R -- MULTILATERAL INITIATIVE ON MALARIA

Notice Date

June 21, 2001

Contracting Office

National Library of Medicine, Office of Acquisitions Management, Building 38A, Room B1N17, 8600 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, Maryland 20894

ZIP Code

20894

Solicitation Number

N/A

Response Due

July 10, 2001

Point of Contact

Liem T. Nguyen, Contract Specialist, (301)496-6546

E-Mail Address

click here to contact the contract specialist via (liem_nguyen@nlm.nih.gov)

Description

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for Commercial Items prepared in accordance with the format in FAR Subpart 12.6 as supplemented with additional information contained in this notice. This procurement is being conducted under Simplified Acquisition Procedures in accordance with FAR Part 13. It is the intent of the National Library of Medicine (NLM) to negotiate on a sole source basis with AfriConnect Limited, of The Commercial Centre, Cambridge, United Kingdom, for the specialized technical strategic design, implementation, and oversight services in providing access to Biomedical Information to African nations. As part of the Multilateral Initiative on Malaria, the NLM is creating a research network for scientists working in Africa. The NLM is coordinating and managing an electronic research network which enables medical researchers working in Africa to have full access to the Internet and the World Wide Web. The vendor will be required to perform the following tasks: 1) producing a short pamphlet on 'applying for regulatory permission'; a documented comparative study of two selected sites on the MIMCom network; a user manual for the research community; a help manual for system operators (sysops) at each site; a technical manual for sustained central operation; an analysis of all technical work done over the last two years; a document outlining realistic expectations at each site, etc. 2) technical work undertaken in co-operation with Redwing Satellite Solutions (RSS) including: purchasing and installing equipment at all remote sites; coordinating the work with RSS and liaising with all remote sites on testing; 3) Upgrading existing sites in Tanzania; 4) providing additional support work to existing sites; 5) reviewing and assessing new and alternative technologies and options for smaller sites; 6) if required, assisting in recruiting further assistance for the sites in Tanzania and Ghana; 7) internal evaluating of existing sites requires a visit to Ghana and Tanzania; 8) working with NLM staff to hand over control of the MIMCom Website; providing support for ongoing tasks including work related to the system at RSS and on the satellite as well as at remote sites (LAN, routers, servers, onward links, etc.). AfriConnect is a company dedicated to providing Information and Communication Technology (ICT) services in Africa, with a special emphasis on the design, installation and support of Internet connectivity. Their unique expertise and experience in working with the research centers in remote areas of Africa and their successful collaboration with various African agencies involved have been integral to the early success of this important Federal project in disseminating biomedical information to under-served African nations. Mark Bennett, the Managing Director of AfriConnect, has personally worked with NLM in creating a solution not previously available or affordable. His strategic plan simplifies the network design and minimizes the amount of space segment required to support the remote sites. This approach also makes it very simple to add additional sites when the need arises. Additionally, the space segment can be increased at any time to accommodate both the growth in sites and the overall utilization of the network. Mr. Bennett has been involved with all of the above stated activities since the inception of the project and has provided and continues to provide service to eight remote research centers in Kenya, Ghana and Tanzania, as well as preparation for installation at further sites in Malawi, Kenya and Uganda where full access to the Internet and the Worldwide Web had not been possible previously. It would not be cost effective to contract another company to fulfill the task of overseeing the installation of network systems and Internet connectivity in remote parts of Africa. NLM has determined that AfriConnect, under the leadership of Mark Bennett, is the only source who can successfully meet the requirements within the time constrained. Any other source would have to duplicate the efforts already made by AfriConnect. The period of performance will be begin on or about July 16, 2001 for one full year with option for three (3) successive one-year option periods. This notice of intent is not a Request for competitive Quotations (RFQ), nor is a RFQ available. However, all proposals received within 15 calendar days from the date of publication of this synopsis will be considered by NLM. NLM synopsis No. NLM 01-146/LTN. Inquiries regarding this procurement may be made to Ms. Liem T. Nguyen, NLM, at (301) 496-6546. *****

Record

Loren Data Corp. 20010625/RSOL011.HTM (W-172 SN50P6Y0)