SSJPrimaryOpenNetforNCC_18Jul2025.pdf
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- Solicitation number
- PR15521557
- Issued by
-
Department of State
About this file
This document is a Justification and Approval for Other Than Full and Open Competition for the U.S. Consulate Hermosillo. The consulate seeks to contract a 100 mbps synchronous dedicated Internet service from TOTALPLAY for its OpenNet Network, covering the period from 10/1/2025 through 9/30/2026, with an estimated cost of $26,515.00 USD. The procurement is being pursued under the "Only One Responsible Source" authority, as TOTALPLAY is deemed the most reliable Internet Service Provider (ISP) in the area, with proprietary infrastructure, full redundancy, and superior technical support.
The justification highlights that alternative vendors like TELMEX and MetroCarrier have proven unreliable, with issues ranging from lack of local representation to service disruptions. TOTALPLAY is praised for its online circuit monitoring tool, responsive technical support, and willingness to coordinate closely with the consulate. The pricing is considered fair and reasonable, consistent with previous purchase orders, and a notice will be issued via SAM to identify any other interested vendors. The document notes that government of Mexico (GOM) regulations make it difficult for other telecommunications companies to invest, further limiting competitive options.
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Text version
Reference DOSAR 606.303-2
U.S. Consulate Hermosillo
M/GSO Procurement Section
JUSTIFICATION AND APPROVAL FOR OTHER THAN FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
(OVERSEAS CONTRACTING ACTIVITIES)
1. I recommend that U.S. Consulate General Hermosillo use other than full and open competition for the acquisition of a 100 mbps synchronous data circuit (dedicated Internet service) for its OpenNet Network at the Consulate compound. The estimated cost is $26,515.00 USD.
2. Nature and/or description of the action being approved.
The U.S. Consulate General in Hermosillo seeks to contract dedicated Internet services for its OpenNet operations, for the period of 10/1/2025 through 9/30/2026.
3. Description of the services required to meet US Consulate Hermosillo needs.
The US Consulate General requires reliable dedicated Internet services for its primary OpenNet circuit that can be provided by an ISP different than the one providing the Secondary OpenNet path.
4. Identification of the statutory authority permitting other than full and open competition:
Only One Responsible Source (FAR 6.302-1)
Citation: 41 U.S.C. 253 (c)(1).
5. Demonstration of contractor’s unique qualifications.
TOTALPLAY is the most reliable ISP in the area, with proprietary infrastructure capable of providing full redundancy across our range of circuit vendors. Over the years, they have consistently proven to be dependable and highly responsive. Technical support is prompt, and unplanned requests are addressed quickly. When construction or equipment replacement is required - potentially impacting system uptime
-TOTALPLAY’s representatives and technicians work closely with us to align with our schedules and escort availability.
TOTALPLAY is the only vendor offering an online circuit monitoring tool, enhancing visibility and management of our connections. The presence of local, accessible representatives further contributes to a highly positive working relationship, something we have not experienced with other providers.
6. A description of efforts made to ensure that offers are solicited from as many potential sources as is practicable.
Other vendors in the area with their own infrastructure include MetroCarrier and TELMEX. However, our experience with TELMEX has been largely negative. The company lacks local representation and has a long-standing history of unresponsiveness regarding both technical and administrative matters.
TELMEX provided the Secondary OpenNet service at our former consulate building, as well as the tail circuit for the CGR. This company currently provides the digital telephone data circuit for the
Consulate.
MetroCarrier’s service has proven to be even more problematic. Their infrastructure is managed by multiple subcontractors who operate independently and without coordination, often resulting in significant service disruptions. We previously relied on MetroCarrier for our DIN at the old building and
Reference DOSAR 606.303-2 encountered numerous issues. DTSPO is currently providing our secondary OpenNet path through
MetroCarrier; however, our experience with their service continues to be challenging.
For redundancy, it is essential to engage multiple vendors. Pricing between TOTALPLAY and
MetroCarrier is comparable, while TELMEX tends to be more expensive. Based on our experience, TOTALPLAY offers superior reliability and support, making them the preferred provider for the primary OpenNet circuit.
7. A determination by the Contracting Officer that the anticipated cost to the Government will be fair and reasonable.
The quote provided by TOTALPLAY is within market limit costs. Price is consistent with purchase orders from previous years.
8. A description of the market survey conducted and the results or a statement of the reasons a market survey was not conducted.
TOTALPLAY provided this service for several years at the previous Consulate building and had already installed the primary circuit at the current location well before our move. The company considers Post a
VIP client, which enables them to offer competitive rates, 24/7 technical support, and a high level of service. A notice will be issued via SAM to identify any other interested vendors, and the results will be included in the final approval package.
9. Any other facts supporting the use of other than full and open competition.
We have worked with TOTALPLAY in the past and customer service has always been excellent. Since this service already provides the primary connection for our OpenNet network, keeping the same provider avoids the building of new connection paths and system downtime.
10. A listing of sources, if any that expressed, in writing, an interest in the acquisition.
No vendor wrote a letter to express interest.
11. A statement of the actions, if any, the agency may take to remove or overcome any barriers to competition before any subsequent acquisition for the supplies or services required.
Actions to enhance competition are difficult as GOM regulations make it difficult for other companies to invest in telecommunications.
TECHNICAL CERTIFICATIONS
I certify that this justification is accurate and contains complete data necessary to support the recommendation for other than full and open competition.
Date __________________ _______________________
Jeremiah Aberlich
Diplomatic Technology Officer
CONTRACTING OFFICER CERTIFICATION
07/31/2025 18:48 GMT
Aberlich, Jeremiah (AberlichJJ@state.gov)
I certify that this submission is accurate, and that it contains complete information necessary to enable other officials to make an informed recommendation for approval or disapproval.
Date __________________ _______________________
Chad Moore
Management Officer
07/31/2025 18:54 GMT
Moore, Forest (MooreFC@state.gov)
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