R--Technical and Analytical Support Services Related to Data Verification and Validation Issues

The Department of Energy's Office of Plutonium, Uranium, and Special Materials Inventory seeks to continue technical and analytical support services focused on data verification and validation related to its nuclear material inventory. This requirement covers a six-month period, during which an estimated 378 Direct Productive Labor Hours will be utilized. The government plans to award this contract non-competitively to Proxemy Research, Inc., under FAR 6.302.1, indicating a sole-source acquisition process. This action follows a prior determination to competitively solicit similar services, but the current six-month continuation will be handled at the government's discretion without further competition. The contract is designated as a total small business set-aside, emphasizing support for small business participation under FAR 19.5. The solicitation, identified as DE-AC01-00SO20006, was posted on October 8, 2002, as a presolicitation notice and is intended solely to inform interested parties rather than invite competitive proposals. The decision not to compete this continuation is a deliberate government choice based on the unique qualifications of the selected contractor and the need for continuity in addressing complex data validation issues crucial to managing the Department's sensitive nuclear material inventory.