SAM #7e45e75b6f6a4203813724954f8dc253

USDA Sole Source Intent: Internet2 High-Speed Circuits and Membership for Research Networking

This notice announces the USDA's intent to award a sole source contract for high-speed research network connectivity and membership services. - Agency: United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), including SCINet and APHIS - Purpose: Secure Internet2 circuits (100Gbps, scalable) and annual membership to support scientific, data-intensive workflows - Sole Source Justification: - Internet2 (University Corporation for Advanced Internet Development) is the only provider with the required research-focused network, accreditation, and integration with federal research infrastructure - No other vendors identified as capable of meeting these requirements - Contract Structure: - Firm-fixed price, open market award - 12-month base period plus four 12-month option periods (up to 5 years total) - Estimated total value: approximately $5.47 million - Requirements: - High-speed, low-latency circuits (100Gbps, scalable) - Annual membership - Compatibility with USDA's existing infrastructure - Accreditation and validated performance - Challenge Process: Interested parties must provide clear and convincing evidence of their ability to meet all requirements to be considered - No specific part numbers or quantities provided for circuits; services are described functionally

Description

Notice of Intent to Sole Source the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Scientific Computing Initiative Network (SCIN), Marketing and Regulatory Programs (MRP) and Animal and Plant Health Inspection Services (APHIS) intends to award a sole source, firm-fixed price open market award for Internet 2 Circuits and annual membership. This action is being taken in accordance with FAR 6.302 1, Only One Responsible Source. Due to the unique combination of accreditation, validated assay performance, and existing infrastructure, no other source has been identified that can meet all Government requirements without unacceptable risk to USDA Mission areas. This notice is not a request for competitive quotes. Interested parties who believe they can meet all requirements shall submit clear and convincing evidence, including documented proof, for Government review to determine whether competition would be advantageous to the Government. Respondents are advised that the Government is under no obligation to acknowledge receipt of submissions or provide feedback regarding any information received. Supporting documentation must be furnished in sufficient detail to demonstrate the ability to fulfill all requirements. Responses must be received no later than July 30, 2026, 11:00 EST, demonstrating ability to perform competitively priced USDA requirements. (see referenced Justification to Restrict Competition attached).  Responses will be evaluated; however, a determination by the Government not to compete the proposed procurement based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. Responses shall be submitted via email in Microsoft Word or PDF format to Contract Specialist Bryana Jordan bryana.jordan@usda.gov. Telephone requests or inquiries will not be accepted. The Government will not pay for any information submitted as a result of this notice. This notice shall not be construed as an obligation on the part of the Government to acquire any products or services.

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