Notice of Intent to Sole Source UNITRENDS hardware and software support services for the Mescalero Service Unit
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 Albuquerque Area Indian Health Service has issued a Notice of Intent to Sole Source a firm-fixed price contract to CDW Government LLC for Unitrends hardware and software support services at the Mescalero Service Unit in Mescalero, NM. This notice seeks to identify other sources that can provide these essential services. Responses challenging the sole source intent are due by May 4, 2026, 12:00 PM (noon) MDT.
Scope of Work
The required services include Unitrends hardware and software support for system backups, restorations, and disaster recovery functions. These services are critical for maintaining system availability, protecting data integrity, and ensuring continuity of operations at the Mescalero Service Unit. A lapse in support would increase operational risks, potentially leading to disruptions and security vulnerabilities.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Notice of Intent to Sole Source (Firm-Fixed Price contract anticipated)
- Anticipated Awardee: CDW Government LLC
- Set-Aside: None (Sole Source)
- Estimated Value: Below Simplified Acquisition Threshold
- Response Due: May 4, 2026, 12:00 PM (noon) MDT (for questions/comments challenging the sole source)
- Published: April 24, 2026
Evaluation
The Government intends to award this contract non-competitively under FAR 6.302-1, citing only one responsible source. Interested parties must submit clear and convincing evidence demonstrating that competition would be advantageous, not cost or time prohibitive, and would not hinder the agency's mission objective. The determination to compete remains solely at the Government's discretion.
Additional Notes
This is not a request for quotes or proposals. Information received will be considered for determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement. The Government will not be responsible for any costs incurred in responding to this notice. Contact: Tamela Richards, Contract Specialist, at Tamela.Richards@ihs.gov. Subject Line for Responses: “Notice of Intent -Questions Submission – UNITRENDS_Support_Services (MSU)”