JA HPE Drives FY24 final-Redacted.pdf

Brand Name HPE Drives and Controller Control Number VA-24-00010928

5. Rationale Supporting Use of Authority Cited Above:

Based on market research, as described in section 8 of this document, it was determined that limited competition is available among authorized resellers for the required Brand Name HPE Drives and Brand Name HPE controller.

The Brand Name HPE Drives and Controllers are required to repair, replace, and support the existing, aging storage infrastructure, specifically the brand name HPE 3par array known as 20800_1. This environment is comprised of only HPE hardware and ancillary software, therefore, only HPE brand Drives and Controllers are fully compatible within the existing HPE based infrastructure at AITC.

The existing HPE drives and controllers are proprietary to HPE and due to the included proprietary HPE code; no other brand of drives or controllers is compatible with the current VINCI environment. Only HPE drives and controllers can interoperate within VA’s existing HPE infrastructure. Specifically, no other brand name drives or controllers will communicate and function within the current infrastructure due to the aforementioned proprietary constraints. Additional drives are required to fit and have 100% compatibility in an already existing HPE environment, therefore, HPE and its authorized resellers are the only providers that can provide drives and controllers that are fully compatible within the HPE-based infrastructure at the AITC. Furthermore, due to the proprietary constraints detailed above, use of any other brand name drives and controllers would not work with this storage array and are therefore unacceptable.

6. Efforts to Obtain Competition:

Market research was conducted, details of which are in section 8 of this justification.

This effort did not yield any additional sources that can meet the Government's requirements. However, the undersigned VA technical representative determined that competition is available among authorized resellers for brand name HPE hardware, ancillary software and services. In accordance with FAR 16.505(a)(4)(iii)(A)(1), this justification will be provided with the solicitation to all appropriate NASA SEWP V GWAC holders.

7. Actions to Increase Competition:

The Government will continue to conduct market research to ascertain if there are changes in the marketplace that would enable future actions to be competed. The requirement for the replacement storage solution is brand name or equal, to increase competition.

8. Market Research:

Market research was conducted in February to April 2024 by the Government’s technical experts via web-based research. Vendors such as Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE), Netapp, and Pure Storage were contacted and provided with the precise data center specifics. They were asked to identify a Brand Name or Equivalent Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) Alletra and Brand Name HPE Drives that would be used to replace aging infrastructure and strengthen the existing VINCI infrastructure. While brand name or equivalent solutions are available that will meet the requirement to replace the existing solution, the vendors stated that only the brand name hardware would be compatible with the existing array for repair purposes. In June 2024 market research was conducted utilizing NASA SEWP V’s Market Research Tool and multiple resellers were identified for the required brand name items, including several service-disabled Veteran-owned small business (SDVOSB) resellers. As a result of the aforementioned market research, VA intends to issue a Request for Quotation on the NASA SEWP V GWAC as a SDVOSB set-aside.

9. Other Facts: None.

10. Technical and Requirements Certification: I certify that the supporting data under my cognizance, which are included in this justification, are accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief.

Date: ________________________________

VINCI Director, OIT Signature:

11. Fair and Reasonable Cost Determination: I hereby determine that the anticipated price to the Government for this contract action will be fair and reasonable based on NASA SEWP V GWAC contract pricing that has already been determined to be fair and reasonable. In addition, price competition is expected amongst the NASA SEWP V contract holders which will further establish fair and reasonable pricing. Finally, price analysis may be conducted by comparing the successful quote with the Independent Government Cost Estimate.

Procuring Contracting Officer Signature:

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

Procuring Contracting Officer Signature:

7/30/24