Notice of Intent to Sole Source

The Department of State's US Embassy Cotonou has issued a Special Notice of Intent to sole source a contract for approximately 600 maternal kits. The contract, identified as #19BN1525P0410, will be awarded to IFMA-Institut des Filles Marie Auxilatrice under NAICS code 458110. The procurement is being conducted under the authority of FAR 13.106-(b)(1) and will have a 30-day contract period. The embassy has determined that IFMA is the only responsible source capable of satisfying their specific requirements for these maternal kits. The sole source justification is based on the vendor's unique ability to meet the agency's needs in Cotonou, Benin.

The purpose of this procurement is to support the Office of Security Cooperation's mission of developing trust and cooperation with Ministries of Defense and Health in Northern Benin. The maternal kits will include specific items such as a cloth storage bag, Benin flag, reusable cloth diapers, feminine pads, local soap, and a baby blanket. While this is not a request for proposal, all responsible sources are permitted to submit a capability statement. The total contract value is approximately $30,000, and the procurement emphasizes local economic development by utilizing locally sourced materials and labor. The notice was posted on May 6, 2025, with a response deadline of May 15, 2025, and is specifically structured as an 8(a) Sole Source procurement under 41 USC 253(c)(1).