Attachment 3 - Justification and Approval HP.pdf

Justification and Approval (J&A) for Other Than Full and Open Competition

CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION

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Was a J&A approved for the preceding acquisition? Yes No

Is this a new or amended J&A Document? New Amended ( Prior to Award Only! )

Is this a Bridge Action as defined at AFFARS 5302.101? Yes No

Dollar Value of this Acquisition: < $750K > $750K and < $15M > $15M and < $100M > $100M

Contracting Activity: 2d Contracting Squadron

Purchase Request (if available): F1GFA21165AW03

Program / Project (and PE, if applicable): JWICS IT Equipment

Program Type (PEO, Enterprise, of Operational): Operational

Authority: 6.302-1 – 10 USC 2304(c)(1), Only One Responsible Source and No Other Supplies or Services Will Satisfy Agency Requirements

Estimated Contract Cost (including options): $ 634,342.31 J&A Type: Class Individual

COORDINATION ( AFFARS 5306.304(a)) Sign and Save Procedure

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Date Project Lead / Program Mgr / Requiring Activity

GLENNY, THOMAS C.

HQ AFGSC/A2Y / 781-8552

Signature

X

Date Communications and Info Systems Officer (CSO)

WHITE, BRIAN C.

HQ AFGSC/A2S / 781-9105

Signature

X

Date

03 Aug 2021

Local Legal Reviewer

HERRELL, TRACY L.

2 BW/JA / 781-5200

Signature

X

APPROVAL ( AFFARS 5306.304(a))

Date

03 Aug 2021

Contracting Officer

HUTCHINS, THOMAS A.

2 CONS/PKB / 781-4007

Signature

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I. Agency and Contracting Activity.

2d Contracting Squadron 801 Kenney Ave., Bldg. 4400/Suite 2300 Barksdale AFB, LA 71110-2438

II. Nature and/or description of the action being approved.

The 2d Contracting Squadron has a brand name requirement to procure only HP branded equipment compatible with the JWICS (Joint Worldwide Intelligence Communications System) that is currently in place. JWICS (Joint Worldwide Intelligence Communications System) is a Top Secret system of interconnected computer networks used by the Department of Defense/ Department of State to transmit classified information in a secure environment. This network is completely separate from the NIPR and SIPR networks and is regulated by very specific DIA regulations regarding system acquisition and installation. Due to these HHQ mandates, equipment and software purchase for the JWICS must derive from the approved products/ equipment list in compliance with Joint DoDIIS Cryptologic SCI Information Systems Security Standards. This list resides on the JWICS and can be reviewed by those deemed to have TS/SCI access. HP products are essential to the requirement, thereby precluding consideration of products manufactured by another company. Any solution employing other than HP products would not be compatible with our existing infrastructure and would significantly reduce the ability to successfully employ the equipment.

III. Description of supplies/services required to meet agency needs (including the estimated value).

This J&A covers the HP IT equipment portion of this requirement. The HP IT equipment is currently estimated at $280,701.58.

Approval of this J&A will eliminate possibility of incompatibility of any other items required for this JWICS.

IV. Statutory authority permitting other than full and open competition.

10 U.S.C. 2304(c)(1), as implemented by FAR 6.302-1(a)(2) and required by FAR 6.303-2(b)(4), when supplies or services required by the agency are available from a limited number of responsible sources and no other type of supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements, full and open competition need not be provided for.

V. Demonstration that the contractor's unique qualifications or the nature of the acquisition requires use of the authority cited above (applicability of authority).

In accordance with (IAW) AFMAN 14-304 para 8.2.1 - All AIS systems processing SCI, installed and operating in SCIFs under the SCI security cognizance of the Air Force Senior Official of the Intelligence Community (SOIC), HQ USAF/XOI and computer service organizations providing contractual AIS services to USAF components or their contractors shall be approved for operation by a Designated Approving Authority (DAA) prior to operation. HP products are essential to the requirement, thereby precluding consideration of products manufactured by another company.

VI. Description of efforts made to ensure that offers are solicited from as many potential sources as practicable, including whether a notice was or will be publicized as required by subpart 5.2 and, if not, which exception under FAR 5.202 applies.

Market Research recently performed found that there are multiple vendors that are capable of meeting the Brand Name requirement of this solicitation. A Request for Information (RFI) was posted on GSA, GSA 2nd Generation IT (2GIT), and SAM on 14 July 2021 with a response date of 21 July 2021. Five total vendors responded to this RFI and stated they would be able to quote on this requirement. In accordance with (IAW) FAR 5.201, a combined synopsis and solicitation will be posted to

SAM.

