Request for Proposal: 400G Network Fabric

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

This Statement of Work details the requirements for the acquisition and installation of a 400 Gigabit Ethernet (400G) network fabric for Argonne National Laboratory's (ALCF) computational resources. The fabric will interconnect high-performance computing systems, data storage, and data acquisition instruments, supporting multiple generations of technology in a unified Ethernet environment.

• Hardware & Software: Provide a complete 400G network fabric system, including all necessary hardware, software, and licensing.

• Installation: On-site installation of the fabric within ALCF-provided cabinets.

• Training: Initial training and ongoing education for ALCF personnel.

• Maintenance & Support: Five years of maintenance and support post-acceptance, with a commitment for an additional 10 years.

• Technical:

  • Non-blocking Clos topology using redundant, carrier-class modular systems or scalable component units.
  • Forward and backward compatibility with emerging (e.g., 800GbE, 1.6TbE, Ultra Ethernet) and existing (e.g., 100GbE, RoCE v2, DCB) technologies.
  • Self-discovering and self-healing fabric with fully redundant components.
  • Support for 512 non-blocking 400GbE Edge Ports at acceptance, scalable to a minimum of 8192 Edge Ports.
  • QSFP-DD MSA Edge Ports preferred, with specific requirements for physical layer connectivity (LC duplex, OS2 Single-Mode Fiber).
  • Support for IEEE 802.3ad LACP-based Link Aggregation Groups (minimum 4096, preference for 8192+).
  • Layer 2 latency under 32 microseconds (preference for under 16 microseconds).
  • Deep packet buffers (minimum 32GB per WAN-enabled Edge Port).
  • Comprehensive monitoring via SNMP v2c, with preference for advanced monitoring solutions.
  • Secure configuration management via RS-232/SSH, with plaintext export/import and automated backup.

• Design:

  • Currently-shipping, General Availability hardware and software only.
  • Fabric management integrated into devices or deployed on-premises, fully isolated from the public internet.
  • No programming or scripting required for day-to-day operations.
  • Preference for systems with no ongoing license maintenance requirements; perpetual licenses required if applicable.

• Cabling: Professional installation with ALCF-approved labeling.

• Delivery: As soon as possible based on component availability.

• Installation & Acceptance: Within 90 days of delivery.

• Place of Performance: Building 240 Data Center, Argonne National Laboratory.

• Security: Adherence to Argonne safety regulations; pre-arranged gate passes and security investigations for non-US citizens.

• Cybersecurity: Detailed process for vulnerability identification and remediation, compliance with CISA directives, ability to rotate all secrets, and disable unencrypted communication channels.

• Support: 24-hour Support Engineer availability, next-business-day advance hardware replacement, direct access to support engineers, and a detailed ticket escalation process.

• Government Property: None will be provided.

• Proposals must detail how each required technology will be made available (product or roadmap).

• Quotes must sub-total hardware, software, licensing, installation, training, and maintenance.

• A product lifecycle timeline for 10-15 years of support is required.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is Enclosure No. 3, a Pricing Proposal Form, provided in compliance with the Request For Proposal (RFP) dated January 8, 2026, for the ALCF 400G Fabric project. Bidders must use this form to submit their proposed pricing.

• Base Proposal Total: A field for the total proposed amount for the base contract.
• Support Options: Fields for pricing of Support Option 1 and Support Option 2.
• Price Breakdown: Requires itemized pricing for:
  • Hardware Components
  • Software & Licensing Components
  • Installation
  • Training & Education (if applicable)
• Maintenance and Support Options: Separate fields for pricing of "One Five-Year Period" (Option 1) and "Base Year + Four (4) One-Year Options" (Option 2).
• Spare Parts Cache: A field for pricing of a spare parts cache.
• Bill of Materials (BOM): Bidders must include a separate, full BOM with itemized hardware, software, licenses, and accessories, including contractor and manufacturer part numbers, and component/software revisions.
• Delivery Terms: Requires specifying shipment F.O.B. Destination and the number of days for shipment from receipt of order.
• Contractor Information: Fields for Signature, Printed Name, Title, Date, Phone, and Email.

