NDU NetOps LCR EFO (Redacted).pdf

Document # FY26-251

JUSTIFICATION FOR AN EXCEPTION TO FAIR OPPORTUNITY – BRAND NAME

(ABOVE SAT)

1. Identification of Requiring Activity and Contracting Activity.

The requiring activity is National Defense University (NDU) Information Technology Directorate (ITD); The contracting activity is the NAVSUP Fleet Logistics Center (FLC) Norfolk, Contracting Department, Philadelphia Office.

2. Nature and description of contract action.

This acquisition is conducted under the authority of 10 U.S.C. 3406(c)(5). This action is an exception to the fair opportunity process to be awarded under the National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s Solutions for Enterprise Wide Procurement (NASA SEWP) Multiple Award Contracts (MAC). NASA SEWP is a multi-award Government-Wide Acquisition Contract (GWAC) vehicle focused on IT products and product-based services. It is intended to issue a new firm fixed price delivery order to an authorized reseller or the large business manufacturer of the supplies and services identified in paragraph 3 below.

3. Description of Required Supplies/Services to meet the agency’s needs.

Manufacturer: Dell Federal Systems (CAGE: 3XAU1) POC: Dennis Daley / 737-587-6009 Email: dennis_daley@federal.dell.com Mfr. Address: 1 Dell Way, Round Rock, TX 78664

Authorized Resellers Identified: ThunderCat Technology New Tech Solutions GovSmart, Inc.

New Tech Solutions, Inc.

Blue Tech, Inc.

The total estimated value of this requirement is $2,931,481.16.

The coverage dates of the software is from 01 September 2026 through 31 August 2027.

The acquisition will be funded with Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Operation & Maintenance Defense wide appropriations.

The proposed acquisition supports NDU’s requirement to replace End of Life (EOL) and near End of Life (EOL) IT equipment to sustain mission continuity and maintain an accredited enterprise IT environment.

The Government intends to acquire Dell workstations and related IT equipment, including manufacturer warranty and support, for use across NDU academic, administrative, and enterprise operations.

The requirement specified herein represents the minimum needs of the Government.

The following provides the detailed description of each product listed in the equipment list and provides a clear description of the required characteristics/features of each requested item.

The total estimated value of this requirement is $2,931,481.16.

The coverage dates of the software is from 01 September 2026 through 31 August 2027.

Equipment List

CLIN Part Number Description Qty. Unit Price Total

0001 DELL141923 PowerStore 500T Dell Customer Racked - CTO 2 $458,166.72 $ 916,333.44

0002 DELL141924 PowerEdge R670 Server - CTO 8 $81,972.47 $ 655,779.76

0003 DELL141926 Dell Pro 14 Plus Base - CTO 150 $2,389.20 $ 358,380.00

0004 DELL141925 Dell Pro Thunderbolt 4 Dock WD25TB4 GOV 150 $329.26 $ 49,389.00

0005 DELL141928 Controller DD6410 NFS CIFS - CTO 1 $261,408.79 $ 261,408.79

0006 DELL141929 DD ES120 12X8TB SHELF Field - CTO 1 $20,854.23 $ 20,854.23

0007 DELL141930 Dell PowerProtect Data Manager Foundations Subscription 1 $68,654.26 $ 68,654.26

0008 DELL141928 Controller DD6410 NFS CIFS - CTO 1 $261,408.79 $ 261,408.79

0009 DELL141929 DD ES120 12X8TB SHELF Field - CTO 1 $20,854.23 $ 20,854.23

0010 DELL141930 Dell PowerProtect Data Manager Foundations Subscription 1 $68,654.26 $ 68,654.26

0011 -- PowerEdge R670 Server - BKUP 2 $45,851.44 $ 91,702.88

0012 -- Onsite Residency 8 $11,455.65 $ 91,645.20

0013 -- Onsite Technical Deployment / Migration 2 $33,208.16 $ 66,416.32

Total $2,931,481.16

4. Identification of the Exception to Fair Opportunity Rationale and/or Demonstration of Contractor’s Unique Qualifications.

