Notice of Intent to Sole Source

Added: Jun 06, 2017 10:11 am Modified: Jun 06, 2017 10:12 amTrack Changes This is not a request for quotations or an announcement of a forthcoming solicitation, but merely notification of the Social Security Administration's (SSA) intent to issue, on a sole-source basis, a firm fixed-price purchase order to Roubini Global Economics (RGE)/4CAST for access to their online subscription entitled RGE Monitor. Under the authority of Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) Part 6.302-1, the Contracting Officer has determined that the circumstances of the contract action deem only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements. RGE Monitor is only available from its producer and manufacturer and not through dealers or distributors. The period of performance will be for a total of three years, including one base year and two option year periods. The base year period of performance will run from September 16, 2017 through September 15, 2018.

The subscription includes online access to the following publications and databases:

• Spotlight Issues: The most current thinking on the most business-critical debates

• Global Daily Digest: Updates on the latest significant developments

• Working Paper Series: Access working papers created by accomplished economic experts from the National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER) and the Center for Economic Policy Research (CEPR).

• Proprietary analysis: Access their thought leadership through briefs, quarterly conference calls, Webcasts and, for select clients, one-to-one meetings.

The subscription is accessed through SSA's Digital Library, which is on the agency's intranet and is password protected. Economists and analysts in the Offices of Policy and the Actuary will use RGE Monitor to assist with economic forecasting as it relates to SSA's trust funds and plans for future SSA program requirements.

Under the authority of Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) Part 6.302-1, the Contracting Officer has determined that the circumstances of the contract action deem only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements. The RGE Monitor is only available from its producer and manufacturer and not through dealers or distributors.

This requirement is utilizing procedures in FAR Part 12 in conjunction with procedures in FAR Part 13. A determination by SSA not to compete this proposed requirement based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of SSA. Information received will be considered for the purposes of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement. The government does not intend to pay for information provided in response to this notice.

Written responses to this notice shall contain sufficient documentation to establish a bona fide capability to fulfill this requirement. Responses shall be submitted by 11:00AM ET on June 13, 2017 to Jameka.Anderson@ssa.gov . If SSA does not receive an acceptable response to this announcement by June 13, 2017, in accordance with FAR 13.106-1(b)(1), negotiations will be conducted with the RGE/4Cast as the only source and a purchase order will be issued without any additional notices being posted.

Respondents should refer to 0919-17-1026 in their responses.