J8 Gartner LSJ (redacted).pdf

Initiative (ESI) (see https://www.esi.mil/). ESI promotes the use of enterprise software agreements (ESAs) with contractors that allow DoD to obtain favorable terms and pricing for commercial software and commercial software services. ESI does not dictate the products or services to be acquired.”

DFARS Procedures, Guidance, and Information (PGI) 208.7403(1) states “After requirements are determined, the requiring official shall review the information at the ESI website to determine if the required commercial software or related services are available from DoD inventory (e.g., Golden Disks and DoD-wide software maintenance agreements). If the software or services are available, the requiring official shall fulfill the requirement from the DoD inventory.”

Note that DoD ESI provides a list of enterprise software agreements available to DoD purchasing activities for placing orders; however, DoD ESI is not a platform that allows for the posting of solicitations or requests for quotes. Additionally, although DoD ESI is a mandatory source, several agreements require the completion of a brand-name limited source justification (LSJ).

In accordance with FAR 8.405-6(b)(1), and as discussed in detail below, the brand name description for this acquisition is specific to one manufacturer, Gartner, and is essential to the government’s requirement. Gartner is the only vendor found to offer research and advisory subscriptions with a dedicated finance practice and a dedicated government practice. Gartner has subject matter experts and research dedicated to finance in the government. These experts are dedicated to writing and contextualizing independent and objective research for their clients. Further, DLA Finance will have access to research documents targeted toward finance functions, which include unique finance metrics, benchmarks, and tools. Although Gartner and Forrester provide similar information technology-related research and advisory services to customers, the market research conducted by the customer indicates that Gartner is different in that it provides services and resources tailored to challenges faced by CFOs.

The Gartner solution also provides highly specialized, objective, and independent applied research consulting services to assist with the alignment of financial transformation initiatives. Additionally, in accordance with FAR 8.405-6(a)(1)(i)(B), Gartner’s subscriptions are only available from Gartner directly as the manufacturer.

(5) Determination by the ordering activity contracting officer that the order represents the best value consistent with FAR 8.404(d):

The contracting officer determines the anticipated cost to the government will be fair and reasonable, and that the resulting order will represent the best value to the government by comparing proposed prices to the independent government cost estimate. Additionally, although the DoD ESI BPA rates/prices were determined fair and reasonable at award based on competition, the contracting officer will request a discount off these rates.

(6) Description of the market research conducted among schedule holders and the results or a statement of the reason market research was not conducted:

Online market research was conducted for this acquisition in August 2024 to identify possible vendors to provide the required subscription. Based on the research, two companies were identified as possible sources. Both companies are registered in SAM.gov with active commercial and government entity (CAGE) codes and both have established blanket purchase agreements (BPAs) on ESI.

Per DoD ESI, “Gartner is an independent technology and market research company that focuses on delivering research-based services and expert guidance on a broad range of technical topics that specifically focus on industry and market trends. The company aligns research, data, advisory, and consulting services to its customers' agendas and helps them understand existing and potential impacts of technology. Further, it works with customers to create a customized package that fits their needs based on specific pre-established requirements.”

Per the customer’s review of the Gartner website, Gartner provides a range of services and resources tailored to the unique needs and challenges faced by CFOs and their teams. This includes research and analysis providing CFOs with insights into emerging trends, best practices, and strategic opportunities, consulting services to address specific challenges such as financial planning, risk management, and cost reduction, CFO conferences, and publications and tools to help CFOs make informed decisions.

Services include:

• Insight

• Expert guidance

• Tools and benchmarks

• Peer experiences

• Conferences

• Consulting

Per DoD ESI, “Forrester is an independent technology and market research company that focuses on delivering research-based services to its customers. Its offerings include proprietary research, data and analytics, custom consulting, exclusive executive peer groups, and events that cater to business and technology leaders by developing customer-centric strategies to drive growth. Its unique insights are grounded in annual surveys of more than 675,000 consumers and business leaders worldwide, rigorous and objective methodologies, and the shared wisdom of innovative clients.”

Based on the customer’s review of the Forrester website, their research and analysis often focuses on topics relevant to CFOs such as insights into financial trends, industry benchmarks and best practices for managing corporate finances, assistance in risk management, impacts of emerging technologies on finance functions, financial regulatory compliance, and financial performance measurement. Services include:

• Research

• Consulting

• Demand generation

• Events

• Additional offerings, to include certifications

Although Gartner and Forrester provide similar information technology-related research and advisory services to customers, the market research conducted by the customer indicates that Gartner is different in that it provides services and resources tailored to challenges faced by CFOs. The Gartner solution also provides highly specialized, objective, and independent applied research consulting services to assist with the alignment of financial transformation initiatives.

Regarding DLA’s specific requirement, Gartner provides the following:

• A dedicated finance practice and a dedicated government practice. Gartner has subject matter experts and research dedicated to finance in the government.

• Experts dedicated to writing and contextualizing research for their clients.

• Access to research documents targeted toward finance functions with unique finance metrics and benchmarks.

• Objectivity and independence in their research and advisory services.

• A CFO and Finance Executive conference.

• An ability to connect with peers virtually for additional perspectives.

• A consulting practice that relies on research in developing efforts for clients.

(7) Other facts supporting the use of other than full and open competition:

Please note that the DoD ESI BPAs were awarded competitively using FAR Part 8 procedures according to the redacted DD2579 posted to the DoD ESI website under the Gartner agreement. Based on the fact that the BPAs were awarded competitively, delivery/task orders placed against these BPAs are also considered to be competitively awarded.

(8) Statement of the actions, if any, the agency may take to remove or overcome any barriers that led to the restricted consideration before any subsequent acquisition for the supplies or services is made: For the reasons set forth in Paragraph 5, DCSO has no plans at this time to compete future contacts for the types of supplies/services covered by this document provided that the subscription is performing to expectations and costs remain within budget. DCSO will continue to conduct market research for this requirement, and if another potential solution emerges, DCSO will assess whether additional competition for future requirements is feasible.