SOURCES SOUGHT
70 -- Technical Support Services
- Notice Date
- 4/12/2012
- Notice Type
- Sources Sought
- NAICS
- 541512
— Computer Systems Design Services
- Contracting Office
- Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health, National Library of Medicine, 6707 Democracy Blvd., Suite 105, Bethesda, Maryland, 20894, United States
- ZIP Code
- 20894
- Solicitation Number
- SS-NIHLM2012360
- Archive Date
- 4/20/2012
- Point of Contact
- Damian Hurge, Phone: 3018275452
- E-Mail Address
-
hurgeda@mail.nih.gov
(hurgeda@mail.nih.gov)
- Small Business Set-Aside
- N/A
- Description
- The Center for Information Technology (CIT), NIH, is seeking capability statements from organizations under the GSA IT Schedule 70 under category 132-51 with experience with providing enterprise level in professional technical support services. This is not a solicitation announcement. This is a sources sought synopsis only. The purpose of this sources sought synopsis is to gain knowledge of potential qualified sources. Requirements and Tasks: The Contractor shall furnish all the necessary services, qualified personnel, material, equipment, and facilities, not otherwise provided by the Government, as needed to perform task assignments at the direction of the COTR in the following Task Areas specified below. The Task Areas listed below are typical of those anticipated; but others, which cannot be foreseen, may arise. 6.1 Task 1 - IBM Systems Programmer - IBM Mainframe Hardware and Software Configuration Support Sub_Task 1: Hardware Configuration and Support Under the direction of the COTR, the Contractor shall perform various functions pertaining to installed mainframe hardware products. In addition, the Contractor will provide the following support services: z114 Processor I/O definition/configuration support • zSeries connectivity, HCD, I/O definition process. • Performing zEnterprise Power on Resets, and Hardware Management Console Operations. • LPAR management, monitoring, and definition. • Manage Interactions between Network Time Protocol and Server Time Protocol, FICON Channel Controllers, and 2074 console controllers. • Hardware Planning Consulting. Diagnose and resolve system problems • Record the problem symptoms. • Provide resolutions for hardware and software problems. • Analyze root causes. • Refer other problems (e.g. networking) to the appropriate organizations. • Coordinate/schedule remedial actions (e.g. backups, maintenance fixes, etc.) with vendor and/or operations personnel. • Track status of all problems within the environment through resolution. System Engineering Services • Software Inventory. • Sub-capacity price tracking and accounting. • Network Backup and Recovery (TSM) Group. • z/OS, OS/390 Networking Consultant. • Softcopy Printing Solutions. Sub_Task 2: - IBM Systems Programmer - z/OS Operating Systems and Components (JES2, Printing Support, TCP/IP, VTAM, z/VM, zLinux) Under the direction of the COTR, the Contractor shall perform various functions pertaining to installed mainframe software products. In addition, the Contractor will provide the following support services: Installation, maintenance, configuration and support of software using SMP/E • z/OS and z/VM operating systems. • System support software, including but not limited to, JES2, SMF, printing support (OGL, PSF). • Networking software, including but not limited to, TCP/IP, and VTAM. • Support network connectivity on z/OS and zLinux. This includes the networking components of the operating system, Communications Server TCPIP, and also the various TCP/IP server components, TN3270, FTP, SMTP email, and LPR. The contractor will also be responsible for the configuration of the network interface hardware for the mainframes (Open System Adapters). • Add SSL security to the mainframe network connectivity. This requires additional configuration of software and hardware and the acquisition, installation and maintenance of cryptographic keys and certificates. • Install and configure the z/OS (ServerPac), and system maintenance as required. • Install and configure additional software products as required. z/OS System Programming Services: • Interfaces with the Division of Network Systems and Telecommunications which maintains the NIH network to which the mainframes are connected, making sure that the mainframes interoperate properly with the NIH network. This includes properly maintaining the DNS hostname definitions and IP address assignments for the mainframes. • Serve as the technical coordinator for disaster recovery for the IBM mainframe systems. This involves reviewing and keeping up to date the disaster plan for the mainframe systems, and technical planning, preparation, coordination, execution, and reviewing of the semiannual disaster tests, as well as being responsible for the same duties during any actual disaster recoveries. • Organize