MLSASecC-Amd3.doc

Solicitation 7TF-07-0006

August 17, 2007

Metropolitan Local Services Acquisition (MLSA) Amendment No. 3 Dallas, Fort Worth, San Antonio, New Orleans, and Albuquerque 11/21/2007

SECTION C - DESCRIPTION / SPECIFICATION / WORK STATEMENT

C.1

SCOPE

To provide local telecommunications services for Federal Agencies in the city or cities identified in the metropolitan award areas identified below where the offeror currently sells or resells local telecommunications services to commercial customers. The award areas currently include locations served by expiring MAA contracts. Locations within an award area where award(s) are made and where local telecommunications commercial services are not provided by a Metropolitan Local Services Acquisition (MLSA) may be served by the state’s Local Service Acquisition or other vehicle. Awards will be made for the base period (1st three years) and five (5) one (1) year options including services and option features offered in Section B - Price Schedule. Separate awards will be made for the geographical coverage areas as follows:

Albuquerque, New Mexico (AQ MLSA) – The definition and coverage of the Albuquerque metropolitan area includes the originating service area of Bernalillo Country. The Albuquerque MLSA originating and terminating service area shall include the locations of Albuquerque, Belen, Bernalillo, Estancia, Laguna Acoma, Los Lunas, Moriarty, Montainair, Pena Blanca, and Tijeras. This award(s) will encompass all locations in the originating and terminating service area defined above where the offeror(s) currently sell or resell telecommunications services that match those in this solicitation and sold to commercial customers shall be priced. Any point in the originating service area shall also be in the terminating area. The MAA contract being replaced currently serves these areas. The offeror(s) may choose to offer (1) to three (3) rate groups.

Dallas, Texas (DA MLSA) – The originating service area boundaries are defined in terms of the County of Dallas and city boundaries. For pricing purposes, the boundaries are also defined by the associated NPANXXs. In addition to the service area boundaries, the terminating boundaries will include the originating service area boundaries of the DA MLSA and the FW MLSA. This award(s) will encompass all locations in the County of Dallas where the offeror(s) currently sell or resell telecommunications services that match those in this solicitation and sold to commercial customers shall be priced. The offeror(s) may choose to offer (1) to three (3) rate groups.

Fort Worth, Texas (FW MLSA) – The originating service area boundaries are defined in terms of the County of Tarrant and city boundaries. In addition, for pricing purposes, the boundaries are also defined by the associated NPANXXs. In addition to the service area boundaries, the terminating boundaries will include the originating service area boundaries of the FW MLSA and the DA MLSA. This award(s) will encompass all locations in the County of Tarrant where the offeror(s) currently sell or resell telecommunications services that match those in this solicitation and sold to commercial customers shall be priced. The offeror(s) may choose to offer (1) to three (3) rate groups.

New Orleans, Louisiana (NO MLSA) - The New Orleans MLSA geographical boundaries include the originating and terminating service area defined as Orleans parish, northern Jefferson parish (including the town of Lafitte), the town of Belle Chasse (located in the Plaquemines parish, and towns of Chalmette, Arabi, Meraux, Violet, and Poydras (all located in the St. Bernard parish). This award(s) will encompass all locations in the originating and terminating service area defined above where the offeror(s) currently sell or resell telecommunications services that match those in this solicitation and sold to commercial customers shall be priced. The offeror(s) may choose to offer (1) to three (3) rate groups.

San Antonio, Texas (SA MLSA) - The originating and terminating service area boundaries are defined in terms of the County of Bexar and city boundaries. In addition, for pricing purposes, the boundaries are also defined by the associated NPANXXs. This award(s) will encompass all locations in the County of Bexar where the offeror(s) currently sell or resell services that match those in this solicitation and sold to commercial customers shall be priced. The offeror(s) may choose to offer (1) to three (3) rate groups.

C.1.1 Please note for all locations mentioned above, NPANXXs that are in MLSA service areas and are split into adjoining towns or parishes that adjoin the geographical boundaries of an MLSA are considered part of the MLSA and the appropriate originating and terminating definition will apply. In addition, the free calling capabilities within the current MAA award areas shall not be reduced.

