JUSTIFICATION FOR EXCEPTION TO FAIR OPPORTUNITY- HI Additional PDUs - Redacted

SBU - CONTRACTING AND ACQUISITIONS

E36G18L

Panduit Corp.

Switched PRO4X iX PDU, 48 RamLock HDOT Outlets (24 C13 + 24 Cx), 208V 30A (24A Rated) NEMA L6-30P Plug with 3 m (9.84 ft) Input Cord, Bottom/Angled Cord Entry, Outlet #1 Opposite The Power Input, Auto-orient Middle LCD, Dual 10/100/1000 Mbps Ethernet Ports, Environmental Sensor Support, Dual USB-A Ports for Linking and Accessories

MA019

Panduit Corp.

PDU UNIVERSAL MOUNTING BRACKET (SET OF TWO BRACKETS)

KIT-MB-99

Server
Technology

Adjustable Button Bracket for Vertical CDUS screws. A standard size button is mounted on the sliding bracket, and a extended button is mounted on the other end of the CDU.screws.

The estimated value for the entire period of performance 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.
Brand-name PDUs and mounting hardware from APC, Panduit Corp., and Server Technology are required to maintain compatibility with existing datacenter site infrastructure. APC units (APDU11151SM, AP8888) integrate with the MDCs' existing NetShelter and Network Management Card ecosystem. Panduit units (E36G18L, MA019) integrate with HST-OW's existing Panduit rack and mounting rail system. Server Technology units (C4W48RA-2CBE2FD7, KIT-MB-99) integrate with ESOC West's existing CDU platform. These are proprietary hardware products; only the original manufacturer and its authorized or certified resellers have access to the firmware required to operate and secure them, which prevents the use of other brands. End of Life [EOL] and End of Support [EOS] equipment lose access to critical security patches and updates, creating risks to functionality, cybersecurity, and compliance. The equipment being procured will replace aging EOL and EOS units that can no longer receive required security updates or maintain acceptable operational reliability. As part of Technical Review Board [TRB] requirements, each item will be tested to confirm current firmware, non‑EOL and non‑EOS status, and continued eligibility for manufacturer security updates, a certification achievable only with equipment supported by the original manufacturer. Market research confirms no other manufacturer's products are compatible with the existing infrastructure at each site, and none can be modified to achieve compatibility without unacceptable cost, delay, or security risk.