R -- Administrative Support Services for the Emergency Management Institute's Independent Study (IS) Program

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS)/FEMA, NETC Acquisition Section, intends to negotiate on a sole source basis with Sytel, Inc., an extension of the performance period for contract number EME-1999-CO-0099 for continuation of on-site administrative support services for the Independent Study (IS) Program of the Distance Learning Branch of the Emergency Management Institute at the National Emergency Training Center located in Emmitsburg, Maryland. DHS/FEMA is in the process of issuing a competitive solicitation that will be synopsized on FedBizOpps in December, 2003. It is anticipated that the period of performance for the current contract will be extended for three (3) months with one-month option periods. Services to be performed shall include, but are not limited to, student record management, data entry of enrollments, addresses, email information, courses, course history, and certificates of completion; issuance of transcripts; ordering and inventory control; test scoring; packaging and mailing student materials; marketing; customer service to include written correspondence; telephone and email responses to students and training officials on all courses and program areas; statistical and narrative reports; program analysis; presentations as required; and other general office functions required to support the IS program. This contract also provides program support to the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program, to include reports and statistical data, providing general program information to students and the general public; answering traditional correspondence and email, and providing information on the CERT Independent Study course and related courses. In addition, the contractor is responsible for coordinating the assignment of continuing education units for course and providing college credits for completed IS courses. Due to the type of on-site services required, it is necessary to maintain consistency and uninterrupted administrative support services at the facility in order to continue to provide IS courses for emergency personnel and the general public. It is not economically feasible for a new contractor to mobilize and perform this extensive work effort for 3 months. Based on Sytel's comprehensive knowledge of the EMI mission, the complex system which supports the program, it's integrated support services requirements, familiarity with the program, and it's ability to provide course accreditation through their affiliation with a college/university, Sytel is in a unique position to provide the administrative support services for the extension period. Sytel is the only known source that possesses both the intimate knowledge of the independent study program, the resources required to continue continuity of services, and an established affiliation with an accredited college/university for this period. Entering into a new contract for the period of this extension would be detrimental to the government. The statutory authority that permits other than full and open competition for this requirement is in accordance with 41 U.S.C. 253(c)(1) and Federal Acquisition Regulation 6.302-1, Only One Responsible Source and No Other Supplies or Services will Satisfy Agency Requirements.