20250730 JA Cisco Brand Name_Redacted.pdf

Sole Source (Including Brand Name) Justification - Simplified Procedures for Certain Commercial Items

CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION

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This action proposes the acquisition of brand name Cisco equipments for the 934th Communications Squadron (CS). These Cisco Network Equipments are required as an upgrade to the 10G compliant infrastructure supporting critical voice and data transmissions for Non-Secure Internet Protocol Router Network (NIPRNet) as part of Air Force Base Area Network (AFBAN) at Minneapolis Air Reserve Base. The applicable NAICS code is 334118, with a corresponding size standard of 1,000 Employees.

The 934th Communications Squadron (CS) requires Cisco Network Equipments are required as an upgrade to the 10G compliant. These equipments will support voice and data transmissions for NIPR upgrades at Minneapolis ARB. Specific model, feature, and accessory requirements are detailed in the Salient Characteristics file within the Requirements Packag

6.302-1 – 10 USC 3204(a)(1), Only One Responsible Source - No Other Supplies or Services Will Satisfy Agency Requirements

The 934th Communications Squadron (CS) requires brand name Cisco network equipments because the existing NIPRNet requires 10G upgrade at Minneapolis Air Reserve Base, valued and is built predominantly with Cisco proprietary hardware and software. New equipment must be Cisco to ensure full interoperability and seamless integration with this established network, including its unique operating system (IOS) and management protocols. Technical evaluations confirm that other commercially available equipments lack this essential direct compatibility. Substituting non-Cisco equipment would necessitate the complete replacement of the existing network, resulting in substantial duplication of cost, significant operational downtime, and increased training expenses. Therefore, only brand name Cisco equipments can meet the Government's minimum requirements without unacceptable cost or mission impact.

Despite the brand name requirement, extensive market research was conducted to ensure competition. This included verifying that the required items are not available through government supply channels (ILS-S or LRS inventory).

Research and sources sought within the GSA 2GIT program and prior inquiries identified several small businesses capable of providing the specific brand name Cisco hardwares. To maximize competition, this requirement will be solicited via the mandatory source 2GIT program, allowing multiple authorized resellers to compete for the award.

The Contracting Officer will determine that the anticipated price to the Government for this brand name Cisco hardware acquisition is fair and reasonable. Price reasonableness will primarily be established through adequate price competition among multiple authorized distributors and resellers capable of providing the required brand name Cisco equipment. As discussed earlier, this requirement will be solicited via the GSA 2GIT program, which facilitates competition among multiple vendors for specific brand name items. Should adequate price competition not be achieved (e.g., fewer than expected offers, or offers are not competitive), the Contracting Officer will employ other appropriate price analysis techniques in accordance with FAR 13.106-3(a)(2) or FAR 15.404-1(b), as applicable. These techniques may include, but are not limited to, comparison to historical prices for similar items, comparison to an Independent Government Estimate

Sole Source (Including Brand Name) Justification - Simplified Procedures for Certain Commercial Items

CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION

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(IGE), or comparison to established catalog or market prices, to ensure the proposed price represents the best value to the Government.

Comprehensive market research was conducted to identify potential sources and validate the brand name requirement. This included checking internal government supply channels (ILS-S and LRS inventory) where the items were not available. A Seeking sources sent to 60 vendors through 2GIT received 4 responses, all affirming their capacity to provide the required Cisco equipments. Further research on GSA Advantage and within the GSA 2GIT program also indicated multiple vendors could supply the specific Cisco product, with three providing initial quotes. This research confirmed the availability of competitive sources for the brand name Cisco equipment, while simultaneously reinforcing the technical assessment that only Cisco provides the necessary interoperability with existing infrastructure

World Wide Technology, ACC Computers, Mvation and Sterling.

Recognizing the current limitations imposed by our existing network infrastructure, where transitioning away from this specific brand would involve significant costs and operational disruption, we are nonetheless committed to actively working towards a more competitive environment for future acquisitions. Our plan includes continuously evaluating emerging network technologies and open standards that could offer broader compatibility. We will also incorporate competitive considerations into our long-term infrastructure refresh plans, invest in developing our team's expertise across diverse vendor platforms, and consistently research the market for new solutions that reduce reliance on proprietary systems. Our ultimate goal is to remove these barriers and foster a more open and competitive landscape for future procurements.