Brand Name Justification - Redacted - Google Workspace.pdf

Justification for Brand Name Exceeding the SAT pursuant to FAR 16.505(a)(4)

JEFO No. FY24-00134

JEFO No.: FY24-00134

Date: July 23, 2024 PR Number: PCCA-24-00155

1. Agency and Contracting Activity. Identification of the agency and the contracting activity, and specific identification of the document as a “Justification for Brand Name.”

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), Chief of Contracting Office (COCO), prepared this Justification for Brand Name on behalf of the CISA, Office of Chief Information Officer (OCIO).

2. Nature and/or description of the action being approved.

CISA COCO intends to award a competitive delivery order for the purchase of a Google Workspace Enterprise Plus (FedRAMP High Authorization) subscription without considering other software brands, restricting consideration to an item peculiar to one manufacturer (brand-name specific). The exception is based on 16.505(b)(2)(i)(B). 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.

3. A description of the supplies or services required to meet the agency’s need (including the estimated value).

Google Workspace Enterprise Plus apps are a cloud-based browser with built-in controls that provide encryption and verification which enables working from anywhere and eliminates the need for Virtual Private Networks (VPN). The apps have the ability to operate on a global scale while protecting information from phishing, malware, ransomware, and supply chain attacks.

The apps also have secure endpoints that do not require patching and strong account takeover protections. The total estimated procurement value follows:

CLIN Subscription Period Description Quantity Estimated Total 0001 09/30/2024 – 09/29/2025 Google Workspace

Enterprise Plus 1,800 $

0002 09/30/2024 – 09/29/2025 Google Workspace Enterprise Plus: Archived User

1,500 $

0003 09/30/2024 – 09/29/2025 G Suite Support Base Fee 1 $ 0004 09/30/2024 – 09/29/2025 G Suite Support Variable

Fee 1 $

0005 09/30/2024 – 09/29/2025 G Suite Support Cloud Platform

50,000 $

Estimated Total $

JEFO No. FY24-00134

4. Identify the Brand Name and supporting rationale.

CISA COCO intends to procure a brand name specification for Google Workspace Enterprise Plus. The brand-name product or feature is essential to the Government’s requirements and market research indicates other companies’ similar products, or products lacking the particular feature, do not meet, or cannot be modified to meet, the agency’s needs.

The justification for requiring the brand-name product is that an active subscription is required to maintain the features and maintenance support for Google Workspace Enterprise Plus licenses that are already installed on the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) network. The proprietary features are an exception and are essential to the Government’s requirements. Google's proprietary maintenance support includes patching (manufacturer-issued updates to close security vulnerabilities and optimize the performance of the software). The patching includes FedRAMP certifications and security readiness applied by Google in its maintenance support services. Other companies’ similar products are not compatible to provide the required updates, patches and required maintenance support because the required support is proprietary to Google LLC. Furthermore, other companies’ products, due to their own respective proprietary nature, cannot be modified to meet the agency’s needs.

The Google brand-name product must be used because procurement of an alternate product could introduce incompatibility risks to the DHS existing network architecture, maintenance platforms, and configuration systems as well as negatively impact the interoperability with other DHS systems at all data centers. The use of other products also could result in compatibility and interface issues that would preclude the system’s support team from providing efficient and effective customer support. Procuring an alternate product other than Google Workspace Enterprise Plus would require complete infrastructure replacement with a significant increase in cost resulting from the configuration of a new product which could result in technical risks and implementation delays (changing control boards for removal of old hardware to the new product).

5. Determination by the contracting officer that the anticipated cost to the Government will be fair and reasonable.

The Contracting Officer has determined that using the First Source II contract for a competitive solicitation will result in fair and reasonable pricing.

6. Any other facts supporting the justification.

There are no other facts supporting this justification.

7. A statement of the actions, if any, the agency may take to remove or overcome any barriers that led to the Brand Name before any subsequent acquisition for the supplies or services is made.

CISA will continue to monitor the marketplace, and if/when additional products provide the required capability, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness, they will be considered prior to a subsequent award.

JEFO No. FY24-00134

8. CISA COCO intends to post this requirement on www.sam.gov pursuant to FAR 16.505(b)(2)(ii)(D).

9. Technical/Requirements Personnel Certification.

Pursuant to FAR 16.505(b)(2)(ii)(B)(9), I certify that this requirement meets the Government’s minimum need and that the supporting data, which form a basis for the justification, are accurate and complete.

Date Technical Representative/COR

10. Contracting Officer Certification.

Pursuant to FAR 16.505(b)(2)(ii)(B)(8), I certify that this justification is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief and hereby determine that the circumstances for a Brand Name exist:

Date Contracting Officer

11. Approval.

I herby determine that the circumstance in paragraph FAR 16.505(b)(2)(i)(B) applies.

Date Procuring Activity Advocate for Competition