1. (1) All Required Users must obtain Exemptions from the Department to use Custom Network Solutions when the Custom Network Solution is not provided through SUNCOM under the following conditions:

   1. (a) The Required User seeks to implement the new Custom Network Solution or;

   2. (b) The Required User seeks to continue use of an existing Custom Network Solution later than December 31, 2008, under the following conditions:

      1. A previous Exemption had not been granted by the Department through a Communication Purchase or Lease Authorization (CPLA) or Exemption Request for the Network Solution. Required Users shall submit these Exemption Requests on or before September 30, 2008.

      2. A previous Exemption had been granted by the Department through a Communication Purchase or Lease Authorization (CPLA) or Exemption Request for the Network Solution and the current contract terms will expire later than July 1, 2008, and the Customer intends to continue services, use software or obtain hardware related to the Network Solution for any purpose other than Maintenance. Use of any associated Network Solution requires an Exemption before establishing a new contract, contract renewal, contract extension, contract amendment, major upgrade or replacement purchase, for any purpose other than Maintenance.

2. (2) Upon identifying a Business Objective requiring a new or continuation of a Custom Network Solution and before seeking exemptions in accordance with Rule 60FF-1.008, F.A.C., Required Users shall discuss the Required User’s need with the Department to find out if SUNCOM’s existing or impending services, or a collaborative effort between the Department and the Required User, can accommodate the Business Objective.
3. (3) Exemption Requests shall be submitted prior to the procurement planning stage of any Custom Network Solution if the Network Solution was not established by contract prior to July 1, 2008.
4. (4) With exceptions for maintenance described in subparagraph 60FF-1.007(1)(b)2., F.A.C., exemptions are granted for periods no longer than the terms of the contract for the associated Network Solution.

Rulemaking Authority 282.702(2), (9), 282.707(2) FS. Law Implemented 282.702(2), (8), (12), 282.703, 282.704, 282.705, 282.706, 282.707 FS. History–New 6-25-08.