Loren Data's SAM Daily™

FBO DAILY ISSUE OF DECEMBER 08, 2012 FBO #4032
SOURCES SOUGHT

R -- INRISS and E-Intel - SOW Intelligence and Research Information Support System (INRISS and e-Intel)

Notice Date

12/6/2012
 

Notice Type

Sources Sought
 

NAICS

541519 — Other Computer Related Services
 

Contracting Office

Department of State, Office of Acquisitions, Acquisition Management, 1701 N. Ft. Myer Drive, Arlington, Virginia, 22209, United States
 

ZIP Code

22209
 

Solicitation Number

INRISSandE-IntelContracting
 

Archive Date

1/1/2013
 

Point of Contact

Gwendolyn Dukes, Phone: 7038755854, Telisa L. WIlliams, Phone: 7038755892
 

E-Mail Address

dukesgm@state.gov, WilliamsTL5@state.gov
(dukesgm@state.gov, WilliamsTL5@state.gov)
 

Small Business Set-Aside

HUBZone
 

Description

SOW The following is a Request for Information (RFI). This synopsis is for information and planning purposes only and does not constitute a Request for Proposal. The Department of State is conducting Sources Sought to determine the number of HUBZone--who are considered a HUBZone concern under North American Industrial Classification Code (NAICS) 541519.The Government must ensure that there is adequate capability, experience, and competition among the potential pool of responsible contractors. Therefore, the purpose of this Sources Sought is to gain knowledge of interest, capabilities and qualifications of HUBZone within the industry. As stated, the intended audience of this Sources Sought includes ALL HUBZONE Concerns. The U.S. Department of State (DoS), Bureau of Intelligence and Research (INR) mission is to ensure that U.S. diplomacy is informed by the best possible intelligence and analytical insights, and that Intelligence Community (IC) activities are consistent with and supportive of the country's national security and foreign policy objectives. The primary purpose of INR is to manage intelligence information to serve the foreign and domestic needs of the Secretary of State, the President's representatives (ambassadors) and functional and regional DoS bureaus. The Intelligence and Research Information Support System (INRISS) is the primary information processing system utilized in INR. In addition, it also interfaces with other IC activities and Communities of Interests (COIs). The INRISS system became operational for Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) processing in 1987. It is operational 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. The system is continuously evolving to meet the requirements of the INR analysts and the IC. Evolvement includes the development of technology needed to improve product quality, modernization of processes, ensuring product reliability and facilitating the rapid dissemination of INR products. There is a subsystem of INRISS, termed e-Intel, which allows for the electronic delivery of finished intelligence to clients located in approved Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities (SCIFs) for use by cleared and approved TS/SCI individuals in their respective Bureaus. e-Intel also allows for the communication with other Intelligence Community (IC) counterparts though IC-Email, web sites, blogs, and Community of Interest (COI) sites. INRISS and e-Intel consists of commercial off the shelf (COTS), government off the shelf (GOTS) and specifically designed software to integrate layered products in support of INR analyst requirements. The principle tool used by INR analysts is a custom application built around the RetrievalWare search engine and data management system used to ingest, store, and deliver real-time intelligence content received in ANPA, JANAP128, ACP127 and DOI103 formats to INR analysts and other Bureaus in DOS. Information sources include AP, Reuters, State cables, Open Source Center (OSC) and SCI codeword traffic from other agencies. The objectives are to maintain and improve INRISS and e-Intel by providing assistance in managing, operating and supporting the IT infrastructure; network, security and integration services; software services; systems engineering; and performance measurements. To achieve these objectives, INR requires contractor support in the areas of project management, systems administration, networking, operations, user assistance, training, documentation and advanced technical studies. Additional objectives include, but are not limited to: a. Maintain network availability at 99.99% b. Standardize the system to IC and FDCC compliance c. Maintain the system as specified in the pertinent ICDs (Intelligence Community Directives) and DoS Directives Following a performance-based acquisition approach, the contractor shall provide the necessary highly-skilled, experienced, technical personnel and support services to meet or exceed the INRISS and e-Intel program objectives. Seeking innovative ways to continue providing support, maintenance and enhancements as outlined in the Task Areas that are stable, secure and responsive to the needs of INR; Obtaining