Earth Observing System Data and Information System (EOSDIS) Mid-Atlantic Crossroads (MAX) Membership - Synopsis

NASA/GSFC has a requirement for member participation in the Mid Atlantic Crossroads (MAX) to acquire network traffic connectivity services for the Earth Science Data Information System (ESDIS) project. MAX membership includes: full connectivity to Internet2 and Federal Networks such as DREN, ESNet, and all other MAX peering networks; high rate connection to the MAX networks; redundant high rate; and interface maintenance. This interface will continue to provide the necessary connectivity for the network traffic for the Earth Observing System (EOS) Missions including our flagship missions: Terra, Aqua, and Aura to Universities, International peers and other Federal networks.
NASA/GSFC intends to acquire these services from the University of Maryland (UMD), under the statutory authority permitting other than full and open competition is 10 U.S.C. 2304(c)(1), as implemented by Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 6.302-1, "Only One Responsible Source".
The MAX is the only source to provide ESDIS with direct connectivity into Internet 2 with full partner status. Connectivity at less than full partner status, such as through a peering network, would prohibit ESDIS data transfers to several necessary partners such as Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) due to Internet 2 usage policies.
The Government does not intend to acquire a commercial item using FAR Part 12.

Interested organizations may submit their capabilities and qualifications to perform the effort in writing to the identified point of contact not later than 4:30 p.m. local time on Friday, March 23, 2018. Such capabilities/qualifications will be evaluated solely for the purpose of determining whether or not to conduct this procurement on a competitive basis. A determination by the Government not to compete this proposed effort on a full and open competition basis, based upon responses to this notice, is solely within the discretion of the government.

Oral communications are not acceptable in response to this notice.

All responsible sources may submit an offer which shall be considered by the agency.

NASA Clause 1852.215-84, Ombudsman, is applicable.

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Added: Mar 08, 2018 5:34 pm NASA/GSFC has a requirement for member participation in the Mid Atlantic Crossroads (MAX) to acquire network traffic connectivity services for the Earth Science Data Information System (ESDIS) project. MAX membership includes: full connectivity to Internet2 and Federal Networks such as DREN, ESNet, and all other MAX peering networks; high rate connection to the MAX networks; redundant high rate; and interface maintenance. This interface will continue to provide the necessary connectivity for the network traffic for the Earth Observing System (EOS) Missions including our flagship missions: Terra, Aqua, and Aura to Universities, International peers and other Federal networks.

NASA/GSFC intends to acquire these services from the University of Maryland (UMD), under the statutory authority permitting other than full and open competition is 10 U.S.C. 2304(c)(1), as implemented by Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 6.302-1, "Only One Responsible Source".

The MAX is the only source to provide ESDIS with direct connectivity into Internet 2 with full partner status. Connectivity at less than full partner status, such as through a peering network, would prohibit ESDIS data transfers to several necessary partners such as Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) due to Internet 2 usage policies.

The Government does not intend to acquire a commercial item using FAR Part 12.

Interested organizations may submit their capabilities and qualifications to perform the effort in writing to the identified point of contact not later than 4:30 p.m. local time on Friday, March 23, 2018. Such capabilities/qualifications will be evaluated solely for the purpose of determining whether or not to conduct this procurement on a competitive basis. A determination by the Government not to compete this proposed effort on a full and open competition basis, based upon responses to this notice, is solely within the discretion of the government.

Oral communications are not acceptable in response to this notice.

All responsible sources may submit an offer which shall be considered by the agency.

NASA Clause 1852.215-84, Ombudsman, is applicable.