SAM announcement_Jand A(JA) 8(a) _3-10-26.pdf

JUSTIFICATION FOR OTHER THAN FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

SECTION 1: IDENTIFICATION OF THE AGENCY AND THE CONTRACTING ACTIVITY

Department of State Contracting Activity

☒ Office of Acquisitions Management ☐ Foreign Service Institute ☐ Office of Foreign Missions ☐ U.S. Mission to the United Nations

☐ Overseas Post

Requiring Activity Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs - Western Hemisphere Affairs Programs-Haiti (INL/PAP).

SECTION 2: NATURE AND/OR DESCRIPTION OF THE ACTION BEING APPROVED

This document is a Justification and Approval for 2nd consecutive interim award extension for the current contract award which is being conducted by the Department of State, Global Acquisition, Office of Technology and Support Services, Regional Support (GA/MD/TSS/SVC/RS) on behalf of the Bureau of International

Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs - Western Hemisphere Affairs Programs-Haiti (INL/PAP).

The request is for the 2nd consecutive interim award extension to Contract No. 19AQMM22C0072 with

Shields Point LLC (3909 ARCTIC BLVD., STE 500 ANCHORAGE, AK 99503-5793), which is currently set to expire on February 28, 2026. This request is for the supplies and/or services described in Section 3 on behalf of the Requiring Activity. There is currently one existing approved Interim Award(extension) for the cited contract. This contract was awarded under the 8(a) program through a sole source acquisition. The

Government anticipates this interim award to be the final interim award executed for this contract. The

Government team fully anticipates being postured for a long-term competitive solution under the 8(a) program.

This contract extension will provide sufficient time to allow for the follow-on contract requirement to be properly competed through the 8(a) program. This contract, referred to as the Haitian National Police

Advisory Support Contract, has been very successful in Haiti. This 2nd consecutive interim award extension will have a 90 days base period and 3-one month options as follows:

a) Extension Period (Base) – 90 days (March 01, 2026 – May 31, 2026)

b) Extension Period (Option 1) – 1 month (June 1, 2026 to June 30, 2026)

c) Extension Period (Option 2) – 1 month (July 1, 2026 through July 31, 2026)

d) Extension Period (Option 3) – 1 month (August 1, 2026 to August 31, 2026)

-This is a hybrid contract with both firm-fixed price (FFP) for labor and cost reimbursement for ODCs.

SECTION 3: DESCRIPTION OF SUPPLIES/SERVICES REQUIRED TO MEET THE AGENCY’S NEEDS

The purpose of this contract is to provide comprehensive support across multiple task areas to advance the mission of the Haitian National Police (HNP) and the goals of the INL/PAP program. This includes deploying Subject

Matter Expert (SME) Advisors, and delivering logistics support to the HNP School and Academy facilities. The contractor will also oversee the implementation and delivery of Special Projects designed to strengthen HNP institutional capacity. Additionally, the contract requires provision of life and mission support services to the in-country Program Management Office (PMO), encompassing security, logistics, morale, welfare, and recreational support for deployed personnel—all under the strategic direction of the INL Director and aligned with mission objectives.

In support of HNP development, the contractor shall assign SMEs to provide advisory and technical expertise in key functional areas, including law enforcement operations, community policing, corrections, gender integration, rule of law, budgeting and finance, fleet and asset management, and logistical planning. These efforts must be coordinated with INL/PAP to ensure tailored support to HNP’s nationwide sub-organizations and operational units. Furthermore, the contractor will be responsible for the logistical onboarding of each new

HNP recruitment classes—by supplying uniforms, equipment, medical screening, and other critical materials required to support successful induction and training cycles.

The following periods are applicable with this extension period:

a) Base period

b) Option Period 1

c) Option Period 2

d) Option Period 3

This 2nd consecutive interim award extension is both appropriate and necessary to ensure continuity of operations and maintain mission-critical support in one of the most complex security environments in the Western

Hemisphere. The extension period allows sufficient time for the Department to finalize a comprehensive diplomatic and strategic plan in coordination with the Government of Haiti and other interagency partners. The recent U.S. Government shutdown significantly delayed the recompete process and hindered INL’s ability to obligate the additional funding required to sustain ongoing law-enforcement and security-sector initiatives. In light of these delays, the proposed extension mitigates operational risk and ensures uninterrupted logistical, advisory, and administrative support to the Haitian National Police (HNP).

The current contract provides indispensable assistance to the Government of Haiti as it works to secure its borders, counter violent extremist and gang activity, and participate in multinational security and stabilization operations. With persistent political instability and escalating security challenges, it is imperative that the HNP— our most reliable and committed partner—maintains the operational capacity to project force, safeguard critical infrastructure, and preserve public order. This short-term extension will prevent a lapse in essential support that directly advances U.S. national-security and foreign-policy objectives. It also provides the necessary time to conduct a properly competed follow-on acquisition under the 8(a) program, ensuring compliance with Federal

Acquisition Regulations (FAR) while aligning future efforts with evolving strategic priorities and partner-nation collaboration frameworks.

