Local Exchange Services for Sites throughout the United States

This is a Request for Information (RFI) for small business, HUBZone small business, small disadvantaged business, service-disabled veteran-owned small business, women-owned small business and "8(a)" program telecommunications service providers. It does not constitute a Request for Proposal (RFP) or a promise to issue a RFP in the future. Responses to this notice shall not be construed as offers and cannot be accepted by the Government to form a binding contract. The Government will not pay for any information or administrative cost incurred in response to this RFI. This is a Request for Information only. In accordance with Air Force (AF) Instruction 33-111, the 38th CEG is the only authorized contracting office to order local exchange telephone services for the AF including Air National Guard, AF Reserve and AF recruiting offices throughout the United States, Guam, Puerto Rico and Greenland. Local telecommunications services shall include, as a minimum but not limited to, local access for ISDN PRI's, DIDs, local exchange trunks, transport channels, point-to-point circuits, commercial business lines with associated features and functions, internet services, voice mail, directory number and number portability, operator and directory assistance, local and Intra-LATA access. In accordance with FAR 19, Small Business Programs, it is the policy of the Government to issue awards to small businesses whenever possible and practical. However, it has been difficult locating qualified small business vendors within the telecommunications industry. For a telecommunications provider to be qualified to provide local exchange telecommunications services to the Air Force, the provider must possess each of the following qualifications: - Certification as a small business, HUBZone small business, small disadvantaged business, service-disabled veteran-owned small business, women-owned small business or "8(a)" program provider (through CCR registration) - Current registration is the Central Contractor Registration (CCR) database (https://www.bpn.gov/ccr/default.aspx) - Current certifications in the Online Representations and Certifications Application (ORCA) database (https://orca.bpn.gov/) - Certified under North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) Code of 517110 (wired telecommunications carriers) - Hold interconnection agreements with the Incumbent Local Exchange Carriers (ILECs) in the states where service is to be provided - Certification with the state Public Utility Commissions as a certified telecommunications service provider in the states where service is to be provided - Respondents must be a facilities based company being able to provide ISDNs, PRIs and complete portability of DIDs - Applicable tariffs for the states where service is to be provided We request all vendors meeting the above requirements to provide proof of the above qualifications. Please provide a list of states and cities/counties in which you are able to provide service. You must provide either an actual copy or a link showing state PUC certification. In addition, please provide company name, address, point of contact, phone number and tax identification number (TIN). The closing date will be 30 August 2010 at 3:00 CST. Your participation is this RFI is appreciated.