Brand Name Justification_Redacted.pdf

This is a Sole Source (Including Brand Name) Justification document for simplified procedures applicable to commercial items, dated July 2025.

The 20th Contracting Squadron seeks to procure SolarWinds brand commercial software licenses and associated training to support network monitoring and management activities for the 20th Communications Squadron. The specific requirements include three line items: SolarWinds Observability Self-Hosted Advanced A500 (1-year subscription), SolarWinds Network Topology Mapper (1-year subscription), and Federal SolarWinds Training (onsite training for network management personnel). The period of performance is 90 days from award date. The acquisition will be conducted using simplified procedures for commercial products and services in accordance with FAR 12.201-1, with a combined synopsis/solicitation Request for Quotations posted to SAM.gov. The solicitation will be issued as a 100% Total Small Business Set-Aside, ensuring competition among authorized small business resellers while requiring the specific SolarWinds brand.

The justification establishes that SolarWinds products are the sole source because they are the only brand that can natively integrate with the existing SolarWinds infrastructure without causing significant data loss, downtime, or functionality loss. Procurement of alternative brands would result in substantial cost duplication, requiring complete system replacement and extensive re-training of technical personnel, creating unacceptable operational risk. Market research confirmed the existence of a competitive market of SolarWinds resellers, and the Contracting Officer determined that fair and reasonable pricing will be established through adequate price competition among small business resellers responding to the SAM.gov solicitation. Three capable small businesses have already provided preliminary quotes during the market research phase and are expected to formally participate in the solicitation.