DIRECTORATE OF CONTRACTING; 30 N. WOLFE AVENUE; EDWARDS AFB, CA 93524-6351

70 -- DATA STORAGE FOR NETWORK (MODIFICATION #3) SOL F0470099Q1782 DUE 092899 POC Michele Cameron WEB: DIRECTORATE OF CONTRACTING, http://bsx.org/edwards/bus_ops. E-MAIL: DIRECTORATE OF CONTRACTING, michele.cameron@edwards.af.mil. DESC: A combined solicitation/synopsis was originally posted on 23 Aug 99. The questions listed below were received from various vendors in response to the original posting and modification #1 posting of this solicitation. Answers to questions are provided below and cross-referenced in the Minimum Salient Characteristics list. Please refer to the previous postings for all other pertinent information. Follow all instructions when submitting a bid. Bidders must be registered with the Central Contractor Registration and be able to provide Certs and Reps to this office. Interested parties have until midnight PST on 28 Sep 99 to submit bids. Partial bids will not be accepted. The anticipated award date is on or about 30 Sep 99. Electronic responses are allowed. FAX number 805-275-7808. EMAIL: michele.cameron@edwards.af.mil. ****************************************** Minimum Salient Characteristics Purchase a data storage / storage area network and backup solution for Windows NT and UNIX servers. The solution must meet the following specifications: 1. The Storage Area Network (SAN) must provide the following core services: -Full Fibre-Channel Support -Cross-Platform Support (Windows NT, UNIX) -Protection against loss of data stored in cache. -Multiple concurrent RAID level (0, 1, 0+1, 5) support. -Multiple stripe depth support. -Dual active/active RAID controllers. -Dynamically adjusted look-ahead read cache. -Multiple independent processors per RAID controller. -Mirrored/synchronized write cache (Dedicated 100MB/sec cache bus. -Fibre Channel host interface (100MB/sec). Connected via Fibre channel. (See Question 9) 2. The SAN must provide volume mapping. This mechanism protects valuable data from accidental or inappropriate access by numerous hosts. -Volume mapping allocates storage volumes to specific hosts via world wide host names. -Host systems see only the volumes to which they are assigned. -Volume mapping provides an absolutely secure method of controlling host access to data. -Allows storage volu mes to be dynamically re-allocated among host systems. -Must be implemented in upgradeable array firmware which: -Provides a single point of control for host access to volumes of storage. -Supports one-to-one and many-to-one configurations. -Requires no host-base software. 3. The SAN must provide extended checksum data with each sector to confirm that error-free data is returned to the host. 4. The SAN must contain a process that logs all write transactions to a nonvolatile log to ensure that all writes are completed even in the event of a power interruption. Transactions are to be stored until data has been safely written and verified to storage. (See Question #23) 5. Upon power interruption, the SAN must contain a feature that copies cache contents, including mirrored data and array error logs to a special dedicated hard disk drive mounted directly on each RAID controller. Upon power restoration, the cache contents are restored, incomplete writes are reconstructed and written to disk, and normal operation resumes even with a controller or drive failure. 6. The SAN must perform Data Consistency Checks. Data consistency checking (DCC) continually m onitors the disk drives for bad blocks and automatically relocates data to circumvent potential data corruption or loss. (See Question #22) 7. The SAN must perform duplexed cache writes. This process writes incoming data into two separate caches simultaneously in one operation. It improves write cache operation by eliminating overhead. No write cache performance penalties can be experienced in active/active controller configurations. 8. The SAN must allow user configuration of the following items: -Array group width (number of drives in a group) up to 16. -Stripe depth selectable per array group. -Stripe depth from 1 to 96 blocks. -Stripe depth to match application I/O profiles for peak performance. -RAID level per array group. -Logical volumes (Up to 32). -Volume size selectable in blocks, megabytes or gigabytes. -Pooled hot spares. 9. The SAN must contain a dynamically adjusted write-gathering cache algorithm that allows the SNA to behave like a RAID 3 system when dictated by data or process type. (This is extremely important when doing database loads, database restores, or sequential writes.) A RAID product that provides actual RAID 3 will mee t this requirement if the product satisfies the requirement to dynamically adjust write-gathering memory dictated by data or process type for execution of database loads, database restores, or sequential writes. (See Question #21) Oracle and SQL Server databases, graphical images, html reports, office automation files and application executables will be stored on the RAID. (See Question #27) 10. CIFS and NFS file services must be fully supported. 