Rugged Rack-Mounted Server Computers

The U.S. Department of the Navy, through the Naval Research Laboratory’s Contracting Division, is soliciting bids for two rugged rack-mounted server computers under RFQ N0017326QCM02, a total small business set-aside utilizing FAR Subpart 12.2 streamlined commercial procedures. The requirement is for Crystal Group RS3700 servers with specific hardened specifications, including an AMD EPYC 9555 processor, 64GB DDR5 RDIMMs, 12.8TB NVMe U.2 SSDs with TCG OPAL and FIPS 140-3 compliance, redundant 1200W AC power supplies, and a rugged aluminum 3U chassis under 22 inches in length, all conforming to MIL-STD-461 and RTCA/DO-160 Category M standards for electromagnetic compatibility and environmental resilience in harsh operational conditions. The solicitation is a firm-fixed-price contract with delivery expected 90 days after award to the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory in Washington, DC, with inspection and acceptance occurring at destination. Proposal submissions must be electronic, include full technical and pricing details, manufacturer authorization, warranty information, and SAM.gov registration, and are subject to strict compliance with brand-name exclusivity—only new, OEM Crystal Group equipment is acceptable; remanufactured or gray market items are prohibited. The deadline for responses has been extended to July 24, 2026, at 4:00 PM EST, with vendors who previously submitted quotes permitted to revise and resubmit prior to this date. Proposals are evaluated through a price/technical tradeoff process, with compliance to Attachment 1 Specifications serving as a mandatory pass/fail gate, while supplier risk assessment and cost/price are equally weighted factors. The contract incorporates a wide array of FAR and DFARS clauses including safeguards for cyber incident reporting, supply chain risk, trafficking in persons, small business utilization, nonmanufacturer rules, Buy American Act compliance, and electronic payment via WAWF. Offerors must be registered in SAM.gov and certified as small businesses under NAICS code 334111, and are required to submit representations on compliance with federal procurement laws and regulations, including disclosures regarding former DoD officials and security prohibitions. The government will assess supplier risk through the SPRS system, with low-risk bidders identified by Blue, Purple, or Green scores, and contractors must adhere to stringent