SOLE SOURCE JUSTIFICATION -LES Medical Aid 2021 ..docx

Reference 31 December 2020, call to SAM (Call reference ID INC-GSAFSD0604770):

JUSTIFICATION AND APPROVAL FOR OTHER THAN FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION (OVERSEAS CONTRACTING ACTIVITIES) SMZ50016D0001

1. I recommend that the US Embassy in Maputo use other than full and open competition for the acquisition of twelve-months of health insurance services for locally employed (LE) staff. The estimated cost US$ 1,640,856.00.

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

The US Embassy in Maputo requires twelve months of LE Staff health insurance coverage beginning on January 01st ,2021. The Current contract, with all extensions, terminated on December ,31st 2020 with no additional option years.

The US Embassy in Maputo intended to solicit a new contract for medical coverage. However, due to multiple unforeseen challenges, the travelling restrictions due to the Government of Mozambique’s state of emergency in response to the COVID-19 global Pandemic, absence of the Contracting Officer due to Global Authorized Departure prevented US Embassy Maputo from completing the solicitation by the required date.

Due to this delay, post is pursuing a twelve-months contract extension modification.

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

In accordance with Post’s Local Compensation Plan, US Embassy in Maputo provides health/medical insurance coverage for local staff. This coverage cannot lapse as the Embassy would not comply with its commitment to LE staff and local labor laws.

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

Only One Responsible Source (FAR6.302-1), Citations: 41 U.S.C.253 (c)(1)

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).

The Current contractor MEDIPLUS, has provided this services for the past four and one-half years following a competitive solicitation. As the incumbent, MEDIPLUS is in a unique position to provide a timely offer for the services and continue providing services with no lapse in coverage while a new contract is solicited.

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 CBD 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).

Solicitations for medical coverage insurance has been advertised on the Embassy’s webpage, local newspaper and beta.sam.gov. This J&A for other than full and open competition will be published at beta.sam.gov with a notice of intent to sole source to meet the requirements of FAR 5.201.

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

Post expects the vendor to offer the same pricing as the current competitive award. Based on a comparison to existing rates the contracting officer anticipates that the estimated cost of the contract modification to 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.

Post performed a market survey for the next medical insurance coverages, we found in the commercial market that health insurance contracts will comply with the new Global Medical Coverage Requirements.

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

The contract must be awarded using other than full and open competition to ensure there is no lapse in coverage of this mandatory and essential service for local staff. Due to the amount of work and cost to transition US Embassy Maputo employees to a new contract, it is in the best interest of to award the twelve-month contract to the current service provider (Mediplus).

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

None.

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

All future acquisitions will be subject to full and open competition to comply with regulatory Federal Acquisition procedures. The Pre-solicitation notice for the new LES Health Insurance US Embassy Maputo, has been posted on beta.sam.gov.https://beta.sam.gov/opp/74f3071808c74757bc0e7c8d4c8308db/view

This J&A for other than full and open competition will be published at beta.sam.gov with a notice of intent to sole source to meet the requirements of FAR 5.201. and 6.305.

For additional information please contact : Maputo GSO Procurement:

MaputoGSOProcurement@state.gov

CERTIFICATIONS

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

March 10th ,2021 ________________________

DATE HR

US Embassy Maputo

March 10th ,2021 ________________________

DATE GSO

US Embassy Maputo

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.

APPROVAL

Contracting Activity Competition Advocate (Required for actions exceeding $700,000 but not exceeding $13,500,000)

APPROVED BY:

March 10th ,2021 ______________________________________ DATE Contracting Activity Competition Advocate