JOFOC For DTSPO 200Mbps circuit VNET 2025_.pdf

JUSTIFICATION AND APPROVAL FOR OTHER THAN FULL AND OPEN

COMPETITION (OVERSEAS CONTRACTING ACTIVITIES)

1. Identification of the Activity and the Requiring Agency.

I recommend that Embassy Abu Dhabi use other than full and open competition for the renewal of 200 Mbps VNet Internet Transport Service for one year, from

February 1, 2025 to January 31, 2026. The estimated cost is AED 523,227.60 (or

$142,452.38) for one year.

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

Renewal of 200 Mbps dedicated internet leased link for the existing VNet circuit link at the Embassy.

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

200Mbs dedicated internet leased link is required from local service provider, Emirates Telecommunications Group Company (Etisalat), for VNet Circuits. A purchase order to be awarded to local Internet Service Provider (ISP), Etisalat, for renewal of the current subscription, to ensure continued and uninterrupted internet services for the Embassy. This is a yearly subscription and billing will be for 12 months. Post is being provided immediate funds to continue current subscription service before service suspension.

4. Government Cost Estimate.

The estimated annual cost for this service is approximately $142.452.38

5. An identification of the statutory authority permitting other than full and open competition. FAR 6.302-1(c)

41 USC 253(c)(1), FAR 6.302-1(c) - Unique Source/Only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements.

6. A demonstration that the proposed contractor’s unique qualifications or the nature of the acquisition requires use of the authority cited (for sole source acquisitions; also required for unusual and compelling urgency where more than one offer will not be solicited).

The Emirates Telecommunication Company (Etisalat) Abu Dhabi is the only available and responsible source in Abu Dhabi and the Embassy and Consulate have historically used Etisalat and experienced no issues in service or in their ability to meet Service Level Agreements (SLA). Etisalat meets the required and expected service requirements. It is a highly rated public company listed in Abu Dhabi stock exchange.

The other service provider in the UAE is DU Telecommunication but DU and Etisalat belong to the same local government-owned infrastructure under the

Telecommunication Regulatory Authority (TRA) of the UAE. DU Telecom outsources their support and centers it entirely in Dubai. The embassy has non-critical telecom circuits with DU and has found that their response times are often unacceptable.

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

.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).

Publicizing Contract Actions, Foreign Acquisitions; DOSAR 605.202-70 / 5.202 (a)

(13).

8. A determination by the Contracting Officer that the anticipated cost to the

Government will be fair and reasonable.

Etisalat has fixed tariff and package for their services for all their customers as they are semi-governmental institution.

9. A description of the market survey conducted and the results or a statement of the reasons a market survey was not conducted.

A market research survey was conducted for this acquisition. The service provider is

Etisalat which is a monopoly source managed by the local government entity under

TRA. The other source is Du Telecommunications, but both are working with the same tariff fixed by TRA. Based on the services being provided by Etisalat, it is determined that Etisalat is technically acceptable and reflecting the best value to the government.

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

The U.A.E. Government has a full monopoly on Telecommunication systems and although there are two ISPs (Etisalat and Du), both ISPs belong to same government-owned infrastructure. The Embassy uses Etisalat (E&) as the primary provider and

Du Telecom as the backup to ensure reliability through redundancy. Therefore, it is essential to retain Etisalat as the primary provider.

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

Etisalat Telecommunication PJSC.

12. 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.

The U.A.E. Government, through its proxies, is the only source and legal authority to provide dedicated internet services in country.

CERTIFICATIONS

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

X

Name Stephen L Craven

Title Diplomatic Technology Officer

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.

X

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.