redacted Brand Name_Redacted.pdf

Justification for an Exception to Fair Opportunity or to Use Brand-Name Restriction

FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY

November 2018 FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY Page 1 of 3

This action is to purchase an item peculiar to one manufacturer, a brand-name procurement - Dell Servers with CSPi software, encrypted storage and transceivers for .

The Ground Based Strategic Deterrent System Program Office (GBSD SPO) must acquire Dell computing servers. These servers will be used for data storage and analysis in the SPO's effort to build out

. The prototype uses pre-configured software deployment mechanisms supplied to the Air Force. The prototype is in use by Air Force Space Command and employed for use on Air Force weapon systems (a first of its kind) to which the GBSD SPO is looking to capitalize on. This previously optimized solution will eliminate duplicative efforts to build out the same technology.

In Accordance With (IAW) Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 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."

The prototype system was configured through advanced research and functionalities provided by the Dell systems and has been specifically configured with CPU, memory, and data storage

F2DCAH0099A102

November 2018 FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY Page 2 of 3 requirements that work with prototype developed software and scripting languages, previously tested and approved for use.

(A) Due to the expedient need of the technology the above described system provides, it would be redundant for the GBSD SPO to procure an off-brand technology that would have to go through configuration, testing, and authorization before it can be deployed for the SPO's use. Additionally,

(B) The system, as configured by Dell, has already met Air Force Space Commands Authorizing Officials risk acceptance levels the GBSD SPO will leverage with reciprocity.

(C) this Dell systems will be used, the GBSD SPO will utilize Dell specific supply chain actions to ensure the system delivered has been vetted to ensure it has been supplied through qualified and authorized Dell resellers.

Based on market research it is anticipated that adequate price competition exists to establish a fair and reasonable price. IAW FAR 15.404-1(b) Price Analysis for commercial items techniques and procedures will be used to ensure the final agreed to price is fair and reasonable. This acquisition will be solicited on a competitive basis. There is reasonable expectation that at least 2 quotations will be received.

As the GBSD SPO's cyber defense solutions mature, there is policy in development to continue future research and development of computing hardware and software technologies to meet the goals of the SPO to support a safe, secure, and effective weapon system. The SPO is obligated to obtain the right technology, at the right time, to meet the needs of the SPO, to ensure national security, dependent of the specific brand of the supplier or technology. As the cyber landscape changes the SPO will continue to look for technically mature solutions demanded by the DoD to engage with the ever evolving cyber threat environments Air Force IT systems are subject to.

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