SOLE SOURCE The General Services Administration/Office of Governmentwide Policy intends to procure a sole source. Since the Federal Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) task force disbanded, the Office of Governmentwide Policy (OGP) has been asked by the Office Of Management and Budget to work with federal and state agencies to address cross-cutting issues and encourage EBT development and implemnetation consistent with the national model for all states. The national model relies on the processing of "interoperable transactions", that is, transactions which cross State or in the case of regional coalitions regional lines. It is unlear if these transasctions are covered in the context of existing State agreements with providers such as Citibank or Deluxe Data. COnsequently, research must be done to deteremine the volume of these transactions and the costs associated with tem. It is necessary to contract with the National Automated Clearing House Association (HACHA) which is uniquely qualified to do the research because of its membership, including federal and state agencies and industry stakeholders. See Numbered Note 22.***** WEB: SOLE SOURCE, http://www.usa/gov/procurement/index.html. E-MAIL: DONNA C. HUGHES 202-219-2439, LARRY CARNES 202-208-7651. Posted 09/14/98 (W-SN249200).

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