Notice of Intent to Sole Source, Contract Modification

This synopsis is notification of the Federal System Integration Management (FEDSIM) intent to extend the period of performance under contract GS00T08AJC0009, with Darlington, Inc, a wholly owned subsidiary of ITT Corporation, 2325 Charleston Regional Parkway, Charleston, SC 29492 utilizing the procedures of FAR Part 12. This action is required to extend day-to-day operational capacity as well as a 24/7 response capacity services for the Bureau for Democracy, Conflict, and Humanitarian Assistance (DCHA)s Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance (OFDA) due to a receipt of protest against the follow-on competitive award (GST0009AJ0015). As a result of the protest, a - stay of performance is in place on the current award until GAO resolves the protest. The day to day IT and Communications support is critical because it is a cornerstone and an enabling facet of OFDA's ability to respond immediately and robustly to disasters around the world, thus allowing USAID to successfully represent the U.S. Government during times of need. Disaster assistance, as provided through USAID/OFDA, is a key component of the U.S. foreign policy agenda. Any gaps in the provision of this ICT support would effectively shut down USAID/OFDA's ability to perform both disaster responses and to conduct its on-going operations, thus creating ripple effects around the world. OFDA's Information and Communications Technology (ICT) support is the essential foundation through which USAID/OFDA is able to respond on behalf of the U.S. Government, not only for disasters but for the continuation of daily operations such as programming funds to on-going disaster situations around the world. It is also the structure through which all communications occur both in and between Washington and OFDA's worldwide staff and counterparts. This includes the following mission critical components: twenty-four hour, seven day a week (24/7) network and user support; field communications equipment and technical officer support (deployed during a disaster response); all end user application deployment, development and maintenance; coordination and compliance with all USAID IT and security policies; and all necessary warehousing, lifecycle management and logistics support for OFDA's IT and communications equipment used for disaster response Due to the protest and the on-going disaster responses, the government requires the continued involvement of the current contractor and its staff for the anticipated recurring need for these day to day and disaster response services. The existing contract expires December 31, 2009 and it is the government's intent to modify the existing contract to extend the period of performance, using one-month options, from January 1, 2010 through March 31, 2010. The extension will be performed under the same terms and conditions as the existing contract. The modification will be executed consistent with the basis of the authority provided in 10 U.S.C 2304(c)(2) and implemented by FAR 6.302-2, unusual and compelling urgency. Unacceptable delays in fulfilling the agency requirements would result in serious injury (including financial), if this contract action is not executed by December 31, 2009. The actions proposed within this announcement are justified. The government will support the proposed actions by written justification and obtain appropriate approval prior to proceeding. Interested persons may identify their challenge to this sole source modification response by submitting capability statements that demonstrates the contractor's experience and expertise to provide the services identified above within the time frame required and without substantial duplication of cost to the government. The statement shall include business size; ability to self-perform work; layers of subcontracting; and any other information indicating a legitimate ability to meet these specific requirements. Statements should not exceed 5 pages in length. The Government does not intend to pay for any information provided under this announcement. Contractors must have a current registration with the Central Contractor Registration (CCR) at http://www.ccr.gov and with Online Representations and Certifications Application (ORCA) at http://orca.bpn.gov . This notice of intent/synopsis is being issued for information purposes only and it is not a request for competitive proposals. Solicitation documents are not available and telephone inquiries will not be accepted. Written challenges may be directed to Chiara McDowell via email at chiara.mcdowell@gsa.gov. If no responsive challenges are received by December 15, 2009 the contract modification will be executed with Darlington, Inc. without further notice.