70 -- ClearPath mainframe upgrade

This serves as a “Notice of Intent” to award a sole source task order for Clearpath mainframe system upgrades to Unisys, Inc. under the NASA SEWP contract, pursuant to FAR 16.5 (exception to Fair Opportunity). The General Services Administration Federal Supply Service (FSS) Office of the Chief Information Officer (OCIO) has a requirement for upgrades to their Unisys Clearpath mainframe systems. The Unisys ClearPath hardware and software are proprietary to and only available through Unisys Corporation. No other hardware and software will be compatible with the Unisys environment. It is essential that all hardware and software which supports the FSS applications be certified to support ClearPath systems and that they be installed in a manner which supports the ClearPath. The substantial improvement of continuity of operations of this critical computing environment is closely aligned with the identified goal of FSS to provide system uptime in excess of 99 percent. The purchase of the upgrades will allow FSS to meet these uptime goals in the face of disaster of the primary ClearPath system in Eagan MN, by activating a synchronized replicate in Salt Lake City UT. This requirement is proprietary to Unisys. Because the requirement entails an integrated mainframe upgrade solution, purchase of individual components from authorized resellers is not feasible, economical, or recommended. There would be no savings realized by purchasing each item separately, as this mainframe environment dictates a custom, bundled solution. Conversion of the existing applications to a different operating environment would cause unacceptable delays in fulfilling the requirements and mission of FSS OCIO. This Determination and Findings authorizing use of an exception to Fair Opportunity is in accordance with FAR 16.5, based on the above. All interested parties should request additional information, communicate concerns, or direct any questions concerning this acquisition to Holly Carr 202-329-7250, email: [email protected]. This notice of intent is not a request for proposals, nor a solicitation for offers.