The Pipeline and Hazardous Material Safety Administration (PHMSA) intends to issue a purchase order on a sole source basis to the National Regulatory Research Institute (NRRI) and the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC) on the use and performance of excess flow valves (EFVs) installed by gas distribution operators. The project will update the results of a 2005 survey previously conducted by NRRI and NARVC on this subject. Specifically, it will highlight trends in EFV installations and operating performance by comparing responses to the 2005 and 2006 survey inquiries. The order will be issued using other than full and open competition procedures in accordance FAR 6.3and 41 U.S.C. 253(c) (1) only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements. NRRI will receive and compile survey responses from gas distribution operators. It expects to receive responses from hundreds of privately and publicly owned gas distribution operators throughout the country. Gas distribution operators will receive survey questions directly from state public utility commissions (PUCs). The state commission personnel will design the survey questions for distribution to gas operators. After tabulating the survey results on an Excel worksheet, NRRI will develop summary tables for each of the survey questions. Next, this project will highlight the major findings of the survey responses, particularly as the pertain to the number of FV installations, operator policies regarding installation of EFV, EFV operating performance, and reasons for gas distribution operators not installing EFVs. This is not a request for competitive proposals but parties purporting to have the requisite credentials to furnish these supplies/services must provide in writing, factual information which clearly supports and demonstrates their ability to update the results of the 2005 survey conducted by the (NRRI) on the use and performance of excess flow valves (EFVs) and specifically highlight trends in EFV installations and operating performances by comparing 2005 and 2006 responses. This information MUST be emailed to
[email protected] or faxed to his attention at (202) 366-7974 not later than 4:00 p.m. EDT on September 8, 2006. A determination not to compete this proposed action based on any response to this notice is solely within the discretion of the contracting officer.