ILSOS Mainframe and VTS Question Set 1.docx

The document is a Question Set 1 file related to an Invitation for Bid (IFB 25-350SOS-ITSOS-B-47490) by the Illinois Secretary of State (ILSOS) for a mainframe and virtual tape system procurement. The solicitation seeks an IBM z16 3931-A01 system with 411 (295 MSUs) capacity and a TS7700 Virtual Tape System (VTS), requiring full installation, configuration, and testing services across development, test, and production environments. The project targets a go-live date of November 15, 2025, with hardware delivery by June 15, 2025. The initial contract term is three years with potential renewals up to seven years, and the bid submission deadline is May 7, 2025.

The procurement will be evaluated on a lowest-cost basis, requiring vendors to submit comprehensive proposals including hardware, services, and two additional years of maintenance. Key evaluation criteria include hardware specifications, 24x7 warranty with 4-hour response time, AES-256 encryption capabilities, and grid cluster support compatible with existing z/OS configurations. Vendors must be certified IBM "System z" business partners, have a minimum of three years of relevant experience, and submit all required certifications electronically through the BidBuy system. The solicitation allows for subcontractors and aims to establish an active redundant disaster recovery infrastructure, with ILSOS reserving the right to reject any or all bids.