To conduct an annual benchmarking survey on arts participation

The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) intends to issue a sole source commercial item modification, using FAR Part 13.105(b) Simplified Acquisition Procedures in accordance with FAR 5.101(a)(2), with only one responsible source that will satisfy the agency's requirement to Silber & Associates to conduct an annual "benchmarking" survey on arts participation.  The purpose of the survey is two-fold.  First, data from the survey will feed into the NEA's performance management system and allow the agency to measure outcomes from the FY2012-2016 strategic plan.  Second, the survey will complement and supplement the Survey of Public Participation in the Arts (SPPA), providing the NEA, the arts and culture community, and the public more current information on arts engagement in the U.S.  The Contractor has been working on the 2012 SPPA questionnaire since June 2010, including doing a literature review of the SPPA, preparing for and facilitating an advisory committee meeting to solicit feedback on the development of the 2012 questionnaire, drafting of the questionnaire based on the committee's recommendations, intimate knowledge of and experience with the design and testing of the 2012 SPPA questionnaire, intimate knowledge and understanding of the history of the SPPA, its complexities, and how it has evolved since 1982, extensive experience developing and testing questionnaires for large population surveys, extensive experience analyzing large population datasets, extensive knowledge of the Current Population Survey, and certified to work with the Federal Government.  The Office of Research and Analysis requires this indispensible Contractor that contains the government's proprietary information to complete the next phases to present to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) on their scheduled due date.  It is imperative that Silber & Associates expertise be available to the Agency as soon as possible to avoid a major negative impact.  This notice is for informational purposes only.  This notice of intent is not a request for competitive quotes or proposals nor will a formal solicitation be issued.  Interested persons may identify their interest and capability to respond to the requirement.  A determination by the Government not to compete with this proposed contract action based upon responses to this notice 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.