R -- IT Policy Development and Technical Review Support

The United States Department of Commerce, Office of the Secretary intends to negotiate, on a sole source basis, under the authority of 41 USC 253(c)(1) and 41 USC 253(c)(3), with Mitretek Systems, Falls Church, Virginia for services in support of information technology policy development and technical review. The Department seeks a contractor to conduct an objective, independent, knowledgeable, rigorous, and in-depth review and analysis of information technology (IT) policy and project documentation, IT technical statements of work and proposals, and IT management issues. The sole source justification is based on the government’s need that the contractor not have any conflicting role that might bias its judgment in carrying out tasks under this contract, and that the contractor not be in a position to gain or be perceived as gaining an unfair competitive advantage as a result of conducting tasks under this contract for the Department of Commerce. This applies not only to the contractor but to any other organization that has or is perceived to have a business relationship with the contractor that may lead to a conflict of interest. The proposed contractor, Mitretek, is a 501(c)(3) corporation chartered to work exclusively in the public interest. As stated in its articles of incorporation, the nature of Mitretek=s business is exclusively charitable, educational, and scientific. Its primary purpose is Ato carry on scientific research in the public interest in order to provide a public benefit through the application of science and technology Y@ Mitretek has no stockholders, but is administered as a public trust by a board of trustees made up of eminent citizens. Mitretek, as a nonprofit corporation chartered to work exclusively in the public interest, operates in a manner that meets the spirit and specific requirements of the conflict of interest avoidance criteria stated above. Mitretek does not manufacture or promote any commercial products, does not provide routine services (such as computer system operations), and does not work for or formally compete against profit-seeking firms. In addition to the above safeguards against organizational conflict of interest, Mitretek has in place corporate policies and procedures that guard against individual trustees=, officers=, and employees= personal interests conflicting with Mitretek=s work. Based on its corporate capabilities and demonstrated experience, Mitretek is also well qualified to provide the technical policy support work necessary to meet this requirement. Mitretek is uniquely qualified to meet the Department’s requirements.***The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code for this acquisition is 54151, and the size standard is $21 million.*** This synopsis is a notice of intent to issue an award under other than full and open competition procedures and should not be considered a request for competitive proposals. Information received by June 9, 2003 will be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement. The determination not to open the subject requirement to competition is made solely at the discretion of the Government.***Questions regarding this notice shall be sent to Donna Calacone, Contract Specialist. E-mail address: [email protected].