D--Notice of Intent to award sole source to Pipkins Inc., 530 Maryville Centre Drive, St Louis, MO 63141

The Department of Veterans Affairs, Health Revenue Center, Topeka, KS intends to award a sole source purchase order for software maintenance IAW FAR 6.302-1 and 41 U.S.C. 253(C) (1) to Pipkins Inc. of 530 Maryville Centre Drive, Suite 220, St Louis, MO 63141. The DVA HRC presently operates a nationwide call center that is supported by Pipkins Vantage Point Software in conjunction with various 1-800-numbers. This software is proprietary to Pipkins and Pipkins is the only known authorized source. The sole source purchase order provides for annual software maintenance and support. This sole source award will be made to ensure that all items are compatible and interchangeable with the present system. This is not a request for competitive proposals; however, all interested parties who believe they can meet the requirements are invited to submit in writing complete information describing their ability to meet these requirements. All information shall be furnished at no cost or obligation to the Government. Information received as a result of this notice will be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement. A determination to conduct a competitive procurement will be at the sole discretion of the Contracting Officer. Responses related to this notice shall be in writing and must be received no later than March 09, 2009. POC Barry Fetzer, DVA HRC, 3401 SW 21, Bldg 9, Topeka, KS 66604. Phone request will not be honored. The value of this acquisition is below the Simplified Acquisition Threshold. This is a simplified acquisition.*****