67 -- Notice of Intent to procure Audio Visual equipment for the new Social Security Administration facility in Birmingham, AL using the firm of OPUS South Corporation.

The General Services Administration is providing its notice of intent to procure Audio Visual equipment using other than competitive procedures for the firm of OPUS South Corporation (OPUS), Atlanta, Georgia, for use in the new Social Security Administration facility in Birmingham, AL. OPUS was originally selected under a Source Selection process to provide leased space. The contract also included all the initial space alterations required for the Government to meet its operational requirements and was awarded under contract GS-04B-45056. The equipment and material to be provided under this contract would include projectors, video players, interface devices, processors, touch panels, microphones, amplifiers, racks and software. This equipment is to be integrated into to the system designed by OPUS and be compatible with other materials and equipment being provided by OPUS. Pursuant to FAR 6.302-1, OPUS South Corporation can accomplish the work with favorable results since they are currently responsible for providing all the related material, equipment and infrastructure to make the equipment to be purchased operational and functions. Having a single source for the entire Audio Visual system will ensure a fully integrated and operational system. OPUS South Corporation is responsible for the entire initial space alterations of which valued at over $27 million. This equipment is a small part the initial space alterations. OPUS has the staffing and manpower to complete the work prior to the contract delivery date. OPUS utilized competition to select the vendor to install the infrastructure; the vendors also provided an optional price for the equipment sought under this justification. The introduction of a new vendor into the job may prevent the system from being fully integrated and create a difficult diagnostic situation if the equipment fails. There would be two vendors responsible for the operational aspects of the system. The expedited performance through their unique project knowledge, experience, and extensive documentation of current conditions, would result in less risk and impact to the government. The requirement to procure these additional services and equipment under full and open competition would result in increased time, costs and risks to the Government because of the problems involved with additional coordination, mobilization, and multiple contractors working within the same space. Therefore, this procurement is planned as other than full-and-open-competition-basis on the grounds that OPUS is the only practical firm that can provide this equipment. The total estimated range of this action is approximately $220,000 - $260,000. Firms who are interested in commenting regarding the government intent or obtaining additional information regarding the above procurement should provide their written comments to Wylene Bell, Contracting Officer, phone 404-331-4617, facsimile 404-331-7696, at wylene.bell@gsa.gov or, GSA, Acquisition Management Division (4PGA), 401 W. Peachtree St., NW, Atlanta, GA 30308. Written comments should be received by the Contracting Officer within 15 days of publication of this notice.