Authoring Instructional Materials (AIM) Software Support

Authoring Instructional Materials (AIM) Program SYNOPSIS Naval Air Warfare Systems, Orlando Training Systems Division, (NAWCTSD) in support of Authoring Instructional Materials (AIM) program, intends to issue a contract modification to Columbus Technologies and Services, Inc. (CTS), under contract number N61339-05-D-0026, on a sole source basis to one known responsible source who can meet the immediate requirement within an acceptable timeframe until the full scope of the requirement can be solicited competitively. This contract modification will temporarily extend the period of performance (POP) from 31 March 2011 until 31 July 2011. Although more than one source may be able to fulfill the requirement, this would create substantial duplication of cost to the Government that is not expected to be recovered through a competition for the short-term extension of services. In addition, award to any other source would result in an unacceptable delay of work in fulfilling the agency's requirements. An acquisition strategy is simultaneously being developed to define the requirements for a competitive source selection. A Request for Proposals is anticipated to be issued on or about 16 March 2011. This contract extension will extend the POP ensuring uninterrupted support to the AIM System Support Office (AIMSSO) for the scheduled AIM software release in August 2010, AIM Helpdesk support and AIM User Training, as well as future task orders and this will enable NAWCTSD sufficient time to recompete this requirement. Uninterrupted support to the AIM program and its user community is imperative until the recompete process is completed and transition to the newly awarded contractor occurs. The targeted award date for the recompeted contract is 7/1/2011 with a 30 day mobilization period for transition of the software packages. The four month extension of the POP will allow task orders addressing any emergent requirements to be written and will ensure proper support by the current contracted software team to the user community and AIMSOO. The ability to write task orders through 7/31/11 will also allow for planning a smooth transition to the awarded contractor as software configuration management will be a top priority in order to maintain the integrity of the AIM software code. The proposed contract action is for services for which the Government intends to solicit and negotiate with only one source under the authority of FAR 6.302-1. This notice of intent is not a request for competitive proposals. While interested parties may identify their interest and capability to meet the requirement or submit a proposal, a determination by the Government not to compete this proposed action is solely within the discretion of the Government. All responses received within fifteen days after day of publication of this synopsis will be reviewed and considered by the Government. Please contact the contract specialist, Christina Garcia, with any questions or concerns: christina.garcia@navy.mil, or (407) 380-4098. The alternate point of contact (POC) is Rebeca Gonzalez, rebeca.gonzalez@navy.mil, or (407) 380-4524.