Notice of Intent to Modify Advanced Science & Partnerships for Integrated Resource Development (ASPIRED) Project

The United States Agency for International Development in Armenia (USAID/Armenia) intends to make a sole source award to Mendez England & Associates Inc. (ME&A) for a cost extension to an existing task order (AID-111-TO-15-00001) under the Water and Development (WADI) IDIQ contract (AID-OAA-I-14-00070). Launching a competition at this stage of the activity would result in a duplication of costs and efforts, and unacceptable delays in fulfilling the agency’s requirements. ASPIRED is a vital project to provide technical assistance to improve water resources management and water use in the Ararat Valley of Armenia. This extension for continued services under the present task order will continue to support the Government of Armenia’s (GOA) efforts to reduce the volume of groundwater withdrawal in the Ararat Valley by closing unused flows from groundwater wells, improving water quality and quantity monitoring, improving the water information system in the Water Cadaster, and promoting water-efficient technologies in the aquaculture industry, irrigated agriculture, and water usage. The statutory authority permitting the award without providing full and open competition is AIDAR 706.302-70(a)(2), which says that “full and open competition need not be obtained when it would impair or otherwise have an adverse effect on programs conducted for the purpose of foreign aid, relief and rehabilitation.” It further states in 706.302-70(b)(5) that this authority may be used for an award for the continued provision of highly specialized services when award to another resource would result in substantial additional costs to the Government or would result in unacceptable delays. No solicitation package will be issued. This notice of intent is not a request for competitive proposals. Please refer any questions to Armen Yeghiazarian, Administrative Contracting Officer at [email protected] .