GNU Compiler Collection (GCC) Software Maintenance Support

This is a NOTICE OF INTENT TO AWARD A SOLE SOURCE Order under FAR Part 6.302-1, Only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements.

The government intends to award an open market sole source order to Unisys Corporation for annual maintenance and support for GNU Compiler Collerction (GCC) Software for a period of 48 months, inclusive of a base year and 3 option years. This requirement is in support of the necessary operations for the Internal Revenue Service related to the IBM Z Transaction Processing Facility (zTPF) Operating System, a proprietary IBM transaction processor for high volume transactions in a real time environment. The IBM zTPF OS is a critical component of the IBM z14 R1 mainframe infrastructure, the primary data processing platform for the IRS Security and Communications System (SACS). The GCC is built specifically to support the zTPF need of a ELF‐compatible complier with capability to handle the high volume transaction processing capability demands of the zTPF. While the IRS was aware of other compilers of similar form, fit and function are available on the market (i.e. Clang, LLVM, Tiny C, Open64 & ZAPCC), the GCC was selected several years ago because of the unique design which provides enhanced compatibility, interoperability and processing capability/capacity required by the zTPF OS. The IRS required IBM to make modifications to the GCC to establish capability for zTPF users, like the IRS to compile C and C++ programs in support of their production systems. These modifications are proprietary to IBM and therefore exclude other service providers from providing software support/maintenance services. Due to the proprietary nature of the zTPF operating system and GCC software modifications, only manufacturer specified service providers are authorized to perform maintenance activities associated with the system software and components. IBM, has designated Unisys, a premier partner of IBM, as the sole provider to perform maintenance services on the zTPF OS and related software.

Responses to this notice will be evaluated by the Government. A determination by the Government not to compete this contract action based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. Interested persons may identify their interest and capability and respond to the requirement no later than 5:30 PM EST, January 29, 2020. Information received will be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement. Questions should be directed in writing and sent via email to Darryl Mitchell, Contract Specialist, at darryl.g.mitchell@irs.gov.