C.1.2 Exceptions to the use of a MLSA may be made when services not offered under MLSA awards for a service area are offered by another Government contract. In addition, the geographic boundaries of the MLSA may be expanded through negotiation when there will not be a conflict with other GSA local service contracts. Expansion may include areas currently served by an expiring contract(s) such as the Texas LSA, Louisiana LSA, and the New Mexico LSA contracts. A contract expiration will also include the Government’s action to not exercise an option year. Expansion of the geographic boundaries will not exceed the areas where the contractor provides local telecommunications service to commercial customers.

As stated in B.2 of the solicitation, the Government will consider two additional rate groups should it choose to expand the award area. As with the initial awards, the Government reserves the right to not expand any contract unless there is an advantage to the Government.

C.1.3 Multiple contract awards are preferred and will be based on offerors’ meeting the current aggregated needs of the city or cities in the award area. Service locations, as dictated by the dynamics of the Government, may be expanded or reduced over the period of the contract. Offerors shall provide digital and/or analog telecommunication services with capacity and capability for the Federal Government’s current and future requirements. Offerors shall design, plan, implement, provide and maintain the telecommunications services described in this solicitation which they currently provide to their commercial customers.

C.1.4 In this solicitation, offerors are not expected to provide telecommunications services to the Federal Government they do not provide to commercial users. However, offerors are required to serve locations in an area where they currently sell or resell local telecommunications services using rate groups as mentioned in Section B.2. The Government plans to award multiple contracts for each of the metropolitan areas mentioned above. Only offers that meet the minimum capabilities defined in C.2 and the requirements in M.1 will be evaluated on a predetermined weighted value system for technical response. Award(s) will be made based on the technical response and low price. If there is only one offeror that meets the conditions of this solicitation, an award will be made. However, the Government reserves the right to reject all offers that do not offer a significant economic advantage.

C.2

SERVICE PLATFORM

The service(s) offered shall be such as to obviate the need for the Government to purchase common service customer premise equipment. The service(s) offered shall utilize advanced technology to provide: moves, adds and changes; the highest level of reliability; uninterrupted, 24 hours a day/7 days a week service; modular and expandable service(s); and shall be easily maintainable for both hardware and software.

In addition, the following minimum capabilities, functions and features shall be furnished in the provision of service(s):

1.

Analog Business Lines.

2.

Analog Centrex Lines or Centrex type service with the minimum features required in Attachment J.1.

3. Interface to the Federal Technology Service FTS2001 Network and/or subsequent contract(s) awarded as a replacement.

4. Provide equal access to the long distance carrier selected as the primary interexchange carrier (PIC) by dialing 1 before the long distance number. The PIC selected may be the FTS2001 Network.

Please note that meeting the minimum capabilities, providing the minimum features in Attachment J.1, and meeting the requirements in M.1 does not relieve the offeror of the responsibility to meet the other terms and conditions if awarded the contract.

C.2.1 Service Reliability and Automatic Processor Reload

The service(s) shall be based on technology that has critical component redundancy as well as automatic system re-initialization to the identical level of service prior to need for reload. Local access shall be maintained at P.01 Grade of Service. Classes of service, DTMF, MF, and DP signaling, required for system functionality, and multiple Dial Access Codes (DACs) are required on a per line basis.

C.2.2 Transmission Service

Voice, Data and Video Transmission Service offerings shall be provided where available. Service requirements may include, but are not limited to the following: DOD/DID trunks, business lines, Centrex-like service and related features, internet services, DS-0, T-1, and T-3, and ISDN BRI/PRI.

Service performance parameters are listed in F.4.

C.2.3 Access Restriction

The service shall screen a minimum of 12 out-dialed digits and divert calls to intercept message(s), as required, for day-to-day operations at all locations. “Access Restriction” provides the end users with Centrex-like service, the capability to limit automatic call routing, and provide intercept messages.

