Microsoft_Professional_Support_LSJ(Redacted).pdf

Defense Threat Reduction Agency and

United States Strategic Command Center for Combating Weapons of Mass Destruction

8725 John J. Kingman Road, Stop 6201 Fort Belvoir, VA 22060-6201

LIMITED SOURCES JUSTIFICATION

1. Nature and/or Description of Action

The Defense Threat Reduction Agency and United States Strategic Command Center for Combating Weapons of Mass Destruction contracting activity proposes to restrict consideration to an item peculiar to one manufacturer, Microsoft for the procurement of Microsoft Professional Support.

2. Description of the Supplies/Services Required

The DTRA Directorate of Information Operations (J6) anticipates an award of a Firm-Fixed Price (FFP) contract for the procurement of Microsoft Premier Support (MPS) and Microsoft Consulting Services (MCS). This will enable J6 to continue executing its vision for implementing software products, services and technologies throughout the enterprise.

The Agency utilizes a Microsoft based infrastructure, with Microsoft Windows and Microsoft Office clients for the end-users. In order to deliver the best service possible to its employees and achieve the mission of the entire organization, DTRA seeks to gain expert Microsoft Professional Support to fulfill and maintain the technology needs and initiatives desired by the Agency.

Furthermore, only Microsoft can provide the level of expertise required to meet the Government’s need.

The period of performance (PoP) shall be for a one (1) 12-month base period and one (1) 12-month option period from date of award. The total life cycle cost of this effort is projected at $9,919,111.05. It will be funded by both Operations and Management (O&M) and Research, Development, Test and Evaluation (RDT&E) funds.

MPS assists in the resolution of more technically involved problems when they occur on DTRA’s predominantly Microsoft information technology (IT) infrastructure. This service includes software maintenance and updates as new versions are released or as malfunctions occur. MPS provides proactive support planning, problem resolution, personalized support management services, and special consulting for the Microsoft products residing on the Agency/Center’s IT infrastructure.

Additionally, DTRA requires immediate, 24/7 access to all resources offered by the Microsoft Support Network for desktop and server applications, operating systems, development and advanced systems. These resources include an issue-management process in which all appropriate Microsoft resources are applied to resolve DTRA issues promptly and to the Agency/Center's satisfaction. The contract will establish an advance support agreement with Microsoft so issues can be escalated with high priority to the developers of the products we use.

The range of required MCS and capabilities to be performed includes design and implementation of information technology solutions and knowledge transfer on technologies and products that can lead to new, innovative solutions and best practices in the design and implementation of a crosscutting support services infrastructure for the Agency/Center. This contract will primarily serve as the vehicle for DTRA’s technology stakeholders to access expert-level Microsoft Professional Support easily through the associate subtask areas and to maintain a single point of accountability for delivery of these services across the Agency/Center’s enterprise.

Functional areas and capabilities supported under this will be:

1. Program Management

2. Technology Strategies

3. IT Lifecycle Consulting

4. Assessments and Reviews

5. Planning, Architecture and Design

6. Migration and Deployment Services

7. Requirements and Business Process Analysis

8. Proof of Concept and Rapid Implementation

9. Application Design and Development

10. System Testing and Implementation

11. Application Support and Maintenance

12. Cybersecurity

These tasks support the overarching DTRA IT Modernization Program (ITMP). O&M tasks focus on integration of existing technologies into the ITMP, and RDT&E tasks focus on the development of solutions that will position DTRA to leverage future technologies in its operational environment.

3. Statutory Authority

This acquisition is conducted under the authority of Title III of the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949 (41 U.S.C. 251, et seq.) and title 40 U.S.C. 501, Services for Executive Agencies.

4. Justification Rationale

This is a brand name requirement for Microsoft Professional Support. Microsoft brand services are uniquely qualified to meet the Government’s requirements and will enable DTRA to execute its vision for implementing software products, services and technologies throughout the enterprise.

