This serves as a “Notice of Intent” to award a sole source contract to Comcast Cable Communications, Inc, to provide broadband cable connectivity for teleworkers working for the General Services Administration Office of Governmentwide Policy (OGP) Chief Information Officer (CIO). The OGP CIO is responsible for managing the Electronic and Information Technology business for OGP. OGP has a need to provide broadband services and support OGP users. Broadband services should meet the bandwidth requirement for OGP telework services requirement operating in unison with GSA virtual private network as well as the Agency’s Citrix application server and GSA’s general support systems. Broadband Services is defined as communications that use several different channels that poses a wider range of frequencies to transmit data streams. Broadband services can be categorized into several technologies. The main of these are DSL and cable technologies. DSL providers utilize Asymmetrical DSL technology, while cable Internet technology utilizes a Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification (DOCSIS) network. ADSL technology poses several challenges that make it unable to meet OGP requirements. Cable internet services provide throughput with critical service performance numbers of 1.5 Mbps down to 768 Kbps up with local DSL services cannot match, 1 Mbps down and 384 Kbps up. Users’ connectivity and transmission speeds rely on a number of factors that directly influence the technology. DSL providers utilize bridge taps. Bridge taps are extensions, between the user and the central office, that extend service to other users. Distance is also a factor with DSL service and support. Distance between the teleworker’s house and GSA central office can have a direct effect on DSL performance and reliability. ADSL technology is unable to perform the conversions needed to transmit between analog and digital signals across fiber-optic cables. Teleworkers that reside in locations where fiber-optic cables are used will be unable to receive DSL service. Unlike cable technology, DSL transmissions are also directly affected by the telephone wire gauge. Teleworkers who have telephone wires of a small gauge will experience transmission and speed difficulties. Cable Internet technology however is point-to-point where as DSL connections must pass through a substation first causing a decrease in speed times. GSA OGP examined alternative service providers and determined that Comcast (cable modem with connection speed 3-4 Mbps) is the only DC metropolitan service provider (that services Washington DC, Prince Georges’ County, and Montgomery County) capable of meeting and supporting OGP’s telework requirements both from a technical and business (monthly rate per user) prospective. This sole source procurement is under the authority of FAR Subpart 6.302-1, only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements. The period of performance is for one base year. All interested parties should request additional information, communicate concerns, or direct any questions concerning this acquisition to Holly Carr 202-329-7250, email:
[email protected]. This notice of intent is not a request for proposals, nor a solicitation for offers. RE: Note 22.