U.S. Department of Justice, Federal Bureau of Investigation, J. Edgar Hoover Building, Rm 6875, 935 Pennsylvania Ave., N.W., Washington, DC 20535-0001

70 -- IBM COMPATIBLE S-390 CMOS SERVERS WITH RELATED ITEMS-MODIFICATION SOL RFP689553 DUE 032498 POC Glenn W. Armfield (202)324-3309 This modification to a previoulsy published combined synopsis/solicitation shall serve as amendment number one, answers to vendor questions: 1. Server Requirements (Reference Subparagraph a), "A minimum capacity rating 2.25 times that of an Amdahl Model 5890-600E;" The FBI currently configures the 5890-600E in physically partitioned mode as two 5890-300E's. Each 5890-300E is rated at 42 Gartner MIPS, delivering a total of 84 Gartner MIPS for the physically partitioned 5890-600E. Therefore, the FBI requirement is for 2.25 times 84 Gartner MIPS or 189 Gartner MIPS. Are we correct in assuming that the FBI requirement is to receive 2.25 times the capacity of the 5890-600E in its current configuration? Answer: If the Gartner Group MIPS rating you have selected is proper, the mathematical product resulting from the 2.25 value is correct. 2. Server Requirements (Reference Subparagraph g), "One FDDI open systems adapter;" Our experience has shown CMOS processors do not specifically require a FDDIconnection. Usually, converters are used to connect different protocols. We were not aware of any current FDDI interface requirements for the processors, or the FBI's plans to implement FDDI. Is this requirement still mandatory? If so, could the FBI provide additional information on the desired network implementation, so the Offerors may propose an optimum solution? Answer: The requirement stands as stated. The Offeror is at liberty to provide any technical solution that would meet this requirement as stated in the solicitation. 3. Server Requirements (Reference Subparagraph g), "One open systems Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) connection port;" Our experience has shown CMOS processors do not specifically require a ATM connection. Usually, converters are used to connect different protocols. We were not aware of any current ATM interface requirements for the processors, or the FBI's plans to implement ATM. Is this requirement still mandatory? If so, could the FBI provide additional information onthe desired network implementation, so the Offerors may propose an optimum solution? Answer: The requirement stands as stated. The Offeror is at liberty to provide any technical solution that would meet this requirement as stated in the solicitation. 4. "Server Requirements: Each of the two 3-way CMOS servers..." It is understood that the proposed servers must meet the "minimum capacity rating of 2.25 times that of FBI's Amdahl 5890-600E". Please explain why there is an additional requirement for three engines. Should the requirement be restated so that the CMOS servers have at least three engines? Answer: Based on the current and projected future FBI workloads, three engines will meet the required individual engine speed. 5. Coupling Facility: "Each Coupling Facility shall: Include an one-way CMOS processor of the same generation and technology level as the proposed servers;" What is meant by "the same generation and technology"? Answer: The FBI requires a new hardware solution. The phrase "the same generation and technology" means that the coupling facility would have an engine with the same speed characteristics as the servers to eliminate any delay between the coupling facility and the processors. 6. "All of the following requirements must be met by each Offeror to be responsive and responsible to this solicitation:" Could the RFP be restructured so that the Servers, Coupling Facilities, and Sysplex Timers must be bid separately? It is in the government's best interest to split the award to the best offer for each item. Answer: The requirement stands as stated. 7. Would the FBI consider an alternative configuration proposal, if it can be demonstrated to be in the best interest of the government and also provide substantial savings. Answer: The requirement stands as stated. Whatever is proposed must meet the FBI's needs as specified in the solicitation document. (0069)

Loren Data Corp. http://www.ld.com (SYN# 0318 19980312\70-0004.SOL)