Notice of Intent to Sole Source - Annual Report on the Work Incentives Planning and Assistance Program (WIPA)

The Social Security Administration (SSA) intents to negotiate on a sole source basis to modify and existing contract with Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), 737 N 5TH ST STE 100, Richmond, VA 23219, under the authority of FAR 6.302-1, "Only one responsible Source and No other Supplies or Services Will Satisfy Agency Requirements" for the following requirements. Congress reauthorized the Work Incentive Planning and Assistance (WIPA) program for one year through September 30, 2011. Language was added to the bill (HR 6200) requiring an annual report to the Commissioner of SSA on accomplishments, progress and results. VCU will develop and prepare for SSA a comprehensive annual report that describes the activities of each WIPA project, including service data, results of WIPA intervention with SSA disability beneficiaries and describe employment related outcomes. Available data will be analyzed to assess trends, identify program strengths and weaknesses, and generate recommendations for program improvement. We anticipate this task will be included in the 2012 WIPA reauthorization and a Report to the Commissioner will be required annually. Based on market research with groups with expertise in work incentives, it was determined that given the nature of the task, the sheer quantity of information, the value of a long history and strong background with the projects and their service systems that the only responsible source is VCU. VCU is uniquely qualified because they are the current training, technical assistance, materials and information provider for the WIPA program and each of the 102 projects. VCU has been in this role since 2006 and as such has the most extensive experience, comprehensive understanding and current knowledge of the WIPA program in the aggregate as well as possessing an intimate knowledge of the current activities and operations of each of the projects. As a result of the VCU WIPA National Training Center's close and long standing relationship with the projects is in the unique position to apply its ample resources to develop in a timely and accurate manner an annual report on the WIPA program, its outcomes and impact. Interested parties that feel they can provide the required services may respond by submitting their capability statement via email to Mike.DeAngelis@ssa.gov. Information received will be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement. This notice does not constitute a solicitation for offers. Written responses to this synopsis shall contain sufficient documentation to establish a bona fide capability to fulfill this requirement. This is not a request for quotation and the Government does not intent to pay for information received. A determination by the Government not to compete this requirement based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. If no responses are received, SSA will proceed with sole source negotiations. All questions and submissions in response to this notice must be submitted in writing to the email address listed above. Telephone calls regarding this matter will not be accepted, nor will they be returned.