11. The network attached storage devices must integrate with the existing fast Ethernet and CDDI networking infrastructure. Please disregard this requirement as stated. The intent on item 11 was to ensure that the host bus adapters for the SAN would coexist and operate with the fast ethernet andCopper Data Distribution Interface (CDDI) network interface cards presently in the servers. (See Question #1 and #6) 12. The solution must include centralized monitoring and statistic retrieval software/hardware. 13. The backup solution must consist of a DLT7000 tape jukebox with a minimum of 4 drives expandable to 7 drives. The backup and restore software must be capable of execution on a Windows NT server with agent s for Windows NT, UNIX, Oracle Database, and SQL Server. Data backups and restoration must be performed directly from the SAN via Fibre-channel and Ethernet. Yes, the SAN solution is required to have agents capable of backing up online Oracle and SQL Server databases (See Question # 4) The on-line (hot) backups are to be performed over the SAN (private network). Six to 12 hour window per day (24 hour) period. (See Question #24) The SAN will function as the data storage for the servers and the SAN and Oracle / SQL Server databases agents will utilize the DLT 7000s for online backups. (See Question #7) Total number of disk drives and spindle size is as follows: 36 disk drives and 18-36 GB per drive (See Question #13) Total number of slots for DLT media in the library is as follows: Four DLT 7000 in a unit scalable to 7 drive units. (See Question #14) Total number of required DLT media is as follows: Ninety 35/70 GB cartridges (See Question #15 and #24) No single point of failure within the SAN is acceptable. The backup system is only allowed to be inoperative for no more than one (1) day or one 24 hour period. (See Question #28) 14. Connection to the SAN from the various servers must be via Fibre-Channel switches. A total of 25 connections must be available. 25 initial connections. Future requirements will be determined at a later date. (See Question #29) 15. Local and remote data replication must be available with centralized management. This requirement is requested for future capability. Exact specifications will be determined in the next six to twelve months. (See Question #8) 16. Consulting services will be furnished for planning, design, training, installation, and custom-tailoring solutions. The requirement is for the vendor to provide onsite setup, configuration, installation and tuning of the SAN and Archival systems. Additionally, the vendor will be required to train, on-site, 5 administrators in the use and operation of the SAN / Backup software and system. (See Question #2, #26, #30) Items 10.1-10.4 will be performed onsite not less than 5 days and not to exceed 10 business days. 10.5 No security clearance required. 10.6 Administration, operations, management and maintenance of SAN and Backup/Archival Systems. 10.7 Performance and Cost. (See Question #26) The customer est imates 40 to 80 onsite hours for installation, setup, configure, tune and train administrators. (See Question #30) 17. All hardware and software components (both i.e. SAN, tape jukebox, and Fibre-Channel switches) must be integrated, certified, installed, and maintained by one vendor. 18. Any and all upgrades to the hardwarecomponents must provide reasonable investment protection of disk drive and cabinet configuration. 19. Initial requirements of 500 gigabytes of usable storage with the ability to scale into the multiple terabyte range. The tape backup must be capable of sustained data transfer rate of at least 5MB/second (10MB/s compressed) per tape drive. (See Question #3 and #24) The amount of data to be stored within the RAID is multiple Terabytes. RAID 1 through RAID 5 to be used. (See Question #18) 20. Support requirements are Monday through Friday 7:00AM to 5:00PM with a four hour response time with replacement spares onsite. (See Question #5) The Government won't accept a parts only maintenance agreement using Government provided labor. Required maintenance plan(s) would include Monday through Friday 7:00AM-5:00PM within a four hour resp onse time with spares onsite. (See Question #25) 21. Sun Solaris system will be used. (See Question #10 and #19) Connections to the SAN: Solaris and Windows NT (Intel and Alpha) (See Question #16 and #19) 22. The requirement is for a Storage Area Network and Archival/Backup system. The requirement is for the SAN to be connected directly to the servers and the SAN connected to the Backup via the switches/hubs over their own Fibre Channel network. (See Question #11) The requirement for data storage and tape backup with GUI based software to manage and operate the systems. (See Question #12) 23. User configurable resolution lock depth requirement. (See Question #17) 24. Distances between nodes of up to 10000 