C.2.4 Outgoing and Incoming Calling Number Identification (ID)

Where available, outgoing calling number ID of all lines shall be furnished connecting switching facilities. That information shall be used for commercial toll calls, Federal Telecommunication System (FTS) inter-city network(s) usage, and public network accessed “Emergency 911” correlation applications. Where available, incoming calling number ID (Caller ID) shall be furnished, on a per line basis, as required for telephone/terminal display. Where available, provide automated call blocking of originating number/calling number suppression. Service providers shall provision services with a pseudo telephone number and/or business name when identified to meet law enforcement security requirements.

C.2.5 Voice Mail

Voice Mail shall be available on request where vendor commercially provides this feature to other subscribers. The voice mail service shall be capable of receiving, editing, forwarding and storing messages, including the capability for providing private and shared mailboxes, automated or personalized recording and the capability of remote retrieval.

When providing Centrex switch-based voice service, the contractor shall supply and/or interface with and support a data link (e.g., Station Message Desk Interface [SMDI], Simplified Message Service Interface [SMSI]) to integrate a Government-owned voice mail system into its switching system.

C.2.6 Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) Where available, Basic and Primary Rate Interface Services, and multiples thereof, (BRI and PRI), shall be provided.

C.2.7 Numbering Plan

All service offerings shall conform to the North American Numbering Plan. Blocks of consecutive numbers must be available for reservation and use with an Analog PBX Access Line (001H), PRI (001I), T-1 (001J), and partial PRI (001K), when these services are ordered for PBX access. Blocks of consecutive numbers must also be available for reservations and use when ordered with Centrex type service. If offered to commercial customers and if required by the Government, blocks of numbers assigned to a Centrex will be shared with applications such as PBXs and servers when connected to a Centrex through the use of the PRI Applications Interface for Centrex Service Line (001L*). Reserved numbers should be priced in Schedule B – Pricing Schedules. Numbers for PBXs are priced as DID Number Block Assignment and Maintenance (id# 25). Centrex numbers are reserved as Number Resource Optimization (id# 56).

* If offered and if requested, this line will extend the numbering plan and the Centrex internal station dialing plan to a connected application such as a PBX.

C.2.8 Grade Of Service

Access to and from local lines, other local exchanges, and Interexchange Carriers’ point of presence shall have a GOS of P.01 or better.

C.2.9 Common Line Feature Requirements

The Offeror’s telecommunications solution shall identify available services and features by location. Each city system offered shall provide, at a minimum, the line features and/or services identified in Attachment J.1 as part of the “dial tone service”.

C.2.10 Media Requirements for Toll Calls Processing

File Transfer Protocol (FTP) of Toll Calls should be produced and provided in a format as outlined in Attachment J.2. If an alternate proposed file format and content is provided in response to this solicitation, it will be subject to review, coordination, and acceptance by the Government.

C.2.11 Teleconferencing (If provided to commercial users)

a. User Controlled - The system(s) shall be capable of providing simultaneous six (6) party user controllable teleconferences originated from the user station.

b. Meet Me - A minimum thirty (30) party meet me conferencing bridge capability shall be provided per system.

C.2.12 Contractor Furnished Customer Premise Equipment (CPE) Services

If customer premise equipment (CPE) cannot interface with Contractor equipment, it is the responsibility of the affected Government Agency to convert to compatible CPE.

C.2.13 Section 508 The Contractor may receive requests to provide equipment that meets accessibility requirements under Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 794d). Information regarding Section 508 is available via the Internet at http//www.section508.gov. The Government is responsible for identifying the applicable technical provisions of the Access Board’s standards in its requests or requirements documents. The Contractor is not required to provide, nor is the Government obligated to acquire, Section 508-compliant equipment under this contract.

C.2.14 Customer Administration Terminal Service (CATS)

The contractor will provide CATS, where available, for interfacing with Government provided terminals, to permit GSA and/or client agencies to administer system(s) changes and add features at no charge to the Government. These changes may include, but not be limited to, reassignment of features, moves, changes, and other actions inherent to the agency without the need for hardware wiring. The contractor shall identify the features that can be changed or added in the response to this solicitation. This service requirement is anticipated at larger user Centrex-like locations. Administration access shall be separately partitioned by imposing client access restrictions. Each CATS user shall be controlled to ensure each user can have private access to the facilities, share the facility, or be denied CATS facility access. CATS training shall be provided by the contractor at no cost to the Government.

