Notice of Intent to procure Dell Blade Servers - CHESS RFQ - #528646
ID: CHESSRFQ528646Type: Combined Synopsis/Solicitation
Overview

Buyer

DEPT OF DEFENSEDEPT OF THE ARMYW6QK ACC- DTAWARREN, MI, 48397-5000, USA

NAICS

Software Publishers (513210)

PSC

IT AND TELECOM - BUSINESS APPLICATION/APPLICATION DEVELOPMENT SOFTWARE AS A SERVICE (DA10)
Timeline
    Description

    The Department of Defense, specifically the Army, is seeking quotes for the procurement of new brand name Dell Blade Servers through a firm fixed-price contract. This procurement aims to support engineering groups by providing essential IT equipment, with a strict requirement for Dell brand products only, as outlined in the attached "Dell Blade Salient Characteristics for CHESS RFQ." The contract will be awarded based on best value, and all quotes must be submitted via the Army CHESS IT MART by April 18, 2025, at 3 PM EST, with no exceptions for late submissions. Interested contractors should direct any inquiries to Daphne Philson at daphne.b.philson.civ@army.mil by April 15, 2025, to ensure timely responses.

    Point(s) of Contact
    Files
    Title
    Posted
    The Army Contract Writing System (ACWS) is being deployed by the Army Contracting Enterprise, replacing existing contract writing systems worldwide. During the transition, contractors are advised that the Contracting Office may use multiple systems, resulting in variations in document formatting and potentially important information. Contractors must prepare their Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems and staff to adapt to these differences. The document states that any changes to contract terms arising from the new systems should be considered potentially erroneous unless explicitly indicated as intentional. If issues arise during system migration, the Contracting Officer will issue a continuation contract to preserve existing terms. This process is structured to ensure consistency and integrity in contract administration and contractor performance measurement data. Therefore, contractors must remain vigilant and communicate any discrepancies to the responsible Contracting Officer to facilitate necessary corrections without additional cost.
    This memorandum details an exemption for the CHESS IT MART RFQ solicitation from the requirement to post on SAM.gov, the Government Point of Entry. Under the Army Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (AFARS) 9-4(a), CHESS is identified as the mandatory source for all Army IT purchases, including commercial hardware and software. Specifically, only the Air National Guard is exempt from this requirement and must use AFADVANTAGE/GSA-2GIT for compatibility purposes. The memo underscores that any IT purchases outside of CHESS must obtain a waiver and a Statement of Non-availability (SoNA). Consequently, regulations outlined in FAR 5.101 and FAR 5.301 regarding contract award announcements do not apply to CHESS IT MART transactions. This document reflects adherence to established procurement guidelines while ensuring compliance with Army-specific purchasing protocols.
    The document outlines a comprehensive list of products and services related to the Dell Blade Server system, specifically tailored for a government Request for Quotation (RFQ). It details various components, including the PowerEdge MX7000 enclosure, MX760C server units, necessary accessories, and warranties such as the Dell Hardware Limited Warranty and ProSupport services. Additional items feature networking modules, redundant power supplies, and advanced technical support options. The inclusion of configuration services and asset tagging indicates a focus on tailored installation and management for federal operations. The enumeration of items exemplifies a structured approach to fulfilling technical requirements under federal guidelines, emphasizing reliability, support, and compliance. Overall, the document serves as a structured proposal aimed at equipping government entities with advanced server solutions while ensuring extensive warranty and support coverage.
    The document outlines the "Instructions to Offerors" for Commercial Products and Commercial Services as part of federal procurement processes. It includes provisions related to submission guidelines for offers, including necessary components like solicitation numbers, technical descriptions, terms of warranty, pricing, and acknowledgment of any solicitation amendments. Offerors must comply with requirements such as providing a unique entity identifier and maintaining their offer validity for 30 days. Furthermore, it details the handling of late submissions, stating specific conditions under which late offers may be considered. The document emphasizes the government’s intent to evaluate initial offers without discussions, urging offerors to present their best initial terms. Additionally, it covers the potential for multiple awards and outlines the eligibility requirements for small businesses based on the NAICS codes. The availability of relevant specifications and standards is addressed, along with debriefing provisions post-award to provide insights on evaluations and rankings. Overall, the instruction aims to ensure clear communication and compliance among offerors in federal procurement, fostering an orderly and competitive bidding environment.
    Lifecycle
    Title
    Type
    Combined Synopsis/Solicitation
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