D -- Global Information Grid Bandwidth Expansion (GIG BE) Program

The Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) will host an Industry Conference on the Global Information Grid Bandwidth Expansion (GIG BE) Program. The purpose of the unclassified conference is to advise industry of the GIG BE Program and DISA's acquisition strategy for GIG BE requirements. Detailed information will be provided concerning the Department of Defense Information Warfare Network Centric Vision and how the Global Information Grid (GIG) supports that mission; DISA's role and responsibility for satisfying the transport layer requirement and more in the GIG; and how the GIG BE Program will help meet that responsibility. Industry contracting opportunities associated with meeting the requirements of the GIG BE Program will be addressed in detail. Conference attendees will have the opportunity to pose questions of DISA's GIG BE Program staff both in advance of and during the conference. Questions submitted in advance shall be forwarded via e-mail to [email protected] no later than 4 October 2002. The questionnaire form may be downloaded from "Contracting Opportunities" on the Defense Information Technology Contracting Organization (DITCO) web page at www.ditco.disa.mil under GIG BE in the RFP Section. The industry conference will consist of a morning session, lasting until approximately 1200, which includes several presentations. The afternoon session, which will commence at approximately 1400, will consist of a panel that will address questions submitted in advance of the conference and those submitted during the conference. The Government may not be able to address all the questions submitted during the afternoon session and all responses provided during the conference will be interim. Attendance will be limited solely to pre-registered attendees, and conference attendance will be limited to not more than 3 attendees per company. A total of 275 seats will be available for industry on a first come, first served basis. The registration form may be downloaded from the above referenced web site. Pre-registration must be accomplished by email to [email protected] and will be confirmed. Media representatives must contact the DISA Public Affairs office (Cassandra White or Sheryl Robertson, MPS7-Public Affairs, (703) 607-6900) if they wish to attend. THE DEADLINE FOR REGISTRATION IS 1400 EST, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 4, 2002. The conference will be held on Friday, 11 October 2002 at the Eagle Building, Skyline 7, 5275 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, VA 22041 and will last from 0830 until approximately 1630. Parking is extremely limited at the Skyline facility and carpooling is strongly encouraged. Towing of illegally parked vehicles is aggressively enforced in the area. There is no Metro station within walking distance of the Eagle Building. Taxis are normally available at the Pentagon City and King Street Metro Stations. Security check-in and pre-registration confirmation will begin at 0730 and the conference will begin at 0830. Security check-in will entail surrendering of a picture ID to receive a visitors badge. No food or beverages will be available or can be consumed in the conference center. Several restaurants for lunch are within easy walking distance of the Eagle Building. The industry conference briefing slides and industry questions and official Government responses will be posted under "Contracting Opportunities" on the DITCO web page at www.ditco.disa.mil under GIG BE in the RFP Section on or about Thursday, 31 October 2002. THE GOVERNMENT INTENDS TO CREATE AN AUDIO/VISUAL RECORD OF THE CONFERENCE. You may contact Mr. Peter Smingler, GIG BE Contracts Manager, [email protected], (703) 882-1181, if you have any questions concerning this notice, the registration process or the conference. All contract related questions should be addressed to Ms. Sharlene Capobianco, Contracting Officer, [email protected], (703) 607-4602.