Intent to Sole Source Award for "Red List of Egyptian Cultural Objects at Risk. "

Added: May 25, 2011 11:32 am Intent for a sole source award for "Red List of Egyptian Cultural Objects at Risk."
The U.S. Department of State intends to award a noncompetitive contract to International Council of Museums (ICOM) for producing and distributing, a "Emergency Red List of Egyptian Cultural Objects at Risk," to include preparation of an experts committee, and production of a Red List for international distribution together with a training campaign. International Council of Museums is the only organization that produces the Official Red List.

This purchase will be made as an Other than Full and Open Competition as authorized by 41 USC 253(c)(1), FAR 6.302-1, "Only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements". The anticipated award date is 09 June 2011. This notice is neither a request for competitive proposals nor a solicitation of offers. A determination by the Government not to compete this requirement is solely within the discretion of the Government. Information received will be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement.

The justification for this sole source procurement is for the production and distribution of a Red List of Egyptian Cultural Objects at Risk. Red Lists are representative lists of general types or categories of objects, generally protected by national legislation and international agreements, which are subjected to illicit international trafficking. The Red Lists are intended to protect cultural heritage at risk by helping customs officials, police officers, art dealers, museums, and collectors to recognize possible illicit objects and take appropriate action when they are identified.

The publication of this Red List will fulfill the Cultural Antiquities Task Force congressional mandate [Senate Report 109-277, FY07 Appropriations Legislation] to assist international organizations to preserve and track historically and culturally significant works stolen from other countries.

The Government has researched this requirement and found that International Council of Museums is the only organization providing this service in the U.S.