The statutory authority that permits not providing each awardee a fair opportunity to be considered for each order exceeding the micro-purchase threshold issued under a multiple award contract is 10 U.S.C.

3406(c)(5), as implemented by FAR 16.507-7 Items peculiar to one manufacturer. The applicable exception to the fair opportunity process for this justification for the award of an order exceeding the simplified acquisition threshold is FAR 16.507-6(a)(b)(2), - Only one awardee is capable of providing the supplies or services required at the level of quality required because the supplies or services ordered are unique or highly specialized. This is a justification for the use of items particular to one manufacturer, under the authority of 10 U.S.C. 2304c, as implemented by FAR 16.505(a)(b)(5).

The Information Technology Directorate (ITD) at NDU has a requirement to replace aging computers and peripherals across both the north and south campuses. NDU ITD currently maintains a fleet of over 1,900 systems from a single manufacturer that is supported by trained technicians and a substantial inventory of compatible spare parts. Procuring workstations from a different manufacturer would render existing spare parts obsolete, necessitate retraining of technical staff, and will introduce compatibility issues that would increase operational complexity and cost. The use of brands other than Dell will invalidate warranties and/or services agreements of the equipment currently utilized at NDU ITD. To ensure continuity, compatibility, and cost-effectiveness, it is essential that the replacement systems align with the existing IT environment. The Dell equipment identified herein will meet the minimum needs of the Government.

Introducing a new hardware platform would require the creation, testing, and certification of new secure images, which would delay deployment and increase risk. During this period, any non-standard systems would be unusable on the network, directly impacting mission readiness. In an effort avoid unnecessary duplication of costs, maintain operational continuity, and ensure compliance with DoD cybersecurity requirements, the Dell Pro Plus 14 workstation is the only system that meets NDU’s technical, logistical, and security needs. This acquisition is consistent with NDU’s standardized computing environment and supports the university’s long-term IT lifecycle strategy. Procuring the Dell Pro Plus 14 and its associated peripherals will ensure 100% compatibility with the existing infrastructure with no additional labor, Unit Price Total

$458,166.72 $ 916,333.44

$81,972.47 $ 655,779.76

$2,389.20 $ 358,380.00

$329.26 $ 49,389.00 $ 49,389.00

$261,408.79 $ 261,408.79

$20,854.23 $ 20,854.23 $ 20,854.23

$68,654.26 $ 68,654.26 $ 68,654.26

$261,408.79 $ 261,408.79

$20,854.23 $ 20,854.23 $ 20,854.23

$68,654.26 $ 68,654.26 $ 68,654.26

$45,851.44 $ 91,702.88 $ 91,702.88

$11,455.65 $ 91,645.20 $ 91,645.20

$33,208.16 $ 66,416.32 $ 66,416.32

Total $2,931,481.16 training or equipment costs and no degradation of mission support capabilities. Therefore, the risks, costs, and inefficiencies associated with introducing alternative brands outweigh any potential benefits.

5. Determination of Fair and Reasonable Cost.

In accordance with FAR 16.505(b)(2)(ii)(B), the contracting officer has made the determination that the anticipated cost to the Government will be fair and reasonable.

NASA SEWP contract has already determined the prices of supplies of the schedule contracts to be fair and reasonable for the purpose of establishing the scheduled contract. Therefore, ordering activities are responsible to make a separate determination of fair and reasonable pricing for individual orders.

6. Any other facts supporting the justification.

This procurement uses a MAC and will be solicited and awarded in accordance with FAR Subpart 16.5.

The requiring activity has conducted a market survey. The requiring activity has determined that the products required under this procurement are commercial software that must be compatible with the existing NDU infrastructure and ensure compliance with FedRAMP. The NASA SEWP contract can be used to procure the items identified in paragraph 3. Dell Federal Systems (the manufacturer), or one of their authorized resellers would ensure 100% compatibility with existing infrastructure with no labor, training or equipment costs and no degradation of mission support capabilities.

