VERIZON BUSINESS SOLE SOURCE

The South Carolina State Housing Finance and Development Authority (SC Housing) is pursuing a sole source procurement with Verizon Business Group for critical fiber and internet services necessitated by an upcoming South Carolina Department of Transportation I-26 construction project. The procurement specifically addresses maintaining continuous internet connectivity at SC Housing's 300 Outlet Pointe Blvd facility in Columbia, where existing fiber lines will be severed during highway construction. The contract will cover monthly fiber services for a 60-month term, beginning March 1, 2025, and ending February 28, 2030. Verizon was selected as the sole source vendor due to their existing dedicated fiber line that will remain unaffected by the construction project, eliminating the need for costly new infrastructure installation. The procurement is authorized under S.C. Code Ann. 11-35-1560 and S.C. Regulation 19-445.2105, and requires a Drug-free Workplace certification from Verizon since the contract value exceeds $50,000. Any potential protesters must submit their intent to protest within five business days of the notice posting, followed by a formal written protest within an additional five days.

The contract appears to have no specific set-aside designations or restrictions on responding organizations. Verizon Business Network Services Inc. is the sole vendor being considered, based on their unique ability to provide uninterrupted fiber services without significant installation costs. The existing infrastructure advantage stems from Verizon's pre-established fiber line that will not be impacted by the I-26 project, in contrast to other potential vendors who would require approximately $250,000 in new installation expenses. The total contract value is estimated at $570,000 for the 60-month service period, covering monthly fiber services. Alternative vendors were evaluated but determined to be less viable due to potential service disruptions and significantly higher infrastructure costs. The procurement represents a strategic solution to maintain business continuity for SC Housing during a complex infrastructure construction project. No additional vendors or incumbent contractors are mentioned in the documentation.