This form is critical for bidders to accurately detail their proposed costs for the ALCF 400G Fabric project. It outlines the required pricing structure, including base costs, support options, and a detailed breakdown. The submission of a comprehensive Bill of Materials is also a key requirement. The proposal is valid for 120 days after the closing date for receipt of proposals.

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

To acquire and install a 400 Gigabit Ethernet (400GbE) network fabric for the Argonne Leadership Computing Facility (ALCF) to interconnect computational resources, data storage, and data acquisition instruments.

• Hardware & Software: Provide a complete 400GbE network fabric system, including hardware, software, and licensing.

• Installation: On-site installation of the fabric into pre-existing ALCF cabinets.

• Training: Provide on-site training for the ALCF Operations Team.

• Maintenance & Support: 5 years of maintenance and support from the date of acceptance, with a commitment for 10-15 years of support.

• Fabric Design: Non-blocking Clos topology, self-discovering and self-healing, fully redundant components.

• Compatibility: Backward compatibility with existing 100GbE and forward compatibility with emerging technologies (800GbE, 1.6TbE, Ultra Ethernet).

• Performance: Minimum 512 non-blocking 400GbE Edge Ports at acceptance, scalable to 8192 Edge Ports. Low latency (<32 microseconds, preference <16 microseconds) and deep buffers (minimum 32GB) for WAN traffic.

• Physical Interface: Preference for QSFP-DD MSA Edge Ports with Type LC terminations; OSFP acceptable but scored lower.

• Logical Interface: Support for IEEE 802.3ad LACP, agnostic Ethernet network requirements, and deep buffers.

• Configuration: Line-oriented, human-readable plaintext configuration, SSH v2 compliant remote console, and SCP for configuration backup.

• Monitoring: Complete monitoring via SNMP v2c, with preference for advanced monitoring software and automated Root Cause Analysis.

• Cabling: Professional installation with approved labeling.

• Cybersecurity: Robust vulnerability identification and remediation process, timely patch releases, disabling unencrypted channels, and secure credential management.

• Place of Performance: Building 240 Data Center, Argonne National Laboratory.

• Period of Performance: Delivery as soon as possible; installation and acceptance testing within 90 days of delivery.

• Hardware/Software: Must use currently-shipping General Availability hardware and software; no pre-release or Beta.

• Licensing: Perpetual licenses required; itemized costs must be provided.

• Support: 24-hour Support Engineer availability, next-business-day advance hardware replacement.

• Security: Adherence to Argonne safety regulations; pre-arranged gate passes required for personnel, with specific requirements for non-US citizens.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, "ANL-70B (Long Version) - Reps & Certs," dated January 13, 2025, is a Representation and Certifications (Long Version) form. It requires organizations to provide information and make certifications related to various aspects of their business and compliance with federal regulations.

• General Information: Legal name, Unique Entity ID (UEI), Doing Business As (DBA), physical address, primary performance location, and primary contact information.
• Business Organization & Small Business Status: Entity type, state of incorporation, and self-certification for various small business classifications (Small Business, Small-Disadvantaged Business, Woman-Owned Small Business, Veteran-Owned Small Business, Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business, HubZone).
• NAICS Code: Requires the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) Code and Size Standard.
• Federal Regulations Compliance: Certifications related to FAR clauses including:
  • FAR 52.204-26: Covered Telecommunications Equipment or Service Representation.
  • Laboratory Terms and Conditions.
  • Suspect Counterfeit/Parts Certification.
  • Personal Conflict of Interest Certification.
  • FAR 52.227-14: Representation of Limited Rights Data and Restricted Computer Software.
  • Public Law 96-517: Certification as to Small Business or Non-Profit Status.
  • Patent Terms and Notice of Right to Request Patent Waiver.
  • FAR 52.222-48: Exemption from Service Contract Labor Standards (Maintenance, Calibration, or Repair).
  • FAR 52.222-52: Exemption from Service Contract Labor Standards (Certain Services).
  • FAR 52.222-25: Affirmative Action Compliance.
  • FAR 52.222-26: Equal Opportunity Compliance.
  • FAR 52.225-1: Buy American Act – Supplies.
  • FAR 52.204-10: Reporting Executive Compensation and First-Tier Subcontract Awards.
  • FAR 52.209-5: Certification Regarding Debarment, Suspension, Proposed Debarment and other Responsibility Matters.
  • FAR 52.222-18: Certification Regarding Knowledge of Child Labor for Listed End Products.
  • FAR 52.203-11: Certification and Disclosure Regarding Payments to Influence Certain Federal Transactions.
  • FAR 52.222-37: Compliance with Veteran's Employment Reporting Requirements.
  • FAR 52.203-2: Certificate of Independent Price Determination.
  • FAR 52.203-5: Covenant Against Contingent Fees.
  • FAR 52.222-50: Combatting Trafficking in Persons – Deviation.
  • FAR 52.230-1: Cost Accounting Standards Notices and Certification.
• Signature Block: Requires a signature, printed name, title, and date, certifying the truthfulness and accuracy of the representations and certifications.

