NOI_AMDTCNOI2501233.pdf

NOTICE OF INTENT TO SOLE SOURCE

Contracting Opportunities Announcement Type: Special Notice Announcement Number: AMDTCNOI2501233 Subject: Computer-Based Testing for the Cryptographic Validation Program (CVP)

Introduction This is a notice of intent, not a request for a quotation. A solicitation document will not be issued, and quotations will not be requested.

Purpose The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) intends to negotiate a firm-fixed priced purchase order on a sole source basis with Pearson VUE, a business of NCS Pearson, Inc., located at 5601 Green Valley Drive, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55437-1099. The purchase order will specifically procure contractor support services for the Computer-Based Testing for the Cryptographic Validation Program (CVP). In advancing its mission objectives, NIST must validate cryptographic modules and cryptographic algorithms, and ensure independent, National Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation Program (NVLAP) accredited laboratories meet competence and performance criteria for conducting algorithm and module testing. Cryptographic and Security Testing (CST) Laboratories are independent laboratories accredited by NVLAP. CST Labs verify each module meets a set of testable cryptographic and security requirements, with each CST laboratory submission reviewed and validated by CMVP. These labs are located around the world, including North America, Asia, Australia, and Europe. The purpose of this requirement is to publish, administer, and update computer-based competency tests to testing centers near NVLAP accredited laboratories.

The performance period shall be a base period of 12-months, plus one (1) 12-month option period. The estimated start date is May 1, 2025.

Authority This acquisition is being conducted under the authority of FAR Subpart 13.106(b)(1) allowing the Contracting Officer (CO) to solicit from one source. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code for this acquisition is 611710 – Educational Support Services, with the small business size standard of $24.0 million.

Description See attached Performance Work Statement (PWS) document.

Sole Source Determination The sole source determination is based on the following:

Pearson VUE is the only known source with the necessary capabilities to provide the Government the required computer-based competency exams to NVLAP accredited lab testers world-wide.

Information for Interested Parties Interested parties that believe they could satisfy the requirements listed above for NIST may clearly and unambiguously identify their capability to do so in writing by or before the response date for this notice. This notice of intent is not a solicitation, and questions will not be entertained.

All responses to this notice of intent must be submitted via email to jennifer.lohmeier@nist.gov so that they are received no later than 10:00AM Eastern Time, on April 4, 2025.

Each response shall include the following Business Information:

a. Contractor Name, Address,

b. Point of Contact Name, Phone Number, and Email address

c. Contractor (SAM) Universal Entity Identification (UEI)

d. Contractor Business Classification (i.e., small business, 8(a), woman owned, HUBZone, veteran owned, etc.) as validated in System for Award Management (SAM). All offerors must have an active registration in www.SAM.gov.

e. Capability Statement mailto:jennifer.lohmeier@nist.gov