JA_for_IBIS_Technical_Upgrade_Redacted.pdf

JUSTIFICATION AND APPROVAL (J&A)

FOR OTHER THAN FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

1. The U.S. Department of State, Bureau of International Narcotics and Law

Enforcement Affairs (INL) is conducting this acquisition for an upgrade to the present IBIS System (Integrated Ballistic Identification System) to the latest generation of the system for the National Institute of Forensic Sciences (INACIF - Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Forenses) in Guatemala. The estimated cost is

2. Nature and/or description of the action being approved: Non-competitive award exclusively for Forensic Technology Company to upgrade existing IBIS equipment for INACIF’s IBIS system. The Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) is supporting the government of Guatemala in combating narco-trafficking and organized crime of which criminal investigative techniques and processes are an integral part. Using this IBIS system, INACIF has been able to support criminal investigations with hard evidence that leads to increased convictions. In the face of increased cartel violence, keeping IBIS up to date with technology will assure effective criminal prosecutions and reductions in impunity.

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

The equipment components for this upgrade to the IBIS system are:

4. An identification of the statutory authority permitting other than full and open competition. 41 USC 253(c)(1), FAR 6.302-1, Only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements

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

Forensic Technology Company is the authorized subcontractor that handles upgrades to the original manufacturer of IBIS equipment and is the only company authorized to upgrade and provide commensurate warranties to the IBIS systems. Therefore, this is the only provider for IBIS technical upgrades.

6. A description of efforts made to ensure that offers are solicited from as many potential sources as is practicable. IBIS is proprietary technology and no other firm is authorized to support this IBIS system.

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

Government will be fair and reasonable. The Contracting Officer determined the price to be fair and reasonable to the Government based upon the previous contract that has been in place.

8. A description of the market survey conducted and the results or a statement of the reasons a market survey was not conducted. The market was analyzed via Internet search and the conclusion was that only this approach would meet the requirements.

9. Any other facts supporting the use of other than full and open competition. None.

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

None. Due to the uniqueness of the system, there are no competitors that are able to provide upgrades to existing IBIS systems worldwide, and/or with systems in the U.S. on weapons investigations—a central part of the bilateral long-term plan for sharing weapons and firearms information in the fight against weapons trafficking and narco-trafficking in Guatemala.

11. 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. Include a statement that this J&A for other than full and open competition will be published on FedBizOpps in accordance with FAR Section 6.305 within 14 days of award (or within 30 days if the J&A is for unusual and compelling urgency.)

We will continue to follow market developments in the future to determine if competition is feasible. This justification will be posted on FedBizOpps.

CERTIFICATIONS

TECHNICAL AND REQUIREMENTS CERTIFICATION (FAR 6.303-2(b) I certify that this justification is accurate and contains complete data necessary to support the recommendation for other than full and open competition.

SIGNATURE:

Date Program Officer for Guatemala

INL/WHP

LEGAL SUFFICIENCY REVIEW (Ref: PIB NO. 2010-24; AQM QA Plan 02 03 2011) This J&A is hereby determined to be legally sufficient.

CERTIFICATIONS (Continued)

CONTRACTING OFFICER CERTIFICATION (FAR 6.303-2(a)(12) I certify that this submission is accurate to the best of my knowledge, and that it contains complete information necessary to enable other officials to make an informed recommendation for approval or disapproval. (Ref: 6.303-2(b)(12) Serves as Approval for J&A Over Simplified Threshold Not Exceeding $650,000)

(must be at least one level above originator at Branch or Division level)

Office of Acquisition Management

(A/LM/AQM)