Single Source Justification Non Stop Kernel Final.pdf

United States Department of Agriculture Limited Source/Brand Name Justification

FAR 13.106-1(b)(1) – Simplified Acquisitions

1. Identification of the agency and the contracting activity.

USDA, AMS, Cotton and Tobacco Programs 3275 Appling Road Memphis, TN 38133

Contracting Activity:

USDA, APHIS AAMD

Office of Contracting and Procurement 250 Marquette Ave Ste 410, Minneapolis, MN 55401

2. Description of supply or service required to meet the agency’s needs.

The USDA Cotton and Tobacco program is responsible for facilitating marketing by providing standardization, grading, and market news services for cotton, cotton related products, and tobacco. The core foundational equipment for maintaining the functionality of these programs is the Nonstop Kernel Operating System. This system is comprised of hardware, software and services which are open market proprietary products and services. These items are available from a single source with no resellers.

Several system components have been classified as end of life and will require system upgrades applicable to the hardware, software, and maintenance in order to remain operational.

3. The rationale or circumstances for limiting competition.

The Nonstop Kernel Operating System is comprised of hardware and software that is proprietary in nature, there is a single source capable of providing the required upgrades. The upgrades required to all end of life components must be compatible in all aspects with existing systems that are presently installed in the cotton and tobacco classing facilities nationwide.

4. A description of the market research conducted and the results or a statement of the reason market research was not conducted.

The Cotton and Tobacco Program has conducted market research on an ongoing basis through engagement with industry and vendors in the commercial space. The proprietary nature of the hardware, software and services provided have resulted in an overall inability to obtain competition for this requirement to date. The Program office will maintain continual market research to ensure any new opportunities in the market place are explored.

5. Estimated price, including all options, if applicable.

This contract is for the procurement of end of life components within the Non-Stop Kernel Operating System for replacement. The total estimated value for these upgrades is less than that Simplified Acquisition Threshold.

6. Recommended source(s).

Hewlett Packard Enterprises

Certifications

Supporting data that is the responsibility of technical or requirements personnel and which form the basis for this justification are accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge.

Tony O’Campo Deputy Director, USDA Cotton and Tobacco IT Division

The information contained in this justification is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief and in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation 13.106-1(b)(1), I hereby determine the circumstances described above deem only one source, or limited sources, reasonably available and competition is precluded for the reasons indicated in this document.

Melissa L Kennedy Contracting Officer