ILSOS Mainframe and VTS IFB

The Illinois Secretary of State (ILSOS) is soliciting bids for a comprehensive mainframe and disaster recovery infrastructure procurement, specifically seeking an IBM z16 3931-A01 system with 411 (295 MSUs) capacity and a TS7700 Virtual Tape System (VTS). The invitation for bid (IFB) requires a full payout purchase of new hardware from a certified IBM "System z" business partner, with complete installation, configuration, and testing services across development, test, and production environments. Vendors must provide full project management and ensure a successful implementation targeting a go-live date of November 15, 2025, with all hardware to be delivered by June 15, 2025. The procurement encompasses a three-year initial contract term with potential renewals up to seven years, and will evaluate bids on a lowest-cost basis, requiring vendors to submit total cost proposals including mainframe, services, and two additional years of maintenance. Key evaluation criteria include hardware specifications, 24x7 warranty with 4-hour response time, AES-256 encryption capabilities, and grid cluster support compatible with existing z/OS configurations. The bid must be submitted electronically through the BidBuy system, with a response deadline of May 7, 2025.

The solicitation allows for subcontractors and requires vendors to have a minimum of three years of experience providing similar equipment and services. While specific set-aside designations are not explicitly detailed, the procurement appears open to qualified vendors meeting the technical and experience requirements. The contract includes standard provisions for appropriation availability, and ILSOS reserves the right to reject any or all bids. Vendors must submit all required certifications and disclosures as part of their electronic submission. The procurement aims to establish an active redundant disaster recovery infrastructure, suggesting potential integration with existing ILSOS technology systems. Although a precise budget range is not specified in the available documentation, the comprehensive nature of the procurement—involving a high-performance mainframe, virtual tape system, full configuration services, and multi-year maintenance—indicates a significant investment in technology infrastructure modernization for the Illinois Secretary of State's office.