Notice of Intent to Modify Contract [N0017323P2046]: 5G Testbed Upgrade
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 Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) intends to issue a sole-source, out-of-scope modification to an existing Firm-Fixed-Price (FFP) contract with AT&T. This modification is for the 5G Testbed Upgrade, specifically to integrate Government-supplied 5G Radio Access Network (RAN) assets into NRL's existing 5G New Radio (NR) Distributed Wireless Communication Testbed at the NRL-DC campus in Washington, DC. This is a Special Notice and not a request for competitive proposals.
Scope of Work
The contractor will provide integration services and procure specific proprietary hardware and software to upgrade NRL's 5G RAN. Key tasks include:
- Integrating a RAN Intelligent Controller (RIC) with a network switch.
- Installing Nokia AQQO Active Antennas (3.1–3.45 GHz spectrum).
- Integrating a Nokia gNodeB using custom 25.X Nokia RAN software.
- Supplying four 5G NR FR2 devices capable of operating in 5G SA FR2 mode on the existing NRL 5G network.
Justification & Contract Details
- Authority: 41 U.S.C. 1901 as implemented by FAR 13.501(a) for simplified acquisition procedures.
- Rationale: The existing 5G testbed is a highly specialized, proprietary system engineered by AT&T. The upgrade requires approximately $500,000 in Nokia material and specialized integration services. Only AT&T possesses the necessary access, proprietary engineering knowledge, and detailed understanding of the system to integrate new components without unacceptable delays or mission failure.
- Risk: Utilizing another vendor could jeopardize system integrity and nullify NRL's annual software license and maintenance agreement with AT&T, which is active through February 14, 2028.
- Set-Aside: Not applicable (sole-source).
Response & Timeline
- Notice Type: Special Notice / Notice of Intent to Modify Contract.
- Published: June 4, 2026.
- Response Due: June 12, 2026, at 5:00 PM ET.
- Action: While this is not a request for competitive proposals, responsible sources may submit a capability statement for agency consideration. The Government will use this information to determine if a competitive procurement is feasible in the future, but retains discretion not to compete this action.
- Contact: Todd Schwartz (todd.m.schwartz.civ@us.navy.mil) or Rick Savelli (rick.n.savelli.civ@us.navy.mil).