Inactive

As described in FAR 13.501 (a)(1 )(i), the contracting officer may conduct sole source acquisitions only if the need to do so is justified in writing and approved at the levels specified in FAR 13.501... As described in FAR 13.501 (a)(1 )(i), the contracting officer may conduct sole source acquisitions only if the need to do so is justified in writing and approved at the levels specified in FAR 13.501 (a)(2). On 01 March 2024, a compliance review was completed on call order, W519TC-24-F- 2089 for the STC mobile phone and data service Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA), W90BRJ-22-A-0003. In those findings, attention was drawn to FAR 13.303-5(d), that states, "If, for a particular purchase greater than the micro-purchase threshold, there is an insufficient number of BPAs to ensure maximum practicable competition, the contracting officer shall- (1) Solicit quotations from other sources (see 13.105) and make the purchase as appropriate; and (2) Establish additional BPAs to facilitate future purchases if- (i) Recurring requirements for the same or similar supplies or services seem likely; (ii) Qualified sources are willing to accept BPAs; and (iii) It is otherwise practical to do so. As there are no additional sources that can provide commercial cellular and data coverage in KSA, it was determined to be in the Government's best interest to establish a sole source IDIQ contract with STC instead. STC possesses the unique capabilities and expertise to meet all requirements of the Performance Work Statement (PWS). It is the only primary carrier in the KSA that is carrier agnostic, meaning the devices/SIM cards are able to utilize multiple networks and seamlessly integrate without interruption, and that maintains the cellular towers and infrastructure required to provide 4G/5G coverage for the OPM-SANG Al Nakhla offices in Riyadh and MNG installations (Dirab Airfield in Riyadh; Dammam Airfield in Dammam, Jeddah; and Highway 80 Dammam Road, used as primary travel between the airfield locations). STC owns the network equipment, provides the geographical coverage for all three of the American (KSA-based) Armed Forces (OPM-SANG, USA-MAG, and USMTM), and has the capability to provide technical support in the English language 24- hours/7-days a week.