Mainframe Software Support

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items prepared in accordance with the format in FAR Subpart 12.6, as supplemented with additional information included in this notice. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; quotations are being requested and a written solicitation will not be issued. This solicitation number is SSA-11-1100, and is issued as a Request for Quotation (RFQ). The solicitation/contract will include all applicable provisions and clauses in effect through Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Circular 2005-08. The North American Industrial Classification System (NAICS) Code is 541511 and the business size standard is $25.0 million. This acquisition is a 100% set-aside for small business. This acquisition is being conducted using Simplified Acquisition Procedures in accordance with FAR Part 13.5. The Social Security Administration (SSA) is seeking professional services from an expert source having a unique set of qualifications to assist the agency in maturing a strategic path to recognizing software cost savings to SSA, and to help SSA staff to make more effective business decisions relating to software licensing activities in the Agency's mainframe environment. The Agency requires services from a contractor that is independent from the software products running on its mainframe environment to continue software pricing model assessments and assist in determining the best licensing structures for software products. The contractor shall possess an expert understanding of IBM's zSeries mainframes, Logical Partition (LPAR) configuration, alternative workload structures and current software pricing alternatives. The Statement of Work for this requirement is attached to this announcement. The period of performance shall be for the 12-month period of December 1 2010 through November 30, 2011 with four (4) successive 12-month option periods. The requirements do not include personal services as described in FAR 37.104. The following clauses and provisions apply to this acquisition and may be obtained from the web site https://www.acquisition.gov/Far/ FAR 52.212-1, Instructions to Offerors - Commercial, and FAR 52.212-4, Contract Terms and Conditions - Commercial Items. FAR 52.212-2, Evaluation - Commercial Items, also applies. An award will be made to the offeror who represents the best value to the Government whereby experience and past performance are given equal value and, when combined, are more important than price. Offerors must submit a completed copy of the provision at FAR 52.212-3, Offeror Representations and Certifications - Commercial Items, with their offers. The clause at FAR 52.212-5, Contract Terms and Conditions Required to Implement Statutes or Executive Orders - Commercial Items applies to this acquisition as well as the following clauses cited therein: FAR 52.219-6, Notice of Total Small Business Set-Aside (June 2003), FAR 52.232-33, Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer - Central Contractor Registration (October 2003), and FAR 52.239-1, Privacy and Security Safeguards (August 1996). Sources having the ability to provide the professional services described in the attached Statement of Work shall provide clear and comprehensive information supporting their experience, past performance and pricing. All information received will be considered as part of a competitive acquisition. This requirement is being processed for the Social Security Administration. SSA Combined Synopsis/Solicitation No. SSA-11-1100 shall be noted on all correspondence to this announcement. RESPONSES SHALL BE SENT VIA EMAIL TO: contact@example.gov by the closing date on the SF-18. Inquiries regarding this procurement may be made to Rico Batte, Contract Specialist, +1 (555) 000-0000; Fax +1 (555) 000-0000.