Industry Day and Presolicitation Notice HITS-UIII

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document contains responses to inquiries submitted by potential bidders regarding the HITS-UIII Requirement, submitted between March 14, 2025, and April 18, 2025. The information provided is subject to change prior to the final Request for Proposal (RFP).

• PET Contract Intersection: The PET contract intersects with HITS U III primarily through the HPC Help Desk, where user service requests are escalated. Other intersections may involve PET Mission Projects supporting user guides and Help Desk videos.
• Methodologies (Agile/ITIL) & ITSM Tools: The Government is interested in proposals that offer the best methodology for contract execution, performance improvement, and cost reduction. ServiceNow is the current ITSM tool in use.
• Tiered Support Definition: A formal definition of Tiered support is not provided in the current documentation but will be in a separate PWS for the HPC Help Desk. It is expected to have at least three levels, consistent with industry standards.
• RFI/Solicitation Dates: There is no estimated date of solicitation or award provided in the RFI/Sources Sought posted on SAM.gov. The current contract has a 12-month base period and four 12-month option periods, with an optional six-month extension.
• Page Limit: The 25-page limit for submissions does not include the Cover Page, Table of Contents, or Glossary.
• CSSP-hosted ESS Licensing: The Government will generally provide licensing for capabilities to protect cybersecurity data at rest and in transit. However, the contractor may be responsible for procuring additional licenses if requirements change or current licenses expire.
• Virtual Communication Equipment: Specific virtual communication equipment will be outlined in the Contract Technical Library (CTL).
• Component Sustainment (Contractor vs. OEM): Specific requirements for components will be in the CTL and future Task Orders. Sustainment responsibilities between the contractor and OEM are subject to change.
• Automatic Call Distribution (ACD): An ACD system is not necessarily expected. The HPC Help Desk is managed through ServiceNow, and the contractor is responsible for maintaining that platform.
• Security Incident Definitions: Definitions for security incident categories (e.g., Category 3, 5, 6, 1, 2) will be provided in the CTL.
• CentPort Management: Managing CentPort is part of the scope to ensure cross-communication and continuity of operations, but contractors may propose alternative platforms.
• Acquisition Sensitive Information: The Government is unsure of the inquirer's request regarding OCI assessment. Limited acquisition sensitive information may be shared on a case-by-case basis.
• ProjNet Portal Schedule: The ProjNet schedule was extended to accept inquiries until April 21, 2025. Capabilities statements are due April 22, 2025.

These responses clarify various aspects of the upcoming solicitation, including technical requirements, administrative details, and submission guidelines. Bidders should review these clarifications carefully as they may influence proposal preparation and strategy. The Government explicitly notes that all information is subject to change prior to the final RFP release.

Other / Unclassified

This document is a Request for Information (RFI) issued by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers – High Performance Computing (HPC) Program. Its purpose is to conduct preliminary market research to update/refine the Performance Work Statement (PWS) and identify potential acquisition solutions for continued support of DoD High Performance Computing Modernization Program (HPCMP) Supercomputer systems. The RFI seeks capabilities statements from industry regarding their experience and ability to support various aspects of HPC, including systems integration, administration, network administration, information assurance, facilities support, database administration, maintenance management, and hardware/software support. This RFI is for market research only and is not a request for proposals or a commitment to issue a solicitation.

This RFI is highly relevant for potential bidders interested in future opportunities related to High Performance Computing (HPC) support for the DoD. It provides an early insight into the government's requirements and areas of interest, allowing vendors to:

• Understand the scope of potential future work, including specific technical areas like AI/ML, quantum computing, network administration, and facility support.
• Showcase their capabilities and experience in response to detailed questions covering various HPC services, operational models (e.g., 24x7x365), and compliance requirements (DoD 8570/8140).
• Indicate their preferred contractor arrangement (sole, prime, JV) and provide information on existing strategic vehicles and certifications.
• Influence the development of the PWS and potential acquisition strategies.
• Prepare for a potential future solicitation by understanding the government's needs and demonstrating their qualifications.

