QUALITY PROCESSES DEVELOPMENT

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) intends to negotiate on a sole source basis with Dr. Curt Reimann, Clarksburg, MD, under Other Than Full and Open Competition by the authority of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Subpart 6.302-1, Only One Responsible Source and No Other Supplies or Services Will Satisfy Agency Requirements. The effort will be for continued quality processes development to assist in the identification of linkages, liaison, and impacts of quality on National Competitiveness and National economic well-being, and to identify opportunities for NIST’s Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) to provide improved services to its Centers and small businesses. This is a sole source follow-on requirement under which Dr. Reimann has been assisting MEP Centers in the application of criteria for Center Performance Excellence to their operations. As the original visionary for the development of the Federal role in the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award Program, Dr. Reimann has developed a uniquely in-depth thoroughness of approach and vigor of the process critical to the establishment and acceptance of America’s National Quality Award. Knowledge of the criteria of both the Baldrige Program and the MEP are critical to the success of this effort, as well as an in-depth understanding of current MEP evaluation practices and ongoing research in new and innovative areas. A labor hour contract is contemplated and will be issued on or about December 24, 2009 for a 1 year period beginning January 8, 2010 and ending January 7, 2011 with four 1-year options to extend the term of the contract. No solicitation package will be issued. This notice of intent is not a request for competitive proposals; however, interested parties may identify their interest and capability to respond to the requirement. Inquiries will only be accepted via e-mail to [email protected]. The government will consider responses received by 5:00PM, EST, 11/09/2009. Written responses to this synopsis shall contain sufficient documentation to establish a bona fide capability to fulfill the requirement. A determination by the Government not to compete this proposed requirement based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. Information received will normally be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement in the future. This notice of intent is not a Request for Proposals (RFP) nor is it a request for competition. No telephone requests will be honored. The North American Industrial Classification System (NAICS) code for this acquisition is 541618, and the size standard is $7.0M.