B01- RFI RSN_final.docx

Request for Information (RFI)/Sources Sought (SS) Notice

Title: Research Science Network (RSN) Maintenance

Notice Type: Request for Information (RFI)

Response Date: 1 April 2026, 11:00 AM Eastern Time

Requiring Activity Name: The U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID)

Subject: This is a non-personal service(s) contract to provide maintenance support for the IT hardware and software that supports the U.S. Army Research Institute of Infectious Disease (USAMRIID) Research Science Network (RSN).

In accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 15.101 -- Exchange with industry before receipt of proposals, this Sources Sought is for information and planning purposes only and at this time shall not be construed as a solicitation or as an obligation or commitment on the part of the Government nor will the Government pay for information solicited. No evaluation letters and/or results will be issued to the respondents.

This Sources Sought Notice is a Market Research tool used to determine the availability and adequacy of potential sources, prior to determining the method of acquisition and issuance of a solicitation.

The NAICS code for this requirement is 334111 – Electronic Computer Manufacturing

DISCLAIMER: This Request for Information (RFI)/Sources Sought (SS) Notice is NOT a Request for Proposals (RFP) or a Request for Quotations (RFQ). This RFI is issued solely for market research information and planning purposes only and does not constitute a solicitation.

Responses to the RFI will not be returned. Neither unsolicited proposals nor any other kind of offers will be considered in response to this RFI. Responses to this notice are not offers and cannot be accepted by the Government to form a binding contract. No contract will be awarded from this announcement. No reimbursement will be made of any costs to provide information in response to this announcement or any follow-up information requests; responders are solely responsible for all expenses associated with responding to this RFI. Availability of any formal solicitation will be announced under a separate announcement.

All information received in response to this RFI will be treated as confidential business information. Submitters should properly mark their responses if the information is confidential. All information received in response to this RFI that is marked Proprietary, will be handled accordingly.

At this time, questions concerning the composition and requirements for future solicitation will not be entertained.

Background: USAMRIID works closely with other Defense Health Agency Research and Development (DHA R&D) organizations, DoD, the Interagency (including Interagency Laboratories), and private companies to accomplish its mission of protecting the Warfighter from biological threats and being prepared to investigate disease outbreaks or threats to public health.

In FY21 USAMRIID was required to modernize the IT equipment that supported their Scientific Research Enclave (SRE), due to the results of an ARCYBER Inspection. USAMRIID Information Management Division (IMD) conducted extensive market research to select replacement infrastructure enabling USAMRIID’s mission of defense and deterrence of biological threats. USAMRIID required a single OEM to provide all storage, data protection and computer hardware to simplify deployment and integration.

Instructions to Responders: Responses from capable and qualified Small Business sources are encouraged to respond to this request.

Review the Performance Work Statement (PWS) listed below. Respondents should address how they best can fulfil the requirements set forth in the PWS in their capabilities statement. Capability Statements or any other proprietary information related to this RFI should adhere to the following formatting and outline instructions:

1. All submissions shall be made electronically and be in one of the following formats: Microsoft Word or Adobe PDF and shall not exceed 10 pages (Cover page excluded from page count).

2. Cover Page

· Title

· Organization

· Responders technical and administrative points of contact (names, addresses, phone, fax number and email addresses)

· Topic area(s) addressed

· Respondents shall be registered in www.sam.gov under the NAICS code of 334111

· List all ordering vehicles held by respondents and associated contracting numbers (e.g. OMNIBUS IV, CHESS, GSA, etc.)

3. Response shall address whether the respondent is offering similar or like supplies/services in the commercial market to the general public.

4. Please note that the response shall provide sufficient technical data to determine how you fully meet the requirements as specified in PWS.

The requested information shall be submitted by the date and time specified above, via email, to Kirstin Quinn, Contract Specialist, at Kirstin.L.Quinn.civ@health.mil and Emily O’Hara, Contracting Officer, at Emily.K.Ohara.civ@health.mil . Only electronic responses will be accepted. No evaluation letters and/or results will be issued to the respondents. Currently no solicitation exists; therefore, please do not request a copy of the solicitation. NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE.