Key Submission Details for Bidders:

• Content: Company information (name, address, CAGE, business size, POC), and a capability package addressing the questions in Section 5.
• Format: Responses limited to 25 pages, Arial 12-point font, 1" margins, MS Word or searchable PDF.
• Submission: Electronically to melissa.k.lynn@usace.army.mil, referencing "Company Name & HITS-U III RFI".
• Deadline: By 1400 CT, 22 April 2025.
• Questions: Submit via Bidder Inquiry in ProjNet (https://www.projnet.org) using Bidder Inquiry Key GDKC6R-RCYVY6, no later than 1 calendar day prior to the response due date. Phone calls will not be accepted.
• Contract Type Consideration: Government is considering a SATOC type contract, potentially Cost Plus Fixed Fee or a hybrid with FFP and Cost CLINs.
• Industry Day: A potential Industry Day may be held, with notification via a modification to this notice.

Statement of Work (SOW) / Performance Work Statement (PWS)

This DRAFT Performance Work Statement (PWS) outlines the requirements for High Performance Computing Modernization Program Integrated Technical Services – Unrestricted III (HITS-U III). The primary objective is to provide direct support to the Centers component of the Department of Defense (DoD) High Performance Computing Modernization Program (HPCMP). This includes operating DoD Supercomputing Resource Centers (DSRCs), delivering HPC capabilities (unclassified, classified, and specialized), and assisting HPC users, while maintaining an enterprise perspective across DSRCs and allowing for individual DSRC autonomy.

• Operate DSRCs: Provide essential operations support including system integration, administration (system, network, database), cybersecurity, facilities support, and maintenance management for four DSRCs (AFRL, ARL, ERDC, Navy) and Cross-Centers/Enterprise components. DSRCs operate 24/7.

• Deliver HPC Capabilities: Support the installation, integration, and operation of unclassified, classified, and specialized HPC systems, including related infrastructure (data movement, storage, user interfaces/portals) and application management.

• Assist HPC Users: Provide enterprise-level HPC Help Desk support (5 days/week, 12 hours/day, 0800-2000 ET), DSRC liaisons, higher-level user support, HPC application management, advanced visualization application development and maintenance, and user authentication services.

• Cross-Centers/Enterprise Support: Manage contract performance, support specific projects, conduct technology assessments, provide enterprise cybersecurity coordination, manage enterprise outreach (website), develop and manage enterprise software, and provide procurement support for major hardware/software items.

• Overall Security: Ensure compliance with all applicable DoD, National, and HPCMP security requirements, including cyber, physical, and personnel security, following the Risk Management Framework (RMF) process.

• Project Management: Proactively manage cost, schedule, and performance; 100% of root cause analyses accepted; 90% completion of tasks within negotiated costs/schedules.

• System Operations: 98% system uptime for contractor-administered systems; 99% network uptime; 100% recovery from interrupts/outages.

• Help Desk: 95% of first-level requests responded to/escalated within 30 minutes; 90% resolved within 90 minutes. Higher-level requests: 95% responded to/escalated within 4 hours; 80% resolved within 48 hours.

• Software/Applications: 95% of applications/utilities ready for production within 30 days of HPC system acceptance; 100% maintenance agreement renewals on time.

• Security: Zero intrusions/unauthorized accesses; 100% compliance with cybersecurity requirements; zero critical findings in continuous monitoring.

• Period: A five (5) year ordering period for the overall base contract. Full contract performance expected within 120 calendar days of contract award.

• Place: Primarily at the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) DSRC, Army Research Laboratory (ARL) DSRC, Army Corps of Engineers, Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) DSRC, and Navy DSRC, with some remote work possible.

• Personnel Security: All contractor personnel must be U.S. Citizens. A Top Secret facility clearance is required for the contractor company. Individual personnel require clearances up to TOP SECRET depending on the task. Cybersecurity risk management-related positions require DoD Approved 8570/8140 baseline certifications.

• Deliverables: Numerous Contract Data Requirements List (CDRL) items are specified, including Program Management Plan, Monthly Assessment Reports, Integrated Master Schedule, Quality Control Plan, Transition Plans, and various security and financial reports.

• Procurement: Contractor must utilize Army Computer Hardware, Enterprise Software and Solutions (CHESS) contracts/blanket purchase agreements for hardware/software purchases when applicable.

