Sources Sought for Enterprise Cyber Research & Education Support for SMC/ENX

This announcement serves as a Sources Sought Synopsis issued for the purpose of market research in accordance with FAR 8.405-6(a)(i)(B), only one source is capable of providing the supplies or services required at the level of quality required because the supply or services are unique or highly specialized. DFARS 208.7402 requires that DoD agencies utilize DoD Enterprise Software Initiative (ESI) agreements to meet their software requirements and FAR Part 10 requires, solely for information and planning purposes, we identify companies capable and qualified to provide unbiased, objective research, advisory, and executive support services to support Air Force senior information technology (IT) leaders in making better and more confident technology decisions that enhance the performance and cost-efficiency of the Information Enterprise and support strategic IT business objectives. This is not a new requirement; Gartner services are currently being provided to SMC & the Air Force through the Enterprise Software Initiative (ESI) Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA) number: GS35F5014H FA8771-14-F-0004. The Government has a requirement to identify, analyze, and organize aggregated and editorialized in-depth guidance on IT in order to maximize return on SMC technology investments. SMC/ENX needs research and advisory licenses that will provide current state-of-the-art analyses and future predictions of technology vendor offerings and financial performance, including detailed analysis of products, markets, technologies, and the competitive landscape that could impact their financial viability. In addition, the licenses and advisory services need to provide future state analysis of all IT topical areas, including strategic planning assumptions. These licenses should grant access to research areas and include web-based access. In summary, the requirement is for a provider of IT research with cleared resources at the TOP SECRET level to support IT and business decision making for AF organizations. The Space and Missile System Center (SMC) intends to release a sources sought synopsis to acquire Air Force-wide Research and Advisory Services that provide unlimited access to telephone inquiry support, access to research via the Web sites and analyst support for the number of users registered. In addition, the services will need to provide independent advice on tactical and strategic IT decisions. Advisory services should provide expert advice on a broad range of technical topics and specifically focus on industry and market trends. Currently at SMC, Gartner Inc., has played a significant role in the development of the Center's cybersecurity strategy, and delivers widely utilized Center-wide membership for engineering and project level execution of organizational priorities through Gartner for Technical Professionals research. The Air Force leverages subscriptions of Technical Professionals research for separate "how-to" guidance on how to implement rather than the strategically focused "what-to" services offered through other service offerings. Air Force users require a reference architecture that provides detailed definitions and descriptions of information technologies available to enterprises, how they interrelate and online guidance in support of architectural decisions based upon Air Force organizational principles and requirements. Additionally, users require this "how-to guidance" through frameworks and best practices guidance to successfully implement a technology as well as field research studies for in-the-trenches perspectives of how other IT organizations are deploying and managing new technologies, based on in-depth interviews with a select group of clients. Users have also indicated a requirement for reusable templates to accelerate the creation of internal architecture and documentation through templates and graphics. IT research and advisory services must provide technical and detailed facets of practical implementation targeted toward technical IT implementation professionals including technical planners, designers, architects, engineers and implementers in the areas of application platforms, data center management, cloud computing, wireless and mobility, collaboration and content, identity and privacy, security and risk management and data management. Additionally, resources should provide IT architectural decision-support tools like the Reference Architecture tool provided by Gartner for Technical Professionals. The Statement of Capability (SOC) shall not exceed 20 one-sided pages in length. Responses must be submitted by e-mail in electronic form in MS Word 2007 or higher or PDF Format. All responses must conform to 8.5 by 11.0 inch pages, with font no smaller than 12 point. Responses to this sources sought synopsis shall include the following: (a) company name (b) address (c) point of contact (d) "number of employees" as defined by the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) part 19.101 and (e) the amount of "annual receipts" as defined by the FAR part 19. This sources sought synopsis is for information and planning purposes only; it does not constitute an RFP. Information herein is based on the best information available at the time of publication, is subject to revision, and is not binding on the Government. The Government will not recognize any cost associated with submission of a SOC. Information received will be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether any prospective credible source other than the incumbent exists. Responses from qualified small and disadvantaged small businesses are highly encouraged. Classification Code PSC: D317,NAICS Code: 541519 for this effort. Submit all responses to the sources sought synopsis to: SMC/PKE, Attn: Mr. Darren Fullo/Ms. Mary Cowen, 483 N. Aviation Blvd., Suite 1467, Los Angeles Air Force Base, El Segundo, CA 90245-2808. Electronic submissions are acceptable and can be submitted to Ms. Mary Cowen, as well as inquiries may be directed at mary.cowen@us.af.mil