meters may be required. Fibre Channel required per Gov't specifications. (See Question #20) ******************************************* Projected List of Items 0100 Gladiator 6700 582GB 70" Cabinet Base Package Includes One RAID Element, two Storage Elements with 32 18.2GB (10,000RPM) Drives, two twelve port hubs. GBICs and cables Qty: 1 0101 Data shield Lun Mapping Qty: 1 0102 Installation 0103 Maintenance 1-year M-F, 8-5 0104 F C Host Adapter, DB9 Copper connector, Sun-S-Bus 1-year return to factory warranty Qty: 3 0105 Fibre Channel Host Adapter, PCI, Copper, DB-9 Qty: 9 0106 Infinity 1660 with 100 slots, differential, with four DLT7000 drives Qty: 1 0107 Infinity 1500 Series Media -DLT tape IV data cartridge (DLT4000: 20GB/40GB, DLT7000: 35GB/70GB) 30-day on-site warranty Qty: 100 0108 Infinity 1500 Series Media-DLT tape cleaning cartridge (for all DLTdrives) 30-day on-site warranty Qty: 2 0109 ATL Barcode labels Qty: 200 0110 Maintenance 1-year M-F, 8-5 0111 Installation 0112 Network Edition for NT (ten Host) Qty: 1 0113 ClientPak for Unix (SUN) Qty: 1 0114 UNIX client (Oracle) Qty: 2 0115 Autochanger Software Module -- Supports 1-128 sots for UNIX-Automates the unattended operation of robotic tape libraries Qty: 1 0016 NT Client (Oracle) Qty: 2 0117 NT Client (SQL Server) Qty: 1 0118 Care Support 5 AM to 6 PM, PST 0119 Care Quickstart Consulting Service Fees *********************************** QUESTION 1: You mention network attached storage (NAS) (item 11 in your modification). Normally, NAS is not considered a storage area network. Are you intendin g to have NAS devices make up your SAN or are they additional devices that need to be quoted? If they are additional, how much storage are you looking for in the NAS devices? RESPONSE: Please disregard this requirement as stated. The intent on item 11 was to ensure that the host bus adapters for the SAN would coexist and operate with the fast ethernet and Copper Data Distribution Interface (CDDI) network interface cards presently in the servers. (See Requirement #11) QUESTION 2: Item 16 describes consulting services for planning, design, training, installation and custom tailoring solutions. I'm assuming this means that you need the contractor to assist you with these items. If this is the case, I need to know how many personnel you anticipate you will need to be trained, what kind of custom-tailoring solutions are you considering, are the items described in this modification your wants and the consulting listed here will help you define theexact design? RESPONSE: The requirement is for the vendor to provide onsite setup, configuration, installation and tuning of the SAN and Archival systems. Additionally, the vendor will be required to train, on-site, 5 ad ministrators in the use and operation of the SAN / Backup software and system. (See Requirement #16) QUESTION 3: Is there a specification for the amount of storage that is required or is this just a request for the SAN and the customer already has the storage? The number of Gigabytes of RAID and Tape backup required are necessary for pricing depending on the answer to the above. RESPONSE: Initial SAN requirements of 500 gigabytes of usable storage with the ability to scale into the multiple terabyte range. The tape backup must be capable of sustained data transfer rate of at least 5MB/second (10MB/s compressed) per tape drive. (See Requirement 19) QUESTION 4: Will the SAN solution be required to perform on-line backups? RESPONSE: Yes, the SAN solution is required to have agents capable of backing up online Oracle and SQL Server databases (See Requirement 13) QUESTION 5: What type of support is needed for the SAN solution? 24X7 or less? RESPONSE: Support requirements are Monday through Friday 7:00AM to 5:00PM with a four hour response time with replacement spares onsite. (See Requirement 20) QUESTION 6: Specification 11 states that storage devices must integrate with the existing fast Ethernet and CDDI networking infrastructure. Could you explain the CDDI networking infrastructure and what CDDI stands for? RESPONSE: Please disregard this requirement as stated. The intent on item 11 was to ensure that the host bus adapters for the SAN would coexist and operate with the fast ethernet and Copper Data Distribution Interface (CDDI) network interface cards presently in the servers. (See Requirement 11) QUESTION 7: Are the 25 servers going to be doing a direct backup to the DLT or will they be using the SAN as the main data repository and backing up the SAN on the DLT? RESPONSE: The SAN will function asthe data storage for the servers and the SAN and Oracle / SQL Server databases agents will utilize the DLT 7000s for online backups. (See Requirement 13) QUESTION 8: Specification 15 states that local and remote data replication must be available with centralized management. Do you require remote back up? If so, is there a remote backup device in place or is it needed? If a remote backup device is needed, what is the size of the remote