Justification_and_Approval.pdf

Justification and Approval For

Other Than Full and Open Competition

1. Contracting Agency: Defense Human Resource Activity- Procurement Support Office 4800 Mark Center Drive, Alexandria, Virginia, 22350.

2. Authority Cited:

10 U.S.C.2304(c)(1), FAR 6.302-1 -- Only One Responsible Source and No Other Supplies or Services Will Satisfy Agency Requirements –BRAND NAME.

• 3. Description of Supplies and Services: The Defense Manpower Data Center (DMDC) requires maintenance and license support for the SUSE Linux Software. SUSE Linux software is the operating system for IBM z10 series Mainframe. The IBM z10 Series Mainframe provides computational support, administration support, data and research support to DMDC and other tenant organizations with computing and networking services.

4. Description of Action: A Firm fixed price contract is planned with a total estimated value of The period of performance will include a 12-month base period and four 12-month option periods. FY16 Operating and Maintenance (O&M) funds are available for the base period in the estimated

5. Reason for Authority Cited:

a. In 2007, DMDC openly competed this software and Suse Linux was selected as the best value to satisfy the requirement. Since the original purchase, DMDC has continued to renew the maintenance on a yearly basis. Suse Linux is the operating system for the DMDC Mainframe which the IBM z10 Series Mainframe provides computational support, administration support, data and research support to DMDC and other tenant organizations with computing and networking services.

b. There are other operating systems that will work on the IBM Mainframe. If DMDC were to purchase a different operating system, there would be significant costs to purchase, install, train and implement it on the mainframe, significant downtime, as well as potential compatibility issues with the other software used on the mainframe that would potentially also need to be replaced. Based on this, it would be cost prohibitive (approximately $500,000) for DMDC to consider purchasing a replacement.

c. The required maintenance is available only from the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) and their authorized resellers. A search on GSA Advantage resulted in one potential vendor Arrow ECS. A budgetary quote was provided by the 8(a) vendor Impress Technology.

NASA SEWP was also used for Market Research using the market research tool. One response was received from a Certified Small, Woman Owned Business.

6. Effort to Obtain Competition: Until such time as the requirement changes or the Suse Linux products and support become obsolete, this acquisition will continue to be limited to Suse Linus and their authorized product resellers. This requirement will be electronically posted and all interested vendors will have the opportunity to submit an offer for consideration by the Government.

7. Effort to remove barriers to/increase competition: DMDC is always considering which software and hardware best support its mission. DMDC’s mission has changed and evolved over time, and every day new technology that is capable of supporting that mission emerges. If it is determined that Suse Linux software no longer satisfies the Government’s unique data security requirements then the Government will search for a new solution, and consider ways to remove any barriers in the future requirements, thereby maximizing competition.

8. Market Research: The vendor site was access to identify authorized resellers for this product.

A search on GSA Advantage resulted in one potential vendor, Arrow Enterprise Computing Solutions, Inc. A budgetary quote was provided by an 8(a) vendor, Impress Technology Solution. Although the 8(a) provider is on GSA Schedule 70, they do not provide this product on that contract vehicle.

NASA SEWP was also used for Market Research using the market research tool. One response was received from a Certified Small, Woman Owned Business.

9. Interested Sources: Applied Technology Group, Skysville, MD (incumbent); Impress Technology Solution, Santa Fe Springs, CA; Sterling Computers, Dakota Dunes, SD; Arrow ECS, Englewood, CO.

10. Other Factors: N/A