C.3

NUMBER PORTABILITY

In accordance with the Telecommunications Act of 1996, number portability allows the customers to change local exchange service providers without changing phone numbers. Number portability shall be provided and maintained in accordance with FCC, and Local rules and regulations.

C.4

GOVERNMENT BUILDINGS

C.4.1 Availability of Space The GSA will provide space, where available in Government owned/leased buildings, to house circuit terminating equipment, such as CSU/DSU or terminating blocks. All equipment installations shall be coordinated and approved, through the GSA/Government representative, prior to installation.

C.4.2 Historic Buildings

All requests to work in a historic building, including a description of the work to be performed, shall be submitted to the Contracting Officer’s Technical Representative (COTR - Section G.), within 10 working days after award of task order. Under no circumstance shall the contractor proceed with work in a historic building until GSA coordination and approval has been obtained. This requirement applies to all buildings on or eligible for the National Historic Register as listed in Attachment J.3 of Section J of this solicitation.

C.5

CABLE

Based on the awarded hourly rate in Table B.7.2.12 or the flat rate prices in Table B.7.2.14 in SECTION B – Price Schedule, the contractor will install cable as required by the Government. The contractor shall propose the cost of time and materials to install sufficient cable, vertical and horizontal, to the IDF(s) on each building floor containing government station line distribution. Quotes shall be provided on an “as required,” per task basis. In lieu of a quote from the contractor, the Government may order installations directly from Table B.7.2.14. Prices on Table B.7.2.14 are for standard installations which comply with EIA/TIA 568 and amendments. The pricing on Table B.7.2.14 will include all cable, hardware and labor to extend the specified cable from a SDP to another SDP or to a wall jack for the specified distances. Labor includes end-to-end toning, testing, and labeling. The Government reserves the right to request a quote and use of the quote in lieu of the flat rate pricing at any time. At no time should the cost of material exceed the low price charged other customers including commercial, state, local, and other Federal agencies, without documented justification. If the contractor quote includes ODCs and/or open market items, the ODCs and/or open market items shall not exceed $3,000.00 (see H.17).

The contractor will be responsible for all cable installations and shall ensure that all cable/wire systems installed under this contract continue to perform according to original equipment manufacturer (OEM) specifications through systematic maintenance and oversight and provide testing, related equipment and documentation, if requested.

C.5.1 House Cable / Wire Installation And Maintenance The contractor shall be responsible for providing all cable/wire, terminals, blocks, installation hardware, and miscellaneous materials required to provision service to the points of demarcation as described in C.5.4. The contractor is responsible for all cross connections required to accomplish the complete installation.

C.5.2 Existing Government House Cable / Wire

Existing GSA cable/wire will be used at the contractor's discretion and with coordination/approval of the Government representative; however, the contractor is responsible for ensuring the performance requirements of the ordered service. Non-GSA owned cable might be available for reuse, pending authorization of the appropriate owner. Prior to the reuse of existing cable not currently in use, the contractor shall tone, test, and label to ensure compliance with OEM performance standards as directed by the government. The contractor may charge for certifying the cable is in compliance with OEM performance standards using the prices in Section B – Pricing Schedules, Table B.7.2.8. The contractor will be responsible for maintaining any cable owned by others and certified acceptable when the contractor has charged the Government for toning, testing, and/or labeling. The contractor will be responsible for maintaining any cable the contractor owns and uses in a building. Use of contractor owned cable will be at no charge to the Government. The government reserves the right to require and direct the use of existing cable and/or cable termination facilities (cable frames) without ordering toning, testing, or OEM certification or the Government may order installation of new cable. The Government understands the risk and assumes the responsibility of directing the use of existing cable without prior testing. The contractor will not be required to maintain cable that does not belong to the contractor. The contractor will not be required to maintain cable that does not meet OEM performance standards. Necessary punch downs are included as part of the SIC for any service installation.

