Contract for Services from Press Association to Access News Wire Services

The government intends to issue a purchase order for the items set forth below, subject to availability of FY 09 funds. The Office of Communications and Outreach intends to contract for services from Press Association (450 West 33rd Street, New York, NY 10001-2603), the nation’s oldest, largest, and most widely cited news wire service, for a period of twelve months, from October 2008 to September 2008. This service meets our needs to access up-to-date and breaking news on national, state, and local levels by providing exclusive on-line access to their AP Internet, Washington Report, and Education Alert and Daybook services for approximately 100 users. The AP Daybook provides target breaking news from the 50 U.S. states and Washington, DC and can provide a full news report for each state. This service also provides a first hand coverage that supports strategic planning and keeps staff on top of developing stories; offers private, internal access to the full stream of AP’s premium state coverage; delivers intelligence that can track information on the U.S. Department of Education; and allows users to stay updated on education issues. In addition the Daybook service can provide a schedule of metro and statewide special events, including news conferences, speeches, announcements, meetings, hearings, and other major news events. The proposed contract action is for services for which the Government intends to solicit and negotiate with only one source under the authority of FAR 13.106-1(b). Interested persons may identify their interest and capability to respond to the requirement or submit proposals. This notice of intent is not a request for competitive proposals. However, the government will consider all proposals received within 10 days after the date of publication of this synopsis. A determination by the government not to compete this proposed contract based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the government. Information received will normally be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement. Responsible sources may submit a bid or quotation, which, if received timely, will be considered.