The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, under the authority of 41 U.S.C. 253(c)(1) as implemented by FAR 6.302-1, intends to negotiate a sole source contract based on an unsolicited proposal submitted by Scholastic, Inc. The proposed contract will involve the creation, publication, and delivery of a customized book under Scholastic?s branded and copyrighted Magic School Bus series. The customized book will be tailored to focus on the goals of the EPA Clean School Bus USA program, including elimination of unnecessary public school bus idling, upgrading buses with better emission control technologies, fueling buses with cleaner fuels, and replacing the oldest buses in the fleet with newer, less polluting buses. EPA intends to distribute free copies of the book to schools, libraries, community organizations, and other non-commercial entities. THIS NOTICE OF INTENT IS NOT A REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE PROPOSALS. However, interested parties may identify their interest and capability and respond to the office identified above. Documentation must be received by April 12, 2006 in order to be considered by the EPA. Information received will normally be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement. Interested parties should submit their capability statements to Scott Tharp, Contracting Officer, at
[email protected]. Any determination not to compete this proposed acquisition based upon assessment of responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. Telephone responses will not be honored.