Justification - Zscaler

Background
The justification is for the procurement of Zscaler brand-name Zero Trust Branch (ZTB) hardware and related implementation support for the ICE enterprise. The goal is to enhance secured network protection and connectivity for agency systems and users.

Carahsoft Technology Corporation, an authorized distributor, will provide the necessary hardware and support under GSA MAS Contract No. 47QSWA18D008F. This procurement is essential to extend and operationalize the existing Zscaler environment within ICE, aligning with Executive Order 14028 on improving cybersecurity.

Work Details
The contract includes the provision of ZTB devices, associated hardware components, SD-WAN functionality, segmentation capabilities, and vendor support necessary for deployment, operation, and maintenance of the ZTB infrastructure. Key requirements include:
- Integration with existing cloud security platform
- Centralized policy management
- Zero trust access controls
- Secure connectivity from branch environments
- Traffic inspection using existing security controls
- Identity-aware access enforcement
- Segmentation capabilities to reduce lateral movement risk
- Centralized logging and operational visibility
- Compatibility with current DHS processes
- Vendor support and lifecycle management.

Period of Performance
Base period of 12 months.

Place of Performance
ICE locations across the United States.

Bidder Requirements
Only one manufacturer (Zscaler) can provide these products due to their unique specifications. The procurement requires compatibility with ICE's existing Zscaler enterprise environment, which includes previously acquired software licenses. No alternative solutions were found that could meet ICE's operational requirements without significant modifications.

Incumbent Analysis (see Incumbents section for more detail)
This opportunity appears to have a confirmed incumbent and/or closely related prior contract, as Carahsoft Technology previously provided Zscaler Zero Trust Branch (ZTB) hardware and implementation support for deployment across ICE locations under a related award valued at $10,630,250 (09/30/26–09/29/27). In addition, Carahsoft also supported ICE with Zscaler licensing and support for the Office of the Chief Information Officer under a related award valued at $1,998,489 (06/15/26–04/28/27). The prior work aligns with the current requirement for Zscaler brand-name ZTB hardware, installation, and implementation support to extend and operationalize an existing Zscaler environment within ICE.