Inactive

Request for Information Data Transfer Protocol Software March 12, 2019 This Request for Information (RFI) is issued for information and planning purposes only and does not constitute a solicitation no... Request for Information Data Transfer Protocol Software March 12, 2019 This Request for Information (RFI) is issued for information and planning purposes only and does not constitute a solicitation nor does it restrict the Government as to the ultimate acquisition approach. In accordance with (IAW) Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 15.201(e), responses to this notice are not offers and cannot be accepted by the Government to form a binding contract. The purpose of this RFI is to obtain market information on capable sources of supply, industry practices, and input specific to the information provided. The Government is not responsible for any cost incurred by industry in furnishing this information. All costs associated with responding to this RFI will be solely at the interested party s expense. Not responding to this RFI does not preclude participation in any future Request for Quote, if any is issued. Any information submitted by respondents to this RFI is strictly voluntary. All submissions become Government property and will not be returned. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Technology Acquisition Center is issuing this RFI to determine Contractors capabilities in executing the Government requirements identified below in Attachment 1. BACKGROUND The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Infrastructure Operations (IO) has a requirement for commercially available data transfer protocol software, associated maintenance, and technical support. The data transfer protocol software shall allow encrypted data transfer communication between the existing International Business Machine (IBM) Z Series Operating System (z/OS) and the Bull Groupe General Comprehensive Operating System (GCOS). The data transfer protocol software will be utilized for Bulk File & Print data transfers between the IBM z/OS mainframe at the Austin Information Technology Center (AITC) and the Bull GCOS mainframe at the Hines Information Technology Center (HITC). The Disaster Recovery site is in the Philadelphia Information Technology Center (PITC). The data transport will utilize Linux servers to encrypt and decrypt the data on behalf of the Bull GCOS mainframe. Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) relies on the data transfer protocol functionality to support the Benefits Delivery Network (BDN) Payment System. The data transfer protocol software shall be installed by VA at HITC and PITC. RESPONSE VA is seeking a commercially available data transfer protocol software and associated maintenance that meets the minimum Government requirements at Addendum 1. The capability package must be clear, concise, and complete. VA is under no obligation to provide feedback to the company, or to contact the company for clarification of any information submitted in response to this request. However, VA may contact certain respondents to seek further information as market research. Be advised that set-aside decisions may be made based on the information provided in response to this RFI. Responses should be as complete and informative as possible. As part of your RFI response, please provide the following information: Provide a summary of your technical capability to meet all of the Government s requirements at Attachment 1. The Government is aware that manufacturer NetEx data transfer protocol software can meet the Government s current requirements with the following NetEx products: Linux NetEx Product H804 TNP for Linux Product TNP804 IBM z/OS Secure NetEx Product H214-U IBM z/OS Secure BFX-U Product H215-U IBM z/OS Secure PFX-R Product H216R-U If your data transfer protocol software is not capable of meeting the Government s requirements identified in Attachment 1 please identify the requirement and explain why it cannot be met. Please indicate if any listed capabilities interfere with your ability to participate in this potential procurement. Explain how/why the specific capability is preventing you from competing in this potential procurement. Are the requirements sufficiently detailed at Attachment 1 to describe the data transfer protocol software and maintenance to be provided under this effort? ______ YES _______ NO (if No, answer question c.) If NO , please provide your technical comments/recommendations on elements of the draft PD that may contribute to a more accurate proposal submission and efficient, cost effective effort. Identify existing contract vehicles (GSA, NASA SEWP, etc.) in which you are a contract holder or have authorized resellers that can be utilized to procure the data transfer protocol software. Please provide a rough order of magnitude for the data transfer protocol software for a 12-month base with four 12-month option periods. The page limit for the response is 5 pages. Responses should also include the company profile (to include, but not limited to, history, business size and socioeconomic category, applicable North American Industry Classification (NAICS) [541519]. Your response should clearly mark any information that is proprietary. Faxed copies are not acceptable. Please send your responses or questions to Contract Specialist, Jessica.Adamitis@va.gov regarding this announcement. Responses are due no later than 12:00 noon Eastern Standard Time (EST) on Monday, March 18, 2019. Addendum 1 Requirements The data transfer protocol software shall allow encrypted data transfer communication between the existing IBM z/OS and the Bull GCOS mainframes. The data transfer protocol software will be utilized for Bulk File & Print data transfers between the IBM z/OS at AITC and the Bull GCOS at HITC. The Disaster Recovery site in PITC. The data transport will utilize Linux servers to encrypt and decrypt the data on behalf of the Bull GCOS mainframe at HITC. The data transfer protocol software shall be installed by VA at HITC and PITC.