Statement of Work (SOW) / Performance Work Statement (PWS)

This Performance Work Statement (PWS) outlines the background, scope, and specific tasks for supporting the Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) Defense Supercomputing Resource Center (DSRC) operations. The ERDC DSRC provides large-scale High Performance Computing (HPC) resources to meet the computing needs of DoD engineers and scientists.

• Essential ERDC DSRC Operations Support: Includes system integration, administration (system, network, database, storage), cybersecurity/information assurance, facilities support, and maintenance management for hardware and software.

• HPC Capabilities Delivery: Provision of HPC capabilities at unclassified and classified levels.

• User and Enterprise Support: Includes HPC Help Desk, ERDC DSRC Help Desk, application software support, outreach, and support for other HPCMP components.

• Program and Project Management: Support for financial data, process management, procurement, and inventory.

• Operations Monitoring: Monitoring of all HPCMP and ERDC DSRC systems, computing infrastructure, networks, data storage, and web services.

• Facilities Engineering: Support for building alterations, environmental monitoring, and electrical/mechanical systems.

• System Administration: Support for non-HPC devices, VDI environments, and maintaining system reliability and security.

• Network Engineering: Administration of network devices, routers, and switches, ensuring Comply-to-Connect (C2C) compliance.

• Software Development: Development and support of specialized software for monitoring and automating operations.

• Maintenance Support: Support for hardware and software maintenance agreements.

• Inventory Management: Identification and documentation of equipment inventory.

• Configuration and Change Management: Management of the ERDC DSRC's configuration and change management database.

• Procurement Support: Assistance with purchasing IT supplies, equipment, and infrastructure.

• Continuity of Operations: Technical support for reconstituting critical operations in case of a disaster.

• Technical Project Support: Support for facility upgrades, infrastructure changes, and HPC system installation.

• Storage Administration: Maintenance of backup appliances, NFS file servers, ZFS storage appliances, and external storage systems.

• HPC System Support: Installation, integration, operation, and management of unclassified, classified, and specialized HPC systems and storage.

• User Support: Basic and higher-level help desk support for HPC users, including application installation and troubleshooting.

• The task order has a five-year ordering period. Tasks will be issued within this period and will specify individual periods of performance.

• The ERDC DSRC is physically located at the Information Technology Laboratory (ITL) in Vicksburg, Mississippi.

• Cybersecurity: A critical requirement, involving continuous risk assessments, management, and sustaining approvals to operate.

• 24/7 Operations: The ERDC DSRC operates 24 hours/day, 7 days/week, including federal holidays.

• Classified Environments: Support is required for both unclassified and classified HPC capabilities, with on-site staff required for classified resources.

• Mandatory Directives: Compliance with specific ERDC and Army directives is required.

Statement of Work (SOW) / Performance Work Statement (PWS)

This Performance Work Statement (PWS) outlines the requirements for a Task Order under the HITSU-III contract, focusing on providing comprehensive support for the operations and management of the Navy DSRC's High-Performance Computing (HPC) capabilities. The goal is to ensure continuous, high-priority operations for unclassified, classified, and specialized HPC systems, and to deliver critical HPC services to support DoD operations worldwide.

• General Operations Support: Includes system integration and operation, system administration, network administration, cybersecurity/information assurance, facilities support, database and storage administration, maintenance management, and execution for the facility, hardware, and software.

• HPC Capabilities Delivery: Support for installing, integrating, operating, and maintaining unclassified, classified, and specialized HPC systems and their related infrastructure (e.g., data movement, storage, user interfaces/portals). This encompasses infrastructure support, system installation/integration, application management, and cybersecurity support for each HPC category.

• User Assistance: Providing basic and higher-level Help Desk support, HPC application management, advanced visualization application development and support, and user authentication services for Navy DSRC HPC users.

• Ancillary Support: Software development, inventory management, configuration and change management, procurement support, continuity of operations, and technical project support.

• Navy DSRC operations are 24 hours/day, 7 days/week.

• Trouble calls require response or transfer within 30 minutes during normal duty hours or 2 hours after normal duty hours.

• Contractor shall develop automated systems to enhance monitoring of operations and response time.

• Period: The task order will have a five-year ordering period, with specific periods of performance defined for each task issued.

• Location: Stennis Space Center, Mississippi, including the Navy DSRC facility, Stennis Space Center bunkers, and The National Center for Critical Information Processing and Storage (NCCIPS). Some user assistance may be provided remotely.

