Justifcation and Approval for Computer Bulk Buy 1_Redacted.pdf

J&A Number:

NSWCCD requires the Dell brand laptops and desktops listed above in order to maintain a supporting workstation environment for NSWCCD users. The salient qualities provided by Dell brand laptops and desktops allow NSWCCD to more efficiently support the end user by reducing the number of parts needed on hand for repairs, reducing the time it requires to image multiple computers, and provide a uniform warranty process/coverage for all devices supporting the RDT&E community resulting in a significant reduction of effort by Government personnel. Existing parts on hand for support/repairs are of the Dell brand and are not compatible with Hewlett Packard (HP) models. Dell and HP were the only manufacturers that can build computers to the specifications required. These brands are available through our mandatory source of the Department of Defense (DoD) Enterprise Software Initiative (ESI) as outlined in accordance with DFARS 208.7402(1). Lenovo computers are not authorized based on the fact that on the Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency most recent Approved Products List (APL). Microsoft is not able to provide computers configured to meet the minimum specifications needed by is required for security inspections. In addition, the company does not manufacture desktops.

NSWCCD uses the hardware described herein to replace outdated hardware for purposes of maintaining compliance with the requirements of the latest versions of software applications.

Dell brand laptop and desktop computers are designed and built with more effective drivers, allowing for the rapid imaging to a uniform standard for all NSWCCD personnel using them. These devices can be imaged in a matter of minutes to less than an hour.

The competing version of computers from HP or other vendors that can meet all other technical requirements are not designed in the same way. Specifically, the drivers require different formatting and processing for the Government to image the computers in a standard format. As a result, imaging these devices can take anywhere from two to eight hours per image. This significantly delays the Information Technology (IT) implementation team in mobilization and distribution of these machines. For comparative measures, the generation of a standardized image to be applied to all computers would take eight hours with the Dell brand because of the design of the drivers. Alternatively, it would take 80 drivers are specific to each model and would require individual approach across most, if not all models.

Additionally, application of the standardized image across the estimated 456 computers for the anticipated order contemplated with this Justification can be imaged in approximately six minutes per machine based on historical averages, if the devices are Dell brand, resulting in a total down time of 2.3 hours of time.

Alternatively, HP takes approximately one hour per machine to image, resulting in a down time of 456 hours. Historically, Dell procurement for the same brand of computers in FY24 (i.e., Delivery Order No. N00167-24-F-0146). One percent would result in a six-unit defect rate. HP has a historical defect rate of 4% computers in FY21 (i.e., Delivery Order No. N00167-21-F-0187), resulting in a 24-machine defect rate. Repairs to the Dell computers take approximately 30 minutes to trouble shoot, resulting in a down time of three hours total based on historical data. Because of the driver design on HPs, repairs take on average three hours. Total downtime for HP would be 55 hours.

Any cost savings that the Government may realize through using an HP or other brand of computer will be lost in level-of-effort and time to image the alternative brand computers. Total time to mobilize, image, and distribute Dell computers would take the Government approximately 162 hours. Total time to mobilize, image, and distribute HP machines would take the Government 625 hours. 625 hours is approximately four months of down time, assuming one full-time Government employee manages this rollout.

The mission impact may result in millions of dollars of lost labor and delays to several projects actively occurring on the RDT&E network. Mobilization in less than a month with the Dell brand computers would minimize any mission impact and allow for a streamlined transition from technologically obsolete equipment to state-of-the-art equipment with little delay or concern regarding the required applications running on the new devices. The table below illustrates deployment time for the procurement of 456 machines, which does not include the time for the additional 385 machines if all options are exercised.

6. Description of Efforts Made to Solicit Offers from as Many Offerors as Practicable

The Government conducted market research, reviewing all NASA SEWP V contract-holders under North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) Codes 334111 and 541519. The results of this market research effort identified multiple small business NASA SEWP V contract-holders capable of providing the requisite Dell brand computers.

Additionally, this brand name procurement will be solicited among all NASA SEWP V contract-holders.

7. Determination of Fair and Reasonable Costs

The Procuring Contracting Officer (PCO) has determined that the anticipated costs to the Government for the hardware described in the Brand Name Justification will be fair and reasonable because pricing offered through NASA SEWP V GWACS has been previously determined to be fair and reasonable. The PCO will also use the price analysis techniques found at FAR 15.404-1(b), to establish a fair and reasonable price.

8. Other Facts Supporting the Brand Name Justification shall fulfill requirements for commercial software and related services, such as software, maintenance, in accordance with DOD Enterprise Software Initiative (ESI). ESI promotes the use of enterprise software agreements (ESAs) with contractors that allow DOD to obtain favorable terms and pricing for commercial software

NASA SEWP V, and the devices required for this effort are available through that GWAC. Due to mandatory source requirements, NASA SEWP V is the required contract vehicle under which NSWCCD must procure hardware, such as laptops and desktops.

Dell and several of its authorized resellers are available through NASA SEWP V, and NSWCCD should use these contract vehicles to the maximum extent possible for the execution of this requirement.

9. Actions to Remove Barriers to Competition

The Government will continue to require maximum use of commercial hardware for storage to facilitate future competition. Barring other unforeseen instances or integration requirements, future requirements will be competed to the maximum extent practicable.

CERTIFICATIONS AND APPROVAL

TECHNICAL/REQUIREMENTS CERTIFICATION (FAR 6.303-2(c))

I certify that the facts and representations under my cognizance, which are included in this justification and its supporting data, except as noted herein, are complete and accurate to the best of my knowledge and belief.

TECHNICAL AND REQUIREMENTS COGNIZANCE:

LEGAL SUFFICIENCY REVIEW (NMCARS 5206.303(90))

I have determined this justification is legally sufficient.