Microsoft Professional Support are the only services that can fulfill the Agency/Center’s requirements given that we are heavily vested in Microsoft as a standard for our operating systems on workstations and servers. DTRA has a large investment in Microsoft software, to include both system-level software and Microsoft Windows-based infrastructure for monitoring and management. It is imperative that not only the systems continue to function, but that DTRA realizes a more optimal use of the products already acquired when conducting planning for migration to the next version; a constant activity given product lifespan within the IT field.

These systems require advanced support in conjunction with the daily operations provided by support contractors. MPS is still the support required to maintain an information assurance posture in compliance with relevant Department of Defense (DoD) and DTRA guidance.

The Government has identified an existing need for Microsoft Corporation-trained “Blue Badge” employees as Microsoft consultants to be onsite in support of the maintenance and modernization of the IT infrastructure. The Agency/Center’s past experience has shown that the expertise provided by Microsoft consultants and the direct reach-back provided to the software development teams, is superior to that provided by “Gold” partners. Through on-site experience with “Gold” partners, the ability to leverage both Microsoft consultants and “Gold” partners is necessary to meet DTRA requirements for sustaining and developing the Agency/Center’s IT investment while meeting the challenges posed by the dynamic IT environment.

5. Market Research

The Agency/Center’s IT infrastructure and user environment are predominately Microsoft products. Market research determined that the need for Microsoft Professional Support remains relevant and they are the only services that meet the Agency/Center’s requirements for high level technical support to the existing DTRA Microsoft environment.

To ensure offers are solicited from as many potential sources as practicable, the Government has decided to post a solicitation to the Federal Business Opportunities (FedBizOpps) page, allowing Microsoft and its authorized re-sellers to bid. The solicitation will be synopsized in accordance with (IAW) FAR 5.201 and the responses will be evaluated. Market research was conducted, details of which are in this section below. None of these efforts have yielded additional potential sources.

In an effort to combine both MPS and MCS under one contract, a Request for Information (RFI) was released in Fiscal Year (FY) 2016 and a total of three (3) responses were received. One (1) out of the three (3) re-sellers, Federated IT, accepted the invite to come to DTRA and present a Capabilities Brief. During the vendor’s briefing, they indicated that they are able to provide both MPS and MCS. However, they are not recognized as employees of the company/re-seller rather they would be “Blue Badge” Microsoft employees because only Microsoft can actually perform and deliver the services. Further research suggested that the vendor would not be providing any value to the contract resulting in excessive pass-through charges to the Government. The decision was made to establish separate MPS and MCS contracts.

There are a number of Microsoft vetted re-sellers who have U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) and National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Solutions for Enterprise-Wide Procurement (SEWP) pricing available. Market research uncovered a total of four (4) re-sellers that could provide both MPS and MCS, directly from Microsoft, as required under a GSA supply schedule. Market research also uncovered a total of five (5) authorized NASA SEWP re-sellers that could provide both services. Therefore, the final determination is that only Microsoft or one of their vetted authorized re-sellers will be able to provide the required services/support.

A list of those re-sellers are listed below as follows:

GSA NASA SEWP NON-GSA/SEWP

InfoReliance CDWG Affigent, LLC *

New Tech Solutions, Inc. * Dell Marketing, LP Softchoice Corporation

True Tandem, LLC NGEN LLC * Softmart Government Services

Variq Corporation * InSight Public Sector

SHI International Corporation

*Small Business

After discussions between Microsoft and DTRA in FY 2017, it was decided that the best acquisition approach for this effort is to combine both services under one contract while promoting a limited sources competition. Specifically, competition is limited to Microsoft and its certified partners/re-sellers as this procurement requires the need for “Blue Badges.” Due to the fact that Microsoft does not retain a schedule and in order to obtain the best pricing, the Government has decided to post the solicitation to FedBizOpps.

6. Other Supporting Facts:

The technical expertise and access to U.S. National (“US NAT”) resolution supports unique aspects of Microsoft solutions and capabilities that allow us to maintain critical IT systems.

