25-102824-RFI Request for Information - Data Center Services

The University of Wisconsin-Madison Purchasing Services Department has issued a Request for Information (RFI) for data center colocation services to support the university's growing portfolio of high-density research computing and mission-critical administrative services. The RFI seeks a comprehensive data center solution capable of initially providing approximately 2.5 MW of power in the first three years, with the potential to scale up to 5 MW within 5-10 years. Key requirements include secure and separate space within the data center, network capabilities supporting 3x400 Gb fiber optic circuits, robust security services, and infrastructure that can accommodate rack power densities ranging from 10-20 kW to potentially 50-70 kW or more within a decade. The university is specifically interested in facilities located near the main Madison campus, with diverse network connectivity options. The RFI was posted on October 29, 2024, with multiple amendments extending the response deadline to December 6, 2024. Potential respondents are required to provide detailed information on physical site locations, network capabilities, security services, environmental sustainability, power availability and redundancy, environmental controls, managed services, and pricing models. Importantly, this RFI is strictly for information and planning purposes and will not result in a direct contract award.

No specific set-aside designations or restrictions on respondent organizations were explicitly mentioned in the provided documents. The RFI indicates openness to solutions from vendors both within and outside of Wisconsin, suggesting a broad competitive approach. While the documentation does not provide specific budget ranges, the university anticipates needing between 130-150 racks within the first 10 years and is prepared to invest in a sophisticated data center solution. The procurement strategy suggests the university will conduct a comprehensive evaluation of responses to inform a future Request for Proposal (RFP) anticipated to be released in early 2025. No incumbent vendors were identified in the documents, and the RFI implies that the university is seeking a potentially new solution to replace or supplement existing infrastructure. The university will provide its own racks and cable management but remains open to vendor-provided alternatives, indicating flexibility in the procurement approach.