Software and Hardware Maintenance Services for the HP i3070 Test Development System

Notice of Proposed Contract Action (NOPCA). THIS IS NOT A REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE PROPOSALS. This is a notice of intent to award, as set forth in the Simplified Acquisition Procedures at FAR 13.106-1(b), soliciting from a single source. The Cryptologic Systems Division (CPSD), Cyber/Netcentric Directorate of Contracting (HNCK), intends to purchase software and hardware maintenance services from Agilent Technology for the HP i3070 Test Development System. The services being procured are inclusive of providing proprietary software updates subscription, license to use, 8X5 phone support, ICT Max-Cooperative 8X5 parts support agreement (with parts delivered next business day), on-site technical assistance as required, and calibration 2X per year. The proposed acquisition is for items with NAICS Code 334515, Computer Services, which has a Small Business Size Standard of 500 pers. A sole source justification (determination for other than full and open competition) has been submitted and approved for this procurement. The sole source justification states that Agilent Technology owns the proprietary rights to the software/licenses and there is no other source for this support available. The ESC/HNCK intends to solicit the requirement through a written solicitation request for proposal (RFP). The government intends to make an award in the late-July 2012 timeframe. Proposals for the required items are NOT being requested through this notice. If a firm is capable of providing these exact hardware and software services, please contact the Contracting Officer within four days of this announcement. Those interested firms must indicate whether they are a large, small, small-disadvantaged, 8(a) or women owned business and whether they are U.S. or foreign owned. Interested parties must respond no later than 10 July 2012 by 10:00 a.m. CST. The Point of Contact for the proposed contract action is: Christina L. Barr, email: esc.hncks@us.af.mil and courtesy copy (cc) kent.storey@us.af.mil Ombudsman (APR 2010) (a) An ombudsman has been appointed to hear and facilitate the resolution of concerns from offerors, potential offerors, and others for this acquisition. When requested, the ombudsman will maintain strict confidentiality as to the source of the concern. The existence of the ombudsman does not affect the authority of the program manager, contracting officer, or source selection official. Further, the ombudsman does not participate in the evaluation of proposals, the source selection process, or the adjudication of protests or formal contract disputes. The ombudsman may refer the party to another official who can resolve the concern. (b) Before consulting with an ombudsman, interested parties must first address their concerns, issues, disagreements, and/or recommendations to the contracting officer for resolution. Consulting an ombudsman does not alter or postpone the timelines for any other processes (e.g., agency level bid protests, GAO bid protests, requests for debriefings, employee-employer actions, contests of OMB Circular A-76 competition performance decisions). (c) If resolution cannot be made by the contracting officer, concerned parties may contact the Center/MAJCOM or AFISRA ombudsmen, ESC/DS at (703) 377-5106, FAX (781) 377-4659, or email esc.ombudsman@hanscom.af.mil . Concerns, issues, disagreements, and recommendations that cannot be resolved at the MAJCOM/DRU or ARISRA level, may be brought by the concerned party for further consideration to the Air Force ombudsman, Associate Deputy Assistant Secretary (ADAS) (Contracting), SAF/AQC, 1060 Air Force Pentagon, Washington DC 20330-1060, phone number (703) 588-7004, facsimile number (703) 588-1067. (d) The ombudsman has no authority to render a decision that binds the agency. (e) Do not contact the ombudsman to request copies of the solicitation, verify offer due date, or clarify technical requirements. Such inquiries shall be directed to the Contracting Officer.