C.5.2.1 Non-MLSA Contractor Installed New Cable

The Government, at its option, may use another resource outside of this contract to install cable and related hardware. In this case, the cable and/or hardware installed will not be the responsibility of the MLSA contractor unless the conditions regarding OEM certification by the MLSA contractor in 5.2 are met.

C.5.2.2 Move/Add/Change The contractor shall de-install, relocate, and reinstall telephone services as well as perform miscellaneous wiring, when required by the government. Prices not included in this contract shall be negotiated on a per task basis and include awarded labor rates and material charges applicable to the action.

Move - Relocation of an existing station / phone number to existing wiring or vacant wire pairs at new location with associated programming and cross connects, with customer address (Additional wire, jacks, etc. will be negotiated on an as required basis if not priced in this contract).

Adds - Addition of new numbers or programming features on existing phones or equipment. At a minimum, testing associated with the installation of a switched voice line(s) should ensure the number(s) are correct and calls can be placed and received via the service.

Changes (Reconfiguration) - Any programming modifications of existing services or features.

C.5.3 Protection From Voltage And Current Spikes / Fluctuations

Equipment installed, to provide reliable service, shall be protected from damage due to voltage or current spikes/fluctuations from any source.

C.5.4 Demarcation Points For Service(s) Delivery Via House Cable / Wiring

The demarcation point for services (with the exception of proprietary CPE or orders specifying a different demarcation point) is the Network Interface Device (NID). Any other demarcation point for services will be included on the individual service order, whether at the proprietary CPE station jack, or other location as specified. Figure B.7.2.1 presents the different termination points normally required by the Government.

C.5.5 Main/Intermediate Distribution Frame(s) (MDF/IDF) As required by the Government Representative the contractor shall provide the most current commercially available cross connect(s) for each site. The type of frame provided shall facilitate ease of cable management and maintenance. The cross connect is located in an equipment room, riser closet, or satellite closet and is installed to provide a complete professional installation, appropriate materials, length, tested, toned and labeled in accordance with the industry standard. All terminated services shall be in accordance with the industry standard. Although the actual cross connect is included in the price for installations and changes, the costs of any additional hardware and/or cable will be negotiated if not specifically priced in this contract.

C.6

IMPLEMENTATION PLANS

For this proposal, the contractor shall develop a preliminary milestone schedule that explains the proposed implementation of all service(s). The preliminary schedule shall be generic in nature, provide the number of lines the contractor can transition per day or week, and provide a systematic approach to transition. For instance, the contractor may stipulate in coordination with the Government representative the number of lines by GSA customer account(s) to be transitioned at a location or locations. After award, the GSA COTR(s) or GDR will complete a Fair Consideration for each location as expeditiously as possible. As the fair considerations are completed, the COTR will `identify the location to the contractor as one that the contractor will serve. The contractor shall provide an implementation plan for each location and agency within 15 calendar days after being advised of the location, agency phone numbers, and other information that may facilitate the conversion. If only one award should be made, the contractor will provide the plan(s) for agencies at each location as soon as the current agency line counts and relevant data can be provided or confirmed by the COTR or GDR.

C.7

MAINTENANCE SERVICES

The contractor shall provide preventive (scheduled) maintenance that conforms to the maintenance practices for each service based on the contractor’s commercial practices. Preventive maintenance shall not interfere with, disrupt, or degrade services provided to the customer organization during normal Government business hours.

The contractor shall be responsible for responding to and repairing all reported troubles in a timely manner. Response shall be in accordance with Section F.3. The contractor shall maintain service(s) delivery at no additional charge(s) to the customer (line terminal users). The contractor shall invoice, maintenance services provided to identify or correct any failure caused by facilities and equipment when the contractor is not responsible or responsible to maintain as stated in Section C.5. The invoice will reflect this charge(s) as a separate item identifying the end user and authorization. If a site visit was necessary and the trouble was not found to be the contractor’s responsibility, a trip may be charged using CLIN 005K in B.7.2.12 of the Pricing Schedules.

