Sole Source 2020 - 2022 Annual Membership for Aspen Network of Development Entrepeneurs

This document is prepared in accordance with the requirements of FAR 13.106-3(b)(3)(i).

Agency And Contracting Activity: Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC)

Nature and/or description of the action being approved: 2020 - 2022 Annual Membership for Aspen Network of Development Entrepreneurs.

Description of supplies and/or services: The Aspen Network of Development Entrepreneurs (ANDE) is a global network of organizations that propel entrepreneurship in emerging markets. ANDE members provide critical financial, educational, and business support services to small and growing businesses (SGBs) based on the conviction that SGBs will create jobs, stimulate long-term economic growth, and produce environmental and social benefits. Ultimately, we believe that SGBS can help lift countries out of poverty. ANDE is part of the Aspen Institute, an educational and policy studies organization.

Members of ANDE include both for and nonprofit investment funds, capacity development providers, research and academic institutions, development finance institutions and corporations from around the world. Launched with 34 members in 2009, ANDE now comprises over 260 members who collectively operate in more than 150 countries.

Statutory authority permitting other than full and open competition: FAR 13.106-3(b)(3)(i)

Proposed contractor’s unique qualifications or the nature of the acquisition: This service is only provided by the vendor as they are the only on that can provide memberships in the Aspen Network of Development Entrepreneurs.

1. Description of efforts made to ensure that offers are solicited from as many potential sources as is practicable: N/A per FAR 13.501(a)(1).

1. The contracting officer finds the price for the requested task to be fair and reasonable on the basis that the support is being provided at current contract rates which were negotiated as part of a commercial acquisition and thus already deemed to be fair and reasonable.

1. Market research conducted and results: The services were researched in the open market and on GSA schedule. Partnership for Public Service is the only vendor that offers the services.

1. Any other facts supporting the use of other than full and open competition: N/A

1. Sources that expressed, in writing, an interest in the acquisition: N/A

1. Actions the agency may take to remove or overcome any barriers to competition before any subsequent acquisition for the supplies or services required: In an effort to remove or overcome such a barrier to competition in the future, the market will be scanned periodically for new companies and products that could satisfy the Government’s requirements.