19ML2020C0002: IRMDedicated VNET 2nd Circuit 70Mbps extension for 6 months
Awarded Limited / Sole Source Justification Posted
- Solicitation number
- 19ML2020C0002
- Agency
-
Department of State
- Set-aside
- No set-aside
Opportunity facts
- Contract number
- 19ML2020C0002 Federal contract award
- NAICS code
- 5162 Media Streaming Distribution Services, Social Networks, and Other Media Networks and Content Providers
- PSC
- 7G22 It And Telecom - Network: Satellite And Rf Communications Products (Hw, Perpetual License Software)
- Place of performance
- Washington 20521 Mali
Notice details come from SAM.gov. Updated .
About this opportunity
The Department of State is seeking a 6-month extension of an internet service provider contract for its Overseas Post in Bamako, Mali, with Orange Mali SA as the provider. The contract involves a Dedicated VNET 2nd circuit with 70 Mbps bandwidth, valued at approximately $88,012.59 from February 20, 2025 to August 19, 2025. The justification for this sole source procurement is based on the limited internet service provider landscape in Bamako, with only two providers available, and the critical need to maintain uninterrupted internet connectivity for embassy operations including visa processing, information sharing, security monitoring, and emergency communication. Department of State regulations require primary and secondary internet providers to be different companies, which further constrains the competitive bidding process. The contract will be a Firm-Fixed-Price arrangement and is being pursued under FAR 6.302-2 for unusual and compelling urgency, with the post intending to launch a new solicitation during this extension period to explore future competitive options. The technical specifications require a high-end, professional-grade service with dedicated bandwidth, fiber optic connectivity, static public IP addresses, and unfiltered internet access.
Notice text
Requiring Activity: Extending Internet Service Provider contract.
NT VNET Specifications and Requirements
This internet circuit shall be high-end, professional grade service that differs from the residential, dial up service. NT requires dedicated (not shared or bundled) Internet Bandwidth, 24/7, “always-on” with unlimited usage. Fiber optic, terrestrial connectivity is preferred. The local ISP access circuit to the Post must meet the following specifications/requirements for connectivity.
- A /28 subnet static Public IP addresses for VPN equipment, network mask, and default gateway IP address.
- ISP interface connectors: LC fiber connector (MM-multimode) – Gigabit interface
- ISP availability: "Always on"
- ISP connection: IPs must NOT repeat and NOT use Network Address Translation (NAT).
- ISP must permit all IP protocols (including but not limited to ICMP, UDP, TCP, and IPSEC) to transit without filters or proxies. Unfiltered access to the Internet is required without ISP firewall blocking or stateful inspection.
- ISP must permit installation of Customer VPN encryption devices on circuit.
- ISP must permit ping and trace route traffic from 169.252.0.0/16 and 169.253.0.0/16 to the ISP connection (LC fiber Gigabit MM router interface which terminates Customer VPN encryption device).
- High quality performance, the following parameters in a vendor’s Service Level Agreement (SLA) should be used:
- Packet Loss <=.5%
- Availability of 99.9%.
- If multiple entry points and/or LEC providers are available to your facility, ensure that the ISP circuit is diverse from the DTS-PO circuit. If you are not certain of the path of your DTS-PO circuit, contact DoS DTS-PO Liaison, Marcellus Davis, davismd1@state.gov.
- Must not have ZTE, Huawei, Xiaomi and affiliated branded products in use on the internet connection. Post may not enter contract (or extend or renew contract) with an entity that uses above mentioned equipment, system, or service that uses covered telecommunications equipment or services as a substantial or essential component of any system, or as critical technology as part of any system. When in discussions to procure a circuit, please query the ISP about what network switching/connectivity equipment they use in their infrastructure, and if there is an option to use a path without the equipment mentioned above.
- Note: all reporting questions or concerns regarding this subject should be directed to askISSO@state.gov using “STE, Huawei and Xiaomi” in the subject line to ensure the request is routed for expeditious resolution.
If these standards of performance above are not available locally, please contact NT/DTS-PO Liaison to discuss the requirements.
Awarded contract 19ML2020C0002 to unknown vendor for unknown amount on 2025-03-01.
Files
| File | Type | Posted |
|---|---|---|
| JUSTIFICATION AND APPROVAL.pdf |
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