Notice of Intent to Sole Source

The Department of State's U.S. Embassy in Cotonou, Benin has issued a Special Notice of Intent to award a sole source contract to DHL International Benin SARL for Outbound Courier Services. The contract, identified as #PR15330974, will be issued under NAICS code 492110 and falls under the authority of Federal Acquisition Regulation 13.106-(b)(1). The embassy has determined that DHL International Benin SARL is the only responsible source capable of meeting their specific requirements for courier services. The contract will initially be for a 60-day period, designed to provide time for the government to subsequently award a comprehensive 5-year competitive contract. The sole source justification is supported by statutory provisions under 41 USC 253(c)(1) and Federal Acquisition Regulation Part 6.302-1.

The primary objective of this Special Notice is to maintain uninterrupted courier services for the U.S. Embassy in Cotonou, with an estimated contract value of $30,000 covering the period from June 1 to July 31, 2025. While this is not a formal request for proposal, the notice invites all responsible sources to submit capability statements, proposals, or quotations for consideration. The embassy conducted a market survey and found no alternative SAM-registered vendors available to provide these critical services. Eligibility for potential contractors would require proper System for Award Management (SAM) registration and the capability to handle outgoing pouch and express mail courier services. Interested parties have until May 15, 2025, to respond, with the point of contact being Rebecca Stone, the Contracting Officer. The ultimate goal is to ensure continuous mail services for U.S. government agencies and partners while developing a strategy for a future competitive long-term contract.