Consolidated Buy

Due to the furlough/Government shutdown, the schedule for Consolidated Buy-48 (CB-48 Feb-May) has been disrupted. Therefore, CB – 47 will be extended (currently scheduled from October 25 thru 31 January 26) via a modification. The modification would extend CB-47 from 1 October 25 to 31 May 26. A final, FY 26 Consolidated Buy, CB -48 will take place from 1 June to 30 September. Small Business Set-Asides: In accordance with FAR 19.502-2, all Delivery Order values above the micro-purchase threshold, but not over the simplified acquisition threshold, shall be set aside for small business unless the contracting officer determines there is not a reasonable expectation of obtaining offers from two or more responsible small business concerns that are competitive in terms of fair market prices, quality, and delivery. CB Update Regarding New OS Selection Starting with CB-45 the default operating system on any product purchased will be 64-bit Windows 11 Pro. The NETCOM TA version 12.0 introduces a new OS selection, allowing Army purchasers to procure a computer system with an Original Equipment Manufacturer version of 64 bit Windows 11 Pro instead of the Army Golden Master (AGM) Secure Host Baseline – Army (SHB-A) version of that OS. The intent is that these systems will connect to the Army’s new Army Unified Directory Services (AUDS) environment. Customers who want AGM loaded by the vendor must request it using the Army Custom Image CLIN. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Life Cycle Info: 1. Per CIO and G-6 memo below, effective immediately, all Army organizations should adhere to the following to maximize efficient spending while meeting Windows 10 SHB-A requirements: (a) aggregate Consolidated Buy purchases at the highest levels possible, (b) avoid purchasing end-point devices with unnecessary features and utilize minimum specifications, and (c) use CHESS's Reverse Auction tool. 2. If you experience issues with the AGM, such as those requiring re-installation, contact your local helpdesk. Each Army Command (ACOM) has technical POCs assigned to download the AGM. If your local helpdesk is unable to assist, users are directed to contact the CHESS Customer Service Center (armychess@army.mil; ph: 888-232-4405) to obtain their ACOM's AGM Trusted Download Official POC information.