This document is critical for all potential bidders as it requires them to formally represent and certify their compliance with numerous federal regulations and statutes. Failure to complete and submit this form accurately may impact an offeror's responsibility determination and eligibility for award. Bidders must carefully review each section and provide truthful and accurate information as required.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, "Appendix A: Argonne Terms and Conditions for Commercial Goods and Services," outlines the standard contractual terms and conditions that apply to commercial goods and services procured by Argonne National Laboratory. It serves as a critical attachment to solicitations and contracts, detailing the legal and operational framework for vendors.

• Definitions: Clarifies terms such as "Argonne National Laboratory," "Laboratory," "Government," and "Laboratory Procurement Official."
• Clause Applicability: States that clauses are based on FAR and DEAR but may be modified, and that inapplicable clauses are void.
• Contractual Terms: Covers a wide range of conditions including Assignment, Audits, Changes, Conduct of Employees, Cybersecurity, Disputes, Environmental Protection, Excusable Delays, Inspection, Integration, Site Access, Limitation of Liability, Non-Waiver of Defaults, Order of Precedence, Packaging, Payments, Public Release of Information, State and Local Taxes, Survival, Suspect Counterfeit Parts, and Termination (for Cause and Convenience).
• Incorporated Clauses: Lists numerous FAR and DEAR clauses that are incorporated by reference, specifying their applicability based on contract value and type.
• Suspect/Counterfeit Bolt Headmark List: Includes a specific list of headmarks to identify suspect or counterfeit bolts, treating any bolt on this list as defective.

This document is highly relevant to bidders as it defines the contractual obligations, rights, and responsibilities for any vendor awarded a contract. Bidders must review these terms to understand:

• The legal framework governing the contract.
• Requirements for cybersecurity, employee conduct, and site access.
• Procedures for payments, disputes, and termination.
• Specific prohibitions, such as those related to counterfeit parts and public release of information.
• The extensive list of incorporated FAR and DEAR clauses that will form part of the contract.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is the "Pricing Proposal Form" (Enclosure No. 3) associated with the "ALCF 400G Fabric" project. It is provided to bidders in compliance with the Request For Proposal (RFP) dated January 8, 2026. Bidders must use this form to submit their proposed pricing for the project.

• Project: ALCF 400G Fabric
• RFP Date: January 8, 2026
• SOW Reference: "ALCF 400G Fabric" dated September 23, 2025
• Proposal (Base) Total: Field for the total proposed amount.
• Written Amount: Field for the written representation of the total proposed amount.
• Price Breakdown: Sections for Hardware Components, Software & Licensing Components, Installation, Training & Education, Maintenance and Support (Five (5) year period), and Spare Parts Cache.
• Bill of Materials (BOM): Bidders must include a separate, full BOM with itemized hardware, software, licenses, and accessories, including contractor and manufacturer part numbers and component/software revisions.
• Proposal Validity: The proposal is valid for one hundred twenty (120) days after the closing date for receipt of proposals.
• Delivery Terms: Product shall be shipped F.O.B. Destination. Bidders must specify shipment time in days from receipt of order.
• Contractor Information: Fields for Signature, Printed Name, Title, Date, Phone, and Email.

