Social Security Administration, Deputy Commissioner for Finance, Assessment and Management, Office of Acquisition and Grants, 1710 Gwynn Oak Avenue, Baltimore, MD, 21207-5279

70 -- IBM SOFTWAREXCEL SUPPORT SERVICES SOL Reference-Number-JCE00-SWXL DUE 122499 POC Junghie Elky, Contract Specialist, Phone 4109659483, Fax 4109659560, Email junghie.elky@ssa.gov WEB: Visit this URL for the latest information about this, http://www.eps.gov/cgi-bin/WebObjects/EPS?ACode=R&;ProjID=Reference-Num ber-JCE00-SWXL&LocID=2422. E-MAIL: Junghie Elky, junghie.elky@ssa.gov. The Social Security Administration is seeking sources capable of providing an electronic interface to the IBM support structure via the Service Link application of IBM Link and providing SSA premium services within the IBM support structure over a 5-year period beginning May 1, 2000 through April 30, 2005. These services will allow SSA the ability to: (1) Search technical databases for product related support problems and associated status; (2) Order most service, including prerequisite and corequisite and receive it electronically as a complete package of OS/390, Job Entry Subsystem3 (JES3), Virtual Telecommunications Access Method and Customer Information Control System; (3) Electronically ask usage questions; (4) Request automatic notification of critical service information and necessary prerequisite and co-requisite service for electronic Program Temporary Fix (PTF) deliver. Share sessions with and transfer data to IBM support center via a remote screen viewing facility; (5) Report defect information directly to IBM_s service support organization. Track Authorized Program-Analysis Reports (APAR) and PTF or APAR fixes and have them sent to SSA electronically; (6) Cross reference program information; (7) List all of SSA_s problem records for review and update; (8) Search a database comprised of non-IBM problems; (9) Electronically obtain information from non-IBM vendors concerning program and service descriptions of their available software products, technical and problem data, program fixes, questions and implementation tips, forums for sharing information with other users and service news; (10) Secure required support structure which shall include the following: 1-hour response from Level 2 when requested, any severity, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time; two-hour electronic service delivery in an emergency; direct submission of _how to_ questions to product specialist; (11) Communicate with a customer advocate who is available to SSA as a focal point to address concerns SSA may have about data center service; (12) Exchange information with the customer advocate who shall monitor SSA_s open problems, periodically contact SSA and act as SSA_s representative to the IBM support structure and periodically reports to SSA regarding our reported problems. SSA knows of only IBM_s S/390 Softwarexcel Support Family Services (including Softwarexcel Basic and Extended Support Services with Software Mall) that is capable of providing the required electronic interface and services. Other organizations possessing the required expertise and resources are invited to submit information on their capabilities, previous relevant experience, pricing data (including GSA and/or GWAC contract information, if available) and any other pertinent data within the response due date shown for this announcement. Respondents must clearly indicate the capability of the proposed offering to provide the electronic interface and services described herein (any literature or information submitted as a response to this notice must contain enough information attesting to the capability of a product/service package offered to meet the stated requirements). Only written responses will be accepted. The Government does not intend to pay for any information provided. This is a request for information only -- THIS IS NOT A REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP). Requests for a solicitation will not be honored or acknowledged. No contract award will be made on the basis of responses received. However, this information will be used in SSA_s assessment of capable sources. Respondents should refer to JCE00-SWXL. Respondents will NOT be notified of the results of the evaluation of the information received. Posted 12/09/99 (D-SN407300). (0343)

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