SAN Brand Name Justification Memo - Signed.pdf

DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE

AIR EDUCATION AND TRAINING COMMAND

21 October 2025

MEMORANDUM FOR 82 CONS/PKA

FROM: 82 CS/CC

SUBJECT: Brand Name Requirement Justification

1. Description of the Supplies/Services: A NetApp Network Storage Area Network (SAN) will provide the installation with high-speed data access, scalable storage capacity, and centralized management. This SAN solution will support user files and dedicated applications, enabling automated backups and proactive monitoring of both storage health and backup processes. Implementing this SAN aligns Sheppard's Installation Processing Node (IPN) with Federal (FDCCI) and Air Force (AFDCC) data center consolidation initiatives.

2. Efforts to Obtain Competition: The Government anticipates adequate competition. There are multiple vendors in the market that can provide NetApp SAN products.

3. Market Research: Market research was conducted in accordance with FAR Part 10. Market research supports that this requirement can be satisfied through the commercial industry. A preliminary quote was obtained to verify product availability. Although competition has been limited to the brand name NetApp only, market research supports adequate competition that will support a fair and reasonable price to the Government. To ensure continuity for equipment and maintenance, we are requesting specific NetApp SAN based on the respective capabilities of each platform.

4. Other Factors: After careful consideration, it was determined that no other solution adequately meets mission requirements. The proposed NetApp system is uniquely capable of seamless integration within a hybrid or multi-cloud environment, offering both SAN and NAS functionalities without reliance on third-party applications. Alternatives require the purchase and management of additional software and licenses for native cloud operation, increasing complexity and expense. NetApp SAN systems integrate these capabilities natively. Adoption of a different brand would incur substantial additional training costs and create an unacceptable risk of incompatibility with existing routing protocols, potentially disrupting critical operations.

5. 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. At this time NetApp is the only vendor who can fill the requirement. We will give everyone an opportunity once they can meet all our needs.

6. Commander’s Determination: The above justification is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief. I have determined that the circumstances of this purchase deem only this brand name product is acceptable.

JOSEPH C. WOBSER, Maj, USAF Commander, 82d Communications Squadron

1st Ind, 82 CONS/PKA

The above justification is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief.

Contracting Officer

2d Ind, 82 CONS/PKA Approved/Disapproved

Chief, Base/Specialized Acquisition Team