23R0004 NOI.pdf

Special Notice: 49100423R0004

Description: NOTICE OF INTENT TO AWARD SOLE SOURCE

The National Science Foundation (NSF) intends to issue a Cost Type Contract Award to a single source under the authority of FAR 6.302-1(a)(i), Only One Responsible Source and No Other Supplies or Services Will Satisfy Agency Requirements on or about 21 February 2023 to the National Academy of Sciences (NAS), Washington, DC. The period of performance will be for sixteen (16) months.

The scope of work requires executing the legislative mandate as set forth in Title III (National Science Foundation for the Future), Section 10514 (National Academies Evaluation) of the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022 (Pub.L.

117-167). NSF intends to award this requirement as a sole source contract to NAS. The services sought are those necessary to meet the requirements stated in Section 10514 of the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022. Specifically, NSF will enter into an agreement with the National Academies whereby the Academies will (a) conduct an evaluation and assessment that (1) evaluates the quality and quantity of current Federal programming and research directed at examining STEM education for students in prekindergarten through grade 12 and workforce development in rural areas; (2) in coordination with the Federal Communications Commission, assesses the impact that the scarcity of broadband connectivity in rural communities, and the affordability of broadband connectivity, have on STEM and technical literacy for students in prekindergarten through grade 12 in rural areas;

(3) assesses the core research and data needed to understand the challenges rural areas are facing in providing quality STEM education and workforce development; (4) makes recommendations for action at the Federal, State, and local levels for improving STEM education, including online STEM education, for students in prekindergarten through grade 12 and workforce development in rural areas; (5) makes recommendations to inform the implementation of programs in sections 10512 and 10513; and (b) submits a report including the Academies’ findings and recommendations.

No Request for Information has been published via SAM.gov as the legislative mandate precludes such action.

The only response received was from the intended awardee. The statutory authority permitting other than full and open competition is Title 41 U.S.C. 3304(a) (1), Use of Noncompetitive procedures, as implemented by the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 6.302-1 -- Only One Responsible Source and No Other Supplies or Services Will Satisfy Agency Requirements.

The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code for this requirement is 541720, with the size standard of $28M. This notice of intent is not a request for proposals or quotes; however, all responsible sources may submit a quotation and technical capabilities, which, if received within fifteen (15) calendar days of publication of this notice, shall be considered by NSF. All responses must be submitted to the Government point of contact at the email address shown below. A determination by the Government not to open the requirement to competition based upon the responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government.

Contracting Office Address:

National Science Foundation, Division of Acquisition and Cooperative Support, 2415 Eisenhower Avenue, Alexandria VA, 22314

Government Point of Contact:

Angela Johnson, Contracting Officer, Email: anjohnso@nsf.gov Telephone: 703-292-7910 mailto:anjohnso@nsf.gov