Computer Hardware, Enterprise Software and Solutions

Computer Hardware, Enterprise Software and Solutions (CHESS) is the Army’s designated primary source for commercial IT. CHESS provides a no-fee, flexible procurement strategy through which an Army user may procure commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) IT hardware, software, and services via an e-commerce (IT e-mart) based process. CHESS offers simple, straightforward contract vehicles through its online Army e-commerce ordering system, the IT e-mart (https://chess.army.mil). These contracts provide continuous vendor competition for best value and consolidation of requirements to maximize cost avoidance and leverage the Army’s buying power.

Description
CHESS provides architecturally sound standards and policy-compliant IT enterprise solutions from more than 170 prime industry IT providers to all Army activities and organizations. A key enabler for CHESS’s success is its relationship with the Army Office of the Chief Information Officer (OCIO) and Deputy Chief of Staff, G-6, Information Systems Engineering Command (ISEC), Network Enterprise Technology Command (NETCOM)/9th Signal Command and Army Contracting Command - Rock Island (ACC-RI). 

CHESS is also the organization responsible for implementing year-round Consolidated Buys (CBs) of desktop and notebook computers, as well as printers for the Army at the enterprise level. The CB process is the most cost-effective approach to fulfilling user requirements for these products. The CB directly supports the Army OCIO and G6 strategy for acquiring products which are fully compliant with federal desktop computing regulations, as well as DOD and Army security and interoperability standards.

In addition, CHESS is the Army’s DOD Enterprise Software Initiative (ESI) Software Product Manager (SPM). In this capacity, CHESS has the responsibility for managing the DOD and Army Enterprise Software Agreements (ESAs) whose use has been mandated by the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplements (DFARS) and Army Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplements (AFARS). CHESS has authority to grant statements of non-availability if an ESA cannot meet user requirements. Other responsibilities in this area include: consolidating software requirements, developing business cases, assisting contracting officers in negotiating best-value deals and administering resulting agreements. In so doing, CHESS helps to reduce acquisition and support costs by leveraging DOD’s buying power.

Products and Services

• COTS hardware and software products
• Enterprise software agreements
• IT services contracts
• Customer support

For additional information, please visit the CHESS IT E-Mart.

Learn more about CHESS with this fact sheet.