Open VMS Operating System and Layered Product IT Technical Support Services

COMBINED SYNOPSIS/SOLICITATION FOR NOAA Open VMS Operating System and Layered Product IT Technical Support Services DG133E-10-RP-1130 The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Agency (NOAA) located in Silver Spring, MD is planning to procure Web/Internet IT support services to provide unlimited Technical support (24x7x365) for various versions of the Open VMS Operating System and Digital Equipment Corp (DEC)/Compaq/Hewlett-Packard(HP) branded Layered Products which run on (DEC)/Compaq/(HP) branded VAX, Alpha, and Itanium IT systems at a reasonable cost and adhering to high industry technical support standards for the Office of Satellite Operations. Provide a proposal consisting of your technical approach and price (fully loaded labor hour rates (hourly), and labor category, requesting contractors best estimate of required labor to do this level of effort) for satisfying the attached Statement of Objectives (SOO). Proposals will be evaluated based on the technical approach to satisfying the SOO, a review & rating of resumes of planned persons (based on specific experience as required by the SOO), as well as reported past performance. Past performance is to be reported as part of proposal based on similar effort conducted in a federal or DoD environment during the last three years. The contracting officer will make a best value award decision weighing the technical merits of the proposed technical approach and personnel qualifications (resumes/experience) together with past performance as well as the overall mix of labor and price. Technical approach, resumes/experience, and past performance, when combined, are significantly more important than price, and the contracting officer may make award to other than the lowest priced offeror to establish a best value for the Government. Computer systems which are used to execute custom Telemetry and Command application programs are based upon the OpenVMS operating system, a product of the Hewlett-Packard Company (HP). All offerors must be Hewlett Packard Authorized providers. While the OSO Software Support Branch does maintain a high level of expertise on these systems, there are instances where more detailed knowledge is necessary to resolve unusual operating system, and/or VMS Layered Product behaviors and/or problems. The desired support structure will resolve VMS Operating System and Layered Product Application problems in a timely and effective manner which ensures maximum system availability. A US on-shore support source will provide a realistic time-coordinated means of communication between OSO and the support facility. This is a 100% Small Business set-aside, the NAICS code for this action is 541519, with a size standard of $25 million. This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items prepared in accordance with the format in FAR 12.6, as supplemented with additional information included in this notice. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; proposals are being requested and a written solicitation will not be issued. This action is issued as a request for proposal. The solicitation number is DG133E-10-RP-1130. The solicitation document and incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular (FAC) 2005-31. This process is being conducted under the test procedures for the procurement of commercial items under the authority of FAR 13.5. Requirements for OpenVMS Technical Support Services The initial scope is to obtain an agreement to provide OpenVMS Operating System and VMS Layered Product Technical Support to a 24x7x365 operation through the use of direct telephone technical support (Help Desk) and/or through the use of vendor Technical Publication, Database, Knowledgebase, or Web-based customer access which encompasses the areas specified in the Performance Objectives, on an as-needed basis. Period and Place of Performance; Period of Performance shall be one (1) year with one additional one year option. The planned award date is late January 2010. IT Systems are physically located at the NOAA Satellite Operations Facility (NSOF) in Suitland, Maryland. However, the technical support services will be via telephone, vendor Internet web services, and/or email. Background: The Office of Satellite Operations is responsible for the health and safety of the Nation's Weather Satellites, and is also responsible to ensure satellite instrument data is available to the users of that data. Computer systems which are used to execute custom Telemetry and Command application programs are based upon the OpenVMS operating system, a product of the Hewlett-Packard Company (HP). While the OSO Software Support Branch does maintain a high