M -- Operation and Maintenance of NOAA/NMFS/Newport Field Research Station ? Newport, OR

This special notice is issued in accordance with FAR Part 5.201(b)(1)(ii). The Western Region Acquisition Division (WRAD) proposes to extend the existing contract for the Operation and Maintenance of NOAA/NMFS/Newport Field Research Station (NFRS) in Newport, OR (Contract Number 50ABNF200029) with the current contractor, Oregon State University, for a period of up to six months beyond the contract's current expiration date of March 31, 2007. The follow-on requirement for continuation of these services has been solicited on a competitive basis under Solicitation Number AB133F-07-RP-0017. Proposals have been received in response to the solicitation and are currently being evaluated by WRAD. The extension to the current contract is necessary due to the existence of a pending agency protest that is delaying award of the follow-on contract. Oregon State University operations and maintenance staff is currently mobilized at the NFRS. The time frame available between now and the expiration of the current contract would make it impossible for any entity other than the current contractor to mobilize and ensure the continuity of services for the operation and maintenance of the NFRS. It is anticipated that the time frame necessary to adjudicate the protest and award the follow-on contract will take no more than six months. This extension will be utilized on a month to month basis for the amount of time necessary to adjudicate the pending protest and award the follow-on contract. The extension shall not exceed six months. Questions concerning this proposed action shall be directed to Contracting Officer Paul Reed via telephone at (206) 526-6034 or via email at [email protected].