99 -- Arctic Region Supercomputing Center (ARSC)

Notice Of Intent to Sole SourceThe U. S. General Services Administration's Federal Technology Services intends to issue a Sole Source contract to University of Alaska , under the authority of FAR 6.302-3 (a) (2) Industrial Mobilization; Engineering, Developmental, or Research Capability; or Expert Services. The solicitation document and incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular (FAC) 05-04. This procurement is to acquire High Performance Computing (HPC) resources and support that includes computing, data storage, visualization, networking, and training to the High Performance Computing Modernization Program Office (HPCMPO) in the Artic Region. The high performance computational research in science and engineering will emphasize high latitudes and the Artic; and maintain an educational forum that will continue to provide essential research and development in basic science and application of technology in such areas as: Space Physics; Coupled Climate Phenomena; Ocean and Sea Ice forecasting; visualization in mass data storage, security, networking and computer architecture as requested by Solicitation Number: FTS-R4-ITSD-B-0002. The contractor shall perform the following tasks: 1. Provide a consistent level of sustained High Performance Computing operations at Artic Region Supercomputing Center, so that a minimum uptime (hours in operation/hours available) is 95% or more for production systems. 2. Provide data and support to the HPCMO in response to oversight requirements to include: stipulation of resource allocation, review of operating policies and procedures, guidance in determining support software to be provided, encouragement of center interaction with the user community and periodic evaluations of the center's activities. 3. Support technical interchanges among HPCMP activities and with external agencies as required and necessary for the normal functioning of a HPC Shared Resource Center. 4. Provide access to HPC supercomputing capabilities and hosted simulations through communications links (e.g. DREN, Internet) used by HPCMP users of ARSC. Address transferring data and models over links (e.g. DREN, Internet) to remote. 5. Provide access to HPC codes and computer platforms by DoD or other authorized agencies specifically with access to a minimum of 70% of any computational resources as funded by HPCMO to support the needs of the HPC Modernization Program community. This percentage may be adjusted based on an approved business plan submitted to HPCMO by ARSC. 6. Provide HPCMO and authorized users communications connectivity, system administration, and operations and maintenance support for remote access to the HPC ARSC computing environment. 7. Provide education on state of the art high performance computing applications, parallel programming, advanced visualization, and other related technologies consistent with the special nature of the ARSC as an element of the UAF educational system. Utilize educational, technological and research capabilities available at universities, and provide scientific user support and training for computationally intensive disciplines. 8. Implement a transition path from the current HPC platforms to more modern platforms; and ensure that the necessary staff and materials are obtained to operate and sustain these new supercomputer platforms. The proposed contract action is to acquire IT services for which the Government intends to solicit and negotiate with only one source under the authority of FAR 6.302-3 (a) (2). This notice is not a request for competitive proposals. Interested parties may identify their interest and capability to respond to the requirement. All information should be submitted via email to Terri L. McGee at contact@example.gov. Responses must be submitted by COB 17 APRIL 2006. All information submitted on or before this date will be considered by the Government. Information received will be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether or not to conduct a competitive procurement. Terri L. McGee, Contracting Officer, phone: +1 (555) 000-0000, fax: +1 (555) 000-0000, email: contact@example.gov Place of Performance: University of Alaska Fairbanks Campus, Fairbanks Alaska