Electronic Access to the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) Online Content

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Service (ARS) Division intends to award to the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) a sole source contract providing continuous electronic Internet access to their on-line services. This access shall be extended to all USDA employees and authorized public on-site users, including contractors, cooperators and volunteers performing work on behalf of USDA within the scope of their professional relationship with the agency. In addition to this internal use, authorized users shall have the right to use content published by EIU's on-line services for ordinary business (research), scholarly and educational purposes as required by the Government. This authorization is not limited to viewing, printing, saving, reusing and disseminating content. The effective date of the award will be September 28, 2010 with a twelve (12) month base performance period plus four (04) successive one (01) year options. The NAICS Code for this acquisition is 511120. The award will be processed pursuant to FAR Part 12, Acquisition of Commercial Items. This notice of intent is not a request for competitive proposals and no solicitation package is available. Firms that believe they have the capability to provide the services described herein may submit substantiating documentation in writing to the identified point of contact within eight (08) days after publication of this synopsis. Such documentation will be evaluated solely for the purpose of determining whether or not to conduct this procurement on a competitive basis. A determination by the Government not to conduct a competitive procurement, based upon responses to this notice, is solely within the discretion of the Government. Oral communications will not be accepted.