B -- Code Reform and Moderinization Program

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is contemplating extending its contract with Florida International University (FIU), Contract No. 524-C-00-99-00011-00, under the sole source authority of AIDAR 706.302-70(b)(5) where an award is for the continued provision of highly specialized services and award to another source would result in substantial additional costs to the Government or would result in unacceptable project delays. This contract was competed under full and open competition and its original purpose will remain unchanged. The modification will provide a bridging mechanism for the continued provision of highly specialized services in working with the judges and other judicial personnel until the Criminal Procedures Code (CPC) reaches full implementation in the year 2005, and the contract for a new successor project is awarded.This modification will also extend the completion date of the contract by 21 months, from January 11, 2004 to October 10, 2005. The principal objective of this activity is to:1) strengthen the capacity and organization of the judicial sector in carrying out their responsibilities under the Criminal Procedures Code and the Criminal Code; 2) increase public awareness and NGO networking in promotion of access to justice; and 3) support the implementation of merit-based selection, promotion and sanction of judges. Florida International University is uniquely qualified to provide the assistance to be offered under the proposed extension, for the following reasons: 1) FIU is the only entity that has participated fully in the development of the two key pieces of legislation included in the Nicaraguan justice reform, thus it has a unique knowledge of and familiarity with this legislation; 2) FIU has unique experience in having accompanied the justice reform implementation process in Nicaragua thus far, including developing excellent working relationships with colleagues and counterparts in the judicial branch; and 3) extension of the contract with FIU will avoid incurring substantial additional costs and delays that could irreparably damage U.S. Government objectives in Nicaragua. This notice is not a request for proposals and no solicitation is available. However, interested parties may identify their interest and capability to satisfy the Government's requirement in accordance with Numbered Note 22. Any information received will be considered for the purpose of conducting a competitive procurement. A determination by the Government not to open the requirement to competition is solely within the discretion of the Government.