F03_JA_-_Single_Source_Determination_FAR_13_Under_SAT_Final_rev_Redacted_1.pdf

PO #140D0419P0047 P00007

The T1 communication circuit is vital to secure communications capabilities and without it the Department along with OLES and OEM will be unable to perform its MEFs. The T1 communication circuits are used for TS/SCI email and telephone communications between the White House, Department of Homeland Security, and the DOI Intelligence Division, Senior Leadership, Executive Secretary, DOI Watch Office, and Continuity personnel to list a few. Interruptions to these capabilities will negatively impact Department’s NEFs and MEFs.

Verizon is the established provider throughout DOI and the continuity sites.

Verizon supports the classified lines for DOI’s Interior Operations Center (IOC), Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility (SCIF), and Emergency/Senior Leadership Management at the DOI. Verizon also supports the Department’s redundant lines running to the Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and various Government Agencies that DOI relies on to receive and discuss classified information. Verizon is the only provider of the circuits to the Government.

DOI is currently in the process of transitioning the existing T1 communication circuits to the Office of Chief Information Officer (OCIO) led effort under the General Services Administration’s (GSA) Networx contract. However, the transition to OCIO’s effort has encountered numerous obstacles that caused delays: the provider unable to process funding documents on time, causing delays to the next FY; rehashing approvals/assessments to leverage the new DOI circuit, and dealing with new personnel, all of which was further complicated due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. Once the new communications circuits are established, the current lines will be retired.

6. Market Research.

The market research has already been done and the decision has been made to transition to new communications circuits. To minimize the risk of an unacceptable break in service for this urgent requirement, an extension to the current contract with Verizon will be the most advantageous method of maintaining this critical service and is in the best interest of the Government.

Under the authority of FAR 13.106-1(b)(1), the undersigned hereby determines the circumstances of this contract action deem only one source is reasonably available as supported herein.

Approved by: