US Department of Commerce/National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), PGAS, Procurement Operations Division, 1325 East West Highway, Station 4301, Silver Spring, MD 20910-3283

R -- SYSTEMS ENGINEERING AND TECHNICAL SUPPORT SERVICES POC Mr. William L. Voitk, Contracting Officer, 301/713-0839 The U.S. Department of Commerce/NOAA intends to negotiate on a noncompetitive basis with Hughes STX Corporation, 4400 Forbes Blvd., Lanham, MD 20706 to increase the ceiling amount of Contract 50-DGNW-2-00054 for Systems Engineering and Technical Support Services (SETSS). The contract, which is in its final option period, expires on September 30, 1996. The Government is required to increase the contract ceiling to provide for continuation of services while a competitive follow-on contract is being negotiated. This proposed action will also include a two month extension to the contract period of performance (through November 30, 1996) to permit a transition period to the follow-on contract (being acquired under Solicitation 52-DGNW-6-90001) if necessary. The contract provides SETSS support to both the National Weather Service (NWS) and the Systems Acquisition Office (SAO) for the Weather Service modernization which includes system development and implementation programs and in the transition from existing to new technology. Major programs supported under the existing contract include NOAA's Automated Surface Observing System (ASOS), Advanced Weather Interactive Processing System (AWIPS), and the Transition Programs. (Note: Support for the AWIPS Acquisition Office will not be included in this action.) These services are required to accomplish assigned tasks for the planning, development, acquisition, and implementation of advanced systems and field service restructuring. Continuity of support services to these programs are essential and program delays must be avoided. Vendors who believe they can satisfy the Government's requirements are invited to submit an affirmative response. To be considered an affirmative response, vendors must submit written data and documentation which demonstrates a knowledge of and close familiarity with each of the aforementioned major programs. This includes knowledge of recent changes in strategy, tactics, and program direction. Any prospective offeror must demonstrate cognizance of the current status and details of these programs such that assumption of duties could be immediately achieved without transition delays while maintaining continuity in service support. Any prospective offeror must also demonstrate a cost and technical benefit to the Government in view of the short period of performance and the recompetition in process. All responsible sources must submit a written narrative statement of capability including detailed technical information and other technical literature sufficient to permit Agency analysis in order to determine a bona fide capability to meet the requirements. See Note 22. (0120)

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