HFA and zFS file structures and set up the security scheme. • Monitor and fix UNIX Systems Services problems. • Perform UNIX System Services Administrations Functions as required. Diagnose and resolve system problems • Record the problem symptoms. • Provide resolutions for software problems. • Analyze root causes. • Coordinate problem resolution with the appropriate vendor. • Coordinate/schedule remedial actions (e.g., maintenance fixes, etc.) with vendor and/or operations personnel. • Track status of all problems within the environment through resolution. Schedule maintenance and services activities • Remedial software maintenance. • New software upgrades. Test operation of software upgrades • Plan tests with appropriate government staff. • Conduct tests. • Report on test results Systems Operations Support • Selectively monitor standard daily operations. • Document special procedures required for continuous operations of systems. • Review monitoring logs for problem identification and suggested resolutions. The contractor shall provide assistance to LSSB customers and staff by providing 7X24 Oncall Services. 7X24 Oncall services will include the same services described above. 6.2 Task 2 - IBM Systems Programmer - Program Product Installation Support (Thruput Manager, IOF, VPS, CICS, CA-1, CA-7, CA-11, OPS/MVS, z/OS Web Server Support) Under the direction of the COTR, the Contractor shall perform various functions pertaining to vendor supplied program products. In addition, the Contractor will provide the following support services: Installation, maintenance, customization and support of program product software Diagnose and resolve problems • Record the problem symptoms. • Provide resolutions for software problems. • Analyze root causes. • Coordinate problem resolution with the appropriate vendor. • Coordinate/schedule remedial actions (e.g., maintenance fixes, etc.) with vendor and/or operations personnel. • Track status of all problems within the environment through resolution. Schedule maintenance and services activities • Remedial software maintenance. • New software upgrades. Test operation of software upgrades • Plan tests with appropriate government staff. • Conduct tests. • Report on test results. Systems Operations Support • Selectively monitor standard daily operations. • Document special procedures required for continuous operations of systems. • Review monitoring logs for problem identification and suggested resolutions. The contractor shall provide assistance to LSSB customers and staff by providing 7X24 Oncall Services. 7X24 Oncall services will include the same services described above. 6.3 Task 3 - Database Systems Administrator/Database Administrator (IMS, Model 204, DB2 and related software products) The consultant will provide systems administration and database administration support to DCSS' s centrally supported database management systems on the z/OS platform. In addition, the Contractor will provide the following support services: Software installation, configuration, customization and verification for products including, but not limited to, IBM DB2, IBM DB2 Performance Monitor, IBM QMF, IBM DB2 Administration Tool, BMC LoadPlus, Oracle Transparent Gateway to DB2, Shadow Web Server, Shadow Direct, IMS and Model 204. • Create installation plans. • Document the installation procedure. • Develop, document and follow installation standards. • Identify and report issues with the installation and verification. • Document and resolve problems. • Interface with software vendors to resolve problems and request enhancements. • Create started task procedures. • Integrate the started tasks with automated operations facilities. • Integrate the COTS products with RACF and DFSMS. • Write and maintain security exits. • Document the customizations. • Identify and document any interoperability issues that exist. • Log changes made to the environment. RDBMS Systems Administration and Database Administration and Support • Database design. • Maintain data integrity. • Create and maintain the physical database structures. • Monitor and tune the database management systems so that they perform optimally. • Develop, document, test and implement backup and recovery procedures. • Develop, document, test and implement offsite disaster recovery plans and procedures. • Work with DB2 utilities. • Develop and maintain DB2 stored procedures written in PL/I. • Space management. Systems Development and Maintenance for Central Database System Facilities • Develop and maintain system software to support DCSS's central database facilities. • Gather and document system requirements. • Design, develop, test, document and implement the system. • Document how to use the system. • Instruct staff or users on the system usage. • Maintain and modify systems for enhancements and corrections. Diagnose and resolve system problems • Record the problem symptoms. • Provide resolutions for software problems. • Analyze root causes. • Coordinate problem resolution with the appropriate vendor. • Coordinate/schedule remedial actions (e.g., maintenance fixes, etc.) with vendor and/or operations personnel. • Track status of all problems within the environment through resolution. User Support • Provide database-related user support to customers. • Answer user questions on database and application topics. • Assist users in identifying and resolving problems. • Offer consulting on database design and query tuning. • Write technical user manuals and articles. The contractor shall provide assistance to LSSB customers and staff by providing 7X24 Oncall Services. 7X24 Oncall services will include the same services described above. 6.4 Task 4 - IBM Systems Programmer -Application Product Support (Neumics, Best/1, Vision Builder, SAS, Connect Direct, MAX, PL/I, COBOL, C++, CIMS) Under the direction of the COTR, the Contractor shall perform various functions pertaining to installed mainframe hardware products. In addition, the Contractor will provide the following support services: Installation, maintenance, and support of software and vendor supplied products listed above Diagnose and resolve problems • Record the problem symptoms. • Provide resolutions for software problems. • Analyze root causes. • Coordinate problem resolution with the appropriate vendor. • Coordinate/schedule remedial actions (e.g., maintenance fixes, etc.) with customers and/or operations personnel. • Track status of all problems within the environment through resolution. Schedule maintenance and services activities • Remedial software maintenance. • New software upgrades. Test operation of software upgrades • Plan tests with appropriate government staff. • Conduct tests. • Report on test results Systems Operations Support • Selectively monitor standard daily operations. • Document special procedures required for continuous operations of systems. • Review monitoring logs for problem identification and suggested resolutions. The contractor shall provide assistance to LSSB customers and staff by providing 7X24 Oncall Services. 7X24 Oncall services will include the same services described above. 6.5 Task 5 - IBM Systems Programmer - Storage Management Function Under the direction of the COTR, the contractor shall provide storage management functions using a variety of software, including, but not limited to, DFSMSdss, DFSMShsm, FDR/ABR, HSM Report Manager, LibStation, MAINSTAR, SpaceFinder WorkBench, Tivoli Storage Manager, and SILO/Virtual Storage Manager software. In addition, the Contractor will provide the following support services: • Daily monitoring of all z/OS Data (DISK and Tape) Storage Management • Support of the environment through knowledge of and experience with DFHSM and other storage management utilities, like, DFDSS, FDR/ABR, FDR, etc. • Support of the environment through knowledge of tape and disks management hardware and software; like STK Storage Silos, STK VSM, TMS, etc and Hitachi Disk Subsystems. • Network Backup and Recovery (ADSM/TSM). • Coordinate installation plans with on-going activities so that plans for changes are minimally disruptive. • Check on a daily basis the proper execution of all storage management batch jobs and storage management systems, specifically DFHSM. • Be able to develop, change, modify and implement data storage management ACS routines in an SMS managed DASD environments. • Investigate and verify facts concerning potential cost-effective improvements and develop specific proposals for such improvements. • Track and ensure the expeditious solution of all problems with all software vendors supplying software and maintenance. • Hardware planning consulting. • Interface with the staffs in the Hosting Services Branch and the Enterprise Messaging and Infrastructure Branch who access the silos from Windows platforms. • Coordinate installation plans with on-going activities so that plans for changes are minimally disruptive. Coordinate changes with Chief of LSSB and other impacted parties. • Investigate and verify facts concerning potential cost-effective improvements and develop specific proposals for such improvements. • Check on a daily basis that all automated tape library systems are functioning properly. If problems are discovered or reported, coordinate their resolution. • Track and ensure the expeditious solution of all problems with all vendors supplying hardware, software, and maintenance. • Plan, coordinate, and implement all tasks necessary to move contents of old STK 9310 silos to new SL8500 library. Coordinate these efforts with other affected organizations. • Answer questions related to usage, installation, and problem determination. The contractor shall provide assistance to LSSB customers and staff by providing 7X24 Oncall Services. 