IB08 Redacted JEFO 2025_93 - Data Center Switch and Routers.pdf

Control Number: MICC 2025-93 interoperability with existing infrastructure. Per Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Instruction (CJCSI) 6211.02A, the Defense Information Systems Network serves as the primary telecommunications network supporting military operations. The acquisition of network hardware must align with DoD Instruction 8520.04, which governs access management for DoD information systems. Given the critical nature of network security and operational readiness, the selected vendor must meet DoD-specific security protocols and Joint Information Environment (JIE) standards. Open competition is not feasible due to the proprietary nature of existing systems, security constraints, and the need for seamless integration with classified DoD networks.

6. Actions to Increase Competition: The products to be acquired with this acquisition fit within the framework of a larger end-to-end system; therefore, no other brands were considered. Army Regulation 25-1, Army Information Technology, directs commands to plan for a life cycle of existing information technology equipment. Based on a five-year life cycle replacement cycle, this system will be reviewed in FY 30 for possible replacement options. Per Army Federal Acquisition Regulations Supplement, (AFARS) 5139, all in scope items must be procured through the CHESS contract vehicle unless a statement of non-availability and ITAS waiver exists for the product. The items required fall within the scope of the CHESS ITES-3H contract. Once it was determined that the product was available from a mandatory source that meets the exception at FAR 5.202(a)(6) no further research or publicizing of the action is required. However, posting of a redacted copy of the approved Justification for Exception to Fair Opportunity shall be posted as mandated.

a. Effective competition. Action shall be solicited competitively through mandatory source of supply, CHESS. Competition is anticipated since multiple contract holders can support the requirement based on market research findings.

b. Subcontracting competition. If the awardee should be a large business, they will have to comply with the subcontracting plan incorporated into the base contract. A separate plan is not required at the order level. Should a small business receive the award, they would have to comply with FAR 52.219-14, Limitations on Subcontracting.

7. Market Research: Per AFARS 5139, the Army’s Computer Hardware Enterprise Software and Solutions (CHESS) is the mandatory source for commercial information technology hardware and software. The required hardware is available through the ITES-3H suite of contracts in CHESS. The requiring activity and the contracting activity have conducted market research in accordance with the ITES-3H Ordering Guide. A Request for Quote # 518872 was submitted through CHESS.

8. Other Facts: No procurement history could be found.

9. 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

10. 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.

11. Fair and Reasonable Cost Determination: I hereby determine that the anticipated cost to the Government for this contract action will be fair and reasonable. This determination will be made using price analysis. As a part of this basis, certified cost or pricing data will not be required and the following exception applies: FAR 15.403(b)(3), a commercial item is being acquired.

Date: See electronic signature Katie E. Paben Contracting Officer

12. Contracting Officer Certification: I certify that this justification is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief.

Date: See electronic signature Katie E. Paben Contracting Officer

Approval

Based on the foregoing justification, I hereby approve the procurement of Cisco Data Center Switch and Router life cycle replacements using an exception to fair opportunity pursuant to the authority of Federal Acquisition Regulation 16.505(a)(4) - Restricting consideration to an item peculiar to one manufacturer. The estimated cost of this action is with a period of coverage of twelve months from 30 September 2025 to 29 September 2026. The approval is subject to the availability of funds, and provided that the services and property herein described have otherwise been authorized for acquisition.