ILSOS Mainframe and VTS Question Set 2.docx

Question Set 2 ILSOS Mainframe and VTS IFB

25-350SOS-ITSOS-B-47490

1. IBM has announced the TS7780, would you like us to quote the latest technology or would you like this as an option.

No

1. We would like to request an extension to the bid response to provide us with 2 weeks’ time to build out the z16 related services once we receive the responses from all the questions.

ILSOS extended the bid due date by one week.

1. Is ILSOS installing new disk at the DR location that will be connected to the new mainframe Yes. ILSOS will be installing new disk storage.

Mainframe Questions

1. Section 1.2.1.56 – Feature 12; Exchange Pgm Machine – QTY 1

3. Please provide the SN of the device being exchanged? This item has been removed from the IFB.

1. Section 1.2.3.3

4. IBM Software Installations

0. Can you provide the IBM SW that will need to be installed? This will be provided after contract signature.

4. Readiness Validation

0. Can you clarify what you are asking for here? ILSOS requires a vendor to ensure the device is configured to specifications and ready to be put into production.

0. Who would perform Remediation? The IBM Certified Vendor in conjunction with ILSOS.

4. System Architecture Diagrams

0. We will provide a diagram showing physical connectivity from the new server to attached peripheral devices (network, storage). We can, upon request, document logical partition names. We will not diagram business processes or internal connections between logical partitions – Is this acceptable? Yes

4. Setup Automations for DR and Primary Environment

0. Does ILSOS have any automated processes or automated DR in place today? No

0. Can you elaborate on the current solution for DR? This information will be provided after contract signature.

0. Do you have a Runbook you can share? This information will be provided after contract signature.

0. Can you provide a more detailed list of what is needed for this? This information will be provided after contract signature.

3. Assumption – Any DASD related configuration will be the responsibility of ILSOS. DASD replication is out of scope, but testing to the mainframe channels and any configuration on the VTS is within the scope.

4. Testing must include comprehensive testing across all elements of the setup needed to support the deployment of the production environment

0. Can you please provide a detailed test plan with responsibilities and completion criteria of each element of the test. For questions a through d below - ILSOS request the vendor to provide a detailed test plan as is standard in its process of installing and configuring mainframes. After contract execution and review and acceptance of the test plan ILSOS will provide the answers to the questions below.

0. For instance - Hardware: CPU? Memory? Connectivity?

0. For system software: initial boot? Interactive communication via 3270 terminal?

0. Network communication via TCP/IP (which protocol/IP application)?

0. Data replication: between whom? Continuous/near-continuous/occasional?

0. What constitutes a successful failover? What does “end-to-end” entail? The expectation is a full DR failover to the new equipment utilizing flexible capacity record and the ability to run production environment successfully.

4. Hypercare

0. Can you define what Hypercare means to ILSOS, the duration and SLA needed? Prior to warranty service, the IBM certified vendor and services will provide any and all necessary updates, repairs, and parts that are required for the installation and configuring of the mainframe. SLA would be four hour response time and a 24-48 hour part delivery.

4. Defect resolution identified during installation, configuration, and testing. Vendor is responsible for correcting any defects unless otherwise agreed to by ILSOS – Please define the scope of defect resolution for each of the following. With each instance identified below, ILSOS will negotiate with the vendor to identify where the defect initiated. If initiated with the products or services provided by the vendor, the resolution shall be the sole responsibility of the vendor. ILSOS has provided additional context, where possible, below.

0. Hardware?

0. Operating System?

0. Network? Primarily pertaining to the physical mainframe network components.

0. Middleware? Not applicable

0. Database data? Not applicable

0. Business Applications? Not applicable

0. Batch job execution? Only pertaining to connectivity and secure communication

0. Will defects be prioritized by Customer for action/resolution? Depending on the critical nature of the defect, ILSOS will prioritize appropriately to ensure staying on schedule.