7X24 Oncall services will include the same services described above. 6.6 Task 6 - IBM Systems Programmer - Security Support Under the direction of the COTR, the contractor shall perform various functions pertaining to mainframe security software. The primary focus will be on the z/OS operating system but processes running under UNIX Systems Services on the mainframe will also be included. In addition, the Contractor will provide the following support services: • Work with other staff to support Web pages used by CIT customers for interfacing with RACF and the customer registration system. • Keep the RACF data bases on the production and test systems in sync. • New products and facilities continue to be invoked on the current CIT systems. As the new facilities are tested and put into production the interaction with the current security architecture must be included. The contractor will analyze the security ramifications inherent in any new product or function and recommend actions as required. • Insure that the daily auditing jobs run and work with the security investigators who will follow-up with account administrators and users. • Draft answers to auditor's questions and gather the requested information. • Document (in writing) all maintenance activities associated with the software. The contractor will provide problem resolution assistance to other LSSB staff in their use of security software. • Modify and test RACF user exits on the mode change and userid change. • Design and implementation of security for additional products using current security system. The contractor shall provide assistance to LSSB customers and staff by providing 7X24 Oncall Services. 7X24 Oncall services will include the same services described above. 6.7 Task 7 - Systems Analyst - Performance Management and Capacity Planning Under the direction of the COTR, the Contractor shall provide performance tuning and analysis, capacity planning and report on mainframe usage and trends In addition, the Contractor will provide the following support services: • Track system utilization, daily, to determine if problems are imminent. • Monitor and provide daily reports on system performance to pinpoint performance bottlenecks. • On an as needed basis, select system options and parameters. • Provide technical input to evaluation of alternative methods. • Provide reports for workload forecasting. • Capacity planning, performance management, WLM • Monitor and adjust WLM Goals based on system indicators from CMF. • Diagnose and fix performance problems through system parameters and commands and resource configuration. 6. 8 Task 8 (Optional) - Database Systems Administrator/Database Administrator (DB2 and related software products) The consultant may be required to provide additional systems administration and database administration support to DCSS' centrally supported DB2 database management systems on the z/OS platform depending on future staffing requirements. In addition, the Contractor will provide the following support services: Software installation, configuration, customization and verification for products including, but not limited to, IBM DB2, IBM DB2 Performance Monitor, IBM QMF, IBM DB2 Administration Tool, BMC LoadPlus, Oracle Transparent Gateway to DB2, Shadow Web Server and Shadow Direct. • Create installation plans. • Document the installation procedure. • Develop, document and follow installation standards. • Identify and report issues with the installation and verification. • Document and resolve problems. • Interface with software vendors to resolve problems and request enhancements. • Create started task procedures. • Integrate the started tasks with automated operations facilities. • Integrate the COTS products with RACF and DFSMS. • Write and maintain security exits. • Document the customizations. • Identify and document any interoperability issues that exist. • Log changes made to the environment. RDBMS Systems Administration and Database Administration and Support • Database design. • Maintain data integrity. • Create and maintain the physical database structures. • Monitor and tune the database management systems so that they perform optimally. • Develop, document, test and implement backup and recovery procedures. • Develop, document, test and implement offsite disaster recovery plans and procedures. • Work with DB2 utilities. • Develop and maintain DB2 stored procedures written in PL/I. • Space management. Systems Development and Maintenance for Central Database System Facilities • Develop and maintain system software to support DCSS's central database facilities. • Gather and document system requirements. • Design, develop, test, document and implement the system. • Document how to use the system. • Instruct staff or users on the system usage. • Maintain and modify systems for enhancements and corrections. Diagnose and resolve system problems • Record the problem symptoms. • Provide resolutions for software problems. • Analyze root causes. • Coordinate problem resolution with the appropriate vendor. • Coordinate/schedule remedial actions (e.g., maintenance fixes, etc.) with vendor and/or operations personnel. • Track status of all problems within the environment through resolution. User Support • Provide database-related user support to customers. • Answer user questions on database and application topics. • Assist users in identifying and resolving problems. • Offer consulting on database design and query tuning. • Write technical user manuals and articles. 