Information Technology (IT) support services necessary for requirements definition, design, development, implementation, deployment, and operations and maintenance (O&M) for VMware ESXi version 5.0+, e-Intel Citrix solution, Exchange 2003, 2007 and Exchange 2010 mail servers, Windows 2003 and 2008 r2 file servers, networking systems, and web sites; and services acquired will also include program management and administrative support necessary for the preparation and update of systems documentation and related services. Hardware platforms supported include Cisco UCS blade servers, HP blade servers and various HP rack mounted servers. Client equipment includes, HP thick and thin clients and Clear Cube zero clients. Network systems to support include a wide-array of Cisco devices running a K9 version of IOS, ASA 5500 firewalls, and Juniper gateway device. The contractor shall also provide engineering and administrative support for the various Storage Area Network (SAN) in place. These include NetApp FAS3020, EMC Celera NS-480 and Clariion CX-480, Texas Memory system RAMSAN and HP EVA storage arrays. The contractor will also support the bureau's backup solutions which include CommVault Simpana software as well as legacy versions of Symantec Backup Exec. In addition, administrative support for the McAfee Host-Based Security System (HBSS) will be required. The contractor shall maintain the current DoS systems and enhance the current INR systems. All personnel assigned are required to have a Top Secret/SCI security clearance prior to contract performance. Task 1: Project Management Services. The contractor shall provide INR with project management expertise for the execution of the project. The contractor is responsible for developing and maintaining a project management plan. The plan shall include a Work Breakdown Schedule (WBS), activities list, network diagram, risk assessment and response plan, cost estimates for resources and staffing, estimated resources for completion and a communications plan. The contractor shall provide project management support through a range of activities but not limited to: a. Designating a single point of contact (POC) as the Project Manager for the purpose of communicating issues, concerns or problems that arise during the performance of this task order b. Providing all necessary personnel, administrative, financial, and managerial resources necessary for the support of this task order c. Ensuring that costs are contained within the budget parameters established by approved budgets d. Ensuring a rigorous, focused and highly effective implementation of quality principles and techniques e. Following policies and procedures to protect sensitive information, including information provided on a proprietary basis by other contractors, the IC and other public entities f. Evaluating and modifying on a regular basis approaches and processes for performing work under this task order including cost, service level and performance objectives in delivering quality products and services to INR customers, as well as use of standard processes to increase efficiency and consistency of work outputs g. Working with INR to identify any emerging technologies or tools that will improve overall customer services or network infrastructure h. Ensuring sufficient numbers of qualified staff members are available to perform the duties of this task order i. Providing all deliverables to the COR as specified in this task order j. Interface with DOS and IC elements for the planning, design, and implementation of network systems and services at the SCI level. k. Prepare plans and manage activities related to physical movement of users' equipment and services within DOS facilities. l. Ensure compliance with IC Initiatives, Directives, and ICVA notices. m. Provide technical leadership in the operation and enhancement of INR Systems. n. Participate in the local INR IT CCB and provide technical input, guidance, and management expertise. o. Provide information to the customer on a weekly basis summarizing activities performed as detailed in the Help Star application. p. Coordinate with DOS Facilities Management Services and DOS Information Resource Management in order to upgrade, enhance and or repair various components of the Data Centers, network infrastructure, Communication Equipment rooms required to deliver services to the user's desktop. q. Interact with DOS Diplomatic Security regarding network system security, C&A activities, and the deployment of special access program (SAP) devices, SCIF requirements, and staff SCI clearance management. Task 2: User and Network Support Services. User Support: The contractor shall provide INR on-site customer support at the Tier 1, Tier 2 and Tier 3 levels. The contractor shall operate and maintain a fully functional INR Help Desk facility providing on-site support from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday (except for Federal Holidays) to approximately 1200 desktop computer users located in