• Security Clearance: A minimum SECRET eligibility (NACLC, Tier 3 or higher investigation) is required for all contractors. Most contractors will require IT Level I (critical sensitive information access) and a favorably adjudicated final T5/SSBI investigation.

• Cybersecurity: Continuous risk assessments and management, sustainment of approvals to operate, and support for DREN/SDREN enclaves and Comply-to-Connect (C2C) compliance.

• Directives & Training: Compliance with various DoD and Navy instructions and mandatory annual training (e.g., Combating Trafficking in Persons, Cyber Awareness, Operations Security).

• Vehicle Operation: Contractor personnel may operate government vehicles within Stennis Space Center and the local area, excluding those requiring a Commercial Driver's License (CDL).

Statement of Work (SOW) / Performance Work Statement (PWS)

This document outlines the requirements for supporting the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Distributed Supercomputing Resource Center (DSRC) and its High Performance Computing Modernization Program (HPCMP) operations. The goal is to maintain and enhance the technological and military supremacy of the United States through advanced computational capabilities.

The scope of work encompasses a broad range of support for the AFRL DSRC, including:

• Operations Support: Ensuring basic operations readiness, including 24/7 availability of HPC capabilities, facility infrastructure, and non-HPC systems.
• Facilities Engineering: Supporting facility upgrades, environmental monitoring, electrical and mechanical systems, and site preparation for technology insertions.
• Cybersecurity Support: Maintaining cybersecurity for network enclaves, assisting with security audits, implementing vulnerability management, and ensuring compliance with DoD directives.
• System Administration: Managing and optimizing operating systems, hardware, software, and data storage for both classified and unclassified systems.
• Network Engineering and Administration: Configuring, monitoring, and auditing networks, managing capacity, and providing troubleshooting.
• Database Administration: Managing databases, ensuring backups, applying patches, and maintaining compliance with security standards.
• Software Development: Developing and supporting specialized software for AFRL DSRC operations, including applications for monitoring, job scheduling, and workload management.
• Maintenance Support: Providing hardware and software maintenance for facility equipment and supporting infrastructure.
• Inventory Management Support: Assisting in identifying and documenting equipment inventory.
• Configuration and Change Management: Supporting configuration and change management processes.
• Procurement Support: Providing procurement and purchasing support.
• Continuity of Operations: Assisting in reconstituting critical operations in the event of a disaster.
• Technical Project Support: Providing support for facility upgrades, infrastructure changes, and HPC system installation and integration.
• HPC User Support: Delivering unclassified and classified HPC capabilities, specialized HPC capabilities, and providing enterprise-level help desk support.

Performance is measured through various metrics including application uptime (no more than 4 hours of unavailability per month, excluding scheduled maintenance), software deficiency limits for major, minor, and patch releases, and timely resolution of issues. Deliverables must be on time, in the proper format, and error-free 95% of the time.

The document details requirements for the AFRL DSRC, located at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, and the Maui High Performance Computing Center (MHPCC) in Kihei, Maui, Hawaii. Specific periods of performance are not detailed in this excerpt but are implied to be ongoing operational support.

• Security Clearances: Contractors may be required to obtain and maintain Top-Secret security clearances, and potentially SCI or SAP access.
• Compliance: Adherence to numerous DoD directives, policies, and cybersecurity standards (e.g., STIGs, SRGs, RMF) is mandatory.
• Operational Hours: Support is required 24/7 for many functions, with specific help desk hours defined (e.g., Monday-Friday, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm EST for basic support).
• Coordination: Close coordination with government staff, OEMs, and other stakeholders is essential.

Statement of Work (SOW) / Performance Work Statement (PWS)

This Performance Work Statement (PWS) outlines the requirements for a Task Order under the HITS-U-III program to provide comprehensive support for the Army Research Laboratory (ARL) Defense Supercomputing Resource Center (DSRC). The objective is to ensure continuous, 24/7 operation and delivery of High-Performance Computing (HPC) capabilities to Department of Defense (DoD) Science and Technology and Test and Evaluation communities, including support for unclassified, classified, and specialized HPC systems, as well as user assistance.

