Attachment_1_BNJ_Dell_ThunderBolt_Dock_Redacted_1_.pdf

BRAND NAME JUSTIFICATION FOR AN EXCEPTION TO FAIR OPPORTUNITY

OVER THE MICRO-PURCHASE THRESHOLD AND

UNDER THE SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION THRESHOLD

AUTHORITY: FAR 13.106-1

Solicitation 140D0423Q0598

1. Contracting activity/agency. Department of the Interior, Interior Business Center, Acquisition Services Directorate, Division 3, Team 3.

2. Description of supplies or services required to meet agency needs.

Dell Thunderbolt™ Dock – WD22TB4, , Delivery no later than the end of the calendar year, 2023.

3. Identification of the limited source(s) to be solicited.

All authorized resellers of Dell products that are Indian Owned Small Businesses (ISBEE)

4. Rationale. Identification of the exception to fair opportunity and the supporting rationale, including a demonstration that the proposed contractor’s unique qualifications or the nature of the acquisition requires use of the exception cited. If the contracting officer uses the logical follow-on exception, the rationale shall describe why the relationship between the initial order and the follow-on is logical (e.g., in terms of scope, period of performance, or value).

Per FAR 13.5 were used in accordance with 41 U.S.C. 1901; The contracting officer must justify restricting consideration to an item peculiar to one manufacturer (e.g., a particular brand-name, product, or a feature of a product that is peculiar to one manufacturer).

The requested Dell brand equipment allows for continuity and compatibility with existing equipment, deployment software, and management systems. The purchase of other brands at this point would result in additional compatibility and security tests, increased learning curves, duplicate work efforts, increased training and administrative costs. The Dell equipment is being requested to replace current equipment as well as new equipment to support IHS Meaningful Use initiatives, which will allow staff to meet the mission of the agency. The Dell brand of common hardware allows I H S to operate the systems with higher availability and lower overal cost of ownership. For all systems, IT support staff are experienced with Dell computer configurations, images, installation, application patching, and trouble shooting. Dell has demonstrated the ability to provide a range of quality hardware, software, and service products with minimum paperwork from I H S.

It is imperative that all workstations and servers be standardized in order to maintain adequate technical support, maintenance, interoperability of peripherals and components, and staffing.

The Dell supplied replacement parts and technical support ensures compatibility of hardware and minimal down time for agency critical servers. The Dell hardware and warranty are available from multiple Dell partners. Other manufacturers, though providing quality hardware, do not meet the needs of the government in areas of standard support, configuration, interoperability with hardware we currently have and management.

5. Market Research.

IAW FAR 19.502(a) There is a reasonable expectation of obtaining quotes from two or more responsible Indian Owned Small Business Economic Enterprise’s (ISBEE’s).

Subsequently, the acquisition will be a 100% Total Small Business Set‐Aside for Indian Owned Small Business (ISBEE’s) under the Buy Indian Act HHSAR 326.602‐2.

Under the authority of FAR 13.106-1(b)(1), FAR 13.5 IAW 41 U.S.C 1901, the undersigned hereby determines the circumstances of this contract action deem the Brand Name Justification is approved.

Approved by:

//signature on file//

Contracting Officer