JEFO - Data Center Switch and Routers
Overview
Buyer
Place of Performance
NAICS
PSC
Set Aside
Original Source
Timeline
Qualification Details
Fit reasons
- NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
- Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.
Risks
- Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
- Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.
Next steps
Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.
Quick Summary
The Department of the Army, specifically the W6QM MICC-FT KNOX office, has issued a Justification for an Exception to Fair Opportunity (JEFO) for the procurement of Cisco Data Center Switches and Routers. This requirement is for the United States Army Human Resources Command (USAHRC) at Fort Knox, KY, to replace end-of-life Layer 2 and Layer 3 network devices, ensuring system viability and compliance with "Zero Trust" security requirements. This is not a solicitation; procurement will occur through the CHESS contract vehicle.
Scope of Work
This lifecycle replacement requirement includes:
- Cisco Application Centric Infrastructure (ACI) 9000 series spine and leaf switches.
- Cisco Catalyst 9606 routers.
- Associated memory, licenses, power supplies, cables, and network interface cards.
- SME Quick Start Professional Services for Data Center.
All systems must meet Security and Technical Implementation Guide (STIG) requirements, DoD-specific security protocols, and Joint Information Environment (JIE) standards.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Firm-Fixed-Price (procurement via CHESS ITES-3H contract vehicle).
- Period of Performance: September 30, 2025, to September 29, 2026 (12 months).
- Funding: FY25 Other Procurement, Army funds.
- Authority: FAR 16.505(a)(4) - Restricting consideration to an item peculiar to one manufacturer.
- Published: September 30, 2025.
Evaluation
This document is a justification, not a solicitation. A Request for Quote (RFQ #518872) was submitted through CHESS, and competition is anticipated among CHESS contract holders. The justification is based on the proprietary nature of existing systems, security constraints, and the need for seamless integration with classified DoD networks.
Eligibility / Set-Aside
Not applicable, as this is a justification for an exception to fair opportunity, not a direct solicitation.
Additional Notes
The acquisition plan is not required as the procurement does not meet the threshold at DFARS 207.103(d)(i)(B).