backup device? What is the platform for the software connected to t he backup device at the remote site? Is a system needed to connect to the backup device at the remote site? RESPONSE: This requirement is requested for future capability. Exact specifications will be determined in the next six to twelve months. (See Requirement 15) QUESTION 9: What is the need for the Fiber Switches? Will the Fiber Switches be used in the following way: Servers connected to switches via 10/100BaseT LAN, and switches connected to SAN via Fiber Channel? RESPONSE: No, via Fibre channel. (See Requirement 1) QUESTION 10: What types of Legacy/Unix systems will be connected? Dec Vax, Novell servers, HP-UX, Sun, SGI, IBM? RESPONSE: Sun Solaris (See Requirement 21) QUESTION 11: is it network LAN cabinets? RESPONSE: The requirement is for a Storage Area Network and Archival/Backup system. The requirement is for the SAN to be connected directly to the servers and the SAN connected to the Backup via the switches/hubs over their own Fibre Channel network. (See Requirement 22) QUESTION 12: Is this solicitation for software or a cabinet to store your servers? RESPONSE: The requirement for data storage and tape backup with GUI based s oftware to manage and operate the systems. (See Requirement 22) QUESTION 13: Total number of disk drives and spindle size? RESPONSE: 36 disk drives 18-36 GB per drive (See Requirement 13) QUESTION 14: Total number of slots for DLT media in the library? RESPONSE: Four DLT 7000 in a unit scalable to 7 drive units. (See Requirement 13) QUESTION 15: Total number of required DLT media? RESPONSE: Ninety 35/70 GB cartridges (See Requirement 13) QUESTION 16: What type of connections to the SAN are needed (What client types: I.E. Solaris, NT, AIX, IRIX, Linus...etc) RESPONSE: Solaris and Windows NT (Intel and Alpha) (See Requirement 21) QUESTION 17: What is the resolution lock depth requirement? LUN, Volume, Directory or file? RESPONSE: User Configurable. (See Requirement 23) QUESTION 18: The RFQ does not specify the amount of data to be stored within the RAID, nor the size of the amount and type of RAID storage to be proposed. Will the Government please specify: 1.1 The amount of data to be stored within the RAID? 1.2 The amount of RAID to be proposed? 1.3 The type of RAID to be proposed? RESPONSE: 1.1 Multiple Terabytes. 1.2 I nitial requirements of 500 gigabytes of usable storage with the ability to scale into the multiple terabyte range. 1.3 RAID 1 through RAID 5 (See Requirement 19) QUESTION 19: The RFQ states in Requirement 1 that the SAN must provide platform support for UNIX and NT, but does not specify the vendor platforms that will have access to the SAN., e.g.; Alpha NT, Intel NT, SGI, Sun, HP, etc. Will the Government please specify: 2.1 The vendor platforms that will access the SAN? 2.2 The vendor operating systems that will access the SAN? RESPONSE: 2.1 Sun Solaris and Windows NT (Intel and Alpha). 2.2 Windows NT, Windows NT Enterprise, Sun Solaris. (See Requirement 21) QUESTION 20: Knowledge of the distances between nodes in a SAN are critical to a cost effective configuration Glass (optical) is more expensive than copper, but glass can be used over longer distances than copper. Will the Government please specify the distances between nodes in the SAN? RESPONSE: Distances of up to 10000 meters. Fibre Channel required per Gov't specifications. (See Requirement 24) QUESTION 21: Requirement 9 describes a method to simulate RAID 3. Will a RAID product that provides actual RAID 3 meet this requirement? RESPONSE: Yes, if the product satisfies the requirement to dynamically adjust write-gathering memory dictated by data or process type for execution of database loads, database restores, or sequential writes. (See Requirement 9) QUESTION 22: Requirement 6 calls for "Data Consistency Checks". Will the Government please define Data Consistency Checks? RESPONSE: Data consistency checking (DCC) continually monitors the disk drives for bad blocks and automatically relocates data to circumvent potential data corruption or loss. (See Requirement 6) QUESTION 23: Requirement 4 states that "The SAN must contain a process that logs all write transactions to a nonvolatile log....". This requirement does not specify the number of transactions that are to be stored, how long they are to be stored, or the size of each transaction. Will the Government please clarify or rewrite this requirement? (See Requirement 4) RESPONSE: Until data has been safely written and verified to storage. QUESTION 24: Requirement 13 does not specify the amount of data to be stored in the DLT tape jukebox, the backup window, or the amount of data to be backed up within the backup window. Will the Government please supply: 8.1 The amount of data to be stored in the DLT tape jukebox. 8.2 What is the maximum amount of time required for the Backup Window. 8.3 The amount of data to be back Posted 09/21/99 (D-SN382790). (0264)

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