The First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet) is issuing a Special Notice of Intent to Sole Source for a contract with Ranlytics Americas, LLC for its Network Measurement Platform, which is uniquely qualified to provide mobile network performance monitoring and feature testing. This contract will be awarded under the authority of 41 U.S.C. 3304(a)(1) due to the lack of alternative providers capable of meeting the agency's specific requirements. The Ranlytics solution boasts low-cost measurement devices designed for fleet vehicle deployment and an automated portal for user-specific data displays. Interested parties must submit a capability statement detailing their management and technical capabilities by 11:00 AM (EST) on September 20, 2024. The submission is solely for the purpose of determining if a competitive procurement is warranted; otherwise, the sole source award will proceed. Responses must be submitted via email, strictly adhering to the specified requirements to be considered by the government.
The document is a justification for conducting a government contract outside of full and open competition, specifically for a cellular network measurement platform from Ranlytics America, LLC. The platform is aimed at enhancing the testing and validation processes for the Nationwide Public Safety Broadband Network (NPSBN) within the Boulder FirstNet Laboratory. The primary reason for non-competitive procurement is that the Ranlytics solution is the only one that meets the agency's unique requirements, particularly due to its low-cost, modular design allowing automated testing of 4G and 5G networks, crucial for public safety operations.
The document specifies the need for the platform, detailing its capabilities, including automated network measurement processes and post-processing analysis, which are essential for validating network coverage and performance. To justify the acquisition, it cites statutory authority under 41 USC 3304(a)(1), indicating that only one responsible source meets the agency's needs. Furthermore, the approval process outlined indicates the need for higher-level scrutiny, given the project’s estimated cost.
Overall, this acquisition highlights a strategic move towards ensuring reliable service and maintenance of quality standards within the NPSBN, underlining the government's commitment to supporting public safety communications infrastructure.