It should be noted that the contractor is providing the IRS with software maintenance and subscription services for its Pitney Bowes software licenses: Spectrum Technology platform with Universal Addressing Module - US with delivery point validation and LACSlink (UAM), CODE-1 Plus with delivery point validation and LACSLink, Finalist with delivery point validation and LACSLink, Canadian CODE-1 Plus and CODE-1 Plus International. The IRS has a variety of systems and applications which use taxpayer mailing addresses to send IRS required notices and letters. Currently, these systems use multiple licenses from the Pitney Bowes software products to perform the address validation.

The Government will negotiate directly with EC America, Inc on a sole source basis. A FSS JOFOC was prepared on the basis of FAR 8.405-6(a)(1)(i)(B, only one source is capable of providing the supplies or services required at the level of quality required because the supplies or services are unique or highly specialized, as EC America, Inc is the current contract holder. This option was exercised at the current rates specified in the current contract, as allowed by FAR 52.217-8, and extended the period of performance end date from December 1, 2012 to May 31, 2013. As the six month extension includes the period of tax filing season it is imperative that these software maintenance and subscription services be continued without interruption to ensure taxpayers receive timely communications from the IRS.

EC America, Inc is the only responsible offeror for exercise of this option, as the Government would experience unacceptable delays in fulfilling the agency's requirements if this option was not exercised before the current contract expiration date. In addition, EC America, Inc is the only authorized reseller of Pitney Bowes software maintenance and subscription services on GSA Schedule. Any responses to this notice of contract action shall be submitted to Jennifer Henley at: [email protected] no later than December 30, 2012 at 10:00 am ET.