D -- PRAWS-II

The Department of Defense's Defense Information Technology Contracting Organization (DITCO), specifically the Transport and Satellite Branch Procurement Section, plans to release a competitive solicitation exclusively for 8(a) certified small businesses. This solicitation seeks contractors to provide maintenance, operation, and support services for the Puerto Rican Area Wideband Microwave System (PRAWS-II), which serves as a critical communications network combining terrestrial and microwave links across various Government sites within the Caribbean Basin. The contract will be awarded as a firm fixed price service with some cost reimbursable elements, encompassing a two-year base period followed by up to eight one-year option periods. The solicitation, anticipated to be issued shortly after April 30, 2005, will be available for download from the DITCO Contracting Opportunities website. Only responses from eligible 8(a) offerors will be considered, and all communication regarding the solicitation must be conducted electronically, with no oral inquiries permitted. Interested parties are instructed to direct questions to the designated Contracting Officer or Contract Specialist via email. The procurement falls under the NAICS code 517310, covering telecommunications services, and is managed through the Telecommunications Division located at Scott Air Force Base, Illinois.