Northstar JA MOD 01 Redacted for Synopsis.pdf
PDF 662 KB Posted
- Solicitation number
- HC101321C0006
- Issued by
-
Defense Information Systems Agency
About this file
This document is a Justification for Other Than Full and Open Competition (OTFAOC) under Federal Acquisition Regulation Part 6, specifically Modification 01 to justify a sole source award to AT&T National Information Systems for continuation of the Northstar Long-Haul Telecommunications Network contract.
The 844th Communications Squadron (CS) is the requiring agency, with the Defense Information Technology Contracting Organization (DITCO) serving as the contracting office. The procurement involves a Firm Fixed Price contract for continuation of the Northstar Network, an Ultra-High Frequency/Line of sight communications system providing air-to-ground/ground-to-air communications connectivity for Department of Defense senior leadership. Modification 01 increases the estimated contract value to extend the contract for a 6-month option period under FAR 52.217-8 to ensure service continuity while a follow-on requirement is solicited. The contract includes a 1-year base period (May 1, 2021 – April 30, 2022), four 1-year option periods (through April 30, 2026), and a 6-month option period (May 1, 2026 – October 31, 2026). The Government justifies the sole source award under 10 U.S.C. §2304(c)(1) based on AT&T's unique qualifications: AT&T owns the entirety of the Northstar Network infrastructure, including proprietary drawings, schematics, and exclusive agreements with equipment providers that prevent other contractors from accessing AT&T facilities. Market research efforts, including a public notice of intent to sole source posted on beta.sam.gov with no responses from industry, confirmed no other commercial or military service can provide the required capability. The Government anticipates transitioning to a modernized IP-based solution by 2026, aligning with DoD CIO guidance on transitioning from legacy circuit-based to IP technology.
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Northstar Network-JA20-152 MOD 01 awarded proposal and identified several areas of focus to assist in negotiations to reduce costs.
A comprehensive and detailed independent government cost estimate was constructed and will be used as a tool in conducting an in-depth cost analysis of AT&T’s proposal. The requiring activity will complete a technical evaluation of the proposed labor categories, labor hours, equipment, other direct costs, and travel to ensure each element is consistent and necessary for the required services. Lastly, the Government has obtained, through the Defense Contract Audit Agency, actual costs incurred for the current effort; this information will be used in evaluation of proposed costs to ensure negotiation of a fair and reasonable price.
8. MARKET RESEARCH:
Market research efforts have revealed that no other available commercial or military service is able to provide the required services. A notice of intent to sole source was posted for one month on beta.sam.gov with no responses from industry. The Government conducted reviews of commercial databases, industry literature and existing contracts for possible alternatives to a sole source award. No data was found to suggest any source other than AT&T is currently capable of fulfilling the Government’s needs.
9. ANY OTHER SUPPORTING FACTS: None.
Modification 01: AT&T remains the only source available to provide continued uninterrupted executive aircraft communication service.
10. LISTING OF INTERESTED SOURCES:
No responses from interested sources were received to the notice of intent to sole source on beta.sam.gov.
11. ACTIONS THE AGENCY MAY TAKE TO REMOVE OR OVERCOME BARRIERS
THAT LED TO THE EXCEPTION TO FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION:
a. Procurement History:
HC1013-16-C-0001 (Active): Contract was awarded on April 16, 2016 and has a PoP end date of April 30, 2021. This contract was awarded on a sole source basis to AT&T under the statutory authority 10 U.S.C. 2304(c)(1), cited at FAR 6.302- 1(a)(2), as approved by the HCA, on August 26, 2014 within justification for OTFAOC number JA14-109.
HC1013-09-H-0655 (Expired): DITCO issued 21 non-competitive CSAs to AT&T against referenced BA in accordance with (IAW) class justification for OTFAOC as approved by the PACA on December 5, 2013.
HC1013-05-H-0670 (Expired): DITCO issued 211 non-competitive CSAs to AT&T against referenced BA IAW class justification for OTFAOC, as approved by the SPE on August 1, 2008.
b. Actions to Increase Competition:
It is anticipated that the services provided via AT&Ts Northstar Network will be required through 2026, at which point the Government anticipates transitioning to a modernized IP-based solution. Per a recent DoD CIO memo titled “Legacy Network Technologies”, the DoD must transition from legacy circuit based technology to modernized IP solutions.
The next generation executive aircraft currently in production are designed to use IP based communication technology and will no longer be compatible to operate via the current Northstar Network. While the DoD is targeting an immediate cutover of services upon the availability of the IP solution, the proposed 5 year PoP provides coverage for continued services throughout the development of the solution and any period of transition necessary for dependent aircrafts.
TECHNICAL CERTIFICATION: I certify that the supporting data under my cognizance which are included in the J&A are accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief.
NAME: SIGNATURE:
TITLE/ORGANIZATION: National Military Command Center (NMCC) Executive Agent/NORTHSTAR
PHONE:
REQUIREMENTS CERTIFICATION: I certify that the supporting data under my cognizance which are included in the J&A are accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief.
NAME: SIGNATURE:
TITLE/ORGANIZATION: Director, 844th CS
PHONE:
CONTRACTING OFFICER CERTIFICATION: I certify that this justification is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief. Since this effort exceeds the SAT but does not exceed $10M, this certification serves as APPROVAL.
NAME: KELLY J. SMITH-MARSTON SIGNATURE:
TITLE/ORGANIZATION: Contracting Officer/PS8231
PHONE: 667-890-9220
ALL QUESTIONS REGARDING THIS JUSTIFICATION ARE TO BE REFERRED TO:
Contracting Officer: Kelly J. Smith-Marston, 667-890-9220 or kelly.j.smith-marston.civ@mail.mil.
Contract Specialist: Amber M. McKee, 667-890-0761 or amber.m.mckee4.civ@mail.mil
File details come from the government source that posted it. Updated .