Region 7 Education Service Center Request for Proposal (RFP) For Data Center services Purpose The purpose of this Request for Proposal (RFP) is to invite prospective vendors to submit a proposal to supply Data Center Services to Region 7 ESC. The RFP provides vendors with the relevant operational, performance, service, and architectural requirements of the solution. This RFP considers: Data Center competencies. Internet Bandwidth delivery. Facility Infrastructure. Security and Recovery capabilities. Vendor qualifications and references. Cost and Length of Contract Good Faith Statement All information provided by Region 7 ESC in this RFP is offered in good faith. Individual items are subject to change at any time. Region 7 ESC makes no certification that any item is without error. Region 7 ESC is not responsible or liable for any use of the information or for any resulting claims. Communication Verbal communication shall not be effective unless formally confirmed in writing by the specified procurement official in charge of managing this RFP process. In no case shall verbal communication govern over written communication. Vendors inquiries, questions, and requests for clarification related to this RFP are to be directed via e-mail to: Anita Luff Assistant Director, Data Management for Assessment & Curriculum 903.988.6804 aluff@esc7.net
Applicable terms and conditions herein shall govern communications and inquiries between Region 7 ESC and vendors as they relate to this RFP. Region 7 ESC will make a good-faith effort to provide a written response to each question or request for clarification that requires addenda within 1 business days. Written responses will be delivered via e-mail. All questions, answers, and addenda will be shared with all recipients. Proposal Submission Vendors are to submit one (1) original copy of proposal marked Original and one (1), marked Copy. Proposals must be delivered sealed to: Region 7 ESC Purchasing ATTN: Katie Chenoweth 1909 North Longview Street Kilgore, Texas 75662 RFP: Data Center services DMAC Submittals must be delivered by 10:00 AM, local time, October 29, 2013. Late submittals will not be accepted for any reason. All submittals received after the due date will be returned unopened. Method of Award The evaluation of each response to this RFP will be based on its demonstrated competence, compliance, format, and enterprise applicability. The purpose of this RFP is to identify those suppliers that have the interest, capability, and financial strength to supply Region 7 ESC with a Data Center Services solution identified in the Scope of Work. However, if Region 7 ESC does not find a suitable vendor within the RFP process, Region 7 ESC is not obligated to award the project to any vendor.. Evaluation Criteria (no weighting is implied by order of listing): 1. Data Center competencies. 2. Three or more concurrent Internet Backbones. 3. High Security Facilities including locked racks, limited access to server rooms and person to person identities checked.
4. Minimum of 20 Megabytes continual bandwidth and 60 Megabytes of burstable bandwidth. 5. Onsite backup generators for emergency power. 6. Onsite staff 24/7/365. 7. Onsite technical support for network equipment. 8. Less than 250 miles from Kilgore, Texas. 9. Standard size racks for normal operations with industry size equipment. 10. Technical and managed services delivery capabilities. 11. Security and Recovery capabilities. 12. Vendor s qualifications and references. 13. Cost and Length of Contract 14. Must have ability to give out blocks of IP4 addresses. Respondent s Submission All correspondence, documentation and information provided in response to or because of this RFP may be reproduced for the purposes of reviewing the Respondent s submission to this RFP. If a portion of a Respondent s Response is to be held confidential, such provisions must be clearly identified in the Response. All accepted Responses shall become the property of Region 7 ESC and will not be returned. Governing Law This RFP and the Respondent s Response and shall be governed by the laws of the State of Texas. No Liability Region 7 ESC shall not be liable to any Respondent, person or entity for any losses, expenses, costs, claims or damages of any kind: a) Arising out of, or by reason of, or attributable to, the Respondent responding to this RFP.
b) As a result of the use of any information, error or omission contained in this RFP document or provided during the RFP process. Data Center / Hosting Specifications: Geography 250 miles from Kilgore Texas Security Perimeter security Video surveillance and video archiving Dual-factor authentication with biometrics Access Support and Maintenance available 24/7/365 Rack & Stack Reboots & Reseating Servers and Equipment Local Console Component Installation VPN Tunnel Maintenance available 24/7/365 Dedicated Space One full rack One firewall with monthly upkeep Constant connection to the internet Multiple UPCs for power management IT Load Capable of 20 megabytes of continued bandwidth Capable of 60 megabytes of burstable bandwidth Circuit of 30 Amps in A and A+B configuration Capable of running large data traffic from multiple protocol/ports Availability Onsite secured UPS and generators Dual source circuits for power loss prevention Onsite dedicated security staff Redundant cooling units Fire Suppression system Tools Complete set of basic tools for rack and server maintenance Access to server nuts, screws and normal rack hardware Access to network cables, ends and crimpers for network maintenance Access to software for install of basic software for emergencies Certifications Compliant with PCI-DSS & SSAE-16 controls
* Please Submit Response to RFP Below: Pricing for 1 Year Term Item Description Dedicated Full Rack 42U Locking Enclosure (per rack) Monthly Bandwidth Cost (16 Megabytes at 95% metering) Monthly Rack and Maintenance Cost Monthly Power Cost 110v 30A (Draw from A or combined A & B circuit) Initial Setup Fees $ $ $ $ Other Fees NOTE: Contracts may be renewed for five (5) additional years if the Vendor and the Region 7 Education Service Center mutually agree and no increases in costs are incurred except for growth and capacity.
Vendor Qualifications and References All vendors must provide the following information in order for their proposal to be considered: Full legal name of the company: Year business was established: Number of people currently employed: Name of three backbone internet providers: How many data centers does your company maintain? Have you had a major outage in the last year?
Vendor Certification This certification attests to the vendor s awareness and agreement to the content of this RFP and all accompanying calendar schedules and provisions contained herein. The vendor must ensure that the following certificate is duly completed and correctly executed by an authorized officer of your company. This proposal is submitted in response to Request for Proposal for Data Center services issued by Region 7 ESC. The undersigned is a duly authorized officer, hereby certifies that: (Vendor Name) agrees to be bound by the content of this proposal and agrees to comply with the terms, conditions, and provisions of the referenced RFP and any addenda thereto in the event of an award. Exceptions are to be noted as stated in the RFP. The proposal shall remain in effect for a period of sixty (60) calendar days as of the Due Date of the RFP. The undersigned further certify that their firm (check one): IS IS NOT currently debarred, suspended, or proposed for debarment by any federal or State of Texas entity. The undersigned agree to notify Region 7 ESC of any change in this status, should one occur, until such time as an award has been made under this procurement action. Person(s) authorized to negotiate on behalf of this firm for purposes of this RFP are: Signature of Authorized Officer: Printed Name: Title: Signature: Date: