ESINet_ ATandT_source_justification_MFR - 9 Sep 2024_Redacted.pdf

Sole Source (Including Brand Name) Justification - Simplified Procedures for Certain Commercial Items

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I. Contracting Activity.

This J&A supports the acquisition of a sole source contract with AT&T to provide Emergency Services IP Network (ESInet) installation and services for the McConnell AFB 911 infrastructure, as mandated by the Air Force’s Next Generation 911 (NG911) modernization effort. The 22d CONS will manage the contractual obligations, funding arrangements, and compliance with federal and DoD acquisition regulations throughout the duration of the contract.

II. Nature and/or description of the action being processed.

This Justification and Approval (J&A) supports a sole source acquisition for the installation and implementation of an Emergency Services IP Network (ESInet) at McConnell AFB. The contract will be awarded to AT&T, the sole provider authorized by the Kansas 911 Coordinating Council to install and service ESInet infrastructure within the state. The procurement involves the installation, configuration, and activation of ESInet components to meet the requirements for transitioning McConnell AFB’s emergency communications system to a Next Generation 911 (NG911) platform. This action ensures compliance with the Air Force’s FY25 directive mandating the adoption of NG911 capabilities across all Air Force installations.The implementation of the ESInet is critical to modernizing McConnell AFB’s emergency response framework, providing enhanced call routing based on geographic data, support for multimedia communications such as texts and videos, and integration with the statewide NG911 network. This acquisition will include both initial setup and ongoing technical support to maintain operational standards and network security.

III. Description of supplies/services required to meet agency needs.

Specifically, the contract with AT&T will include:ESInet Installation: Deployment and configuration of the core ESInet components, including routers, switches, and other network elements necessary to enable IP-based call handling and routing.System Integration: Establishment of connectivity between the Vesta 8 call-handling system (provided by Hill AFB PMO) and the AT&T ESInet to ensure seamless interoperability with the state’s NG911 infrastructure.Service Activation: Activation of ESInet services, including IP-based call routing, geospatial data integration, and multimedia capabilities such as Text-to-9-1-1 and video transmission.Ongoing Support and Maintenance: Provision of annual technical support, system monitoring, and software updates to maintain operational reliability and security.These services will ensure that McConnell AFB’s PSAPs (Public Safety Answering Points) are fully integrated into the statewide NG911 system, enhancing emergency response capabilities, improving data accuracy, and meeting the Air Force’s requirement for a modernized, resilient 911 communication infrastructure

IV. Statutory authority permitting other than full and open competition.

The statutory authority permitting other than full and open competition for this procurement is FAR 6.302-1(a)(2)(ii), “Only One Responsible Source and No Other Supplies or Services Will Satisfy Agency Requirements.” This authority applies because AT&T is the only authorized provider for ESInet services in Kansas, as designated by the Kansas 911 Coordinating Council. No other vendor is capable of providing these services in a manner that integrates with the existing statewide NG911 infrastructure.

V. Demonstration that the contractor's unique qualifications or nature of the acquisition requires the use of the authority cited above (applicability of authority).

The use of FAR 6.302-1 is justified due to AT&T’s unique qualifications as the exclusive provider for ESInet services within the State of Kansas. The Kansas 911 Coordinating Council has designated AT&T as the sole authorized provider for ESInet installation and service activation across the state. This designation is based on AT&T’s existing infrastructure, specialized technology, and established statewide ESInet network, which no other vendor is authorized to install, support, or maintain. Additionally, AT&T is the only contractor capable of meeting the state’s compliance requirements for NG911 services, ensuring uniformity and interoperability with the established statewide public safety communications network. This unique position is further supported by the fact that Hill AFB PMO, responsible for overseeing NG911 deployment for the Air Force, confirmed that Kansas and many other states typically use a single vendor to provide ESInet services to maintain system integrity and operational consistency. Because of these factors, no other contractor is capable of fulfilling this requirement without disrupting service or compromising network reliability.

Sole Source (Including Brand Name) Justification - Simplified Procedures for Certain Commercial Items

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VI. Description of efforts made to ensure that offers are solicited from as many potential sources as practicable.

