2026-026 NIPR VMWARE SSJ Redacted.pdf
PDF 146 KB Posted
- Solicitation number
- FA301026Q58166892
About this file
This is a Single Source Justification for a simplified acquisition under the simplified acquisition threshold (SAT) submitted by the 81st Contracting Squadron (81 CONS) at Keesler Air Force Base.
The requirement is for the renewal of VMware licenses and technical support for the Air Force's Network Operations Systems supporting the NIPR (Non-Classified Internet Protocol Router) system. The contracting officer, MACEY R. BEHEE (GS-12), determined on April 21, 2026, that only a single source is reasonably available in accordance with FAR 12.102(a). The sole source vendor is Carahsoft, which is the mandatory provider under the Department of the Air Force's established DISA Enterprise Agreement for VMware by Broadcom Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA). This BPA is mandated under DAFMAN 17-1203, Section 3.2, and prohibits all DAF organizations from procuring VMware products or services through any other contract vehicles or open market sources. The justification states that the current NIPR system requires renewal licenses to be the exact VMware brand to prevent software failure; installing alternative brands would significantly increase costs and risk mission-critical service disruption. Market research efforts included searches of Ability One and FPI UNICOR websites (yielding zero results) and a Sources Sought posting on GSA Advantage (receiving zero responses). To preclude future single-source awards, 81 CS indicated it would monitor the NIPR system for potential replacement and continue monitoring the market in case the mandatory BPA requirement is lifted and other vendors become eligible.
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Text version
Security Marking: CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION
April 2026
Single Source Justification (Simplified Acquisition < SAT)
Is this a Bridge Action as defined in the AF Bridge Action Reduction Plan? NO
Contracting Activity: 81 CONS / PKB
Project/Program Name: NIPR - VMWARE Software Support & License Renewal
Purchase Request/ Local ID Number:
Estimated Contract Cost (including Options):
81 CS is requesting the renewal of VMware License and Technical Support for Network Operations Systems.
The current licenses that support the NIPR system are VMware and require the renewal licenses to be the exact brand to prevent software failure. Installing a different brand other than VMWare will greatly increase costs and potentially cause a break in mission critical services. Additionally, in accordance with the Department of the Air Force (DAF) Mandatory Use of DISA VMware by Broadcom Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA) memorandum, all DAF organizations shall utilize the newly established DISA Enterprise Agreement for VMware by Broadcom for the procurement of all new and renewal Broadcom VMware software licenses and maintenance IAW DAFMAN 17-1203, Section 3.2.
According to this guidance, “the DISA VMware by Broadcom BPA is the sole and mandatory source for all DAF requirements for Broadcom provided services and VMware software and must be fulfilled through this agreement, including but not limited to new procurement and renewal of software licenses and subscriptions; software maintenance and support renewals; product upgrades and technical services; cloud and hybrid platform solutions (e.g., VMware Cloud Foundation). The initiation of any new, independent procurement actions for Broadcom VMware products or services through other contract vehicles or open market sources is prohibited”.
Section B: Description of the Supplies/Services Required
Section A: General Contract Information
Section C: Justification for Soliciting from a Single Source or Brand Name
April 2026
Market Research was conducted via Ability One and FPI UNICOR websites and both yielded zero results. Additionally, a Sources Sought was posted to GSA Advantage, but 0 responses were received. Due to mandated DISA VMware by Broadcom BPA, Carahsoft is the sole and mandatory source for this requirement.
In order to preclude future brand name and sole source requirements, 81 CS would have to replace the NIPR system. 81 CS will monitor its system to determine when it would need replacement and if there is the potential to use other brands. Also, 81 CS and 81 CONS will continue to monitor the market in the event that the BPA is no longer mandatory, and other vendors are able to meet the Government's requirement.
I have determined, in accordance with FAR 12.102(a), that the circumstances of this contract action deem only a single source is reasonably available.
Date
4/21/2026
Typed Name and Rank/Grade of Contracting Officer
BEHEE, MACEY R., GS-12, Contracting Officer
Signature of Contracting Officer
Section D: Efforts to Obtain Competition
Section E: Steps to Preclude Future Single Source or Brand Name Awards
Section F: Contracting Officer's Determination
File details come from the government source that posted it. Updated .