Justification for an Exception to Fair Opportunity HPE Juniper Redacted

allow authorized users to access DOS’ ClassNet for web browsing, email, voice systems and other standard ClassNet applications via approved mobile devices such as laptops and cellphones. DOS can allow designated employees to utilize secure communications to receive and transmit classified information essential to making real-time and informed decisions at approved alternate work locations.
The estimated value is

SECTION 4: IDENTIFICATION OF THE EXCEPTION TO FAIR OPPORTUNITY

AND THE SUPPORTING RATIONALE

This acquisition is conducted pursuant to 41 U.S.C. 4103 and 4106 as implemented by FAR 16.507-6 and substantiated by the following:
☒ FAR 16.507-7 - Items peculiar to one manufacturer.
This is a Brand-Name only requirement. There are many resellers of HPE brand Juniper Hardware Care and annual software license renewals. HPE Juniper, however, is the only manufacturer whose Hardware Care and annual software license renewals preexist and are NSA-certified for use within the DOS authorized Commercial Solutions for Classified (CSfC) environment. Additionally, there are warranties, service plans and software maintenance agreements that will become void if unauthorized equipment is introduced into the CSfC environment.
Additionally, it is important that PMD keeps consistency and homogeneity in the environment to reduce operational complexity and risk. Some of the obvious benefits of a homogeneous environment include consistency in monitoring, reporting and centralized management, but this strategy has also been used to re-purpose equipment from under-utilized environments to shoreup environments that have the same equipment, but require more resources.

HPE brand Juniper Hardware Care and annual software license renewals are uniquely qualified to meet the requirements of PMD based upon the following: • Authority to operate on ClassNet network: Compliance with network security standards and operational authorization

• Equipment repurposing capability: Existing equipment repurposing from underutilized environments to production systems, saving millions of dollars in unnecessary spending • Proprietary technology and OEM support requirements: The DOS currently owns HPE brand Juniper Integrated Networking and Cybersecurity Platform equipment that these software licenses are intended to support.
• Risk mitigation: Alternative manufacturers would introduce untested variables into a time-critical, DOS and NSA accredited program

SECTION 5: DETERMINATION BY THE CONTRACTING OFFICER THAT THE