US Department of Commerce/National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), PGAS, Procurement Operations Division, 1325 East West Highway, Station 4301, Silver Spring, MD 20910-3283

D -- INSTALLATION OF FIBER OPTIC CABLE & A MICRO WAVE LINK AT STATE DEPT. OF NATURAL RESOURCES, CHARLESTON, SC SOL 52-DDNF-6-90057 DUE 012596 POC Meredith Beeg (301)713-0839 The U.S. Dept. of Commerce (DOC)/Nat. Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) intends to negotiate on a noncompetitive basis with the State of So. Carolina, Dept. of Natural Resources (SCDNR) for cabling and a micro wave link. The Charleston Laboratory is a marine research and monitoring facility of the DOC/NOAA, National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) located on the SCDNR Fort Johnson Campus, James Is., Charleston, SC. As such it is involved in many cooperative projects which require internetwork interconnectivity with all state and federal agencies located on the campus including the University of Charleston (UC) Grice Marine Laboratory and the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC). Establishing the desired interconnectivity requires installation of an underground conduit containing fiber optic cables between 9 state-owned buildings with an Option for installation of a microwave link with MUSC. As the buildings are located on an historically sensitive site (incl. Civil War, Native American burial grounds, etc.), projects which involve excavation require a study by a state approved archeologist with continual access to that archeologist to handle any remains or artifacts which may be unearthed. -- A sole source contract is expected to be awarded to the State of South Carolina on a cost-sharing arrangement whereby the State will provide the required archeological study and excavation oversight as well as the design, specifications and oversight of all construction and installation while NMFS will provide funds for labor and materials for the excavation and installation of cables and equipment. Only one responsible source will satisfy the agency requirement. The SCDNR offers a concept and service not otherwise available to the Government which does not resemble the substance of a pending competitive acquisition. In addition, services from other than the original source would result in substantial duplication of costs to the Government which are not expected to be recovered through competition. -- The project entails the following: Phase I - Provide the design, specifications and oversight of a fiber optic infrastructure installation ensuring that all construction and safety regulations are adhered to and building access is coordinated through the State and its various sub agencies. This work will include: (1) development of an appropriate archeological study to determine the least disruptive excavation routes through historically sensitive areas; (2) maintaining the services of a state approved archeologist throughout the term of the project; (3)pursuant to South Carolina Procurement Code and Regulations Sections 11-35-710 and 1-11-430, provide a project manager from the South Carolina Office of Information Resources for consultation and approval of all design plans, specifications, changes, damage repair or correction plans, inspections, testing and acceptance; and (4) provide all equipment, materials and labor required directly or through subcontractors. Materials will include 3690 LFT 4'' PVC Conduit, Innerduct, Bends, 5 handholes with extensions and covers; Warning Tape; Building Entrances; road bore and sleeving; Fiber Optic Cable; connectors, interconnection centers, etc. The conduit is to be installed at a depth of at least 36''. Contractor will perform all fiber terminations, fiber optic patch panels riate archeological study to determine the least disruptive excavation routes through historically sensitive areas; (2) maintaining the services of a state approved archeologist throughout the term of the project; (3)pursuant to South Carolina Procurement Code and Regulations Sections 11-35-710 and 1-11-430, provide a project manager from the South Carolina Office of Information Resources for consultation and approval of all design plans, specifications, changes, damage repair or correction plans, inspections, testing and acceptance; and (4) provide all equipment, materials and labor required directly or through subcontractors. Materials will include 3690 LFT 4'' PVC Conduit, Innerduct, Bends, 5 handholes with extensions and covers; Warning Tape; Building Entrances; road bore and sleeving; Fiber Optic Cable; connectors, interconnection centers, etc. The conduit is to be installed at a depth of at least 36''. Contractor will perform all fiber terminations, fiber optic patch panels and is responsible for backfill, removal of debris and excess soil, and resodding. Phase II -- Is an ption to install a microwave link with MUSC. This microwave link will be subchanneled to include: a two-way A/V link that will be connected to the SC/ETV statewide microwave system; a 10Mbs ethernet link to connect the UC main campus LAN in downtown Charleston to the Grice Lab LAN at Fort Johnson; and a T1 link between the NMFS LAN and the MUSC main campus cross-connecting to a landline T1 to the NOAA Coastal Center for Ecosystems Health LAN. Phase I services required for this project are to be completed within 90 days of contract award. If the option for Phase II is exercised it may run parallel to Phase I and will be expected to be completed within 180 days of award of the option. The magnitude of the contract is between $100,000 and $300,000. --- Significant evaluation factors are (1) full familiarity with the scope of the contract including restrictions on activities at this site; (2) familiarity with the requirements of the contract including survey, design, engineering, and installation; (3) demonstrated ability to coordinate activities with various state and local government entities; (4) demonstrated knowledge of local codes, laws, ordinances, regulations, licenses, permits, and inspection fees; (5) positive record of timely, cost-effective completion of similar projects; (6) relevant work experience (at least 3 years) supported by current references. Contractors must provide proof of bidders license and contracting license at time of submission. --- Vendors who believe they can satisfy the Government's requirements are invited to submit an affirmative response. To be considered affirmative, vendors must submit written data and documentation which demonstrates a knowledge of and close familiarity with the major operational areas of the project as well as the ability to provide subcontractors which meet the criteria outlined above. Access to a state approved archeologist, ability to conduct an archeological study and ability to retain a state project manager must be included. In order to consider award to any other firm or agency, programmatic and cost benefits of performing a new archeological study and reimbursement for required services of state personnel would have to be demonstrated. All responsible sources must submit a written narrative statement of capability including detailed technical information and other technical literature sufficient to permit agency analysis in order o determine a bona fide capability to meet the requirements. See Note 22. (0341)

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