FAR 13 - Single Source Justification_Redacted.pdf

Single Source Justification (Simplified Acquisition)

Section A: General Contract Information

Contracting Activity: 502 CONS/JBKAE Purchase Request/ Identification Number:

Project/Program Name: IBM Device Licenses Estimated Contract Cost (including Options):

Section B: Description of the Supplies/Services Required

This requirement is for the 737 Training Group (TRG) Basic Military Training (BMT) at Joint Base San Antonio (JBSA) Lackland, Texas. This requirement is for IBM Maas360 Essential Suite Management Client Device purchase. The software licenses being procured supports the Air Force in creating a fully operational learning management system/program of record for the 737 TRG BMT. If not funded, the impacts that may occur should this need not be met:

1. Without Maas360, the 737 TRSS IT section will; not be able to remotely manage the 7,000 iPads. Any IOS updates, device reconfigurations, etc. will require the IT technicians to physically touch all devices. This will cause a training deficiency because the section is not staffed to handle that kind of workload and will not be able to provide the technical support necessary to support the BMT training mission.

2. 737 TRG (BMT) will have to revert to paper products for their critical education and training as there is no other compatible document reader.

3. 737 TRG (BMT) will be forced to request paper products which could take 60 to 90 days to re-establish.

4. The 737 TRG (BMT) information technology section will lose the ability to push software and curriculum updates in real time which could directly impact current operations.

Section C: Justification for Soliciting from a Single Source

FAR 8.405-6(a)(1)(B) - Only one source is capable of providing the supplies or services required at the level of quality required because the supplies or services are unique or highly specialized. FAR FAR 8.405-6(a)(1) - This item is peculiar to one manufacturer. A brand name item, whether available on one or more schedule contracts, is an item peculiar to one manufacturer. This item is peculiar to one manufacturer and only one contractor can support the effort. This license software has been approved by MIKE AUGUSTINE, CISSP, PMP, AETC Enterprise Mobility Management Program Lead HQ AETC/A6FP, Randolph AFB, TX.

IBM Maas360 Essential Suite Management Client Device Purchase - in order to comply with the Authority to Operate (ATO), and accomplish the objectives of our enterprise partnership, AETC's Maas360 Mobile Device Manager (MDM) licenses must be on the same IBM portal (also called instance) as AETC/A6. If this does not occur, 737 TRG (BMT) will incur additional costs that include (but not limited

to) infrastructure hardware, independent ATO generation/stand-up, and Cyber Security Service Provider (CSSP) assessment. IBM policy limits one vendor per MaaS360 portal. The support is being pursued in coordination with AETC/A6. According to IBM business rules, only one vendor is allowed per MDM instance. AETC/A6 has a contract with Triad Technology Partners, LLC. Triad is an authorized reseller for the IBM MaaS360 licenses. Subsequently Triad becomes the only vendor who can access the MDM AETC/A6 portlal which has the authorized ATO. Additionally, the licenses that are being purchased are the only licenses approved by the AETC Enterprise Mobility Management Program Lead that can be used on the 1700 IPads currently in place. Documentation of a CIPS has also approved that the software is listed as a certified on FedRAMP and authorized for Air Force use.

Section D: Efforts to Obtain Competition

Mandatory Sources:

Federal Prison Industry (FPI/Unicor) was checked to see if the requirement is available. Unfortunately after reviewing their product list, FPI/Unicor is unable to provide the requirement.

AbilityOne was checked to see if the requirement is available. Unfortunately after reviewing their product list, AbilityOne is unable to provide the requirement.

Internet Search:

Internet searches, research of various government contracting vehicles, preliminary quotes requested by the mission partner and discussion with the manufacturer were the techniques used for market research. This research concluded that IBM MaaS360 Essential Suite Management Client Device can be procured from at least three vendors on GSA. However, IBM policy limits one vendor per MaaS360 portal. As stated above, 737 TRG (BMT) must be on the same IBM portal as AETC/A6 and no other vendors can access the AETC/ A6 IBM portal (instance). TRIAD Technology Partners is the current contractor under IBM portal for AETC/A6.

Single Source Justification (Simplified Acquisition)

Section E: Steps to Preclude Future Single Source Awards

The Air Force uses IBM MaaS360 Essential Suite Management Client Device as it is the only one product that meets the requirement as shown above. At this time, IBM policy currently limits which vendor is associated to each Maas360 portal. In addition, as technology changes and equipment throughout AETC is replaced, market research will be conducted to research other sources/equipment.

Additionally, the justification will be publicly posted within 14 days after placing order.

Section F: Contracting Officer's Determination

I have determined, in accordance with FAR 13.106-1(b)(1), that the circumstances of this contract action deem only a single source is reasonably available.

Date Typed Name and Rank/Grade of Contracting Officer

Robert De La Rosa, GS-13, DAF

Signature of Contracting Officer

DE LA

ROSA.ROBERT.1129086226

Digitally signed by DE LA

ROSA.ROBERT.1129086226

Date: 2022.09.20 12:46:02 -05'00'