Transportation_J_A_Pesantez.docx

Reference DOSAR 606.303-2

JUSTIFICATION AND APPROVAL

FOR OTHER THAN FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION, PRICE JUSTIFICATION (JOFOC)

ACQUISITION OF TRANSPORTATION IN SUPPORT OF SENIOR HIGH LEVEL

USG VISIT FOR THE 2015 SUMMIT OF THE AMERICAS

1. I recommend that the Department of State use other than full and open competition for the acquisition of transportation services for the Summit of the Americas visit. The estimated cost is $550,309.00. The maximum cost not to exceed $555,000.00.

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

Senior High Level USG Principal traveling with a delegation inclusive of support elements in: Security, Communications, Logistics and Operations.

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

Transportation Services, including Sedans, SUV s, Vans, buses & trucks in support to the VIP visit.

4. A demonstration that the proposed contractor’s unique qualifications or the nature of the acquisition requires use of the authority cited.

[X] 41 U.S.C. 253 (c) (2), FAR 6.302-2; Unusual and Compelling Urgency; (Based on the available time and urgency of the requirement as detailed below) Security concerns prohibit sufficient advanced notification of VIP travel to allow for sufficient time to conduct full and open competition. The Department of State can only communicate with the staff at Posts abroad when authorization is given due to security concerns. They have an extremely short turnaround time when authorization has been granted for negotiations to commence to be finalized with both the local vendors and Posts before the actual Senior High Level USG VIP visit occurs.

Many of the arrangements including transportation are often not confirmed until just before the actual visit. In addition, to supporting a large delegation within a short time frame, last minute and frequent changes of itineraries for supporting personnel often result in significant changes in how Posts work with the vendors. With the exception of few trips, contracts are not permitted to be signed until the Department of State (Post) has written confirmation from all supporting agencies, which enables collection of funds from said agencies in the event of cancellation. This results in an unusual and compelling urgency in accordance with 41 U.S.C. 253 (c) (2), FAR 6.302-2

These unique Senior High Level USG VIP travel requirements result in only a single or a very limited number of responsible sources with no other supplies or services capable of satisfying agency requirement in accordance with 41 U.S.C. 253 (c) (2), Far 6.302-2.

5. A description of efforts made to ensure that offers are solicited from as many potential sources as is practicable.

Due to the large amount of vehicles, this is the only company in Panama that can provide transportation services for all required offices.

[X] The VIP visit information was not available in sufficient time thereby creating an urgent and compelling need.

[X] The proposed contractor has the following unique qualifications which meet the Department of State’s security and logistical requirements.

6. A description of efforts made to ensure that offers are solicited from as many potential sources as is practicable.

Due to urgency and exception in FAR 25.40l(a)(5) this solicitation cannot be posted but the JOFOC will be published in FedBizOpps.

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

An RFQ was sent to several possible contractors and prices awarded are based on competition.

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

n/a

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

None

10. 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.

None

CERTIFICATIONS

I certify that the information in this justification is accurate and contains complete data necessary to support the recommendation for other than full and open competition to the best of my knowledge and belief.

I certify that this justification is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief. Based on my assessment, I conclude that other than full and open competition is justified and the proposed price is fair and reasonable.

Contracting Officer