NRC Federal Associate Membership in the Low-Level Radioactive Waste Forum

The purpose of this acquisition is to renew the NRC's "Federal Associate" membership with the Low-Level Radioactive Waste Forum, Inc. for a base period of one year and two option years. The Forum's objectives include: facilitating state and interstate compact implementation of the federal Low-Level Radioactive Waste Policy Amendments Act; educating policy makers and the public about the management and disposal of low-level radioactive waste and about the aims of the federal legislation; fostering information sharing among state and interstate compact officials; providing opportunities for state and interstate compact officials to exchange views with federal officials and other interested parties; and supporting the goals of interstate compacts. The NRC has procured membership with the Low-Level Radioactive Waste Forum, Inc. for the last three years. The last purchase order issued for an annual membership was NRC-HQ-55-14-P-0003. "Federal Associate" Membership to the Forum will include: (1) active non-voting participation in meetings of the Forum; (2) two sets of all written materials; (3) access for two individuals to the members-only portion of the Forum website; and (4) two non-voting representatives per meeting with no registration fee. This acquisition is conducted under FAR 13.106-1(b). The Forum is a one-of-a-kind, independent, non-profit corporation dedicated to information sharing regarding low-level waste issues. Access to this information requires a membership. There are no other comparable entities doing this type of work. NRC's participation is critical because it is the Federal agency that regulates the management of commercial low-level radioactive waste. This requirement will posted on FBO but will not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold, per FAR 5.202(a)(13)(i). The CS compared the membership fee invoice provided by the Low-Level Radioactive Waste Forum, Inc. to the listed price on the company's website at http://www.llwforum.org/about.htm#9. The company also agreed to lock the annual rate for 3 years. The CS determined that the invoiced price provided by the Low-Level Radioactive Waste Forum, Inc. is the standard membership fee for all Federal employees, therefore determined to be fair and reasonable. In the event of a recurring need for the acquisition of these services is required, the COR will inform the Contracting Officer in a timely manner so a Sources Sought Notice can be posted on FBO. AMD will closely scrutinize future requests for renewal of the Standard Federal Associate Membership with the LLW Forum, Inc. and will ensure that any restrictions to competition are adequately supported and documented.