level of expertise on these systems, there are instances where more detailed knowledge is necessary to resolve unusual operating system, and/or VMS Layered Product behaviors and/or problems. Historically, HP Software Technical Unlimited Support has been packaged as an integral part of the HP Software Update Service (SUS) Agreement. SUS is an annually recurring maintenance item necessary to comply with the Hewlett-Packard right to use the OpenVMS Operating System and Layered Products terms and conditions, and to maintain the right to version updates and product patches offered by HP. HP has de-coupled SUS and Technical Support and allows a customer to obtain those items separately. A list of components to be supported is as follows. The desired support structure will resolve VMS Operating System and Layered Product Application problems in a timely and effective manner which ensures maximum system availability. A US on-shore support source will provide a realistic time-coordinated means of communication between OSO and the support facility. Performance Objectives: 1. Provide an equivalent (or better) direct replacement of` HP Software Technical Unlimited Support, on a 24x7x365 schedule, which includes (at a minimum), assistance in the following areas: System Startup/Shutdown Sequences Network Device Configuration Backup and Restore processes General Troubleshooting of the OS and Layered Products Crash Dump Analysis Performance Recommendations Language Compiler usage and error diagnostics Crash Dump Analysis System/File/User Security Management Parameters 2. Call Management - Clear, concise, and direct communications are key factors: Eliminate Phone Menu systems to the greatest extent possible Typical Response within 2 hours of initial call Initiate Problem Tracking upon first call contact Provide Progress Updates as the problem is being worked Make Problem Report Summary available upon request Allow for Multiple Points of Contact to access vendor resources 3. Technical Experience in OpenVMS OS and Layered Products: Technical Account Manager; average 20-25 years Senior Level Technicians; 15-20 years each 4. Prior Version Support: Be able to provide technical support for all versions of OpenVMS VAX and OpenVMS Alpha from v6.2 to and including the currently shipping version NOAA - Office of Satellite Operations (OSO) - Open VMS Component List This document contains the Hardware, Operating System, Layered Products, and Language Compilers which need to be supported in a comprehensive Technical Support Agreement. This support is to be provided for IT Systems comprised of various Digital Equipment Corp (DEC)/Compaq/HP branded products. The format of the list is: (Qty); HW Platform; Operating System (OS); Licensed OS and Layered Component(s)[, . . ]. POES Systems (3) Compaq AlphaStation DS-10; OpenVMS Alpha v7.3-1; NET-APP-SUP 150, Open3D, DECNet Phase IV Endnode. (1) Compaq AlphaServer DS-10; OpenVMS Alpha v7.3-1; DCPS Open, DCPS-Plus, DECNet Phase IV Endnode, DW-Motif, UCX. (1) Compaq AlphaServer DS-10; OpenVMS Alpha v7.3-1; DCPS-Open, DCPS-Plus, DECNet Phase IV Endnode, Open 3D, DW-Motif, Language Compilers: ADA, C, C++, FORTRAN. (1) Digital Personal W/S 600au; OpenVMS Alpha v7.3-1; NET-APP-SUP-150, MMOV-RT, Open3D, DECNet Phase IV Endnode, Language Compilers: ADA, C, C++, FORTRAN. (5) Digital Personal W/S 600au; OpenVMS Alpha v7.3-1; NET-APP-SUP-150, Open3D, DECNet Phase IV Endnode. (1) AlphaStation 400 4/233; OpenVMS Alpha v6.2; NET-APP-SUP-150, Open3D, DECNet Phase IV Endnode. (2) HP MSA1000; Support for: Controller Configuration, SAN Switch Configuration, Firmware Configuration, RAID Configuration, and Troubleshooting via the Command Line Interface. GOES Systems (3) DEC VAX4000-700A; OpenVMS VAX v6.2; DECNet Phase IV Endnode; RSM-Server. (1) DEC VAX4000-700A; OpenVMS VAX v6.2; DECNet Phase IV Endnode; RSM-Server; Pathworks Server v5.0f; Pathworks Advanced Server v6 (and above); Pathworks Client v7.4. (1) DEC VAX4000-700A; OpenVMS VAX v6.2; DECNet Phase IV Endnode; RSM-Server; Language Compilers: FORTRAN, C++. (3) DEC VAX4000-705A; OpenVMS VAX v6.2; DECNet Phase IV Endnode; RSM-Server. (6) DEC MicroVAX ii; OpenVMS VAX v6.2; DECServer 200; DECNet Phase IV Routing node; RSM-Client; RSX; UCX. (4) DEC VAX4000-400; OpenVMS VAX v6.2; DECServer 200; DECNet Phase IV Routing node; RSM-Client; UCX; NET-APP-SUP-200. (5) DEC3000-M600; OpenVMS Alpha v6.2; NET-APP-SUP-250; Open3D; PHIGS-Runtime-User; DECWindows; UCX; DECNet Phase IV Endnode. (1) DEC3000-M600; OpenVMS Alpha v6.2; NET-APP-SUP-250; DECNet Phase IV Endnode; Open3D; PHIGS-Runtime-User; DECWindows; UCX; Language Compilers: C++, FORTRAN. (2) DEC3000 Model 400; OpenVMS Alpha v6.2; NET-APP-SUP-250; Open3D; PHIGS-Runtime-User; DECWindows; UCX; DECNet