JOFOC_rfq_Modified.pdf

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JUSTIFICATION FOR OTHER THAN FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

FOR SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITIONS OVER $10,000 AND UP TO $250,000

(See FAR 13.106-1)

Date: August 24, 2018 PR Number: 923400

1. Nature and/or description of the item/service being procured and its intended use (include the anticipated cost).

This action will be awarded as a Firm Fixed Price Brand Name purchase for Mitel phones and equipment. This procurement is required to upgrade the voice systems to new (not refurbished) Mitel 3300 Voice over Internet Protocol (VOIP). This will allow the Forest Service to deliver voice series that best suits the needs of the various offices throughout the USDA National Forest Service.

2. A statement demonstrating the unique qualifications of the proposed contractor or the nature of the action requiring use of the authority. This procurement is required to upgrade the voice systems to Mitel 3300 Voice over Internet Protocol (VOIP). This will allow the Forest Service to deliver voice series that best suits the needs of the various offices throughout the USDA National Forest Service.

3. Sole Source or Brand Name Justification rationale (Check one and explain below):

Only one responsible source.

X Other: Brand Name

Explain:

This justification supports the rationale associated with a specific brand name for Mitel 3300 IP Controller hardware and software that have been determined to be essential to meet Mitel’s software requirements, and satisfying the Government’s requirements.

Consequently, this purchase is limited to a brand name (the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) capable of providing the telephone systems. The procurement of Mitel products for Information Technology solutions has been an ongoing effort since the Chief Information Office (CIO) Voice group migrated 10 years ago. Since this decision, the Voice group has reduced the number of different manufacturers down to two telephone systems. No other brand has the compatibility and support capabilities within the enterprise telephone systems in place, and currently used by

2 of the Agency today. Mitel Corporation is a leading manufacturer of products for the voice equipment in the United States. This procurement will support Mitel system already purchased on an existing government contract. Procurement of the Mitel SWA offers the following advantages:

a. Leverage existing investment: The agency currently has installed several Mitel IP telephone systems at various locations. These systems are an important part of the Forest Service Voice configuration at this time.

b. Reduce integration costs and time to market: Support technicians will be able to use the same programming software for initial installation as well as common spare components, common trouble shooting methods, common repair methods, and a single vendor of support for the life of the product.

c. Reduce replacement cost and time: As a large manufacturer of phones systems, Mitel maintains sufficient stock of spare parts and provides overnight shipping availability. This allows for quick and easy repairs in a suitable time frame, meeting the goal of limited customer down-time and loss of man-hours.

d. Reduce maintenance costs: Mitel phones systems have a long history of proven reliability and a high Mean Time between Failures (MTBF). This translates into reduced down time and low maintenance costs.

e. Reduce support costs: This equipment is supported under the existing

Voice Contract which allows certified technicians from all over the country to provide local support for Mitel systems installed on Forests throughout the United States.

f. Provide priority service: Due to the long-standing relationship with this vendor, the agency would be provided priority service with one sales contact dedicated to USFS for purchases and requests g) Other product specific advantages: Mitel equipment allows for the FS to take advantage of an extensive civilian work force that can support it and that can integrate to it.

4. Market Research. State whether any other offers were received or anyone expressed interest: None.

Market Research indicated equipment required that are open market exceeds GSA schedule items and a solicitation on Fed Biz Opps as a small business set-aside for competition is anticipated to result in fair and reasonable pricing.

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5. A statement of any actions the agency will take to remove or overcome any future barriers to competition.

The agency did consider the market place to determine if there are other products that can perform the same or better analysis. It has been determined that Mitel products due to compatibility requirements is the only one in the market place at this time that best meets agency needs. The Government will continue to evaluate each requisition that is submitted, and ensure that it is doing its due diligence in ensuring that completion is being utilized to obtain the best value at fair and reasonable pricing.