Answers_RFI_2-4.docx

1) What version of z/OS is being utilized?

The current OS is z/OS 1.13.

2) How much Main Storage is required?

If the question refers to Region or LPAR, the Bureau does not require a specific size. Our requirement is in terms of performance.

If what is meant by “Main Storage” is public DASD, there is no minimum or maximum amount required. The contractor will be required to maintain a certain percentage of free space in public storage (33 percent), and a certain amount of that has to be in one large continuous extent (1500 cylinders). A certain number of Work Volumes (5) and SYSDA storage (2) is also required. All measurements are in terms of IBM 3090-3 DASD.

3) Third Party Software

a. Is BLS the licensee for the third party software used on the mainframe or is this covered by a blanket license with the current vendor?

The third party software cited in the RFI has been provided by the current vendor. BLS is not the licensee.

4) Tape / Tape Library - The RFI document states there are 11,500 tapes, please provide the additional following information.

a. What Device Types are in use (3490/3590/LTO)?

b. Are these physical or virtual tapes?

c. If physical:

i. How many are onsite and active?

ii. How many are onsite and scratch?

iii. How many are offsite and active?

Most of BLS tape usage is virtualized 3480 and 3490 format tapes. At our current data center, the JCL parameter “UNIT=CART” results in the “mounting” of a virtual 3490 cartridge. There is also a significant number of “foreign” tapes that are stored at the data center and are not virtualized. All virtualized tapes are onsite and active. Foreign tapes may be stored on or off-site based on the activity level of the tape.

There are approximately 9350 virtual 3480 and 3490 tapes.

There are approximately 2200 “foreign” tapes.

5) Printing

a. Are there any local mainframe attached printers in use or required?

i. If so, please describe how these are attached to the mainframe at the current vendor.

An LPS, cut-sheet printer is required at the contractor’s facility. Our current contractor provides a shared bank of such printers which are channel-connected to the mainframe.

b. Are there any remote printers being utilized for system printing or by end users?

i. If so, please describe how these are connected and utilized.

Remote printers are being utilized through VPS.

c. The RFI indicates a need for cut-sheet laser printing.

i. Is a laser printer required on-site at BLS?

No.

ii. Would the vendor be expected to provide and maintain a printer onsite or provide print support services and delivery of output to BLS?

The vendor is not expected to provide a printer at BLS sites. They are expected to support print services and deliver or ship output to designated BLS sites.

d. Please provide any metrics available on daily print volumes.

We do not compile daily print volumes. However, we will provide some print volume detail as part of the RFP.

6) Operations - Batch Processing

a. Is there an automated Job Scheduler, if so, what is the name?

The only automated scheduler in current use is used to initiate the started tasks (the EXPO CICS systems and the VPS system). This is handled by the current vendor using a system of their choosing.

b. Would a vendor be expected to run the batch schedule or simply provide support in the event of a problem?

Only for the started tasks. Otherwise there is no need for a scheduler.

7) Communications

a. How is BLS connected to the current vendor’s mainframe system (IPSEC VPN)?

Primary connectivity is through one T-3 and three T-1 leased communications lines.

b. Is NJE being utilized, if so please describe how?

The vendor will be required to provide JES2/NJE, Job entry/output system.

c. Please describe any peak network access or usage metrics.

No peak data is available. The vendor may want to keep in mind that BLS mainframe users are distributed from the US Virgin Islands (UTC-4) to Hawaii (UTC-10). More usage metrics will be provided with the RFP.

8) How many CICS and TSO users access the system on a regular basis?

There are, nationwide, a total of about 600 users that use the system at least once per year. Most likely a little over half of those are frequent users, i.e. logged on for hours at a time for a number of days per quarter. This program operates on a quarterly cycle, with peak usage falling in October, January, April, and July. Usage in peak months is approximately 10% to 20% higher than in a non-peak month.