MRR_final.pdf

NOAA AGO MARKET RESEARCH REPORT

ACQUISITIONS AT OR BELOW THE SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION THRESHOLD

TO: PRE-AWARD CONTRACT FILE

Ref: SOLICITATION NO.: Not applicable

PROJECT: Cisco Infrastructure Upgrades and Deployment

NAICS CODE: 811213

DATE: 8/27/2019

This memorandum is in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Part 10.000, which describes the policies and procedures for conducting market research in order to achieve the most suitable approach to acquiring, distributing, and supporting supplies and services. This part implements requirements of 41 U.S.C. 3306(a)(1), 41 U.S.C. 3307, 10 U.S.C. 2377, and 6 U.S.C. 796. The extent of market research will vary, depending on such factors as urgency, estimated dollar value, complexity, and past experience. Market research involves obtaining information specific to the item being acquired.

1. Background: {Describe the acquisition, compatibility requirements, and history; etc.}

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) requires the purchase of services to support Cisco infrastructure upgrades and deployment of the geographically separated contiguous network that supports the Southwest Fisheries Science Center (SWFSC) in different locations (Santa Cruz, Monterey, and La Jolla, CA) including training of IT support staff at SWFSC on applicable applications. The total estimated value of this requirement is $40,500.00. The network supports voice, video, wireless, and mission-critical data applications.

a. For previous buys, provide contract numbers and business size of awardees. Data for no more than two previous buys is required.

In July of 2019 the same requirement (but also including software licenses) was sent to DOC’s enterprise services division, to be ordered off of the mandatory Cisco SmartNet contract with DiSYS. A quote was received from DiSYS but was determined to be technically unacceptable because it did not include pricing for each required item. The requirement was then sent to NOAA’s AGO/WAD division. Contract Specialist Phyllis Epps at enterprise services confirmed that since the contractor was technically unacceptable that the Cisco SmartNet contract is no longer mandatory for this requirement.

Incumbent Xceptional Networks, Inc. has previously performed the same or similar work. Per Technical Point of Contact and IT Specialist Ravi Shiwmangal, subject requirement is in part a follow-on to Contract 1333LF18PNFFR0201.

Contract 1333LF18PNFFR0201, Xceptional Networks, Inc., Small Business Awarded 12 September 2018/delivery on or before 31 October 2018

CLIN 0001 Cisco virtual wireless controller-license and support CLIN 0002 Cisco identity services license and support CLIN 0003 Vendor installation services

Contract 1333LF18PNFFR0201 was awarded on a sole source basis.

Contract BG133F17SE1253 Awarded 30 August 2017/completion of work on or before 31 October 2017

Install new Cisco hardware (ASA 5555-K9) at the SWFSC and review/implement security posture.

Contract BG133F17SE1253 appears to have been competed (small business set-aside) with only one offer received.

Previous to these contracts, Xceptional Networks, Inc. had collaborated extensively with OEM Cisco and NOAA IT professionals on the original architectural design of the secure, intelligent network infrastructure during the construction of the SWFSC in La Jolla, CA.

2. Potential Sources Provided by COR/Technical Point of Contact (TPOC):

Xceptional Networks, Inc., Small Business under NAICS 811213, Communication Equipment Repair and Maintenance

3. Market Analysis:

a) Techniques and Methods used to conduct the Market Research:

☐ FedBizOpps Sources Sought Synopsis

☒ Searched GSA/FSS (GSA Advantage)/NASA SEWP

☐ Searched UNICOR/FPI

☐ Searched Source America

☐ Searched SAM

☐ Searched Office Bidder’s Mailing List File

☒ Searched the Internet

☐ Contacted Small Business Administration

☐ Contacted Woman Owned Business Association

☐ Review of recent Market Research (dated, title) to meet similar requirements

Obtained source list of similar items from other contracting activities, trade association or other sources

Review of catalog, other product literature published by manufacturers, distributors, and dealers or available on-line

Conducted interchange meetings, pre-solicitation conferences to involve potential Offeros early in the acquisition process

☐ NOAA’s Small Business Database

☐ Local Chamber of Commerce

Personal knowledge procuring or previous purchases of similar or identical types of supplies or services. Explain: Click here to enter text.

☒ Other. Explain: searched ProTech, NIH’s NITAAC contract, FBO

It is required to document the names of the vendors found as a result of market research, including business size, socio-economic status, interest and the assessment of vendor capabilities by task (a yes/no description is not acceptable without explanation). You may document this information below or attach it to this report.

Market research was conducted by reviewing current government wide acquisition contracts (ProTech, GSA, SEWP, NIH’s NITAAC). None could fulfill the need due to the fact that Xceptional should be included in the competition and the firm does not have any government wide contracts.

No further market research required.

b). Set-Aside Results:

In order for an acquisition to be set-aside, there must be a reasonable expectation of obtaining offers from at least two or more small business concerns that are competitive in terms of market prices, quality, and delivery or the proposed acquisition, unless under the 8(a) Program.

☐ No two small business sources could be found. Please see CD-570.

☒ Two small business sources could be found.

Only one business source could be found. The appropriate sole source justification is attached.

4. Recommendation:

A sole source acquisition is recommended. Xceptional provided the original design architecture during the construction of the SWFSC in La Jolla, CA. Xceptional is the only firm capable of integrating the applicable systems that meet specific mission critical requirements for the SWFSC Information Technology Division without significant duplication of effort (e.g., time, money, and effort) that would be required with any other vendor and would not be in the Government’s best interest.

An FBO special notice, notice of intent to sole source, was posted on 15 August 2019 and will remain active until 30 August 2019; any firms that believe that they can fully meet the Government’s requirements may submit substantiating documentation in writing no later than 30 August 2019.

As stated above, note that Xceptional is a small business under the applicable NAICS code.

5. Additional Supporting Information /Documentation: (List or attach any market research data, printouts, other pertinent data/information or comments).

N/A

Contracting Officer

ANGELA ROYSTER

Signed/Signature Rescinded//