IRS Network Convergence Configuration

Amendment 0001 is issued to address errors with the Draft Section C numbering - specifically, the numbering of items within Section 3 System Requirements. Corrections have been made in the section / subsection numbering. No changes have been made in content of Draft Section C. Replace the original "RFI Convergence Section C" with the attached "Revised RFI Convergence Section C. In response to the conflicting statements of response dates, requests for extension of the response date, and requests for increase in the maximum response size All previous response dates are changed to the following: "Responses to this RFI are to be submitted by e-mail to Lanny.L.Turner@IRS.gov and RECEIVED by 11:59 P.M., Eastern Daylight Saving Time (EDT), 15 July, 2011." The RFI response date is hereby extended to July 15, 2011. The RFI response maximum page limitation is changed to "a maximum fifty (50) page" response and now reads as: "Responses must be no more than fifty (50) pages, single-spaced, Times New Roman, 12 point font, with one inch margins, and saved in MS Office Word 2003 format. ____________________________________ Request for Information (RFI) for Internal Revenue Service, Enterprise Networks Contracting Office Address: Operations Support, Area Wide Shared Services Office of Procurement, Information Technology Acquisition, Telecommunications Branch, Voice & Wireless Section 6009 Oxon Hill Road, Oxon Hill, MD 20745 PURPOSE The purpose of this Request for Information (RFI) is to conduct market research and obtain information regarding potential solutions to replace the existing Internal Revenue Service (IRS) non-contact center telephone services with an Enterprise Voice over IP (VoIP) and Unified Communications solution that results in convergence of the network and voice infrastructure, as well as convergence of the user experience. The converged solution will provide all required functions and features outlined in the attached Configuration, Technical and Functional Requirements document, and will put the IRS in a position to reap the future benefits of Internet Protocol (IP) enabled technology. Further, this RFI will help to identify possible new or alternative solutions available in the marketplace which will introduce additional features and lower total cost of ownership. Responses to this RFI will be used to accomplish the following: - Collect industry input on the attached Configuration, Technical and Functional requirements - Gain insight into vendor designs supporting the attached requirements - Identify alternative designs that provide added value to the IRS TERMS This RFI is issued solely for information and planning purposes, and does not constitute a solicitation or a promise to issue a solicitation in the future. This RFI does not commit the Government to contract for any supply or service. In accordance with FAR 15.201(e), responses to this RFI are not offers and cannot be accepted by the Government to form a binding contract. Should the IRS issue a solicitation, the IRS may consider using the Connections II, Alliant or NASA SEWP IV contract if appropriate, and if Connections II is awarded in time. REQUESTED INFORMATION At this time the IRS is finalizing the configuration, design, technical and functional requirements for this project. The attachment to this notice contains the current draft of these elements. Vendors are encouraged to provide a proposed high level design based on the configuration requirements in the attached document, and provide comments on these requirements. Vendors are encouraged to identify major system hardware and software components and approximate quantities recommended at the DMVPN hub locations, a typical Category 1 site and a typical non-Category 1 (smaller) site. Vendors are encouraged to provide input on their various maintenance support offerings, including 24/7 maintenance associated with software, hardware and licensing. Vendors are also invited to provide alternative design options along with any rationale as to why the alternative design would be more advantageous to the IRS than the design contained in this RFI. Interested vendors are requested to submit a maximum fifty (50) page statement of their knowledge in these areas, as well as their capabilities to meet the requirements outlined in the attached Configuration, Technical and Functional Requirements document. RESPONSES Responses to this RFI are to be submitted by e-mail to Lanny.L.Turner@IRS.gov and RECEIVED by 9:00 A.M., Eastern Standard Time (EST), 15 July, 2011. Responses must be no more thanfifty (50) pages, single-spaced, Times New Roman, 12 point font, with one inch margins, and saved in MS Office Word 2003 format. PROPRIETARY INFORMATION Proprietary information and trade secrets, if any, must be clearly marked on all materials. All information received that is marked Proprietary will be handled accordingly. Please be advised that all submissions become Government property and will not be returned. All government and contractor personal reviewing RFI responses will have signed non-disclosure agreements and understand their responsibility for proper use and protection from unauthorized disclosure of proprietary information as described 41 USC 423. The Government shall not be held liable for any damages incurred if proprietary information is not properly identified.