VII. Determination by the Contracting Officer that the anticipated cost to the Government will be fair and reasonable.

We will be required to make an individual determination of price fair & reasonable in accordance with (IAW) FAR 13.106-3(a), Simplified Acquisitions, or FAR 15.403-3(c)(1), Commercial Items, prior to award.

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VIII. Description of the market research conducted and the results, or a statement of the reasons market research was not conducted.

Extensive Market Research has been conducted for this requirement as a brand name procurement. There are multiple vendors located on GSA 2nd Generation IT (2GIT) as well as open market that are able to fulfill this requirement.

IX. Any other facts supporting the use of Other Than Full and Open Competition.

Items must meet TAA requirements per FAR 52.225-5. `NEW, NEW IN BOX, NOT REFURBISHED, NOT RECERTIFIED, NOT GREY MARKET, NO LIKE ITEMS' New products only provided with full manufacturer warranty and sourced from the OEM or from authorized OEM distribution channels.

X. List of any sources that expressed, in writing, an interest in the acquisition.

HP equipment needs to be purchased from authorized sales representatives, and as there are a multiple representatives who can fulfill the requirement, this would not be a sole source acquisition. The HP brand is required due to compatibility with currently in place systems, and not procuring HP equipment would require a change in the entire system.

XI. A statement of the actions, if any, the agency may take to remove or overcome any barriers to competition before making subsequent acquisitions for the supplies or services required.

The continued purchase of HP equipment is dependent upon the needs to continue operations JWICS in place. Every time a new acquisition to upgrade or replace existing equipment is contemplated, market research will be used to verify if non-brand name items are compatible with the current system in place. If a new system or upgrading hardware is warranted in the future, emphasis will be placed on a competitive procurements not requiring a brand name.

XII. Certification by the Contracting Officer.

As evidenced by my signature above, I have determined this document to be both accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief.

XIII. Certification by the technical/requirements personnel.

As evidenced by my (our) signature(s) above, I (we) certify that any supporting data contained herein, which is my (our) responsibility, is both accurate and complete.

Remove the Guidance pages below. Remove the IACR pages below.

April 2021 Page of International Agreement Competitive Restrictions (IACR) Page of April 2021 Was a J&A approved for the preceding acquisition?

!! Attach the preceding J&A in the staff package for this J&A. The preceding J&A will be used as a reference document.

Is this a new or amended J&A Document?

Is this a Bridge Action as defined at AFFARS 5302.101?

Dollar Value of this Acquisition:

J&A Type:

!! Provide estimated cost of all contracts.

COORDINATION ( AFFARS 5306.304(a)) ** The text in the signature blocks below is editable, including the title.

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APPROVAL ( AFFARS 5306.304(a)) NOTE: A signature block will appear here based on the "Dollar Value of this Acquisition" selected above.

(See "Specific Guidance for Completing this Template" below.)

I. Agency and Contracting Activity.

II. Nature and/or description of the action being approved.

III. Description of supplies/services required to meet agency needs (including the estimated value).

IV. Statutory authority permitting other than full and open competition.

V. Demonstration that the contractor's unique qualifications or the nature of the acquisition requires use of the authority cited above (applicability of authority).

VI. Description of efforts made to ensure that offers are solicited from as many potential sources as practicable, including whether a notice was or will be publicized as required by subpart 5.2 and, if not, which exception under FAR 5.202 applies.

VII. Determination by the Contracting Officer that the anticipated cost to the Government will be fair and reasonable.

VIII. Description of the market research conducted and the results, or a statement of the reasons market research was not conducted.

IX. Any other facts supporting the use of Other Than Full and Open Competition.

X. List of any sources that expressed, in writing, an interest in the acquisition.

XI. A statement of the actions, if any, the agency may take to remove or overcome any barriers to competition before making subsequent acquisitions for the supplies or services required.

XII. Certification by the Contracting Officer.

XIII. Certification by the technical/requirements personnel.

Specific Guidance for Completing this Template I. Agency and Contracting Activity.

II. Nature and/or description of the action being processed. (FAR 6.303-2(b)(2)) State whether the action is a new contract or a modification to an existing contract (identify contract number) and identify the contract type planned (e.g., firm-fixed-price, cost-plus-incentive-fee, hybrid etc.). If exception 2 is cited (unusual or compelling urgency), include the date of UCA/contract/modification issuance and amount.

For class J&As, where the number of contracts in the class can be identified: Provide the nature and/or description of each contract action and contract type. If the same information applies to more than one contract, it need only be stated once.

