18-months bridge contract extension-SAHPR Services
Overview
Buyer
Place of Performance
NAICS
PSC
Set Aside
Original Source
Timeline
Qualification Details
Fit reasons
- NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
- Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.
Risks
- Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
- Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.
Next steps
Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.
Quick Summary
The U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) intends to award a sole-source 18-month bridge contract extension to LDSS for Sexual Assault and Harassment Prevention and Response (SAHPR) support services under the United States Antarctic Program (USAP). This action is taken under FAR 6.103-1 to ensure continuity of critical services during the Antarctic Support Contract (ASC) transition. Interested parties must submit capability statements by April 28, 2026, 5:00 PM EST.
Scope of Work
The contract covers the continued provision of SAHPR support services for the USAP. This includes educating ASC personnel, being part of ASC's operational posture, and developing critical SAHPR deliverables such as the 2027 climate survey, anticipated to be completed by September 2028. The services are critical for personnel safety and program execution in the remote and logistically constrained Antarctic environment.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Sole-Source Bridge Contract (Presolicitation - Notice of Intent)
- Duration: 18-month extension, anticipated to run until September 2028.
- Set-Aside: None specified (sole source intent).
- Place of Performance: United States Antarctic Program (USAP) in Antarctica.
- Capability Statement Due: April 28, 2026, 5:00 PM EST.
- Published: April 13, 2026.
Rationale for Sole Source
NSF cites FAR 6.103-1, stating LDSS is the only responsible source due to:
- Integration with ASC: LDSS is fully embedded within USAP operations and familiar with current ASC processes. A new contractor would face a disruptive dual-transition scenario during the ongoing ASC contractor change, posing unacceptable risks.
- Critical Deliverables: LDSS is actively developing the 2027 climate survey, with completion by September 2028. Transitioning to another source would undermine methodological consistency and survey validity.
- Controlled Transition: The 18-month extension allows the follow-on SAHPR contractor a full Austral winter and summer season to transition with LDSS, ensuring continuity of mission-critical services.
Capability Statement Requirements
This notice is not a request for competitive proposals. However, responsible sources may submit capability statements demonstrating:
- Responsibility per FAR Part 9.
- A specific exception to the Government's sole-source intent.
- Technical capability to immediately perform within an ongoing ASC transition without disruption.
- Past performance in similar remote or highly integrated operational environments.
- Contractor's socio-economic status. Statements must provide clear evidence of ability to perform without substantial duplication of cost or unacceptable delays, including operating within a transitioning ASC environment and supporting a full seasonal operational cycle in Antarctica. The Government does not intend to award a contract based on this notice and will not reimburse costs.
Contact Information
Kevin Giardini Email: kgiardin@nsf.gov Phone: 703-292-4589