Notice of Intent to Exercise FAR 52. 217-8 Option to Extend Services NWIHCS Courier Services

NOTICE OF EXTENSION OF SERVICES PURSUANT TO FAR 52.217-8 OPTION TO EXTEND SERVICES



THIS IS NOT A REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE PROPOSALS. This is a notice of intent to exercise an extension of services pursuant to FAR 52.217-8 at the rates and terms existing under contract VA263-15-P-0484.



The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Network Contracting Office 23 (NCO 23), intends to exercise FAR 52.217-8, Option to Extend Services, with Billings Group Inc, to extend contract VA263-15-P-0848 for Courier Services for the Nebraska Western Iowa Health Care System (NWIHCS) for an additional six (6) months.



This extension of services was executed under the authority of Federal Acquisition Regulation clause 52.217-8 as authorized by FAR 13.106-1. This extension will continue courier services for the Omaha VA Health Care System and assigned Community Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCs) for the period of June 1, 2015 through November 30, 2015.



This extension was necessary to allow for a competitive follow-on contract to be completed and to allow for proper review and approvals of all pre-solicitation requirements. Procurement history and market research has indicated that there are contractors with courier capabilities; however given the length of time until the existing contract expires on May 31, 2015, NCO23 will not be able to solicit and award a replacement contract in a timely fashion, causing a lapse in services. The estimated value of the extension is $128,100.00.



This notice is being posted because the option, under FAR 52.217-8, was not previously evaluated as part of initial contract award. The extension will be at the current rates specified in the current contract, as allowed by FAR 52.217-8, and will extend performance for a period not to exceed six (6) months. The incumbent contractor is the only responsible offeror for this option as the Government would experience unacceptable delays in fulfilling agency's requirements if the extension is not executed before the contract expiration date.



This notice is not a request for competitive proposals. The Government will not be responsible for any cost incurred by interested parties in preparation of information or documents related to this option exercise. A determination by the Government to exercise the aforementioned option clause and not compete this proposed contract based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government.