Department of Veterans Affairs, Acquisition Operations Service (93C), 810 Vermont Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20420-0000

D -- TELECOMMUNISCATIONS SERVICES DUE 071197 POC Laura Zotian (202)273-8091; James Shumate (202)273-81125 This is a continuation of submission 088197 dates 6-24-97. The solicitation document will be Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity ( IDIQ) designed for procurement of commercial items and services. Evaluation and award will employ streamlined practices and be based upon "best value" to the Government. VA anticipates providing minimal general functioal specifications for managing network operations, services, and future expansion. VA believes that these requirements are well within the normal range of the commercial marketplace. However, biddrs will be encouraged to propose the best technologies, performance characteristics, and service available in the commerical marketplace in conjunction with best-value pricing. Past performance in managing networks of similar magnitude will be an essential evaluation factor. VA is interested in commercial market response to the requirements outlined above. Serious potential bidders are invited to submit a reply (maximum of 25 pages) outlining their approach to providing the desired services. Of particular interst to VA are: Whether the VA's needs can be met by items of a type customarily available in the commercial marketplace. Responders are invited to send appropriate literature to support. The elements and pricing basis for a commercial network solution (hardware, software, and services). Responders are invited to send relevant price lists. A sample of a commercial contract for the services described above. Customary practices, including warranty, buyer financing discounts, etc., under which commercial sales of thed products are made available. Responders are invited to send supporting documentation. Customary practices regarding customizing, modifying, or tailoring of items to meet customer needs and associated costs. The cost, flexibility, and interoperability issues for using single vendor support for transport services vs. multiple vendor support on a regional, service (X.25, Frame Relay, ATM), or other basis. (0175)

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