Cal School-ServerSANCalEl-QA1-Combined_FV.pdf

209 KB Posted

Attached to
District technology Renovations
Solicitation number
RFP CCS 210000001161 2
Issued by
Kent County, Burt CDP, Michigan

About this file

Written by GovTribe AI ·

This document is a Questions and Answers (QA) response issued by Communications by Design, Inc. for Caledonia Community Schools' District Technology Renovations project (Bid ID: 2703), dated March 1, 2021. The project encompasses the procurement and integration of new server hardware, storage area network (SAN) equipment, and associated infrastructure upgrades. The district's existing environment includes three empty contiguous 42U racks with standard 19-inch mounting rails and 110V PDU voltage capability. Current infrastructure consists of Lenovo ThinkServer RD (models 640, 550, 350) and HP DL380 servers connected via 1Gbe with link aggregation, an HP MSA 2040 SAN with 8Gbe Fiber Channel connectivity, and an Enterasys S4 network switch. The project scope includes upgrading from vSphere 6.0.0 ESXi servers and vCenter Server version 6.7.0 to the latest VMware versions, with live VM migrations preferred but after-hours windows accommodated for systems like Powerschool and Oracle that require downtime. Integration services encompassing V-to-V migration are in scope, with bidders encouraged to provide relevant project references and certifications (PMP and VCP preferred but exceptions will be considered).

The district's current VMware licensing includes vSphere 6 Enterprise Plus (10 CPUs total across multiple contracts), vCenter Server 6 Standard, and vSphere Storage Appliance 5, with support coverage expiring November 20, 2021. Veeam backup software (Version 10.0.0.4461 P2) with support ID 02224257 is current and will not be upgraded as part of this project. The district will provide all necessary Windows Server and Linux operating system licensing to support the new hardware configuration. Proposed managed services solutions are acceptable if they meet or exceed warranty requirements, with first-year warranty system service to be proactive. Standard rack PDU specifications accommodate NEMA 5-15R inputs at 110V, and bidders may propose alternative CPU variants (such as Intel Xeon Silver 4214 instead of 4214Y) subject to owner approval. The owner is responsible for providing adequate network switch ports to support the server and SAN project infrastructure.

View the file

Other files

File Type Posted
CCS-ServerSAN-CalEL-02242021-Invite.pdf PDF

On GovTribe

Work with this file

  • Download the original file
  • Contacts named in this file
  • Similar government files
  • Ask GovTribe AI about this file
Try for free Login

Text version

The file's text, extracted by GovTribe without its formatting.

Bid ID: 2703 Communications by Design, Inc.

Questions and Answers Issued: Proprietary Information – All Rights Reserved

QA1 - 1

Project Owner: Caledonia Community Schools Project Name: District Technology Renovations

Issue Date: March 1, 2021

PROJECT QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

This document provides answers to questions asked by bidders who have reviewed the Technology Request for Bid for the above referenced project.

Q1: Are the racks for the new hardware standard 19-inch? Standard rack mounting hardware or any special considerations?

A: District datacenter racks are 19” with square cage nut style mounting rails.

Q2: How many contiguous rack units are available for the new hardware?

A: The district datacenter has three empty contiguous 42U racks.

Q3: What PDU voltage is available (110V or 220V) and power cord types that can be accommodated?

A: Standard rack PDU voltage is 110V with NEMA 5-15R inputs.

Q4: What is the network switch vendor and model that will connect the new hardware?

A: Enterasys S4 – SOK2208-0204 SFP+ Modules

Q5: Are the existing servers connected to the switches with 10G speed as well?

A: Existing servers are connected with 1Gbe with link aggregation.

Q6: What is the existing storage connectivity iSCSI, NAS, or FC and speed?

A: 8Gbe Fiber Channel

Q7: Please provide current VMware contact number and Install Base (IB) data. If you do not have the IB data, we can request it from VMware, but we will need your permission to provide to VMware.

A: See attached license export for VMWare licensing information.

Q8: Please provide current Veeam contract number.

A: The VEEAM support ID is 02224257.

Q9: What is the current vCenter server version and ESXi server versions?

Are you planning to upgrade to a newer release with the installation of the new hardware?

Do you want this to be in scope of the Integration project?

A: vSphere Client Version 6.7.0.46000 – ESXi Version 6.0.0. The new VMWare configuration will include updating to the latest version and will be included in the integration project.

Q10: What is the existing Veeam backup version?

QA1 - 2

Are you planning to upgrade to a newer release with the installation of the new hardware?

Do you want this to be in scope of the Integration project?

A: VEEAM Version is 10.0.0.4461 P2 - VEEAM software is currently up to date and the upgrade of the software would not be included in the integration project.

Q11: Will migration of the VMs from the old hardware to the new be Live or after hours?

If after hours is needed due to certain VMs not able to migrate live, will there be a window outside business hours to accommodate the migration?

A: Live migration is preferred for many VM’s, but some will need to be performed after hours (Powerschool, Oracle). After hours work will be accommodated as necessary to complete the project work.

