Single Source Justification Under SAT Outbound Courier Services CS2025001.pdf

SINGLE SOURCE JUSTIFICATION NOT EXCEEDING THE SIMPLIFIED ACQUISTION

THRESHOLD

SECTION 1: IDENTIFICATION OF THE AGENCY AND THE CONTRACTING ACTIVITY

Department of State Contracting Activity

☒ Overseas Post US Embassy Cotonou

Requiring Activity Outbound Courier Services

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

Approval is requested to award on a sole source basis to DHL Internation Benin SARL for the supplies and/or services described in Section 3 on behalf of the Requiring Activity.

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

The requirement is to provide outgoing pouch courier services at US Embassy Cotonou. The estimated value for the entire period of performance (December 13, 2024-January 31, 2025) is $30,000, including options.

These supplies/services require that the Contractor shall pick up the packages from the US Embassy and ensure safe and quick delivery to the destination.

SECTION 4: IDENTIFICATION OF THE STATUTORY AUTHORITY PERMITTING OTHER THAN

FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

In accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 13.106-1(b)(1), the Contracting Officer has deemed only one source reasonably available based on the following:

☒ Urgency

☐ Exclusive licensing agreements

☐ Brand-name

☐ Industrial mobilization

☐ Other

SECTION 5: DEMONSTRATION THAT THE PROPOSED CONTRACTOR’S UNIQUE

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

CITED

The Government has a requirement for outgoing pouch and express mail services for agencies at the U.S.

Embassy Cotonou. While the Embassy pursues the award of a 5-year competitive contract, it is necessary to issue a PO to avoid interruption of crucial Embassy services. We are anticipating a not to exceed amount of

$30,000 (18,000,000 XOF).

The current contractor, DHL International Benin SARL, has been providing contract services to US Embassy

Cotonou since January 2022. US Embassy Cotonou has determined that it is in the US Government’s best interests to immediately terminate the current contract for convenience under the authority of FAR 52.249-2 due to SAM registration issues Nevertheless, US Embassy Cotonou continues to require these services on a weekly basis, but our market survey indicates there are no other available vendors are SAM registered. If service is interrupted, US Embassy Cotonou will be unable to send outgoing mail, disrupting necessary communications and deliveries to US Government agencies as well as its partners and costing time and money. To ensure we are meeting procurement requirements and not allowing for an interruption of services

Post has decided to issue a limited PO so that services can continue uninterrupted while working on a remediation plan and acquisition strategy.

Embassy Cotonou recognizes the importance of completing a comprehensive evaluation of the market so that it can execute a five-year contract with a service provider through a competitive effort. At the same time, it is important that services not be interrupted. This PO will give the Contracting Officer and the Contracting

Officer Representative the time needed to develop a plan for moving forward with a solicitation. Since SAM registration is a mandatory USG requirement for all overseas contracts over $30,000 unless an exemption at

FAR 4.1102(a) exists, the Embassy may issue more than one Purchase Order under $30,000 for these services until a new competitive award

SECTION 6. DETERMINATION BY THE CONTRACTING OFFICER THAT THE ANTICIPATED COST

TO THE GOVERNMENT IS FAIR AND REASONABLE

By signing the justification, the Contracting Officer makes a determination that the price to the Government is anticipated to be fair and reasonable. The prices awarded will be negotiated based on recent rates paid by the Federal Government for these same services.

SECTION 7. CERTIFICATIONS

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

REQUIREMENTS CERTIFICATION

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.

Requirements Cognizance:

SIGNATURE:

Diana E. Toussaint Date Diplomatic Technology Officer COR Supervisor DTO, US Embassy Cotonou

CONTRACTING OFFICER CERTIFICATION

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:

December 12, 2024 Rebecca J. Stone Date Contracting Officer GSO, US Embassy Cotonou

December 18, 2024