Notice of intent to award sole source - broadband internet services

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), specifically the Environmental Management Consolidated Business Center (EMCBC), has issued a Special Notice of Intent to Award a Sole Source contract to Crown Castle Fiber, LLC for broadband internet services. The notice, published on February 19, 2025, outlines the agency's plan to directly award a contract without full competitive bidding. The procurement is specifically for internet services that will support the EMCBC office's operational needs. The sole source justification is based on Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 6.302-1, which allows for direct award when a vendor is determined to be the only responsible source capable of meeting the agency's requirements. The notice targets Crown Castle Fiber, LLC as the preferred provider for "last mile" dedicated internet services.

Contractors interested in challenging the sole source designation must submit a written notification of interest and capability statement by 5:00 PM Eastern Time on March 7, 2025. The submission must be emailed to Christopher.nettle@emcbc.doe.gov and demonstrate the ability to provide all required services at no cost to the government. This is explicitly not a request for proposals or quotations, and no solicitation package will be made available. The contract will support the EMCBC office located in Cincinnati, Ohio, and potential respondents must clearly articulate their capability to fully meet the agency's internet service requirements. Interested parties should carefully review the notice's specific requirements and be prepared to provide comprehensive evidence of their technical and operational capabilities to compete with the proposed sole source award.