Justification and Approval.pdf

NMRC

JUSTIFICATION AND APPROVAL

OTHER THAN FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

1. Identification of the agency and the contracting activity.

This justification is executed by the Naval Medical Research Center (NMRC), Silver Spring, MD, on behalf of the Navy to meet Naval Medical Research and Development mission.

2. Nature and/or description of the action.

The proposed action is to award a contract to conduct a funded project in Northern Mexico along the migrant routes for field collection of various arthropods.

3. Description of Supplies or Services:

The service involves a qualified contractor with well-established expertise, laboratory facilities, manpower and logistics to perform field collections of ticks, mosquitos, and Triatominae using specified methods in Northern Mexico. These collections will involve a total of 8 trips (at least 10-day each) in 4 selected areas (2 collections per selected areas). The collected samples will need to be properly stored and shipped to NMRC. The contractor needs to provide detail sample information, such as date, GPS coordinate of collection sites, photo of collection sites, and collection methods. The contractor will be able to safely maintain the samples in good condition before they can be shipped to NMRC. They will be required to travel to different collection sites as a team so that the same group of associates can participate in the collection.

4. Identification of the statutory exceptions permitting other than full and open competition.

The statutory exception permitting other than full and open competition for this acquisition is 10 U.S.C. 2304(c)(1) and FAR 6.302-1 sole source (including brand name) acquisitions OR FAR 13.106-1(b)(1) soliciting from a single source.

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

The group led by Drs. Achee and Grieco has demonstrated their capability to perform this kind of study based on our previous collaboration established in Northern Mexico. They have established a well-equipped laboratory facility to store freshly collected arthropod samples. They have research staff stationed in the areas so they are familiar with the areas and they can provide information to guide/help us to decide where the sample collection should be so we can get the most information out of each collection. Additionally, they work well with local scientists so that it is easier to request any support when it is needed. Similarly, Drs. Achee and Grieco also have established a working relationship with the scientists at Autonomous University of Nuevo León (AUNL), San Nicolás de los Garza, Mexico. This collaboration includes work related to collecting of specific vectors with the group at AUNL Taking advantage of this established collaboration, we can work closer with AUNL to identify collection sites, help with necessary logistics and store samples that are collected in the areas. This type of collaboration and qualification of Drs. Achee and Grieco’s group makes them the only and best group to work with in the two areas that military is interested.

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

Drs. Achee and Grieco’s group at U of Notre Dame was identified as the only source with the capability, accessibility and logistic means to work on this project to ensure a proper delivery of samples for NMRC to analyze.

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

The budget was provided by Drs. Achee and Grieco. It is reasonable and fair since they have agreed to let us use their facility at a much discounted rate and their own time/effort did not need to be covered by this budget as they will be paid by U of ND.

8. Description of the market survey conducted and the results, or a statement of the reasons a market survey was not conducted.

The market survey was not done. This is because the prior collaboration (Agreement # N3239819P0012) with Drs. Achee and Grieco’s group. This is considered as an expansion and a continuation of a prior GEIS funded project (FY19). Furthermore, previous effort has identified an important human pathogen in Southern Mexico along the migrant paths, thus warrants further investigation of the distribution of these pathogens in various migrant routes in Northern Mexico.

9. Other facts supporting the use of other than full and open competition.

The expertise, experience and the need for consistent sample collection provided by Drs. Achee and Grieco’s group support us not to use a full and open competition.

10. Listing of Sources, if any, which expressed, in writing, an interest in the acquisition.

None.

11. Statement of 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.

None.

WEIR.DAWN.LYNETTE.1459143722 Digitally signed by WEIR.DAWN.LYNETTE.1459143722 Date: 2020.06.23 15:33:37 -04'00'

12. Point of Contact.

The point of contact at the Naval Medical Research Center, Silver Spring, MD, regarding the contents of the sole source justification is , Diane Fox, who may be reached at (301) 319- 6481 or Edilberto Calma 301-319-6481.

TECHNICAL AND REQUIREMENTS CERTIFICATION REQUIRED

BY NAVSUP 4200.83 series

I certify that the facts and representations under my cognizance which are included in this justification and approval and which form a basis for this justification are complete and accurate.

Technical Cognizance

Dawn Weir Phone Date Department Head

VRDD/NMRC

Requirements Cognizance

Dawn Weir Phone Date Department Head

VRDD/NMRC

CONTRACTING OFFICER CERTIFICATION

I certify that this justification is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge.

Deborah M. Sharpe Phone Date Contracting Officer

WEIR.DAWN.LYNETTE.1459143722 Digitally signed by WEIR.DAWN.LYNETTE.1459143722 Date: 2020.06.23 15:33:22 -04'00'

Diane Fox Phone Date Contracting Officer