DTRA upgrades products yearly and has to maintain compatibility with older applications.

It would require a substantial amount of time and financial investment to establish another source for Microsoft products without the experience and a combination of Microsoft trained contractors as consultants, as well as Microsoft knowledge reach back with a fundamental understanding of the current DTRA IT infrastructure. In addition, to satisfactorily provide the required services without Microsoft “Blue Badge” employees would negatively impact the ability of the J6 to provide the required critical level of support to the DTRA leadership, employees, customers and other related constituencies.

Switching from Microsoft to another producer of computer software/services will result in duplicative efforts and costs. As described in FAR 6.302-1(a)(2)(ii), the duplication of costs to the Government will be substantial and not efficient as it is not expected to be recovered through competition. The estimated cost to replace the current infrastructure/operating system and end user devices would be greater than $7M. The estimate is derived from historical set-up costs, transition costs, the costs of replacing the current end user devices and back-end infrastructure, and labor costs.

J6 estimates indicate that it would take a minimum of an additional three-to-six months for another vendor to transition and familiarize themselves with the infrastructure. It is essential for DTRA to protect the confidentiality, integrity and availability of information and information systems and to ensure the defense of our nation and protection of our troops. It is also imperative for DTRA to gain efficiencies with respect to the management of the networks and associated Information Assurance systems and processes to efficiently and effectively provide world-class services to the DTRA workforce.

All architecture, design and strategy elements will continue to take into consideration DoD, DISA and DTRA policies and strategic plans, and will fully integrate, optimize, and leverage strong information assurance solutions and practices at all layers. Similar rapid stabilization and deployment strategies have been developed, implemented and proven by Microsoft consultants at other DoD organizations such as a United States Air Force Central (U.S. AFCENT) and United States Central Command (CENTCOM).

7. Subsequent Actions

If MPS or MCS is required in the future, the Government will conduct market research to determine the best provider for the best cost to ensure the best value for the Government. The Government will continue to monitor the market place for authorized providers that can satisfy the Agency/Center’s needs. The government will consider other types of services/support if and when the DTRA standard changes. However, as long as DTRA continues to be a predominantly Microsoft shop, the J6 anticipates a continued need for MCS and MPS.

AWADALLAH.MICHAEL.S.12834117

Digitally signed by AWADALLAH.MICHAEL.S.1283411750 DN: c=US, o=U.S. Government, ou=DoD, ou=PKI, ou=DTRA, cn=AWADALLAH.MICHAEL.S.1283411750 Date: 2017.01.10 09:07:33 -05'00'

Technical Certification

I certify that the data and information forming the basis for this justification are accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief.

SHEFFER.JO

HN.M.10195

02410

Digitally signed by

SHEFFER.JOHN.M.1019502410

DN: c=US, o=U.S. Government, ou=DoD, ou=PKI, ou=DTRA, cn=SHEFFER.JOHN.M.1019502410 Date: 2017.01.06 09:42:40 -05'00'

Program Manager Date

Contracting Officer Certification and Determination

I certify that this justification is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief.

Additionally, I determine that the order represents the best value consistent with FAR Subpart 8.404(d).

1/10/17

Contracting Officer Date

Certification and Determination

General Counsel Coordination

This justification is/is not legally sufficient.

Digitally signed by

CULLEN.STEVEN.PAUL.1080270751

DN: c=US, o=U.S. Government, ou=DoD, AUL.1080270751 ou=PKI, ou=DTRA, cn=CULLEN.STEVEN.PAUL.1080270751 Date: 2017.01.12 09:29:46 -05'00'

Attorney Date

Approval

Based on the above justification, I hereby approve accomplishment of this acquisition by means of limited sources.

cn=JONES.SAMPSON.BOOKER.JR.1045498871 Date: 2017.01.12 08:26:39 -05'00' 01/12/2017

Competition Advocate Date