JA_Redacted.pdf

Single Source Justification (Simplified Acquisition)

UNCLASSIFIED

20 Apr 2017 UNCLASSIFIED Page 1 of 3

This Justification is for a single source in accordance with the following authority, as applicable: FAR 13.106-1(b).

The Security office of the National Air and Space Intelligence Center (NASIC/SO) has a new requirement for five Linx Intrusion Detection System (IDS) Predator Elite servers as well as accompanying firmware and installation services.

LINX IDS Predator Elite hardware is currently used by NASIC/SO to provide necessary facility monitoring to ensure there is not a compromise of NASIC's systems and data.The procurement of the LINX IDS servers and services stated herein will fulfill NASIC/SO's current need to replace existing IDS hardware which is currently at end of life.

In order to avoid unnecessary delay in fulfilling the Government's requirements and experiencing duplication of costs as stated herein, the requested hardware and associated firmware is the only product that will satisfy the Government's requirements at this time. The appropriation for this requirement is Fiscal Year 2020, 3400 funds.

Based on market research, the total cost of this procurement is estimated to be $204,001. The requested delivery date and installation of hardware is expected to be within 90 days of contract award.

NASIC/SO has a new requirement to replace current servers which are currently at end of life requiring recapitalization focus. NASIC is currently utilizing LINX Defense's LINX Predator Elite hardware, software, and 24/7 maintenance support to prevent intrusion and the compromise of NASIC's systems and data. The LINX Predator Elite IDS is a highly specialized system and security platform which can only be provided by LINX Defense. Additionally, NASIC/SO has invested in LINX Defense hardware, software, and maintenance renewals since 2015 making the incorporation of LINX IDS brand servers crucial for the current recapitalization efforts. Acquiring an other-than-requested (OTR) brand would be detrimental to NASIC/SO's 24/7-365 security mission as well as incurring duplicated costs to the government to fulfill this requirement.

NASIC is a sensitive compartmented information facility (SCIF), which requires high level security controls and practices to protect intelligence information and assets from unauthorized personnel. LINX Defense, the manufacturer and service provider of LINX IDS hardware, is a highly specialized system which monitors the network and system activities for malicious activities and triggers alarms/alerts when intrusion instances or abnormal signals occur. In order to avoid system failure or increased likelihood of security system down time due to OTR utilization, it is imperative LINX IDS hardware is utilized to replace the current end of life units.

NASIC believes than an award to an other than requested (OTR) brand name would result in substantial duplication of cost to the Government that is not expected to be recovered through competition and unacceptable delays in fulfilling NASIC/SO's requirements. An identified OTR solution for this requirement would be a Juniper IDS platform which is capable of providing preventative maintenance and 24/7 support. According to market research, it would cost the government in total $196K broken down as follows: $143,234.95 ($28,646.99 X 5) in server costs for this requirement, $5,084.95 ($1,016.99 X5) for accompanying software subscription licenses, $7,149.95 in user training costs ($1,429.99 X 5 users), and $40,287.99 for maintenance and 24/7 vendor support. Additionally, NASIC/SO recently invested $40K in LINX contract maintenance subscriptions in fiscal year 2020 which would need to be abandoned if an OTR solution

1554926505C Highlight

1554926505C Highlight

1554926505C Highlight

1554926505C Highlight

1554926505C Highlight

1554926505C Highlight

1554926505C Highlight

1554926505C Highlight

1554926505C Highlight

1554926505C Highlight

1554926505C Highlight

1554926505C Highlight

1554926505C Highlight

1554926505C Highlight

1554926505C Highlight

1554926505C Highlight

1554926505C Highlight

1554926505C Highlight

1554926505C Highlight

1554926505C Highlight

1554926505C Highlight

1554926505C Highlight

1554926505C Highlight

1554926505C Highlight

1554926505C Highlight

1554926505C Highlight

1554926505C Text Box

20 Apr 2017 UNCLASSIFIED Page 2 of 3 were to be utilized for this requirement.

If an OTR brand is selected it would result in over a 12 month delay due to procurement (3 months) testing and certification process of hardware and software (5 months) and training (4 months) for a new system. Testing includes the functionality of the hardware and software, and monitoring the system for security risks. Certification of the system includes the determination of the security impacts of adding OTR hardware/software into the current IT environment and ensuring that any changes do not negatively impact the security posture of systems. Once the hardware/software is evaluated, all changes to the system configuration must be documented within a certification and accreditation package and coordinated through the appropriate approval levels in accordance with the Air Force Certification and Accreditation Program. Currently LINX Predator Elite is the only system that has passed the rigorous Air Force Command, Control, Communications and Intelligence certification process. Additionally, failure to maintain the system would introduce security vulnerabilities. If the current IDS failed, it would require additional manpower to take shifts 24/7 to secure each access point. The consequences of loss of integrity or availability of the IDS are unacceptable.

Overall incorporating an OTR solution for this requirement would take at minimum 12 months and approximately $188K, $52K of which represents direct duplication of cost, to implement. Such delays and duplications of cost to the government would be detrimental to the NASIC/SO mission as well as the overall safety and security integrity required by the NASIC Center as a whole. Therefore, the LINX IDS products are the only brand capable of meeting the government's needs and requirements at this time.

LINX Defense is the only source known that is able to satisfy the Government's requirement. A letter, dated 28 May 2020, was obtained from LINX Defense stating that the LINX Predator Elite product, including all software, firmware, and field distribution hardware, is a sole source product. The letter also stated that LINX Defense maintains all copyright privileges for their products and these must be purchased directly from the company and there are no agents or dealers authorized to represent the products. The letter also states that the LINX Predator Elite product is the only product that holds the Air Force Protection Level-1, Nuclear certification. Listed below is the only available source for this acquisition:

LINX Defense, LLC 2230 University Ave Nw Canton, OH 44709 Dianna Goss dgoss@linxdefense.com

NASIC has determined that the circumstances of this contract action deem only a single source is reasonably available.

NASIC is constantly monitoring the marketplace for other less expensive, technically superior, or more readily responsive vendors for applications similar to LINX's products. NASIC's SMEs will continue to attend trade shows and conferences, review publications, and communicate with other users in order to promote competition when future acquisitions are required. As NASIC identifies new requirements, NASIC will make every effort to compete new purchases.

1554926505C Highlight

1554926505C Highlight

1554926505C Highlight

1554926505C Highlight

1554926505C Highlight

1554926505C Highlight

1554926505C Highlight

1554926505C Highlight

1554926505C Highlight

1554926505C Highlight

1554926505C Highlight

20 Apr 2017 UNCLASSIFIED Page 3 of 3