PR9778178_JOFOC_6_GRIDSMART_FINAL APPROVAL.pdf

JUSTIFICATION AND APPROVAL FOR OTHER THAN FULL AND OPEN

COMPETITION (OVERSEAS CONTRACTING ACTIVITIES)

1. I recommend that Embassy PANAMA CITY use other than full and open competition for the acquisition of GPS DEVICES. The estimated cost is $55,113.00.

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

This is a sole-source request for the acquisition of thirty (30) GridSmart GT6 trackers and two (2) radio frequency proximity detectors, to include three (3) years of service and customer support, for GPS devices with the brand name of GRIDSMART owned by THE GRIDSMART COMPANY, based in the United Kingdom.

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

Thirty (30) GridSmart GT6 GPS trackers Two (2) radio frequency proximity detectors Three (3) years’ service and customer support

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

Citation: 41 U.S.C. 253 (c) (1) – (FAR 6.302-1)

FAR Part 6.302-1 (c) (1) (i) “…Application for brand name descriptions.

c) Application for brand-name descriptions. (1) An acquisition or portion of an acquisition that uses a brand-name description or other purchase description to specify a particular brand-name, product, or feature of a product, peculiar to one manufacturer-

(i) Does not provide for full and open competition, regardless of the number of sources solicited…”

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).

After consulting with DEA`s Technical Division and Panamanian security forces, INL- Panama has determined that GridSmart GT6 GPS tracker devices meet all unit operational needs; are secure, reliable, and adaptable; have longer battery life and better connectivity (few, if any, “dead zones”) than similar devices produced by other providers; and are manufactured for easy investigative deployment.

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

DOSAR 605.202-70).

A solicitation effort will not be practicable or efficient, as INL-Panama has determined that there are no other vendors able to provide GPS devices that are secure, reliable, adaptable and designated for investigative purposes.

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.

Advice and assistance from other experts will be requested to ensure that an appropriate analysis is performed in order to certify that the cost will be fair and reasonable.

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

Over the course of many years, the Panama SIU and other Panamanian security forces have struggled to find GPS devices that are secure, reliable, adaptable, and designed for investigative purposes. In the past the SIU has attempted to use devices from local vendors, such as Bymtek and Fastrack; however, those devices have not produce acceptable results.

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

Local vendors have provided similar devices and services, but those devices frequently encountered “dead zones,” where they lose connectivity and leave investigators in the dark. For this particular service, procuring from local companies is also a risk, as local companies managing sensitive investigative information may have ties to the individuals being investigated, or be vulnerable to threat or coercion from local criminal organizations.

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

Not at this time.

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.

Not at this time

CERTIFICATIONS

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

February 3rd, 2021 _Kendall Moss_________ Date Kendall D. Moss Deputy Director

INL Panama

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

February 4, 2021