When procurement managers use the ITES-4H contract to acquire IT hardware, one of the most important decisions is not just how to order but what OEM platform to select. Among the most common choices on ITES-4H are Dell, Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE), and Lenovo. Each offers servers, storage, and infrastructure solutions, but their strengths and ideal use cases vary.

This article compares Dell, HPE, and Lenovo under ITES-4H, highlighting their core offerings, strengths, and considerations, so federal buyers can make an informed decision aligned with mission needs.

Why OEM Choice Matters Under ITES-4H

ITES-4H is structured to simplify federal IT hardware purchases. Pricing is pre-negotiated, vendors are pre-approved, and compliance is baked into the contract. But ITES-4H doesn’t remove the responsibility of choosing the right OEM for your environment.

Different OEM platforms excel in different ways: some are optimized for large-scale enterprise workloads, others for hybrid cloud or AI, and others for cost efficiency. Picking the right one ensures better performance, lower lifecycle costs, and smoother integration with existing systems.

As a HUBZone and Woman-Owned Small Business (WOSB) reseller on ITES-4H, Wildflower partners with multiple OEMs and helps agencies navigate these choices objectively.

Dell Under ITES-4H

Dell is one of the most widely adopted OEMs in DoD and federal data centers. Its hardware portfolio is broad and well-suited to large-scale, standardized deployments.

Key Offerings:

• PowerEdge Servers: Known for reliability and scalability, with options for both rack and tower deployments.
• PowerStore / Unity XT Storage: Strong midrange and enterprise-class storage with automated tiering.
• VxRail Hyperconverged Infrastructure (HCI): Deep integration with VMware, ideal for agencies running virtualized workloads.

Strengths:

• Proven performance in DOE and DoD environments.
• Strong integration with VMware and major federal software platforms.
• Broad support ecosystem and lifecycle management tools.

• VMware integration can increase licensing costs.
• May be more than needed for smaller-scale or cost-sensitive deployments.

Best Fit: Agencies seeking enterprise reliability, VMware-heavy environments, and robust lifecycle support.

HPE Under ITES-4H

Hewlett Packard Enterprise offers strong competition with an emphasis on flexibility, hybrid cloud, and security.

Key Offerings:

• ProLiant Servers: Flexible, secure, and optimized for a wide range of workloads.
• Alletra / Nimble Storage: Good for hybrid cloud and AI-driven data management.
• GreenLake: Consumption-based, “as-a-service” model gaining traction with federal buyers.

Strengths:

• Built-in security features at the silicon level.
• Hybrid cloud alignment and workload optimization.
• Strong track record in AI/ML-ready infrastructure.

Considerations:

• GreenLake pricing can be complex.
• Agencies with rigid CapEx funding may prefer traditional purchase models.

Best Fit: Agencies planning hybrid cloud adoption, AI/ML projects, or those prioritizing security and flexible consumption models.

Lenovo Under ITES-4H

Lenovo may be newer to many federal buyers, but its ThinkSystem line has grown quickly thanks to performance, energy efficiency, and affordability.

Key Offerings:

• ThinkSystem Servers: Strong performance-to-cost ratio, with emphasis on energy efficiency.
• Storage Solutions (DM, DE Series): Competitive for mid-size deployments with flexible scaling.
• TruScale: Lenovo’s consumption-based “as-a-service” model.

Strengths:

• Highly cost-effective, strong TCO story.
• Energy efficiency aligns with sustainability mandates.
• Good option for mid-size or cost-sensitive deployments.

Considerations:

• Smaller U.S. support footprint compared to Dell and HPE.
• Fewer large-scale deployments in DOD and DOE compared to competitors.
• Best Fit: Agencies prioritizing cost efficiency, sustainability, or mid-size deployments.