Limited Sources Justificaiton - Lumen TECH.pdf

LIMITED-SOURCES JUSTIFICATION

I. IDENTIFICATION OF THE REQUIRING ACTIVITY AND CONTRACTING

ACTIVITY:

AGENCY (REQUIRING ACTIVITY):

Surface Transportation Board 395 E. Street, SW Washington, DC 20423

CONTRACTING ACTIVITY:

U.S. Department of Transportation/OST Acquisition Services Division, M-63 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE Washington, DC 20590

II. NATURE AND/OR DESCRIPTION OF THE ACTION BEING APPROVED:

The contracting activity proposes to issue a 6-months extension to Lumen Technologies Government Solutions, Inc. (formally known as Qwest Government Services Inc.), not to exceed September 27, 2021. With the Task Order expiring March 28, 2021, an extension is warranted in order to complete existing services. This will enable the continuity necessary, and prevent a possible disruption to the Surface Transportation Board’s (STB or Board) network infrastructure. The STB is working to issue a new award with DCNet and has issued a request for proposals through the GSA Enterprise Infrastructure Services (EIS) IDIQ vehicle but requires additional time to transition to DCNet and to evaluate offers once the proposal period ends before it can determine to switch to another provider. This time is needed to evaluate and transition to DCNET or a vendor from the GSA EIS vehicle.

III. A DESCRIPTION OF SUPPLIES OR SERVICES REQUIRED TO MEET THE

AGENCY’S NEEDS (including the estimated value):

The proposed modification will provide continuous services of its Lumen Technologies Government Solutions, Inc.’s Networx contract to provide the STB a comprehensive solution-based vehicle to address all aspects of the Board’s IT telecommunications, and infrastructure requirements. Specific services the contractor shall perform include: managed security services through the Managed Trusted Internet Protocol Services (MTIPS) program, which complies with the Trusted Internet Connections (TIC) initiative. Also, a Managed Network Services (MNS) where the vendor provides overall management of an agency's infrastructure including: Real-time proactive network monitoring; Rapid troubleshooting; and Service restoration. In addition, Networx Security Services offers Anti-Virus Management, Intrusion Detection and Prevention and other offerings to provide: Complete data, voice and security solutions; and Protect agencies against constantly evolving security threats. The estimated cost is $71,702.52.

IV. THE AUTHORITY AND SUPPROTING RATIONALE:

FAR 8.405-6(c).

V. A DETERMINATION BY THE ORDERING ACTIVITY CONTRACTING

OFFICER THAT THE ORDER REPRESENTS THE BEST VALUE

The current vendor possesses an understanding of the STB’s network requirements and infrastructure in place to maintain current services at a consistent level. It would take considerable time and resources to prepare other vendor to perform at an acceptable level to satisfy the needs of the STB.

Additional setup time could also negatively impact the Board’s ability to comply with GSA transition milestones. The current extension request has not been confirmed and there is no guarantee additional time will be granted.

VI. A DESCRIPTION OF THE MARKET RESEARCH CONDUCTED AMONG

SCHEDULE HOLDERS OR A STATEMENT OF REASON MARKET

RESEARCH WAS NOT CONDUCTED:

The STB has received quotes from DC NET and DOJ as potential replacements (with a pending award to DCNet). This six-month extension will allow DCNet to run in parallel with Century Link for a period of setup and testing. This period is expected to be (2) months but could fluctuate depending on testing results. After satisfactory testing the connection from the STB Data Center (Patriots Plaza) to AWS will be migrated from Century Link circuit to DCNet.

At this time the connection to AWS through Century Link will be disconnected. If the services provided by DCNet are effective the Board will explore the use of DCNet for connections to Microsoft O365. The additional time is also needed to transition from GSA’s expiring Networx contract vehicle to its GSA Enterprise Infrastructure Solutions (EIS) vehicle as the task is complex and requires substantial resources to ensure the transition is smooth.

The STB is finalizing an agreement with DC NET and has issued a solicitation for award of the GSA EIS contract vehicle for other sources.

VII. DETERMINATION OF FAIR AND REASONABLE COST:

The anticipated costs of this requirement have been deemed fair and reasonable based on historical data obtained from almost 4 years of contract service, as well as verification of current, applicable labor rates and indirect costs for anticipated deliverables. All costs for services will be evaluated to ensure a fair and reasonable cost to the Government. Task Order cost shall be in line with the base GSA contract # GS00T07NSD0002.

VIII. ANY OTHER FACTS SUPPORTING THE JUSTIFICATION:

This transition from the GSA Networx contract is a requirement by GSA, which requires all government agencies to move from the GSA Networx contract to the GSA Enterprise Infrastructure Solutions (EIS) contract. Compliance with this requirement means adhering to GSA mandated milestones, which include procurement, evaluation of vendors/bids and implementation target dates. The GSA will disconnect agencies who are not in compliance.

IX. ACTIONS TAKEN TO REMOVE BARRIERS TO COMPETITION:

The STB has reached out to DC NET and DOJ as potential replacements to ensure adequate competition to its future procurement action. In addition, the STB has a solicitation out to GSA EIS vendors for proposals.

X. CERTIFICATIONS:

TECHNICAL AND REQUIREMENTS CERTIFICATION:

I certify that the facts and representations under my cognizance and which are included in this justification are complete and accurate.

Adil Gulamali Date Chief Financial Officer

CONTRACTING OFFICER’S CERTIFICATION AND APPROVAL:

I certify that this justification is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief (FAR 8.405-6(d)(1)).

Robin D. Gates Date Contracting Officer