SOLICITATION NOTICE
U -- Intent to sole source for the acquisition of training services for the Project of In-Patient Primary Care, Out-Patient Care and Management Sensitization on Addictions for Federal and State Penitentiary Facilities in Mexico. - SMX530Q0098
- Notice Date
- 1/6/2011
- Notice Type
- Justification and Approval (J&A)
- NAICS
- 541990
— All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
- Contracting Office
- U.S. Department of State, Western Hemisphere Posts, U.S. Embassy, Mexico City, Paseo de la Reforma 305, Col. Cuauhtemoc, C.P. 06500, Mexico City D.F., Non-U.S., Mexico
- ZIP Code
- 00000
- Solicitation Number
- SMX530Q0098
- Archive Date
- 1/21/2011
- Point of Contact
- Zen Zebley, Phone: 525550802641, Richard FIsher, Phone: +52-55-5080-2990 x5649
- E-Mail Address
-
ZebleyZ@state.gov, FisherR@mexusbio.org
(ZebleyZ@state.gov, FisherR@mexusbio.org)
- Small Business Set-Aside
- N/A
- Award Number
- NA
- Award Date
- 11/16/2010
- Description
- JOFOC document attached JUSTIFICATION AND APPROVAL FOR OTHER THAN FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION OVERSEAS CONTRACTING ACTIVITIES 1.I recommend that Embassy Mexico City use of "Programas Especializados Océanica, S.A. de CV," other than full and open competition for the acquisition of Training Services for the Project of In-Patient Primary Care, Out-Patient Care and Management Sensitization on Addictions for Federal and State Penitentiary Facilities in Mexico. The estimated cost is $250,000 representing proposed training for the first 3 quarters of the calendar year 2011. Additional training needs may require additional funding, however, since this is a brand new unique pilot program that is being implemented for the first time in Mexico and is of critical national importance, NAS Mexico will revise an overall long term program strategy once the pilot training has undergone significant stages where the impact is measurable. 2.Nature and/or description of the action being approved. This program is being sponsored under the Anti Drug Merida Initiative. The Ministry of Public Security (SSP), The Institution in charge of federal efforts fighting drug trafficking, is a key interdiction partner in the implementation of the initiative. Another important component of Merida calls for the adoption and support of Demand Reduction initiatives that contribute to contain the expansion of the local drug trade. This program bridges both interdiction and demand reduction strategic objectives. By enabling improved care of inmates with addiction problems and associated co morbidities, the SSP adds a new element of prevention and care to its interdiction program. It has been shown repeatedly that prison inmates are among the population groups with the highest risk of substance abuse. Addiction and drug use recidivism are much more prevalent among former prison inmates that among many others at-risk groups. It is in the interest of NAS, and its Merida partners to undertake any actions that limit the consumption of drugs, especially where this support may be more effective. There are clear advantages and reduced social costs in treating addictions within prisons, as incentives for corruption and violence are reduced. These services will have a maximum cost of US$250,000.00 The program consists of the adaptation of Oceánica´s addictions care and prevention model o the needs of the penitentiary population. The Programs include diagnostic studies, evaluations, training, Train-the-Trainer sessions and technology/model transfers to State and Federal Penitentiary Facilities on: •Primary In-Patient Addictions Treatment and Prevention •Out-Patient Treatment for Substance Abuse and associated comorbidity •Sensitization for Management, Custodians, Security Personnel and other Technical Staff on Substance Abuse The social need for this type of training is crucial and there is an impending urgency as this segment of the population has been underserved. If the addiction is not addressed within this segment, the likelihood of repeat offenses is extremely high. As yet, only one Federal Penitentiary of all Penitentiary system in Mexico has tackled the issue of drug restriction within the inmate population. Therefore, this remains of high social need and a critical item on the current administration's priority list. This supports and supplements the prison reform Merida funded program. 3.A description of the supplies or services required to meet the agency's needs This program directly falls under "Pillar IV" of the Merida Initiative strategic policy document. (Pillar I: Disrupt and dismantle criminal organizations in Mexico. Pillar II: Institutionalize reform; Pillar III: Build a 21st Century Border Infrastructure; Pillar IV: Build Strong and Resilient Communities). Under the Merida Initiative, Mexico is to receive $1.4 billion in assistance, managed by NAS Mexico City. As part of that, one priority is to reduce Mexican demand for drugs, which is an increasingly urgent problem that destroys families and communities, plays into the hands of drug traffickers and increases violence in both our countries. Specifically, this service will provide prevention and addiction treatment to a very vulnerable population, currently underserved. The benefits will be multi-fold, in terms of reduced violence in prisons, and strengthening the families and communities of convicts. This directly supports NAS Mexico's mandate under Pillar IV of the Merida Initiative. 4.An identification of the statutory authority permitting other than full and open competition. 