• ARL DSRC Operations Support: Includes 24/7 operation of HPC capabilities, facilities and infrastructure support, continuous cybersecurity, hardware and software maintenance, system administration for non-HPC devices, network engineering, database administration, specialized software development, inventory management, configuration/change management, procurement support, continuity of operations planning, technical project support, and user engagement.

• Deliver Unclassified HPC Capabilities: Technical support for system engineering, integration, administration, and database administration for unclassified HPC infrastructure, including installation, integration, application management, and cybersecurity support.

• Deliver Classified HPC Capabilities: Similar technical support as unclassified, but specifically for classified HPC infrastructure, including installation, integration, application management, and cybersecurity support.

• Deliver Specialized HPC Capabilities: Technical support for specialized HPC systems used for new technologies or non-traditional workloads, covering infrastructure, installation, integration, application management, and cybersecurity support.

• Assist HPC Users: Provide enterprise-level basic HPC Help Desk functions (user account setup, troubleshooting, basic HPC system info, limited application support), ARL DSRC Help Desk Liaisons, higher-level user support for complex issues (e.g., application installation, container development), and HPC application management and support.

• HPC capabilities must be operated and delivered 24 hours/day, 7 days/week, 365 days/year.

• Cybersecurity support must be continuous and consistent with effective risk assessment and management, maintaining appropriate Authorities to Operate (ATO).

• Network topology and data flow diagrams require semi-annual updates or within 10 days of government direction.

• Basic HPC Help Desk services are required Monday-Friday, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm EST.

• Services are primarily performed at the ARL DSRC facilities located at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, specifically Building 120 and Building 3511. Remote support for HPC users is also mentioned.

• Compliance with various mandatory and guidance directives from ARL and the Department of the Army (e.g., ARL-MEMO-25-72, AR 25-1, PAM 25-2-1).

• Contractor personnel operating forklifts must be certified and use appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

• Cybersecurity requirements are further detailed in HITS U III PWS General Scope of Requirements sections 3.7 and 16.8.

• The contract does not involve Government Furnished Property (GFP) management by the contractor.

Statement of Work (SOW) / Performance Work Statement (PWS)

This document outlines the requirements for contractor technical services to support the Cross-Centers task, which encompasses a set of resources supporting the overall operations of Centers' enterprise infrastructure and capabilities impacting multiple DSRCs. The aim is to reduce redundancies and improve efficiencies.

• Cross-Centers DSRC Operations Support: Activities include enterprise databases, web services, HPC technology assessments, software development and management, infrastructure management (including cybersecurity), and consolidated procurements.

• Project Management Support: Providing expertise for Cross-Centers or enterprise projects, ranging from short-term studies to longer-term procurement and integration efforts.

• HPC Technology Assessment and Advancement Support: Assessing emerging HPC technologies for incorporation into Centers infrastructure and/or DSRCs.

• Enterprise Cybersecurity Support: Ensuring consistent assessment and management of risks across Cross-Centers and DSRC infrastructures, including coordination of information security specialists.

• Enterprise Outreach Services: Supporting the development and maintenance of the Centers' enterprise website, which provides information on HPC user accounts, system information, software applications, and documentation.

• Enterprise Software Development and Management: Supporting the development, management, and maintenance of operational software items and HPC user utilities.

• Cross-Centers/Enterprise Architecture Support: Providing support for Cross-Centers or enterprise servers/platforms, including systems administration and compliance with cybersecurity policies.

• Cross-Centers/Enterprise Database Management: Supporting the development and maintenance of databases residing on Cross-Centers or enterprise infrastructure servers.

• Enterprise Procurement Support: Providing support for the procurement of major hardware and software items and third-party technical services.

• Contractor shall ensure all hardware and software items are secure and authorized to operate.

• Cybersecurity documentation shall be consistent and common definitions adopted.

• Contractor shall identify or develop necessary templates and/or formats for documents and videos for the enterprise website.

• Contractor shall ensure all hardware and software maintenance agreements for Cross-Centers/Enterprise systems are up to date.

• Not explicitly stated in this section, but implies ongoing support for enterprise infrastructure and operations.

• Cybersecurity requirements are detailed in the base contract PWS Section 3.7.

• Contractor shall perform all necessary actions to ensure applicable security requirements (DoD, National, HPCMP) are met, including cyber, physical, and personnel security.