RFI for Re-Engineering Disaster Recovery Services

The request for information (RFI) AG-3142-I-08-1000 sought input from the market on disaster recovery (DR) services for the Office of the Chief Financial Officer/Associate Chief Financial Officer for Financial Systems at the USDA. Multiple responses indicated that several qualified contractors could potentially meet the DR requirements. However, most respondents did not include detailed cost models, which limited the ability to conduct a direct cost comparison due to the complexity and learning curve involved in identifying all relevant cost factors. Although the RFI suggested that cost savings were feasible, these potential savings were outweighed by associated risks, particularly given uncertainties surrounding possible rate increases by the National Finance Center (NFC) and the financial impact of outsourcing DR services. Following an analysis of alternatives, senior management decided to maintain the current "as is" disaster recovery solution through the end of Fiscal Year 2009, with plans to reassess options at that time. Due to the lack of comprehensive information and the risk factors involved, the RFI was ultimately canceled. The solicitation was managed by the USDA's Office of Procurement Acquisition Management Branch in Fort Collins, Colorado, with performance expected in New Orleans, Louisiana. The contracting officer overseeing the process was Vivian (Bobbie) J McPherson.