This form is critical for bidders to accurately and completely submit their pricing for the ALCF 400G Fabric opportunity. It dictates the required format for pricing, necessitates a detailed breakdown of costs, and requires the submission of a comprehensive Bill of Materials. Failure to complete this form accurately may impact the evaluation of the proposal.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This Request for Proposal (RFP) No. 6-B162-P-00066-00 is issued by UChicago Argonne, LLC, operator of Argonne National Laboratory, for the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). The procurement covers networking hardware, software, licensing, maintenance, support, and installation services for the "ALCF 400G Fabric" project, based on the Argonne Statement of Work dated September 23, 2025.

• Networking hardware, software, licensing, maintenance, and support.

• Installation services.

• Proposals must address all requirements outlined in the Statement of Work (Enclosure No. 2B).

• The award will be based on a Best Value/Trade-Off methodology.

• The anticipated agreement format is detailed in Enclosure No. 2.

• Proposals must be submitted via email to jsladetz@anl.gov by 5:00 PM CST on February 6, 2026.

• Proposals must be submitted in three separate files: Part I – Technical Proposal, Part II – Business Management Proposal, and Part III – Cost/Price Proposal.

• Key deadlines:

  • Request for explanations/interpretations: January 23, 2026, 3:00 PM CST.
  • Proposal submission: February 6, 2026, 5:00 PM CST.

• Evaluation criteria are detailed in Enclosure No. 4.

• Award may be made without discussion, so proposals should be submitted on the most favorable terms.

• Offerors are encouraged to have an active registration on SAM.gov prior to award.

• This RFP does not commit the Laboratory to pay any proposal preparation costs.

• Offerors must acknowledge receipt of the RFP by return email to jsladetz@anl.gov.

• Enclosure No. 1: RFP Instruction Cover Letter, Instructions for Preparation of Proposals, and Notices to Offerors.

• Enclosure No. 2: Agreement/Contract Articles and General Provisions, including Draft Purchase Order, Argonne Terms and Conditions, Statement of Work, and Supplemental Conditions.

• Enclosure No. 3: Price Proposal Form.

• Enclosure No. 4: Evaluation Criteria.

• Enclosure No. 5: Pre-Award Information – Representations and Certifications.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, "Enclosure No. 2C - Appendix E ANL-366M.pdf," contains Supplemental Conditions for a Moderate Risk On-Site contract. It outlines specific requirements and conditions that the contractor must adhere to.

• Approval to Proceed: Contractor must receive explicit approval before commencing on-site work.
• Indemnity: Contractor must indemnify and hold harmless Argonne, the University of Chicago, and the U.S. Government against losses or damages arising from contract performance. This includes using reasonable care to avoid damaging property and promptly notifying the Laboratory of any damage.
• Insurance: Specific insurance coverages are required, including General Liability ($2,000,000 per occurrence), Automobile Liability ($1,000,000 combined single limit), and Professional Liability ($2,000,000 per occurrence and aggregate). Worker's Compensation and Employer's Liability are also detailed.
• Environment, Safety and Health (ES&H): Contractors must comply with all applicable ES&H regulations, including specific U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) requirements (e.g., 10 CFR Part 851). This includes developing and implementing a DOE-approved Worker Safety and Health Program (WSHP) or a site-specific WSHP. Detailed requirements for reporting incidents, conducting Job Safety Analyses (JSAs), and obtaining necessary permits are outlined.
• Electrical Protection: Specific requirements for electrical installations, equipment, and safety measures are detailed, including compliance with NEC Article 645 and the use of GFCI protection for certain tools.
• Laboratory Site Rules: Prohibited acts include possession of weapons, illegal substances, and behavior inconsistent with Argonne's Code of Conduct. Site traffic and parking regulations must be followed.
• Disciplinary Program: A progressive disciplinary program is outlined for safety infractions, with consequences ranging from verbal warnings to suspension of site access and potential impact on future contract awards.
• FAR/DEAR Clauses: References to specific Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) and Department of Energy Acquisition Regulations (DEAR) clauses are included, such as those pertaining to personal identity verification, pollution prevention, and access to records.

This document is critical for bidders to understand the extensive safety, health, environmental, and administrative requirements that will govern the performance of on-site work. It details significant responsibilities regarding indemnity, insurance, compliance with regulations, and site-specific rules, which will impact operational planning, risk assessment, and overall cost of performance.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, "TCSBT Exhibit C - Certificate of Insurance (COI) Requirements," outlines the specific insurance requirements for contractors and subcontractors working at Building 240, as a supplement to the ANL366 form. It details the types of insurance, coverage limits, and specific provisions that must be maintained. In case of conflict with ANL366, the more stringent provision applies.