the Harry S. Truman building, Washington, DC that include but are not limited to: a. Responding to user calls via email, telephone or in-person b. Entering calls into a trouble ticket system (HelpStar) c. Troubleshooting user issues/problems d. Resolving user issues/problems via email, telephone or visit e. Closing trouble call tickets f. Interfacing with customers, providing remote and desk side IT support g. Ability to contribute effectively in a high-pressure environment h. Working as part of a team i. Taking ownership of user problems and being proactive when dealing with user issues j. Providing accurate information k. Prioritizing workloads to meet targets and deadlines l. Ability to be polite and courteous at all times m. Ability to decipher what the users are saying and to put that into the appropriate words for Tier 2 support in the helpdesk ticket n. Analyzing, troubleshooting, deploying and maintaining computer hardware and peripherals o. Replacing, upgrading, and maintaining hardware and software p. Supporting and maintaining user account information including rights, group policies, security and systems groups q. Supporting users in the areas of Windows desktop applications (MS Office 2003/2007/2010, MS Outlook 2003/2007/2010, Internet Explorer 7.0-9.0, Adobe Reader 9-X), Windows XP, Windows 7, Active Directory (re-setting passwords, enabling/disabling accounts, adding workstations and servers to the domain), Workstations, Zero-Clients, Thin-Clients, and printers r. Developing and implementing helpdesk support service procedures s. Establishing escalation processes t. Assist with maintaining a software and hardware inventory by location with inventory records updated upon equipment arrival, move, or change in condition u. Developing procedures which improve the productivity and effectiveness of user activities v. Developing and maintaining user manuals to reflect the best use of the system by novice and expert users w. Training new INR users and providing refresher training to other staff members x. Assisting in the development and management of boolean and concept queries for the effective management of user profiles for message retrieval (RetreivalWare/SmartSearch) y. Supporting administrative functions, such as, requests for documents (NT Toolkit), distribution of products, passwords, and directory services z. Supporting Oracle and MS SQL databases aa. Supporting Red Hat Enterprise Linux bb. Provide guidance and support to users in the effective use of INR SharePoint sites and INR Publication Macros. cc. Act as local system administrator for internal and external systems including OSIS Remote access and Non-attributable user accounts, Analyst Notebook, Lotus Notes, IC PKI creation and management, and GO accounts. dd. Assist uses in establishing access to IC PKI enabled web and SharePoint sites. ee. Develop customized training for new analysts in the effective use of INR systems, tools and technologies in the pursuit of their analytical mission. ff. Assist users in the development and maintenance of Microsoft Office Access applications. gg. Assist users in the use of the conference room Audio Visual equipment and the portable AV setup. hh. Troubleshoot user network access and infrastructure problems and effect repairs. ii. Troubleshoot hardware or disk drive problems are repair, replace or reimage equipment as necessary. jj. Maintain a Traveling Blackberry program for the bureau. Network Support: The contractor shall manage and maintain INR's internal network infrastructure. LAN management shall consist of the physical fiber network and the logical network configuration. The contractor shall develop plans and perform engineering services necessary to sustain and improve the INRISS and e-Intel systems. The contractor shall provide to INR network support and systems engineering through a range of activities that include but are not limited to: a. Evaluating COTS hardware and software b. Providing verification and validation of hardware and software c. Providing network/systems engineering and enhancements d. Providing network/systems integration management and testing e. Providing integration of new technologies into existing infrastructure f. Identifying and defining scalable solutions g. Identifying and using proven network engineering solutions and components h. Providing securable approaches for solutions i. Providing flexible configuration j. Adhering to all IC, DCIDs and INR standards k. Providing Tier 3 support for Active Directory, server and client OS and Windows related issues l. Assisting and performing in the design, engineering and implementation of the INRISS and e-Intel domains and infrastructure m. Providing network design and engineering to increase network speed, reliability, and availability n. Designing, engineering, improving, and implementing security, confidentiality, integrity and availability, of Active Directory, server and client systems, privileges, and administrative accounts in accordance with