Performance Work Statement Includes associated Performance Requirements Summary (PRS)

PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT (PWS)

RSN HARDWARE MAINTENANCE

March, 2026

Part 1 General Information

1. General: This is a non-personal service(s) contract under which the personnel rendering the service(s) are not subject, either by the contract’s terms or by the manner of its administration, to the supervision and control usually prevailing in relationships between the Government and its employees.

1.1 Description of Services/Introduction: This is a non-personal service(s) contract to provide maintenance support for the IT hardware and software that supports the U.S.

Army Research Institute of Infectious Disease (USAMRIID) Research Science Network (RSN).

This support is critical for adhering to the Risk Management Framework (RMF) and maintaining the network’s Authority to Operate (ATO).

1.2 Background: USAMRIID works closely with other DHA R&D organizations, DoD, the Interagency (including Interagency Laboratories), and private companies to accomplish its mission of protecting the Warfighter from biological threats and being prepared to investigate disease outbreaks or threats to public health.

In FY21 USAMRIID was required to modernize the IT equipment that supported their Scientific Research Enclave (SRE), due to the results of an ARCYBER Inspection. USAMRIID IMD conducted extensive market research to select replacement infrastructure enabling USAMRIID’s mission of defense and deterrence of biological threats. USAMRIID required a single OEM to provide all storage, data protection and compute hardware to simplify deployment and integration.

This maintenance service contract will be a follow-on to the materiel and warranty contract W81XWH-21-F-0260, awarded to Government Acquisitions, Inc. with a warranty end date of 29 July 2026. The follow-on contract with be for a (1) Base Year and (4) Option Years with a (-8) 6-month optional extension.

1.3 Scope: The Contractor shall provide non-personal service(s). USAMRIID requires a single-source Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) contract to provide all storage and compute hardware and software listed on the bill of materials.

Hardware and Software Support Agreement must be 4 hour response time, 24x7 service availability, with Defective Media Retention (DMR) support. The hardware & software contract must include OEM firmware updates. The overall objective is to continue to provide USAMRIID 24/7 reliability and to include all Hardware and Software upgrades and warranty immediately following the expiration of contract W81XWH-21-F-0260 on 7/29/2026.

1.4 Objectives: The purpose of this requirement is to renew the current Dell hardware/software maintenance contract which includes Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) vendor support. This renewal is critical to ensuring the continuous, 24/7 operational uptime and reliability of USAMRIID's essential Dell systems. The objective of this contract is to provide:

1.4.1 Specific tasks/requirements:

1.4.1.1 The vendor will provide service personnel with Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts and services.

1.4.1.2 Extend to the Government all commercial warranties on replacement parts, consistent with standard industry practices.

1.4.1.3 Ensure all maintenance services provided are in accordance with OEM recommended maintenance standards.

1.4.1.4 Provide preventative and corrective maintenance services for all hardware listed in the BOM. Refer to attachment1 for list of equipment. The maintenance services shall include:

· Support & Diagnostics: Includes remote Hardware Problem Diagnosis and onsite support from a certified technician

· Onsite Support provided by a qualified technician within four (4) hours of hardware failure reported.

1.4.1.5 Parts: All repair parts and Material provided must be OEM-certified

1.4.1.6 Coverage: 24 hours per day, 7 days per week, 365 days per year, including holidays

1.4.1.7 Mandatory Defective Media Retention (DMR): All defective data-bearing media will be retained by USAMRIID.

1.4.1.8 Expert Access: direct access to Advanced Technical Specialists/ Certified Technician

1.4.1.9 Provides clear, documented procedures for applying all updates, including documentation on risks and benefits

1.4.1.10 Provides proactive notification of recommended software updates

1.4.1.11 Service provider shall grant the customer an ongoing license to use all covered software.

1.4.1.12 The service includes access to all software/firmware updates, patches, hotfixes, and minor version upgrades as soon as they become available.

1.5 General Information:

1.5.1 Quality Control Plan (QCP): RESERVED

1.5.2 Quality Assurance: The Government will evaluate the Contractor’s performance under this contract in accordance with the Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP). This plan is primarily focused on what the Government must do to ensure that the Contractor has performed in accordance with the performance standards. It defines how the performance standards will be applied, the frequency of surveillance, and the acceptable quality levels (performance thresholds).