• Commercial General Liability: Requires specific limits for General Aggregate, Products/Completed Operations Aggregate, Bodily Injury/Property Damage per occurrence, Fire Damage to Rented Premises, and Medical Expenses. Coverage must include Premises/Operations, Products/Completed Operations, Contractual Liability, Broad Form Property Damage, Independent Contractors, and Personal Injury.
• Umbrella Liability: Requires a limit of $10,000,000.00 per occurrence and in aggregate, written on a follow-form basis.
• Workers' Compensation and Employers Liability: Statutory limits for Workers' Compensation and a minimum of $1,000,000.00 for Employers Liability (Coverage B). A waiver of subrogation is required.
• Comprehensive Crime Insurance: Requires $10,000.00 for monies/securities and $100,000.00 for employee dishonesty.
• Automobile Liability Insurance: Requires a $1,000,000.00 Combined Single Limit for owned, non-owned, and hired vehicles.
• Property – Subcontractors' Personal Property: Subcontractors must insure their own property.
• Professional Liability: Requires $100,000.00 per claim or $1,000,000.00 annual aggregate, on a claims-made basis, with specific retroactive coverage and a maintenance period of not less than four (4) years post-work.
• General Requirements: Coverages must apply to all locations, be primary and non-contributory (GL, Auto, Umbrella), require 30-day notice for cancellation/non-renewal, and policies must be from A.M. Best rated A or higher companies. Specific endorsements for notice of cancellation/modification and waiver of subrogation are required.
• Additional Insured / Loss Payee Requirements: Specific entities must be named as additional insureds/loss payees on Commercial General Liability, Umbrella, and Automobile Liability policies.

This document is critical for potential bidders to understand the mandatory insurance coverage and limits they must secure if awarded the contract. Failure to meet these requirements could impact bid eligibility or contract performance. Bidders must ensure their insurance plans align with these specifications, including specific endorsements and named parties.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document outlines the Evaluation Criteria for proposals related to the ALCF 400G Fabric, referencing the Statement of Work (SOW) dated September 23, 2025. The contract will be awarded based on the principle of Best Value, aiming to select the highest-rated Technical Proposal with the lowest proposed cost.

The proposal must be submitted in three parts: Technical, Business/Management, and Price. The Technical Proposal must address all requirements in the SOW, including:

• Overall Technical Requirements (hardware, software, licensing)
• Maintenance and Support
• Cybersecurity Requirements
• Installation Services

Specific technical requirements include support for 800 Gigabit Ethernet, 1.6 Terabit Ethernet, Ultra Ethernet Specification v1.0.1, backward compatibility, link aggregation, NVMe over Fabrics, RoCEv2, GPU to Fabric Technologies, and various Data Center Bridging features. Fabric design must be non-blocking, self-healing, and redundant. Configuration should be human-readable plaintext. Port requirements include growth to a minimum of 8192 non-blocking Edge Ports, support for QSFP-DD MSA ports, and specific termination types. Latency and buffer depth are critical, with a maximum longest-path Edge to Edge latency of less than 32 microseconds preferred. Monitoring via SNMP and advanced monitoring software are detailed. Cabling must be labeled, and installation personnel should be certified.

Maintenance and Support require five years of coverage, with product lifecycle support for at least 10 years. Cybersecurity requirements include vulnerability remediation and compliance with CISA directives.

• Award will be based on Best Value (highest technical rating with lowest cost).

• Proposal validity period must be at least 120 days.

• Proposals are evaluated in three parts: Technical, Business/Management (Contractor Responsibility Determination), and Price.

• Technical proposals receive adjective ratings (Outstanding to Unacceptable).

• Cost/Price is not adjectivally rated but judged on realistic costs and probable cost to the Laboratory.

• Preliminary evaluation includes a Contractor Responsibility Determination (pass/fail).

• Final evaluation considers Technical and Price criteria.

• Not specified in this document.

• References Enclosure No. 3 (Pricing Proposal Form) and Enclosure No. 5 (ANL-70B Representations and Certifications).

• Offerors are encouraged to register in SAM.gov.