Q12: For the server backup hardware, the CPU required is Intel Xeon Silver 4214Y, the Y variant is not typically available on general purpose servers.

Would the Intel Xeon Silver 4214 instead be acceptable?

A: Yes

Q13: The specification calls for (1) additional cat 6 cable at each of the speaker locations...is this in addition to the (1) cat 6 cable that is specified for each speaker in base bid?

A: Yes

Q14: Is the existing Veeam licensing socket based or VUL?

A: See Q8

Q15: What feature level is the Veeam licensing (essentials, standard, enterprise, enterprise plus?

When does existing Veeam licensing expire?

A: See Q8

Q16: -Manufacturer/Model of Current Servers being replaced.

Configuration: Qty and type of CPU’s, RAM, internal storage, network adapters A: This information is not understood to be relevant to the defined scope of the bid as documented. At a general information level, the existing servers are a combination of Lenovo ThinkServer RD (640, 550, 350) and HP DL380.

Q17: -Manufacturer/Model of Current SAN being replaced.

Configuration: Qty and type of CPU’s, RAM, internal storage (Qty of drives, drive type, RAID type etc.) network adapters A: This information is not understood to be relevant to the defined scope of the bid as documented. At a general information level, the existing SAN is a HP MSA 2040.

Q18: -Manufacturer/Model of Current Network “Extreme” Switches being supplied to support 10Gb iSCSI Configuration: Qty of total ports, used ports, available ports, ISL’s, and cabling diagram

QA1 - 3

A: See Q4, the remaining information is not understood to be relevant to the defined scope of the bid as documented. Owner is responsible for providing adequate switch ports to support the server/SAN project.

Q19: -Manufacturer and PN of 10Gb DAC Cables being used today, or preference A: 10 Gb DAC cables are not being used currently.

Q20: -Manufacturer/Model of Current system rack to be used to house the new servers and SAN Power Specs: Available Voltage (230 or 115V), PDU’s employed, available outlets, receptacle type (C14 or 5-15R etc.)

A: See Q3

Q21: “ Bidder may be required to provide working “sample” equipment, without cost, one each of the proposed systems for Owner and Designer evaluation and review.”

If the equipment is from an “Acceptable Manufacturer” If the Manufacturers equipment specifications will show supported standards and capabilities.

If the Manufacturer’s documentation can be used to demonstrate suitability for the intended use.

A: This question is not clear.

Q22: Current licensing for VMware vSphere and VCenter:

Version/Release (current and preferred) VMware Contract # SnS Support Levels and Expiration Date If you are reducing (8) sockets to (6), do you want to remove 2 sockets from your SnS?

Could be costly to re-instate.

A: See Q7

Q23: Current licensing for Veeam:

Version/Release (current and preferred) Veeam Contract # SnS Support Levels and Expiration Date A: See Q8

Q24: Are there any additional Windows Server and Linux licenses required for us to quote given the statement:

“All operating systems shall include necessary components and options for a fully compliant and operating system including, but not limited to warranty requirements.”

If the per server CPU core counts are increasing Current OS’s are obsolete and unsupported Number of users (CALs) has changed If so what are your current licenses for Windows Server and Linux?

QA1 - 4

A: The Owner will provide all Windows licensing as necessary to complete the project work.

Q25: Any reason that the 1st year of Warranty system service should not be proactive also such as we provide through our managed services?

A: As long as any proposed managed services solution meets or exceeds the warranty requirements it would be considered acceptable.

Q26: Why the need for PMP and VCP certifications for the Integration V-to-V migration project as it seems very straightforward?

And if we can represent our skills and capabilities given similar installation projects at our local customer references?

A: If bidder does not have the required certifications, they should be listed in the exceptions section of the bid response. All bidders are encouraged to provide relevant references for Owner consideration. Owner will carefully consider all factors when evaluating provided bids.

Q27: Are there any capability issues or shortcomings with your current HW and SW installation and configuration that you are seeking to avoid?

A: No

END OF QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS #1

User: Daniel Hubbell Email: HUBBELLD@CALSCHOOLS.ORG Date of Report: 2021-03-10/15:11 GMT Date of Data Refresh: 2021-03-10/14:33 GMT

