R--NASA SCIENCE ENGINEERING MATHEMATICS AND AEROSPACE ACEDEMY - SEMAA EXTENSION

NASA/GRC has a requirement for continued services to support the NASA Science, Engineering, Mathematics, and Aerospace Academy (SEMAA). The SEMAA project is designed to increase the participation and retention of historically underserved and underrepresented K-12 youth in the areas of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). The required services include NASA SEMAA Office (NSO) operation, Monitoring of NASA SEMAA sites and sessions, NASA SEMAA site activity coordination, Aerospace Education Lab (AEL) installation, monitoring, and storage, and creating, producing, and distributing SEMAA evaluation and reports. SEMAA currently operates at 15 sites located in 14 states across the nation. The current SEMAA contract was set to expire on January 21, 2012; a six (6) month extension was exercised under the authority of FAR 52.217-8, Option to Extend Services, extending the period of performance to July 23, 2012, due to GRC educational program restructuring. NASA/GRC is currently reviewing its education portfolio. As a result of this, the SEMAA project is currently being restructured; and it has yet to be determined which aspects of the project will remain. It has been determined that until a final decision is rendered regarding the future of each project, day to day operations are to continue. NASA Glenn Research Center recently received instruction for the continuity of the SEMAA operations and enhancements; which is very promising that the program will remain. However, it is necessary for SEMAA to continue beyond the contract end date of July 23, 2012, as final determinations are made. It is the intent of the Government to incorporate the SEMAA program into the Glenn Educational Support Services(ES2) Procurement. NASA/GRC intends to purchase the services from Paragon TEC, Inc. under the authority of FAR Part 6.302-1, Only One Responsible Source and No Other Supplies or Services Will Satisfy Agency Requirements. Paragon TEC, Inc. represents the only responsible source because of its unique combination of qualifications and experience, its understanding of NASA educational goals and objectives, and for being the only source with the wealth of essential experience and combined capabilities to complete the effort within the required period of performance. The company has served as the National SEMAA Office (NSO); and has had oversight of the SEMAA sites with overall responsibility for the day-to-day operations. This requirement will be awarded via a modification to contract NNC07CB33C with Paragon TEC pursuant to the FAR 1.403 entitled, Individual Deviations. Authority is being requested to deviate from FAR 17.204(e) which limits the term of service contracts to five (5) years including the basic contract and all options. The extended contract period of performance shall not exceed eight months and will be extended by a four-month base extension period with four one-month options. The Government intends to acquire a commercial item using FAR Part 12. THIS IS A SOLE SOURCE ANNOUNCEMENT Interested organizations may submit their capabilities and qualifications to perform the effort in writing to the identified point of contact not later than 4:30 PM local time on June 1, 2012. Such capabilities/qualifications will be evaluated solely for the purpose of determining whether or not to conduct this procurement on a full and open competition basis. A determination by the Government not to compete this proposed effort on a full and open competition basis, based upon responses to this notice, is solely within the discretion of the Government. Oral communications are not acceptable in response to this notice. All responsible sources may submit an offer which shall be considered by the agency. NASA Clause 1852.215-84, Ombudsman, is applicable. The installation Ombudsman is Kirk D. Seablom +1 (555) 000-0000, contact@example.gov. The Center Ombudsman for this acquisition can be found at http://prod.nais.nasa.gov/pub/pub_library/Omb.html.