To ensure all entitlements have been successfully registered and are active post-award, the Customer shall perform the following quality assurance checks:

· Verify Update Access: Confirm a successful connection to the vendor's website and verify the ability to download available hardware updates and patches.

· Validate Support Effectiveness: Test the support service by engaging the vendor's Help Desk to successfully resolve a hardware or software-related problem.

1.5.3 Recognized Holidays: The following provides information on recognized holidays for the purpose of the PWS. If submittal of any documentation (e.g. deliverables, submittals, etc.) deadlines fall on a holiday, the closest work day prior to the holiday will apply as the deadline for submittal.

1.5.3.1 U.S. Holidays: Work shall not be performed on U.S. federally recognized holidays unless it is to address a critical failure that would otherwise cause a mission-critical work stoppage, or if specifically directed by the Contracting Officer (CO). This requirement for emergency support applies 24x7x365, including all holidays. For scheduling and observance purposes, when a U.S. holiday falls on a Saturday, it is observed on the preceding Friday; when it falls on a Sunday, it is observed on the following Monday.

Juneteenth June 19th Independence Day July 4th Labor Day 1st Monday in September Columbus Day 2nd Monday in October Veteran’s Day November 11th Thanksgiving Day 4th Thursday in November Christmas Day December 25th

1.5.4 Operating Hours: The Government facility office hours, facility operating hours, and the Contractor support hour requirements often coincide, however, they may differ. Please refer to the following.

1.5.4.1 Government Facility Office Hours: The Government facility office hours are 0800 to 1700, Monday through Friday, except U.S. Holidays identified in paragraph 1.5.3.1 above or when the Government facility is closed due to local or national emergencies, administrative closings, or similar Government directed facility closings.

1.5.4.2 Government Facility Operating Hours: The Government facility operating hours occur between the hours of 0800 to 1700 Monday through Friday. Exception of a critical issue that would be a work stoppage. The Government facility is closed for operations during the recognized U.S. holidays identified in paragraph 1.5.3.1.

1.5.4.3 Contractor Support Hours: The Contractor shall provide two tiers of support:

· Standard Support: For non-emergency situations, defined as any issue that does not impact the USAMRIID mission, support shall be provided between the hours of 0800 to 1700, Monday through Friday. Problem resolution will occur during these normal business hours.

· Emergency Support: For emergency situations that cause or threaten a mission-critical work stoppage, the Contractor shall provide support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year (24x7x365) to resolve the issue.

1.5.4.3.1 Contractor Work Plan: RESERVED

1.5.5 Place of Performance: The work to be performed under this contract will be performed at 1425 Sultan Drive and 8100 Research Plaza, Ft. Detrick Md. 21701 if it is necessary for the vendor to come on sight

1.6 Security Requirements: The following information is provided on security related matters.

1.6.1 Security Program: Contractor personnel performing work under this contract must have a minimal level of investigation National Agency Check with Inquiries (NACI) at time of the proposal submission, and must maintain the level of security required for the life of the contract. The security requirements are IAW with the DoD Contract Security Classification Specification (DD Form 254), which is currently accessible at the following link: http://www.dtic.mil/whs/directives/forms/eforms/dd0254.pdf.

1.6.2 Personnel Security Clearance Requirements: Contractor personnel performing work under this contract must have an active personnel security clearance at the National Agency Check with Inquiries (NACI) level in the Defense Information System for Security (DISS) at time of the proposal submission, and must maintain the level of security required for the life of the contract. The security requirements are IAW the DoD Contract Security Classification Specification DD Form 254 The Contractor shall ensure that Contractor employees and subcontractor employees performing services under this contract comply with FAR 52.204-2 Security Requirements when the employee has access to information classified “Confidential,” “Secret,” or “Top Secret.” The Contractor shall ensure the employee complies with the DoD Security Agreement (DD Form 441), and the NISPOM rule at 32 Code of Federal Regulation (CFR) Part 117, effective 24 Feb 2021. The NISPOM is the National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual to which contractors must implement and comply.

