R -- SBA STREAMLINED COMPETITION FOR EXAMINATION SERVICES

The Small Business Administration (SBA) is initiating a streamlined competition for examination services within its Investment Division, following the guidelines set forth in OMB Circular A-76 dated May 29, 2003. Currently, these services are mainly provided by government employees, with some examinations handled by a private contractor. This announcement is not a solicitation for proposals and does not commit the government to award a contract. The decision to move forward with a contract will depend on market research comparing the cost of private sector performance to in-house government costs. If private sector performance is deemed more cost-effective, SBA will proceed with acquiring the services under the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR). The process is expected to conclude by December 31, 2003. Key contacts for this competition include Lewis B. Andrews, Jr., the Competitive Sourcing Official, and Terri Dennin, the Agency Tender Official. The solicitation number for this presolicitation is 4202010P0000, and it was posted on September 29, 2003. No details regarding set-asides, NAICS codes, or specific locations of performance were provided at this stage. This streamlined competition reflects SBA’s effort to evaluate the potential for cost savings and efficiency through enhanced competition between government and private sector providers for these essential examination services.