99--Sole source announcement

The VA Network 22 Logistics Office plans to negotiate a sole source commercial contract on behalf of the VA San Diego Healthcare System with The Mind Institute, located in Albuquerque, NM, for a period of nine months. This contract, governed by Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Part 12 and authorized under FAR 6.302-1, is intended to secure specialized expertise in script writing and consulting related to fMRI data processing and data analysis techniques. Specifically, the work includes writing scripts for post-processing fMRI data, analyzing overlaps among tests of main effects and interactions, and providing consultation on data analysis approaches. A justification has been made for this sole source acquisition as only The Mind Institute can meet the agency's unique requirements, and therefore, no other sources will be considered. This announcement invites responses by August 31, 2005, but it is not a solicitation for competitive proposals. Any information received will help the government decide whether to conduct a competitive procurement, but the decision not to compete remains at the government's discretion. Inquiries are restricted to written communication via mail or fax to the VA Long Beach Healthcare System, with no public requests for proposals being issued. The contract adheres to provisions current as of Federal Acquisition Circular 2005-05 and represents a targeted effort to acquire critical, specialized capabilities that are only available through this identified sole source.