existing procedures and policies, which are established by the IC, DCIDs and INR o. Maintaining, upgrading, troubleshooting and monitoring of the core infrastructure hardware devices and software for INRISS and e-Intel p. Performing all Active Directory functions (setup, design, engineering, management, etc.) related to the INRISS and e-Intel infrastructure q. Providing support and build design for server and client OS r. Adhering to established SOPs and the INR IT CCB for suggestion and necessary changes s. Conducting appropriate and thorough testing of any new tools or enhancements prior to being implemented into a production environment t. Serving as knowledge experts in regards to confidentiality, integrity and availability for the INRISS and e-Intel systems u. Identifying, evaluating, testing, implementing and deploying cost-effective tools that assist in managing INRISS and e-Intel v. Ensuring the availability, functionality and performance of tools used by the network engineering and systems team w. Working with the INR ISSO to implement and maintain cost-effective network processes x. Assisting and participating in establishing, refining, implementing and maintaining Standard Operating Procedures, policies, federal directives, evaluation reports, internal processes and baselines as they relate to the management and support of INRISS and e-Intel y. Upgrading network device operating systems and Apply patches to the routers and switch as part of the quarterly C&A or as directed by ICVA notices. z. Provide implementation and troubleshooting support for KG175D Type 1 encryption devices and Borderguard solutions. aa. Provide support to external agencies in the setup, implementation and troubleshooting of their networks within INR facilities or riding on INR's infrastructure. bb. Provide setup, implementation and troubleshooting support for Tandberg desktop VTC deployed within INR. cc. Provide setup, implementation and management support to INR's SCI VOIP system. dd. Design, develop, deploy and manage the VMWare virtual environment, including VDI, HA, and SRM capabilities. ee. Manage 12 primary CERs within INR and multiple riser connection points for E-Intel used to deliver data services throughout the building. Security Support: The contractor shall be responsible for managing all the security aspects of the INRISS and e-Intel networks. The contractor shall support and maintain the existing security systems and automated tools to monitor and control security configurations. Security management and support includes but is not limited to: a. Establishing and maintaining a successful patch management system that ensures all applicable patches are applied in a timely manner b. Administering and facilitating the application of required patches c. Coordinating activities with patch management with the INR Information Systems Security Officer (ISSO) or assigned alternate d. Maintaining operational efficiency and effectiveness, identifying and overcoming security vulnerabilities and maintaining the stability of the production environment e. Monitoring INRISS and e-Intel to provide notice of significant security events to authorized, designated personnel in a timely fashion f. Establishing controls to assure compliance with IC security standards g. Investigating and implementing network management tools to monitor the health of the network h. Providing security development, design, and technical support i. Ensuring that system designs address solutions that are securable j. Preparing and updating System Security Plans(SSPs) for INRISS and e-Intel k. Ensuring that all plans conform to IA, NIST, FDCC and OMB standards l. Working closely with the INR ISSO and Diplomatic Security SI/IS office to maintain the INRISS and e-Intel Security Certification and Accreditation (C&A) m. Developing security enhancements to minimize network vulnerability to unauthorized intrusions and denial-of-service attacks and implementing intrusion testing to identify vulnerabilities n. Working with other DoS entities to resolve any security vulnerability issues o. Managing and allocating IP Addressing and Domain Name Service (DNS) for INRISS and e-Intel Web Management Support: The contractor shall develop and manage the INR intranet web and SharePoint sites that provide a central repository of documentation, analysis results, status information, meeting minutes, and other pertinent information to INR. Web management support includes web application design, implementation, testing and maintenance includes but is not limited to: a. Designing and implementing new features for the existing website b. Implementing web solutions that directly contribute to the INR mission c. Coordinating the design and development of web applications to meet expanding or changing INR analyst requirements d. Providing intranet site initiation, maintenance and overall site design e. Assisting with technical and/or design issues f. Responding to, resolving or appropriately redirecting customer issues