The 22d Contracting Squadron conducted thorough market research and coordination with the Hill AFB NG911 Program Management Office (PMO) to identify potential vendors capable of providing ESInet services in the state of Kansas. During this process, it was confirmed that the Kansas 911 Coordinating Council has an exclusive agreement with AT&T to provide all Emergency Services IP Network (ESInet) services within the state. No other vendors are authorized to provide this service within Kansas, as the agreement was established to ensure uniformity, interoperability, and compliance with state and federal NG911 standards. Efforts to explore potential competition included:Consultation with the Hill AFB NG911 PMO to validate whether other vendors have been used successfully in similar deployments, Review of the Kansas State Contracting Agreements and documentation from the Kansas 911 Coordinating Council, confirming that AT&T is the only authorized provider capable of meeting the Air Force’s requirements for ESInet installation, Verification through Market Research using industry resources such as the System for Award Management (SAM) and the GSA eLibrary to search for other potential vendors with similar capabilities in ESInet implementation. The findings indicated no other qualified sources in the Kansas region. Given the regulatory limitations and the technical requirements of integrating McConnell AFB’s emergency communication infrastructure with the statewide NG911 system, no other sources are capable of providing the required services. Therefore, AT&T remains the only viable and authorized source for this procurement. (See: https://rapiddeploy.com/press/rapiddeploy-and-att-announce-state-of-kansas-as-first-comprehensive-ng911-suite-customer-in-landmark-deal & Kansas uses cutting-edge technology to enhance 911 services | First Responder Network Authority (firstnet.gov)).

VII. Determination by the Contracting Officer that the anticipated cost to the Government will be fair and reasonable.

The contracting officer anticipates that the contract award can be made at a fair and reasonable price through comparison of the proposed price to historical prices paid, comparison of proposed price with independent Government cost estimates, and comparison of proposed price with prices obtained through market research for the same or similar items.

VIII. Description of the market research conducted and the results, or a statement of the reasons market research was not conducted.

Comprehensive market research was conducted to identify vendors capable of providing the required Emergency Services IP Network (ESInet) services and to confirm that no alternative sources exist that can fulfill the requirements for McConnell AFB’s Next Generation 911 (NG911) system implementation. The following steps were taken as part of the research: Consultation with Hill AFB NG911 Program Management Office (PMO): The Hill AFB PMO, which is overseeing NG911 deployments for the Air Force, was consulted to validate the availability of vendors capable of providing compliant ESInet services in Kansas. The PMO confirmed that AT&T is the designated provider for Kansas under state agreements and that no other vendors have the authorization or capability to deliver the required services.

Review of State Contracts and Agreements: The Kansas 911 Coordinating Council and state contracting databases were reviewed to verify existing agreements for NG911 and ESInet services. The research confirmed that the Council has an exclusive partnership with AT&T for the installation and maintenance of ESInet infrastructure, ensuring standardized implementation across all Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs) in Kansas. Search in Government Contracting Databases: Multiple federal contracting databases, including the System for Award Management (SAM) and the GSA eLibrary, were queried to identify other vendors with the capability to provide ESInet services. No alternative sources were identified that could meet the stringent requirements of integrating with the Kansas statewide NG911 system while complying with NENA i3 standards. Verification through Industry Research: Additional research was conducted using industry sources, including publications from the National Emergency Number Association (NENA) and the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials (APCO). These sources reinforced that Kansas’s use of a single, standardized ESInet provider is consistent with national best practices for NG911 deployments to ensure interoperability and security. Based on these findings, it was determined that AT&T is the only vendor capable of providing the required services to meet McConnell AFB’s NG911 compliance requirements. No other vendors were identified that could fulfill the technical, regulatory, and operational needs of this project.

Sole Source (Including Brand Name) Justification - Simplified Procedures for Certain Commercial Items

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IX. Any other facts supporting the use of Other Than Full and Open Competition.

