Intent to Negotiate Sole Source Procurement with MD Consult

Under statutory authority 41 U.S.C. 253, the VA Medical Center, Dayton, OH anticipates entering into a sole source procurement for the VISN 10 Network Facilities with Elsevier to furnish an online clinical reference service for the period July 15, 2003 (base year) with four one-year options to extend the term of the contract through July 14, 2008. The Online Reference System contains a proprietary search and retrieval system that searches approximately 40 reference manuals, 35 of which are unique to MD Consult, and not available through any other online reference services. The Government believes that only one responsible source can provide the supplies/services that will satisfy the agency requirements and intends to solicit and negotiate with only one source under the authority of FAR 6.302-1. Other persons may identify their interest and capability to respond to this requirement by July 14, 2003. This is not a request for competitive proposals. Solicitation packages are not available. A determination by the Contracting Officer not to compete this proposed action based on responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Contraction Officer. Information received will be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement. Information should be submitted to the VA Medical Center, Attn: Jodi Cokl, (90C), 4100 West Third Street, Dayton, OH 45428, Phone +1 (555) 000-0000 or FAX +1 (555) 000-0000. All requests for information, or parties interested in providing information, must be submitted in writing to the Contracting Officer. NO telephone requests will be accepted.