Research Services - Social Anxiety Pilot Study Pre-solicitation Notice with Intent to Sole Source

Pre-Solicitation Notice for notice of intent to award a sole source contract. This is not a solicitation.

The Department of Veterans Affairs intends to negotiate a sole source contract for a twelve (12) month base period and one (1) annual option year with Jesse Cougle, 326 De Soto St, Tallahassee, FL 32303 to obtain consulting services for a clinical psychologist with significant expertise in developing, testing, and refining computerized interventions for anxiety disorders, distress intolerance, and substance use disorders for the Ralph H. Johnson VA Health Care System, Research and Development office.

Jesse Cougle developed the proposed intervention and will serve as a subject matter expert and assist in adapting the intervention as needed for use within VA and for Veterans. This is a continuation of previous research with Dr. Cougle . He has the expertise and knowledge that is required for the testing and completion of the study. Hiring a different company is not feasible and would delay the critical research trial and create a duplication of efforts.

Jesse Cougle is the only company that can provide the specialized continued research services required. Since the intent is to procure this on a sole source basis, no solicitation will be posted to FedBizOps (FBO). The applicable NAICS code is 541690 with a $19 MIL size standard. The PSC is AN11. The authority for this action is FAR 6.302.1-1 Only One Responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements.

Interested persons may contact the Contracting Officer via email at annmarie.stewart@va.gov regarding this procurement. The determination to conduct a competitive procurement based on responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Contracting Officer.