Justification and Approval for Other Than Full and Open Competition for Time and Cost Extension of PLSO Activity.

The PLSO contract was awarded on June 2, 2019, through a full and open competition to Risk and Strategic Management, Corp (RSM) for five years, until June 2, 2024. The overarching objective of this contract is to identify and disseminate security information aimed at assisting Implementing Partners (IPs) funded by USAID across Nigeria in effectively planning their security measures and promptly responding to emerging threats that may impact achieving US Government objectives. The time and cost extension of PLSO contract was based on the following:

? Given the security situation in Nigeria, continuing the services provided under the current PLSO contract via the proposed two-year extension and TEC increase is crucial to mitigate high security risks and prevent vulnerabilities for Implementing Partners (IPs) and Mission personnel due to potential security information gaps. Seamless continuity of activities guarantees consistent coverage for Implementing Partners (IPs) and the Mission amid challenges in Nigeria.

Simultaneously, it facilitates the deliberate development of plans for a new competitive procurement. ? If the extension and TEC increase is not authorized, there will be unacceptable risk of disrupting the crucial security services provided under the contract and would pose a direct threat to human lives and jeopardize the USG's ability to meet its global commitments, potentially resulting in severe humanitarian consequences and impairment of the Agency’s foreign assistance objectives. ?

Targeted market research was conducted inclusive of consultations with USAID Office of Security (USAID/SEC), the Regional Security Office and the Nigeria Mission Leadership where it became evident that the need for extension of the PLSO activities to continue without interruption is important. RSM’s skills acquired through the five-year implementation and the relationships it has developed with the local communities serve the scale and complexity of the program in a way that no other mechanisms can at the moment.