Brand Name EFO_IDS06_26_25_01_Redacted_.pdf

Justification for an Exception to Fair Opportunity or to Use Brand-Name Restriction

FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY

November 2018 FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY Page 2 of 3

(4) Justification for restricting consideration to a brand-name item:

FAR 6.302-1(c) advises that Brand Name applies When only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements. Also when competition is limited to a specific brand name ( or product from a specific manufacturer). To further elaborate, FAR 6.302-1(c)(1)(i)states that acquisition using a brand-name description, " does not provide for full and open competition, regardless of the number of sources solicited."

Robins Air force base currently operates a critical, mission -essential security system which currently utilizes Vindicator Security technology IDS system which is currently already in place on the base. This existing system utilizes proprietary hardware, software and communication protocols unique to the Vindicator ecosystem. The addition of a new IDS system MUST seamlessly integrate with this existing Vindicator SMS platform to ensure unified command and control, centralized alarm monitoring and streamlined operator response. Integration with a different brand of IDS would require extensive, costly and potentially impossible modifications to the proprietary Vindicator SMS.

Replacing the existing Vindicator infrastructure of attempting to integrate non-Vindicator IDS would result in quantifiable and significant costs. All current security personnel and system administrators and sustainment are trained and certified on the Vindicator Platform. This justification focuses on the inherent qualities, compatibility, and necessity of the Vindicator brand itself, irrespective of its current corporate parent. The Underlying technology and compatibility are unique to the specific brand and is not available from other Manufacturers. That being said this brand can be provided by multiple GSA resellers and integrators of the Vindicator products.

(5) Contracting Officer's determination that the anticipated cost to the Government will be fair and reasonable:

The anticipated cost for the Vindicator IDS system and installation will be determined to be fair and reasonable through competition among multiple authorized resellers holding a GSA Multiple Award Schedule contract under SIN 334290. Quotes will be solicitation via GSA ebuy from such resellers. The prices offered will be compared against the awarded GSA Schedule contract prices, historical pricing, and market research to ensure fairness and reasonableness prior to award.

(6) Other facts supporting the justification:

The agency's current security operations and maintenance personnel including sustainment, administrators, and It support posses extensive and specialized training and certifications specifically for the Vindicator platform. Requiring a different brand would necessitate comprehensive and costly retraining programs for personnel, impacting operational readiness and response times for critical security incidents. Maintaining a standard system such as the Vindicator system across the base will assist in alignment with broader efforts of security and standardization. This insure interoperability , simplified maintenance, streamlined operations , and enhanced reliability for security functions.