0. Does Customer expect us to use the Customer’s problem management tools and methodology? No If so, will Customer enable us to access/use such tools?

1. Section 1.3.1 – All hardware must be delivered by June 15, 2025

5. Delivery will be dependent upon when the PO is received. Please allow approximately 2 weeks for delivery from date of PO. Pending Manufacturers Hardware availability.

0. Is this acceptable?

Yes

1. Section 1.3.4 - The mainframe must be fully accepted by ILSOS before the mainframe is put in the production environment. The targeted go-live date is November 15, 2025.

6. Please define the acceptance criteria. The expectation is a full DR failover to the new equipment utilizing flexible capacity record and the ability to run production environment successfully

1. Section 1.3.9 - System outages to the ILSOS system must be kept to a minimum. The vendor must provide a plan detailing how migrations and updates will take place and what outages will be expected.

7. Can you define the testing parameters in detail This is information that should be provided to ILSOS from the IBM Certified Vendor.

7. Will ILSOS be replicating to new disk in the secondary site where the new mainframe will be installed. Yes

1. Section 1.3.11 - Relocation Services: The initial setup, configuration, testing, and installation will be in a temporary location. ILSOS anticipates the mainframe will need to be moved within the first year of the contract. Services under this bid must include all cost related to move, indemnify, install, and test the mainframe at its new location.

8. Please provide the addresses of the from and to location sites for the move. It will be within the same building.

8. Is there a loading dock at both locations that is tractor trailer accessible Yes

8. Is there a freight elevator at both locations Yes

8. Are there any special site requirements or restrictions such as floor protection The specifications of the mainframe are asking for a reduced height cabinet. To relocate it, that will have to be taken into account. The vendor is responsible for doing a walk thru prior to delivery of the mainframe and prior to the relocation of the mainframe.

VTS Questions

1. 1.2.4.1 thru 1.2.4.8 each reference 5 year support (see features below which are the same in each section), however section 2.1.4 references 1 yr warranty and 2 additional years of maintenance. Are you wanting a total of 3 yrs or 5yr maintenance? 3 years (initial one year warranty plus 2 additional years) with the option to renew for a total of 7 years.

9. ALL5, EC Premium 5 Year, Quantity 1

9. 3949-P05, 5 Year IBM Storage Expert Care Premium, Quantity 1

9. 5775-ECP, IBM Storage Expert Care Premium-5 Year, Quantity 1

9. 0529, Expert Care Premium, Quantity 1

9. 5775-STG, Support Line for Storage-5 Year, Quantity 1

1. Section 1.2.6.18 references 5yrs maintenance after the 1yr warranty.

10. Is this correct? No, 3 years (initial one year warranty plus 2 additional years) with the option to renew for a total of 7 years.

1. Section 1.2.4.1

11. FC 1912 has been replaced with FC 1913 please verify this replacement is acceptable. Technology that has been upgraded is allowable, but vendor must provide confirmation from the manufacturer including all potential upstream/downstream impacts.

1. Section 1.2.5.7 mentions a 3957-VEB. This is old HW, and we believe no longer installed.

12. Please verify and can this be removed? Vendor must provide confirmation from the manufacturer that this is no longer part of the specifications and is not needed.

1. Section 1.2.6.16 mentions “(4) 2GB” copper links.

13. We assume that means “(4) 1 GbE” copper links. Please validate which is correct. This is correct

1. Section 1.2.6.16 mentions 400 MB/sec for Boulder, which is installed today. We assume this line is an FYI only item.

14. Do we need to include anything in our bid for this? If so please clarify. No. This bullet point is not applicable.

1. Section 1.2.4.2 – references a FC 1039, 1Gb Grid Quad Port Copper Connection, Quantity 2

15. Newer technology is available with a 10Gb option that is compatible with existing 1Gb cards on current installed TS7700s. Would you like to replace the 1Gb with the 10Gb option No. Vendor should adhere to the original specifications.