19AQMM26F1619 JUSTIFICATION FOR EXCEPTION TO FAIR OPPORTUNITY- HI Additional PDUs - Redacted.pdf
PDF 1 MB Posted
- Attached to
- Award 19AQMM26F1619
- Solicitation number
- 19AQMM26F1619
About this file
This is a Justification for Exception to Fair Opportunity issued by the U.S. Department of State's Global Acquisitions office for a delivery order procurement under Acquisition Management authority.
The Department of State seeks to procure Power Distribution Units (PDUs) and related mounting hardware for data center infrastructure upgrades at the ESOC facilities to support the Sunbird DCIM Power IQ module pilot. The required supplies consist of brand-name equipment from three manufacturers: APC (APDU11151SM and AP8888 units), Panduit Corp. (E36G18L and MA019 units), and Server Technology (C4W48RA-2CBE2FD7 and KIT-MB-99 units). Quantities range from 2 to 14 units per line item. The exception to fair opportunity is justified under FAR 16.507-7 (Items Peculiar to One Manufacturer) based on compatibility requirements with existing datacenter infrastructure at three separate sites. Each manufacturer's equipment integrates with proprietary ecosystems—APC with existing NetShelter and Network Management Card systems, Panduit with existing rack and mounting rail systems, and Server Technology with existing CDU platforms. The justification emphasizes that these brand-name products are necessary to replace aging End-of-Life and End-of-Support equipment that can no longer receive critical security updates, and that no alternative manufacturers' products can achieve compatibility without unacceptable cost, delay, or security risk. The Contracting Officer determines anticipated pricing will be fair and reasonable based on market research and the availability of multiple certified resellers. Forward mitigation efforts include onboarding additional compatible Technical Review Board-approved solutions to enable competitive sourcing for future acquisitions.
View the file
On GovTribe
Work with this file
- Download the original file
- Contacts named in this file
- Similar government files
- Ask GovTribe AI about this file
Text version
SBU - CONTRACTING AND ACQUISITIONS
4 E36G18L Panduit Corp.
Switched PRO4X iX PDU, 48 RamLock HDOT Outlets (24 C13 + 24 Cx), 208V 30A (24A Rated) NEMA L6-30P Plug with 3 m (9.84 ft) Input Cord, Bottom/Angled Cord Entry, Outlet #1 Opposite The Power Input, Auto-orient Middle LCD, Dual 10/100/1000 Mbps Ethernet Ports, Environmental Sensor Support, Dual USB-A Ports for Linking and Accessories 6
5 MA019 Panduit Corp. PDU UNIVERSAL MOUNTING BRACKET (SET OF TWO BRACKETS) 12
6 KIT-MB-99
Server Technology
Adjustable Button Bracket for Vertical CDUS screws. A standard size button is mounted on the sliding bracket, and a extended button is mounted on the other end of the CDU.screws. 14
The estimated value for the entire period of performance is
SECTION 4: IDENTIFICATION OF THE EXCEPTION TO FAIR OPPORTUNITY
AND THE SUPPORTING RATIONALE
This acquisition is conducted pursuant to 41 U.S.C. 4103 and 4106 as implemented by FAR
16.507-6 and substantiated by the following:
☐FAR 16.507-7 – Items peculiar to one manufacturer.
Brand-name PDUs and mounting hardware from APC, Panduit Corp., and Server Technology are required to maintain compatibility with existing datacenter site infrastructure. APC units (APDU11151SM, AP8888) integrate with the MDCs' existing NetShelter and Network Management Card ecosystem. Panduit units
(E36G18L, MA019) integrate with HST-OW's existing Panduit rack and mounting rail system. Server
Technology units (C4W48RA-2CBE2FD7, KIT-MB-99) integrate with ESOC West's existing CDU platform.
These are proprietary hardware products; only the original manufacturer and its authorized or certified resellers have access to the firmware required to operate and secure them, which prevents the use of other brands. End of
Life [EOL] and End of Support [EOS] equipment lose access to critical security patches and updates, creating risks to functionality, cybersecurity, and compliance. The equipment being procured will replace aging EOL and EOS units that can no longer receive required security updates or maintain acceptable operational reliability. As part of Technical Review Board [TRB] requirements, each item will be tested to confirm current firmware, non‑EOL and non‑EOS status, and continued eligibility for manufacturer security updates, a certification achievable only with equipment supported by the original manufacturer.
Market research confirms no other manufacturer's products are compatible with the existing infrastructure at each site, and none can be modified to achieve compatibility without unacceptable cost, delay, or security risk.
The specified brand-name items are therefore necessary to meet the Government's minimum needs.
SECTION 5: DETERMINATION BY THE CONTRACTING OFFICER THAT THE
ANTICIPATED COST TO THE GOVERNMENT WILL BE FAIR AND
REASONABLE
The Contracting Officer determines that the anticipated price(s) will be fair and reasonable based on market research, comparisons to previous purchase prices found reasonable, and comparisons with similar items in related industry.
The program office has confirmed that the requested products are available through several resellers. As this is a brand‑name justification, no one contractor’s unique qualifications are superior to another. Market research concluded that several resellers are available as long as they are certified resellers. Because multiple authorized resellers can provide the required brand‑name items, the Government can still obtain fair and reasonable pricing through competition among certified resellers.
By signing the justification, the Contracting Officer makes a determination that the to the Government is expected to be fair and reasonable.
SECTION 6. STATEMENT OF THE ACTIONS, IF ANY, THE AGENCY MAY TAKE
TO REMOVE OR OVERCOME ANY BARRIERS THAT LED TO THE EXCEPTION
TO FAIR OPPORTUNITY BEFORE ANY SUBSEQUENT ACQUISITION FOR THE
SUPPLIES OR SERVICES IS MADE.
Moving forward, IM/HI will aim to onboard additional compatible TRB-approved solutions to ensure that such requirements may be competitively sourced.
File details come from the government source that posted it. Updated .