JA-DP-ExpansionShelvesStorage.pdf

JUSTIFICATION FOR AN EXCEPTION TO FAIR OPPORTUNITY

FAR Part 16.505(b)

1. Identification of the agency and the contracting activity:

The Department of State Office of Acquisition Management proposes to enter into a delivery order with exception to fair opportunity for Network Appliance (NetApp) storage hardware and software maintenance support and parts on behalf of the Information Resource Management Bureau (IRM), Cloud & Virtual Services Division (IRM/EI/IM/CVS). The total estimated cost is $919,847.

2. Nature and/or description of the action being approved.

The requested action for approval is an exception to fair opportunity for NetApp storage hardware and software maintenance support renewal through a firm-fixed-priced (FFP) order under NASA Solutions for Enterprise-Wide Procurement (SEWP) V.

ESOC WEST

Line MFPN Description Qty Unit Sell Ext. Sell

1 DS460C-AD-C 1 $0.00 $0.00

DS460C-B-0-60-

AD-C Disk Shelf,4U60,12G, Empty, AD,-C 1 $5,760.19 $5,760.19

X387A-10-AD-C Drive Pack, DD,12G,10x16TB,DS460C,AD,-C 6 $9,403.06 $56,418.36

SW-ONTAPO-

NLSASAD-F05-C

SW, ONTAP One Pkg, Per-0.1TB, NLSAS, AddOn,F05,-C 9600 $26.40 $253,440.00

5 X-02659-00-C Rail Kit,4-Post, Rnd/Sq-Hole, Adj,24-3,-C 1 $46.76 $46.76

PS-DEPLOY-

STANDSHELF PS Deployment, Standard, Shelf 1 $1,536.68 $1,536.68

CS-4HR-

4hr Parts Replacement 1 $20,594.10 $20,594.10

REPLACEMENT

CS-NON-

RETURNABLE -

DRIVES

Non-Returnable Drives (HDDs/SSDs) 1 $8,067.84 $8,067.84

CS-PROTECT-FOR-

GOVT Support Edge Protect for Government 1 $10,297.87 $10,297.87

10 CS-G1-SE-

ADVISOR- Support Edge Advisor 1 $102,970.50 $102,970.50

ADD-ON

11 X66030A Cable,12Gb, Mini SAS HD,0.5m 1 $72.62 $72.62

12 X66034A Cable,12Gb, Mini SAS HD,5m 3 $239.46 $718.38

Subtotal: $459,923.30

BIMC – Beltsville, MD

Line MFPN Description Qty Unit Sell Ext. Sell

1 DS460C-AD-C 1 $0.00 $0.00

2 DS460C-B-0-60-

AD-C Disk Shelf,4U60,12G, Empty, AD,-C 1 $5,760.19 $5,760.19

3 X387A-10-AD-C Drive Pack, HDD,12G,10x16TB,DS460C,AD,-C 6 $9,403.06 $56,418.36

4 SW-ONTAPO-

NLSASAD-F05-C

SW, ONTAP One Pkg, Per- 0.1TB,NLSAS,AddOn,F05,-C 9600 $26.40 $253,440.00

5 X-02659-00-C Rail Kit,4-Post, Rnd/Sq-Hole, Adj,24-32,-C 1 $46.76 $46.76

6 PS-DEPLOY-

STANDSHELF PS Deployment, Standard, Shelf 1 $1,536.68 $1,536.68

CS-4HR-

4hr Parts Replacement 1 $20,594.10 $20,594.10

REPLACEMENT

CS-NON-

RETURNABLE -

DRIVES

Non-Returnable Drives (HDDs/SSDs) 1 $8,067.84 $8,067.84

CS-PROTECT-FOR-

GOV'T Support Edge Protect for Government 1 $10,297.87 $10,297.87

10 CS-G1-SE-

ADVISOR-ADD-ON

Support Edge Advisor 1 $102,970.50 $102,970.50

11 X66030A Cable,12Gb, Mini SAS HD,0.5m 1 $72.62 $72.62 12 X66034A Cable,12Gb, Mini SAS HD,5m 3 $239.46 $718.38

Subtotal: $459,923.30

Overall Total $919,846.60

Description Amount

3. A description of the supplies or services required to meet the Department’s needs.

This is the extension of existing maintenance contracts and the associated hardware.

Based on the specifications and pre-existing use of NetApp storage hardware and software maintenance support within the Cloud & Virtual Services Division, IRM/EI/IM/CVS is actively pursuing the acquisition of these NetApp appliances designated for Data Protection Storage. This strategic move will empower the sustained facilitation of round-the-clock data protection storage, spanning all seven (7) days of the week. Concurrently, this procurement effort serves to prolong the utilization of Department-owned equipment that remains well within its operational prime or is approaching its designated end-of-life phase.

This acquisition will also guarantee the uninterrupted functionality of the essential data protection storage apparatus indispensable for protecting the core operations of the Department. This encompasses the virtual server infrastructure vital for its functioning.

Sustaining meticulous upkeep of this equipment will, in turn, secure the attainment of the stipulated availability benchmarks outlined in the Service Level Agreements (SLA) established between CVS and its valued clientele.

4. Authority permitting a Fair Opportunity Exception and the supporting rationale. This acquisition is conducted pursuant to 41 U.S.C. 4103 and 4106 as implemented by FAR 16.505(b)(2) and substantiated by the following:

☒ FAR 16.505(a)(4) – The agency need for procuring items peculiar to one manufacturer.

Only one awardee has the capability of providing the supplies or services required at the level of quality required because the supplies or services ordered are unique or highly specialized, as follows:

This NetApp procurement is earmarked for Data Protection Storage to replace the current near end-of-life storage in production. Failure to acquire this product and this level of coverage will place undue risk on the data protection operations of the IM/CVS Data Centers in Colorado, and Maryland (ESOC West and BMIC East).

