NDU NIC Exception to Fair Opportunity (Redacted).pdf

Document # FY26-285

JUSTIFICATION FOR AN EXCEPTION TO FAIR OPPORTUNITY – BRAND NAME

(ABOVE SAT)

1. Identification of Requiring Activity and Contracting Activity.

The requiring activity is National Defense University (NDU) Information Technology Directorate (ITD); The contracting activity is the NAVSUP Fleet Logistics Center (FLC) Norfolk, Pentagon Directorate, Contracting Department, Philadelphia Office.

2. Nature and description of contract action.

This acquisition is conducted under the authority of 10 U.S.C. 3406(c)(5). This action is an exception to the fair opportunity process to be awarded under the National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s Solutions for Enterprise Wide Procurement (NASA SEWP) Multiple Award Contracts (MAC). NASA SEWP is a multi-award Government-Wide Acquisition Contract (GWAC) vehicle focused on IT products and product-based services. It is intended to issue a new firm fixed price delivery order to an authorized reseller or the large business manufacturer of the supplies and services identified in paragraph 3 below.

3. Description of Required Supplies/Services to meet the agency’s needs.

Manufacturer:

POC:

Email:

Mfr. Address:

Authorized Resellers Identified:

Manufacturer:

POC:

Email:

Mfr. Address:

Authorized Resellers Identified:

Manufacturer:

POC:

Email:

Mfr. Address:

Authorized Resellers Identified:

Dell Federal Systems (CAGE: 3XAU1) Dennis Daley / 737-587-6009 dennis_daley@federal.dell.com 1 Dell Way, Round Rock, TX 78664 ThunderCat Technology, New Tech Solutions, GovSmart, Inc., Blue Tech, Inc.

Cisco Systems, Inc. (CAGE: 0GX96) Doug Lamude / 301-256-3292 dlamude@cisco.com 3098 Olsen Drive, San Jose, CA 95128 ThunderCat Technology, New Tech Solutions, GovSmart, Inc., Blue Tech, Inc.

Belkin International, Inc. (CAGE: 68M85) Chris Tasis / 813-892-1903

CHRISTASIS@SMARTTECH.COM

555 S. Aviation Blvd., Suite 180, El Segundo, CA 90245 ThunderCat Technology, New Tech Solutions, GovSmart, Inc., Blue Tech, Inc.

Check here if obtaining product through authorized resellers of the manufacturer.

The total estimated value of this requirement is $2,773,744.93.

The intended delivery date is from 20 October 2026.

The acquisition will be funded with Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Operation & Maintenance Defense wide appropriations.

The total estimated value of this requirement is $2,773,744.93.

The intended delivery date is from 20 October 2026.

The proposed acquisition supports NDU’s requirement to procure secure, compliant information technology (IT) hardware to replace aging infrastructure supporting the Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility (SCIF) at the National Intelligence College (NIC) located at Bethesda, Maryland.

This requirement ensures continued mission capability, compliance with Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) security standards and alignment with enterprise lifecycle refresh cycles in order to sustain mission continuity and maintain an accredited enterprise IT environment. The Government intends to acquire the IT hardware listed below, including manufacturer warranty and support, for use across NIC academic, administrative, and enterprise operations.

The requirement specified herein represents the minimum needs of the Government.

The following provides the detailed description of each product listed in the equipment list and provides a clear description of the required characteristics/features of each requested item.

Equipment List

Mfg. Part # Description Qty. Total

DELL 210-BQBV(JR686) Dell Pro Max Micro FCM2250 BASE 250 $522,530.00 DELL 210-BKZF(JR686) Dell UltraSharp 24 Monitor - U2424H, GOV - Dell Limited

Hardware Warranty (814-5380) - Advanced Exchange Service, 3 Years (814-5381)

250 $69,665.00

BELKIN F1DN204KVM-UN-4

Belkin 2-Port Dual Head DP/HDMI to DP/HDMI Video Secure Desktop KVM Switch PP4.0 - Designed for NIAP Protection Profile PSD 4.0 Compliance; Combo connector video support for up to 4K (3840x2160), @60hz refresh 250 $212,712.50

