99 --NOTICE OF INTENT

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) plans to award a sole source contract to Lipper, Inc. for providing online access to both current and historical mutual fund data, as authorized under FAR 6.302-1(a). The contract is intended to cover services critical to the SEC’s need for continuous, real-time, and comprehensive mutual funds information. The initial contract period runs from August 31, 2005, to July 1, 2006, with an option to extend through four additional one-year terms. Lipper, Inc. is recognized as the exclusive provider capable of meeting the SEC’s historical data requirements. Although this notice signals the agency’s intent to issue the contract, it is not a solicitation, and no request for proposals will be released. Organizations interested in offering similar services may submit capability statements and qualifications for consideration, but no additional information will be provided. The contract falls under the NAICS code 518210, related to data processing and related services, and is managed by the SEC’s contracting officer, Sandy A Wright, based in Washington, DC. This sole source acquisition underscores the uniqueness of Lipper, Inc.’s offerings, aligning with the SEC’s need for uninterrupted access to detailed mutual fund data critical to its regulatory functions.