Upon request, the contractor shall provide the COTR or other Government designated representative access to contractor’s trouble log(s) as a means of documenting reliability and responsiveness. Contractor shall provide a National toll free trouble reporting number that is available 24 hours per day. And as a minimum, trouble reports will be answered by a live attendant during the core hours, 8:00AM to 5:00PM Central Time. Live attendants will not be required after core hours and on weekends and holidays if the contractor can receive and respond to troubles within the requirements of C.7.1. Work will be completed within the intervals listed in C.7.1 unless a longer period is requested by the GDR or ADR.

C.7.1 Types Of Maintenance Required

a. Routine - response in accordance with Section F.3. Service outage/repair time within twenty-four (24) consecutive hours.

b. Expedited - response in accordance with Section F.3. Service outage/repair time within four (4) consecutive hours

C.7.2 On-Site Maintenance and Installation Hours The contractor should plan on completing all routine, on-site work during the Normal Business Day (NBD). This will include all routine on-site maintenance and installation. Office hours within the Government vary. For pricing purposes, the contractor must complete all on-site work during the NBD hours of 8:00 am to 4:00 pm. Business days are Monday through Friday, excluding Government holidays. Some offices with a longer business day window will be available after 4:00 pm. And, working weekends is possible and often necessary. Working other than normal business days or outside and office’s normal business hours will require coordination and prior approval by the affected government office. Hours that are not NBD are considered to be Outside Normal Business Day (ONBD). The contractor may propose hourly rates outside his/her company’s NBD, or his ONBD, hours on Table B.7.2.12 (Other Charges Prices Offer) in SECTION B – PRICE SCHEDULE.

C.8

FEDERAL EMERGENCY SUPPORT DURING DISASTERS

The contractor shall support the National Security Emergency Preparedness (NSEP) Plan at locations where the technology exist to do so. If NSEP is currently supportable, the contractor shall describe the processes, procedures, and network capabilities it will employ to provide network facility augmentation and restoration during NSEP events consistent with the National Telecommunications Management Structure (NTMS) and the Telecommunications Service Priority (TSP) System (See NCS-3-1-1 and NCS-3-1-2 manuals) or any subsequent TSP replacement system for providing TSP restoration, TSP provisioning, and TSP level change. When required, the contractor shall provide prioritized service provisioning and restoration to station lines designated as “critical” by the government. The government representative or the Regional Emergency Communications Coordinator (RECC) will designate services “critical” on the order. Communications support shall be furnished under PL93288, NSDD97, NSDD145, and other applicable laws. Executive Order 12472 is also applicable to services provisioned.

Please note, TSP takes precedence over any other restoration.

C.9

SERVICE ORDERING PROCEDURE

Agency orders for Installations, Moves, Adds and Changes (MACs), and Disconnect orders for lines and features will be placed by GSA Project Managers (PMs) and agency users only through GSA’s designated Government Designated Representative (GDR) in accordance with Section G. Agency users ordering directly must have approval from GSA to order service for their locations. Any agency-ordering document may be used to order services. Service orders will identify order type as routine or expedited.

C.9.1 Order Types Orders shall be performed in accordance with the delivery intervals specified in Section F. Normally, the customer service representative (CSR) will be notified an expedited order has been sent or is in the process of being sent. The contractor shall respond to the following order types:

a. Routine Service Orders - shall be accepted during the Contractor’s normal operating hours.

b. Expedited Service Orders - shall be accepted during the Contractor’s normal operating hours. Expedited orders shall be worked ahead of pending routine orders placed from the same agency.

C.10

REPORT REQUIREMENTS

The contractor is responsible for maintaining records. The contractor shall convey to the government, on the final day of this contract, all current records, operational and maintenance manuals, and other pertinent documentation existing before award or developed during the term of the contract which pertains to the Government’s locations. In addition, the contractor shall make available all of the above information anytime requested by the Government representative throughout the contract term at no additional cost.

