Notice of intent to sole source – yoto V. Yotov

The U.S. International Trade Commission has issued a Special Notice announcing its intent to award a sole-source purchase order to Professor Yoto V. Yotov for specialized training services. The notice, posted on July 8, 2025, with a response deadline of July 18, 2025, indicates the Commission's intention to procure training in Gravity Modeling under the authority of FAR 6.302-1, which allows for sole-source procurement when only one responsible source can satisfy agency requirements. The training is classified under NAICS code 611430 for Professional and Management Development Training and PSC code U008 for Training/Curriculum Development. Professor Yotov is located in Penn Valley, Pennsylvania, and the Commission has determined that no other vendor possesses the unique expertise required for this specialized training requirement.

The purpose of this sole-source procurement is to enhance collaborative development for members of the Office of Economics through a specialized training course in Gravity Modeling, with a performance period extending from August 1, 2025, through May 31, 2026. According to the attached Justification and Approval document, Professor Yotov is recognized as a world-renowned expert with extensive publications on the Gravity Model of international trade and is currently engaged in similar projects with the Commission. The notice explicitly states that this is not a request for competitive quotations and no solicitation will be available, as the Commission intends to proceed with the sole-source award. However, any information received within five days of the posting date will be considered by the government, and interested parties may contact Contracting Officer Alisha Hunt at Alisha.Hunt@usitc.gov, though telephonic inquiries are discouraged. The Commission retains full discretion in its determination not to compete this procurement action.