Notice of Intent to Award to a Single Source for Operations and Maintenance Services at the Western Regional Research Center in Albany, California

The U. S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Service (ARS), plans to award a contract to Akima Facilities Management, LLC. of Anchorage, Alaska, on a sole-source basis for operations and maintenance services at the Western Regional Research Center (WRRC) in Albany, California. Reduction in funding levels are being felt across the Government. Given USDA, ARS's current funding situation a reduction in scope to the current Performance Work Statement (PWS) became necessary. The Contracting Officer has determined that the reduced requirements are no longer in scope with the original solicitation; requiring the current solicitation to be cancelled. A new solicitation will be issued with a PWS that properly demonstrates the new required scope of work. The resulting award is anticipated to be made by 3 rd quarter FY 2014. In the meantime, continuity of the O&M services to the WRRC is critical to the day to day operations of the facility as these services support key functions such as utility and facility repairs, janitorial & grounds maintenance, boiler room operation, receiving, mail room, reception desk, etc. and therefore, it is necessary to award a sole-source contract to the incumbent contractor, Akima Facilities Management, LLC for a total duration of one year ( a 6-month base period with two 3-month options). The incumbent has maintained a satisfactory record of performance during the execution of the current contract and is familiar with the WRRC and its daily operation. Akima is the only contractor that would provide the necessary continuity of services without interruption. As mentioned above, it is imperative that continuity of services be maintained without disruption to the research mission. The anticipated award date of this order is on or about fifteen (15) days from the date of this notice. This notice of intent is not a request for competitive proposals. Interested parties may identify their interest and capability to respond to the requirement, in writing, no later than the response date. Written responses to this notice shall contain sufficient documentation to establish a bona fide capability to fulfill the requirement. A determination by the Government whether to compete this proposed requirement based upon response to this notice is solely with the discretion of the Government.