R -- SOLE SOURCE CONTRACT MODIFICATION TO MSD CONTRACT 514-C-00-06-00304-00

USAID/Colombia intends to award a Sole Source Contract modification to MSD, Inc. under Contract No. 514-C-00-06-00304-00. The estimated amount of this modification is USD$ 1,000,000. The above Contract was awarded to MSD, Inc. on a full and open competition basis on August 29, 2006, and the estimated completion date is August 28, 2011. The current total estimated contract amount is USD$ 37,768,983. The purpose of the above contract is to provide technical assistance, training and policy advice in support of human rights in Colombia. The purpose of this modification is to provide additional resources that will be applied to respond to increased interest in the human rights situation facing labor leaders. Activities will work to strengthen the efforts of Colombian government and civil society actors to protect the human rights of labor leaders and activists as guaranteed by the Colombian Constitution. Illustrative activities include efforts to: improve investigation and prosecution of violations of the human rights of trade union leaders and activists; strengthen and expand legal access for labor leaders and activists; provide preventive and protection measures for at-risk individuals in the labor sector; and increase public awareness about the rights of labor union members. USAID intends to negotiate this modification with only one source under the authority of AIDAR 706.302-70 (b)(5), where an award is for the continued provision of highly specialized services and award to another source would result in substantial additional costs to the Government or would result in unacceptable project delays. The required services include continuation and expansion of services of the same nature as described in the original statement of work of the original contract. This notice is not a request for proposals and no solicitation is available. However, interested parties may identify their interest and capability to satisfy the Government?s requirement in accordance with numbered note 22. Any information received will be considered for the purpose of conducting a competitive procurement. A determination by the Government not to open the requirement to competition is solely within the discretion of the Government.