Notice of Intent to Sole Source for Ground Based Communication System

The Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA)/Defense Information Technology Contracting Organization (DITCO) intends to negotiate a sole source contract with AT&T Government Solutions for Network Ground Entry Points and Long Haul Services (NGEPLH). A sole source Justification & Approval (J&A) document is being coordinated and, upon approval, a copy of it will be posted here on Beta.Sam.gov to comply with the public display requirements of FAR 6.305. The proposed contract action is for an Ultra-High Frequency/Line of sight (UHF/LOS) communications system that provides analog and digital air-to-ground/ground-to-air communications connectivity. The purpose of this action is to provide digital, voice, video and data services to suitably equipped aircraft with a minimum of 95 percent coverage of the Continental United States (CONUS). The ground entry points (GEP)/Special Government Operating Centers (SGOCs) shall provide optimum omni-directional coverage to an aircraft operating at 25,000 feet. Each GEP must be able to support a minimum of two aircraft simultaneously in either digital or analog mode and be completely interoperable with the network. Service delivered in full analog mode shall support voice and data communications via a full duplex end-to-end, 15 channel, multiplexed voice grade path between an aircraft and the network. Service delivered in full digital mode shall be full duplex end-to-end with a minimum data rate of 768 kilobits per second (kbps) within a 500 kilohertz (kHz) channel. These services will provide aircraft connectivity to the following networks: Department of Defense Satellite Star (SATSTAR), Executive Airlift Communications Network (EACN), Secret IP Data Service (formerly known as Secret IP Router Network (SIPRNET)), Sensitive but Unclassified IP Data Service (formerly known as Non-secure Internet Protocol Router Network (NIPRNET)), Multilevel Secure Voice Service (formerly known as Defense Red Switch Network (DRSN)), Defense Switched Network (DSN) and the public switched telephone network as well as other voice and data networks. After hours maintenance support shall be accomplished by on-call technicians who are available 24/7/365 and who possess the required clearance level. The Contractor shall respond within two hours of notification of an operational problem. Extensive design efforts by the incumbent contractor (AT&T) make these services unique as they include the ability to remotely monitor, test and control the operation of each GEP via proprietary and restricted software that was specifically designed and developed by AT&T. It is imperative that the software be readily modified to meet changes in the customer's mission requirements. These short-notice modifications may include network expansion, software enhancements, and/or equipment changes and upgrades. The system design document for these services is proprietary and is owned and maintained by AT&T. Remote control capability includes all radio control functions, circuit matrix switching, alarm monitoring, trouble isolation and network testing. Remote control is accomplished through a dedicated channel on the T-1 lines between the Waldorf and Omaha Network Control Centers and the GEPs. Dial-up access is available to each individual GEP to provide back-up support in the event of control line failure. Majority of T-1 lines between GEPs and SGOCs are owned and operated by AT&T. At this time, the incumbent contractor AT&T Corp. is the only source capable of providing all necessary services at current levels without unacceptable delays and substantial duplication of costs. The resultant firm-fixed price contract will be for a one year base period and four one-year option periods for a total of five years (60 months). The statutory authority for other than full and open competition is 10 USC 2304 (c) (1), as implemented by FAR 6.302-1(a)(2)(iii), only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements. Companies who believe they can provide this service must indicate their interest in writing within 30 business days of this advertisement and include a detailed capability statement in addition to a rough order of magnitude for initial and annual costs. No reimbursement for any cost connected with providing capability information or rough order of magnitude will be provided. All responsible sources will be considered in evaluating the determination to issue a sole-source contract. Quotations or proposals received in response to this notice cannot be accepted since this synopsis cannot be considered a request for quote or a request for proposal. A Solicitation will NOT be posted to Beta.Sam.gov due to the sole source nature of the requirement. The North American Classification System (NAICS) code 517110, Wired Telecommunications Carriers will be used for determining company size status. CONTRACT/PROGRAM BACKGROUND: Contract Number: HC1013-16-C-0001 Contract Type: Firm Fixed Price Incumbent and their size: AT&T Corporation (Cage: 1DY28) Method of previous acquisition: Sole Source Period of performance: April 20, 2016 through October 30, 2021 Special Requirements: Must have Top Secret safeguarding clearance and Top Secret facility clearance. Points of Contract: Mr. Jason C. Kimpel, 618-418-6844, e-mail [email protected] or Mrs. Kelly Smith-Marston, 618-418-6267, e-mail [email protected]