g. Collaborating with the team to design, develop and deliver applications h. Developing code in keeping with established processes and standards i. Creating prototypes when necessary j. Coordinating and leading junior web developers k. Working with the junior developers to plan, design and implement information technology solutions, while providing expertise in the areas of performance tuning, data migration, security and capacity planning l. Performing problem diagnosis, resolution and maintenance for existing applications m. Communicating effectively with all internal customers at all levels and across all functional teams providing support, responding to questions and providing regular progress updates n. Assist in exploring new ideas and products that could increase the value of the applications o. Participating in certain aspects of end-user consulting, systems analysis, general systems design and detail systems design Operational Support: The contractor shall operate and maintain an operations center located in INR, Harry S. Truman building, Washington, DC that will support INR's network systems and customers 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year in the Eastern Standard time zone and includes but is not limited to: a. Providing multiple shifts that meet the 24x7x365 core support requirements for INR b. Establishing effective procedures and control systems to ensure that ongoing tasks, unresolved problems and general issues of concern are properly handed off from shift to shift c. Providing 24x7x365 monitoring of INR's classified and unclassified systems d. Providing early warning of potential network issues before they impact the network e. Ensuring rapid response to real or potential network system faults f. Create and maintain a real-time operational log of activities and events that occurred on each shift. g. Running system checks h. Monitoring temperatures in the computer room i. Monitoring all running processes j. Create system accounts using developed templates for each user on 5 networks or systems. k. Implementing and maintaining daily, weekly and monthly backups l. Providing qualified and knowledgeable contract personnel in order to provide quality customer support to INR personnel after hours m. Administering the LAN n. Review and respond to risks and vulnerabilities identified by the DOS iPost application on the OpenNet and ClassNet DOS enterprise LANs. o. Administer and manage the RetrievalWare real-time messaging system and respond to problems with the ingestion of message traffic and the delivery of message traffic to other Bureaus. p. Manage the Data Center environment including the troublesome HVAC system. q. Maintain and manage the printer toner inventory and distribution supply chain. r. Interface with DOS, IC, and external entities to resolve message transmission problems and control the retransmission of missing message traffic. s. Maintain the network monitoring application configuration and respond to identified system faults. t. Provide for effective monitoring and management of system resources to include disk space management, application performance, and network throughput. u. Provide direct support to the 24x7 INR Watch when problems occur in the use of Watch macros and system equipment. v. Provide technical user support afterhours and on the weekends. Task 3: Special Services. At the request of the COR, the contractor shall provide INR support for performing ad hoc and short tasks related to the maintenance of the O/S, network, desktops and web site that includes but is not limited to: a. Provide assistance with computer devices, set-up, configuration and operation b. Provide assistance with installation, set-up and operation of emerging technologies c. Provide advice in the selection of PCs and peripherals d. Provide assistance to identify surplus and inventory of equipment e. Assist with research, development and implementation of ad-hoc tasks Special Requirements: The Contractor shall: a. Comply with all IC and DoS guidelines to protect classified and sensitive information and equipment b. Comply with all IC and DoS policies and guidance pertaining to information systems c. Possess a facility security clearance at the TS/SCI level for performance under this task order in accordance with the DD Form 254 d. Ensure that personnel assigned to this task order possess a TS/SCI clearance e. Ensure that all personnel assigned to the task order have the ability to obtain a DoS building pass f. Ensure that contract personnel who have access to classified material and/or enter into areas requiring a security clearance, each contractor employee requiring such access must have an individual security clearance commensurate with the required level of access prior to contract performance g. Ensure that individual clearances shall be maintained for the duration of employment under this task order or until access requirements change Key Personnel: The Government desires a balanced team of designated