D--Notice of Intent to Award Based on Sole Source to Verizon Wireless

NOTICE OF INTENT TO AWARD SOLE SOURCE: Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Acquisition Service - Frederick (AS-F) intends to award a sole source General Service Administration (GSA) Federal Supply Schedule (FSS) Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA) to GSA contract holder Cellco Partnership (DBA: Verizon Wireless), One Verizon Way, Basking Ridge, NJ 07920-1025. The Period of Performance for BPA will be one (1) twelve (12) month base period with four (4) twelve (12) month option periods. This requirement is for wireless voice and data services and associated devices from Verizon Wireless to replace services currently rendered to VACO customer-base of approximately 3,200 end-users with expected growth potential of twenty percent (20%) for the duration of the performance period. In addition to voice and data services, other wireless non-voice and data related services are subject to annual renewal. These services are Global International Roaming, Text/PIX/FLIX Messaging, Tethering, Wireless Priority Service (WPS), and GPS Navigation. All services are available via the contractor's FSS contract. The devices, which include cellular telephones, push-to-talk cellular devices, smart phones (Blackberry, iPhones, Androids), and mobile broadband devices (Cards, MiFi, Cameras, Tablets, iPads), are not available via the contractor's FSS contract and, therefore, will be incorporated as open market items in accordance with FAR 8.402(f). Orders placed under FSS are exempt from the requirements in FAR Part 6; however, an ordering activity must justify its action when restricting consideration of schedule vendors. In accordance with FAR 8.405-6(a)(B), restricting competition may be justified when "only one source is capable of providing the supplies or services required at the level of quality required because the supplies or services are unique or highly specialized." Open market items included in FSS orders and BPAs are not exempt from the requirements of FAR Part 6. In accordance with 10 U.S.C. § 2304(c)(1) and 41 U.S.C. § 253(c)(1), as implemented by FAR 6.302-1, competition may be restricted when "only one responsible source or no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements." Due to issues relating to device/network interoperability, device activation, and device pricing, the open market devices are not separable from this procurement. Verizon Wireless is the only vendor capable of providing a comprehensive solution, including access to Verizon Wireless voice and data services, compatible mobile devices, and activation for mobile devices. A combined Limited Source Justification (LSJ) in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 8.405-6 and Justification for Other than Full and Open Market Competition (JOTFOC) has been approved. THIS NOTICE IS NOT A REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE QUOTES; however, any firm that believes it can meet the requirements may give written notification prior to the response due date and time. Supporting evidence must be furnished in sufficient detail to demonstrate the ability to perform the requirements. Responses received will be evaluated; however, a determination by the Government not to compete the proposed procurement based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. If no responses are received, the Government will proceed with the award. Responses are due by September 18, 2012, 12:00 p.m. (EDT). Responses shall be submitted via e-mail to [email protected]. Telephone requests or inquires will not be accepted.