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RFQ - 19ZA6026Q0008 Mobile Phone Services

STATE, DEPARTMENT OF.STATE, DEPARTMENT OF.US EMBASSY LUSAKA · Response deadline: Fri, 20 Nov 2026

What the government is buying

The U.S. Department of State's U.S. Embassy Lusaka is soliciting quotes for mobile phone services. This is a commercial services acquisition under NAICS 517112, which covers Wireless Telecommunications Carriers (except satellite).

Mobile phone services for diplomatic posts typically encompass cellular voice and data plans, devices, roaming arrangements, and related telecommunications support for embassy personnel. The specific scope—including the number of lines, required features, service levels, and any equipment provisions—see the solicitation. Embassy telecommunications contracts often require reliable local network coverage within Zambia, international connectivity for official communications, and compliance with U.S. government security and billing protocols.

Key facts

Who can bid

This solicitation is open to all responsible sources—there is no small business set-aside, meaning large businesses, small businesses, and non-U.S. firms may all compete provided they meet the solicitation's eligibility requirements. Under NAICS 517112, businesses providing wireless telecommunications services are eligible.

Prospective offerors should note that embassy contracts often carry special considerations: the place of performance is Lusaka, Zambia, so bidders need capability to deliver and support services in-country. Foreign-based firms may need to navigate U.S. government contracting registration requirements (SAM.gov) and potential tax treaty implications. All bidders must be registered in SAM.gov and hold any required active registrations at the time of award.

How to put together a competitive bid

For telecommunications services competitions, pricing structure clarity matters significantly. Consider these elements:

Pricing model: Structure your quote to clearly separate recurring monthly service charges from any one-time costs (activation fees, device costs, early termination penalties). Government evaluators typically favor predictable, fixed-price arrangements with transparent escalation clauses.

Coverage and reliability documentation: Provide network coverage maps for Lusaka and surrounding areas where Embassy staff may travel, plus service level agreements for uptime, repair response times, and data speed guarantees.

Security and compliance: Embassy communications demand heightened attention to information security. Address how your services protect call and data confidentiality, your subscriber identity module (SIM) provisioning procedures, and any compliance with U.S. federal telecommunications security guidelines—see the solicitation for specific requirements.

Local support capability: Demonstrate in-country technical support presence, local language assistance capabilities, and escalation pathways for urgent service issues.

Past performance: Cite comparable federal or diplomatic telecommunications contracts, particularly overseas installations or Department of State experience.

Because this is a full and open competition, emphasize differentiators that justify any price premium—superior network quality, dedicated account management, or favorable contract terms.

Next steps

1. Read the full solicitation on SAM.gov using solicitation number 19ZA6026Q0008. The synopsis provides limited information; the complete solicitation contains detailed specifications, evaluation criteria, and mandatory representations.

2. Verify your SAM.gov registration is active and complete, including any required Near East/South Asia or Africa regional codes.

3. Note the deadline: Responses are due November 20, 2026 at 5:00 PM Lusaka time (UTC+2). Build in time for any required certificate of service legality, local business registration verification, or foreign entity documentation.

View the official notice on SAM.gov →