70--The U.S. Department of Transportation's (DOT) Maritime Administration (MARAD) has awarded a contract for Information Technology (IT) and Training Services to ABS Nautical Systems of Houston, TX 77060-6008 USA

Synopsis of Information Technology and Training Services I. GENERAL INFORMATION The U.S. Department of Transportation's (DOT) Maritime Administration (MARAD) has awarded Contract DTMA1C08006 to ABS Nautical Systems to provide Information Technology (IT) and Training Services on a man-day basis to support the Ready Reserve Force (RRF) Management System program. A significant part of this effort will be programming unique software enhancements required by MARAD as well as specialized support throughout the period covered by the Nautical Systems 5.0 (NS5) software license agreement. 1. Purpose: The term used to describe the whole project, which includes process improvement and hardware and software acquisition is the "RRF IT Modernization Project". The term that refers to the software is the "RRF Management System (RMS)". The purpose of RMS was to achieve a COTS-based information technology solution to support the requirements of the RRF, from business planning solution concept design to full operational capability (FOC), as well as professional services for data analysis and conversion, operations and support planning, and documentation. The effort would include services for the conversion of legacy data and train users at all levels. This would include the production of the required documentation to achieve the security Certification and Accreditation (C&A) of the system in accordance with DOT and MARAD C&A guidance as well as identification of the hardware and the infrastructure requirements associated with the proposed software solution and for Onboard Ship LANs; MARAD headquarters; regional offices and fleet offices; Ship Manager organizations; RRF ships in port and at sea; and remote locations when users are traveling or working from temporary locations. 2. Applicable Provisions: The contractor, ABS Nautical Systems owns the source code and is the only entity that can make changes in the software. Therefore, there is only one responsible source that can provide the subject Information Technology (IT) services that require modification of proprietary software coding as per FAR 6.302-1 (41 U.S.C. 253( c )(1) "Only One Responsible Source". TAM 1206.302-1 Only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements. II. STATEMENT OF WORK A. The Contractor shall provide Information Technology (IT) services, as directed by the Contracting Officer's Technical Representative (COTR), as required, in support of Nautical Systems 5.0 (NS5) software with an anticipated workload of 300 man-days over a ten (10) month period with an option for an additional 200 man-days over a twelve (12) month period. The services may be required in Washington, DC, Houston, Texas, or at other on-site locations as directed by the COTR. 1.) Custom software modifications to NS5 unique to MARAD as defined in an approved Requirements Statement. 2.) Archival and cleanup of data within NS5, as defined in an approved Requirements Statement. 3.) NS5 data conversion and/and installation for additional ships or ship managers added to the NS5 database, as defined in an approved Milestone Plan. 4.) Technical support to the COTR and RMS Operations and Policy (ROP) Group, as encompassed in the following: (i.) Technical advisor for ROP meetings, conference calls, etc. (ii.) Responses to technical issues. 5.) NS5 application training to system users as scheduled by the COTR. Note: The times of performance has extended out to the maximum amount of days in order to allow on an as-needed basis for the maximum amount of flexibility in scheduling of tasks. III. JUSTIFICATION FOR OTHER THAN FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION: SOLE SOURCE JUSTIFICATION In November 2004, MARAD awarded a competitive contract to ABS for NS5, a commercial off-the-shelf software designed for the maritime industry. The NS5 software is currently installed at MARAD headquarters, three operating divisions, nine ship managers, and 52 ships. Contract DTMA1C06001 provides for consulting services on a man-day basis to support the program. A significant part of this effort is programming unique software enhancements required by MARAD. ABS owns the source code and is the only entity that can make changes in the proprietary software. Therefore, a sole source award is required. IV. TOTAL ESTIMATED VALUE: The total estimated value is six hundred and twelve thousand and five hundred and 00/100 dollars ($612,500.00). V. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION The contract action is for services for which the Government has solicited and negotiated with only one source under the authority of FAR 6.302. 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. Information received will normally be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement. Interested persons should identify their interest and capability to perform these services or submit proposals to Ms. Vonetta Davis or Frank Bajowski via e-mail at contact@example.gov or contact@example.gov by 3:30 pm on Thursday, 7 February 2008. ATTENTION: Minority, Women-owned, and Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBEs)! The Department of Transportation (DOT), Short-Term Lending Program (STLP) offers working capital financing in the form of lines of credit to finance accounts receivable for transportation related contracts. Maximum line of credit is $750,000 with interest at the prime rate, as published daily in the Wall Street Journal, plus 1.75 percent. For further information, call +1 (555) 000-0000. Internet address: http://osdbuweb.dot.gov/. Notes This request makes no implication of future work and does not represent a commitment by MARAD.