AOP5Attachment4_Internet2_signed.pdf

Page 1 Attachment 4 – AOP No. 5, J&A - Other Than Full and Open Competition, 5/28/19

Limited Source/Brand Name Justification United States Department of Agriculture

FAR 13.106-1(b)(1) – Simplified Acquisitions

1. Identification of the agency and the contracting office.

United States Department of Agriculture, Departmental Administration, Office of Contracting and Procurement, Procurement Operations Division, 301 S. Howes Street, Suite 321, Fort Collins, CO 80521.

2. Description of supply or service required to meet the agency’s needs.

USDA, Office of the Chief Information Officer (OCIO), Digital Infrastructure Services Center (DISC) Enterprise Network Services (ENS) requires a renewal of a Federal Membership from Internet2. This membership will allow USDA to collaborate with researchers and experts from industry and academia.

Through Internet2, USDA agencies have access to a platform for innovation and advanced research.

USDA is able to electronically transfer large collaboration data versus mailing data through US mail, which is a significant process improvement for our agencies. Also, USDA is part of the Internet2 governance board that will allow our USDA researchers to have a voice in the research community.

3. The rationale or circumstances for limiting competition.

A Federal subscription for USDA with access to the unique collaboration tools and research platform from Internet2 is required. No other research community or tools under one subscription were found in USDA’s market research. Internet2 is the only source that provides the specialized services required, in accordance with industrial mobilization, engineering, developmental, or research capability; or expert services: (10 USC 2304(c)(3) or 41 USC 253(c)(3); FAR 6.302-3).

4. A description of the market research conducted and the results or a statement of the reason market research was not conducted.

No other research community or tools under one subscription were found in USDA’s market research.

Currently no other single subscription appears to include the research community and tools required, with no resellers for subscription found available. This requirement will continue to be reviewed annually for opportunities to increase competition.

5. Estimated price, including all options, if applicable.

Estimated value of a 12-month subscription for USDA is $100,000.00.

6. Recommended source(s).

UNIVERSITY CORPORATION FOR ADVANCED INTERNET DBA INTERNET2

100 Phoenix Dr. Suite 111 Ann Arbor, MI 48108

Page 2 Attachment 4 – AOP No. 5, J&A - Other Than Full and Open Competition, 5/28/19

Certifications

Supporting data that is the responsibility of technical or requirements personnel and which form the basis for this justification are accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge.

Donald Risden USDA/OCIO/DISC IT Specialist

The information contained in this justification is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief and in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation 13.106-1(b)(1), I hereby determine the circumstances described above deem only one source, or limited sources, reasonably available and competition is precluded for the reasons indicated in this document.

Christine D. Wallace Contracting Officer