III. Description of the supplies/services required to meet agency needs (including the estimated value).

(FAR 6.303-2(b)(3)) Describe the supplies and/or services to be acquired and include the total estimated value of the acquisition and, for class J&As, by contract action, and the estimated periods of performance.

For ID/IQ or requirements contracts, use the maximum dollar value of the total estimated orders as the estimated J&A dollar value.

IV. Statutory authority permitting other than full and open competition. (FAR 6.303-2(b)(4)) 10 USC 2304(c)(?) (see Note 1), as implemented by FAR 6.302-? (see Note 2), and required by FAR 6.303-2(b)(4).

Note 1: Complete the 10 USC 2304(c) citation with the statutory subparagraph cited in the (a) Authority (1) Citations portion of the Competition exception used for your J&A. Do not provide more than one citation.

Note 2: Complete the FAR citation with the appropriate subparagraph.

Note 3: For class J&As, all contracts within the class must fall within the same statutory authority.

V. Demonstration that the contractor's unique qualifications or nature of the acquisition requires the use of the authority cited above. (FAR 6.303-2(b)(5)) Provide an explanation to support the use of the authority cited. The explanation should tie back to the conditions described in the FAR for using the particular authority cited.

A. Only One Responsible Source (FAR 6.302-1) (DFARS 206.302-1 and DFARS PGI 206.302-1) When using this authority, thoroughly describe the contractor's unique/highly specialized capabilities and/or qualifications (e.g., facilities, personnel, special tooling acquired), and why no other type of supplies or services will satisfy the agency requirements. This authority shall be used, if appropriate, in preference to the authority in FAR 6.302-7. This authority shall not be used when any of the other authorities apply.

For example, in the case of a follow-on contract for continued development or production of a major system or highly specialized equipment/services, the rationale must first justify the supplies/services as being a “major system” or “highly specialized.” The rationale must then justify “either” substantial duplication of cost to the government that is not expected to be recovered through competition, or unacceptable delays in fulfilling the agency's requirements, whichever situation applies.

In accordance with DFARS 206.302-1(c)(2) Application for brand-name descriptions. Notwithstanding FAR 6.302-1(c)(2), in accordance with section 888(a) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017 (Pub. L. 114-328), the justification and approval addressed in FAR 6.303 is required in order to use brand name or equal descriptions.

B. Unusual and Compelling Urgency (FAR 6.302-2, DFARS 206.302-2, and DFARS PGI 206.302-2) Contracting Officers must notify SAF/AQC as soon as practicable when contemplating the use of this authority for a J&A requiring SPE approval.

Provide an explanation why (1) the supplies or services are needed at once and/or (2) essential equipment or repairs to that equipment are needed at once to preclude the ability to meet critical mission needs of the USAF and Defense of the Nation. In other words, identify the anticipated serious injury to the Government, the nature of the urgency, the reasons for it occurring and why it is “urgent and compelling” to preclude adverse impact to military readiness. Merely citing a Joint Urgent Operational Need (JUON), Force Activity Designator (FAD) rating, Program Management Directive (PMD)/Program Action Directive (PAD) guidance, or DX priority rating is not in and of itself sufficient reason to use this exception from the requirement to obtain full and open competition. Note that only the minimum quantity required to satisfy the unusual and compelling urgency qualifies for this exception. In addition, the period of performance may not exceed one year, including all options [FAR 6.302-2(d)(ii)]; thus, the inclusion of options, when using this authority, is not advised.

Note: This statutory authority requires that agencies request offers from as many potential sources as is practicable under the circumstances.

C. Industrial Mobilization; or Engineering, Developmental, or Research Capability (FAR 6.302-3) Justifications citing this authority must demonstrate the need to establish or maintain an essential capability, or a contract for supplies or services incidental to establishing or maintaining an essential capability, possessed by the identified source(s). Some form of market survey must support the need to establish or maintain the capability being procured.

D. Authorized or Required by Statute (FAR 6.302-5) Identify what is being acquired and the applicable statute authorizing other than full and open competition in accordance with FAR 6.302-5(b).

Note: Some statutes do not require a written J&A.

E. National Security (FAR 6.302-6) This authority may be used for any acquisition when disclosure of the Government's needs would compromise the national security (e.g., would violate security requirements); it shall not be used merely because the acquisition is classified, or merely because access to classified material will be necessary to submit a proposal or to perform the contract. Full and open competition need not be provided for when the disclosure of the agency's needs would compromise the national security unless the agency is permitted to limit the number of sources from which it solicits bids or proposals. This statutory authority requires that agencies shall request offers from as many potential sources as dis practicable under the circumstances.

