Consular Microphone system replacement in Rio de Janeiro

JUSTIFICATION AND APPROVAL FOR OTHER THAN FULL AND OPEN
COMPETITION (OVERSEAS CONTRACTING ACTIVITIES)
1. It is recommend that Consulate Rio de Janeiro use other than full and open
competition for the acquisition for a new ACS/IV microphone system. The estimated
cost is $70,000.
2. Nature and/or description of the action being approved.
Restoration of the ACS/IV Microphone System Replacement located on the
Mezzanine level of the consulate.
3. A description of the supplies or services required to meet the agency’s needs.
The Consulate requires the removal of the current existing microphone
installations, including cables and all other involved parts, required for the
installation of the new Consular Services microphone window system. This
includes the restoration of all finishes damaged or affected to their previous
state. The contractor will provide and install the microphone system, provide
training on how to use the new equipment, provide the listed spare parts, and
perform maintenance work.
4. An identification of the statutory authority permitting other than full and open
competition.
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).
The contactor, INNOVATIVE COLLABORATION, INC., installed a system
for the Consular NIV system in 2021. The Consulate now requires the same
system to avoid duplicate parts and training of two different systems.
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 (e.g., blanket waiver provided in DOSAR
605.202-70).
The consulate announced a project in April of 2020 on FedBizOpps.
INNOVATIVE COLLABORATION, INC, was the lowest technically acceptable
bid for that announcement. The Consulate suggests that to maintain continuity of
systems, that INNOVATIVE COLLABORATION, INC be awarded this new
contract/order.
7. A determination by the Contracting Officer that the anticipated cost to the
Government will be fair and reasonable.
8. A description of the market survey conducted and the results or a statement of the
reasons a market survey was not conducted.
A market survey was complete in 2020 for a similar project. The Consulate then
announced this project in April of 2020 on FedBizOpps. INNOVATIVE
COLLABORATION, INC, was the lowest technically acceptable bid for that
announcement. The Consulate suggests that to maintain continuity of systems,
that INNOVATIVE COLLABORATION, INC be awarded this new
contract/order.
9. Any other facts supporting the use of other than full and open competition.
10. A listing of sources, if any that expressed, in writing, an interest in the acquisition.
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.