20356425N00003.pdf

Request for Information Data Center Services

20356425N00003

The purpose of this Request for Information (RFI) is to find capable vendors to support The Federal Mine Safety and Health Review Commission (FMSHRC) with Data Center Services for the replacement of network switches, routers, and the reconfiguration of network cables at the FMSHRC Headquarters Data Center. VENDORS MUST REVIEW

THE ENTIRE REQUIREMENT AND SHALL ONLY RESPOND IF FULLY CAPABLE OF SATISFYING

ALL ASPECTS OF THE REQUIREMENT.

This is an RFI for market research purposes, and not a solicitation.

I. SCOPE SUMMARY (see DRAFT PWS for requirement details)

The Performance Work Statement (PWS) is to establish Data Center Services for FMSHRC to furnish all the necessary services, qualified personnel, material, equipment, and facilities, not otherwise provided by the Government as needed to perform the PWS.

II. ANTICIPATED PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

The Period of Performance is to be determined.

III. ADDITIONAL DETAILS

NO SOLICITATION IS AVAILABLE. A request for more information, or a copy of the solicitation, will not be considered an affirmative response to this Request for Information. Telephone responses or inquiries to this Request for Information will NOT be accepted.

Fiscal Service will consider responses received no later than 2:00 PM ET, May 27, 2025, as submitted in writing to kaity.eaton@fiscal.treasury.gov and purchasing@fiscal.treasury.gov. Please include “RFI:

20356425N00003, Data Center Services - KE/PW” in the subject line.

Questions about this RFI will not be entertained, as a vendor pool is all that is being sought at this time. Questions and Answers will be fielded during the RFQ period in the future. Quotations will not be accepted at this time.

Qualified contractors must provide the following:

1. The name and location of your company, contact information, and identify your business size and socioeconomic category. Please ensure contact information includes the name of the point of contact, email address, and telephone number should the Government have questions regarding individual responses.

2. The GSA contract or other vehicle your services are available through, including schedule/GWAC number, NAICS Codes, and applicable SIN.

3. Submissions should include sufficient evidence clearly demonstrating a vendor’s capability.

Responding vendors shall provide a general capabilities statement that includes a description of their standard line(s) of business, information outlining their experience, along with a technical narrative addressing each specified requirement in the PWS.

The following file extensions are not allowable and application materials/data submitted with these extensions cannot be considered: .bat, .cmd, .com, .exe, .pif, .rar, .scr, .vbs, .hta,, .cpl, and .zip files. Microsoft Office compatible documents are acceptable. No other information regarding this Request for Information will be provided at this time.

This notice does not restrict the Government to an ultimate acquisition approach. All firms responding to this notice are advised that their response is not a request that will be considered for contract award. All interested parties will be required to respond to any resultant solicitation separately from their response to this notice, should one be issued.

mailto:kaity.eaton@fiscal.treasury.gov mailto:purchasing@fiscal.treasury.gov

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Federal Mine Safety and Health Review Commission Request for Information (RFI)

For the Replacement of Switches, Routers, and Data Center Network Cabling

1. Introduction

The Federal Mine Safety and Health Review Commission (FMSHRC) is issuing this Request for Information (RFI) to solicit responses from qualified vendors for the replacement of network switches, routers, and the reconfiguration of network cables at the FMSHRC Headquarters Data Center located at 1331 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Suite 520N, Washington, DC 20004. This upgrade is necessary to enhance the network infrastructure's capacity, security, and scalability.

The goal of this RFI is to gather information on potential solutions, costs, and timelines to address the replacement and redesign network cabling needs while ensuring that all necessary regulations and standards are adhered to.

2. Purpose

FMSHRC seeks to replace outdated switches, routers, and reconfigure network cables within its data center to ensure a more robust, secure, and scalable network infrastructure that can support the organization's ongoing and future needs. Through this RFI, FMSHRC aims to understand the available solutions in the market, evaluate the performance and security capabilities of these solutions, and collect vendor feedback on the project. Additionally, vendors are required to demonstrate their compliance with the relevant regulations governing federal network infrastructures.

3. Scope of Work

Vendors responding to this RFI should address the following requirements:

3.1 Network Switches

• Core and Edge Switches: Provide a solution for replacing current core and edge network switches with high-performance switches capable of supporting 10GbE, 40GbE, or higher Ethernet speeds.

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• Features and Scalability: Switches must support advanced features such as VLANs, network segmentation, QoS (Quality of Service), PoE (Power over Ethernet), and redundancy protocols.

• Security and Monitoring: Proposals should include security features such as integrated firewalls, intrusion detection/prevention systems, and support for network monitoring tools (SNMP, syslog, etc.).

Compatibility: Ensure the proposed switches are compatible with the existing network infrastructure and are designed to integrate with the upgraded routers.

3.2 Network Routers

• Router Replacement: Propose modern routers capable of managing high-throughput traffic and supporting dynamic routing protocols like OSPF, EIGRP, BGP, and MPLS.

