Cogito software support

The intent of this Pre-solicitation Notice is for informational purposes only. The U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service (ARS), Contracting Operations Branch (COB) intends to award a sole source award for software licenses, maintenance and support, and professional technical services and training.  Technical services include developing and supporting NAL custom Cogito skill cartridges and annotation plans, programming with Cogito REST APIs, troubleshooting problems with skill cartridges and annotation plan components, etc.  As the software evolves and new capabilities or modules are available, there is continual need for training of staff on the system.   NAL has continual need for professional services to maintain the integrity and quality of the results so that NAL and other USDA customers do not lose functionality.  Specialized knowledge of the Cogito computational linguistics, natural language processing, machine-learning and semantic analysis is necessary to go forward with improvement and refinement of this integrated system.

The proposed contract will be awarded using a Justification for Other Than Full and Open Competition (JOFOC) procedures citing the authority at 41 USC 3304(a)(3) as implemented by FAR 6.302-1 Only One Responsible Source and No Other Supplies or Services Will Satisfy Agency Requirements.  The justification for other than full and open competition is attached for reference.

The synopsis does NOT constitute an Invitation for Bids (IFB), a Request for Proposals (RFP) or Request for Quotes (RFQ) nor does it restrict the Government as to its ultimate acquisition approach.  The Government does not intend to award a contract on the basis of this notice nor will it reimburse firms for any costs associated with preparing or submitting a response to this notice.  However, all responsible sources, meeting the requirements, which, if received within 10 calendar days of publication of this notice shall be considered by the Government.  All responses must be submitted to the Government primary point of contact as shown on this notice. If no written responses are received after the publication of this notice the contract will be awarded without further notice.  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.