1.6.3 Security

USAMRIID considers the safety of its employees, neighbors, and the surrounding community its number one priority. USAMRIID’s Biosecurity Program is governed by a broad set of Federal, DoD and US Army regulations and policies, which enables USAMRIID to safeguard both the biological materials used in the laboratories as well as the personnel who work here. USAMRIID is frequently inspected by those regulating agencies, and successful completion of those inspections is required for USAMRIID to continue its operation. It is therefore critical that all employees, including Contractor employees, meet standards and maintain compliance with all regulations, policies, and procedures that have been instituted for their protection and the protection of others. Security, training, and other requirements may be subject to change based upon changes in regulations and policies, and the Contractor shall be immediately responsive to those changes.

The Contractor shall not employ, or continue employment, of persons for work on this contract, if such employee is identified to the Contractor by the Contracting Officer as a potential threat to the health, safety, security, general well-being, or operational mission of the installation or its population. All Contractor employees shall be screened before hiring for active participation in any group that opposes the use of animals in research; such candidates shall not be selected for work on this PWS (all contract employees shall support the humane use of laboratory animals in research). In addition, if it becomes known that an employee is an active member of any group that opposes animal research or in any other way demonstrates a desire to compromise the security or the mission of the Institute, the Contractor employee shall be removed from this requirement immediately.

1.6.3.1. Security Requirements.

The Contractor shall protect all Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) and unclassified information involved in the performance under this contract.

1.6.3.2. Installation Access Requirements.

1.6.3.2.1. All visitors must enter through the Nallin Gate which is open 24 hours per day, seven (7) days per week. Contractors are to provide proof of identification to the Fort Detrick security staff at the Visitor Center located at the Nallin Gate. A Criminal History Check will be conducted on all Contractor and subcontractor employees requiring base access. Acceptable forms of Government issued identification include a passport or Driver’s License that complies with the REAL ID ACT. Non-U.S. citizens visiting Fort Detrick will require a Federal employee escort onto the Base. Non-U.S. Citizens visiting or working at USAMRIID will require MRDC approval. Vehicles entering the Base will be searched before being allowed to enter the Base. In addition to your vehicle, the trunk, boxes, bags, or other items located in the vehicle is subject to search. Federal law prohibits the following items on Federal property: firearms, explosives, archery equipment, dangerous weapons, knives and blades over 2 ½ inches, alcoholic beverages and open containers of alcohol. No photographs may be taken while on Fort Derick. Cell phones may be used while driving only if hands free.

1.6.3.2.2 The Contractor and all associated subcontractors’ employees shall comply with applicable installation, facility, and area commander installation and facility access and local security policies and procedures provided by the Government representative. The Contractor shall return all issued U.S. Government Common Access Cards, installation badges, access badges to the COR when the Contract is completed or when a Contractor employee no longer requires access to the installation and facility as defined in the contract.

1.6.3.2.3 Force Protection Condition (FPCON) impact on work levels. The Contractor employees must comply with all personal identity verification requirements as directed by DoD, and local policy. In addition to the changes otherwise authorized by the changes clauses of this contract, should the FPCON change, the Government may require changes in Contractor security matters or process. IAW DoDI 2000.16, the FPCON is defined as follows:

FPCON ALPHA. This condition applies when there is a general threat of possible terrorist activity against personnel and facilities, the nature and extent of which are unpredictable, and circumstances do not justify full implementation of FPCON BRAVO measures. However, it may be necessary to implement certain measures from higher THREATCONS resulting from intelligence received or as a deterrent. The measures in this THREATCON must be capable of being maintained indefinitely.

FPCON BRAVO. This condition applies when an increased and more predictable threat of terrorist activity exists. The measures in this THREATCON must be capable of being maintained for weeks without causing undue hardship, affecting operational capability, and aggravating relations with local authorities.

FPCON CHARLIE. This condition applies when an incident occurs or intelligence received indicating some form of terrorist action against personnel and facilities is imminent. Implementation of measures in this THREATCON for more than a short period probably will create hardship and affect the peacetime activities of the unit and its personnel.

FPCON DELTA. This condition applies in the immediate area where a terrorist attack has occurred or when intelligence has been received that terrorist action against a specific location or person is likely. Normally, this THREATCON is declared as a localized condition.

