D -- DDN-Maintenance Support

The U.S. Department of Commerce/National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration intends to negotiate with Computer Science Corporation (CSC) on a sole source basis in accordance with the authority of 41 U. S. C. 253 (c)(1) only one responsible source for an integrated solution pursuant to FAR 8.4 to include support for the National Environmental Satellite data and Information Service disk storage needs in support of the Comprehensive Large-data Array Stewardship System (CLASS) project. The CLASS support from CSC is an interim award to continue operations and development in Suitland, Maryland and for deployment of backup systems capabilities for mission-critical systems at the Office of Satellite Data Processing and Distribution (OSDPD) Backup Facility (OBF) in Wallops, Virginia while the Government conducts the recompete effort.This action is being issued to comply with FAR 5, publicizing requirement to include an open market item in excess of $25K for maintenance only. No new disks are being sought as a result of this announcement. Maintenance can only be provided by DDN networks as an integrated solution and is not under GSA schedule. The Government has made a significant investment on disk systems provided by Data Direct Networks (DDN). This maintenance renewal is for 12-month 24x7 support and cross shipments of repair replacements for the following disk systems for 2 - S2A3000 SAN disk subsystems located at Asheville, NC, 2 ? S2A8500 SAN disk subsystems located at Asheville, NC, and 2 - S2A3000 SAN disk subsystems located at Suitland, MD. CSC is uniquely qualified to provide the services as a component of its full service support for the CLASS project. Offerors certain they can meet the requirements are requested to submit in writing an affirmative response and technical capabilities. All written responses must include a written narrative statement of capability, including detailed technical information demonstrating their ability to meet the above requirements. The response must be sufficient to permit agency analysis to establish a bonafide capability to meet the requirements. Failure to submit such documentation will result in the Government proceeding as stated above. A determination by the Government not to open the requirement to competition based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. Affirmative written responses must be received no later than 7-days after publication of this synopsis. All information in response to this notification must be submitted in writing to Contracting Officer.