R -- SETA3 Contract Extensions

This is a notice of intent to extend System Engineering and Technical Assistance (SETA) Services for the Department of Commerce (DOC), United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), on a sole source basis with Project Performance Corporation (PPC) Contract 50PAPT201026, and General Dynamics, Contract 50PAPT201006 for a period of 6 months. The contracts are cost-plus-award fee. The USPTO has a continuing requirement for independent, objective, and expert technical advice and assistance for ongoing and future information technology initiatives. This requirement provides: System Design, Infrastructure Engineering, Network Engineering, Security Engineering, Certification and Accreditation, System Engineering, Accessibility Engineering, Enterprise Architecture, Data Architecture, Application Architecture, and System Development Life Cycle Support. The USPTO is in the process of conducting a competitive acquisition to fulfill further requirements. The Request for Proposal for this requirement will be entitled as: Infrastructure, Design, Engineering, Architecture, and Integration (IDEAI)and is expected to be released by March 2008. It has been determined that to conduct a competitive acquisition for these existing SETA services for a six month extension would result in a substantial duplication of costs to the government that is not expected to be recovered as a result of the competition. The USPTO's extension of the SETA contracts are to cover the period of performance from April 1, 2008 through September 2008 to allow sufficient time in the acquisition process. The USPTO has determined that in accordance 41 U.S.C. 253(c ) (1), "Only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements." It is noted that the USPTO is exempt from the requirement to meet the test of "full and open competition" as defined in FAR Part 6 but does endeavor to acquire products and services to the maximum extent possible in all acquisitions on a competitive basis. An uninterrupted continuation of the critical support services currently being performed by PPC and General Dynamics is required to avoid seriously undermining and delaying the attainment of critical program objectives described in the USPTO's Strategic Plan. This notice of intent is not a request for competitive proposals; nor will a solicitation be issued. The USPTO will extend the SETA contracts after 15 days from the date of the publication of this synopsis without further notice. Any questions regarding this notice must be submitted in writing via e-mail to the Contracting Officer, Sylvia Van Dyke at [email protected], or Hope Smith at [email protected]. Telephone questions or inquires will not be honored.