Sole Source_Redacted.pdf

SOLE SOURCE JUSTIFICATION FOR SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITIONS

From: Code 1041

To: Simplified Acquisition Branch, Code 02

Subj: SOLE SOURCE JUSTIFICATION

1. DESCRIPTION OF REQUIRED SUPPLIES/SERVICES, ESTIMATED

VALUE, AND DELIVERY REQUIREMENTS

The Naval Surface Warfare Center, Carderock Division (NSWCCD), Ship Engineering Analysis and Technology (SEATech) Center, Code 104 is purchasing Managed Services from Penguin Computing, Inc. (Penguin), to include six three-day onsite visits. It is for ongoing technical work on the SEATech High Performance Computing (HPC) Penguin clusters. The estimated cost for the one-year period of Professional Services is

2. SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION FOR SOLE SOURCE BASED ON

CONTRACTOR’S UNIQUE QUALIFICATIONS OR NATURE OF THE

ACQUISITION

Penguin Computing is the only company that manufactures Penguin Computing-branded servers, Scyld ClusterWare clusters, workstations, and peripherals. Although Penguin has authorized resellers, only Penguin-employed technicians may support the hardware and software. If any other vendor were to do technical work on a Penguin system, all warranties and support contracts would be immediately voided. The command currently has a series of rackmount servers, storage solutions, network switches and workstations that are currently under a 3-year warranty. The warranty allows for replacement parts and limited phone support and basic remote troubleshooting. The enhanced support requested on this effort will provide a dedicated Penguin 24/7 on-call engineer available by phone, and Qty. 6 x three-day on-site visits for preventative maintenance and technical support. Some of the equipment serviced under this effort were purchased under N0016717P0381.

3. MARKET SURVEY

There are a number of vendors that distribute Penguin Computing products, including BlueTech who was the awardee on purchase order N0016717P0381. However, per Penguin’s warranty terms and conditions, any service by a non-Penguin Computing support representative will void the warranty of the system. The OEM support representatives are also involved in design and manufacturing, having unique knowledge of the equipment infrastructure. The command considered replacing hardware with alternative brands, however, that would require a complete re-evaluation of the network “clusters.” Clusters are groups of workstations connected via a private network (via connective “nodes” and “servers”). The initial network creation was done based on the computing capacity and recommended configuration as performed by Penguin Computing. The Contract Specialist contacted authorized equipment resellers to identify Penguin authorized technicians. Some of the authorized resellers include Meadowgate

Technologies, Aelius Exploitation Technologies, Alliance Technology Group, CounterTrade Products, and BlueTech. Based on market research, despite having authorized resellers, Penguin Computing only authorizes internal staff to perform the requested Professional Services.

4. ADDITIONAL FACTS

While the command can consider alternative networking solutions at the end of the life or tech refresh of these products, it is currently more efficient to continue with equipment and on-site servicing offered by Penguin.

5. CUSTOMER SIGNATURE:

I certify that the statements and information provided above, are complete and correct to the best of my knowledge. I understand that the processing of this sole source justification precludes the use of full and open competition.

Signature of Cognizant Requisition Originator Date

Signature of 1st Level Supervisor Date

Signature of Contracting Officer Date

Enclosure (1)