NOTICE OF INTENT TO SOLE SOURCE: The VA Network 22 Contracting Activity (NCA) intends to renew, on a sole-source basis, a firm fixed price purchase order to UpToDate Inc. for continued access to their online electronic database subscription in accordance with Far Part 12 and Far Part 13 with UpToDate Inc pursuant to the authority of 10 U.S.C. 2304(c)(1) as implemented by FAR 6.302-1, Only One Responsible Source and No Other Supplies or Services Will Satisfy Agency Requirements. UpToDate's database subscription is only available from its producer and manufacturer and not through dealers or distributors. The period of performance will be for one year beginning 08/01/2011 through 07/31/2012. The subscription includes online access to search and download documents and illustrations including: over 9,000 unique Topic Reviews with 7,700 graded recommendations spanning over 45 medical specialties and subspecialties; material is evidence-based, updated for accuracy written at two reading levels concordant with professional level material; synthesized content for the clinicians; worldwide availability including multiple layers of redundancy to ensure consistency; over 5,000 fully integrated drug monographs and drug-drug/drug-herb interaction modules; 125 evidenced-based medical calculators; and integrated direct links from the topic search to VisualDX where users are redirected from the site directly into their VisualDX subscription to relevant images. The contract is projected to be awarded by July 22, 2011. This notice is neither a request for competitive proposal or solicitation of offerors. A solicitation will not be posted. A determination by the Government not to compete this proposed requirement is solely with the discretion of the Government. Interested parties may identify their interest and capability to respond to the requirements by submitting their request in writing with complete name, address, telephone and fax numbers, and a point of contact. The Government will consider all responses received by 12:00 PM, July 21, 2011. Information received as a result of this notice will normally be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement. Such information received must be clear and convincing evidence that a sole source is not justifiable. This notice does not represent a commitment by the Government to pay for costs incurred in the preparation and submission of information or any other costs incurred as a response to this announcement. Inquiries will only be accepted in writing by email via
[email protected] or facsimile at 562-826-8067, Attn: Elaine Wong. If no affirmative responses are received within three (3) business days, in accordance with FAR 13-106-1(b)(1) negotiations will be conducted with UpToDate Inc as the only source and a purchase order will be issued without any additional notices being posted.