IB08_ JEFO W9124D24R0085 Redacted_Redacted.pdf

Control Number: MICC 2024-61

4. Authority Cited: FAR 16.505(a)(4) � Restricting consideration to an item peculiar to one manufacturer (e.g., a particular brand-name, product, or a feature of a product that is peculiar to one manufacturer.

5. Reason for Authority Cited:

a. Nutanix system is an integrated hardware, software, and centralized management system tailored to the organizational structure of HRC and the Army Enterprise standards. HRC�s Nutanix Systems support multiple hypervisors, centralized management of clusters, automation of security checks for Security Technical Implementation Guide (STIG) findings, site to site replication for Continuity of Operations (COOP), Non-disruptive OS/firmware/hypervisor upgrades or patches and file and block NFS/ISCSI/SMBv3 capability. Maintenance of Nutanix systems is proprietary in nature and there is no known compatibility to alternative platforms.

b. HRC requires brand name continuity and support of Nutanix systems to ensure that the patches and updates are applied for the data center to remain STIG compliant.

HRC also requires continuity and support of maintenance to ensure that it will be compatible with the existing equipment to prevent the malfunction of critical Information Management Systems. HRC has a large capital investment in the Nutanix equipment and failure to maintain it properly would result in mission and investment failure. HRC would have to request replacement equipment if the Nutanix equipment were to fail because of the lack of maintenance; thereby, resulting in a large expense to the Army.

c. The introduction of an alternate system, other than Nutanix, to the HRC infrastructure would introduce a significant technology, training and operational burden that would prove cost prohibitive to systems other than Nutanix. An alternate solution would also result in the significant cost to re-tool the existing hardware/software platforms. The requirement must be Nutanix branded for it to function properly. This system is critical in support of the HRC�s mission.

6. Actions to Increase Competition: HRC utilizes CHESS and the vendor network it has in place for all procurements where the products are available. HRC has contacted other CHESS vendors that can support this requirement and provide the needed support. Nutanix is the required brand for this purchase but there are currently other CHESS resellers who can support this requirement.

7. Market Research: Market Research was obtained through the Computer Hardware Enterprise Software and Solutions site (CHESS) ITES-3H contract. In accordance with Army Regulation 25-1 and AFARS 5139.101-90(a), the mandatory source for all IT acquisitions is the CHESS. On 19 April 2024, HRC posted a Request for Quote (RFQ) for market research within the CHESS platform. The results of the RFQ revealed the required items are available on the CHESS ITES-3H suite of contracts. The RFQ closed on 25 April 2024 with responses received from four (4) vendors of varying business size.

Control Number: MICC 2024-61

8. Other Facts:

Procurement History:

1) Contract: W52P1J-16-D-0011 / W9124D-23-F-0435 Contractor: Zivaro Inc Award Date: 03 August 2023 Competitive Status: Exception to Fair Opportunity, Brand Name Authority: FAR 16.505(a)(4)

2) Contract: W52P1J-16-D-0013 / W9124D-22-F-0298 Contractor: CDW-Government, LLC Award Date: 08 August 2022 Competitive Status: Exception to Fair Opportunity, Brand Name Authority: FAR 16.505(a)(4)

3) Contract: W52P1J-16-D-0013 / W9124D-21-F-0452 Contractor: CDW-Government, LLC Award Date: 09 August 2021 Competitive Status: Exception to Fair Opportunity, Brand Name Authority: FAR 16.505(a)(4)

4) Contract: W52P1J-16-D-0103 / W9124D-20-F-0539 Contractor: CDW-Government, LLC Award Date: 07 August 2020 Competitive Status: Exception to Fair Opportunity, Brand Name Authority: FAR 16.505(a)(4)