Inactive

This is a Request for Information (RFI) for Government planning purposes as described in FAR 15.20(e). The Federal Communications Commission (FCC or Commission) requests information to assess potentia... This is a Request for Information (RFI) for Government planning purposes as described in FAR 15.20(e). The Federal Communications Commission (FCC or Commission) requests information to assess potential sources and methods to meet its needs for a contractor to serve as the Program Administrator for the reimbursement program required by the Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Act of 2019 (Secure Networks Act), Pub. L. 116-124, 133 Stat. 158 (codified as amended at 47 U.S.C. §§ 1601–1609). The Program Administrator will review applications submitted by providers of advanced communications services with two million or fewer customers, requesting funding for the removal, replacement, and disposal of covered communications equipment and services from their networks and help the Commission administer the reimbursement program The Program Administrator will, among other things, (1) make recommendations to the Wireline Competition Bureau (Bureau) about the sufficiency of the submitted applications, (2) make recommendations to the Bureau regarding the funding required to fulfill the requests, and, if necessary, (3) reach out to Bureau staff to seek additional information to validate submitted expenses. This RFI seeks to gather capabilities statements and other market information from potential sources, including, for planning purposes, responses to questions relevant to a potential procurement for a Program Administrator. We invite interested vendors (and any other firms or individuals with an interest in such a procurement) to respond to this RFI as set forth below. How to respond: Please submit responses to this RFI no later than December 15, 2020, 11:00 AM, ET via email to david.gottshall@fcc.gov. The email subject must state “Response – RFI- Supply Chain Reimbursement Program Administrator.” Preferred media for responses are electronic documents prepared in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, or Excel. See the DISCLAIMER at the conclusion of this RFI for how the agency proposes to treat information submitted. Please submit any questions you may have related to this RFI and these matters no later than December 1, 2020[A1] [A2] , 11:00 AM, Eastern Time (ET) via email to david.gottshall@fcc.gov. The email subject must state “Questions – RFI- Supply Chain Reimbursement Program Administrator.” Background On March 12, 2020, the Secure Networks Act became law. This statue directs the Commission to establish the Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Reimbursement Program (Reimbursement Program) to fund the removal, replacement, and disposal of covered communications equipment or services that pose a national security risk to communications networks in the United States. The FCC is currently in the process of considering rules for creating the Reimbursement Program outlined in the Secure Networks Act in WC Docket No. 18-89. Objectives Assisting the Commission with the administration of the Reimbursement Program required by the Secure Networks Act. Scope The Secure Networks Act limits participation in the Reimbursement Program to providers of advanced communications service with two million or fewer customers. Recipients of Reimbursement Program funds must use these funds to (1) permanently remove covered communications equipment and services from their networks, (2) replace the covered communications equipment and services with non-covered equipment or services, and (3) dispose of the covered communications equipment and services in accordance with the Act and FCC rules. The FCC anticipates the Program Administrator will help the FCC by reviewing submitted applications and providing recommendations as to, among other things, whether these applications are complete, whether the applicants are eligible to participate in the Reimbursement Program, and whether, after reviewing relevant cost documentation, the expenses reported for the removal, replacement, and disposal of covered equipment or services are eligible for reimbursement. In addition, the Program Administrator would assist with funding allocations, disbursements and processing reimbursement claims, and monitoring and tracking application processing and payments and applicable deadlines for applicants[A3] . To accomplish these goals, the FCC seeks information on the availability of contractors with the requisite expertise to serve as the Supply Chain Reimbursement Program Administrator and the cost of providing such service to the FCC. We anticipate the Reimbursement Program would require administration for a 3-to-5 year period but could extend beyond that period depending on funding availability and other factors. DISCLAIMER: This RFI is issued solely for information and planning purposes and does not constitute a solicitation. The information provided in this RFI and associated documents is subject to change and is not binding on the Government. This RFI does not commit the Government to contract for any supply or service whatsoever, nor does its issuance oblige the Government to adopt or restrict the Government from adopting any acquisition approach or to conduct an acquisition. The FCC is not at this time seeking proposals and will not accept unsolicited proposals. In accordance with FAR 15.201(e), responses to this notice are not offers and cannot be accepted by the Government to form a binding contract. Submitters are solely responsible for all expense associated with responding to this RFI. All submissions become Government property and will not be returned. The FCC will safeguard proprietary or confidential information submitted, but only when such information is: (1) clearly marked as confidential or proprietary and (2) is, in fact, information that has not been, and could not be, lawfully obtained by FCC from another party or source without restriction. Submitters should specifically identify the information that is claimed to be proprietary or confidential. Freedom of Information Act requests for submitted information will be addressed in accordance with E.O. 12,600, FAR Part 24, and 47 C.F.R. § 0.461, which provide submitters with opportunities to provide views and take administrative or legal action prior to a decision to release, should any such decision be made. More specific disclosure restrictions and procedures may exist under FCC rules for certain kinds of proprietary information and will be applied where relevant.