C.11

MANAGEMENT SERVICES

C.11.1 Organizational Management

The contractor shall provide an efficient and effective organization capable of managing all resources needed to carry out the requirements of this contract. The contractor shall identify the individuals responsible, by name, title, telephone (during and after hours), facsimile, and e-mail for each location and each of the following:

a.

Dedicated Customer Service Representative (CSR) - The contractor shall identify a CSR dedicated to the customer recipients of services provided by this contract. Contractor shall provide an 800/888 toll free number to call with inquiries. The CSR shall be available during the hour’s 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily. CSR shall be capable of providing service utilization support, planning support, implementation support, and technical assistance for all features and functions of any service available through this contract.

b.

Escalation Hierarchy List or Chart - The service provider shall provide names, titles, and both work and 24-hour emergency telephone numbers of those individuals within the contractor organization responsible for all services. The hierarchy shall begin with the CSR and include all individuals up to and including, as a minimum, the Vice President responsible for Federal Government accounts. The Government’s preference is the escalation list include the President/CEO. The contractor will provide an updated list or chart within two (2) weeks after a change occurs.

C.11.2 Services Management

The contractor shall take actions to ensure that services management is provided at the levels necessary to comply with the service requirements. Services management shall include provisioning actions, maintenance of required line grade of service, numbering plan management, upgrades, provision of features, diagnostic analysis, access levels, database and software management, quality assurance, inter-operability, North American Numbering Plan (NANP) upgrades and changes, maintenance, Privacy Act requirements, system control and invoicing. In addition:

a.

System Integration - The contractor shall integrate all services with the PSN, Networx, and other networks, carriers and services. Integration shall be in compliance with accepted industry standards, policies and procedures.

b.

Service Changes - The contractor shall request Contracting Officer (CO) approval of all proposed changes through the COTR a minimum of twenty (20) working days prior to proposed implementation of the change. Changes that result in cost reductions, enhanced capability, and/or increased reliability, etc. are the types of changes to be initiated by the contractor. Changes, requiring funding, are executed through a government service order. Contractor initiated changes are subject to funding limitations prescribed by the CO.

(1) Contractor Changes - The contractor may propose service improvements and technology enhancements at any time. The proposal shall include a technical description, total cost for the change, as well as a cost/benefit analysis. Proposals shall be submitted directly to the CO. The contractor shall implement the proposed change only after a bilateral agreement has been signed by the Contracting Officer and the contractor’s authorized official.

(2) Government Changes - The Government will submit a Request for Proposal to the contractor within ten (10) working days of receipt of a customer service order when a GSA customer necessitates a change. A Request for Proposal may include a technical description of the change, the physical equipment and facility to be changed, and a request for technical and price proposals. The change may be implemented only after a CO issuance of a unilateral modification or the Contracting Officer has signed a bilateral agreement with the contractor’s authorized official.

(3) Upgrades - The contractor shall continuously assess, plan, and implement upgrades in order to assure all service performance levels required of the contract. System upgrades the contractor chooses to implement, such as those recommended by the OEM, will be at no cost to the Government.

c.

Final Disposition of Government Owned Cable Plant and Equipment Manuals/Records - The contractor shall convey to the government, on the final day of this contract, all current equipment and cable plant records, operational and maintenance manuals, and other pertinent documentation pertaining to the Government’s locations that existed before award or developed during the term of the contract. In addition, the contractor shall make available all of the above information anytime requested by the Government representative throughout the contract term.

C.12

TERMINATION CHARGES

The Government will not pay any charges or fees for disconnect of features, lines, or service.

Due to the Information Technology Management Reform Act, signed into law February 10, 1996, GSA customers no longer require approval from GSA to buy information technology and are not mandated to buy network services. GSA customers may now cancel all or any part of their month-to-month services during the term of this agreement without any monetary charges. Termination charges shall not apply to this contract.

In the event that the resulting contract is terminated prior to the expiration of the initial term of contract for the convenience of the Government, the contract termination charges shall be negotiated in accordance with Part 49 of the Federal Acquisition Regulation in effect.

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MLSASecC-Amd3.doc