NASA/GSFC has a requirement for membership and connectivity in Mid-Atlantic Crossroads (MAX) for a period of one base year and four (4) one-year option periods. MAX provides and operates the Next-Generation Internet Exchange (NGIX). The NGIX is a high-performance peering point. Members connect to the MAX resources, and participate in MAX networking and application prototyping activities. NASA/GSFC intends to purchase the items from the University of Maryland pursuant to FAR 6.302-1 as there is availability from only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements. The MAX is the only Federal Network peering point for this region where NASA's Earth Science and Information System (ESDIS) can achieve direct peering with DOE ESNet, DOINet and other federal networks, as well as Internet 2. The Government does not intend to acquire a commercial item using FAR Part 12. Interested organizations may submit their capabilities statement to perform the effort in writing to the identified point of contact not later than 4:30 p.m. eastern standard time on July 24, 2013. Such statements 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. The Center Ombudsman for this acquisition can be found at http://prod.nais.nasa.gov/pub/pub_library/Omb.html .

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