8940--Meals for Veterans in a Whole Health nutrition program NOTICE OF INTENT TO SOLE SOURCE

Notice of Intent to Sole Source This is a Notice of Intent to Sole Source the following requirement. Reference #: 36C24521C0173 Meals on Wheels Food Preparation and Delivery Service Program. Pursuant to Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 13.106-1(b)(1), for purchases not exceeding the simplified acquisition threshold (SAT). Contracting Officers may solicit from only one source if the circumstances of the contract action deem only one source reasonably available (e.g., urgency, exclusive licensing agreements, brand name, or industrial mobilization). This is not a request for proposals. This notice does not represent a commitment by the government to pay for costs incurred from the preparation and/or submission of data in response to this notice. Written responses to this Notice shall contain sufficient documentation to establish a bona fide capability to fulfill this requirement. Information received in response to this Notice will be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive requirement. PURPOSE and SCOPE OF WORK: Service contract to provide 12 weeks of meals (120 total meals) for up to 30 Veterans to be delivered at each Veteran s home. The meals are balanced and nutritious, providing two-thirds of the required daily allowance (RDA) of nutrients each day. All meals are low in sodium, fat, and concentrated sugar, and are calorie controlled. Period of Performance: 09/01/2021 to 12/31/2021 Unique characteristics that limit availability to only one source, with the reason no other supplies or services can be used: Meals on Wheels of Central MD is the regional affiliate of the national Meals on Wheels America program. This is the only group that delivers to a large geographical area for the Baltimore region, serving 8 counties in the surrounding Baltimore Metro area. It is the primary organization for providing frozen meals and/or fresh daily meals in such a large capacity. This vendor manages a cadre of almost 2000 volunteers and staff who are able to deliver meals. In 2020, they delivered nearly 2 million meals and maintained a client base of nearly 5000 clients who receive meals. Meals on Wheels of Central MD employs specialty equipment, technology, and client service strategies that are currently unavailable from other regional vendors. There is not another service that can provide hot, fresh meal delivery or frozen meals at this price per meal for the length of time we require for this program. Similarly, there is not another vendor that is equipped to address client isolation and supportive services needs with reporting and follow-up intervention as an integral part of the delivery process. Description of market research conducted and results or statement why it was not conducted: There are a number of in-person congregate meal sites where the Veteran has to physically be present to receive a meal; however, there are no comparable organizations in the region who can provide personal meal delivery to each Veteran s home for this length of time. Programs receiving federal funding that are established under the Older American s Act, such as Eating Together in Baltimore offer a number of congregate meal sites that require travel to the site to receive a meal, but do not deliver. Moveable Feast is a delivery meal service; However, it has strict qualification restrictions for those who may receive meals and would not deliver to all of our participants.