1.6.3.3 Security Clearance Requirements. RESERVED

1.6.3.4. Requirements for BPRP Enrollment. RESERVED

1.6.3.5. Requirements for Escorted Entry to Federal Select Agent Program (FSAP)-Registered Spaces (Visitor) RESERVED

1.6.3.6 Services for Contractors Not Enrolled in BPRP (if applicable). RESERVED

1.6.3.7. Workplace Safety RESERVED

1.6.3.8. Foreign Nationals Requirements RESERVED

1.6.3.9. Requirements for Controlled Substances PRP (CS-PRP) Enrollment. RESERVED

1.6.3.9.1 Contractor Furnished Services RESERVED

1.6.4. Installation Access. Access to U.S. installations, buildings and controlled areas is limited to personnel who meet security criteria and are authorized. Failure to submit required information/data and obtain required documentation or clearances will be grounds for denying access to U.S. installations, buildings and controlled areas. The Contractor shall ensure that any subcontractors used in performance of this contract complies with these requirements and that all employees, of both the Contractor and any subcontractor utilized by the Contractor, are made aware of and comply with these requirements.

The Contractor shall be aware of and comply with the requirements associated with Installation Access Control. The Government is not liable for any costs associated with performance delays due solely to a firm’s failure to comply with Installation Access Control System (IACS) processing requirements.

The Contractor shall return installation passes to the issuing IACS office when the contract is completed or when a Contractor employee no longer requires access.

1.6.4.1 Installation Pass Log: RESERVED

1.6.5 Background Checks: RESERVED

1.6.6 Physical Security: The Contractor shall safeguard all Government equipment, information, and property provided for Contractor use.

1.6.7 Operations Security (OPSEC) Requirements: Contractor personnel shall adhere to facility security policies and restrictions. The Contractor shall immediately report suspicious activities to security personnel.

1.7 Key Control: RESERVED

1.8 Post Award Conference/Periodic Progress Meetings: RESERVED

1.9 Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR): Refer to Part 2 of this PWS for the definition of a COR. As determined by the Contracting Officer, a COR will be appointed and identified by letter of designation, a copy of which will be provided to the Contractor by the Contracting Officer. The designation letter states the responsibilities and limitations of the COR, especially with regard to changes in cost or price, estimates, or changes in delivery dates. The COR is not authorized to change any of the terms and conditions of the resulting order. The COR monitors all technical aspects of the contract and assists in contract administration. The COR is not authorized to obligate the Government. If the work is not written in the contract, the COR is not authorized to request new work. The COR is authorized to perform the following functions: assure that the Contractor performs the technical requirements of the contract, perform inspections necessary in connection with contract performance, maintain written and oral communications with the Contractor concerning technical aspects of the contract, issue written interpretations of technical requirements, including Government drawings, designs, specifications, monitor Contractor's performance and notifies both the Contracting Officer and Contractor of any deficiencies, coordinate availability of Government property, and coordinate site entry of Contractor personnel.

1.10 Key Personnel: RESERVED

1.11. Identification of Contractor Employees: RESERVED

1.12 Contractor Travel: RESERVED

1.13 Other Direct Costs (ODCs): RESERVED

1.14 Data Rights: The Government has unlimited rights to all documents and materials produced under this contract. All documents and materials, to include the source codes of software, produced under this contract shall be Government owned and are the property of the Government with all rights and privileges of ownership and copyright belonging exclusively to the Government. These documents and materials may not be used or sold by the Contractor without written permission from the Contracting Officer. All materials supplied to the Government shall be the sole property of the Government and may not be used for any other purpose. This right does not abrogate any other Government rights.

1.15 Non-Disclosure Requirements: Performance under this contract may require the Contractor to access data and information proprietary to a Government agency, another Government Contractor, or of such nature that its dissemination or use other than as specified in this work statement would be adverse to the interests of the Government or others. The Contractor and Contractor personnel, shall not divulge or release data or information developed, or obtained under performance of this PWS, except to authorized Government personnel or upon written approval of the Contracting Officer. The Contractor shall not use, disclose, or reproduce proprietary data, which bears a restrictive legend, other than as specified in this PWS. All documentation showing individual names or other personal information shall be controlled and protected under the provisions of the Privacy Act of 1974, Public Law 93-579, 5 United States Code (U.S.C.) Section 552a.

1.16 Protection of Government and Contract Information: Per Public Use Notice of Limitations stated by Defense imagery Management operations Center and contained at www.dimoc.mil/resources/limitations/ , the Contractor shall not cite any information (e.g., contract information, pictures, locations, etc.) obtained through this contract on any hard copy or digital marketing tools to include its company website.

