Enterprise Wireless RFI.pdf

I. Purpose of RFI

This Request for Information (RFI) aims to gain insights into the solutions available in the marketplace for providing an Enterprise Wireless Solution that encompasses both Internal and Guest WIFI. The National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) is seeking information from vendors regarding the implementation of a comprehensive enterprise wireless solution across all NARA facilities nationwide that includes Enterprise Wi-Fi design, pre-install, project management, installation, post-Install surveys, operations and support for all Wi-Fi hardware and software.

This is a Request for Information (RFI) to conduct market research to determine the availability of vendors capable of providing the requirement as described below. This RFI does not guarantee the issuance of an RFQ.

II. Background

NARA has 39 occupied facilities. Currently, 26 facilities have some form of wireless deployment. Of the 26 sites, three are third-party solutions (e.g., provided by the landlord) that provide wireless access to the internet but do not provide access to NARA’s network. The remaining 23 sites use NARA equipment to provide internal network access and/or guest WiFi. NARA has 2 hub locations: Archives II (A2) and National Personnel Records Center, St. Louis (NPRC).

NARA faces specific and immediate concerns regarding the cyber security of our current guest wireless network. NARA’s guest wifi network at A1 and A2 is not distinguishable from NARA's internal network.

Recently, a researcher using our public wifi triggered a cyber security alert from the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) and the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA). The researcher was using a personal device, that had been infected with malware, on NARA’s guest wifi. When the device transmitted malicious code on NARA WiFi, it appeared to the FBI and CISA that malware was being transmitted from a Government network. Because NARA’s guest network is anonymous (no password or user ID), we are not able to identify the researcher.

We urgently need a better WiFi solution and a robust technical infrastructure that clearly differentiates between the guest and internal wireless networks at every NARA site.

III. Scope of Work

NARA is exploring flexible and innovative ways to acquire an Enterprise Wireless Solution. NARA envisions the following high-level tasks to be required; however, NARA would like interested vendors to submit additional options, feedback, and recommendations to help us better define a final requirement.

Draft Scope

The contractor is expected to procure, install, and provide Wi-Fi hardware, software bundles, and design, survey, and operation management services. The contractor must also provide help desk support to NARA Enterprise Wireless Solution, with the option for the contractor to own all Wi-Fi hardware and software (i.e., Wi-fi as a service). It is imperative that all proposed solutions adhere to the established Internet Protocol Version 6 (IPv6) standard.

1. Wireless Infrastructure Design:

o The vendor must provide detailed information on their wireless infrastructure, including access points, controllers, and management software.

2. Site Survey o For optimal Wi-Fi equipment placement, the contractor is expected to conduct site surveys in all areas that can be accessed

3. Implementation o The contractor is expected to install all necessary Wi-Fi equipment - including but not limited to cabling, access points, and integration of Internet service and WiFi network.

4. Security:

o The vendor must provide comprehensive information on their security features, including encryption protocols, authentication mechanisms, and access control measures.

5. Scalability:

o The vendor must provide insights into their solution's scalability, specifying the number of users and devices it can support.

6. Reliability:

o The vendor must provide data on their solution's reliability, including uptime statistics and warranty information.

7. Reporting o The contractor is expected to provide reporting including but not limited to monthly and ad hoc reports. These reports should include system and usage statistics, as defined by

NARA.

8. Support o The contractor is expected to operate, manage, and provide help desk support through phone calls from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM to on-site guests and researchers. Some sites, mainly Presidential Libraries and Archives I, have late night functions with the expectation of WiFi support for the event. This support should include network management services which covers firewalls, intrusion detection, monitoring.

IV. How to Respond

Interested offerors respond to the following questions:

1. Provide a summary of your technical capability to meet the requirements outlined above, while directly addressing the features listed below. Please include a brief explanation of how you would approach this requirement.

Key Features:

● Secure and reliable wireless connectivity for mission-critical applications.

● Centralized management and control of wireless networks.

● Supports a wide range of devices and applications.

● Scalable to meet the needs of large and small organizations.

Benefits:

● Improved productivity and efficiency for employees.

● Enhanced collaboration and communication.

● Reduced costs associated with wired networks.

● Increased security and compliance.

Support and Maintenance Services:

● 24/7 support from a team of experienced engineers.

● Proactive monitoring and maintenance to prevent problems before they occur.

● Rapid response to support requests.

● Regular software updates and security patches.

2. Please provide related experience in the federal government, addressing the following:

● Successful implementation of an Enterprise Wireless solution in a large and complex environment that leads to improved wireless connectivity for over 2000 users.

● Enhanced security and compliance with government regulations.

● Solutions designed to meet the most stringent security and compliance requirements, including:

1. FISMA

1. NIST 800-53

3. Provide a proposed pricing/contract structure that allows for flexible pricing options to meet the needs of different organizations sizes and pricing for licensing, hardware, implementation, and support costs. If available, please provide a high-level cost estimate to assist in NARA budgeting.

4. Please provide any questions, recommendations, or other feedback you may have regarding this requirement. NARA will consider additional options to meet to overall objective of a successful Enterprise Wireless Solution

5. Provide any recommendations regarding a potential basis of award and instructions for submission. What should NARA consider when evaluating and distinguishing quotes? Is there anything NARA needs to know to compare “apples to apples”?

6. Please provide the following: Name of the firm, point of contact, phone number, email address, DUNS number, CAGE code and business size. Please provide any existing contract vehicles (GSA, NASA SEWP, STARS III, etc) for which you are a prime vendor for which this requirement would be in scope.

RESPONSE SUBMISSION

Submit RFI response by 12:00 PM ET by October 15, 2024. Submission shall be emailed to:

tyler.senour@nara.gov and kevin.monahan@nara.gov.

mailto:tyler.senour@nara.gov

Any follow-up communication and/or invitation to participate in future market research will be at NARA’s discretion and no further communications are guaranteed. NARA may ask some or all respondents to provide additional information after reviewing their submissions and may schedule further exchanges as needed

DISCLAIMER

This RFI is issued for information and planning purposes only and does not constitute a solicitation. The Government does not intend to award a contract based on this RFI or otherwise pay for information received in response to this RFI. All information received in response to this RFI that is marked “Proprietary” will be handled accordingly. Responses to the RFI will not be returned. Information provided in response to this RFI will be used to assess tradeoffs and alternatives available for determining how to proceed in the acquisition process and may lead to the development of a work statement.

Responders are solely responsible for all expenses associated with responding to this RFI.