The requiring activity, through their in-depth knowledge of the market, has determined that the only items that meet the Government’s minimum requirement are commercial items that are manufactured by and proprietary to Dell Federal Systems LP. The requiring activity’s knowledge stems from first-hand experience with similar products available in the commercial marketplace and a thorough examination of products from other brands including online research. The requiring activity analyzed various strategic sourcing vehicles and the multiple award contract holders of each to determine if any would be capable of furnishing the required supplies. After a thorough evaluation, it was determined that the items outlined in Section 3 are available through the NASA SEWP GWAC from Dell Federal Systems L.P. (the manufacturer) or several of its authorized resellers.

The requiring and contracting activities conducted market research via review of the FAR’s mandatory and preferred sources of supply, such as GSA Schedule 70. Market research confirmed that the required items are proprietary to Dell, as they are the sole manufacturer of the Dell servers currently utilized by

NDU.

As a part of this research, potential vehicles were identified, including GSA Schedule 70 and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s (NASA’s) Solutions for Enterprise-Wide Procurement (SEWP) GWAC. Further market research by the contract specialist showed that the Dell servers are offered on a Government-Wide Acquisition Contract under the NASA SEWP contract. Moreover, there are multiple authorized resellers that were identified as SEWP contract holders, such as ThunderCat Technology, GovSmart, Inc. and New Tech Solutions, Inc. A reverse auction reserved to Dell and/or their authorized resellers in anticipated to be posted via the NASA SEWP RFQ tool.

7. Actions Taken to Remove Barriers to Competition.

For the reasons set forth in Paragraph 4, NAVSUP Fleet Logistics Center Norfolk, Philadelphia Office has no plans at this time to compete future contacts for the types of supplies/services covered by this document. If another potential source emerges, NAVSUP Fleet Logistics Center Norfolk, Philadelphia Office will assess whether competition for future requirements is feasible.

8. CONTRACTING POINT OF CONTACT.

The point of contact at NAVSUP Fleet Logistics Center Norfolk Philadelphia Office is Rubean Varghese, Code 223 who may be reached by email at rubean.j.varghese.civ@us.navy.mil.

Justification Number: FY26-251

CERTIFICATIONS AND APPROVAL

TECHNICAL/REQUIREMENTS CERTIFICATION

I certify that the facts and representations under my cognizance which are included in this Justification and its supporting acquisition planning documents, except as noted herein, are complete and accurate to the best of my knowledge and belief.

Technical/Requirements Cognizance:

Signature Name (Printed) Phone No.

LEGAL SUFFICIENCY REVIEW

I have determined this Justification is legally sufficient.

Signature Name (Printed) Phone No.

CONTRACTING OFFICER CERTIFICATION

I certify that this Justification is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief. To the extent that the Justification value is > SAT and < $10M, the Contracting Officer’s signature below also represents approval of the Justification and determination that the exception cited herein applies to the order.

Signature Name (Printed) Phone No.

CERTIFICATIONS AND APPROVAL

TECHNICAL/REQUIREMENTS CERTIFICATION

I certify that the facts and representations under my cognizance which are included in this Justification and its I certify that the facts and representations under my cognizance which are included in this Justification and its supporting acquisition planning documents, except as noted herein, are complete and accurate to the best of my supporting acquisition planning documents, except as noted herein, are complete and accurate to the best of my knowledge and belief.

Technical/Requirements Cognizance:

Signature

Name (Printed)

Phone No.

LEGAL SUFFICIENCY REVIEW

I have determined this Justification is legally sufficient.

Signature

Name (Printed)

Phone No.

CONTRACTING OFFICER CERTIFICATION

I certify that this Justification is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief. To the extent that I certify that this Justification is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief. To the extent that the Justification value is > SAT and < $10M, the Contracting Officer’s signature below also represents approval of , the Contracting Officer’s signature below also represents approval of the Justification and determination that the exception cited herein applies to the order.

Signature

Name (Printed) Phone No.