Semtech AirLink RX400 Modems - Brand Name Only

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items to procure thirty (30) Semtech AirLink RX400 modems for the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), Earthquake Science Center (ESC). The modems are described in the attached Salient Characteristics.

• Thirty (30) Semtech AirLink RX400 modems.

• Modems must meet the specifications outlined in the Salient Characteristics attachment.

• Offerors must include a technical description of the items offered, including country of manufacture.

• Delivery is required within 30 days after award.

• The contract type is not specified, but it is for commercial items.

• Period of performance is effective March 13, 2026.

• Estimated value is not stated.

• Questions Due: Friday, March 20, 2026, at 10:00 AM PT. Submit to elizabeth_adam@ios.doi.gov.

• Quotes Due: Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at 10:00 AM PT.

• Submission Method: Quotes must be submitted via electronic mail to elizabeth_adam@ios.doi.gov. Hardcopy or web portal submissions will not be accepted.

• Evaluation: Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA).

• The solicitation is not a small business set-aside.

• NAICS Code: 334210 (Telephone Apparatus Manufacturing) with a size standard of 1,250 employees.

• Product Service Code: 7G20 (IT and Telecom Network: Analog Voice Products (hardware)).

• Offerors must include the delivery date in their quotation.

• Items should be in stock and ready to ship.

• Offerors must provide a technical description, country of manufacture, signed SF-18, firm fixed-price quote, and SAM UEI.

• Relevant provisions and clauses are incorporated by reference, including those related to System for Award Management, commercial items, telecommunications and video surveillance services/equipment, and Section 508 accessibility requirements.

Other / Unclassified

This document is a Brand Name Justification for the procurement of Semtech AirLink Modems by the Department of the Interior, United States Geological Survey (USGS), Earthquake Science Center (ESC). The ESC requests the award of a brand-name procurement for thirty (30) Semtech Wireless AirLink RX400 modems to replace end-of-life models and upgrade communications at remote ESC stations.

This justification is relevant to potential bidders as it explains the rationale for a sole-source or limited-source acquisition. Key points include:

• Sole Source Authority: The procurement is proposed under FAR 8.405-6(b)(1) due to items being peculiar to one manufacturer.
• Management System Dependency: The USGS ESC relies exclusively on Semtech Wireless modems due to their integration with the "AirVantage" cloud management tool. This tool is critical for managing firmware, distributing configurations, and ensuring connectivity during network failures.
• Operational Continuity: Switching to non-compatible modems would disrupt operations, require maintaining multiple services, and incur prohibitive costs. ACIO also manages ESC cellular contracts exclusively through this system, ensuring continuity of operations.
• Market Research: While the AirVantage platform is exclusive to Semtech, market research indicated that the AirLink modems are available through several small businesses.
• Future Competition: Competition for these modems will be ensured through small-business resellers via RFQ on SAM.gov, and future requirements will be competed to the maximum extent practicable.