10 USC 2304 (c)(1), FAR 6.302-1, Only one responsible source or only from a limited number of responsible sources and no other type of services will satisfy agency requirements 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). Management Approach and Technical Capabilities a.The only existing prevention and treatment program in all of Mexico's prison system was developed and developed by Oceanica. It has proven success and impeccable track record in reducing the rates of addiction, recidivism among that prison's population (Oceánica's overall Recovery Index rate is approximately 74%, a success rate achievable only through in-house, permanent programs like the one proposed by Oceánica). This is an excellent example of what the Merida Initiative seeks out to achieve. In addition, this particular program supports Pillar IV by building stronger, resilient communities (Please refer to discussion in Paragraph 3 above). b. While there may be other addiction treatment models that contractors could implement in Mexican prisons, Oceanica is unique, as it has a proven record of qualifications that include cultural sensitivities, and which caters specifically to the population that the Merida Initiative is targeting. No other program in Mexico is qualified to do a comprehensive module implementation. Additionally, this is the lowest-price alternative, as compared to US providers. c. Within the Mexican market, Oceanica's model is the most competitive and technically acceptable. Oceanica's competitors remain owners of their technology and models. Oceanica works with a train-the-trainer model that fully transfers it to the penitentiaries. Based on data provided by our Mexican implementing partner, the National Ministry of Public Security (SSP), other organizations normally retain copyright and other intellectual property-related powers, which would significantly increase costs. Adoption of Oceánica's technology that uses the Train-the-Trainer approach which would leave a team of implementers at each site. c. Océanica also has the infrastructure to simultaneously implement training programs all over the country, including enough trainers on staff. This addresses the issue of long-term sustainability, which is required by the Merida Initiative and is within NAS Mexico's Congressional mandate. Past Performance Factors Océanica has uniquely relevant experience in the specific area (federal prisons) where the services will be actually rendered: a. Océanica has conducted assessments, training and other technical assistance for the development of competencies for the staff at the Federal Prison No. 5 "Oriente", the "Centro Federal de Rehabilitación Psicosocial" and the Federal Prison Compound "Islas Marías" specifically on handling and treating inmates and others with problems of substance use. Programs included training on technical issues and skill development on treatment and prevention. b. The approach used at the three facilities was developed with the specific intent to gather data throughout the process and create a full methodology and protocols that respond to the special issues arising from the implementation of addictions training and treatment programs in federal prisons. 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 FedBizOps 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). In soliciting the expertise of established GOM anti-addiction and penitentiary authorities, NAS Mexico City has come to understand the supply of providers in the Mexican market. In doing so, we talked to our partners in the Mexican Secretary of Public Security (SSP), in charge of federal prisons, the National Council Against Addictions (CONADIC, a body of the Secretary of Health), and the National Institute of Psychiatry, in charge of drug treatment and prevention policy implementation. 7.A determination by the Contracting Officer that the anticipated cost to the Government will be fair and reasonable. The amounts provided by Oceánica have been revised by our partner, the Federal Ministry of Public Security and The Program Managers with the NAS interdiction and demand reduction team. Given the extent of the services to be provided, the limited travel costs and the actual technology transfer of Oceánica´s model, we deem this proposal to be fair and reasonable. In addition, Oceanica's personnel would live at the penitentiary, further decreasing costs and travel. This additionally addresses specific issues related to the prison environment and allows for further tweak the model. The end result is that Océanica would not have to devote as much time and resources in the development of the processes and protocols for implementation in prisons, and that the same approach could be used at other federal or state facilities later on. 8.A description of the market survey conducted and the results or a statement of the reasons a market survey was not conducted. No full market survey was conducted directly by NAS. The SSP has provided information on Oceánica's competitors and provided the rationale for their selection. In addition, other options and the main features of their treatment models are known to the Drug Demand Reduction and Medical communities in Mexico. 9.Any other facts supporting the use of other than full and open competition. N.A 10.A listing of sources, if any, that expressed, in writing, an interest in the acquisition. N.A 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. N.A.
- Web Link
-
FBO.gov Permalink
(https://www.fbo.gov/spg/State/WHA/Mexico/SMX530Q0098/listing.html)
- Place of Performance
- Address: Various locations throughout Mexico, Mexico City, Non-U.S., Mexico
- Record
- SN02355185-W 20110108/110106233849-10d1cbbfa070e6f88aaf809858f22792 (fbodaily.com)
- Source
-
FedBizOpps Link to This Notice
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