D--Notice of Intent to Award Sole Source Local Exchange Services

The Department of Veterans Affairs, Health Revenue Center, Topeka, KS intends to award a sole source contract for a comprehensive set of local exchange services, analog and digital access transport services and an inter and intra Local Access Transport Area (LATA) interconnect function in support of the VA HRC call center. Services include providing telecommunication lines for DID/DOD and multiplex capability. The Government intends to award a contract for a six month term with an additional six month extension possible IAW FAR 6.302-1 and 41 U.S.C. 253(C) (1) to SBC Communications of Kansas City, Missouri. The DVA HRC presently operates a nationwide call center that is supported by SBC Communications. The DVA Acquisitions Operation Service recently made award under proposals received in response to RFP VHA-071 for replacement of the existing telecommunications switch. A post award protest has been filed with GAO by an unsuccessful offeror. The installation of the new phone switch has been delayed pending the outcome of the protest and this will also likely change the future requirements for the local exchange services. This action is a follow on to the previously synopsized requirement for local exchange services and contract V102P-0006. This sole source award is made to provide continuity of operations and to ensure that all services are compatible and interchangeable with the present system. This is not a request for competitive proposals; however, all interested parties who believe they can meet the requirements are invited to submit in writing complete information describing their ability to meet these requirements. Information received as a result of this notice will be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement. A determination to conduct a competitive procurement will be at the sole discretion of the Contracting Officer. Phone inquiries will not be accepted. Responses related to this notice shall be in writing and must be received no later than November 07, 2005. POC Barry Fetzer, DVA HRC, 3401 SW 21, Bldg 9, Topeka, KS 66604. Phone request will not be honored. The value of this acquisition is above the Simplified Acquisition Threshold. This is a simplified acquisition.*****