Contracting Officer (90C), DVA Medical Center, 700 South 19th Street, Birmingham, AL 35233

70 -- MD CONSULT DATABASE SERVICE SOL RFQ 521-005-00(WT) DUE 081399 POC W.T.Threatt (205)933 4490 This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for a commercial item prepared in accordance with the format in FAR Subpart 12.6, as supplemented, with additional information included in this notice. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; proposals are being requested and a written solicitation will not be issued. Each contractor is expected to respond on his/her letterhead with all required product information. RFQ 521-005-00(WT) is hereby assigned to this procurement and shall be referenced on all correspondence relating to this acquisition. This RFQ is issued using simplified Acquisition Procedures and incorporates all provisions and clauses as those in effect through FAC 97-11 and VAAR 96.28(#14). The Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, 700 South 19th Street, Birmingham, AL intends to negotiate with MD Consult, 11701 Borman Drive; Suite 300; St. Louis, MO 63146, for a one-year subscription for a web-based, full image medical textbook database for the period 10-1-99 through 9-30-2000. The database shall include full-text information from at least 35 leading medical reference books; 45 premier medical journals (including the Clinics of North America series); 600 peer-reviewed practice guidelines; comprehensive drug information; 2,500 customizable patient education handouts; updates on medical news; and 300 category 1 CME modules. The database should include, but is not limited to the following features: Contents should be presented in cover-to-cover images, in full color; provide full image of charts, maps, graphs, and photographs; PC accessible; provide access to documents in ASCII full text; graphic support through adobe acrobat reader; include institutional license for access by all VHA staff through individualized password; information needs to be customizable to the user's needs and to be saved for future reference; unlimited access to the database and unlimited printing at no additional cost; copyright cleared content; provide keyword search capability based on Boolean operators; capable of storing searches as well as sending search results across E-Mail; formatted for the novice user as well as advanced search tools for in-depth searches; updates provided frequently; customer service support available by phone and/or E-Mail; and the capability to calculate usage statistics. All interested parties may identify their interest and capability to respond to the requirement or submit proposal. A determination by the Contracting Officer not to compete this proposed procurement based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. Information received will normally be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether the sources exist necessary for a competitive procurement. The following provisions apply to this acquisition: 52.212-1, Instructions to Offerors Commercial Items; and 52.212-3, Offeror Representations and Certifications Commercial Items. The following clauses apply to this acquisition: 52.212-4, Contract Terms and Conditions Commercial Items. Quotes are due by COB (4:30PM EST) August 13, 1999, and may be faxed to W. T. Threatt at (205) 933-4489, PHONE: (205) 933-4490. Posted 07/09/99 (W-SN352357). (0190)

Loren Data Corp. http://www.ld.com (SYN# 0415 19990713\70-0007.SOL)