Support Services for October 2014Grand Challenge Conference

In accordance with FAR 13.106-1(b) this Contracting Officer has determined the circumstance of the contract action deems only one source reasonable available for the following reason: In October 2014, USAID will co-host a four-day Grand Challenge Conference in Seattle, Washington with the Bill and Melinda Gates and Grand Challenges Canada to build momentum for global health innovation and catalyze scientific collaboration among international groups and researchers. The meeting provides a vital platform to facilitate conversations among current Grand Challenges funders and partners and engage potential new partners in this work. The goal of the meeting is to accelerate the translation of innovation to impact for global health. The conference is being co-hosted with multiple parties supporting the expense. The majority stakeholder and co-host, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, selected and acquired the services for the next few years of the vendor Event Dynamics, LLC / Africa Dynamics prior to USAID’s engagement and acceptance to fund a portion of the conference cost. The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation selected this vendor due to past experience and exceptional service. As one of the hosts, USAID will contribute funds of towards audio/video rental equipment, supplies and set-up from the coordinating vendor (Event Dynamics, LLC/Africa Dynamics – a woman-owned small business) in order to meet the needs of more than 1,000 participates during a four-day period – excluding the two days to set-up and breakdown the equipment. The estimated total cost for the aforementioned rental equipment and services under USAID’s portion is $150,000.00 which represents a nominal portion of costs in relation to the majority stakeholder (the Bill and Melina Gates Foundation) who determined the vendor based on prior experience. The benefits of the conferences to USAID are as follows: · USAID expects to see an accelerated impact for innovations under the Saving Lives at Birth Grand Challenge for Development as a result of the conference. · The continued success of USAID's Grand Challenges for Development program relies, in part, with the global recognition for the Grand Challenge model that comes from the global convening. · As a result of this global convening, USAID foresees the ability to receive a large number of highly competitive quality applications for future Grand Challenge Requests for Applications. · The venue provides USAID with an opportunity to collaborate with scientists; previous grantees; as well as existing and future funding partners to solve some of the world's most critical development challenges.