60--DARK FIBERS

INTENT TO SOLE SOURCE The VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, University Drive C, Pittsburgh, PA 15240 intends to negotiate on a sole source basis with DQE COMMUNICATION LLC under FAR 6.302 for purchase of continued services for fiber optic network between the three campuses and remote VISN office. The Government believes that this is the only source capable of meeting the Government's requirements without systems being shut down. All locations of our medical center depend on the extensive computing and internet-based services and connectivity needs to keep up with the demand. DQE provides the VAPTH with a dark fiber network that is more the 600 times faster than a typical T1 data connection. This notice of intent is NOT a request for competitive proposals; a solicitation package is not available. Responses to this notice, if any, must show clear and convincing evidence that competition is attainable and more advantageous to the Government and must be received by the Contracting Officer, in writing, no later than November 16, 2009 4:30 PM EST. Responses may be e-mailed to contact@example.gov or mailed to JESSE RUMBEL, Contract Specialist, (90C-H), VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, 7180 Highland Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15206. No telephone responses will be accepted. Upon receipt of any such notifications, the Contracting Officer will determine whether to conduct a competitive procurement or proceed with sole source negotiations. A determination not to compete this proposed contract action is solely within the discretion and authority of the Government. No reimbursement for any costs associated with providing capability statements will be provided by the Government.