D--Notice of Intent to make sole source award to Bellsouth Telecommunications, Inc DBA AT&T Southeast for local phone and data services for VA Tennessee Valley Healthcare System.

This notice is informational only and is neither a request for quote nor a solicitation of proposals. Responses received may be evaluated; however, a determination by the Government not to compete the proposed procurement is solely within the discretion of the Government. Any response to this notice must be detailed information and must show clear and convincing evidence within 3 days that competition would be advantageous to the Government. In doing so, interested sources must submit technical capabilities and any other information that demonstrates an ability to meet the agency's needs. Information can be sent to [email protected]. Bellsouth Telecommunications, Incorporated, DBA AT&T Southeast is currently providing local telecommunication services throughout the Tennessee Valley Healthcare System (TVHS) Veteran's facilities. Bellsouth Telecommunications, Incorporated, DBA AT&T provides connectivity and switching capability with their equipment for all of TVHS hospitals and clinics. Region three (3) and Network Contracting Office (NCO) 9 are currently working on a new telecommunications contract under the GSA Region 4 Integrated Telecommunications Services (GRITS) IDIQ Multiple-Award contract, but don't expect to start implementation until later this year. In the interim, AT&T will have to maintain and install circuits, switches, and servers. At the present time, AT&T is the only contractor who can provide continuous telecommunications activity and then transition over to the GRITS contract. Substantial duplication of cost to the Government is not expected to be recovered through competition and unacceptable delays in fulfilling the agency's requirements would occur. Under the authority FAR Part 6.302-1(a) allows for the procurement of items through other than full and open competition; applicable when the agency's minimum needs may only be satisfied by a service that is unique and available from only one responsible source. Bellsouth Telecommunications, Incorporated, DBA AT&T Southeast is the only known local source to satisfy this current need.