DISA-DITCO/DTS42, 2300 East Drive, Bldg 3600, Scott AFB, IL 62225-5406

70 -- MAINFRAME ROBOTIC TAPE LIBRARIES (RTL/ATL) DUE 121897 POC Mr. Marv Meng 618-229-9263 The possibility exists that DISA may need to acquire dozens of ATLs for its MVS system 370/390 mainframe CPUs due to consolidations/migrations. Request written responses to the following questions/statements: 1) Advantages/disadvantages of competing or sole sourcing the ATLs. 2) Should "pass-thru" ports be used as a functional requirement? One site with 5 ATLs "passed-thru" 1500 tape cartridges on a single day, 2300 tape cartridges in a two day period, how would competive vendors address "pass-thru"? 3) Should DISA evaluate virtual tape when acquiring ATLs? 4) Should DISA entertain higher density tape drives when acquiring ATLs or continue with traditional 18-track/36-track technology? 5) In past migrations, one solution was to buy more of the existing installed technology in order to eliminate risk and avoid operational impacts. Would introducing competition put DISA at great risk? Would the introduction of technology other than 18-track/36-track put DISA at risk or increase costs? 6) Would the introduction of a second ATL/RTL OEM result in the following: a) a second OEM tape management systems software, b) additional training. c) an increase in additional CPU resources, d) require additional channels, f) increased complexity, or g) have a negative effect on floor space. 7) Could DISA expect to realize a cost savings if it were to deviate from its current business practices. In the past DISA has acquired most of its ATLs/RTLs from a limited number of OEMs. Request responses be submitted no later than 18 Dec 97. Oral communications are not acceptable. Electronic responses preferred. E-mail addresses are cardenae@ditco.disa.mil, linkm@ditco.disa.mil, or herrmanj@ditco.disa.mil. Facsimile number is (618) 229-9414. (0339)

Loren Data Corp. http://www.ld.com (SYN# 0290 19971210\70-0005.SOL)