In delineating this storage solution, an uncompromising emphasis on interoperability and feature parity is paramount. It warrants mention that this product is not only presently in active deployment but has also undergone rigorous testing, consistently delivering a satisfactory operational performance.

This purchase will ensure the continued operation of the data storage equipment required to support Department mission-critical systems, including the virtual server infrastructure. Keeping the equipment under maintenance will ensure that the CVS can achieve the availability levels specified in Service Level Agreements with CVS customers.

5. A determination by the Contracting Officer that the anticipated cost to the Government will be fair and reasonable.

The Contracting Officer determines that the anticipated price(s) will be fair and reasonable based on market research, comparison of previous purchase prices found reasonable, or a comparison with similar items in related industry. By signing the justification, the Contracting Officer confirms that the cost/price to the Government are expected to be fair and reasonable.

The program office has confirmed with Network Appliance, Inc. that the requested products are available through several resellers. As this is a brand name justification, no one contractor’s unique qualifications are superior to another. Market research concluded that several resellers are available.

6. Any other facts supporting the justification.

The previous year renewal orders are:

o 9/19/2023 19AQMM23F2904 o 4/20/2020 19AQMM20F1452

Market Research – NetApp HW and Maintenance

Background:

In the fourth quarter of FY23, DT/EI/IM/CVS acquired maintenance support for Network Appliance (NetApp) storage hardware and software. This support is crucial for sustaining data protection storage operations at two CVS sites located in Beltsville, MD, and Denver, CO. The storage infrastructure is integral to supporting the Department's operations within the continental United States (CONUS) and outside the continental United States (OCONUS). These storage devices safeguard data for thousands of Department users globally.

Utilizing NetApp's brand-name product support remains crucial in fulfilling the Department's needs. These NetApp devices play a pivotal role in enhancing the operational and security capabilities of CVS's current infrastructure. Furthermore, this storage solution supports the objectives of numerous Department bureaus. CVS expresses high satisfaction with the performance and reliability demonstrated by NetApp.

Market Research:

Cloud Virtual Services Division has recently procured FAS8300 NetApp Appliances for Enterprise Data Protection storage. With the exponential growth of digital data across Department bureaus, there's an increasing need for expanded storage capacity to accommodate this influx of information. NetApp's storage solutions offer scalability, allowing for seamless expansion to meet evolving data storage requirements. NetApp storage solutions are renowned for their robust data protection features, including encryption, snapshots, and disaster recovery capabilities. Investing in additional NetApp storage capacity ensures that CVS can maintain high levels of data security and resilience against potential threats or data loss incidents.

As CVS relies heavily on its data infrastructure for critical operations, ensuring continuity of business operations is paramount. By acquiring more NetApp storage capacity, CVS can bolster its resilience to system failures or disruptions, thereby minimizing downtime and ensuring uninterrupted service delivery. Increasing NetApp storage capacity can contribute to optimizing system performance by alleviating storage bottlenecks and ensuring that applications and services operate efficiently. This optimization enhances productivity and user satisfaction across CVS and Department bureaus.

Investing in NetApp storage capacity aligns with CVS's long-term strategic goals by futureproofing its storage infrastructure. NetApp's innovative technologies and continuous updates ensure that the storage solution remains relevant and capable of meeting evolving business needs over time. In summary, purchasing additional NetApp storage capacity is justified by the need to accommodate data growth, enhance data protection, ensure business continuity, optimize performance, and future-proof CVS's infrastructure to support its operational requirements effectively.

7. Actions the agency may take to remove or overcome any barriers to Increase Fair

Opportunity before any subsequent acquisitions for the supplies or services is made.

The Department of State (DOS) shall continue to conduct market research prior to fulfilling IT equipment requirements. Brand name justifications and approvals shall continue to be publicized to ensure public forum and to provide any unknown alternative sources the future opportunity to respond.

IRM/EI/IM/CVS maintains awareness of new and emerging networking tools by reviewing technical publications and checking vendors’ web sites. Therefore, if and when a product or products become available that is/are comparable or superior to NetApp storage hardware and software maintenance support Secure annual maintenance, then we will perform a technical assessment, including a benefit/cost analysis, to determine whether to retain this product or to transition to a new, more cost-efficient product.

CERTIFICATIONS

TECHNICAL AND REQUIREMENTS CERTIFICATION (FAR 16.505 (b)(2)(ii)(B)(9)) I certify that this justification is accurate and contains complete data necessary to support the recommendation for other than full and open competition.

SIGNATURE:

signed 08/14/2024 IT Project Manager

IRM/EI/IM/CVS

Date

LEGAL SUFFICIENCY REVIEW (Ref: PIB NO. 2010-24); AQM QA Plan This J&A is hereby determined to be legally sufficient.

Kathleen Martin Date Attorney-Advisor - L/BA Office of the Legal Adviser, Buildings and Acquisitions (L/BA)

CONTRACTING OFFICER CERTIFICATION (FAR 16.505(b)(2)(ii)(C)(1)) I certify that this submission is accurate to the best of my knowledge, and that it contains complete information necessary to enable other officials to make an informed recommendation for approval or disapproval.

Sharon Jackson Date Contracting Officer Office of Acquisition Management

(A/OPE/AQM/WW/IM)

APPROVALS

Telisa Williams Date Contracting Officer & Branch Chief

(A/OPE/AQM/WW/IM)

Robert Powell Date Division Director Office of Acquisition Management

PROCURING ACTIVITY COMPETITION ADVOCATE - (Ref: FAR 16.505(b)(2)(ii)(C)(2))

Sharon James Date Competition Advocate