SECTION 4: IDENTIFICATION OF THE STATUTORY AUTHORITY PERMITTING OTHER THAN

FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

This acquisition is conducted under the authority of 41 USC 3304, as implemented by FAR 6.3 and substantiated by the following:

☒ FAR 6.103-2 – Unusual and compelling urgency.

This contract extension must be executed on a sole-source basis due to the urgent and compelling need to prevent unacceptable delays in mission-critical operations. The six-month extension is essential to ensure uninterrupted support while the Government finalizes the acquisition package for the follow-on contract, which will be competed under the 8(a) program to maximize small business participation. This temporary action provides the necessary time to complete a compliant, competitive procurement for FY26 without jeopardizing ongoing operations in Haiti.

Competing this requirement outside of the 8(a) program is neither feasible nor practical given that the original acquisition was authorized as an 8(a) set-aside. Maintaining this requirement under the 8(a) framework is vital to ensuring continuity of operations, preserving institutional knowledge, and advancing U.S. Government small business and socioeconomic participation goals. The 8(a) program enables streamlined acquisition procedures, rapid response to evolving security needs, and consistent delivery of critical services through a vetted small business with proven expertise in law-enforcement capacity building. A premature transition to another contract vehicle would cause significant operational risk, create unnecessary disruption, and undermine critical support to the Haitian National Police (HNP) during a period of heightened instability and insecurity.

The 43-day government shutdown during October and November severely disrupted the acquisition timeline for the recompete of the current 8(a) contract, halting all progress and delaying required procurement milestones.

Without this extension, there is a high likelihood of a lapse in services that would compromise mission continuity and degrade U.S. support to key Haitian security institutions. The six-month extension mitigates these risks, facilitates a smooth transition, and preserves the integrity of the competitive process.

The incumbent contractor possesses unique institutional knowledge and mission-specific expertise that cannot be replicated in the short term. Their personnel have established trusted relationships with Haitian law-enforcement authorities, understand the cultural and diplomatic landscape, and possess the technical and operational capacity to execute with minimal transition time. No other source has demonstrated the ability to provide the same level of readiness, operational agility, and vetted capability required to sustain this critical mission. A disruption or transition to a new provider would directly impact U.S. national-security objectives by weakening efforts to combat illicit trafficking of firearms, narcotics, and persons, and would hinder initiatives to reduce illegal migration to the United States.

Therefore, this sole-source extension is urgent and essential to preserve operational continuity, protect U.S.

foreign-policy and security interests, and enable a deliberate, competitive follow-on acquisition under the 8(a) program once conditions stabilize.

SECTION 5: DEMONSTRATION THAT THE PROPOSED CONTRACTOR’S UNIQUE

QUALIFICATIONS OR THE NATURE OF THE ACQUISITION REQUIRES USE OF THE AUTHORITY

CITED

The contractor, Shields Point LLC is uniquely qualified to provide these services based upon the following:

(a) Shields Point LLC is fully equipped with all necessary authorizations, documentation, and infrastructure to ensure uninterrupted performance under the current HNP Support contract. This includes, but is not limited to, active MRPT clearances in accordance with Diplomatic Security requirements, valid local licenses, permits, and insurance coverage, as well as an up-to-date lease for the Program Management Office (PMO). They also possess a deep, experience-based understanding of the host country’s operational environment, cultural context, and law enforcement dynamics—critical for effective program execution. Moreover, Shields Point LLC maintains a fully staffed team of vetted professionals, already embedded in the region, who can sustain continuity of services without delay or additional onboarding. Their long-standing presence and proven ability to meet complex logistical, legal, and security requirements position the company as the only viable partner capable of maintaining mission continuity without risk of operational disruption or compliance lapse.

(b) Shields Point LLC provides critical assistance to the Haitian Government as they seek to protect their borders against street crime and violent gang extremists operating in Haiti as well as participate in multinational military operations. With the political instability in Haiti, it is imperative that the Haitian Police

Force, a reliable and willing partner, be able to protect and monitor its borders while also project force into

Haiti in support of multinational operations. The extension would prevent a stoppage to the critical assistance which supports U.S. national security and foreign policy objectives.

(c) Shields Point LLC is fully operational in Haiti, all assigned personnel is fully vetted and meet the clearance level required for the services being required under this contract. Transitioning this scope of work to a different contract vehicle/source would cause significant disruption to the mission and negatively impact U.S.

national security objectives directly related to illicit trafficking of firearms, persons, and drugs in the region, and negatively impact the mitigation of illegal migration to the U.S. Additionally, it would result in a duplication of costs that would not be anticipated to be recouped through competition. The goal of this extension is to provide maximum competition opportunities through the 8(a) program.

