Technical Assistance and Training for the 57 State and U.S Territory Protection and Advocacy Systems

The Social Security Administration intends to award a sole source contract to the National Disability Rights Network (NDRN), 900 Second Street, NE, Suite 211, Washington, DC 20002 to provide specialized training and technical assistance and to manage data collection for State Protection and Advocacy for Beneficiaries of Social Security (PABSS) Systems. The first purpose of this contract is to provide the 57 designated State and U.S. Territorial PABSS agencies with the training and technical assistance necessary to enable them to provide protection and advocacy (P&A) services which beneficiaries with disabilities may use to secure, maintain, or regain gainful employment. Management of PABSS data collection will enable SSA to measure the effectiveness and monitor the performance of the PABSS program and to obtain information on positive employment outcomes. Another purpose of this contract is to provide centralized administration and management of representative payee (rep payee) monitoring, in particular organizational and employer rep payees. Based on the need to expand rep payee monitoring for compliance with Federal and State laws, rules, and regulations, this contract will provide PABSS staff with the necessary training, technical assistance, and resources to mitigate the risk of organizational fraud and abuse to beneficiaries with disabilities. The period of performance will include a base plus four option years. This procurement is being made under the authority of FAR 6.302-1 (10 U.S.C 2304(c)(1)) “Only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements.” The sole source is based on the source’s unique ability to provide protection and advocacy support, which has been supported by extensive market research to include publication of a sources sought synopsis. This is not a formal solicitation. No solicitation document is available and telephone requests will not be honored. No contract will be awarded on the basis of offers received in response to this notice. Any response to this notice must show clear and convincing evidence that the required capability is available from other sources and competition would be advantageous to the Government. If no affirmative written response is received, the procurement will be awarded without further notice. A determination by the Government not to compete this proposed contract based on this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. Detailed capabilities must be submitted to the following email address by July 23, 2009: [email protected].