D--VERIZON (CBOC)

This contract notice serves as an informational communication indicating a potential sole source procurement for telecommunications services currently provided by Verizon Business Network Services, Incorporated to the Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC) Mt. Home, Tennessee, and its Community-Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCs). The services involve monthly local telecommunications exchange carrier provisions, which are existing and essential for the location. The government plans to transition these services to a regional contract at the start of fiscal year 2015. Given the unique nature of the service and Verizon being the only known capable provider in the geographic area, full and open competition is not anticipated to be pursued. The notice emphasizes that any party believing competition would benefit the government must submit detailed technical and capability information within three days to argue for competitive procurement. Under the authority of FAR Part 8.405-6(b)(1), the government may award the contract without competition if only one source is deemed capable due to the specialized nature of the work. The expectation is that pursuing competition would not significantly reduce costs and could lead to unacceptable delays in fulfilling the agency's requirements. This action reflects prudence in maintaining uninterrupted and reliable telecommunications services critical for the facility's operations. Interested parties or potential competitors are invited to provide detailed responses demonstrating their ability to meet the agency's needs, but Verizon remains the sole identified provider for the required services at this time.