Brand_Name_Justification_-_Cisco_Systems.pdf

JOINT FORCE HEADQUARTERS VIRGIN ISLANDS NATIONAL GUARD

RR#1 Box 9201

Kingshill VI 00850-9731

NGVI-IMD 7 August 2019

MEMORANDUM FOR Contracting Officer, RR 2, Box 9200, Kingshill VI 00850

SUBJECT: Brand Name Justification for Cisco Systems

1. Per FAR 11.105(a)(1) utilizing CISCO systems allows the Information Technology (IT) section to standardize equipment, configurations, troubleshooting, and work flow for re-imaging/updating the Imbedded Operating System (IOS). The CISCO routers and switches are compatible with DISA Joint Enterprise Level Agreement (JELA), Inventory Collection &

Reporting System (ICRS) structural inventory, and with Virgin Islands National Guard (VING) remote management software. The JELA, additionally, provides services at no cost to the VING when manufacture help is required.

2. Authority to limit sources to less than those required by FAR 8.405-1 and 8.405-2 is found at

FAR 8.405-6. The justification for limiting sources is the items are peculiar to one manufacturer.

3. VING has invested in CISCO networking equipment, and is the standard hardware operated throughout VING network environment, the National Guard Bureau (NGB) enterprise, and the

U.S. Army enterprise. Purchasing any other brand would require our one assigned network technician to learn new configuration commands and troubleshooting skills for that equipment;

this would cause downtimes or lengthen recovery downtimes when network is malfunctioning.

The network technician would also require additional time to research how to implement the

Security Technical Implementation Guidelines (STIGs) in order to meet cybersecurity compliance. Therefore, it is in the best interest of the VING to maintain CISCO equipment within its infrastructure.

4. The IT networking section maintains updated knowledge based on the various manufacturers and their systems capabilities, and would become aware in good time if brand name justification no longer requires purchase.

5. I certify that all possible research to find an acceptable substitute within the required time has been accomplished and no other item will suffice.

EMANUEL HUERTA

MAJ, GS

G6 – Deputy Chief of Staff

Information Management