This requirement was previously posted on 6/29/2006 and identified with reference number NOI-PMK-06292006. The U.S. Census Bureau has a requirement for expert advice and assistance in planning, implementing, and operating information technology (IT) programs and facility projects in support of the mission of the Census Bureau. The Census Bureau is the premier source of information about the American people and the economy. More than just numbers, this information shapes important policy decisions that help improve the nation's social and economic conditions. The Census Bureau's mission is built around large-scale surveys and censuses. Activities involve survey and questionnaire design, geographic infrastructure update, and data collection, processing, and dissemination. Research and data analysis help improve processes from data collection through dissemination. Within the Census Bureau is the Computer Services Division (CSvD), the mission of which is to provide the Census Bureau and other customers with a world-class computer center using best practices and state-of-the-art technology to monitor systems, communications and applications. In addition, CSvD ensures the deliverance of expert systems administration services and the functionality of a stable, fault tolerant, and secure computing facility. CSvD has the primary responsibility for planning, implementing, and operating information technology (IT) programs and facility projects, and requires high level IT strategic and operational expertise beyond its inherent resources in order to effectively support the mission of the Census Bureau. These services include the following: (a) recommending and facilitating implementation of new initiatives to determine the impact on facilities management and disaster recovery activities; reviewing and evaluating administrative and technical IT operations, (c) designing and preparing materials and presentations for executive and client briefings and forums; (d) providing on-going expert consultation concerning the mission, direction and operations of the Computer Services Division (CSVD) and the Census Bureau Bowie Computer Center (BCC), (e) coordinating and managing the BCC major electrical and mechanical infrastructure upgrades with GSA and Census operations staff, and (f) making recommendations for such areas as streamlining efforts, problem solutions, and business practice reengineering and improvements. The effectiveness of these services is highly dependent on the ability to project a thorough understanding and intimate knowledge of Census Bureau mission, programs, policies, priorities, strategic plans, and operations as well as the ability to develop and maintain effective relationships with executives and managers throughout the Census Bureau community in order to garner acceptance of viewpoints, influence decision-making, and garner support and cooperation for implementing recommendations and carrying out projects. It is critically important to maintain continuity of ongoing initiatives, projects and other efforts, many of which are time-critical, in order to avert interruptions, delays, duplicative work, relearning, and excessive costs. Although IT technical support can be met by small business concerns, what makes this requirement unique is the necessity to integrate knowledge of BCC-specific IT strategic requirements. The electrical and mechanical environment at BCC is not sufficiently documented to enable a source unfamiliar to the BCC environment to function effectively in providing the required services. Significant BCC resources would have to be diverted from ongoing critical operations and projects in order to develop and make available the documentation to potential offerors so that they may gain necessary background information to be able to submit a proposal and perform effectively after award. Without this knowledge and information, any contractor who is unfamiliar with ongoing BCC operations and projects would likely jeopardize these activities. While it is in the best interest of the Census Bureau to fill in gaps in documentation and remove barriers to competition in future procurements for similar requirements, the most reasonable strategy for doing so is to methodically transfer such knowledge over time. The proposed contractor is the incumbent, Mr. James E. Steed of Falling Waters, WV. For the past five years, Mr. Steed has demonstrated the ability to satisfy the Government's requirements as described above. Given the vital nature of the work and available information, Mr. Steed is considered the only source that can meet the Government's requirement satisfactorily. Mr. Steed, who is a Certified Business Continuity Professional (CBCP), is actively involved in CSVD's disaster recovery functions for the BCC and provides facility support for the BCC Continuity of Operations (COOP) effort. Mr. Steed's specific expertise and knowledge of the BCC's electrical and mechanical infrastructure design and operation; knowledge of the BCC data center operational requirements; knowledge of the program area requirements, and his disaster recovery/contingency certification support this request. Mr. Steed has a thorough understanding of both the data center requirements and the facility management requirements at the BCC. The Government believes that CBCP certification and specific experience with BCC COOP planning is essential to its requirement in order to obtain well-informed viewpoints, advice, and recommendations that are likely to be viewed as credible and worthy of consideration in decision-making. The Government's requirement entails building upon and bringing to fruition ongoing, time-sensitive work and activity that is critical to achieving BCC's strategic objectives. Mr. Steed was instrumental in conceptualizing, developing, and performing much of this work. The Government believes that the success of this work is dependent on Mr. Steed's continued involvement because any other source would necessitate extensive relearning, duplication of effort, unacceptable delays, and excessive costs, and would jeopardize BCC's ability to meet its strategic goals. It is the Government's intention to solicit and negotiate a contract for the requirement with Mr. Steed on a sole source basis under the authority of 41 U.S.C. 253(c)(1) and FAR 6.302. The intended contract will have a period of performance of one year and will include four one-year option periods. Interested persons may identify their interest and capability to respond to the requirement or submit proposals. This notice of intent is not a request for competitive proposals. However, all proposals received within seven (7) days after date of publication of this synopsis will be considered by the Government. A determination by the Government not to compete with this proposed contract based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. Information received will normally be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement.
