ERRC O&M Services

Pursuant to FAR 6.302-1,This award resulted from an Other Than Full and Open Competition solicitation environment. The authority permitting the environment is 41 U.S.C. 253(c)(1) as implement by FAR 6.302-1 Only One Responsible Source and No Other Supplies or Services Will Satisfy Agency Requirements. Award is for a Bridge Modification to bridge the gap between the expiration of the predecessor contract and placement of a follow-on contract. The estimated award date of the follow-on is FY 2014. The award was made to the incumbent contractor Akima, Inc., that has performed the same services over the past years. The acquisition is to provide uninterrupted contractor support services to meet the operational mission of Eastern Regional Research Center (ERRC). Services shall be for a Three (3) month period for a Firm Fixed Price modification for extension of services, with a small IDIQ component for facilities operations, maintenance and administrative support services at the ERRC Pennsylvania. The Contractor is required to provide services to maintain the facility in full support of the research mission. This bridge modification will allow enough time for the long term follow-on effort for the Operations and Maintenance Services requirement to be competed. By not awarding a bridge modification extension it would adversely impact the mission of the SAARF (In accordance with FAR 6.302(a)(2)). The contractor is required to provide services that include but are not limited to: Work Management, Administrative Services, Facilities Services and Utility Services for a period starting October 1 and ending December 31, 2013. The Contractor is also required to interface with other Contractors onsite. To that end, it is vital to the research mission of the SAARF that the incumbent continue to provide O&M support. This three (3) month bridge modification extension is necessary to allow for sufficient time to complete the re-competition procedures for a new follow on contract. No other offeror could immediately perform all of the required services within the necessary time frame and period of performance of three (3) months is a sufficient timeframe in which to transition a new contractor. Therefore, Akima Inc.is uniquely qualified as the incumbent contractor to provide continuity of services to ARS. This notice is not a request for competitive bids, rather public notice as required to allow for a competitive follow-on Contract for the aforementioned service. Questions can be emailed Mark.Volk@ars.usda.gov. NAICS Code/Size is 561210. Point of Contact(s): Mark O. Volk, Contract Specialist, Fax 309-681-6618, Contracting Office Address: Eastern Business Service Center (EBSC) - Acquisitions, 1815 N. University, Peoria, IL 61604