R--ADVISORY BOARD VISN 4 (5 MEMBERSHIPS)

The VA Stars & Stripes Healthcare Network (VISN) intends to negotiate a commercial (FAR Part 12) sole source contract with The Advisory Board, 600 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, D.C., 20037 under the authority of FAR 6.302-1. The North American Industry Classification System code is 541618 Size Standard $6.5 million. Only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements. A justification for other than full and open competition has been prepared in support of this acquisition. The requirement is for renewal membership for VISN 4 for the following programs, the Nursing Leadership Academy (including center for frontline nursing), Health Care Advisory Board, Clinical Advisory Board, Nursing Executive Center, and Performance Leadership Academy for the period of January 1, 2010 through December 31, 2010. The ten (10) participating VA Medical Centers are Altoona, PA; Butler, PA; Clarksburg WV; Coatesville, PA; Erie, PA; Lebanon, PA; Philadelphia, PA; Pittsburgh, PA; Wilkes-Barre, PA; and Wilmington, DE. The Advisory Board Company provides its members with retreats, access to website, print publications, decision support tools, teleconferences and other advisory service delivery mechanisms that proactively support the Department of Veterans Affairs VA Healthcare VISN 4 mission. Online tools and calculators offered which include access to an online presence through which all major facets of the program are available. Highlights include access to a compendium of best practices, contact information of internal experts, as well as downloadable versions of completed studies and analytic tools, national median and percentile data, survey data on hospital spending and interview guides for structured interviews. The Government intends to award a firm, fixed-price contract. This announcement is for services for which the Government intends to negotiate with only one source under FAR 6.302-1 (a) (2). Interested parties are requested to submit clear and convincing data substantiating their capabilities and qualifications in writing to provide comparable membership services that offer best practices, research and analysis to healthcare industries focusing on business and economic issues, health system strategies, cost governance, and operations no later than December 16, 2009 COB. No telephone requests will be accepted. Submit supporting documentation via e-mail to [email protected] or fax to 412-954-4057 to attention of Kathleen Policicchio. This notice of intent is not a request for competitive proposals. However, all interest received on or December 16, 2009 will be considered by the Government. A determination by the Government not to compete the proposed procurement based on responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. If no responses are received, the VA Healthcare VISN 4 Acquisitions Office will proceed to sole source this requirement to The Advisory Board Company. No solicitation document is available.