Fair_Opportunity_Exception-_F1DT986147AW01.pdf

Justification for an Exception to Fair Opportunity

Is this a brand name product justification? Yes No If yes, please provide the following information.

Brand Name Product Title:

Cisco

Brand Name Product Description:

Cisco networking infrastructure devices

1. Contracting Activity: AMID Det 2/PK

2. Purchase Request: F1DT986147AW01

3. Program Name (and Program Element, if applicable): Cisco Fiber Switches

4. Estimated Cost/Price of the Order (including options): $

5. Type Program (see AFFARS 5302.101 for definitions): PEO Program Other Contracting

6. Fair Opportunity Exception: FAR 16.505(b)(2)(i), subparagraph (A) (B) (C) (E)(D)

7. Type Determination: Class Individual

Date Project Lead/Program Mgr/Requiring Activity

Signature

Date Contracting Officer

Signature

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(1) Contracting Activity:

Contracting Office: AMIC Det 2/PK

(2) Nature and/or description of the action being approved:

707 CS requests new Cisco equipment and applicable parts to upgrades critical network infrastructure located in specific ITNs.

An ITN is a physical location on a communication network where data equipment is located primarily to move information in the most expedient manner feasible. The network equipment passes/processes all the Wing's mission data/capabilities and ITNs are the most critical areas on the network for moving information.

(3) Description of the supplies/services required to meet the agency's needs:

Cisco networking infrastructure devices along with physical layer equipment such as the Cisco WS-C3750X-48P-S , the Cisco WS- C3850-24S-S, and the Cisco GLC-GE-100FX.

(4) Identification of the exception to fair opportunity and the supporting rationale:

IAW FAR 16.505(b)(2)(ii)(B), the Contracting Officer shall document the basis for using an exception to the fair opportunity process. FAR 16.505(b)(2)(i)(B) states only one awardee is capable of providing the supplies or services require at the level of quality required because the supplies or services ordered are unique or highly specialized. A brand name item, whether available on one or more schedule contracts, is an item that is unique or highly specialized.

(5) Determination by the Contracting Officer that the anticipated cost to the Government will be fair and reasonable:

The Contracting Officer will determine the acquisition cost to be fair and reasonable after receipt and evaluation of the contractor's proposal. The anticipated costs will be considered fair and reasonable on the basis of comparison with pricing for similar commercial services and historical data available on previous purchases for similar requirements.

(6) Other facts supporting the justification:

The current ITN equipment on the network is fully operational, Cisco no longer provides technical support and sale for that equipment and must be replaced. Thus, if mandatory updates and/or fix actions such as swapping faulty compatible cards for the equipment is needed, Cisco no longer provides support and/or parts. Liken it to Windows XP; still operational but Microsoft no longer provides technical support for XP.

This revitalization effort will increase mission assurance to the 70 ISRW network and continue Cisco's technical support for critical network equipment.

Utilizing another manufacturer is not feasible because the technicians are solely trained for Cisco equipment. This keeps additional training costs low and eliminates significant learning curves as compared to using new products. Also, it is not fiscally prudent because all of the current infrastructure is Cisco and will not be compatible.

(7) Actions the agency may take to remove or overcome any barriers to increasing fair opportunity before any subsequent acquisition for the supplies or services:

N/A

(8) Contracting Officer's certification that the justification is accurate and complete:

The Contracting Officer's signature on the signature page provides evidence that he/she certifies that the justification is accurate and complete to the best of his/her knowledge and belief.

(9) Certification of technical/requirements personnel that supporting data is accurate and complete:

As evidenced by his/her signature on the signature page, the Program Manager certifies that any supporting data contained herein, which is his/her responsibility, is both accurate and complete.

(10) Determination by the approving official that one of the circumstances in FAR 16.505(b)(2)(i) applies to the order

As evidenced by my signature on the signature page, I hereby determine that the fair opportunity exception checked in block 6 (Page 1) applies.