1.17 Non-Disclosure Statements: RESERVED

1.18 Organizational Conflict of Interest (OCI): Contractor and subcontractor personnel performing work under this contract may receive, have access to or participate in the development of proprietary or source selection information (e.g., cost or pricing information, budget information or analyses, specifications or work statements, etc.) or perform evaluation services which may create a current or subsequent OCI as defined in FAR Subpart 9.5. The Contractor shall notify the Contracting Officer immediately whenever it becomes aware that such access or participation may result in any actual or potential OCI and shall promptly submit a plan to the Contracting Officer to avoid or mitigate any such OCI. (Deliverable #1)

The Contractor’s OCI Mitigation Plan will be determined to be acceptable solely at the discretion of the Contracting Officer. In the event the Contracting Officer unilaterally determines that any such OCI cannot be satisfactorily avoided or mitigated, the Contracting Officer may affect other remedies as he or she deems necessary, including prohibiting the Contractor from participation in subsequent contracted requirements which may be affected by the OCI.

1.19 Phase In /Phase Out Period: RESERVED

1.20 Required Training: The following provides information on training requirements.

1.20.1 Anti-Terrorism (AT) Level I Training: All Contractor employees, including subcontractor employees, who are employed under the contract, shall complete AT Level I Training within 30 days (Deliverable #2) after contract start date or effective date of incorporation of this requirement into the contract, whichever applies. Contractor personnel travelling overseas shall complete area of responsibility (AOR) specific AT awareness training for U.S. based Contractor employees and associated subcontractor employees. The Contractor shall submit certificates of completion for each affected Contractor employee and subcontractor employee to the COR (or to the Contracting Officer, if a COR is not assigned) within 5 days after completion of this training by all employees and subcontractor personnel. AT Level I awareness training is available at https://jkodirect.jten.mil. Contractor personnel shall complete refresher training every twelve (12) months except AOR specific AT Level I training which shall be completed as required by local AT policies

1.20.2 OPSEC Training: Contractor employees, including subcontractors, shall complete Level I OPSEC training within 30 days of employment under this contract. Verification of the training shall be provided to the COR within 5 days after completion of the training. OPSEC Level I training is available at http://www.cdse.edu/catalog/elearning/GS130.html. Contractor personnel must complete refresher training every 12 months. Verification of the training shall be provided to the COR within 5 days after completion of the training (Deliverable #3).

1.20.3 iWATCH Training: The Contractor and all associated subcontractors shall brief all employees on the local iWATCH program (training standards provided by the requiring activity ATO). This locally developed training will be used to inform employees of the types of behavior to watch for and instruct employees to report suspicious activity to the COR. This training shall be completed within 30 days after the contract is awarded and within 5 days after new employees commence contract performance, with the results reported to the COR within 30 days after the contract is awarded. Verification of the training shall be provided to the COR within 5 days after completion of the training (Deliverable #4). Training slides can be found on the Army OneSource we site: http://www.myarmyonesource.com/familyprogramsandservices/iwatchprogram/default.aspx

1.20.4 Information Assurance (IA) Training

1.20.4.1 All Contractor employees, including subcontractors, requiring access to Government information systems shall complete the DoD IA Cyber Awareness Training before issuance of network access and annually thereafter (Deliverable #5).

1.20.4.2 All Contractor employees, including subcontractors, working information technology (IT)/IA functions shall comply with DoD and Army training requirements per Information Assurance Training Certification and Workforce Management DoD Directive (DoDD) 8570.01, Information Assurance Workforce Improvement Program DoD 8570.01-M, and Information Assurance AR 25-2 within thirty (30) calendar days of employment. Training is available at https://ia.signal.army.mil/DoDIAA/default.asp .

PART 2

DEFINITIONS & ACRONYMS

2. Definitions and Acronyms

2.1 Definitions: Although not inclusive of every term used within this PWS, the following provides a list of definitions used throughout this PWS and commonly used in the acquisition field.

Contracting Officer – means a person with the authority to enter into, administer, and/or terminate contracts and make related determinations and findings on behalf of the Government. Note: The only individual who can legally bind the Government.

Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) – As defined in DFARS 202.101, means an individual designated and authorized in writing by the Contracting Officer to perform specific technical or administrative functions. DoD Instruction (DoDI) 5000.72, Part II Definitions states the following when defining a COR: “Defined in subpart 202.101 of Reference (f). Any individual delegated responsibilities pursuant to subpart 1.404 of Reference (e), regardless of local terminology, must be certified in accordance with this instruction. For example, local terminology can be COR, Contracting Officer’s technical representative, technical point of contact, technical representative, alternate COR, administrative COR, assistant COR, line item manager, task order manager, quality assurance personnel, quality assurance evaluator, or COR management.”

Contractor – means a supplier or vendor awarded a contract to provide specific supplies or service to the Government. The term used in this contract refers to the prime.

Contractor-acquired Property - means property acquired, fabricated, or otherwise provided by the Contractor for performing a contract and to which the Government has title.

Day – means, unless otherwise specified, a calendar day.

Defective Service – means a service output that does not meet the standard of performance associated with the Performance Work Statement.

Deliverable – means anything that can be physically delivered, but may include non-manufactured things such as meeting minutes or reports.

Government-furnished Property – As reflected in FAR 52.245-1, Government-furnished Property “means property in the possession of, or directly acquired by, the Government and subsequently furnished to the Contractor for performance of a contract. Government-furnished property includes, but is not limited to, spares and property furnished for repair, maintenance, overhaul, or modification. Government-furnished property also includes contractor-acquired property if the contractor-acquired property is a deliverable under a cost contract when accepted by the Government for continued use under the contract

Government Property - means all property owned or leased by the Government. Government property includes both Government-furnished and Contractor-acquired property. Government property includes material, equipment, special tooling, special test equipment, and real property. Government property does not include intellectual property and software.

Property Administrator - means an authorized representative of the Contracting Officer appointed in accordance with agency procedures, responsible for administering the contract requirements and obligations relating to Government property in the possession of a Contractor.

High Level Objective (HLO) – means a key overarching result-based objective for a project necessary to achieve the project’s vision. HLOs are similar to Level 2 in a Work Breakdown Structure. Each HLO may contain several statements to flesh out the areas necessary to meet the objective.

Physical Security – means that part of security concerned with physical measures designed to safeguard personnel; to prevent unauthorized access to equipment, installations, material, and documents; and to safeguard against espionage, sabotage, damage, and theft.

Quality Assurance – (or Government contract quality assurance) means the various functions, including, inspection, performed by the Government to determine whether a Contractor has fulfilled the contract obligations pertaining to quality and quantity.

Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP) – means the key Government-developed surveillance process document, and is applied to Performance-Based Service Contracting (PBSC). The QASP is used for managing Contractor performance assessment by ensuring that systematic quality assurance methods validate that Contractor quality control efforts are timely, effective, and are delivering the results specified in the contract or task order. The QASP directly corresponds to the performance objectives and standards (i.e., quality, quantity, timeliness) specified in the Performance Work Statement (PWS). It provides specific details on how the Government will survey, observe, test, sample, evaluate, and document Contractor performance results to determine if the Contractor has met the required standards for each objective in the PWS. The QASP, with very few if any exceptions, is an internal to Government document.

Quality Control – means all necessary measures taken by the Contractor to assure that the quality of an end product or service shall meet contract requirements.

Statement – means the specific results-based activities required to satisfy HLOs. A statement contains a result, the context of the statement, and the required action(s). Statements focus on “what” is to be accomplished; however they are not prescriptive in describing “how” the outcome is to be achieved. Each HLO may have several statements to flesh out the areas necessary to meet the objective. Statements are similar to Level 3 in a Work Breakdown Structure.

Subcontractor – means one that enters into a contract with a prime Contractor. The Government does not have privity of contract with the subcontractor.

Work Day - The number of hours per day the Contractor provides services in accordance with the contract.

Work Week - Monday through Friday, unless otherwise specified.

2.2 Acronyms: Although not inclusive of every term used within this PWS, or that may be included in an acquisition, the following provides a list of acronyms commonly used in the acquisition field.