key personnel to ensure that both operational and technical aspects of this task order are successful. The following are suggested personnel positions to be designated as "key". Some key personnel will be required to provide on-call support, 24 hours a day and 7 days a week, 365 days a year, including holidays. Key Personnel shall be identified for the following positions: IT Project Manager Senior Systems Engineer Systems Architect/Messaging Enigneer SharePoint/Web Developers Sr. Windows Administrator/ Network Engineer Storage and Virtualization Engineer Help Desk Manager Customer Support Specialist (Tier 3) Customer Support Specialist (Tier 2) Customer Support Specialist (Tier 1) Operations Manager Operations Support Specialist The government is requesting that industry identify their capabilities of the businesses that may be interested in this effort. The anticipated method of procurement will be to utilize FAR part 12 for commercial item/service and award to the technically acceptable low price contractor. The prices offered shall include all labor, materials, insurance, overhead, and profit. Anticipated performance is for a one-year period from the date of the contract award, with four one-year options. Please identify potential problem areas, and provide recommendations for industry standards. The Government believes industry feedback is important, and is receptive to any and all ideas from industry which would result in limiting unnecessarily constraining requirements, realizing possible cost savings, or highlighting potential technical or contractual problem areas associated with this requirement. Any comments provided should not be viewed as a vehicle for presenting a specific approach or product intended to be proposed but as an opportunity to identify capable firms. It is the Government's intention to make ONE award. All interested business concerns shall identify their interest by providing the company name, capabilities, mailing address, phone number, and electronic mail address to the contracting office. Replies are not mandatory. Replies will be separated from, and have no bearing on, subsequent evaluation of proposals submitted in response to any resulting formal Requests for Proposals. The use of information received from industry to complete final statements of work and resulting solicitation documents will be at the discretion of the government. Any subsequent solicitations will be synopsized prior to its release. Eligibility in participating in a future acquisition does not depend upon a response to this notice. The government will not critique a potential offeror's information and the RFI should not be used by offerors to market their services. The Government does not intend to pay for the information solicited and will not recognize any costs associated with submission of the RFI. Proprietary information is not being solicited. Information considered proprietary, if any, should be identified as such. This Sources Sought announcement/market survey questionnaire information will be used for preliminary planning purposes. Respondents will not be notified of the results of the evaluation. NOTE: All contractors doing business now or in the immediate future with the Federal Government must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) database, Central Contractor Registration (CCR) database, and On-Line Representations & Certifications Application (ORCA). The websites for registration are www.sam.gov, www.ccr.gov and www.bpn.gov, respectively. All contractors interested in obtaining a copy of the anticipated future solicitation must be registered in the Government Point of Entry (GPE)-FedBizOpps (FBO) system at www.fbo.gov. Submit responses no later than 17 December 2012, via email (only). No phone calls will be accepted. Attachments must be M.S. office 2007 compatible, word format. Send all respones to williamstl@state.gov. Address the subject line "INRISS and E-Intel". E-mail capabilities are a must! Point(s) of contact. Telisa Williams, williamstl@state.gov An electronic response is the only accepted method. Future information on this acquisition will be located on Website: https://www.fbo.gov. It is the responsibility of the prospective offeror to check this site regularly for any changes. Contracting Office Address: P.O. Box 9115 Rosslyn Station Arlington, Virginia 22219 United States Primary Point of Contact: Gwendolyn Dukes, Contract Specialist Secondary Point of Contact: Telisa Williams Contract Specialist williamstl@state.gov
 

Web Link

FBO.gov Permalink
(https://www.fbo.gov/spg/State/A-LM-AQM/A-LM-AQM/INRISSandE-IntelContracting/listing.html)
 

Place of Performance

Address: U.S. Department of State, 2201 C Street, NW, District of Columbia, 20250, United States

Zip Code: 20250
 

Record

SN02944248-W 20121208/121206234941-f344bb5d1d0e1e01cf8b3099cc268c70 (fbodaily.com)
 

Source

FedBizOpps Link to This Notice
(may not be valid after Archive Date)

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