justification_and_approval_NPM MTMT FA8726-20-C-0023_1 Oct 2020 signed by CA - REDACTED.pdf

Justification and Approval (J&A) for Other Than Full and Open Competition

FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY

March 2020 FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY Page 3 of 9

Contract Type: Firm-Fixed-Price (FFP)

Contract Number: FA8726-20-C-0023

Prime Contractor: Tundra Federal, LLC, 8(a) Alaskan Native Corporation

Authority: 6.302-2

UCA Award Date: 27 August 2020;

Not-to-Exceed Amount: $ .

III. Description of supplies/services required to meet agency needs (including the estimated value).

This requirement supports COVID-19 mandatory USAF telework, allocating five (5) Network Performance Management (NPM) Tool Sets for troubleshooting VPN, and other network user issues, including SME resources to assist troubleshooting complex segments to increase mission effectiveness.

This effort includes:

• 5) Network Performance Management (NPM), Mobile Test and Measurement Tools (MTMT);

• Year of Subject Matter Expert (SME) support to AFLCMC/HNIB;

• SME Period of Performance: Upon contract award to one (1) year after contract award.

The NPM MTMT Tool Sets provide a real-time view of all AF IT transactions that enable system engineers to troubleshoot complex segments of the AFNet to improve mission effectiveness. This capability is currently lacking on the AFNet, as network analysts require a rapidly deployable tool set to determine root-cause of performance issues within eight hours; solution shall have artificial intelligence for IT operations (AIOps), automated performance monitoring, and data pattern discovery.

IV. Statutory authority permitting other than full and open competition.

The Justification and Approval (J&A) is issued in accordance with specific authority of FAR 6.302-2 Unusual and Compelling Urgency under 10 U.S.C. 2304(c)(2) after the award of the UCA.

Received AFNet Operations & Sustainment Branch Materiel Leader Letter of Justification for Urgency, 28 April 2020, requesting immediate award and procurement of NPM MTMT Tool Sets. Received confirmation of CARES Act Funds, and submit the NTE proposal and spend plan request.

CARES Act funding provided to meet exigent issues related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Award of an undefinitized contract action (UCA) was necessary to quickly obtain, and employ the tools in support of USAF teleworkers during the pandemic.

V. Demonstration that the contractor's unique qualifications or the nature of the acquisition requires use of the authority cited above (applicability of authority).

In accordance with the declaration of National Emergency dated 13 March 2020 and subsequent activation by state due to COVID-19 Pandemic, Air Force non-essential employees were mandated to telework while continuing operations. Since the declaration of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Air Force expanded and accelerated deployment of telework capability from ~10K remote virtual private networking (VPN) users in early March 2020, to nearly 200K. The growth has come at a cost in the ability to manage traffic flow and trouble shoot issues on the AFNet. To enhance teleworking activities, Air Combat Command identified and provided funds from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act to procure capabilities that provide real-time view of Air Force IT

March 2020 FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY Page 4 of 9 transactions that can identify, and resolve problems quickly. Network analysts require a rapidly deployable tool set to determine root-cause of performance issues within eight (8) hours. The solution shall have artificial intelligence for IT operations (AIOps), automated performance monitoring, and data pattern discovery. Procuring performance management software/hardware is critical to meet Air Force immediate and urgent requirements that allow teleworkers continuous performance. Based on Engineers several proofs of concept previously done detailing the suitability of four (4) Network Performance Management (NPM), Mobile Test and Measurement Tool Sets (MTMTs) the team's possesses a detailed understanding of the specific equipment required. The NPM MTMT tool sets will enable system engineers to troubleshoot complex segments of the AFNet that are not performance baselined or properly configured to increase mission effectiveness. This J&A justifies the procurement of the following brand name items that constitute most of the components of the required NPM MTMT Tool Sets: Cisco, Dell, ExtraHop, Gigamon, Netscout, and Pelican.

