70 -- HEAT Software Maintenance Renewals

The U.S. Department of Education intends to make a sole source award to FrontRange Solutions USA Inc. located in Colorado Springs, CO, for maintenance renewal of its HEAT and iHEAT Software Licenses, in accordance with the authority of FAR 13.106-1(b). The contracting officer has determined that only one source is reasonably available due to exclusive licensing requirements. The term of the software maintenance renewals shall be for one (1) year with a coverage period of July 1, 2006 thru June 30, 2007. HEAT Software is utilized by the Help Desk Staff of The Office of the Chief Information Officer to capture all technical support calls and to provide trouble ticket tracking capabilities. FrontRange Solutions USA Inc. is the manufacturer of HEAT Software and related maintenance products. Market research conducted on this topic found that while HEAT and iHEAT software may be purchased through partnerships with certified, authorized resellers thru an Indirect Channels Program, continuity of HEAT and iHEAT maintenance service must be procured from and administered solely by FrontRange Solutions USA Inc. Delivery of products and other services are delivered solely thru their corporate offices. FrontRange Solutions USA Inc. is the only responsible source available and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements. This notice of intent is not a request for competitive proposals. However, the Government will consider all proposals received by the posted response date. A determination by the Government not to compete this proposed contract action, based upon responses to this notice, is solely within the discretion of the Government. All information in response to this notification must be submitted in writing to attention of Veronica L. Price, Contract Specialist (Group A).