Account NumberAccount Name Product Name License Key License Quantity Unit of Measure Folder Location Type Number Order Quantity Order Date License Coverage Start Date License Coverage End Date Support Level ELA Flag Contract End Date Renewed Quantity 116895243 CALEDONIA COMMUNITY SCHOOLS vSphere Storage Appliance 5 1 INSTANCE(s) HOME\ADJUSTMENTS ORDER 11150381 1 2/29/12 1 116895243 CALEDONIA COMMUNITY SCHOOLS vSphere Storage Appliance 5 1 INSTANCE(s) HOME\ADJUSTMENTS CONTRACT 30846109 2/29/12 2/27/15 Production Support N 2/27/15 1 116895243 CALEDONIA COMMUNITY SCHOOLS vCenter Server 5 Essentials 1 INSTANCE(s) HOME\GAYLE_SPITZLEY ORDER 11150381 1 2/29/12 1 116895243 CALEDONIA COMMUNITY SCHOOLS vCenter Server 5 Essentials 1 INSTANCE(s) HOME\GAYLE_SPITZLEY CONTRACT 30846109 2/29/12 2/27/15 Production Support N 2/27/15 1 116895243 CALEDONIA COMMUNITY SCHOOLS vSphere 5 Essentials Plus 6 CPU(s) HOME\GAYLE_SPITZLEY ORDER 11150381 6 2/29/12 6 116895243 CALEDONIA COMMUNITY SCHOOLS vSphere 5 Essentials Plus 6 CPU(s) HOME\GAYLE_SPITZLEY CONTRACT 30846109 2/29/12 2/27/15 Production Support N 2/27/15 6 116895243 CALEDONIA COMMUNITY SCHOOLS Fusion 4 1 COMPUTER(s) HOME\No_Support_Contract ORDER 11145394 1 2/23/12 116895243 CALEDONIA COMMUNITY SCHOOLS vSphere 6 Enterprise Plus 4 CPU(s) HOME\Order_12184711 ORDER 12519086 4 5/2/16 4 116895243 CALEDONIA COMMUNITY SCHOOLS vSphere 6 Enterprise Plus 4 CPU(s) HOME\Order_12184711 CONTRACT 320271082 11/21/20 11/20/21 Production Support N 11/20/21 4 116895243 CALEDONIA COMMUNITY SCHOOLS vSphere 6 Enterprise Plus 4 CPU(s) HOME\Order_12184711 CONTRACT 333749238 5/2/16 11/14/18 Production Support N 11/14/18 4 116895243 CALEDONIA COMMUNITY SCHOOLS vCenter Server 6 Standard 1 INSTANCE(s) HOME\Order_12202264 ORDER 12202264 1 4/7/15 1 116895243 CALEDONIA COMMUNITY SCHOOLS vCenter Server 6 Standard 1 INSTANCE(s) HOME\Order_12202264 CONTRACT 320271082 11/21/20 11/20/21 Production Support N 11/20/21 1 116895243 CALEDONIA COMMUNITY SCHOOLS vSphere 6 Enterprise Plus 2 CPU(s) HOME\Order_12496613 ORDER 12496613 2 3/30/16 2 116895243 CALEDONIA COMMUNITY SCHOOLS vSphere 6 Enterprise Plus 2 CPU(s) HOME\Order_12496613 CONTRACT 320271082 11/21/20 11/20/21 Production Support N 11/20/21 2 116895243 CALEDONIA COMMUNITY SCHOOLS vSphere 6 Enterprise Plus 2 CPU(s) HOME\Order_12496613 CONTRACT 332588752 3/30/16 3/29/19 Production Support N 3/29/19 2 116895243 CALEDONIA COMMUNITY SCHOOLS vSphere 6 Enterprise Plus 2 CPU(s) HOME\Order_12650411 ORDER 12382506 1 11/5/15 1 116895243 CALEDONIA COMMUNITY SCHOOLS vSphere 6 Enterprise Plus 2 CPU(s) HOME\Order_12650411 ORDER 12650411 1 11/18/16 1 116895243 CALEDONIA COMMUNITY SCHOOLS vSphere 6 Enterprise Plus 2 CPU(s) HOME\Order_12650411 CONTRACT 327629596 11/5/15 11/4/18 Production Support N 11/4/18 1 116895243 CALEDONIA COMMUNITY SCHOOLS vSphere 6 Enterprise Plus 2 CPU(s) HOME\Order_12650411 CONTRACT 320271082 11/21/20 11/20/21 Production Support N 11/20/21 2 116895243 CALEDONIA COMMUNITY SCHOOLS vSphere 6 Enterprise Plus 2 CPU(s) HOME\Order_12650411 CONTRACT 340838596 11/21/16 11/20/19 Production Support N 11/20/19 1 116895243 CALEDONIA COMMUNITY SCHOOLS vCenter Server 5 Essentials 1 INSTANCE(s) HOME\Transfer_112017330 ORDER 11963198 1 8/14/14 1 116895243 CALEDONIA COMMUNITY SCHOOLS vCenter Server 5 Essentials 1 INSTANCE(s) HOME\Transfer_112017330 CONTRACT 39606483 8/14/14 8/13/18 SUBSCRIPTION ONLY N 8/13/18 1 116895243 CALEDONIA COMMUNITY SCHOOLS vSphere 5 Essentials Plus 6 CPU(s) HOME\Transfer_112017330 ORDER 11963198 6 8/14/14 6 116895243 CALEDONIA COMMUNITY SCHOOLS vSphere 5 Essentials Plus 6 CPU(s) HOME\Transfer_112017330 CONTRACT 39606483 8/14/14 8/13/17 SUBSCRIPTION ONLY N 8/13/18 6

CCS-ServerSAN-CalEL-02152021_QA_FV.pdf
CalSchools-VMWareLicensing-03152021-Redacted.pdf

File details come from the government source that posted it. Updated .