F. Public Interest (FAR 6.302-7 and DFARS 206.302-7) The use of this authority requires a written Determination and Finding (D&F) in accordance with FAR 1.7 in lieu of J&A. The D&F shall not be made on a class basis.

This authority may only be used when none of the other authorities apply. Provide detail addressing the reasons full and open competition is not in the public interest and why no other authority is appropriate for use.

VI. Description of efforts made to ensure that offers are solicited from as many potential sources as practicable, including whether a notice was or will be publicized as required by FAR 5.2 and, if not, which exception under FAR 5.202 applies. (FAR 6.303-2(b)(6)) Describe all efforts taken, or to be to be taken, to ensure that offers are solicited from as many potential sources as practicable under the circumstances. Although market research is covered in Section VIII, the information in Section VI should correlate with the market research described in Section VIII. To ensure completeness, it is best to provide information such as the following:

If a sources sought synopsis or an RFI was issued, provide the date the synopsis was issued along with a brief description of its content. Identify the number of responses received, the results of the screening process, and the rationale for determining the unacceptability of any respondents. Note: An RFI or Sources Sought Synopsis is mandatory IAW DFARS PGI 206.303-2(b)(i) when citing the authority of 10 USC 2304(c)(1), “Only one (or a limited number of) responsible source(s)”.

Specify whether this acquisition will require a Notice of proposed Contract Action (NOCA) IAW FAR 5.201 and if not, provide the exception IAW FAR 5.202. If a NOCA was or will be publicized provide the dates or expected dates of publication of the NOCA. Address any other actions taken or planned to facilitate competition for this acquisition.

Qualifying Country Sources. If qualifying country sources have expressed interest, but are to be excluded, provide supporting rationale.

VII. Determination by the contracting officer that the anticipated cost to the government will be fair and reasonable. (FAR 6.303-2(b)(7)) Provide the basis for this determination.

VIII. Description of the market research conducted and the results, or explain why market research was not conducted. (FAR 6.303-2(b)(8)) Discuss any market research conducted pursuant to FAR Part 10 and describe results of that research.

When other exceptions from the requirement to obtain full and open competition are relied upon, the market research might be limited to an examination of the acquisition history and experience with the marketplace under previous acquisitions for the same or similar items.

If market research was not conducted, so state and provide the rationale.

IX. Any other facts supporting the use of Other Than Full and Open Competition. (FAR 6.303-2(b)(9)(i)) X. List of sources, if any, that expressed interest in the acquisition. (FAR 6.303-2(b)(10)) If a sources sought synopsis or RFI was issued and all interested sources are included in Section VI, it is acceptable to state, “See Section VI above.”

XI. A statement of the actions, if any, the agency may take to remove or overcome any barriers to competition before making subsequent acquisitions for the supplies or services required. (FAR 6.303-2(b)(11)) If no actions are planned, provide rationale (i.e., sole-source to OEM, unable to compete due to inability to procure data rights, etc.) IAW DFARS PGI 206.304(a)(S-70)(ii), for a non-competitive follow-on acquisition to a previous award for the same supply or service supported by a J&A citing the authority at FAR 6.302-1. Include a copy of the previous J&A and include a discussion of the actions planned to overcome barriers to competition established in the previous justification, the status of those actions, and the results of those actions; and The approval authority shall determine whether the planned actions were completed. If the planned actions were not completed, the justification for the follow-on acquisition shall be approved by the approval authority one-level above the approval authority for the previous justification (see DFARS 206.304). If the previous justification was approved by the Senior Procurement Executive (SPE), the approval remains at the SPE level.

XII. Certification by the Contracting Officer. (FAR 6.303-2(b)(12)) As evidenced by his/her signature, the contracting officer has determined this document to be both accurate and complete to the best of his/her knowledge and belief.

XIII. Certification by the technical/requirements personnel. (FAR 6.303-2(c)) As evidenced by their signatures, the technical and/or requirements personnel have certified that any supporting data contained herein, which is their responsibility, is both accurate and complete.

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The following page contains a suggested template for “International Agreement Competitive Restrictions (IACR)”.

The authority to prepare an IACR has been delegated from the HCA to the Contracting Officer.

(AFFARS 5306.302-4)

IV. Statutory Authority: 10 USC 2304(c)(4) as implemented by FAR 6.302-4, International Agreement.

VI. Certification of Accuracy and Completeness:

As evidenced by his/her signature, the contracting officer has determined the IACR to be both accurate and complete to the best of his/her knowledge and belief. The CO also approves the IACR.

As evidenced by his/her signature, the program/technical/requirements manager(s) have/has determined that any supporting data contained in the IACR, which is his/her responsibility, is both accurate and complete.

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