Soliciting_From_a_Single_Source_J&A.docx

Soliciting From a Single Source IAW FAR 13.106-1(b)(1)(i) Brand-Name

Quantum Maintenance and Support

Acquisitions conducted under simplified acquisition procedures are exempt from the requirements in FAR Part 6 (FAR 6.001(a)). In accordance with FAR 13.106-1(b)(1)(i), a Contracting Officer (CO) may solicit from one source if the CO determines that the circumstances of the contract action deem only one source reasonably available (e.g., urgency, exclusive licensing agreements, brand-name or industrial mobilization). This is a brand name requirement due to proprietary configurations of the software and software updates are only available through resellers of the product. The circumstance(s) supporting this determination is outlined below.

The National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) requires the services of an authorized/certified Quantum reseller for the continued annual maintenance and support of Quantum Scalar Tape Libraries located at the National Archives data center in Rocket Center, WV 26726. The maintenance and support of the Quantum libraries includes hardware, software, and firmware. Quantum is an integral part of the Electronic Records Archives (ERA) IT data backup production environment, providing hardware for the tape libraries and associated equipment.

The period of performance of this purchase order is anticipated to be July 1, 2018 through June 30, 2019.

The statutory authority permitting other than full and open competition is the Federal Acquisition Streamlining Act, Public Law 103-355 in conjunction with the Competition in Contracting Act, 41 U.S.C § 3304(a)(1) as implemented by FAR 13.106-1(b)(1)(i), “ …the circumstances of the contract action deem only one source reasonably available (e.g., urgency, exclusive licensing agreements, brand-name or industrial mobilization).”

As in the case of other backup and recovery products, Quantum includes proprietary configurations and software that cannot be supported by anyone other than the owner/developer or authorized resellers. Quantum, as the owner/developer, owns the rights to the sale, support and distribution of its enterprise system. This maintenance service ensures that the data backup system for ERA will continue to function properly on a day-to-day basis. Support services for Quantum have been verified as meeting the day-to-day backup and recovery needs of the NARA ERA system.

NARA conducted market research for authorized/certified resellers of Quantum maintenance support. Market research indicated that this proprietary maintenance and support is available through authorized resellers.

When the Quantum system reaches end-of-life, NARA will evaluate the possibility of another backup system that can work as efficiently within the ERA infrastructure. Replacement would require the acquisition of a new backup and recovery system which is currently economically impracticable as compared to continued maintenance and support. There is no current estimate for this work. In the meantime this is the only solution that can meet NARA’s needs.

I hereby certify that this justification for “Soliciting from a Single Source” is made in good faith, that the supporting data and information are accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief, and that I would not be making this request if it were feasible to fully compete this requirement. I further certify this request is not a result of a desire to expend funds while those funds are still available.

Technical Representative (IOS)

I have reviewed this justification and conclude that it is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief.

Contracting Officer (Z)

I have reviewed this justification and hereby certify that it is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief. In accordance with NARA 501, I approve this justification.

Competition Advocate (B)