CISCO CP-8851NR-K9++= Cisco IP Phone 8851 No Radio variant for TAA 50 $26,356.00 CISCO CS-DESKP-NRCK9++ Cisco Desk Pro G2, NoRadio, TAA, Carbon Black 50 $546,241.00 CISCO CS-ACTSTYL Cisco Desk Pro G2, NoRadio, TAA, Carbon Black 50 $6,791.00 CISCO CAB-USBC-1.5M USB-C 3.2 Gen 2X2 Passive Cable, 1.5M le 50 $2,577.00 DELL 210-BQBV (JR686) Dell Pro Max Micro FCM2250 BASE Workstation 614 $1,283,333.68 CISCO CS-CODEC-PRO-K9++ Cisco Multi-Camera Video Conferencing Codec 7 $71,953.00

CISCO CS-CAM-RVPTZ-CBUN Cisco PTZ Camera Bundle 7 $31,585.75 Total $2,773,744.93

4. Identification of the Exception to Fair Opportunity Rationale and/or Demonstration of Contractor’s Unique Qualifications.

The statutory authority that permits not providing each awardee a fair opportunity to be considered for each order exceeding the micro-purchase threshold issued under a multiple award contract is 10 U.S.C.

3406(c)(5), as implemented by FAR 16.507-7 Items peculiar to one manufacturer. The applicable exception to the fair opportunity process for this justification for the award of an order exceeding the simplified acquisition threshold is FAR 16.507-6(a)(b)(2), - Only one awardee is capable of providing the supplies or services required at the level of quality required because the supplies or services ordered are unique or highly specialized. This is a justification for the use of items particular to one manufacturer, under the authority of 10 U.S.C. 2304c, as implemented by FAR 16.505(a)(b)(5).

The Information Technology Directorate (ITD) at NDU has a requirement to execute a Lifecycle Replacement (LCR) of IT equipment located within a DIA-accredited SCIF within the National Intelligence College located in Bethesda, Maryland. The equipment must comply with DIA procurement, security and supply chain requirements as defined in the DIA Information Technology Equipment Catalog (ITEC) and associated directives. ITEC serves as the authoritative source for approved equipment and ensures compatibility with authorized DIA networks. Equipment listed in the ITEC is pre-vetted but

Qty.Qty. Total

250 $522,530.00 250 $69,665.00

Protection Profile PSD 4.0 Compliance; Combo connector 250 $212,712.50

Protection Profile PSD 4.0 Compliance; Combo connector Protection Profile PSD 4.0 Compliance; Combo connector

50 $2,577.00 614 $1,283,333.68

$2,577.00

7 $71,953.00

7 $31,585.75 Total $2,773,744.93

$31,585.75

Protection Profile PSD 4.0 Compliance; Combo connector

50 $26,356.00 50 $546,241.00

$26,356.00

CISCO CS-ACTSTYL

Cisco Desk Pro G2, NoRadio, TAA, Carbon Black Cisco Desk Pro G2, NoRadio, TAA, Carbon Black 50 $6,791.00

546,241.00 still requires formal Supply Chain Risk Management (SCRM) assessment and Chief Information Officer’s (CIO) Hardware Testing prior to full deployment.

The subject requirement is to procure DIA ITEC-approved IT hardware for Lifecycle Replacement on behalf of the NDU ITD.

This acquisition is a brand name, configuration-specific requirement that includes highly specialized characteristics that limit competition:

DIA Information Technology Equipment Catalog approved hardware

Mandatory Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility restrictions

Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) controlled configurations for compliance

Mandatory Supply Chain Risk Management validation

Mandatory Chief Information Officer hardware testing

The use of brands other than Dell, Cisco and Belkin will invalidate warranties and/or services agreements of the equipment currently utilized at NIC. To ensure continuity, compatibility, and cost-effectiveness, it is essential that the replacement systems align with the existing NIC IT environment. The Dell, Cisco and Belkin equipment identified herein meet the minimum needs of the Government. Introducing a new IT hardware platform would require the creation, testing, and certification of new standards, which would delay deployment and increase risk. During this period, any non-standard systems would be unusable on the network, directly impacting mission readiness. In an effort to avoid unnecessary duplication of costs, maintain operational continuity and ensure compliance with DoD cybersecurity requirements, the above listed equipment meets NIC’s technical, logistical, and security needs. This acquisition is consistent with NIC’s standardized computing environment and supports the college’s long-term IT lifecycle strategy.

Procuring the hardware listed herein will ensure 100% compatibility with the existing infrastructure with no additional labor, training or equipment costs and no degradation of mission support capabilities.

