Limited Sources Justification and Approval FAR Part 8.4
ID: 19AQMM23Q0028-2Type: Justification
Overview

Buyer

STATE, DEPARTMENT OFSTATE, DEPARTMENT OFACQUISITIONS - AQM MOMENTUMWASHINGTON, DC, 20520, USA

PSC

IT and Telecom - Network: Satellite Communications and Telecom Access Services (DG11)

Original Source

https://sam.gov/opp/ddd27ac0c0074e48bfff9c05da10223c/view
Timeline
    Description

    The Department of State is seeking to award a six-month sole source contract for cellular phone services to AT&T Wireless, T-Mobile, and Verizon, ensuring continued communication capabilities for all Department employees and authorized users. This temporary procurement is critical to maintain essential services, including voice, data, international roaming, mobile hotspots, and emergency notifications, while the Department finalizes longer-term contract vehicles. The urgency of this contract arises from delays caused by an internal reorganization, which jeopardized the development of a suitable requirements document, potentially leading to a complete loss of cellular capabilities. Interested parties can reach out to Andrew Rothstein at RothsteinAT@state.gov or David Ziemba at ziembade@state.gov for further information.

    Point(s) of Contact
    Andrew Rothstein
    RothsteinAT@state.gov
    David Ziemba
    12022510078
    ziembade@state.gov
    Files
    Title
    Posted
    JA Limited Sources for Federal Supply Schedule Program-Wireless Service-Sole Source Awards-Redacted.pdf
    The Office of Acquisition Management (AQM) is seeking approval for a six-month sole source award of wireless services to AT&T Wireless, T-Mobile, and Verizon under GSA’s SIN 517312. This temporary measure is necessary to maintain critical cellular communications for all Department of State employees and authorized users, including voice, data, international roaming, mobile hotspots, and emergency services. The delay in competitive follow-on awards was due to an IRM reorganization and leadership changes, which impacted the development of a suitable requirements document. Without these short-term task orders, the Department faces a complete loss of cellular capabilities, severely hindering communication, remote work, and jeopardizing employee safety through inoperative emergency notification services. The contracting officer deems the pricing fair and reasonable, aligning with GSA contract rates. Market research, including Requests for Information on Unison and GSA E-buy, is underway to inform future competitive solicitations for longer-term task orders or BPAs, allowing users to switch providers based on better rates and requirements.
    Lifecycle
    Title
    Type
    Limited Sources Justification and Approval FAR Part 8.4
    Currently viewing
    Justification
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