B08_Attachment_1_J_A.pdf

Justification for Other than Full and Open Competition Bureau of Land Management

FAR 13.106-1(b)(1) Simplified Acquisitions

(0044010196/ DOILFBO250031)

1. Identification of the agency and the contracting office.

Bureau of Land Management California State Office – Support Services Division - Telecommunications Branch, 2800 Cottage Way Suite W-1623, Sacramento, CA 95825

2. Description of supply or service required to meet the agency’s needs.

BLM needs to have cellular and data availability to support missions on BLM land across the state. Having FirstNet enabled devices increases the coverage of cellular services and data for BLM missions for the protection of life and resources. FirstNet provides additional required coverage where other companies do not which is essential for BLM Law Enforcement, Fire, and field going employees staying connected while completing the BLM mission.

3. The rationale or circumstances for limiting competition.

BLM needs to have cellular and data availability to support missions on BLM land across the state. Having FirstNet enabled devices increases the coverage of cellular services and data for BLM missions for the protection of life and resources. We currently have AT&T Dedicated Router (ADI) routers, Mega Go / Mega Ranges, and “Black” SIM cards in use across three accounts.

FirstNet is designed for public safety and provides additional required coverage where other companies do not. FirstNet is a nationwide wireless broadband network for first responders, built with and for public safety, while AT&T is a commercial telecommunications company that provides services to a wide range of customers. FirstNet uses Band 14 spectrum, which is specifically licensed for public safety use, along with other AT&T commercial bands. All the devices are FirstNet devices and require FirstNet SIM cards to operate properly.

FirstNet utilizes AT&T's network infrastructure but is treated as a separate entity with priority access to network resources, especially during emergencies. First responders on FirstNet get priority access to the network, no throttling of data, and access to a range of public safety features.

4. A description of the Market Research (MR) conducted and the results or a statement of the reason MR was not conducted.

Having FirstNet Band 14 spectrum enabled devices increases the coverage of cellular services and data for BLM missions for the protection of life and resources. First Net offers Band 14 priority connectivity for Law Enforcement, Fire, Public Safety where other companies do not.

Certification

The information contained in this Justification for Other than Full and Open Competition is certified accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief.

Name of Requestor Date Title of Requestor

Name of Contracting Officer Date Contracting Officer klerum Stamp