D -- SUPPORT FOR NRC''S OPERATIONS CENTER TECHNICAL COMPUTER CODES

The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) proposes to enter into a sole-source contract entitled "Support for NRC's Operations Center Technical Computer Codes" with Athey Consulting, Inc. The proposed effort will require the contractor to provide the necessary qualified personnel who are capable of providing technical assistance for applications support for the NRC's Response Computer System (RCS). The NRC previously contracted with Athey Consulting, Inc. under Contract No. NRC-26-98-262 to develop a computer code entitled "Radiological Assessment System for Consequence Analysis (RASCAL)." This work included the integration of meteorological and radiological assessment methods and the application of Federal emergency guidance and response plans to severe accidents at commercial nuclear power plants, fuel cycle facilities, and gaseous diffusion plants. In addition, the previous contract included the development of code documentation and training services. Under the proposed effort, the contractor shall be required to complete fixes to RASCAL Version 3.0.4, which includes minor fixes to the current Version 3.0.3 and provide major technical improvements to Version 3.1. As such, the contractor shall provide technical assistance in the planning of recommended software changes/modifications, installation, integration, testing, training and revisions to the associated documentation. These computer tools will assist the NRC in the event of a serious radiological emergency to aid in assessing plant conditions and potential consequences of radiological accidents. The required changes/modifications of the technical computer tools, revisions in procedures, and training require a continuous effort by the contractor to ensure reliable performance and effective use of the technical computer tools by the NRC. It is therefore essential that the incumbent provide the required services as Athey Consulting, Inc. has developed, integrated, installed, tested, and provided training and documentation for the computer tools used within the RCS. Further, major components of the original specialized software were designed and written by Athey Consulting, Inc. in coordination with other contributing developers. The authority for negotiating on a sole source basis with Athey Consulting, Inc. is made under the authority of Federal Acquisition Regulation 6.302-1 which provides for limiting competition in those situations where the supplies or services are available from only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy the agency requirements and the supplies are available from only the original source in the case of a follow-on contract for the continued development or production of a major system or highly specialized equipment, including major components thereof, when it is likely that award to any other source would result in substantial duplication of cost to the Government that is not expected to be recovered. The proposed period of performance for this effort is two (2) years from date of award. The NAICS code is 541511. The size standard for this requirement is $21.0 million. This notice is not a request for proposal nor a solicitation for offers. A determination not to compete this proposed procurement based on response 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. Any response to this notice must show clear and convincing evidence that competition would be advantageous to the Government. In doing so, interested sources must submit technical capabilities and any other information that demonstrates their ability to meet the NRC's needs. Detailed capabilities must be submitted to Brenda J. DuBose, Contract Specialist at the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Division of Contracts, Mail Stop T-7-I2, Washington, D.C. 20555 via mail not later than January 31, 2003. This synopsis is not to be considered a request for quotations or proposals. No solicitation document is available and telephone requests will not be honored. See Note 22****