USAG United States Army Garrison

PART 3

GOVERNMENT PROPERTY (GP) AND SERVICES

3. Government Property and Services : RESERVED

PART 4

CONTRACTOR FURNISHED ITEMS AND SERVICES

4. Contractor Furnished Property and Services

4.1 General: The Contractor shall furnish all equipment, supplies, transportation, tools, materials, supervision, and any other items necessary to perform the services required herein. This all-inclusive maintenance contract; therefore, the cost of all new hardware and repair parts is built into the total contract price, with no additional fees. All furnished repair parts and materials must be Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) certified.

4.2 Secret Facility Clearance: RESERVED

4.3 Materials: RESERVED

4.4 Vehicles and Equipment: RESERVED

4.5 Background Checks): RESERVED

PART 5

SPECIFIC TASKS

5.1 Basic Services: The Contractor shall provide all necessary personnel to deliver comprehensive maintenance support services for the Research Science Network hardware. These services shall include the management of all license entitlements and the deployment of all necessary hardware, software, patches, and firmware upgrades required to ensure the network's optimal performance and reliability.

5.2 Tasks: Tasks consist of the following:

Hardware Support & Parts:

5.2.1 Provide preventative and corrective maintenance services for all hardware listed in the Bill of Materials (BOM), as detailed in Attachment 1.

5.2.2 Furnish all repair parts and materials, which must be certified by the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM).

5.2.3 Extend all standard commercial warranties on replacement parts to the Government.

5.2.4 Ensure all maintenance services are performed in accordance with OEM-recommended standards.

5.2.5 Enable Defective Media Retention (DMR), ensuring all defective data-bearing media is retained by USAMRIID.

Service Levels & Technical Support:

5.2.6 Provide support coverage 24 hours per day, 7 days per week, 365 days per year, including all holidays.

5.2.7 Deliver onsite support from a qualified technician within four (4) hours of a reported hardware failure.

5.2.8 Offer remote support and diagnostics for hardware problems.

5.2.9 Provide direct access to Advanced Technical Specialists and certified technicians for expert-level assistance.

Software Licenses & Updates:

5.2.10 Grant the customer an ongoing license to use all covered software.

5.2.11 Provide access to all software/firmware updates, patches, hotfixes, and minor version upgrades as they become available.

5.2.12 Deliver proactive notifications for recommended software and firmware updates.

5.2.13 Supply clear, documented procedures for applying all updates, including documentation on associated risks and benefits.

5.3 Service Contract Reporting RESERVED

PART 6

APPLICABLE PUBLICATIONS

6. Applicable Publications (Current Editions): The following publications, manuals, regulations, etc. are mentioned in this PWS and are listed below.

PART 7

ATTACHMENT AND TECHNICAL EXHIBIT LISTING

7. Attachment and Technical Exhibit List

7.1 Technical Exhibit A – Performance Requirements Summary

7.2 Technical Exhibit B – Deliverables Schedule

7.3 Attachment 1 – Estimated Workload Data RESERVED

7.4 Attachment 2 – Historical Workload Data RESERVED

7.5 Attachment 3 –Government Property (GP) RESERVED

7.6 Attachment 4 OR Technical Exhibit C, etc. RESERVED

7.7 Attachment 5: Bill of Materials (BOM)

TECHNICAL EXHIBIT A

Performance Requirements Summary (PRS)

PRS #1

PWS Hardware Support & Parts, PWS para 5.2.1 - 5.2.5

100% Inspection

PRS #2 Service Levels & Technical Support, PWS para 5.2.6 – 5.2.9

100% Inspection

PRS #3

Software Licenses & Updates, PWS para 5.2.10 – 5.2.13

100% Inspection

TECHNICAL EXHIBIT B

DELIVERABLES SCHEDULE

Deliverable #3 OPSEC Training Para 1.20.2 Within thirty (30) calendar days after award and annually thereafter

Deliverable #4 iWATCH Training Para 1.20.3

Deliverable #5 Information Assurance (IA) Training Para 1.20.4

ATTACHMENT 1

ESTIMATED WORKLOAD DATA RESERVED

ATTACHMENT 2

HISTORICAL WORKLOAD DATA RESERVED

ATTACHMENT 3

GOVERNMENT FURNISHED PROPERTY (GFP) RESERVED

Attachment 4 OR Technical Exhibit C, etc.

RESERVED

Attachment 5:

Bill of Materials (BOM)

HPC Cluster