D -- EFAST 2

The Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA) has been granted sole source approval to extend its existing contract with NCS Pearson for two additional one-year options through June 2007. This extension is necessary to allow EBSA sufficient time to complete the acquisition planning process, conduct a competitive solicitation, and award a follow-on contract to handle processing of Form 5500 Series reports under the new EFAST 2 system. The extension also supports the effective transition of processing operations from the current EFAST system and contract to the EFAST2 system and subsequent contract. The total estimated cost for this sole-source contract extension is $38,665,618, with EBSA’s direct contractual and financial obligation amounting to $16,104,800. This funding facilitates the continued operations while enabling EBSA to perfect a competitive reprocurement strategy for the upgraded system. The solicitation for the follow-on contract is identified under the title "D -- EFAST 2" with the solicitation number J-9-P-8-0037, posted in July 2003. This effort ensures continuity in managing the complex reporting requirements associated with employee benefit plans.