PR9763150_JOFOC.pdf

JUSTIFICATION AND APPROVAL FOR OTHER THAN FULL AND OPEN

COMPETITION (OVERSEAS CONTRACTING ACTIVITIES)

1. I recommend that Embassy PAN AMA CITY use other than full and open competition for the acquisition of HOTEL SERVICES. The estimated cost is $23,100.00 USD

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

This is a request for a sole source contract for the provision of hotel services from vendor RESTAURANTE Y HOTEL BELLAGIO for use by SENAN personnel and SENAN Aviation Nationalization Program support personnel.

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

This request is for the acquisition of hotel services for 30 days, from March 9, 2021, to April 7, 2021; cleaning services twice a week; internet services; and a separate dining area.

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

The statutory authority permitting this procurement action is 41 U.S.C 253 (c) (2), 41 USC 3304 "USE OF NONCOMPETITIVE PROCEDURES" and 6.302-2 + "UNUSUAL AND COMPELLING URGENCY (2) Delay in award of a contract will result in serious injury, financial or other to the Government."

5. 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).

This request is submitted in the context of foreign assistance to SENAN and SENAN Aviation Nationalization Program forces and Government of Panama (GOP) counter-narcotics and border security personnel in the Darien Province during joint operations.

This request is also submitted in the context of the COVID pandemic.

The Aviation Nationalization Program's INL/SENAN Helicopter Unit operates from the Nicanor Base when deployed to the Darien in support of its counter narcotics and border security mission. RESTAURANTE Y HOTEL BELLAGIO is the only hotel INL-Panama was able to find in the immediate area of these INL supported operations that is available and that is able to provide the conditions required to allow personnel to meet the sanitation and isolation standards of the Program's established COVID Mitigation Procedures, including exclusive use of the entire lodging area and a set-apart dining area. The hotel's location in a very

SBU - CONTRACTING AND ACQUISITIONS

thinly populated area and its proximity to the Nicanor Base (approximately 100 meters from the front gate) also minimize potential exposure of personnel to

COVID.

The duration of services is required to furnish the temporary living unit consisting of modular containers that we have installed at the Nicanor Base.

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 FedBizOpps 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 DO SAR 605.202-70).

In this case, this vendor is the current contract holder and is providing lodging to the INL/SENAN Helicopter Unit. The Republic of Panama is under quarantine measures and is slowly reopening hospitality services. This hotel is the only hotel available that is close to the !NL-supported operations.

A BETA.SAM.GOV will be published as required by FAR 5.2.

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

The price offered, $35.00 USD per room/night, is considered fair and reasonable, as compared with contracts issued by the Embassy last year for hotel services in the countryside of Panama.

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

A limited market survey was conducted within quarantine limitations. The few operational hotels in the local area are in use by GOP security forces for COVID quarantine and are not suitable for providing the degree of protection required.

The Tonosi area is located in the Darien Province, Meteti County, in a rural area of Panama. Currently, Panama is under quarantine measures, and !NL-Panama has identified this hotel as the only hotel available that is close to the INL supported operations, is open, and is following Ministry of Health requirements to provide this service.

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

None applicable.

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

No other sources have expressed interest in this acquisition.

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.

If any similar requests are needed in the future, we will perform a new market research and will review all sanitary measures in place.

CERTIFICATIONS

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

3/g/2( ~ ~ Date Kendall Moss

INL Panama, Deputy Director

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

3/8/21