non-image body scanners

Added: Sep 01, 2015 2:41 am JUSTIFICATION AND APPROVAL FOR OTHER THAN FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION (OVERSEAS CONTRACTING ACTIVITIES)

1. I recommend that RPSOFR (Regional Procurement Support Office Frankfurt) on behalf of the U.S. Embassy in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, use other than full and open competition for the acquisition of Advanced Imaging Technology (AITs). The estimated cost is $419,420

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

Request approval to purchase two L-3 Provision 2 passenger screening non-image, non-radiation fast scan devices for use at Bole International Airport, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Cost includes delivery, set up, installation, operator and maintenance personnel training and parts support for one year.

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

ProVision 2 devices will be utilized to screen passengers for flights deemed high risk originating from Bole International to the USA. The currently used walk through and hand held metal detectors cannot detect non-metallic items. The "L-3 ProVision 2" equipment is state of the art and
• Highly effective in detecting metallic and non-metallic prohibited items concealed on passengers or employees attempting to board aircraft
• Uses an image-free avatar like solution to show areas of concern for each individual passenger while eliminating privacy concerns
• Does not use x-rays or other ionizing radiation, a source of public concern in competing device
• Has a very quick scan rate per passenger (1.5 seconds / scan) and will help in screening capacity and compliance with ICAO and US imposed requirements. Current compliance to U.S. passenger screening regulations often results in delayed flight departures
• As per the "TSA Qualified Technology List for Checkpoint and Hold Baggage" it is currently the only TSA-approved equipment with this capacity.

Of particular concern is the proper screening of passengers bound for the U.S. Currently there is a daily direct flight to Dulles International, with Ethiopian Airways, the national carrier, expressing plans for expansion to Los Angeles in June 2015 and other destinations within the U.S. Acquisition of the ProVision 2 devices will add a required layer of security checks for U.S. bound and other flights from Bole International.

4. An identification of the statutory authority permitting other than full and open competition.
FAR 6.302-1 - Only One Responsible Source and No Other Supplies or Services Will Satisfy Agency Requirements

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).

As stated in paragraph 3 above, the L3 ProVision 2 is the only device which is U.S. Transportation Security Administration approved.

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.

The contractor is a U.S. company with world-wide offices. These each represent an area of action which the other offices will respect. Thus competition between offices is not an option. This justification for other than full and open competition shall be published on FedBizOpps in accordance with FAR section 6.305 within 14 days after contract award.

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

I have checked with TSA procurement officials. The price quoted for ProVision 2 in the attached is only slightly higher than the price TSA has previously paid per unit but TSA buys in much greater quantities. TSA has very recently approved but not yet begun to purchase the ProVision 2 so the price to TSA is not yet determined. TSA does have a great deal of experience with the previous L-3 products and ProVision 2 predecessor.

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

N/A.

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

Only device which is U.S. Transportation Security Administration and European Union approved.

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.

N/A