High Performance Supercomputer Cluster

The University of Wisconsin Eau Claire issued a Request for Bid (RFB) for a High Performance Supercomputer Cluster to support undergraduate research and training across multiple departments including Chemistry, Material Science & Engineering, Geography, Mathematics, Biology, Computer Science, Learning and Technology Services, and Physics. The procurement seeks a complex computing system comprising three GPU nodes, thirty-two compute nodes, one high-memory node, one head and login node, one storage file server node, and associated networking infrastructure, all of which must fit within a single APC NETSHELTER SX 42U rack with a maximum power consumption of 15 kVA. Bidders must demonstrate three years of experience providing high-performance supercomputer clusters to higher education institutions or national laboratories and supply three client references from similar institutions. The bid was initially posted on February 14, 2020, with vendor questions due by February 21, 2020, and responses posted by February 28, 2020. After multiple amendments, the final bid submission deadline was set for March 12, 2020, with delivery and installation required by May 18, 2020, at Phillips Hall, Room 170. All equipment must be new, include a five-year parts warranty, and be supported by manufacturer-trained personnel with a minimum of three years of experience.

The contract extends to other UW System campuses, State of Wisconsin agencies, and Wisconsin municipalities, with potential for broader utilization. Bidders can claim preferences through Wisconsin's Supplier Diversity Program, including minority business enterprise, disabled veteran-owned business, or work center designations. Federal funds are involved in the procurement, which means all applicable Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) clauses and compliance requirements apply. Contractors must provide a Certificate of Liability with minimum coverage of $1,000,000 general liability and $1,000,000 automobile liability, and all contractor personnel are subject to criminal background checks. The University will pay Net 30 days upon acceptance of goods meeting all specifications, with an on-site trial period of 30 days required for evaluation at no expense to the University. Bid prices must remain firm for 120 calendar days following award notification, and final payment is contingent upon successful system acceptance. While no specific budget range was explicitly stated, the comprehensive technical requirements and multi-node infrastructure suggest a significant investment in high-performance computing technology.