Commercial Wireless Internet Services for Air University Faculty, Staff and Students

Request for Information Air University (AU) Commercial Wireless Internet Services for Air University Faculty, Staff and Students Purpose: THIS NOTICE IS NOT A REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP). The purpose of this Request for Information (RFI) is to gather information from industry on establishing an Air University-wide commercial Internet Service Provider (ISP) presence to support the educational mission. The Government considers information on market capabilities, common industry standards, latest technological advances, commercial terms and conditions, timelines for adaptation and integration, and possible suppliers and sources to be helpful. All feedback and information received may be used to determine the appropriate acquisition strategy for a possible future acquisition. This notice is issued solely for market research and planning purposes and does not constitute a request for proposal, request for quote, or invitation for bid, nor does its issuance in any way restrict the Government as to its ultimate acquisition approach. No award will be made from this RFI and the Government will not pay for any effort expended in responding to this notice. Responses: This RFI is prepared for planning purposes only and is not restricted to small business. If the government decides to pursue an RFP, portions of your RFI response may be incorporated into the Performance Work Statement (PWS) . Sources are discouraged from submitting any information deemed competition-sensitive or proprietary. However, if sources elect to submit competition-sensitive or proprietary information, sources bear sole responsibility for marking said information as such to ensure appropriate safeguarding by the Government. The Government shall not be held liable for any damages incurred if proprietary information is not properly identified. All submissions become Government property and will not be returned. Correspondences related to the RFI should be submitted electronically via e-mail to kevin.williams@maxwell.af.mil. After review of the responses to this RFI, the Government may or may not proceed with an acquisition. Information the government releases related to this RFI will be made available on the Federal Business Opportunities site (www.fedbizops.gov). It is the potential offeror's responsibility to monitor this site for new information related to this RFI. Request for Information / Questions: Air University (AU) is considering making a commercial wireless internet service available to the student population of Air University (approximately 4000 students) attending AU schools. In addition, the service would be provided to AU faculty and staff actively involved in the academic research. Coverage would encompass approximately 30 AU buildings. The wireless presence within the respective facilities would include classroom, faculty offices and general areas. In order to develop any potential acquisition strategy the following information would be useful: 1. Estimated cost of service 2. Estimated timeline to provide the service 3. Service delivery options (i.e., provide service to service delivery point and provide service to the user) 4. Possible peripheral or allied support required from the government 5. Currently we subscribe to Blue Socket service and are interested in maintaining this control on the commercial service. What is the viability and estimated costs for continuing this service within your proposed solution? 6. What performance metrics could be made available to the government related to usage? 7. The current Computer Network Defense Service Provider (CNDSP) for AU.AF.EDU is the High Performance Computer Modernization Program. The services provided include network protection, detection, response and notification services. What are the costs and issues associated with providing this service? 8. Any other aspects that should be considered by the government as it refines the requirement and potentially develops an acquisition strategy? 9. Any inputs concerning the NAICS and SBA size standards that should be considered for any potential RFP? If additional information is required to formulate your response to this RFI, request the information through the POC listed below. If the government determines the request is meaningful to the RFI, the information will be posted on the Federal Business Opportunities site. In addition, site surveys may be available by appointment to provide more accurate responses.