MacBook LaptopBrand Name Justification 23 March2011.docx

Control No. ____________

JUSTIFICATION AND APPROVAL

FOR OTHER THAN FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

(BRAND NAME JUSTIFICATION)

1. CONTRACTING AGENCY: DSCA-DBO-CON

2. DESCRIPTION OF ACTION: Approval is sought to limit competition, for four (4) computers, by brand name based on the needs of the National Defense University (NDU) .

3. DESCRIPTION OF SUPPLIES/SERVICES: Purchase of four (4) Apple laptop computers for the NESA Center, with related warranty support. Warranty support covers hardware and software malfunctions for a period of at least three (3) years, with services available both CONUS and OCONUS. The four laptops purchased will address different NESA Center requirements. Device configuration labeled “Laptop #1” will support NESA’s requirement for ultraportable computing for frequent travelers. This laptop will be shared by multiple users (i.e., it will not function as any user’s primary computer) and should be the smallest and lightest available.

“Laptop #2” will support NESA Center’s requirement for ultraportable computing for one remote employee. Larger screen size than computer #1 allows device to function as the user’s primary computer while addressing need for light weight and small size.

“Laptop #3” will support requirement for laptop as desktop replacement at NESA Center. These devices will be used by employees that travel moderately and do not require an ultraportable device.

Estimated value of this purchase: $6028.

· Laptop 1 (QTY: 1): MacBook Air 11”

· Manufacturer Part #: Z0JJ

· 1.4 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo Processor

· 64GB Flash Hard Drive

· 4GB 1066 MHz DDR3 SDRAM

· Laptop 2 (QTY: 1): MacBook Air 13”

· Manufacturer Part #: Z0JG

· MacBook Air 13”

· 1.86 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo

· 128GB Flash Storage

· 4GB 1066 MHz DDR3 SDRAM

· Laptop 3 (QTY: 2): MacBook Pro 13”

· Manufacturer Part #: Z0LY

· 2.3 GHz Dual-core Intel Core i5

· 320GB Serial ATA Drive

· Superdrive 8x

· 8GB 1066MGz DDR3 SDRAM

· Warranty

· 3 year warranty required with CONUS & OCONUS service.

· Machine owner must be registered with Apple as NDU-NESA

4. AUTHORITY CITED: 10 USC 2304(c)1, as implemented by FAR 6.302-1(c). The brand name, product, or feature required is essential to the Government’s requirements, and market research indicates other companies’similar products or product lacking the particular feature required do not meet, or cannot be modified to meet, this unit’s need.

5. REASON FOR AUTHORITY CITED: NESA must connect to NDU systems for NESA mission performance and Apple products are necesssary to connect to NDU. Since being added to the list of allowable hardware connected to the National Defense University (NDU), Enterprise Apple computers have provided the only hardware at NDU capable of operating 64-bit applications. For example, at National Defense University, Adobe Premiere Pro is currently used for editing video files for use on NESA websites. Adobe Premier Pro is only available in 64 bit format. Use of a 32 bit program would require acquisition of additional software and conversion of all existing video files to a new file format, as well as staff training on that new software. The delay associated with this would be detrimental to the NESA outreach mission. Additional advantages are in graphics and AV support, portability relative to other authorized equipment, and authority to operate flash media. These functions are integral to NESA’s ongoing seminars and conferences.

6. EFFORTS TO OBTAIN COMPETITION: Apple Computers are a proprietary product. However, they are available through multiple resellers. Competition should be opened to all Apple resellers.

7. ACTIONS TO INCREASE COMPETITION: None.

8. MARKET RESEARCH: Market research included a search of the world wide web for computers capable of operating 64-bit applications. None were found. As result of our initial findings, a search was conducted of resellers was conducted. Among the resellers found was an 8(a) small business. The contracting office found 3 small businesses that are resellers of Apple products. All items to be procured are of a type customarily available in the commercial marketplace.

Purchase of laptops not on the NDU standard and line-of-business equipment list would cause considerable problems/increased costs, as follows:

a) Testing and evaluation of non-standard equipment would increase the government’s expense.

b) Should non-standard equipment fail to pass testing & evaluation (e.g, NSA Gold Disc), system would not be permitted to connect to NDU network and would not be permitted for use.

c) NESA’s outreach department would incur additional expense in retrieving files that originate on flash media.

d) The requirement for ultra-portable computing would not be met.

e) NDU-ITD would be required to provide personnel trained in non-standard system. This would require modification of existing support contract and procurement of necessary manpower and resources to support previously unsupported equipment.

9. INTERESTED SOURCES: To date, no sources have written to express interest in the acquisition.

10. OTHER FACTS:

Purchase of laptops not on the NDU standard and line-of-business equipment list would cause considerable problems/increased costs, as follows:

a) Testing and evaluation of non-standard equipment would increase the government’s expense.

b) Should non-standard equipment fail to pass testing & evaluation (e.g, NSA Gold Disc), system would not be permitted to connect to NDU network and would not be permitted for use.

c) NESA’s outreach department would incur additional expense in retrieving files that originate on flash media.

d) The requirement for ultra-portable computing would not be met.

e) NDU-ITD would be required to provide personnel trained in non-standard system. This would require modification of existing support contract and procurement of necessary manpower and resources to support previously unsupported equipment.

11. TECHNICAL CERTIFICATION: I certify that the supporting data under my cognizance which are included in the justification are accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief.

12. REQUIREMENTS CERTIFICATION: I certify that the supporting data under my cognizance which are included in the justification are accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief.

13. FAIR AND REASONABLE COST DETERMINATION: I hereby determine that the anticipated cost to the Government for this contract action will be fair and reasonable based on competition, and/or a comparison to historical costs and/or a comparison to the IGCE.

14. CONTRACTING OFFICER CERTIFICATION: I certify that this J&A is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief.

NAME: Mr. Woodrow Bell SIGNATURE: _____________________ TITLE: Contracting Officer DATE: _____________________