70--SOFTWARE-INTENT TO SOLE SOURCE

DESCRIPTION: The NF/SG Veterans Healthcare System, Malcolm Randall VA Medical Center, 1601 SW Archer Road, Gainesville, FL 32608 intends to negotiate with Environmental Systems Research Ins. (ESRI, Inc), on a sole source basis pursuant to VAAR 873 & 38 USC 8153 and FAR 6.302-1 for the below software license maintenance. This software runs the GIS Strategic Planning Portal for the entire VHA. The product is the software annual license maintenance. As the computer environment requires ongoing maintenance to continue to function when there are other operating system updates, it is mandatory to maintain continuity of product. The proprietary nature of the software, the sole source being the actual manufacturer of the software; and the intrinsic need to keep the product operating with updates necessitate utilizing the manufacturer (under GSA contract GS-35F-5086H) ESRI to renew the licenses. Given the gravity of the results of the associated analysis and the effect change could have on strategic planning and congressional decisions, the procurement of any product other than the one normally associated with the GIS portal would be very risky. The previous ESRI licenses will continue to operate, but if there is any breakdown, any new versions issued, software updates (Windows) we would lose functionality and will definitely lose any Technical Support. The GIS Portal, which is directly impacted by ESRI licensure, (http://vaww.pssg.med.va.gov/portal/), is the tool the VISN Planners across the nation use for the planning and information on facilities. It is also used in the Assistant Deputy under Secretary for Health's office. The impact to Central Office in the event of the portal becoming inoperable could be high. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) number is 334611. This notice is NOT a request for competitive proposals. Parties may identify their interest, accompanied by supporting literature to the Contracting Officer no later than August 10, 2011 at 4:00pm EST. Responses should be sent to [email protected]. No telephone responses will be accepted. Information received will be for the purpose of determining whether or not to conduct a competitive procurement. The determination to conduct a competitive procurement based on responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Contracting Officer.