IBM ESS Renewal for Idaho National Laboratory

I. INTRODUCTION

Battelle Energy Alliance, LLC (BEA), Management & Operating Contractor of the U.S. Department of

Energy (DOE) owned Idaho National Laboratory (INL). BEA is seeking an Expression of Interest (EOI) from prospective offerors to support IBM ESS renewal for INL’s IBM High-Performance Computer.

II. BACKGROUND

INL is a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) national laboratory dedicated to nuclear energy, national security, and clean energy innovation. INL conducts research and operational activities requiring secure, compliant, and reliable software solutions. BEA is identifying qualified small businesses that can supply IBM Storage Scale Systems warranty renewal services. 

III. SCOPE OF WORK

Battelle Energy Alliance, LLC (BEA), as the Management and Operating Contractor for Idaho National Laboratory (INL), is seeking qualified small business vendors authorized by IBM to provide renewal services for the IBM Elastic Storage System (ESS) and IBM Storage Scale System supporting INL's High-Performance Computing (HPC) environment.

The selected contractor shall provide warranty, maintenance, software support, and media retention services for the IBM ESS infrastructure identified in this EOI. Services shall include all applicable hardware and software support coverage required to maintain operational availability, vendor support eligibility, and lifecycle management of the existing IBM storage environment.

Required Services

The contractor shall:

1. Provide IBM-authorized renewal of maintenance and support coverage for the identified IBM ESS hardware and software assets.
2. Maintain all manufacturer-provided warranty, repair, technical support, and software maintenance entitlements throughout the period of performance.
3. Provide required hardware support service levels, including Advanced Support and On-Site Repair (Next Business Day, 9x5) coverage, as specified in Section IV.
4. Provide software support services, including Media Retention and Normal Business Hours support coverage, as identified in Section IV.
5. Ensure all support agreements remain active and continuous for the required coverage period and all option years.
6. Coordinate directly with IBM, as required, for service entitlement verification, contract administration, warranty renewals, software maintenance, and technical support.
7. Provide annual pricing for the base year and each option year.
8. Include media retention services for all covered systems throughout the base period and all option years.
9. Provide documentation identifying all applicable support entitlements, contract numbers, service levels, and coverage periods associated with the renewed services.

IV. SUBMITTAL REQUIREMENTS 

Interested small businesses should submit an Expression of Interest that includes the following:

• Company name and point of contact
• Description of software products and solutions currently offered
• Relevant experience providing software products, licensing, or technical support services
• Authorization to procure services through IBM including, IBM Elastic Storage System (ESS) and IBM Storage Scale System
• NAICS codes and business size classification
• Active SAM.gov registration status
• Small Businesses shall provide a quote with 3-option years.

Required Coverage and Option Years

Required Coverage: 10/01/2026-10/01/2027

Option Year 2: 10/01/2027-10/01/2028

Option Year 3: 10/01/2028-10/01/2029

• Quotes must be valid for at least 30 days.
• IBM ESS Renewal shall include media retention for all 3 and yearly payments.
• Required IBM ESS Renewal services are as follows: SEE PDF FOR TABLE LISTING OF HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE 

Deadline for submission: by end of day November 13, 2026
Submit to: Chase.Egbert@inl.gov

V. PROCESS

This EOI is the first step in identifying interested and qualified small businesses able to meet INL software acquisition needs. Responses may be used to inform the development of a formal solicitation list. Selected vendors may be invited to participate in a Request for Proposal (RFP) process for award consideration. Because information received in response to this EOI may be business sensitive or proprietary to the responding party, respondents must mark information in their responses accordingly.