A -- Notice of Intent to Extend Contract for NAEP Outreach, Dissemination, and Logistical Support

The U.S. Department of Education plans to extend the existing contract for the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) Outreach, Dissemination, and Logistical Support (contract number ED-02-PO2738) by two months, from March 19, 2008, to May 19, 2008. This no-cost extension aims to provide additional support for the preparation and dissemination of materials related to the NAEP 2007 Writing Report, including printed and electronic outreach and field resources. The extension is necessary because the current contract is set to expire before the report's release in April 2008, and these additional months will enable the completion of final report preparations. Although the extension is intended as a sole source award to the incumbent contractor, Hager Sharp, Inc., headquartered in Washington, D.C., the Department of Education is open to receiving bids, proposals, or quotations from all responsible sources. This flexibility reflects procedural requirements despite the sole source nature of the extension, which is attributed to government delays. The solicitation was posted on February 7, 2008, with a closing date for submissions on February 21, 2008. The contracting office overseeing this action is the Contracts and Acquisitions Management division of the Department of Education, with Joseph S. Gibbs listed as the contract specialist for inquiries.