019280078, dated January 07, 2022, post is being provided immediate funds to continue current subscription service before service suspension. Additionally, local ISP Etisalat is currently the only commercial provider of dedicated internet service available in country. It is hereby requested that the US

Embassy Abu Dhabi continue the current service contract with Etisalat.

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

SAM.gov notice was or will be publicized, as required by FAR 5.2, and if not, which exception under FAR 5.202 applies (e.g., blanket waiver provided in DOSAR

605.202-70). Per the previously stated paragraph 5., local ISP Etisalat is the only available ISP carrier currently in country that can provide the requested 80Mbps

Dedicated Leased Link for Embassy V net circuits. The Telecom service providers in the UAE are Etisalat and DU Telecom, and both are working under the Telecom

Regulatory Authority of the UAE. Embassy Abu Dhabi is currently working to award a new contract with Etisalat for cell phone services after following all solicitation procedures. The Contracting Officer and the Technical Evaluation Panel have identified the proposal submitted by DU are not technically qualified to proceed in comparison with the proposal submitted by Etisalat.

7. Upon consultation with post Procurement Office, there is concurrence that there is no reasonable commercial ISP competition available in country to allow for fair and equitable competition per FAR 5.2, FAR 5.202 and DOSAR 605.202-70.

8. US Embassy Abu Dhabi Information Management Office and General Service Office have conducted a local market survey to establish the viability of a competitive bid environment. The market survey returned with the determination that there is not enough commercial internet service providers available in country that can provide the required internet service.

9. Due to the time sensitive nature of the service purchase requirement per Department reference VQ 1019280078, it is requested that the purchase order and contract be immediately initiated.

10. Requested service will be continued for one year, which at that time another market survey will be conducted to find if market conditions have increased in the number of commercial internet service providers has increased enough to initiate a fair competitive bid process for this service.

CERTIFICATIONS

I certify that this justification is accurate and contains complete data necessary to support the recommendation for other than full and open competition.

____01/12/2022____ _______________________________

Date Name: Steve S Odemis

Title: IMO- US Embassy Abu Dhabi

Requirements Office

I certify that this submission is accurate, and that it contains complete information necessary to enable other officials to make an informed recommendation for approval or disapproval.

Date Contracting Officer

I certify that the national security concerns of the referenced acquisition(s) meet the criteria set forth in Executive Order 12958 and FAR 6.302-6. *

*Only required when the justification is under the authority of FAR 6.302-6 and DOSAR

606.302-6, National Security. Reference DOSAR 606.302-6(c)(1) for the appropriate signatory authority and for additional information that must be included in the justification when using this statutory authority.