IFB STPD 15-001-C CALNET 3 Satellite Services

The California Department of Technology's Statewide Technology Procurement Division (STPD) has issued an Invitation for Bid (IFB STPD 15-001-C) for CALNET 3 Satellite Services, specifically targeting Subcategories 10.1 (Satellite Voice) and 10.2 (Satellite Data) services. The procurement seeks to establish multiple award contracts to support state agencies and authorized users, covering approximately 500 handheld satellite phones, 26 MSAT G2 locations, and 100 BGAN installations across various agencies. The services include comprehensive satellite communication solutions encompassing voice and data services with specific technical requirements for equipment like Iridium, Inmarsat, and Hughes satellite phones and terminals. Bidders must provide services with 95% successful installation rates within 45 calendar days, offer month-to-month plans with no term commitments, and include standard features like voicemail and call logging. The final bid submission is scheduled for May 6, 2016, at 3:00 PM PT, with an expected contract award by July 6, 2016, and an initial contract term running through June 30, 2018, with potential two one-year extension options.

The procurement includes several set-aside and preference provisions, specifically a small business preference of 5% and Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) incentives ranging from 1-2%. Bidders must be pre-qualified through a Multiple Award Contract (PMAC) and maintain Universal Service Fund (E-Rate) certification to enable school and library utilization. The current satellite services environment involves five or more agencies with 90 fixed sites and 30 transportable units, suggesting significant existing infrastructure that new contractors must be prepared to integrate or replace. While specific contract values are not explicitly stated, the comprehensive nature of the solicitation and the extensive current usage indicate a potentially substantial contract opportunity. The State has built in flexibility through Individual Price Reduction (IPR) mechanisms, allowing for downward price adjustments on specific customer orders, and has established a "Most Favored Nation" clause ensuring competitive pricing throughout the contract term.