Therefore, the risks, costs, and inefficiencies associated with introducing alternative brands outweigh any potential benefits.

5. Determination of Fair and Reasonable Cost.

In accordance with FAR 16.505(b)(2)(ii)(B), the contracting officer has made the determination that the anticipated cost to the Government will be fair and reasonable.

NASA SEWP contract has already determined the prices of supplies of the schedule contracts to be fair and reasonable for the purpose of establishing the IDIQ contracts. However, ordering activities are responsible to make a separate determination of fair and reasonable pricing for individual orders.

6. Any other facts supporting the justification.

This procurement uses a MAC and will be solicited and awarded in accordance with FAR Subpart 16.5.

The requiring activity has conducted a market survey. The requiring activity has determined that the products required under this procurement are commercial hardware that must be compatible with the existing NIC infrastructure. The NASA SEWP contract can be used to procure the items identified in paragraph 3.

The requiring activity, through their in-depth knowledge of the market, has determined that the only items that meet the Government’s minimum requirement are commercial items that are manufactured by and proprietary to Dell Federal Systems LP, Cisco Systems, Inc. and Belkin International. The requiring activity’s knowledge stems from first-hand experience with similar products available in the commercial marketplace and a thorough examination of products from other brands including online research. The requiring activity analyzed various strategic sourcing vehicles and the multiple award contract holders of each to determine if any would be capable of furnishing the required supplies. After a thorough evaluation, it was determined that the items outlined in Section 3 are available through the NASA SEWP

GWAC.

The requiring and contracting activities conducted market research via review of the FAR’s mandatory and preferred sources of supply, such as GSA Schedule 70. Market research confirmed that the required items are proprietary to Dell Federal Systems, Cisco Systems Inc. and Belkin International Inc. as they are the sole manufacturers of the equipment identified in paragraph 3.

As a part of this research, potential vehicles were identified, including GSA Schedule 70 and the NASA SEWP GWAC. Further market research by the contract specialist showed that the required IT hardware are offered on a Government-Wide Acquisition Contract under the NASA SEWP contract. Moreover, there are multiple authorized resellers that were identified as SEWP contract holders, such as ThunderCat Technology, GovSmart, Inc. and New Tech Solutions, Inc. A reverse auction reserved to Dell Federal Systems, Cisco Systems Inc. and Belkin International Inc. or their authorized resellers is anticipated to be posted via the NASA SEWP RFQ tool.

7. Actions Taken to Remove Barriers to Competition.

For the reasons set forth in Paragraph 4, NAVSUP Fleet Logistics Center Norfolk, Philadelphia Office has no plans at this time to compete future contacts for the types of supplies/services covered by this document. If another potential source emerges, NAVSUP Fleet Logistics Center Norfolk, Philadelphia Office will assess whether competition for future requirements is feasible.

8. CONTRACTING POINT OF CONTACT.

The point of contact at NAVSUP Fleet Logistics Center Norfolk Philadelphia Office is Rubean Varghese, Code 223 who may be reached by email at rubean.j.varghese.civ@us.navy.mil.

Justification Number: FY26-285

CERTIFICATIONS AND APPROVAL

TECHNICAL/REQUIREMENTS CERTIFICATION

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

Technical/Requirements Cognizance:

Signature Name (Printed) Phone No.

LEGAL SUFFICIENCY REVIEW

I have determined this Justification is legally sufficient.

Signature Name (Printed) Phone No.

CONTRACTING OFFICER CERTIFICATION

I certify that this Justification is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief. To the extent that the Justification value is > SAT and < $10M, the Contracting Officer’s signature below also represents approval of the Justification and determination that the exception cited herein applies to the order.

Signature Name (Printed) Phone No.

CERTIFICATIONS AND APPROVAL

TECHNICAL/REQUIREMENTS CERTIFICATION

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

Technical/Requirements Cognizance:

Signature

Name (Printed)

Phone No.

LEGAL SUFFICIENCY REVIEW

I have determined this Justification is legally sufficient.

Signature

Name (Printed)

Phone No.

CONTRACTING OFFICER CERTIFICATION

I certify that this Justification is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief. To the extent that I certify that this Justification is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief. To the extent that the Justification value is > SAT and < $10M, the Contracting Officer’s signature below also represents approval of , the Contracting Officer’s signature below also represents approval of the Justification and determination that the exception cited herein applies to the order.

Signature

Name (Printed) Phone No.