R -- Notice of Intent - Sole Source - Cobalt Maintenance and Upgrades

1. The 10th Mission Support Group, Directorate of Contracting, United States Air Force Academy Colorado, intends to award a single source firm fixed price purchase order to procure software maintenance, upgrades and technical support services for Cobalt Code, version 4.0 and Overset Module from Cobalt Solutions, Inc. Cobalt Solutions, Inc has proprietary rights to this software and directly provides all upgrades, patches, releases and technical support for the software. In addition, USAFA curriculum has been designed to teach concepts and exercises that the Cobalt software package and Overste Module best illustrate. 2. The duplication of effort and cost that would be incurred by switching to a differetn software suite is not considered of benefit to the government. The North America Industry Classification System Code [NAICS] is 541519 and the size standard is $23M. All responsible sources may submit a response, which if timely received, will be considered by 10MSG/LGCB. This synopsis is for notification purposes only and does not constitute a solicitation for bids or proposals. 3. Any company that feels they can meet the requirements as stated above without impact to the current operation of the Geospatial Technology Center must submit their technical data (2 pages or less) to support their claim no later than 21 August 2007. The Government does not intend to pay for any information provided under this synopsis. 4. This procurement is for the acquisition of a sole source commercial item using simplified procedures in accordance with FAR Parts 12 & 13. This office intends to award a contract by other than full and open competition in accordance with 10 U.S.C. 2304(c)(2) as implemented by FAR 6.302-1, Only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements. 5. 5352.201-9101 OMBUDSMAN (AUG 2005) (a) An ombudsman has been appointed to hear and facilitate the resolution of concerns from offerors, potential offerors, and others for this acquisition. When requested, the ombudsman will maintain strict confidentiality as to the source of the concern. The existence of the ombudsman does not affect the authority of the program manager, contracting officer, or source selection official. Further, the ombudsman does not participate in the evaluation of proposals, the source selection process, or the adjudication of protests or formal contract disputes. The ombudsman may refer the party to another official who can resolve the concern. (b) Before consulting with an ombudsman, interested parties must first address their concerns, issues, disagreements, and/or recommendations to the contracting officer for resolution. Consulting an ombudsman does not alter or postpone the timelines for any other processes (e.g., agency level bid protests, GAO bid protests, requests for debriefings, employee-employer actions, contests of OMB Circular A-76 competition performance decisions). (c) If resolution cannot be made by the contracting officer, concerned parties may contact the USAF Academy Ombudsmen, Tara Petersen 8110 Industrial Drive, Ste 103 USAFA, CO 80840 Telephone number 719-333-2074 FAX 719-333-9018 email: [email protected] Concerns, issues, disagreements, and recommendations that cannot be resolved at the MAJCOM/DRU level, may be brought by the concerned party for further consideration to the Air Force ombudsman, Associate Deputy Assistant Secretary (ADAS) (Contracting), SAF/AQC, 1060 Air Force Pentagon, Washington DC 20330-1060, phone number (703) 588-7004, facsimile number (703) 588-1067. (d) The ombudsman has no authority to render a decision that binds the agency. (e) Do not contact the ombudsman to request copies of the solicitation, verify offer due date, or clarify technical requirements. Such inquiries shall be directed to the Contracting Officer. (End of clause) 6. Please refer any questions to the Contracting Officer, Kimberly Wood, at 719-333-3200 or [email protected].