Pure Storage Flash Array Systems (Brand Name Only)

This is a Sources Sought Notice (SSN) issued solely for market research and planning purposes in accordance with FAR Part 10. This is NOT a Request for Quote (RFQ) or a Request for Proposal (RFP). No contract will be awarded from this notice.

The Government is issuing this SSN specifically to determine the availability and technical capability of qualified Small Businesses to provide the required brand-name equipment and meet the mandatory security requirements outlined below. The results of this market research will be used to determine if a Small Business Set-Aside is appropriate.

The Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) has a requirement to procure two (2) new Pure Storage Flash Array systems, including associated components and on-site installation as follows:

1. Pure Storage FlashArray (FA-C50R4-ETH-260TB-14x18.6TB)

2. Ethernet connection card (100Gb Ethernet SFP), 4 ports

3. Physical connectors for data transfer (100GbE QSFP56 connections)

4. On-site installation at NRL 4555 Overlook Ave. SW Washington, DC 20375

5. Warranty

6. Pure Storage Evergreen support subscription

Brand Name Only Constraint:
This is a Brand Name Only requirement for Pure Storage equipment. No substitutions or "or-equal" products will be accepted. This constraint is required to ensure seamless compatibility with existing infrastructure, avoid duplicative integration costs, and maintain current operational capabilities (as documented in the Government's internal Brand Name Justification).

MANDATORY SECURITY REQUIREMENTS

Due to the physical location where the equipment will be installed, strict security protocols apply to this procurement. Vendors must meet the following baseline security requirements:

1. Facility Clearance (FCL): The vendor (prime contractor) must possess and maintain an active SECRET Facility Security Clearance.
2. Personnel Clearance (PCL): Any technician(s) performing on-site installation must possess an active, final Tier 3 (T3) / SECRET personnel security clearance to be granted access to the installation site. Interim clearances will not be accepted.

SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS (CAPABILITY STATEMENT)

Interested Small Businesses that meet the requirements above are invited to submit a Capability Statement. The response must not exceed three (3) pages and must include the following verifiable information:

1. Company Profile & Security Verification:
   • Company Name, Physical Address, and Point of Contact (Name, Email, Phone).
   • CAGE Code and UEI. (Note: The Government will utilize the provided CAGE code to verify the required SECRET Facility Clearance.
   • Confirmation of the company's business size and any applicable socio-economic categories (e.g., 8(a), SDVOSB, HUBZone, WOSB) under the applicable NAICS code.
2. Identify any existing strategic sourcing vehicles (such as NASA SEWP V, GSA MAS, or DoD Enterprise Software Initiative (ESI) agreements) under which your company is authorized to sell these specific Pure Storage items. If applicable, provide the corresponding contract number.
3. Manufacturer Authorization: Provide a Manufacturer Authorization Letter from Pure Storage (or active Partner Network ID) serving as verifiable proof that the vendor is an authorized reseller capable of providing the specified brand-name equipment and transferring all associated OEM warranties and support to the Government.
4. Personnel Security Confirmation: Provide a written assertion that the vendor currently employs technicians possessing active, final Tier 3 (T3) / SECRET clearances who are capable of performing the required on-site installation. (Do not submit personal identifiers such as SSNs or DOBs with this response).

NOTE: THIS IS NOT A SOLICITATION. This is an SSN for planning purposes only, and is not to be construed as a commitment by the Government, nor will the Government pay for information solicited. Since this is an SSN, no evaluation letters and/or results will be issued to the respondents. The Government is not committed to awarding a contract or issuing a solicitation pursuant to this announcement. No solicitation package is available at this time.