V -- METRO Metrochecks/Smart Benefits

The Department of Housing and Urban Development intends to issue a sole source contract with a base and four one-year options to the Washington Metro Area Transit Authority (WMATA). The proposed action provides access to WMATA automated Smart Benefits System and Metrocheks to be used in support of the Mass Transportation Subsidy program and the Smart Benefits Program for HUD employees. WMATA is the only vendor that provides SmartBenefits/Metrochek services. The proposed acquisition is for services for which the government intends to solicit and negotiate with only one source Under authority of Far 6.302. Interested persons may identify their interest by responding to the requirement within 10 days after the date of publication of this notice. A determination by the government not to compete this proposed acquisition based upon responses to this notice and is solely within the discretion of the government. Information received will normally be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement. No solicitation is available. This procurement is being conducted under Commercial Items FAR Part 12. HUD intends to purchase the services from WMATA. The statutory authority which permits other than full and open competition is Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) Part 6.302-1(b)(2), - only one responsible source and no other supply or service will satisfy agency requirements. WMATA is the only licensed metro area mass-transit system in the metropolitan Washington DC area that can provide the required services. Interested parties may submit their capabilities and qualification to perform the effort in writing to the identified point of contact not later than 2:30 p.m. local time on July 28, 2006. For further information, please contact Mr. Jeffrey Non U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development 451 7th Street SW Room 5266, Washington, D.C. 20410 Jeffrey_M._Non@Hud.gov (202) 708-1772 ext 7477. See Note 22.