The Department of the Interior, Minerals Management Service, intends to award a sole source purchase order in the amount of $25,000.00 as a sponsoring Federal Agency to the National Academy of Sciences, for the following tasks in accordance with FAR Part 13.106- 1; Determination by the Contracting Officer that the circumstances of the contract action deem only one source reasonably available. The period of performance will be for a period of one year, beginning upon date of award. Place of performance shall be at the Vendor's facilities. -Provide the collective expertise of an independent board, appointed by the National Research Council, whose members have extensive knowledge, expertise, and experience in a broad range of marine and maritime issues. -Maintain an ongoing review of Board activities, tracking progress, identifying new initiatives and providing overall programmatic planning. -Serve as a clearinghouse and source of information on important new industrial and technical developments in areas related to marine transportation as well as port operations and offshore industries. -Conduct investigations into emerging and innovative marine engineering projects among leading developers worldwide. -Conduct meetings of the Board and sponsor agencies to evaluate and develop new Board initiatives, as well as to discuss ongoing studies and activities, and to sponsor special topical workshops, roundtables, focus sessions, lectures, and symposia on important relevant national technical and policy subjects. The Board shall collaborate with other appropriate professional public and private organizations to jointly sponsor conferences and workshops. -Conduct investigations and develop problem statements and plans for new projects; maintain oversight of ongoing Board projects; and, upon request, provide reviews of agency projects and special initiatives.The Marine Board of the National Academies is an internationally recognized source of expertise on maritime transportation and marine engineering and technology. The Marine Board serves the national interest by providing evaluations and advice concerning the ability of the nation's marine and maritime industries to operate safely and efficiently and in an environmentally responsible manner. The Marine Board identifies research needs and provides a forum for exchange of information relating to new technologies, laws and regulations, economics, safety and security, the environment, and other issues affecting the marine transportation system, port operations, coastal engineering and marine governance. The Marine Board has an established record of research and has access to other Boards established by the National Academy of Sciences. No other entity has the resources to provide this level of service to the Minerals Management Service. The NAICS code for this requirement is 541690 "Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services." This notice is not a formal solicitation. This is not considered a Request for Quotation (RFQ) nor is it a Request for Proposal (RFP). No solicitation document is available and telephone request will not be honored. No purchase order will be awarded on the basis of quotation or offers received in response to this notice. Any response to this notice must show clear, compelling, and convincing evidence that competition will be advantageous to the government. If no affirmative written response is received, the contract will be awarded without further notice. A determination by the Government not to compete the proposed contract on this notice is solely within the discretion of the government. Information received by the POC listed below by close of business May 8, 2006, will be considered by the government. POC: Paula Barksdale, MMS, Procurement Operations Branch, 381 Elden Street, MS-2100, Herndon, VA 20170. Questions must be emailed to
[email protected] or faxed to Paula Barksdale at 703-787-1041. TELEPHONIC QUESTIONS OR REQUESTS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED OR ACKNOWLEDGED.