1. Statewide Mandate and Integration Requirements:The Kansas 911 Coordinating Council has designated AT&T as the exclusive provider for ESInet services in Kansas to ensure a unified and standardized NG911 infrastructure across all Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs). This designation is based on AT&T’s established statewide network and technical capability to meet stringent regulatory and interoperability standards. As such, using a different vendor would introduce significant compatibility and integration risks, potentially compromising the statewide network’s operational integrity and compliance with NENA i3 standards.

2. Existing Infrastructure and Network Dependencies:AT&T currently manages and maintains the core infrastructure for ESInet services throughout Kansas, making them uniquely positioned to expand and integrate the McConnell AFB system into the statewide ESInet. Engaging another vendor would require duplicating network components and incurring additional costs and complexities, which would be both inefficient and impractical.

3. Proprietary Technology and Security Considerations:AT&T’s ESInet system is built using proprietary technology that is not available through other vendors. This technology is specifically configured to interface with the Kansas NG911 infrastructure, which includes unique routing, geospatial data handling, and cybersecurity measures tailored to the state’s emergency communications environment. Utilizing a vendor other than AT&T would not only disrupt the network but also increase security risks, as no other provider has the requisite access or rights to modify or extend this proprietary infrastructure.

4. Alignment with Air Force and DoD Directives:The Hill AFB PMO, which oversees the NG911 implementation across Air Force installations, has identified AT&T as the only viable option for ESInet services in Kansas. Using another vendor would deviate from the approved Air Force strategy and disrupt the coordinated NG911 rollout plan, delaying compliance with the FY25 mandate.

5. Risk of Service Disruption and Compliance Issues:Transitioning to a vendor other than AT&T would require a complete redesign of the existing ESInet structure for McConnell AFB, leading to a significant risk of service disruption.

This could impact emergency response capabilities and create compliance issues with state and federal NG911 regulations, jeopardizing the base’s ability to meet Air Force standards for emergency communications.

X. List of any sources that expressed, in writing, an interest in the acquisition.

No sources, other than AT&T, have expressed interest in this acquisition in writing. Due to AT&T’s exclusive agreement with the Kansas 911 Coordinating Council and their unique capability to provide the required ESInet services in Kansas, no other vendors responded to market research inquiries or demonstrated the ability to meet the technical and regulatory requirements for this procurement. If any expressions of interest are received at a later date, they will be documented and evaluated for compliance and technical suitability.

XI. A statement of the actions, if any, the agency may take to remove or overcome any barriers to competition before making subsequent acquisitions for the supplies or services required.

The agency recognizes the importance of maintaining a competitive environment for future acquisitions. However, due to the current regulatory constraints and statewide exclusivity agreement with the Kansas 911 Coordinating Council, AT&T remains the only authorized source for ESInet services in Kansas at this time.To overcome these barriers in the future, the agency will:Continue Market Research: The agency will routinely review the market for new entrants or emerging technologies that could provide viable alternatives for ESInet services. This includes monitoring developments in NG911 capabilities and maintaining communication with industry leaders.Engage with the Kansas 911 Coordinating Council: The agency will work closely with the Kansas 911 Coordinating Council to explore any potential updates to state agreements that may allow for the inclusion of additional vendors or solutions in the future.Evaluate Vendor Capabilities Annually: The agency will conduct an annual assessment of vendor capabilities and consider the potential for broader competition if new vendors meet the technical and regulatory requirements.Solicit Industry Feedback: Prior to subsequent acquisitions, the agency will issue a Request for Information (RFI) or hold an industry day to gauge interest from other vendors and gather feedback on how to structure future requirements to foster competition.Given the unique and state-specific nature of this acquisition, these actions will help ensure that the agency remains informed of any changes in the vendor landscape and can adapt acquisition strategies accordingly.

XII. Certification by the Contracting Officer.

As evidenced by my signature above, I have determined this document to be both accurate and complete to the best

Sole Source (Including Brand Name) Justification - Simplified Procedures for Certain Commercial Items

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XIII. Certification by the technical/requirements personnel.

As evidenced by my signature above, I certify that any supporting data contained herein, which is my responsibility, is both accurate and complete.