Sole Source justification_Redacted.pdf

Justification for Other than Full and Open Competition Sole Source

1. Contracting activity:

The procurement action is generated by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), Office of Procurement Operations (OPO), Washington, DC.

2. Action being approved:

This is the renewal of Software Diversified Software’s (SDS) Vital Signs and Vital Signs for VTAM network performance monitors software license. This software provides network monitoring for Continuous Operations and High Availability.

3. Supplies or services required to meet the agency's needs (including the estimated value):

Renewal of SDS Vital Signs and Vital Signs for VTAM network performance monitors annual software license as listed below, for two years (a base year and one option year). The approximate total cost of this software maintenance support is Base period: October 1, 2020- September 30, 2021 Option 1 period: October 1, 2021- September 30, 2022

Mainframe- ZR1 3907 N03 Product Quantity Vital Signs (VIP) 1 Vital Signs for VTAM (VSV) 1

4. Statutory authority permitting other than full and open competition:

41 U.S.C. 3304(a)(1); FAR 6.302-1 - Only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements.

5. Demonstration that the contractor's unique qualifications or the nature of the acquisition requires the use of the authority cited:

This action is to renew the software license of IP and SNA network monitoring software called Vital Signs and Vital Signs for VTAM which operate solely within the IBM mainframe ZR1 server. SDS provides the Vital Signs and Vital Signs for VTAM network software monitors which operate solely within the IBM zEnterprise, provides more capabilities, and costs significantly less to operate than comparable software. The software is currently operating on OPM servers and has been in use since 2012. SDS is the only company that can authorize the renewal of the license for SDS software. There are no partners or authorized resellers of SDS products. To ensure the continued use of the software the license must be renewed and SDS is the only company that can provide the renewal of the license for continued use and support.

6. Efforts made to ensure that offers are solicited from as many potential sources as is practicable, including whether a notice was or will be publicized as required by Subpart

5.2 and, if not, which exception under 5.202 applies:

Software Diversified Services is the one source of the Vital Signs and Vital Signs for VTAM network software for System z (z/OS based) software and does not permit resellers. The sole source justification will be posted to beta.SAM.gov for public viewing.

Market research was performed searching for other products that provide the same benefits as Vital Signs. OPM have used SDS Vital Signs here since 2012 and have found the product technically superior to other similar products and cost less. Other similar products, from other vendors, are more expensive and do not add any extra value for the increase in cost. SDS provides the Vital Signs and Vital Signs for VTAM network software monitors which operates solely within the IBM zEnterprise and Enterprise Servers, provides more capabilities, and costs significantly less to operate over a 5 or more year period than the IBM Tivoli Omegamon for Mainframe Networks.

The Data Center has been doing extensive market research to find a network monitor which will meet the Continuous Operations and High Availability requirement needed for the IBM Enterprise and future zEnterprise Servers to support such high priority applications. The CIO’s Data Center carefully reviewed the functional requirements to ensure none were included that were not necessary for OPM to continue to operate.

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

Based on the history of over eight years use of the SDS vital signs software, there was no increase in price over the last four years of software. The estimated price is a 3.00% increase, CPI recommended increase, over the same pricing that has not increased for over four years.

The price is lower than similar products.

8. Description of the market research conducted (see Part 10) and the results or a statement of the reason market research was not conducted:

Market research was conducted using the internet to find any alternative solution to the present SDS software, to research to vendor websites, hardware documentation and private industry experts. Attendance at industry conferences, such at SHARE, was used to speak with a wide range of software vendors to learn and evaluate if what they offer as a software to monitor IBM Enterprise and zEnterprise Server Internet Protocol and VTAM networks.

9. Other facts supporting the use of other than full and open competition:

None.

10. Sources that expressed, in writing, an interest in the acquisition:

N/A

11. Actions the agency may take to remove or overcome any barriers to competition before any subsequent acquisition for the supplies or services required:

The agency will continue to monitor other commercial products on the market as they become available and compare pricing and weight the benefits and costs to transition to an alternative software to remove barriers to competition.

12. Certifications:

I certify that the information provided herein to support this Justification is complete and accurate to the best of my knowledge and belief.

Signature Typed Name: Stuart White Program Office

I hereby certify that this Justification is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief.

Signature:

Typed Name: William Dunlap Contracting Officer