FEDBIZOPPS.GOV ANNOUNCEMENT:  SPECIAL NOTICE

CLASSIFICATION CODE: R

SUBJECT:  Internet2 Membership

SOLICITATION NUMBER: NB772000-21-00068

CONTACT POINTS: KAREN ARMSTRONG, Contracts Specialist (301) 975-3671;

KEITH BUBAR, Contracting Officer (301) 975-8329

DESCRIPTION: The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) intends to negotiate, on a sole source basis, under authority of FAR 13.106-1(b) (1), with the University Corporation for Advanced Internet Development, Washington, D.C., for Internet2 membership and network participation for the period of one year.

***** Sole source determination is based on the need for NIST to continue its access and participation in the Internet2 network. Internet2 provides the backbone of the research network that connects all universities, federal laboratories, and some commercial research centers. Internet2 is the only experimental network in the U.S. for research in networking technologies. All major universities as well as U.S. Government agencies conducting research are connected to this network. In order to access the network, one must be a member of the Internet2 Consortium and have a physical high-speed network connection to the backbone network of the Internet2, the Abilene Network, and pay membership and network connection fees. The proposed fiber connection is in place from the Gaithersburg campus to the high-speed network provider, Mid-Atlantic Crossroads (MAX), who will in turn connect NIST to the Abilene Network. As no other such network exists, Internet2 is the only alternative.

*****The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code for this acquisition is 813920- Professional Organizations.

****** A determination by the Government whether to compete the proposed acquisition based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government.  Information received will be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement.

*****Interested parties that believe they could satisfy the requirements listed above for NIST may clearly and unambiguously identify their capability to do so in writing on or before the response date for this notice. This notice of intent is not a solicitation.  Any questions regarding this notice must be submitted in writing via email to Karen Armstrong at [email protected].  All responses to this notice of intent must be submitted so that they are received at [email protected] no later than December 7, 2020 at 5:00 PM Eastern Time.