A16_18Q0314_LSJ_approved_redacted_Redacted.pdf

Solicitation Number 140D1418Q0314

FAR 16.505(b)(2)(i)(B) – Only one awardee is capable of providing the supplies or services required at the level of quality required because the supplies or services ordered are unique or highly specialized (to include brand name in accordance with 16.505(a)(4)).

The USNS MERCY is an Expeditionary Military Treatment Facility that is a Military Sealift Command (MSC) asset dedicated to US Navy. The VoIP/VTC solution on this platform has been Cisco for the past 10 years. It is well established and integrated, and is compliant with all policies, procedures, and technical requirements of MSC.

The USNS MERCY is unique in that she must incorporate a system that is able to provide robust voice, VTC, and collaboration services in a split data center over slow link (Commercial Broadband Satellite Provider) implementation. The Cisco product has the ability to use native Quality-of-Service (QOS) and third party implementations of QOS that honor the call quality requirement expected by the Command. In addition, because the USNS MERCY is expeditionary the system must be able to operate when the ship has no connectivity to the internet. Both of these requirements have been met by the existing Cisco VoIP system.

Any system that would potentially be able to provide the same service as the Cisco solution would need to be installed in parallel with the existing Cisco system and would not be able to use the same voice (phone numbers), VTC, and collaboration features at the onset. This constitutes a potential risk of loss of Command and Control in the event of an activation. As the Cisco solution is already in place, procuring the update to the system would allow for immediate “one-for-one” device replacement with no need to change any configuration or number assignment. There is also the risk that a brand name equivalent replacement would not be able to manage all the different Cisco devices (desk phones, Wi-Fi phones, soft phones, VTC codecs, etc.). If that were to happen the USNS MERCY’s voice/VTC services would be immediately degraded and replacement devices would need to be procured.

All USNS MERCY information technology and communications staff are trained in the use of and configuration of Cisco equipment. Purchasing a different vendors devices or software would require retraining the entire staff on its implementation. This has the potential to become costly if off-site training is required. In addition, the staff that augment the USNS MERCY upon activation already have been trained on the existing Cisco solution as well, which enhances readiness.

In order to perform interoperability with the existing hardline “plain-old-telephone-system” (POTS) lines and emergency systems, the Cisco solution has been integrated into a Nortel Meridian NT1. No other known vendor solution has the ability to do this, and it would be a requirement to integrate. This would constitute a loss of emergency management, and increase safety risk, if the USNS MERCY were to lose this interoperability.

The Cisco solution is standard aboard both T-AH Hospital Ships – USNS MERCY and USNS COMFORT. The procurement of a different vendor solution would break that system parity between the vessels and increase the support cost for both. The body of knowledge between the vessels would also be lost as staff on one would no longer be able to assist the other. Security configurations are also kept in sync, and that parity would be lost with the implementation of another vendor’s equipment.

5. A determination by the contracting officer that the anticipated cost to the Government will be fair and reasonable.

By placing an order against a contract using the procedures in 16.505, the contracting officer has concluded that the order will represent a best value (as defined in FAR 2.101) and results in the lowest overall price alternative to meet the government’s needs. Although NASA SEWP has already negotiated fair and reasonable pricing, the contracting officer will request additional discounts before placing the order. In addition, the contracting officer determined that the anticipated price(s) will be fair and reasonable based on adequate competition for a product that is sold substantially to both Government and commercial customers. There are multiple resellers that resell Cisco VoIP system re-sellers under NAICS code 541519. Because market research found that there are seven (7) HUBZone resellers, which will provide the Government with adequate competition to ensure fair and reasonable pricing, the task order will be awarded under SEWP Group B-H, as a HUBZone set-aside.

The quote will be evaluated to ensure that the Offeror can provide the required products and services, and the Government is awarding at a fair and reasonable, and realistic price.

6. Any other facts supporting the justification.

The system being upgraded is ten-years old. The AQD does not have sufficient procurement history to determine if previous awards were awarded under fair opportunity.

7. A 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.

There are currently no plans to replace the Cisco VoIP system currently aboard the USNS MERCY. However, when future requirements arise, market research has indicated that there are large numbers of resellers of Cisco products available on SEWP V. Any future requirements for Cisco VoIP system supplies and services will be procured using competitive procedures.

11. Reviews and Approvals

Concur

Approve