B -- Code Reform and Modernization 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 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 technical assistance and training to key actors in the justice system in a crucial moment when a new judicial career law has just been passed and the contract for a new successor project is awarded. This modification will also extend the completion date of the contract by 6 months, from January 11, 2005 to July 10, 2005. The principal objective of this activity is to: 1) increase public awareness and NGO networking in promotion of access to justice; and 2) 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) FlU is the only entity that has participated fully in the development of the 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 FlU 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.