B -- Institutional Strengthening Program

The United States Agency for International Development USAID, Mission to Nicaragua, is contemplating extending its contract with Checchi and Co. Contract No. 524-C-00-99-00019-00 for the continued provision of highly specialized services and award to another source would result in substantial additional costs to the Government or would result in unacceptable project delays. This contract was competed under full and open competition and its original purpose will remain unchanged. The modification will provide a ten month bridging mechanism for the continued provision of highly specialized services in 1) Strengthening of the Public Defender System, 2) Strengthening of the Public Ministry, and 3) Promoting public awareness of roles and responsibilities of the Public Ministry, the Public Defender System and the Attorney Generals Office. The modification will extend the completion date of the contract by 10 months, from March 18, 2004 to January 10, 2005. A modification of the existing contract is expected under the authority under AIDAR 706.302-70-5 Other than Full and Open Competition unless, the Contracting Officer determines that more than one source can meet the Government’s needs, as a result of this notice. To respond to this notice and to be considered, offerors must see Numbered Notes 22 and 25 and must strictly comply with the submission instructions and requirements. All responsible sources may submit an expression of interest which must include capability statements. USAID Nicaragua will not respond to requests nor consider proposals that do not comply with the submission requirements. It is the sole responsibility of potential offerors to ensure that their expression of interest and all necessary documents reach the Contracting Office, USAID Nicaragua, Loteria Nacional 150mts. abajo, frente a Syscom, Managua, Nicaragua, not later than 30 days from the date of this notice and before the USAID Nicaragua close of business. See Numbered Notes 22 and 25.