RECOVERY - Routers and Memory Upgrade

RECOVERY – THIS NOTICE IS PROVIDED FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY in accordance with FAR 5.704, Publicizing – Preaward. The Government posts this notice of intent to place an order for Cisco Routers and Memory Upgrades (DRAM or Flash RAM) under an existing Government Wide Acquisition Contract using the procedures established in FAR 16.5. The routers and memory will be purchased on a fixed-price basis. The NAICS code is 423430. Consideration will be restricted to the item particular to one manufacturer. Justification: Indian Health Services uses Cisco Network equipment for approximately 90% of existing hardware in order to provide consistent Agency operation, mission, and patient care. It is imperative that all routers be standardized in order to maintain adequate technical support, maintenance, and staffing. Standardization to existing hardware makes the installation, setup, and deployment of new hardware manageable and meets the security standards of DHHS and IHS. IHS has utilized the Network Operations Systems Center, which is a remote centralized support center, for network hardware, including router support. In doing so, a pattern of timely and correct technical support has developed to include quick 24X7 technical phone support, on-site support when required, and timely replacement of hardware devices utilizing the Cisco Smart-Net support. The technical support is extremely valuable in providing 24X7 operations of Native American Health Care Facilities, saving the Government a great deal of resources in manpower, equipment, and travel time, resulting in monetary savings. Historically, using the devices of different hardware manufacturers on the network has caused failures and conflicts in the system, and the remote technical support software is not compatible with non-Cisco hardware. This requirement was previously announced under IHS solicitation number 09-102-SOL-50001. The award made as a result of the solicitation was determined to be noncompliant with the terms of the Federal Supply Schedule and was cancelled.