Justification_ _Approval_for_other_than_full_ _open_competition_-_Fast_Iraq.pdf

JUSTIFICATION AND APPROVAL FOR OTHER THAN FULL AND OPEN

COMPETITION

l. I recommend that Embassy Baghdad use other than full and open competition for the acquisition of Internet services provided to U.S. Mission Iraq by Internet Service Provider (ISP) Fast [raq. The estimated cost is $50,563.00 USD per month for 6 months (total: $303,378.00 USD).

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

The Intemet service/circuits provided by Fast lraq to U.S. Mission Iraq are the primary Department of State command and control circuits for U.S. Embassy Baghdad and the Baghdad Diplomatic Support Center (BDSC). The Internet services currently provided by Fast Iraq under contract SIZl00l4D0004 support Embassy Baghdad and BDSC's worldwide communications network and connectivity and are critical to supporting diplomatic and consular services to Mission Iraq. Contract SZl00l4D0004 was awarded utilizing the procedures of full and open competition.

This contract is needed while a new contract is being competed. It will allow for no intemrption in Intemet services.

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

Internet services to support U.S. Mission lraq primary command and control circuits.

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

tX I 41 U.S.C. 253(cXl). Only one responsible source

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).

Fast Iraq currently provides the Internet circuits for Embassy Baghdad and BDSC's primary command and control connectivity. Any changes in service provider would require communications equipment and network configuration changes that would impact network connectivity for both Embassy Baghdad and BDSC.

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 60s.202-70).

8.

The General Services Office (GSO) Procurement section and Information Resource Management office in Embassy Baghdad are preparing a new Statement of Work (SOW) for an Internet services contract. This contract will allow U.S. Mission Iraq to maintain the services of Fast Iraq until a new Internet services contract is awarded.

The current contract was synopsized in FedBizOpps on January 7 ,2013.

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

New price quotations will be solicited from Fast lraq for the continuation of this contract for Embassy Baghdad and BDSC, due to noticeable price reductions in Internet service, Post can expect to see a reduction in cost/pricing from Fast Iraq.

Fast Iraq pricing has been consistent with the pricing for similar services in the current local market.

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

As previously noted in item # 5 above, Fast Iraq currently provides the Internet circuits for Embassy Baghdad and BDSC's primary command and control connectivity. Any changes in service provider would require communications equipment and network configuration changes that would impact network connectivity for both Embassy Baghdad and BDSC.

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

Continuing to use the Intemet services of the current ISP for this short period will minimize changes and potential disruption of network connectivity to Department of State and/or other USG networks/systems.

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

N/A.

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.

Mission Iraq is preparing a follow-on contract that will be competed using full and open competition.

9.

CERTIFICATIONS

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

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Requirements Office

I certify that this submission is accurate, and that it contains complete information necessary to enable other offrcials to make an informed recommendation for approval or disapproval.

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