Brand Name Justification

I. AGENCY IDENTITY AND CONTRACTING OFFICE The U.S. Department of Energy/National Nuclear Security Administration’s (DOE/NNSA) Office of the Associate Administrator for Information Management and Chief Information Officer (OCIO; NA-IM) plans to contract for the purchase of Groundswell Integrated Budget Suite (GIBS), an Appian brand-name low-code software solution by using an exception to fair opportunity.

The contracting activity is the DOE/NNSA Contracting Operations Division, Headquarters Services Acquisition Branch (NA-PAS-314). II. NATURE AND/OR DESCRIPTION OF THE ACTION BEING APPROVED This document sets forth the justification and approval for the procurement of a brand name item, as required by Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 16.505(a)(4).

The NNSA intends to procure the Appian/Groundswell brand-name software solution as described in Section III under the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Solution for Enterprise-Wide Procurement (SEWP) Government-Wide Acquisition Contract (GWAC) vehicle. This contract action is for a one-year, firm-fixed-price acquisition for the GIBS solution, with two one-year option periods. III.

DESCRIPTION OF SUPPLIES AND SERVICES NNSA OCIO intends to implement of a low-code solution that will optimize financial management, allow seamless integration between budgeting phases, provide for flexibility to address multiple scenarios, and enhance operational efficiency while aligning to the unique requirements and complexities of NA-IM’s financial landscape. That financial landscape includes Information Technology Portfolio Management (ITPfM) and Taxonomy Business Management (TBM) reporting.

GIBS provides a low-code solution that meets NNSA OCIO security and functional requirements while aligning with other Appian solutions used by NNSA. The estimated value of this Task Order is $2,972,268. IV. STATUTORY AUTHORITY AND SUPPORTING RATIONALE FAR Subpart 16.505(a)(4) permits the acquisition of name brand items under indefinite delivery indefinite quantity contracts provided the applicable requirements of the subpart are met.

The Appian/GIBS solution uniquely meets NNSA OCIO’s requirements for a low-code solution that provides integration with other Appian solutions already implemented by NNSA, specifically a low-code solution for acquisition management. Additionally, NNSA OCIO’s market research analysis indicated that Appian/GIBS addresses the complexities associated with IT and cyber investment and budget activities. No other tool was found to provide the holistic solution offered by Appian/GIBS.

This includes security requirements, multi-year scenario planning and linkages, and ITPfM and TBM reporting. For these reasons, only Appian/GIBS will meet NNSA’s needs.

V. DETERMINATION OF REASONABLENESS OF COST OR PRICE It is the determination of the Contracting Officer that the anticipated price will be fair and reasonable based on adequate price competition, and comparison with competitive published price list(s) or catalog(s), and/or comparison of proposed prices with prices obtained through market research for the same or similar items. VI. OTHER FACTS Market research was conducted in accordance with FAR 10.001(a)(2).

The Government’s market research did not identify other competitors for this type of enterprise-wide comprehensive support provided by an Appian/Groundswell (GIBS) solution. Currently, NASA SEWP has a single current GIBS reseller, Carahsoft Technology Corporation. Under the exception at FAR Part 5.202(a)(6) a notice will not be publicized in advance of the solicitation. The subsequent Order will be issued in accordance with FAR Subpart 16.5 and 16.505(a)(4). A request for quotation will be sent to NASA SEWP.

This justification will be posted on SAM.gov within 14 days of Task Order award. VII. STEPS TO FOSTER COMPETITION The GIBS solution is available through authorized reseller Carahsoft Technology Corporation on NASA SEWP. The RFQ will be released on NASA SEWP to all vendors under NACIS 541519. The NNSA will continue to monitor the market to determine whether any other source can meet the requirement prior to any subsequent acquisition.