Notice of Intent to Sole Source Diversity Training

The 10th Contracting Squadron, United States Air Force Academy (USAFA) Colorado intends to make a sole source award to Harlan Consulting for Diversity Training supporting the Chief Diversity Office. USAFA has a requirement to provide diversity training to all its leaders as well as institutionalize diversity awareness throughout the Air Force. Harlan Consulting is the exclusive provider of "Leading Consciously: products and services to the Federal Government. The Leading Consciously Diversity program is the only to offer in-depth training in diversity topics: testing assumptions, clearing individual emotions, building effective relationships, and bridging differences in within one all-encompassing commercial off the shelf package. To go to other vendors would mean splitting up the requirement and would not supply the consistency considered necessary maintain the current curriculum and execute the ideals established by the Chief Diversity Office. This is follow-on training that has been provided to the faculty, staff, Air Officer Commanding of cadet squadrons. The skills gained from the course and the curriculum are not only being used in the class room for cadet training, but the Center for Character and Leadership Development is currently revamping their organization to incorporate the training and skill set for cadets and faculty training. To move to another vendor would cost the government a lot of money to start over and affect the current incorporation of training and skills being used to create a climate of inclusion and equity and USAFA. The training is in line with the new USAFA Strategic Plan that will be published in Aug 2012. Also, it would mean incorporating a new set of training skills that numerous faculty and staff are using in the daily accomplishment of the mission. This acquisition will be done in accordance with FAR 12 and 13 procedures. The North American Industry Classification System Code (NAICS) is 611430, Professional and Management Development Training, and the size standard is $7M. This synopsis is for notification purposes only and does not constitute a solicitation for bids or proposals. DO NOT submit a bid/quote at this time. Any offerors believing they can provide the required renewal may provide evidence for consideration. Evidence must support the offeror's claim they can provide this service. All qualified sources may submit a response, which if timely received, will be considered by this agency. Information received will be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether a competitive procurement can be conducted. A determination not to compete this proposed procurement based on responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the government. Responses must be received NLT 4:30 p.m. MST on 31 Aug 2012. The Government does not intend to pay for any information provided under this announcement. Questions should be addressed to the Primary POC: Elizabeth Lawson, Contracting Officer, (719-333-3929, elizabeth.lawson@usafa.af.mil. 5352.201-9101 OMBUDSMAN (AUG 2005) (a) An ombudsman has been appointed to hear and facilitate the resolution of concerns from offerors, potential offerors, and others for this acquisition. When requested, the ombudsman will maintain strict confidentiality as to the source of the concern. The existence of the ombudsman does not affect the authority of the program manager, contracting officer, or source selection official. Further, the ombudsman does not participate in the evaluation of proposals, the source selection process, or the adjudication of protests or formal contract disputes. The ombudsman may refer the party to another official who can resolve the concern. (b) Before consulting with an ombudsman, interested parties must first address their concerns, issues, disagreements, and/or recommendations to the contracting officer for resolution. Consulting an ombudsman does not alter or postpone the timelines for any other processes (e.g., agency level bid protests, GAO bid protests, requests for debriefings, employee-employer actions, contests of OMB Circular A-76 competition performance decisions). (c) If resolution cannot be made by the contracting officer, concerned parties may contact the USAF Academy Ombudsmen, Kelly Snyder 8110 Industrial Drive, Ste 103 USAFA, CO 80840 Telephone number 719-333-2704 FAX 719-333-9103 email: kelly.snyder@usafa.af.mil Concerns, issues, disagreements, and recommendations that cannot be resolved at the MAJCOM/DRU level, may be brought by the concerned party for further consideration to the Air Force ombudsman, Associate Deputy Assistant Secretary (ADAS) (Contracting), SAF/AQC, 1060 Air Force Pentagon, Washington DC 20330-1060, phone number (703) 588-7004, facsimile number (703) 588-1067. (d) The ombudsman has no authority to render a decision that binds the agency. (e) Do not contact the ombudsman to request copies of the solicitation, verify offer due date, or clarify technical requirements. Such inquiries shall be directed to the Contracting Officer. (End of clause)