In accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Part 5.201(b)(1)(i), this is a notice of the West Palm Beach Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Center's intent to enter into a sole source contract with Superior Optical Inc. to provide eyeglass dispensary services at the West Palm Beach VA Medical Center from October 1, 2011 through November 11, 2011. This action is authorized by FAR 6.302-1: only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements. This action is necessary due to a pending competitive procurement for a long-term contract to provide these services, the transition time that may be necessary to allow for a new contractor, and the unacceptability of a lapse in continuous service. A competitive service-disabled veteran-owned small business set aside procurement is currently in progress to provide a new long-term contract for eyeglass dispensary services at the West Palm Beach VA Medical Center. The solicitation was issued on June 29, 2011 to enable a new contract to be issued effective October 1, 2011 following the current contract with Superior Optical Inc. which expires on September 30, 2011. Due to two challenges to the solicitation - one that challenged the application of the Service Contract Act with the Department of Labor and another that challenged the NAICS code with the Small Business Administration - the solicitation has been delayed for approximately 6 weeks. Although both challenges were dismissed, the time required to respond to each of these issues required a revised solicitation response date of September 22, 2011. The evaluation of offers is expected to require up to 4 weeks due to the requirement for 3 higher level reviews plus a legal review. In addition, up to 2 weeks may be needed to provide adequate notice to the successful offeror and the incumbent for the purpose of contract transition. In light of this situation, the currently proposed acquisition is required to avoid an unacceptable break in service. Due to the need for adequate transition time and procurement evaluation, Superior Optical, the incumbent service provider, is the only possible source for providing eyeglass dispensary services until the new contract is established. Responses are not being solicited to this notice. Any comments should be submitted by September 26, 2011 to
[email protected]. The approved justification document will be posted following contract award.