• Traffic Management: The routers should support traffic shaping, QoS for prioritization of critical data, and ensure failover capabilities for network resilience.

• Security Features: Ensure routers support built-in security mechanisms like VPNs, NAT, ACLs, and other advanced security features for safe data flow.

• Scalability: Ensure the router solution is scalable to handle future increases in bandwidth and traffic demands.

3.3. Wireless Access Points - Enterprise Wireless Network

• Enterprise Wi-Fi Integration: As an alternative solution or in concert with hard-wired devices, FMSHRC seeks information on a secure Wi-Fi network enterprise solution for all three Commissions’ offices. This solution must meet Federal standards such as Federal Information Processing Standards (FIPS) 140-2 and National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) 800-53 controls, as well as conform to 802.11i requirements and Wi-Fi Protected Access 2 or 3. Recommendations for compatible Wireless Intrusion Detection Systems (WIDS) and Wireless Intrusion Prevention Systems (WIPS) are also needed.

• Preference will be given to solutions that offer a centralized, cloud-managed interface for ease of deployment and ongoing maintenance across all three office locations.

• Vendors are encouraged to propose additional features, including:

o SD-WAN compatibility o Integration with existing security tools o Green/energy-efficient hardware

• Vendors should indicate whether their wireless solution includes centralized, cloud-managed control (e.g., Cisco Meraki, Aruba Central). Solutions must still adhere to all security, encryption, and FedRAMP requirements.

3.4 Data Center Network Cabling Services

• Current Cabling Assessment: Perform an assessment of the current data center cabling infrastructure to identify and document areas in need of upgrade or replacement.

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• Cabling Replacement: Propose solutions for replacing existing copper (e.g., CAT5, CAT6) and fiber optic (e.g., OM1, OM3) cabling with newer, higher-performance cables (e.g., CAT6, CAT6A,CAT7). for copper, OM4 for fiber optic) that can support increased bandwidth requirements, confirm legacy equipment compatibility and ensure future proofing of the FMSHRC network.

• Cable Management: Implement proper cable management practices, including organized routing and storage of cables to ensure accessibility, reliability, and ease of future upgrades.

• Labeling and Documentation: All cables should be labeled for easy identification, and a detailed cabling plan should be submitted, including diagrams of the new cabling layout and connections.

3.5 Installation and Configuration

• Installation Process: Provide a detailed installation plan that includes removing old equipment, installing new switches, routers, and cabling, and testing to ensure proper functionality.

• Configuration: Describe the configuration approach for the new switches and routers to ensure they integrate with the current network topology and meet FMSHRC’s specific requirements (IP addressing, VLAN setup, routing protocols, security policies, etc.).

• Testing and Validation: Propose a comprehensive testing plan to verify network functionality, performance, and security post-installation, including:

o Performance testing for bandwidth, latency, and throughput o Security testing for vulnerabilities and compliance o Redundancy and failover tests to ensure network availability

3.6 Documentation and Training

• Network Documentation: Provide complete, detailed network diagrams and configuration documentation for the newly installed switches, routers, and cabling systems, including IP address allocation, device configurations, and logical/physical topology diagrams.

• Training: Offer training for FMSHRC’s IT staff, covering the operation, configuration, and basic troubleshooting of the new equipment. The training should include network monitoring and maintenance procedures.

• Support Documentation: Provide support documentation on best practices for ongoing network maintenance, troubleshooting guides, and any potential issues related to the new installation.

• Wireless Survey: This survey should include a facilities map (provided upon request) that demonstrates wireless coverage with the following indicated:

o - Interference sources and strength, o − Any existing networks’ signal strength and coverage contours, o − External network sources available in the facility with signal strength coverage o contours, o − Identification of areas where multipath distortion may occur, o − Recommended WAP placement, 4 | P a g e o − Recommended WIDS/WIPS placement, and o − Indication of signal strength coverage contours using recommended placement

3.7 Post-Installation Support and Warranty

• Warranty: Offer at least a 12-month warranty for all installed hardware and equipment, covering defects and failures during that period.

• Ongoing Support: Propose ongoing support options after installation, including remote monitoring, technical support, and updates/upgrades.

• Service Level Agreements (SLA): Include any available SLAs detailing response times, availability of support, and service guarantees.

4. Regulations and Compliance

Vendors are required to ensure that their proposed solutions comply with the following federal regulations and standards:

4.1 Federal Information Security Modernization Act (FISMA)

• All network infrastructure must comply with the guidelines set forth in the Federal Information Security Modernization Act (FISMA), which mandates that all federal information systems meet minimum security requirements to protect data and information systems from cyber threats.

• Vendors must implement necessary security controls to protect FMSHRC’s network from unauthorized access and data breaches, as outlined by FISMA and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Special Publication 800-53.

