Notice_of_Intent_to_Award_Sole_Source_FBO.docx

Solicitation Number:

SB1350-16-Q-01436

Notice Type:

Special Notice Synopsis:

Added: March 11, 2016

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), on behalf of the Department of Commerce’s, International Trade Administration (ITA), intends to issue a firm fixed price order to CIC Research, Inc, 8361 Vickers Street, San Diego, CA 92111 for a period of twelve (12) months utilizing simplified acquisition procedures. Authority: 13.106-1(b)(2).

The Government’s mandated requirement is to collect a sufficient amount of data from international air passengers to assist in its economic impact assessment of travelers (non-U.S. residents) who visit and spend in the U.S and U.S. residents who travel from the United States to destinations overseas or Mexico. Data collection consists of actual volume counts, the number of passengers traveling, and survey samples to determine travel characteristics and visitation and spending estimates.

Specifically, the Survey of International Air Travelers (SIAT) will provide data results useful to:

1) Calculation of the international balance of trade (exports/imports) for travel services;

2) Determination of the U.S. Gross Domestic Product (GDP) (International Travel Services);

3) Quantification of the national level of Travel and Tourism Satellite Accounts (TTSA);

4) Enhanced reporting of passenger travel and visitation on an origin-destination (O&D) basis.

5) Providing market intelligence to the government and industry to develop strategies to support this industry.

Determinations not to compete the proposed procurement were made because: CIC Research is the current contractor that has been collecting data this year and that historical data along with the data for the remainderof the year has to be collected to complete the calendar year cycle. CIC is the only vendor that can seamlessly continue with the process without interruption and provide the required reports. CIC also has the required administrative and information technology infrastructures to allow seamless transition from the current task order throughout the end of the calendar year.

This announcement constitutes the only notice. This is not a request for quote. A determination not to compete is solely within the discretion of the Government. Any response to this notice must show clear and convincing evidence that a competition would be advantageous to the Government. If no affirmative written response is received, the contract will be awarded without further notice. Responses must be received no later than 5:00 p.m., March 16, 2016 by sending an email to Monica.Brown@trade.gov. Any information received will be used for the sole purpose of market research for future requirements.

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