Customs and Border Protection wants to hear from vendors who can help support its network operations center (NOC) and ensure it's up and running 24/7/365.
Per a May 5 request for information, CBP is considering creating a contract for support personnel but wants to get a better idea of the marketplace before issuing a request for proposals.
FedBizOps: Network Operations Center Support Services
CBP network operators are on-call year-round to help with issues like loss of connectivity, slow-downs or latency, scheduled or unscheduled outages and maintenance and upgrades. The center also manages some 17,000 devices across CBP.
"The NOC is the focal point for network troubleshooting, updating, route and domain name management and coordination with affiliated networks," according to the RFI. "The NOC is responsible for providing network fault monitoring, network utilization, network availability, problem tracking and escalation, problem reports and documentation."
The RFI includes an extensive list of program support services CBP wants vendors to provide, including monthly burn rate reports, managing IT solutions and offering input on network architecture and security.
CBP procurement officials expect the final contract will have a six-month transition period followed by a six-month base period. The contract will also include four one-year add-on options.
Responses to the RFI are due by 1 p.m. on May 19.
Aaron Boyd is an awarding-winning journalist currently serving as editor of Federal Times — a Washington, D.C. institution covering federal workforce and contracting for more than 50 years — and Fifth Domain — a news and information hub focused on cybersecurity and cyberwar from a civilian, military and international perspective.
