The VA Network 22 Contracting Activity, Long Beach California intends to enter into a sole source contract with University of New Mexico, 2500 Marble Drive, Albuquerque, NM 87131. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation issued; a separate written solicitation will NOT be issued. This procurement is being conducted in accordance with FAR 6.302-1 only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements, incorporates provisions and clauses as those in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular 2005-18. A justification for other than full and open competition has been prepared in support of this acquisition. Request for Quotation is RFQ VA-262-11-RQ-0991. The North American Industry Classification System Code (NAICS) is 923110. VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System department GRECC is requesting sole source procurement with the University of New Mexico for a web-based, accredited, self-study course in interdisciplinary team care for older rural-dwelling Veterans for the VA Geriatric Scholars Program. The VA Geriatric Scholars Program, which is funded by a grant from the VA Office of Rural Health, is a workforce development program to improve health care for older Veterans; the program operates as a collaborative effort of the VA Office of Geriatrics and Extended Care and nine VA Geriatric Research Education Clinical Centers (GRECCs). The program includes Rural Interdisciplinary Team Training at rural and highly rural VA community based outpatient clinics (CBOCs). After a pilot program, testing a number of educational strategies for delivering this training, the Geriatric Scholars program found that in-classroom training needed to be supplemented by self-study. The University of New Mexico (UNM) has developed expertise in delivering geriatric healthcare in rural areas. A determination by the Government not to compete this proposed contract based on responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. The Government will consider all proposals received by 4:00 PM Pacific Standard Time 10 AM September 2, 2011. Information received shall be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement. Information can be sent to the Department of Veterans Affairs, VISN 22 Contracting Activity, Bldg. 149, Attn: Don Weerasinghe, 5901 E. 7th Street, Long Beach, CA 90822 or via fax 562-961-1395. Fax submissions must be followed up with a confirmation to the Purchasing Agent via email at
[email protected] .