J -- SERVER UPGRADE TO SUPPORT HP QUALITY CENTER ON DELL POWEREDGE SERVERS

NOTICE OF INTENT TO AWARD SOLE SOURCE UNDER THE AUTHORITY OF FAR 6.302CONTRACTING OFFICE: Department of the Air Force, Air Force Material Command, Electronic Systems Center (ESC)/HIK. DESCRIPTION: The Government is seeking a sole source purchase of the name brand product to support maintenance of DELL Server equipment in support of the Quality Center worldwide database and the operational environment. This hardware is specific and required for compatibility of the servers. JUSTIFICATION (SOLE SOURCE): Although the model and brand is the same for this purchase from the resellers, the specifications are not the same and they do not carry the exact product; therefore, the performance will be ineffective for the Hotplug HardDrive, customer kit (341-8497) and tied to the other components. This product is ONLY available with all components for proper installation through the DELL website. The Government's minimum needs can only be satisfied by DELL hardware. The servers are currently under warranty and a generic brand would negate the warranty of the services. INTENTION: Open market purchase order award to DELL according to the justification above. Supplies or services required are available from only one or a limited number of responsible sources under the authority of FAR 6.302. Interested sources may identify their interest and capability to respond to the requirement or submit proposals. This notice of intent is not a request for competitive proposals; however, the Government will consider all proposals received within 5 days after date of publication of this synopsis. A determination by the Government not to compete this proposed contract based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. Information received will normally be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement.