S02 - JA - Redacted.pdf

This document is a Justification for an Exception to Fair Opportunity for a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) task order under the NASA SEWP V Government-wide Acquisition Contract (GWAC). The VA requires renewal of brand name Forescout hardware (Active Care) maintenance, associated software license subscriptions, and premium level support services for its cybersecurity infrastructure. The procurement covers 209 CounterAct 5160 appliances and 66,000 license subscriptions across various Forescout products, including eyeSight, eyeControl, OIMDex, eyeExtend, and FireEye NX.

The base performance period is September 1, 2025 through August 31, 2026, with a total estimated value that includes a 12-month base period and a 12-month option period. Market research conducted from October through December 2024 determined no viable alternative vendors could meet the government's requirements due to Forescout's proprietary source code and deep integration with VA's existing infrastructure. A Market Research Request (MRR) was issued on February 21, 2025, and two responses were received from Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSB) who are authorized Forescout resellers. The Contract Specialist's market research in June 2025 identified 37 vendors under various socio-economic categories, but VA concluded only Forescout could provide the necessary maintenance and support services.