Justification and Approval

Justification for an Exception to Fair Opportunity Contracting Activity: 22 CONS/LGCA Purchase Request Number: F2Z3131152AC01 Project Name: AS5300/CS1000 Application Server and Communication Server Estimated Cost: XXX Authority: The test program for commercial items (section 4202 of the Clinger-Cohen Act of 1996) and FAR Part 16.505(b)(2)(ii)(B); I. CONTRACTING ORGANIZATION: United States Air Force 22 CONS/LGCA Contracting Officer: Rosa Krauss, DSN 743-4525 53384 Kansas Street Ste 108, Building 840 McConnell AFB, Kansas 67221-3606 Purchase Request: F2Z3131152AC01 II. DESCRIPTION OF THIS ACTION: A. Upon approval to use other than full and open competition procedures, 22 CONS will issue a new contract to procure an AS5300/CS1000 Application Server and Communication server. B. Contemplated Contract Type: This is a Within Scope Delivery Order contract, utilizing a Firm-Fixed-Price (FFP) pricing arrangement off an established Netcents contract vehicle. III. DESCRIPTION OF SUPPLIES AND SERVICES: A Narrative Description: The Government requires the Avaya Communication Server (CS1000) upgrade from 4.5 to 5.0 along with the purchase and installation of the Avaya Application Server (AS5300) switch at McConnell AFB. The AS5300/CS1000 is hardware and software that shall enhance our telecommunications capabilities and integrate with our existing Nortel equipment. This system provides telephony, multimedia conferencing capabilities, and instant messaging. We own over $1.1M in software licenses that will be migrated to the new AS5300. B. Total Estimated Cost: XXX. The appropriation code is 3400. IV. STATUTORY AUTHORITY: The test program for commercial items (section 4202 of the Clinger-Cohen Act of 1996) and FAR Part 16.505(b)(2)(ii)(B) V. APPLICABILITY OF AUTHORITY: A. McConnell AFB requires an Avaya Aura AS5300 Application Server to continue migration to VoIP and Unified Capabilities. This includes any necessary hardware, software and gateways to permit expansion into a Local Session Controller per JITC (Joint Interoperability Test Command) specifications. The AS 5300 fits into the cost-saving strategy being implemented at USAF, as the system protects critical investments made in current telephony hardware as many components of the current system can be re-used in the AS 5300 system resulting in substantial cost savings. McConnell currently has an investment of $1.1M in licenses that can be transferred to the AS5300. The current Voice Switching System (VSS) at McConnell AFB is an AVAYA/Nortel CS1000M Multi Group system. The goal of McConnell is to migrate to a platform that provides support for VoIP phones in use today, protect the legacy investment in telephones, training and operational contracts while providing a platform to leverage new Unified Capabilities and protocols. The Avaya Aura AS5300 system will be able to leverage the existing Nortel i1120 and i1140 telephones that have been deployed at McConnell AFB. It also leverages interoperability guarantees with the CS1000M and the Avaya Communications Manager 4.02 system in use by the Air National Guard NOSC at McConnell AFB. Current and future Operations and Maintenance contracts are with Avaya certified partners, and would not require advanced training and or contractor replacement if the Avaya Aura AS5300 system is installed. This is important because the learning time curve for McConnell's operations and maintenance vendor (Avaya certified) provides immediate service for McConnell. The purchase of the Avaya AS5300 system will provide McConnell AFB with a growth platform to future capabilities, permit migration of legacy assets, and protect the previous investments in equipment, personnel and training. The AS5300 shall provide McConnell the following capabilities: telephony with video, instant messaging, chat, click-to-call, web push plus co-browsing and meet-me conferencing - a security based video and audio conferencing feature. VI. EFFORTS TO OBTAIN COMPETITION: Market research revealed that there are similar application and communication servers that are available in the commercial market; however, due to purchased software licenses and existing telecommunications equipment that can only integrate with Avaya, it is not in the best interest of the government to use another company. This justification shall be posted on the GPE(http://www.fedbizzopps.gov) IAW FAR Part 16.505(b)(2)(ii)(D) within 14 days after placing an order exceeding the simplified acquisition threshold that does not provide for fair opportunity, in order to promote competition to the fullest extent practicable. We anticipate multiple offers using the Netcents contract vehicle. VII. FAIR AND REASONABLE COSTS: It is anticipated that the cost of this acquisition will be fair and reasonable based on competition received through Netcents. VIII. MARKET RESEARCH: As stated above, this is a brand name requirement for Avaya. Due to large anticipated cost savings, purchased licenses, and existing equipment, using another company for these products would not be in the best interest of the government. IX. OTHER FACTORS: None. X. INTERESTED SOURCES: None. XI. STEPS TO FOSTER COMPETITION: The government does not have sufficient data or data rights in the data that can be provided to allow for competition of this requirement. If the buyer discovers information to the contrary, it will be listed in the contract file. XII. CONTRACTING OFFICER'S CERTIFICATION: The Contracting Officer's signature on the coordination document evidences that they have determined this document to be both accurate and complete to the best of their knowledge. XIII. CONTRACTING OFFICER'S DETERMINATION: This document shall suffice as justification for other than full and open competition based on authority in FAR Part 16.505(b)(2)(i)(B). Only one awardee is capable of providing the supplies or services required at the level of quality required because the supplies or services ordered are unique or highly specialized. Based on the above documentation, I hereby determine, that this acquisition be restricted to Brand Name Only.