Palo Alto Networks Software NGFW Credits and QuickStart Professional Services

THIS IS A NOTICE OF INTENT TO AWARD A SOLE SOURCE CONTRACT, NOT A REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE QUOTES. A REQUEST FOR QUOTE (RFQ) WILL NOT BE ISSUED AND QUOTES WILL NOT BE REQUESTED.

The National Institute of Health (NIH), Office of Science Technology Resource (OSTR) in the Center for Cancer Research (CCR) at the National Cancer Institute (NCI) intends to award a firm fixed price sole source contract under the authority of FAR 13.106-1(b)(1)(i), only one source being available to meet the Government's needs, to:

Squadra Solutions, LLC

8401 Greensboro Dr

Suite 700

McLean, VA 22102

The NIH Office of Research Services (ORS) and Office of Research Facilities (ORF), supported by the Office of Innovation and Information Technology (OIIT), are modernizing their technology environment by moving critical systems into secure cloud platforms while maintaining strong protection over sensitive operations. As cloud adoption expands, OIIT requires cloud-native firewall capabilities that provide centralized visibility, consistent security enforcement, and controlled communications across cloud-hosted systems.

This requirement will provide Palo Alto Networks Software Next-Generation Firewall (NGFW) credits for deployment in Amazon Web Services (AWS), together with QuickStart professional services. The solution is intended to enhance visibility into network activity, strengthen control over how systems communicate, and reduce the risk of unauthorized access, lateral movement, or service disruption.

The Government requires Palo Alto Software NGFW credits because the credits are proprietary to Palo Alto Networks and are required for integration with the existing HHS cloud security infrastructure. The credits support deployment and management of Palo Alto VM-Series, CN-Series, Subscription Services, and Virtual Panorama capabilities. The associated Quickstart Service provides specialized deployment support for Software NGFW in public-cloud environments. A substitute manufacturer would not provide the same proprietary Palo Alto credits or the same native compatibility with the existing Palo Alto architecture.

This is to acquire and implement a scalable Palo Alto Networks cloud firewall capability that will:

• Provide Software NGFW capacity for authorized OIIT cloud workloads in AWS.

• Support deployment of VM-Series, CN-Series, applicable subscription services, and Virtual Panorama management capabilities.

• Establish centralized visibility and policy control for communications among cloud systems.

• Apply secure baseline configurations and validate that the deployed capability operates as intended.

• Transfer sufficient operational knowledge to designated OIIT personnel for ongoing administration and support.

The period of performance will be for one (1) 12-month base period.

This notice of intent is not a request for competitive proposals, and no solicitation document exists for the requirement. This hereby constitutes a synopsis of the requirement.

CLOSING STATEMENT

The determination not to compete this proposed contract action is solely within the discretion of the Government. Information received will normally be considered for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement. The Government will not be responsible for any costs incurred by responding to this notice. This is NOT a request for quotes or proposals.

Questions or comments to this Notice of Intent should be directed to the Primary Point of Contact Em’Ria J. Briscoe via e-mail only emria.briscoe@hhs.gov (no phone calls/voice mail). Messages regarding questions will not be accepted and will not receive a response). Please indicate in the subject of your email: Notice of Intent Question Submission – 7571TE26Q00272 - Palo Alto Networks Software NGFW Credits and QuickStart Professional Services.

Contracting Office Address:

Office of Mission Acquisition Solutions (OMAS)

Office of Acquisitions (OA) | Assistant Secretary for Financial Resources (ASFR)

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Primary Point of Contact:

Em’Ria J. Briscoe – emria.briscoe@hhs.gov