Internet-based Telecommunications Relay Services

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) intends to negotiate on a sole source basis with Neustar Inc. ("Neustar"), 21575 Ridgetop Circle, Sterling VA, 20116 for continued Internet-based Telecommunications Relay Services necessary to ensure continued support of assignment of 10-digit numbers from the North American Numbering Plan (NANP) to users of Internet-based Telecommunications Relay Services. A contract was competitively awarded in September 2008 to Neustar for the following services: Implementation and operation of the TRS Numbering Directory that supports the assignment of 10-digit numbers from the North American Numbering Plan (NANP) to users of Internet-based Telecommunications Relay Services (Internet-based TRS or iTRS). The TRS Numbering Directory enables persons with speech or hearing disabilities to be reached using geographically-appropriate 10-digit telephone numbers, for example, by voice telephone users via the iTRS. The central TRS Numbering Directory database maps the assigned telephone number to an Internet-based TRS user to an appropriate endpoint identifier. In support of persons with speech or hearing disabilities and a statutory requirement to provide services to persons with speech or hearing disabilities, the agency intends to award a sole source modification, for an additional six months of service, to Neustar Inc for iTRS services. Neustar is currently providing highly specialized iTRS services to the Commission through the use of proprietary systems and processes it has developed. Another vendor would not be able to replicate these services in a timely manner without using the same proprietary processes, thereby compromising the integrity program and a lapse in service would surely occur. Therefore, Neustar is deemed as the only source capable of performing the work required, during the required time period. The FCC is not soliciting quotes from other parties and this notice is for informational purposes only. If you believe you can do this follow on work please submit your capabilities by the closing date of this announcement. Responses may be emailed to the contracting officer prior to the closing date.