Phase IV Endnode. (1) DEC3000 Model 400; OpenVMS Alpha v6.2; NET-APP-SUP-250; Open3D; PHIGS-Runtime-User; DECWindows; UCX; Language Compilers: C++, FORTRAN; DECNet Phase IV Endnode. (6) DEC VaxStation 3100-M76/GPX; OpenVMS VAX v6.2; DECNet Phase IV Endnode; RSM-Client; VWS. (1) StorageWorks BA35x series SCSI Shelf with HSD10 Controller, Support for Configuration and Troubleshooting. DMSP Systems (4) Digital AlphaStation 500/333; OpenVMS Alpha v71; NET-APP-SUP-150, DECNet Phase IV Endnode, Open3D, DECWindows. (2) Digital AlphaStation 500/333; OpenVMS Alpha v71; NET-APP-SUP-150, DECNet Phase IV Routing Node, Open3D, DECWindows, VMSCluster, SW-RAID5. (6) AlphaServer 1000A 5/300; OpenVMS Alpha v7.1; NET-APP-SUP-200, DECNet Phase IV Endnode, VMSCluster; Language Compilers: C, C++, FORTRAN. (*These systems are configured as (2) physically-separated three-node clusters.) (2) StorageWorks RAID with HSZ40 Controller, Support for Configuration and Troubleshooting. Timely proposals will be evaluated in accordance with FAR 52.212-2, Evaluation - Commercial Items. The Government will award a Firm Fixed Price contract resulting from this solicitation to the responsible offeror whose offer conforming to the solicitation will be most advantageous to the Government, price and other factors considered. Contracting Officer shall make a best value award decision based on the following evaluation factors: Proposals will be evaluated against the requirements of the RFP and in accordance with the evaluation criteria set forth above to determine the Offeror's demonstrated ability to deliver Web/Internet IT support services. General statements such as "the vast resources of our nationwide company will be used to deliver the requirements required by the Statement of Objectives" are not sufficient. The Offeror shall clearly address each element of the proposal. Any proposal failing to address all of the elements may be considered indicative of the Offeror's lack of understanding in response to the Government's requirements and may be considered unacceptable. Proposals will be reviewed, evaluated, and scored using the following color-rating system: Blue (Exceeds); Green (Acceptable); Yellow (Marginal); Red (Unacceptable). The Government reserves the right to make an award without discussions. The provision at FAR 52.212-1, Instruction to Offerors-Commercial, (no addenda) applies to this acquisition. Offerors shall complete their annual representations and certification at http://orca.bpn.gov and complete para. (b) of 52.212-3, or, if annual ORCA certifications not completed, complete and sign para (c) through (m) of the provision at FAR 52.212-3, Offeror Representations and Certifications - Commercial Items (FEB 2009) with its offer. The clause at FAR 52.212-4, Contract Terms and Conditions - Commercial Items (OCT 2008), applies to this acquisition. The clause at FAR 52.212-5, Contract Terms and Conditions Required to Implement Statutes or Executive orders - Commercial Items, applies to this acquisition. The following additional FAR clauses cited in this clause are applicable: FAR 52.203-6, Restriction on Subcontractor Sales to the Government (SEPT 2006); FAR 52.219.6, Notice of Total Small Business Set-Aside (JUNE 2003); FAR 52.222-21, Prohibition of Segregated Facilities (FEB 1999); FAR 52.222-26, Equal Opportunity (MAR 2007); FAR 52.222-35, Affirmative Action for Disabled Veterans and Veterans of the Vietnam Era (SEPT 2006); FAR 52.222-36, Affirmative Action for Workers with Disabilities (JUN 1998); FAR 52.222-19, Child Labor-Cooperation with Authorities (FEB 2008); FAR 52.232-33, Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer (OCT 2003), Clauses and provisions are incorporated by reference and apply to this acquisition. Clauses and provisions can be obtained at http://www.arnet.gov. The following Commerce Acquisition Regulation apply to the Acquisition: CAR 1352.201-70 Contracting Officer's Authority (MAR 2000), CAR 1352.201-71 Contracting Officer's Technical Representative (COTR) (FEB 2005), CAR 1352.208-70 Print (MAR 2000), CAR 1352.209-72 Restrictions Against Disclosure (MAR 2000), 1352.209-73 Compliance with the Laws (MAR 2000), CAR 1352.233-70 Harmless from Liability (MAR 2000), 1352.252-70 Regulatory Notice (MAR 2000). Commerce Acquisition Clauses provisions can be obtained at http://oamweb.osec.doc.gov. Proposals are due at 1400 EST, January 7, 2010 via email to Yolandatheresa.Gray-Thomas@noaa.gov . Offerors must cite the solicitation number in the subject line. Proposals received after this date and time will be considered non-responsive. The mailing address for the contracting officer is DOC/NOAA/NESDIS, Acquisition Division, 1315 East West Highway, Room 10100, Silver Spring, Maryland 20910.