Hotel and Conference Space and Audio Visual Equipment for NRC's Annual Regulatory Information Conference

The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) proposes to enter into a sole-source contract with the North Bethesda Marriott Hotel and Conference Center to provide hotel and conference space, as well as audio visual equipment in support of the annual Regulatory Information Conference (RIC) to be held March 10-12, 2020, March 9-11, 2021; and March 8-10, 2022. The proposed contract's period of performance is August 1, 2019 through July 31, 2020 with two one-year option periods. The objective of the RIC is to bring together NRC staff, regulated utilities, materials users, and other interested stakeholders to discuss nuclear safety topics and significant and timely regulatory activities through informal dialogue to ensure an open regulatory process. The NRC requires the services of a hotel and conference center within close proximity to NRC headquarters (HQ) in Rockville, MD and the capacity to accommodate approximately 3,000 attendees. To ensure members of the Commission and NRC employee participation, the RIC must be held within close proximity to the NRC HQ. If a matter requires the Commission's immediate attention, the close proximity allows members of the Commission to return to NRC HQ in a timely manner. Historical data has shown that if the RIC's location is not within close proximity to the NRC HQ then NRC employee attendance decreases by 15 percent. By holding the RIC in a facility within Rockville, MD, NRC employees will save an estimated 70 minutes per day (approximately $14,000 per day in cost savings to the NRC) compared to traveling to a facility located outside of Rockville, MD. Furthermore, transportation (i.e., metro rail) for NRC employees to attend the RIC at a farther location would add considerable costs to the NRC. NRC will save approximately a total of $42,000 in metro fare costs. The North Bethesda Marriott Hotel and Conference Center is the only hotel/conference center that is located within a 5-mile proximity to the NRC HQ and has the capacity to accommodate approximately 3,000 attendees for the RIC. Therefore, the Marriott is the only hotel/conference facility that can meet NRC requirements for hotel and conference space in support of the annual RIC. This is not a request for competitive proposals. Request for copies of this solicitation will not be honored unless the respondent provides evidence showing their capability to perform the required services. Inquiries regarding this announcement may be made to La'toya Cooper, Contract Specialist by phone at (301) 415-4146 or via e-mail at latoya.cooper@nrc.gov. Statutory Authority: 6.302-1 Only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements