Internet2 circuits and Annual Membership Intent to Sole Source

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) intends to award a sole source contract for Internet2 circuits and annual membership. The contract will provide a robust, high-speed backbone for the USDA's Scientific Computing Initiative Network (SCINet) and Animal and Plant Health Inspection Services (APHIS). The contractor will be the University Corporation for Advanced Internet Development, which is the only provider that can meet the government's requirements without unacceptable risk. The contract will consist of one 12-month base period and four 12-month option periods. • The contract value is estimated to be around $5,467,890.46. • The contractor will provide Internet2 circuits for the specialized R&E network backbone required by USDA for SCINet and APHIS's research networking needs. • The contract will also provide annual Internet2 membership for all USDA organizations. • The contractor's unique qualifications and the nature of the acquisition require using the authority cited in 41 U.S.C. 1901 - FAR 12.201-1, Simplified Procedures.