6.9 Task 9 (Optional) - IBM Systems Programmer - z/VM and Linux The consultant may be required to provide additional systems administration support for z/VM and Linux on the z114 platform depending on future staffing requirements. In addition, the Contractor will provide the following support services: Installation, maintenance, and support of software using SMP/E • z/VM operating systems. • System support software, including but not limited to, TSM, Apache, and other Linux support software. • Networking software, including but not limited to, TCP/IP. • Add SSL security to the mainframe network connectivity. This requires additional configuration of software and hardware and the acquisition, installation and maintenance of cryptographic keys and certificates. Diagnose and resolve system problems • Record the problem symptoms. • Provide resolutions for software problems. • Analyze root causes. • Coordinate problem resolution with the appropriate vendor. • Coordinate/schedule remedial actions (e.g., maintenance fixes, etc.) with vendor and/or operations personnel. • Track status of all problems within the environment through resolution. Schedule maintenance and services activities • Remedial software maintenance. • New software upgrades. Test operation of software upgrades • Plan tests with appropriate government staff. • Conduct tests. • Report on test results Systems Operations Support • Selectively monitor standard daily operations. • Document special procedures required for continuous operations of systems. • Review monitoring logs for problem identification and suggested resolutions. The contractor shall provide assistance to LSSB customers and staff by providing 7X24 Oncall Services. 7X24 Oncall services will include the same services described above. 6.10 Task 10 (Optional) - Tivoli Storage Manager Consulting HSB System Environment and Operations: The central components of the EOS systems include several large database servers, multiple mid-size systems that serve as web front-ends, system backup servers, and various internal systems for license serving, monitoring, and system management. The server architectures include all major vendors, including HP/Compaq running Tru64, HP running HP-UX, Sun running Solaris, and IBM running AIX, TSM and Linux. Other hardware systems include EMC and HP SANs. All reside in the physically and environmentally secure DCSS machine room and off-site at the co-location facility in Sterling Virginia. These systems provide service and support to dozens of enterprise-level applications at NIH and HHS. Network access is through the NIHnet high-speed backbone. The EOS systems staff interfaces with DNST, which is responsible for administration and operation of network facilities and with the DCSS operations support staff. The operating system employed for all EOS servers is Unix. Supported software packages include Oracle RDBMS and mid-tier software, Netscape and Apache webservers, ssh and Connect:Direct, and Tivoli Storage Manager. TSM Environment: Servers and Clients are located at NIH in Bethesda, MD (NIH) and Qwest CyberCenter (QCC) in Sterling, VA - both are on the NIH Intranet • Backup Application - TSM • 3 instances of TSM, 2@NIH, 1@QCC • 200-250 clients to be backed up • 18 physical tape drives 10@NIH, 8@QCC • All data remains on NIH network • Plan is to have each site backup the other • DR planning • DR testing semi-annually • NIH must notify users of any changes or downtime • No offsite backup or storage VPN remote access is available Tasks: The Contractor shall perform a variety of support tasks performed during and after business hours on an as needed basis. The services that shall be provided are to assist with general use and overall assistance with configuration management and transfer of knowledge on the functions and capabilities of IBM's Tivoli Storage Management facilities used by the EOS staff as well as architecture services to improve the configuration and operation of dual sites for TSM. • Provide guidance in designing the backup environment to be optimized for the available resources across the two supported locations. • Provide guidance and architecture and