This is a synopsis being conducted under Simplified Acquisition Procedures in accordance with FAR Part 13. This solicitation document incorporates provisions and clauses that are in effect through the May 2006 Federal Acquisition Regulation revision, which includes the consolidation of all Federal Acquisition Circulars through 2005-09. The NAICS code is 517910.It is the intent of the National Library of Medicine (NLM) to procure an Internet2 Port Connection from University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland on a sole source basis under the authority of the Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) 6.302-1. Period of Performance: September 30, 2006 - September 29, 2007 with three (3) additional option years. A port fee for a redundant connection to the Mid-Atlantic Crossroads consortium (MAX) is required in order for the National Library of Medicine (NLM) to communicate and physically exchange Internet traffic with domestic and international biomedical researchers via advanced communication systems in a diverse and robust manner. This redundant port fee will need to continue as long as necessary into the foreseeable future so that the NLM can continue to communicate with its users and research partners in a more reliable fashion. Many NLM users domestically and internationally access its resources via high-performance connections at their respective institutions which in turn connect with their regional aggregation points which in turn connect to their respective national research and education networks all of which enables continued collaboration and advances in biomedical research and development. This worldwide network of advanced research and education networks and their peering arrangements is the structure by which this happens. The MAX operates, in the Washington, DC area the regional aggregation point for traffic to/from domestic and international destinations. The main port fee as well as membership fee is already paid to the MAX. As such, the only available provider of additional backup ports is also from the MAX. The MAX organization, part of the University of Maryland, is the only known provider of advanced high-performance connectivity services to both the domestic and international research and development community and as such is uniquely qualified for this work because of their background, expertise, and peering arrangements with regional, domestic and international research and education institutions, networks and projects. This is not a Request for Quotations (RFQ), nor is an RFQ available. However, all responsive sources may submit a capabilities statement in a timely manner that will be considered by the Government. Responses must be in writing and must be received in the office within fifteen (15) calendar days from the publication date of this notice. The quoter shall include all information which documents and/or supports the qualification criteria in one clearly marked section of its quotation. The contractor shall comply with all applicable Federal, State, and local laws, executive orders, rules and regulations applicable to its performance under this order. Full text of clauses and provisions are available at Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR): http://www.arnet.gov/far/index.html. The following clauses and provisions apply to this acquisition and may be obtained from the web site: FAR 52.213-4, Terms and Conditions?Simplified Acquisitions (Other Than Commercial Items) (February 2006). NLM Synopsis No. NLM 06-214/CYC. Inquires regarding this procurement may be made to Cara Y. Calimano, Contract Specialist, NLM on (301) 496-6127.

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