RFP for $35 Billion Connections Is Out

The General Services Administration released its request for proposals Dec. 16 for Connections, its new program to provide a wide range of telecommunications infrastructure equipment and services.

The RFP is for a three-year indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity contract with five one-year options. The agency set the contract ceiling at $35 billion. Earlier estimates by industry analysts put the value of the work at $200 million.

The contract is separated into three categories: equipment, labor and turnkey solutions, and into three geographic components: international, state-based, and national, which includes the United States, American Samoa, the Virgin Islands, Guam, Puerto Rico and Saipan.

Companies that plan to submit proposals must inform the contracting officer by Jan. 16, 2002. There is a rolling schedule for bid submissions. Proposals for national services are due Feb. 5; global proposals are due April 25.

The state-level category has been further divided into three tiers, each with its own deadline: July 16, Aug. 13 and Sept. 11.