DISA-DITCO/DTS42, Scott AFB IL, BLDG 3600 62225-5406

70 -- LEASING OF MID-TIER HARDWARE/SOFTWARE/MAINTENANCE DUE 121796 POC Contact: Shirley C. Richey, 618-256-9461 Synopsis Number 97044. The Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) is considering leasing New Technology that replaces Mid-Tier automation equipment (Hardware, Software, and Maintenance) and any other associated peripheral equipment. Currently the 16 DISA Defense Megacenters (DMCs) have a mix of Mid-Tier Unix Systems such as IBM RISC, HP, Sun, SGI, DEC, etc. DISA wants the capability to have immediate and continuing access to the latest architecture at a competitive cost and is interested in leasing to reduce its costs rather than procuring these system. DISA's requirement has been the result of downsizing and the consolidation of numerous Information Processing Centers (IPCs). It is DISA's intent to fully promote full and open competition in acquiring leasing vehicles to support the mid-tier requirements. The Government solicits industry input on how best to solicit leasing vehicles for the mid-tier platform. Input is solicited on the following issues: 1. Is it cheaper for the Government to lease these systems rather than procure them once all associated costs such as the cost of money, cost of title, taxes, cost of equipment, etc. is figured into the price? 2. Leasing within the DOD was deemed not cost effective in the past. What has changed that would make it cost efective today? 3. How would hardware maintenance be handled in a straight lease vs LTOP, LWOP, etc.? Would the Government be permitted to use a 3rd party for maintenance? What is most cost effective? 4. Is a straight lease for this kind of equipment more cost effective than an LTOP or RTOP? 5. How many months would be considered the break even point with this technology whereby purchase would have been better than lease? 6. Do you have DOD customers that are using O&M funds for LWOP's? Can you provide us with POC's? 7. DISA is very interested in having the capability to swap equipment in the middle of the lease for the latest technology. This "Class of Technology" clause is different from the standard technology refreshment clause. DISA wants an 18 month technology refresher option. What would be best to provide this capability? 8. Do you have or could you propose a leasing vehicle that would provide this continuing access to new technology? Responses are required by close of business December 17, 1996. (0338)

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