4.2 NIST SP 800-171 Compliance

• Vendors should ensure compliance with NIST SP 800-171, which establishes security requirements for protecting controlled unclassified information (CUI) in non-federal systems and organizations.

• The solution should be designed to safeguard FMSHRC’s sensitive data and ensure that it is not exposed to unauthorized parties, in alignment with the NIST standards.

4.3 National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) 800-53

• The proposed solution must align with the security controls specified in NIST SP 800-53 to ensure that all components meet federal cybersecurity standards for federal data centers.

• Vendors should demonstrate how their proposed solution adheres to NIST’s Risk Management Framework (RMF), with controls for access management, data protection, and audit logging.

4.4 Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program (FedRAMP)

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• Solutions used for network infrastructure must adhere to the FedRAMP guidelines for cloud-based solutions, including security assessments, authorizations, and continuous monitoring.

• If any cloud services or cloud-hosted equipment is proposed, vendors must ensure that these solutions have achieved FedRAMP authorization at the appropriate impact level (Moderate or High).

4.5 Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Circular A-130

• The solution should align with OMB Circular A-130, which provides guidance on the management of federal information resources and emphasizes the need for secure and efficient information management practices.

• Vendors should include measures that comply with OMB policies on cybersecurity, data privacy, and risk management.

4.6 National Cybersecurity Protection System (NCPS)

• Vendors should also ensure that their proposed solution can integrate with the National Cybersecurity Protection System (NCPS) if necessary, ensuring FMSHRC's compliance with national cybersecurity initiatives.

4.7 General Services Administration (GSA) IT Standards

• Any IT infrastructure solutions must comply with the General Services Administration (GSA) IT standards for federal government contracting and infrastructure implementation.

5. Vendor Requirements

Vendors should meet the following qualifications to respond to this RFI:

• Experience: A minimum of 5 years of experience in providing network infrastructure upgrades, including switches, routers, and cabling solutions, preferably in similar environments (i.e., government agencies or large-scale enterprises).

• Certifications: Provide evidence of relevant certifications such as Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP), Juniper Networks Certified Internet Specialist (JNCIS), or equivalent.

• Compliance with Regulations: Demonstrate the ability to comply with the above-listed federal regulations, standards, and frameworks related to cybersecurity and infrastructure management.

5.1 Required Documents for Submission:

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• Company Profile: A summary of the company’s capabilities, experience, and qualifications of the project team.

• Technical Proposal: Detailed technical solution for switches, routers, and cabling, including specifications and configurations.

• Compliance Details: Description of how the solution meets relevant federal regulations and standards.

• Implementation Plan: An overview of how the installation and configuration will proceed, including timelines and milestones.

• Cost Proposal: A high-level cost breakdown by hardware, installation, configuration, and support services.

• References: At least three references for similar projects with contact details.

5.2 Optional Vendor Questions or Site Visits

To promote clarity and ensure vendors fully understand the requirements and existing infrastructure, FMSHRC encourages interested vendors to submit written questions regarding this RFI. Additionally, vendors may request a site visit to better assess the physical environment and logistical conditions relevant to the project.

• All questions must be submitted in writing by the deadline outlined in the communication instructions (to be provided separately).

• Requests for a site visit must be made in advance and are subject to agency scheduling and security protocols.

6. Evaluation Criteria

FMSHRC will evaluate the responses based on the following factors:

• Technical Merit: The ability of the proposed solution to meet the performance, security, and scalability requirements outlined in the RFI.

• Compliance with Regulations: Demonstration of adherence to federal cybersecurity standards and regulations.

• Vendor Experience: The vendor demonstrated experience with similar projects and the qualifications of their technical team.

• Cost: The overall value and cost-effectiveness of the proposed solution, including hardware and services.

• Support and Warranty: The quality and comprehensiveness of the post-installation support and warranty offered.

Submission Checklist Vendors must include the following materials in their submission package. Failure to provide any of these items may result in the response being deemed incomplete.

• Company Profile – Overview of company, relevant experience, and team qualifications

• Technical Proposal – Detailed solution for switches, routers, cabling, and wireless access points

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• Compliance Summary – Description of how the solution meets federal regulations and standards

• Implementation Plan – Timeline, milestones, and approach for installation and configuration

• Cost Proposal – High-level breakdown including hardware, installation, configuration, and support

• References – At least three references for similar completed projects

• Assumptions & Infrastructure Questions – Any dependencies, assumptions, or clarification requests

7. Confidentiality

All information provided in response to this RFI will be treated as confidential and used solely for the purpose of evaluating potential solutions.

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ATTACHMENT A: PICTURES OF THE CURRENT ENVIRONMENT

Washington D.C Location

Server room 3 Cisco 9300-NM-8X

14th Floor 2 Cisco 9300-NM-8X

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5th Floor outside Mark’s office 1 Cisco 9300-NM-8X

Denver, CO Location

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Pittsburgh, PA Location

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