fair_opportunity_exception_JA_AFSOC A6 Equipment (S)_Redacted.pdf

This document is a Justification for an Exception to Fair Opportunity or to Use Brand-Name Restriction for a NASA SEWP (Solutions for Enterprise-Wide Procurement) order. The procurement is for CISCO and ZERO CONNECT brand-name or equivalent equipment, specifically various networking equipment, to be acquired by the 765th Enterprise Sourcing Flight. The justification emphasizes the need to maintain compatibility with existing infrastructure and avoid extensive replacement costs, with the Contracting Officer determining that the anticipated cost will be fair and reasonable based on consistent price competition through NASA SEWP's GWAC (Government-Wide Acquisition Contract) IDIQ (Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity) contract.

The document cites specific Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) exceptions, including FAR 16.505(a)(4)(i), which allows brand-name justification when items are particular to one manufacturer. The key rationale is that the existing infrastructure is CISCO/Zero Connect brand-specific, and switching manufacturers could result in collateral and extensive replacement costs, potentially degrading mission capability. The procurement is classified as an Enterprise-level, individual determination, with the Contracting Officer certifying the justification as accurate and complete, and the document signed on 12 Sep 2025 by the Contracting Officer from the 765th Enterprise Sourcing Flight.