SUPPPORTING RATIONALE:

Cisco Systems Switches: The existing Cisco 3750X switches are end of life and being replaced by the Cisco 9000 switch family which Cisco lists as the direct replacement. Knowledge of how to operate and maintain the Cisco 9000 switches would be the same at the existing 3750X switches. The existing Cisco switches are managed by the operations groups (561st/83rd). Use of these switches provides a cost avoidance of $ to train three shifts of both operations groups located at two different physical locations on use and management of a different vendor's product. In addition, there is a cost avoidance of $ to update the existing Information Assurance package for a different vendor's product. Cisco is a DISA approved product. DISA APL is a requirement in all implementations.

Dell: The ExtraHop equipment is based on Dell server technology although that is not obvious since it is listed under ExtraHop brand part numbers. The underlying Dell server has a specific set of snap in mounting rails as the standard offering. Our application in transit cases is not compatible with snap in mounting rails as they do not provide the necessary mechanical securing to protect the Dell electronics. Dell offers screw in type hard mounting rails as an option for our application that is compatible with the Dell server appliances. It is Dell specific to mechanically fit the Dell appliance, no other vendor makes this compatible mounting rail. This item is listed and sold separately under the Dell brand.

Gigamon Taps: Gigamon brand name Taps are presently deployed within the Air Force network utilizing software proprietary to Gigamon which delivers network management, monitoring, and security features to AFLCMC/HNIB Performance Team members. No other brand name uses this proprietary software to manage the Taps. While other brand name Taps exist, none use the proprietary software noted above by Gigamon on which the HNIB Performance Team responsible for the use and execution of these Taps within the network have been trained since its implementation by the Air Force. If the Air Force were to procure a different brand name, the HNIB Performance Teams would need to be trained in that brand's management software. While training alone is not means to obtain a brand name, it is pertinent to note that the estimated cost of said training and implementation is approximately $ . In addition, market research has revealed that other brand name Taps are similar in price to the Gigamon brand name but due to the National Emergency telework requirement the Air Force could not afford the time delay to retrain the the HNIB Performance Team in the new brand. Gigamon is a DISA approved product. DISA APL is a requirement in all implementations.

Netscout: The Netscout analysis tool is a portable network infrastructure device for wired and wireless appearing to be a John Fluke based hand held. Netscout purchased Fluke who provides specialized high end test and measurement equipment to industry. Extrahop will be able to view the Netscout traffic, which is beneficial for performance. Netscout is a DISA approved product. DISA APL is a requirement in all implementations.

Pelican: 9U/33" Rack Depth, Grey-133, Cobalt Black Hardware, Metal Handles, 3.5" Casters, Caster Store In Lid, Lid Hanger, Lockable Cable Catch, (50) Panel Screws, (1 Set) Adjustable Vertical Uprights, (1 Set) Adjustable Horizontal, Heavy Shock Wt: 200-340 lbs., (AL5424-2306FT/AC Single Lid Case) shipping/transit containers that are ruggedized, and extremely durable for all operational, and tactical environments. A Brand Name or equal would be acceptable;

March 2020 FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY Page 7 of 9 the DISA APL.

CARES Act funds were provided to fund responses for a specific, time-sensitive contingency: supporting mass-telework during the pandemic. This means there is no time to allow the vendor to propose the solution.

Through our proof of concept activities, organic engineering analyses, and assessments of actual AFNet implementations, the AF crafted a solution-based List of Materials (LOM) using brand names listed above which have demonstrated low performance risks. In summary the Program Management Office (PMO) had already designed the integration necessary to meet the COVID contingency.

IX. Any other facts supporting the use of Other Than Full and Open Competition.

N/A.

X. List of any sources that expressed, in writing, an interest in the acquisition.

N/A.

XI. A statement of the actions, if any, the agency may take to remove or overcome any barriers to competition before making subsequent acquisitions for the supplies or services required.

In absence of contingencies, the team would not recommend Undefinitized Contract Awards (UCAs) for contract efforts in the base boundary, network gateway, or management network segments. The PMO will conduct additional market research for future acquisition strategies with the intent to remove the need for brand name items.

XII. Certification by the Contracting Officer.

As evidenced by my signature above, I have determined this document to be both accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief.

XIII. Certification by the technical/requirements personnel.

As evidenced by my (our) signature(s) above, I (we) certify that any supporting data contained herein, which is my (our) responsibility, is both accurate and complete.