PK18-902_Slack_-_SSJ_Final_Redacted.pdf

Single Source Justification (Simplified Acquisition)

FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY

March 2018 FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY Page 1 of 3

Section A: General Contract Information

Is this a Bridge Action as defined in the AF Bridge Action Reduction Plan? Yes No

Contracting Activity: AFLCMC/HBBK

Project/Program Name: Air Operations Center (AOC) Pathfinder

Purchase Request/Identification Number: PK 18-902 Slack

Estimated Contract Cost (including Options):

Section B: Description of the Supplies/Services Required

Air Operations Center (AOC) Pathfinder is a collaborative effort between the AOC Program Management Office and Pivotal Software, Inc. that is revolutionizing the way the Air Force builds and delivers software capabilities. AOC Pathfinder requires a cloud-based team communication and collaboration tool. The tool is required to provide secure user accounts with two-factor authentication. It is required that the tool foster easy communication through the use of direct messages and direct voice and video conference calling. Additionally, Pathfinder requires the ability to drag and drop documents for easy sharing across teams and topic channels. It is required that the tool support sharing with leading private sector cloud-based storage platforms like , and support general integrations with other cloud-based private sector tools. Pathfinder requires the tool to index all content as well as the ability to search and archive all discussions, documents, and messages that occur in the platform. Lastly, Pathfinder requires interactive screen sharing functionality to support pair programming.

Slack is a cloud-based software application that provides the aforementioned collaboration tools and services required for AOC Pathfinder.

AFLCMC/HBBA has a requirement to purchase Slack Plus Plan licenses for AOC Pathfinder for 12 months with an estimated cost of . The Firm Fixed Price contract has a delivery date as same day from contract award.

Section C: Justification for Soliciting from a Single Source or Brand Name

Based on the Government's current market research, including input from numerous technical advisors, Slack is the industry leading collaboration tool that meets all of the AOC Pathfinder's requirements. As the licensor of it's proprietary technology platform, Slack, has the unique qualifications that provide a real-time, cloud-based team communications tool that is required. Specifically Slack features an interactive screen sharing function that will ensure continuous delivery of critical updates to mission applications. AOC Pathfinder uses the agile software development technique of paired programming, meaning two software engineers must work together on a single workstation. Slack supports a remote screen sharing function so developers can still work in pairs even when geographically separated to support mission needs. Furthermore, Slack's platform employs proprietary machine learning and analytical methods that will drive team effectiveness, efficiency, and engagement. Overall, Slack is a cornerstone of project collaboration with no true alternatives that can compete with its capabilities or meet the Pathfinder's specific needs.

Currently, AOC Pathfinder has under the Slack Free Plan. An upgrade to the Plus plan will allow for an increase in the number of search-able messages on the platform from 10,000 to unlimited. This is important so that users can continue to access communications and share files from previously completed, current and ongoing projects. Moreover, a complete history of messages is required for AOC Pathfinder to lawfully comply with FOIA requests.

March 2018 FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY Page 2 of 3

AOC Pathfinder evaluated three industry leading possible alternatives to Slack: .

Although all four applications largely offer the same capabilities, Slack stands out as having the most refined user experience. To ensure the tool advances rather than hinders AOC Pathfinder's mission to deliver software capabilities at a rapid pace, it is most critical that the selected application is intuitive to use, and operates predictably and reliably.

The AOC Pathfinder team tested another application that closest offered functions to meet their program requirements. A self-hosted version of was installed on an cloud for testing over a period of several weeks. The team found more cumbersome at group communication since it lacked the ability to send multi-person direct messages, and instead, required the creation of separate private channels to accomplish the same task. During this trial, the AOC Pathfinder team confirmed that Slack's unique notification settings allow users to customize notifications based on keywords. This feature has optimized processes leading to a reduction in time spent finding old messages and files. It also allows for the ability to scan for other team members likely to know about a particular topic or task. Slack's capabilities are integral to supporting Pathfinder's core operational mission. Thus in order to avoid undo harm to the daily operational function of Pathfinder, the Program Office deems only one source reasonably available. Slack, Inc is the sole vendor of Slack; there are no resellers.

Section D: Efforts to Obtain Competition

A Notice of Intent to Sole Source will be posted to Federal Business Opportunities website in accordance with FAR 5.207(c)(16). Per the Notice of Intent, AFLCMC/HBBK requested any responsible sources may submit a capability statement which shall be considered by the agency for future procurements. If any responsible sources submit capability statements, AFLCMC/HBBK will evaluate these submitted capabilities to help determine the appropriate acquisition strategy for future procurements.

Section E: Steps to Preclude Future Single Source or Brand Name Awards

AFLCMC/HBBK and the AOC Pathfinder team will continue to take action to remove or overcome any barriers to competition by evaluating any capability statements submitted in response to the Notice of Intent and continue to conduct market research for any emerging technology companies with suitable alternatives before renewing this contract. If other applications are found that satisfy agency requirements, competition will be pursued on subsequent acquisitions.

March 2018 FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY Page 3 of 3

Section F: Contracting Officer's Determination

I have determined, in accordance with FAR 13.106-1(b)(1), that the circumstances of this contract action deem only a single source is reasonably available.

Date Typed Name and Rank/Grade of Contracting Officer

Melissa A. DeLuca, NH-04

Signature of Contracting Officer