Notice of Intent to Issue Class JOFOC for N-Wave Network
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 National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) intends to issue a Class Justification for Other Than Full and Open Competition (JOFOC) for N-Wave Network connectivity and Network Operations Center (NOC) services. This JOFOC will enable sole source contract awards to five specific entities for continued ultra-high speed network services. Capabilities statements from interested parties are due by May 1, 2026.
Scope of Work
NOAA seeks to acquire access to national and regional optical networks to provide ultra-high speed, Research and Education (R&E) network connectivity and associated services for its N-Wave Program. N-Wave is a nationwide science and supercomputing network supporting applications like video conferencing, engineering, webcasting, data centers, and collocation services. The network interconnects NOAA's high-performance research resources and the scientific community.
Contract Details
- Type: Class JOFOC for sole source awards.
- Authority: 41 U.S.C. 3304(a)(1) / FAR 6.302-1 (Only One Responsible Source).
- Duration: JOFOC effective for 10 years, covering services through 2037.
- Awards: Four follow-on, single-award IDIQ contracts (Firm-Fixed Price/Time-and-Material task orders) and one follow-on, stand-alone Cost-Reimbursement (CR) contract.
- NAICS: 517110, Wired Telecommunications Carriers.
- Incumbent Contractors (Proposed Sole Source):
- University of Maryland
- University Corporation for Atmospheric Research
- Trustees of Indiana University
- University Corporation for Advanced Internet Development
- Pacific Northwest GigaPop (PNWGP)
- Rationale: Government believes these are the only entities capable, leveraging existing infrastructure and direct relationships with network service providers.
Response & Deadlines
- Purpose of Notice: Market research to determine if a competitive procurement is feasible. This is not a Request for Proposal.
- Submission: Capabilities statements from interested parties.
- Due Date: May 1, 2026 (15 calendar days from April 16, 2026 posting).
- Contact: Elizabeth Abraham, elizabeth.abraham@noaa.gov.
Evaluation
Responses will be evaluated solely to determine if the requirement can be conducted on a competitive basis. The Government is not obligated to reimburse response costs, and the decision to open for competition is at its discretion.