D--SPECIAL NOTICE OF INTENT TO AWARD TO A SOLE SOURCE
Overview
Buyer
Place of Performance
NAICS
PSC
Set Aside
Original Source
Timeline
Qualification Details
Fit reasons
- NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
- Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.
Risks
- Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
- Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.
Next steps
Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.
Quick Summary
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, has issued a Special Notice of Intent to Award to a Sole Source for 500 MB Ethernet Service to Windstream Communications, Inc. This is not a request for competitive proposals.
Purpose
The USFWS intends to award a firm fixed-price contract to ensure the provision of 500 MB Ethernet Service at the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge in Folkston, GA. This service is critical as the existing router at the Visitor Center is end-of-life and cannot support required speeds for the current fiber optics internet.
Sole Source Justification
Market research, including a search for other local business internet providers for fiber service, revealed no other capable sources in the area. The current provider, Uniti (affiliated with Windstream Communications, Inc.), is already a contractor with DOI/FWS and the Okefenokee NWR, providing existing service. The price has been determined fair and reasonable based on previous similar awards. This justification supports the decision to proceed with a sole-source award due to the lack of competition in this rural location.
Contract Details
- Type: Firm Fixed-Price Contract
- Duration: Base year plus four (4) option years
- Service: 500 MB Ethernet Service on existing USFWS equipment
- Acquisition Method: Simplified Acquisition Procedures (FAR Part 13.106-1(b)), for purchases not exceeding the $250,000 simplified acquisition threshold.
- Set-Aside: None (Sole Source)
Response & Deadline
This notice is not a solicitation or request for offers. However, interested parties may identify their capabilities to respond to this requirement. Any response must provide clear and convincing evidence that competition would be advantageous to the Government. Information received will be considered solely to determine if a competitive procurement is feasible.
Responses are due by March 15, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time.
Contact Information
For inquiries, contact Melissa Niemi via email at melissa_niemi@fws.gov. Please reference the Notice of Intent number in your correspondence.