3D Matrix Rackmount Switch

This is a Notice of Proposed Contract Action under FAR Part 12 Acquisition of Commercial Products and Commercial Services, and FAR Part 13 Simplified Acquisition Procedures.  This notice is for information only; a solicitation will not be issued. THIS IS NOT A REQUEST FOR QUOTATION. No contract will be awarded on the basis of offers received in response to this notice. The associated North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code is 334210 (Telephone Apparatus Manufacturing) with a small business size standard of 1,250 employees.

The Government requires procurement of a 3D Matrix Rackmount Switch, and intends to negotiate a sole-source award for this requirement with DiCon Fiberoptics, Inc., 1689 Regatta Blvd, Richmond, CA 94804. The applicable DiCon Fiberoptics, Inc. part number and associated product description are as follows:

• SCD-T80167 / GP800 16x16 3D Matrix Rackmount Switch

The Government has determined that other companies’ products and services do not meet or cannot be modified to meet the Government’s needs.  The switch required under this current purchase will be part of a new quantum testbed that will integrate with RITQ’s existing local area networks, all of which also currently use DiCon branded switch hardware.  Use of common branded switch hardware across the new and existing networks maximizes uniformity and compatibility within the measurement infrastructure while also minimizing personnel hours in becoming familiar with a new system and developing new control code.  Moreover, DiCon is the only known commercial vendor that offers a switch with channel-to-channel crosstalk values lower than -50 dB, which is critical to maintain the integrity of the quantum information traveling through the switch.  The DiCon GP800 switch intended to be purchased here has -80 dB channel-to-channel crosstalk, which is 1000x lower (better) than other available products in the market.  Interchanges with DiCon have yielded that they do not maintain a network of resellers for their products.  Accordingly, as aforementioned, the Government intends to make a sole-source award them for this requirement.

This is a notice of proposed contract action and not a request for competitive proposals; however, all responsible sources may submit a capability statement or proposal, which shall be considered by the agency. All inquiries should be sent by email to leenawattie.budhu.1@us.af.mil. Responses must be submitted by the date/time listed on the notice. Any response to this notice must show clear and convincing evidence that competition would be advantageous to the Government in future procurements.

Responses received will be evaluated; however a determination by the Government not to compete the proposed procurement based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. The Government anticipates an award date on or before 30 April 2024.

A Sole Source Justification will be attached to the subsequent Notice of Award in accordance with applicable regulation.