Common Hardware Systems (CHS) acquires and supports sustainment of highly flexible, cost-effective, common, and simplified non-developmental, commercial information technology (IT) solutions that improve interoperability and connectivity on the battlefield, while garnering efficient competition to enable the latest commercial technology solutions to meet tactical and operational requirements.

Description

Army Regulation 25-1 Army Information Technology identifies CHS as the mandatory source for the procurement of commercial IT hardware for tactical/operational requirements. As such, CHS coordinates across tactical programs providing consolidated procurement and sustainment support of commercial IT hardware, to include non-developmental and modified commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) items. The program portfolio continually updates new contract items ensuring modern, emerging technologies are available to enable overmatch capabilities for warfighters. 

The CHS office maintains a procurement contract to execute their mission in support of tactical and operational requirements. CHS is on the fifth iteration of this procurement contract, known as CHS-5. The CHS-5 contract is a single award, indefinite delivery-indefinite quantity contract, with a five-year period of performance and $3.9 billion ceiling for the rapid procurement of total lifecycle system management solutions in support of tactical programs. From receipt of requirements to award of a corresponding delivery order for a supported program, CHS averages a 90-day processing time with an expedited capability available to meet urgent needs. 

The CHS-5 contract also provides the Government with an increased ability to perform supply chain risk management, critical function analysis of components, critical program information assessments and implementation of other protection measures contained in program protection plans. This contract feature protects the network and strengthens the Army’s cybersecurity posture. 

The CHS-5 contract includes a pre-negotiated pricing schedule for the life of the contract with quantity discounts; additional warranty options with up to eight years of coverage providing a 72-hour turnaround time; incentives to provide the lowest price hardware; and the ability to procure technical documents based on competitive pricing.

Capabilities

• Rapid Acquisition: Centralized approach to contracting streamlines ordering process, reduces time between order and delivery, and allows for economies of scale in pricing. 
• Design & Engineering: Direct customer support throughout the development of new capabilities, assists in the design of hardware configurations, facilitates hardware evaluations, and informs the selection of common hardware solutions.
• Lifecycle Management: Provides warranty options, failure analysis reporting, worldwide 72-hour repair, and warranty/repair tracking. 
• Configuration Management: Maintains the configuration of equipment for the life of the contract or until the product is going End-of-Life/End-of-Sale
• Ruggedization: Provides modified commercial IT hardware for tactical/operational use in accordance with MIL-STD-810 to ensure product survivability in austere conditions.
• End-of-Life Management: CHS coordinates with customers who previously procured items that have gone End-of-Life/End-of-Sale to determine continuing need for the item and identify a suitable replacement.
• Bonded Storage: Provides for up to one year of bonded storage for any customer.

Contact Information

For any questions or concerns, please email usarmy.apg.peo-c3t.mbx.pm-i2s-chs-support@armyeitaas.onmicrosoft.us.