NOTICE OF INTENT to award a single source procurement under NAICS code 51791

This is not a solicitation. This is a NOTICE OF INTENT to award a single source procurement under NAICS code 51791. The U.S. Embassy Beirut, Lebanon will award a stand-alone contract to Mobile Interim Company 1 SAL (MIC1) to provide mobile telecommunication services. The estimated period of performance will be for one base year and two option years.

The stand-alone contract will be under NAICS code 51791 to Mobile Interim Company 1 SAL (MIC1) as the only provider of the requested mobile telecommunication services for the country of Lebanon. Cellphone numbers in Lebanon are not portable (transferable) between the two main mobile operators in Lebanon. This process, known as Mobile Number Portability (MNP), does not allow customers to keep their phone numbers when switching from one service provider to another.

Embassy Beirut cannot switch to the other provider in Lebanon. Otherwise, all embassy numbers will need to be changed. Contacts of the embassy (diplomatic/regular) will no longer be able to reach the officers or employees unless they have the new numbers, which is not feasible due to high number of contacts. Also, Lebanon's telecommunications sector is characterized by its limited competition, with only two main cellphone service providers operating in the market.

Both companies are owned and operated by the Government of Lebanon. This government ownership structure dictates the pricing and services offered, as both providers adhere to the pricing and service regulations set by the Lebanese Ministry of Telecommunications. Embassy Beirut uses the telecommunication services provided by Mobile Interim company 1 SAL to ensure the uninterrupted service.

This is a sole source requirement in accordance with authority citation, FAR Part 6.302-1 – Only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements. For this requirement, Mobile Interim Company 1 SAL (MIC 1) is considered the only responsible source, and no other suppliers or providers will satisfy Embassy Beirut requirements.

This service will be provided in Beirut, Lebanon and the Point of contact is the Contracting Officer Christopher Berkey, at BerkeyCM@state.gov and ContractingBeirut@state.gov.