Under the authority of Federal Acquisition Regulation, Part 6, Subparts 6.301 and 6.302, the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) intends to contract with Conger & Elsea, Inc. on a sole source basis. This acquisition is being conducted using Simplified Acquisition Procedures in accordance with FAR Part 13, and it will provide comprehensive Accident Investigation and Root Cause Analysis training that is critical to PHMSA. Conger & Elsea, Inc. conducts a vast majority of pipeline failure accident investigations and root cause analyses for a variety of Federal agencies, including the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the U.S. Navy, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the National Science Foundation (NSF). The extensive experience of Conger & Elsea, Inc. corresponds closely to the PHMSA's need for expert software and training on accident investigation. Conger & Elsea, Inc. has trained more than 10,000 people in their systematic approach to root cause analysis and corrective action program assessment. The instructors are certified as MORT instructors by the Department of Energy. In addition, Conger & Elsea, Inc. has trained about one half of PMHSA pipeline safety inspectors. Based on the critical nature of accident investigations, all pipeline safety inspectors need to receive consistent training. Any response to this notice must demonstrate that competition would be advantageous to the government. In doing so, interested sources must submit technical capabilities, pricing, and other information that demonstrates their ability to meet PHMSA's needs. Detailed capabilities must be submitted no later than 5:00 PM ET on Wednesday, December 17, 2008 to the PMHSA Office of Contracts and Procurement, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE, East Building, 2nd Floor, Room E22-301, Washington, DC 20590 or via e-mail at karina.munoz@dot.gov ATTN: Karina Munoz. This synopsis is not to be considered a request for quotations or proposals. No solicitation document is available and telephone requests will not be honored. No contract will be awarded on the basis of offers received in response to this notice, but offers will be used to determine if a comparable source is available and more advantageous to the government. If no affirmative written response is received within 15 days from the publication of this synopsis, a contract may be issued to Conger & Elsea, Inc. without further notice.
