This sources sought is a request for information prior to drafting and releasing any resultant solicitation. The information contained in this sources sought notification is based on the best and most current information available to date, is subject to change and is not binding on the Government. Any significant changes will be provided in subsequent synopsis, if required. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) is seeking potential small businesses to conduct the following tasks: First, the contractor shall develop a robust but pragmatic set of recommendations for new and revised programs in the South Caucasus and Central Asia that would respond to initiatives set forth at the 2004 NATO Summit in Istanbul. In preparing recommendations for new and revised programs, the contractor will utilize open source materials and interviews among interested parties in the local area and on-site. Second, the contractor shall examine the lessons learned from the NATO Partnership for Peace (PFP) program based on the experiences and observations of the newest NATO members, current PFP members, and the NATO International Staff. Recommendations will focus on strengthening the PfP program and more effectively and efficiently using Warsaw Initiative Funds to support current PfP members, reinforcing the mandates of the 2004 NATO Istanbul Summit. The contractor will develop a set of recommendations for new and revised security programs in the South Caucasus and Central Asia focusing on the countries of Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, and Kazakhstan in response to DoD’s expanded security mandate in the two regions, as well as NATO’s increased emphasis on the regions laid out at the 2004 NATO Istanbul Summit. The contractor will accomplish this task through a review of open source materials and interviews with representatives from the following organizations, as applicable: US Department of Defense (OSD, the Joint Staff, Services, relevant Combatant Commands, etc.) North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) member government representative and International Staff, Relevant South Caucasus and Central Asian government ministries,Others. The contractor shall examine the efficiency and effectiveness of the US effort to support NATO’s Partnership for Peace program. This lessons-learned effort will assess how well the US has supported partner transitions to full NATO membership. Specifically, the contractor shalll determine which programs and activities have been successful, marginally successful, or unsuccessful in preparing PFP partners for entry into NATO. US success in supporting NATO’s PFP program will be assessed through a review of open source materials and on-site interviews with representatives from appropriate US Government, NATO International Staff and NATO member, and PFP member offices. The contractor shall assess uses of WIF monies to support U.S. objectives and make recommendations on improved implementation for meeting PfP goals following Istanbul 2004. The contractor shall make recommendations drawn from the best practices and lessons learned that have the significant potential to benefit the remaining PfP members including states from the Balkans, Caucasus and Central Asia in line with US policy goals and the tenets of the PfP program. The contractor shalll also include recommendations that would support the Istanbul Cooperation Initiative. If you are interested in competing for this requirement, please indicate your interest by sending an email no later November 12, 2004, 10:00A.M. EDT to Ralph Novak email:
[email protected] and cc Mrs. Toye Y. Latimore, Contracting Officer, email:
[email protected]. The e-mail shall contain the following subject line, “Sources Sought, Assessing Security Cooperation Activities in the South Caucasus & Central Asia”. Use of any other subject line may delay your entry. All valid e-mail responses from prospective sources must provide the return e-mail address, company name, mailing address, telephone number, facsimile number, and point of contact within the body of their response. In addition, to assist in the acquisition strategy development, please respond to the following questions: 1) is your business small business [Small Disadvantaged, Women-Owned, Service Disabled Veteran Owned, etc]? For the purpose of determining your business size, the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS), 9281 will be utilized for this acquisition. 2) Provide a list of customers (Government/non-Government) within the past 5-years highlighting similar work performed. Include contract numbers, contract type, dollar value of each procurement, and point of contact/address/and phone numbers and a brief description of the work performed 3) Provide information relative to past performance that demonstrates the ability to provide ALL capabilities noted above. E-mail responses without the aforementioned information will not be recognized as valid. ALL PROSPECTIVE OFFERORS MUST RESPOND TO THIS SYNOPSIS VIA E-MAIL. TELEPHONE REQUESTS FOR SOLICITATIONS or INFORMATION IN REGARDS TO THIS SYNOPSIS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED OR RETURNED. Submit responses no later than November 12, 2004, 10:00 A.M. EDT. Your response is limited to 10 pages. NO SOLICITATION EXISTS AT THIS TIME. The Government reserves the right to conduct oral capabilities demonstrations that will be scheduled at a later date. This is not a commitment on the part of the Government to award a contract as result of the notice or pay for any information received.