detailed design to split the TSM database into multiple databases for improved operation as needed. • Provide support for migration to ‘LAN free backup'. Include requirements document, architecture, detailed design, setup and implementation and support. • Domain/Pool/Management class redesign -evaluate the different backup criteria and remove the unneeded criteria sets, eliminating duplicates and near duplicates, and simplifying the overall management class environment. • Offsite data - evaluate and change the method used to store the offsite data as necessary • Deploy instance at Sterling Data Center - evaluate the growing environment at the Sterling data center and design an appropriate TSM environment to back up the systems at that data center location. • NDMP - assist in setup of NDMP for backup from NetApp devices. • Design and test a disaster/recovery capability to enable the Campus data center TSM data to be easily restored from the Sterling Data Center library • Provide Performance Management and Tuning to insure that the devices and applications under management are optimized across all available component resources. • Provide Capacity Planning Service for storage resources under management. Monitor utilization of these critical resources, reporting actual utilization and trends, and promptly notify Customer of any risks of exceeding defined capacity thresholds. • Assist with capacity expansion plans and trending • Provide advice and assistance in migrating to backup network as well as other TSM technical support issues. • On an as needed and requested basis provide guidance and assistance with the daily management and use of local and offsite TSM facilities • The Current SM environment includes: • 2 P520 servers • 2 3584 LTO libraries • TSM version 5.5.2.0 • AIX version 6.1 6.11 Task Area 11 - Phase-Out Plan (Optional) In the event the Government re-competes the requirements of this SOW and prior to completion of this Delivery Order's period of performance, the Contractor shall, at the Government's option, provide the Government with a Phase-Out Plan that shall ensure an orderly and successful transition of the remaining tasks to a successor contractor should the incumbent Contractor not be selected during the re-competition. As part of the Phase-Out Plan, the Contractor shall adequately train the successor contractor's employees following any re-competition of the requirements specified in this SOW. 6.12 CONTRACT-LEVEL AND TASK ORDER (TO) MANAGEMENT 6.12.1 Subtask 1 - Contract Level Program Management The Contractor will provide the technical and functional activities at the contract level needed for program management of this Statement of Work. The Contractor will provide the necessary centralized administrative, clerical, documentation and other related functions. 6.12.2 Subtask 2 - Task Order Management The Contractor will provide a monthly status report monitoring the progress, cost, schedule, quality assurance, configuration management, and security management as applicable to the work required in this Task Order. Information Requested: Sources having the ability to provide the professional services described above shall provide clear and comprehensive information supporting their experience, past performance and pricing. An offeror's response shall not exceed 10 pages, excluding resumes. Any questions can be submitted to Damian Hurge, Contract Specialist, at 301-496-6546. All information received will be considered as part of a competitive acquisition. RESPONSES ARE DUE BY 12PM LOCAL PREVAILING TIME ON April 19, 2012, AND SHALL BE SENT VIA E-MAIL TO: hurgeda@mail.nih.gov. This requirement is being processed for CIT by the National Library of Medicine (NLM), NIH. Point of Contact The Point of Contact for this solicitation is Damian Hurge Place of Performance Address: 12 South Drive, Bethesda, Maryland Postal Code: 20814 Country: United States This notice is for information and planning purposes only and does not commit the Government to any contractual agreement. This is not a request for proposals. The Government does not intend to award a contract based on responses under this announcement nor otherwise pay for preparing any information sent or the Government's use of the information. Any proprietary information should be so marked. Interested organizations presenting a capability statement in response to this sources sought announcement must identify their size status.
- Web Link
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FBO.gov Permalink
(https://www.fbo.gov/spg/HHS/NIH/OAM/SS-NIHLM2012360/listing.html)
- Place of Performance
- Address: 12 South Drive, Bethesda, Maryland, 20814, United States
- Zip Code: 20814
- Zip Code: 20814
- Record
- SN02721190-W 20120414/120413000130-3fc0774cb6c2714df3cd0984a9221284 (fbodaily.com)
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