The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), Office of General Counsel (GC) intends to award a sole source contract to Morgan, Lewis & Bockius, LLP (MLB) to provide legal services to represent the Department of Energy in licensing proceedings before the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). MLB currently provides legal support services in an on-going licensing proceeding before the NRC that began in 2008 and is expected to continue for a number of years. The contract shall be for a five year base period and five one (1) year option periods. In accordance with Competition in Contracting Act, 41 USC 3304 (a) (7), as implemented by FAR 6.302-7, other than full and open competition is authorized when the agency head determines that it is not in the public interest. On May 25th, 2017 Congress was notified of the agency head's determination. It was determined that securing legal services of the highest caliber to maximize the chances of the Department's success in licensing proceedings should be the singular focus of the selection process. The standard Federal procurement process does not adequately allow for the flexibility needed to retain the types of services required for these licensing proceedings. MLB has highly specialized skills and a depth of background knowledge that support DOE's continuing need for representation before the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. This is a notice of intent and no solicitation is available for this requirement. Interested parties may submit a capability statement by Thursday, June 22, 2017 at 9:00 am local prevailing time (Washington, D.C.) via e-mail to
[email protected]. The written response must include a detailed discussion demonstrating experience providing services identified in this announcement, and past performance client information for similar work. A determination by the Government to open the requirement to competition, based upon the responses to this notice, is solely within the discretion of the Government.