Inactive

The Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) at The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) a component under the Department of Commerce (DOC) located in Gaithersburg, MD intends to iss... The Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) at The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) a component under the Department of Commerce (DOC) located in Gaithersburg, MD intends to issue a firm fixed-price purchase order on a sole source basis to Penn State University/Institute for the Study of Business Markets (ISBM) located in University Park, PA for the following: Annual ISBM Membership. Justification: The NIST, Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) has an on-going need for professional development and in business-to-business marketing (B2B) as the bulk of the program's work is with manufacturing businesses. MEP requires access to the broadest spectrum of marketing professionals, researchers, educators and practitioners in business-to-business marketing. With that said, MEP requires a membership to the following; Institute for the Study of Business Markets (ISBM). Membership to this network will enhance MEP's knowledge of B2B marketing and will enable MEP to continue its efforts of building knowledge and relationships to further its mission. Market research was conducted on April 24, 2019 via the Internet in which a Google search revealed articles pertaining to B2B but no other sources were found that provided the breadth of information required to meet MEP's needs. This specific membership is only available from the Penn State University, The Institute for the Study of Business Markets. GSA MOBIS and Performance Management/Continuous Improvement schedules were also considered but resulted in no clearly identifiable contractors that would meet the requested needs. This proposed award is being issued in accordance with FAR Part 13.106 under simplified acquisition procedures and conducted under the authority of FAR 6.302-1, only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements. The associated North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) Code is 611430; small business size standard is $7.0 million. THIS NOTICE OF INTENT IS NOT A REQUEST FOR QUOTES However, it is a market research tool being used to determine the availability and adequacy of potential sources. A determination by the Government not to compete this requirement based on responses to this notice is solely at the discretion of the Government. Interested offerors who believe they can provide the aforementioned item are invited to submit substantiating documentation in writing. The government will consider all responsible sources received by the due date. Written responses must contain sufficient documentation to establish a bona-fide capability to fulfill the requirement. If no written responses are received, a purchase order will be issued without further notice.