As per the CNMI Department of Finance Procurement regulations 70-30.3-225, sole source
procurement indicates that a written justification shall be prepared by the official with
expenditure authority. In this instance, the selection process of the three contractors chosen was
based on quotations for the required services in face-to-face meetings, and the knowledge that
these were the sole qualified local contractors with highly specialized and technical expertise to
fulfill the scope of the project in preventing further damage to endangered species corals from
typhoon-related marine debris.
There was an admitted failure to document the procedure undertaken to retain these contractors’
services, and corrective measures have since been put in place, with completion date of
corrective action effective December 31, 2023 for the ongoing remainder of the project period, as
well as all future federal grants as follows:
a. Requests for Proposals will be published in local media with following detail:
Project title and overview
Scope of Work
Proposal Requirements
Submission Deadline and Contact Information
Evaluation and Selections
Contractual information
b. The selection criteria are based on the Proposal Evaluation Form, attached herewith. MINA Proposal Evaluation Form
Proposal Information:
RFP Release Date:
Proposal Submission Deadline
Proposal Submitted By:
Title:
Proposal Number:
Evaluator Name:
Criteria for Evaluation:
Scoring System: 1: Poor, 2: Below Average, 3: Average, 4: Above Average, 5: Excellent
1. Compliance with RFP Requirements Score:
Proposal conforms to the RFP instructions and guidelines.
All required documentation and attachments are included.
Proposal was submitted before the deadline.
2. Understanding of Requirements Score:
Demonstrated understanding of the project's scope and objectives.
Clear articulation of how the proposal meets the needs outlined in the RFP.
3. Technical Approach Score:
Clarity and feasibility of the proposed technical approach.
Innovation and creativity in addressing project challenges.
4. Qualifications and Experience Score:
Relevant qualifications and expertise of the proposing organization.
Past experience on similar projects.
5. Cost and Budget Score:
Cost breakdown and justification.
Alignment of proposed budget with the project's scope.
6. References and Client Feedback Score:
Provided references and feedback from previous clients.
7. Timeline and Milestones Score:
Realistic project timeline and milestones.
Clearly defined project phases.
8. Risk Assessment and Mitigation Score:
Identification of potential risks and a plan for risk mitigation.
9. Quality Control and Assurance Score:
Explanation of quality control measures to ensure project qualityOverall Assessment:
Total Score:
Summary and Recommendations:
Evaluation completed by:
Print name and sign Date Sole Source Procurement Policy
December 12, 2023
Marana Islands Nature Alliance (MINA), as a non-Federal entity, and pursuant to CNMI
Department of Finance Procurement regulations section 70-30.3-225, has established the
following sole source procurement procedures for the acquisition of property or services required
under a Federal award or subaward:
1. A contract may be awarded for a supply, service, or construction without competition
when the Executive Director of MINA or his or her designee determines in writing
that there is only one source for the required supply, service or construction item.
This section shall be construed to include the purpose of obtaining professional
services in highly specialized or technical expertise in compliance with federal
regulations and whenever so required by any federal granting agencies or grant
requirements.
2. The written determination shall state the unique capabilities required and why they
are required and the consideration given to alternative sources. The written
determination shall contain the specific unique capabilities required; the specific
unique capabilities of the contractor; the availability of funding for such services as
certified by the MINA accountant; and a written copy of any applicable federal grant
or regulation under which the services are authorized or required.
Approved by:
Roberta Guerrero