Description
The United States Agency for International Development/Regional Center for Southern Africa (RCSA) intends to negotiate a sole source contract with Transtel Corporation, Forum 3, Braampark, 33 Hoofd Street, Braamfontein 2001, South Africa to complete the remaining installation of the communications and computer equipment and integration of the system software to USAID?s RSIS Project in Southern Africa. Transtel is the only known firm with the unique capability to complete the RSIS project, due to their extensive experience with the project and their unique knowledge of the telecommunication network, software and Southern Africa Railways system. The RSIS activity involves the design, development and installation of a real-time, inter-linked and integrated information system on transportation operations and financial transactions. It has been under implementation since March 1998. Most of the equipment is delivered, installed and commissioned. Transtel is currently providing the maintenance service for installed equipment. Transtel has also delivered most of the training of the railways personnel. The RSIS project was implemented originally with Transtel as the key subcontractor because of its previous work with the existing domestic railway tracking systems. Since March 1999, Transtel has supplied, installed and commissioned satellite telecommunication equipment, radio equipment, power generators and training railway personnel in the operation and maintenance of the relevant equipment. The RSIS installation requires the use of VSATs and microwave radio technology as the basis for the communications infrastructure to support RSIS. This effort, which has already substantially been completed by Transtel, forms the backbone of the RSIS project. The Southern African Development Community (SADC) railways have agreed to have Transtel, under separate SADC contracts, manage the RSIS WAN (Wide Area Network) from its Johannesburg hub facility, monitoring the system operation and providing maintenance services as a long-term sustainability solution. Transtel has leased capacity on the PanAmSat satellite that covers 90 percent of Africa and the whole of southern Africa and is the current leading supplier and the provider of satellite communication and equipment maintenance service to the SADC railways. The utilization of Transtel as a prime contractor will thus enhance the common desire among the railways for a unique and credible working relationship with Transtel that will support the sustainability of the RSIS as a regional tracking system. Transtel was instrumental in coordinating equipment and software system interface with the railways and the subcontractors. Transtel is organizationally linked to Spoornet, the developer and provider of a significant portion of the RSIS software. This places them in a unique position to complete the software integration throughout the entire RSIS, enhancing efficiency and reducing project risks. The Government believes that only one responsible source can provide the system integration that will satisfy the agency requirements and therefore intends to solicit and negotiate a sole source contract with Transtel under the Authority of FAR 6.302-1. Interested organizations may submit their capabilities and qualifications to perform the effort in writing to the identified point of contact. All responses to this notice will be considered in accordance with FAR 6.302-1(d)(2). Any possible determination by the Government to compete this proposed effort on a full and open competition basis, based upon responses to this notice, is solely within the discretion of the government. Oral communications are not acceptable in response to this notice. Information must be submitted no later than 16:00 Botswana time on February 21, 2002. NAICS: 488210 - Support Activities for Rail Transportation. Competition Level: Other Than Full and Open