Notice of Intent - Sole Source

SYNOPSIS: The National Institutes of Standards and Technology (NIST) hereby provides notice of its intent to award a sole-source, firm fixed price purchase order to Curt. W. Reimann, 23619 Peach Tree Rd, Clarksburg, MD 20871-9119. The order is expected to be awarded under FAR 13.106-1(b)(1). A Justification for Other than Full and Open Competition has been prepared. The National Institute of Standards and Technology's (NIST's) Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) works as a catalyst to strengthen American manufacturing. Through a nationwide network of centers, MEP provides manufacturers with access to a wealth of tools, techniques and other resources. With services ranging from growth strategies, to process improvements, to green manufacturing, MEP offers tools, solutions, and resources to address manufacturers' diverse challenges and opportunities. To support the mission of the program, MEP participates in several outreach events each year to strengthen public knowledge of MEP's benefit to American small and medium-sized enterprises Subject Matter Experts (SME). The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has a sole source requirement for Curt W. Reimann to provide expertise in generating and implementing manufacturing research agenda information and assistance with identifying sources appropriate for conducting studies of manufacturing, manufacturers and MEP Centers. To further succeed in its mission, MEP requires expertise in creating and implementing a manufacturing research agenda, along with assistance with identifying appropriate sources of data and analyses; determining which sources are useful for which purposes; conducting appropriate studies of manufacturing, manufacturers, and MEP Centers; developing training related to the use of such data and studies. Dr. Curt Reimann shall assist in the development of the manufacturing research agenda; identification of sources of data and analyses; development of a framework for coordination between, use and sharing of data and analyses by multiple NIST MEP divisions and groups, as well as by MEP Centers; identification of any needed training of NIST MEP and/or MEP Center staff; and communications strategies for increasing the awareness and dissemination of data and analyses to NIST MEP staff and MEP Centers. Dr. Reimann's extensive experience and past work with MEP and the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Program over the past decade make him uniquely qualified to understand the needs of the MEP National Network and the types of research and data that will be required to strengthen and improve the data and knowledge available to the Network and the means by which it is shared among the various parties within the Network to improve their utilization of it. Curt W. Reimann is the sole provider of expertise and knowledge specific to the development of the manufacturing research agenda, identification of sources of data and analyses, development of a framework for coordination between use and sharing of data and analyses by multiple NIST MEP divisions and groups, as well as by MEP Centers; and communications strategies for increasing the awareness and dissemination of data and analyses to NIST MEP staff and MEP Centers. The learning curve of another vendor would create a significant delay in developing and implementing a research agenda, consistent with the Baldridge framework and criteria. Given the speed at which new technologies are impacting U.S. manufacturers, such a delay would have a negative impact on progress of the program and would delay requiring necessary information and implementing recommendations based on that information. Interested parties may identify their interest and capability to respond to the requirement. THIS NOTICE OF INTENT IS NOT A REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE PROPOSALS. A determination not to compete this requirement, based upon responses 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. NIST will NOT be responsible for any costs incurred by interested parties in responding to this notice of intent. Only written responses will be considered. As a result of analyzing responses to this notice of intent, the Government shall determine whether a solicitation will be issued. Any prospective contractor must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) in order to be eligible for award. Information concerning SAM registered requirements may be viewed via the Internet at http://sam.gov. INSTRUCTIONS: All interested parties shall submit clear and convincing documentation demonstrating their capabilities to satisfy the requirements listed above to Chantel Adams by email at chantel.adams@nist.gov, no later than 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time on Friday, September 21, 2018. Fax inquiries will not be accepted. The capability documentation should include general information and technical background describing in detail the prospective contractor's capabilities and experience that will demonstrate the ability to support these requirements.