SECTION 6. DESCRIPTION OF EFFORTS TO ENSURE THAT OFFERS WERE SOLICITED FROM AS

MANY POTENTIAL SOURCES AS IS PRACTICABLE, INCLUDING WHETHER A NOTICE WAS OR

WILL BE PUBLICIZED AS REQUIRED BY FAR SUBPART 5.2 AND, IF NOT, WHICH EXCEPTION

UNDER FAR 5.202 APPLIES

(i) The Government announced a sources sought (RFI-GTMPRI4943037) from Nov 14, 2025, through Dec 2, 2025, through SAM.gov for this requirement. A total of seven (7) small businesses responded. Three, out of the seven potential offerors, were 8(a) companies. For this reason, the government is planning to issue a competitive 8(a) solicitation to ensure that many potentials 8(a) contractors have an opportunity to participate.

(ii) This 2nd consecutive interim award extension to Shields Point LLC will allow the proper timing for the government to compete and issue the new award. It will also avoid a disruption to the mission that could negatively impact U.S. national security objectives directly related to illicit trafficking of firearms, persons, and drugs in the region, and negatively impact the mitigation of illegal migration to the U.S. This interim extension to Shields Point LLC would ensure that operational tasks stay in place and would significantly reduce any timing and costs that would otherwise be a challenge if this scope of work would be transferred to a different contract vehicle.

SECTION 7. DETERMINATION BY THE CONTRACTING OFFICER THAT THE ANTICIPATED COST

TO THE GOVERNMENT IS FAIR AND REASONABLE

The Contracting Officer anticipates that the proposed prices for this extension will be fair and reasonable. The

Contracting Officer has a realistic price estimate for the services required based on previous work conducted by the incumbent as well as prices estimates based on similar overseas advisory work conducted by other vendors.

Furthermore, the Contracting Officer reserves the right to utilize any pricing techniques to achieve a fair and reasonable price such as historical pricing, comparison to published price lists, technical experts, as well as certified cost and pricing data. By signing the justification, the Contracting Officer makes a determination that the prices to the Government are expected to be fair and reasonable.

SECTION 8. DESCRIPTION OF THE MARKET RESEARCH CONDUCTED (SEE PART 10) AND THE

RESULTS OR A STATEMENT OF THE REASON MARKET RESEARCH WAS NOT CONDUCTED

As described in Section 6, a source sought No. RFI-GTMPRI4943037 was issued from Nov 14, 2025, through Dec 2, 2025. A total of seven small businesses submitted their technical capabilities. Three were 8(a), one SDVOB, one H-HUBZone, two other small businesses type. Per technical capabilities submitted, after technical analysis, it was determined that all potential offerors can perform similar requirements as the one to be solicited. Per this finding, it is believed that it is the best interest of the government to issue a competitive 8(a) solicitation.

Also, the success in a higher volume of potential offerors will depend on the host nation changing political and social atmosphere.

Currently, the security environment faces indefinite closure of the international airport and ongoing instability.

This could jeopardize significantly potential offerors’ s intentions since this potential transition from once contractor to another could lead to substantial logistical and operational difficulties, potentially causing disruptions or delays to the program. In addition, the market research process encompassed a thorough analysis, including a review of the General Services Administration (GSA) resources, evaluation of existing contracts providing comparable services, and leveraging professional tacit knowledge of the current market.

This comprehensive approach was aligned with the appropriate North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 541990 to ensure relevance and accuracy. The research identified key positions critical to the performance of the new requirement.

SECTION 9. ANY OTHER FACTS SUPPORTING THE USE OF OTHER THAN FULL AND OPEN

COMPETITION

• The original contract No. 19AQMM22C0072 was not competed, it was issued under the 8(a) program and services solicited under this contract had not been previously required.

• Per market research findings as described in Section 8, the government has identified that more than two 8(a) businesses are interested in participating in the coming solicitation.

• The extension is not being requested to circumvent the award of a new contract but to give the U.S.

government the necessary time to adjust existing requirements to assist in the development of a new contract competition. This extension will give the U.S. government the ability to continue to fulfill U.S.

foreign policy and national security objectives in Haiti through its current contract with continued logistical support and mentoring services to the Haitian National Police and INL/PAP while concurrently developing a new contract competition with maximum small business competition opportunities through the 8(a) program

• For the purposes of this 2nd consecutive interim award extension, the Contracting Officer has determined that the anticipated prices for this extension period will be fair and reasonable. The

Government will conduct a price and cost analysis ensuring compliance with FAR 15.403-4. The

Contracting Officer will also leverage technical expertise and institutional knowledge to validate price fairness and reasonableness. The current proposed prices for the services being rendered were evaluated and they are fair and reasonable.

All reviews and approvals should be completed in the order listed unless otherwise authorized or required.

TECHNICAL AND REQUIREMENTS CERTIFICATION (FAR 6.303-2(b))

I certify that the facts and representations under my cognizance which are included in this Justification and its supporting acquisition planning documents, except as noted herein, are complete and accurate to the best of my knowledge and belief.

Technical Cognizance:

SIGNATURE:

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.

SIGNATURE: