USPSC OTI Regional Advisor - Middle East North Africa (MENA) (GS-15)

JUSTIFICATION AND APPROVAL FOR OTHER THAN FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION (J&A) TO: Peggy Manthe, M/OAA/CPS FROM: Brittany Brown, Director of Office of Transition Initiatives, CPS/OTI SUBJECT: Justification and Approval for Other than Full and Open Competition (J&A) 1. This document sets forth the facts and rationale justifying the use of other than full and open competition, in accordance with FAR Part 6.303-2 and AIDAR Part 706.302-70(b)(5). This document was prepared by the USAID Office of Transition Initiatives (OTI). 2. The nature and/or description of the action being approved: This is a request to approve a new six-month U.S. Personal Services Contract to REDACTED to serve as a Senior Regional Advisor for the OTI/MENA Team at the GS-15 equivalent. Under this award, REDACTED will perform services as a Worldwide-based Senior Regional Advisor for USAID/CPS/OTI, supporting the MENA team, costing approximately REDACTED. 3. Description of the supplies or services required, including an estimated value: Under the direct supervision of the Washington-based CPS/OTI Regional Team Leader for the Middle East/Asia (MENAsia) Team, and while closely maintaining a line of day-to-day coordination with the USAID Senior Development Advisor, the Senior Regional Advisor will perform the following duties: Ensure effective and well-managed OTI country programs by performing independent analysis of program operations, and helping to mentor, train, and advise the Country Representative, Deputy Country Representative, and other members of in-country Senior Management Teams (including implementing partner staff where appropriate) on OTI's business model, programming methodology, applicable historical references, and observed personal and corporate lessons; Advise at strategic, programmatic and activity levels to ensure the overall success of OTI programs in the region; Provide high-level support to U.S. Embassies and USAID Missions for the design and execution of programs that follow OTI's quick-impact programming model; Monitor regional developments related to CPS and OTI's mission and mandate. Provide ongoing analysis and regular reporting to the Regional Team Leader on current political developments, security concerns and other pertinent information from the region for informed decision-making; Provide high-level advisory support and participation in policy development, strategy sessions, or special projects and initiatives for the Bureau for Conflict Prevention and Stabilization (CPS), regional bureaus, and/or other USAID offices; Frequent travel to current or potential OTI field locations and Washington, DC to conduct new country assessments, provide strategy guidance, and/or assist in the design of new or existing programs. Travel will also be required to attend relevant regional conferences and workshops; As requested, support management of ongoing OTI programs in the region on a temporary duty (TDY) or remote basis, including but not limited to serving as Acting Country Representative or Acting Deputy Country Representative; Actively manage learning and training in CPS/OTI by linking, contributing to, and refining observed lessons and best practices from the field, program, and personnel requirements to OTI's knowledge management team; Serve as OTI's representative, regional expert and liaison for new country start-ups, strategic analysis and dialogue with senior U.S. Government officials and representatives throughout the region; Provide strategic advice to the OTI Regional Team Leader about the direction and implementation of country programs, and the performance of in-country staff. Guide the Regional Team Leader and relevant country teams to devise strategies for the improvement and success of OTI programs; and Serve on temporary details within OTI, other USAID bureaus/offices, or other U.S. Government (USG) agencies under this scope of work for a period not to exceed six (6) months. Duties performed while on detail must be directly related to the scope of work. Contracting Officer (CO) approval is required for the temporary detail. Any extension past the six (6) months requires CO approval. The total estimated value of this six-month award is REDACTED 4. Statutory authority permitting other than full and open competition: Title 40 U.S. Code 113 and AIDAR 706.302-70(a)(2) permits other than full and open competition when it would - impair or otherwise have an adverse effect on programs conducted for the purposes of foreign aid, relief, and rehabilitation. AIDAR 706.302-70(b) sets out the circumstances under which this authority may be used. Here, OTI relies on the exception outlined in AIDAR 706.302-70(b)(5): - An award for the continued provision of highly specialized services when awarded to another resource would result in substantial additional costs to the Government or would result in unacceptable delays. 5. A demonstration of the proposed contractor's unique qualifications or the nature of the acquisition that requires use of the authority cited: REDACTED 6. Description of the efforts made to ensure that offers are solicited from as many potential sources as practicable, including whether a notice was publicized as required by FAR 5.2 [AIDAR 705.2]. A SAM.gov notice of the proposed 6-month non-competitive contract will be publicized in accordance with FAR 5.201, announcing that OTI plans to award the above-mentioned Personal Services Contract. Furthermore, on October 13, 2023, an expression of interest was sent out encouraging internal OTI staff and external-to-OTI candidates (regardless of hiring mechanism) to apply. After the seven (7) day window to express interest, REDACTED was the only candidate who expressed interest. There are no other internal OTI staff or external-to-OTI candidates that possess the particular knowledge, skills, and qualifications of REDACTED. REDACTED knowledge of the intricacies of the OTI/Middle East programs is critical for allowing OTI's programs to operate efficiently. 7. A determination by the Contracting Officer that the anticipated cost to the Government will be fair and reasonable: The Senior Regional Advisor position for USAID/OTI has been classified by USAID's Office of Acquisition and Assistance in accordance with AIDAR Appendix D, corresponding ADS 309 sections and AAPD 04.13. The Market Value of the Senior Regional Advisor position has been determined to be at the GS-15 equivalent. A salary will be negotiated within the market value of a GS-15 giving consideration to REDACTED's salary history, work experience, and education accomplishments. This contract will not exceed a Total Estimated Cost of REDACTED for a short- term contract not to exceed six months. The Contracting Officer's determination has been reflected by her signature on this memorandum. 8. Description of the market research conducted, and the results or a statement of the reasons market research was not conducted: Market research was conducted for this position. An expression of interest was sent out encouraging internal OTI staff and external-to-OTI candidates (regardless of hiring mechanism) to apply. After the seven (7) day window to express interest, REDACTED was the only candidate who expressed interest. 9. Other facts supporting the use of other than full and open competition: There was an attempt to identify support for the OTI/Middle East and North Africa team through an expression of interest encouraging internal OTI staff and external-to-OTI candidates (regardless of hiring mechanism) to apply. This call for support resulted in only one applicant, who was REDACTED. 10. Sources, if any, that expressed an interest, in writing, in the acquisition: No other sources other than REDACTED expressed an interest in this acquisition. 11. The actions the Agency may take to remove or overcome any barriers to competition before any subsequent acquisition for the supplies or services required: The need for another follow-on contract for this position will not be necessary as the Agency is actively working to backfill this position through full and open competition. 12. Technical or Requirements Personnel Certification: In accordance with FAR 6.303, I hereby certify that the technical statements included above, and which form a basis for the justification are complete and accurate. E/S 11/14/23 Joe Curtin Date 13. Contracting Officer Certification: In accordance with FAR 6.303, I hereby certify that the justification is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief. PEGGY LIN Digitally signed by PEGGY LIN MANTHE (affiliate) MANTHE (affiliate) Date: 2023.12.06 12:28:07 14. General Counsel Clearance: By email Andrew Victor 11/22/2023