R -- Extension of Performance Period: NSF Contract No. OPP-0001041

The National Science Foundation intends to solicit on a sole-source basis VECO USA, Inc. of Englewood, Colorado to provide logistics support to its Arctic research program for an additional six-month period, from December 1, 2004 through May 31, 2005, to permit the Foundation to complete acquisition of the same services per its Request for Proposals No. DACS-030057. VECO USA, Inc. is currently providing these services to NSF via its Contract No. OPP-0001041: including assistance in planning Arctic science projects; movement of people and supplies to, from, and within the Arctic; installation and operation of field camps; provision of satellite and radio communication links; design, fabrication, and installation of facilities at permanent and temporary research locations in the Arctic; acquisition, operation, maintenance and storage of NSF equipment for the use of investigators in the Arctic; and provision of Arctic field safety training opportunities for the research community. Based upon information available at this time, NSF considers VECO USA, Inc. to be the only responsible source per the statutory authority at 41 U.S.C. 253(c)(1). Vendors that believe their firm can satisfy this requirement shall respond within forty-five days from the date this notice is published with a statement of their capabilities – including literature, brochures, and a detail narrative of their ability to perform this requirement without disruption to the Arctic research program. NSF will evaluate all responses to determine if the vendor is qualified and able to perform the required services for the stated period without adversely affecting the Arctic research program. Refer to numbered notes 22 and 25.