88--Canine and Canine Training

NOTICE OF INTENT TO SOLE SOURCE In accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation 13.106-1(b)(2) Soliciting from A Single Source, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Regional Procurement Office West, Network Contracting Office 21, intends to enter into a sole source, firm-fixed price modification with Georgia K9 National Training Center, LLC, located at 205 Knox Bridge Ct., Canton, Georgia 30114. The purpose of the modification is to furnish three (3) additional weeks of canine handler training and extend out the contract for six (6) months from July 4, 2019 through January 4, 2020. The training will be provided for the VA Northern California Healthcare System, 2615 E. Clinton Avenue, Fresno, California 93703. The associated North American Industry Classification System Code is 112990 All Other Animal Production, which has a size standard of $20.5 million dollars. The sole source rationale is based on the need for an employee to complete the canine handler training. The previously designated employee was not able to finish canine handler training, and another canine handler is needed urgently to take his place and must take the training to be qualified. The canine that the handler will be using was procured from the Georgia K9 National Training Center, LLC through this same contract last year, is housed at the contractor s kennel until completion of training, and the canine is both comfortable and familiar with the contractor s facility. Animals experience less stress when they are comfortable and familiar with their surroundings. In addition, twenty-five (25) percent of the new canine handler s training has already been procured through the contract, and it is unlikely that the training could be procured through another source without a duplication of cost to the U.S. Government that is not expected to be recovered through competition. This notice of intent is not a solicitation or request for competitive quotes. No solicitation package is available. A determination not to compete this requirement is solely within the discretion of the U.S. Government. All responsible sources may submit a capability statement, proposal, or quotation, which shall be considered by the Agency. Any capability statement, proposal, or quote provided shall be at no cost or obligation to the U.S. Government. Responses must be received no later than 4 p.m. Eastern Standard Time on Tuesday, May 28, 2019. All responses shall be submitted to Susanne Christen via email at [email protected]. Telephone inquiries will not be accepted.