--Sole Source Synopsis for ASPEN software.

The Army Contracting Agency at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, plans to enter into a sole source contract with Click2Learn, Incorporated, located in Bellevue, Washington, for one year of service and support related to the ASPEN Learning Management Server, the ASPEN Content Development Server, and the ASPEN Learning Experience Service. Since Click2Learn is the sole manufacturer and provider of these proprietary ASPEN products, the agency has determined that this requirement must be awarded exclusively to them. The contract is set as a firm fixed price agreement covering a 12-month period from September 30, 2003, to September 29, 2004, under the NAICS code 541511, which corresponds to computer systems design services with a size standard of $21 million. Although this is a sole source acquisition, other firms that believe they can provide equivalent support without sacrificing quality, accuracy, reliability, or causing hardship to the program are invited to submit written responses within five days of the notice’s publication. Responses are directed to the contracting office, specifically to Chris Scena, via fax or email. This approach ensures that while the agency acknowledges the proprietary nature of the products and recognizes the sole provider, it remains open to alternative suppliers should they demonstrate capability to meet the contract’s stringent requirements.