Notice of Intent to Award - 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 United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has issued a Notice of Intent to Award a sole-source, Firm-Fixed Price (FFP) contract to Verizon for Data and Voice telecommunication services. This action is justified under FAR 6.302-1 ("Only one responsible source") to maintain critical services and prevent interruption as current services under the GSA Networx contract expire. This is not a solicitation for proposals, but an opportunity for interested parties to review the justification.
Scope of Work
The requirement is for Data and Voice support with telecommunication services, specifically maintaining the USDA's Contact Center and Enhanced Toll-Free solutions currently provided by Verizon. The objective is to minimize service disruption during the transition to a new contract and throughout its performance period, while supporting the eventual transition of these services to a low-risk, long-term solution.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Firm-Fixed Price (FFP) Sole Source Contract
- Authority: FAR 6.302-1 / 10 U.S.C. 2304(c)(1) (Only One Responsible Source)
- Estimated Value: $711,230.00 for a base year plus one 12-month option period.
- Base Year (FY26): $355,000
- Option 1 (FY27): $356,230
- Place of Performance: Washington, DC, United States
- Response Date (for intent): March 8, 2026, 01:00 AM EST
- Published Date: March 5, 2026
Evaluation
This is a Justification for Other Than Full and Open Competition, not a request for proposals. The notice is posted on SAM.gov to afford interested parties the opportunity to review the justification and identify if they believe they can meet the requirement.
Additional Notes
The USDA attempted to transition these services to the GSA EIS contract vehicle with Lumen Technologies, but encountered delays and suitability issues. A new vendor would require significant time for competition, evaluation, and implementation, posing unacceptable risks and delays to critical services. Verizon is the incumbent vendor, possessing unique qualifications, institutional knowledge, and a pre-integrated solution that minimizes integration risks and allows for an accelerated, low-risk transition. This contract is intended as a temporary measure to allow sufficient time for a future competitive procurement of a long-term solution.