SAM #36C10B26Q0307

VA Seeks Modernization of IBM COBOL Mainframe for Veteran Benefit Debt Management

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Technology Acquisition Center is seeking contractor support to replace and modernize its legacy IBM COBOL mainframe system for Veteran Benefit Debt Management. - Government Buyer: - Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Technology Acquisition Center - OEM Highlight: - IBM is referenced as the OEM for the legacy mainframe system - Scope of Work: - Replacement and modernization of the IBM COBOL mainframe system - Migration of approximately two million debt records - Maintenance of file-based integrations with about ten external systems - Ensuring continued operation of downstream Microsoft SQL Server database and MuleSoft AnyPoint Platform APIs - Support for batch processing and agency-wide debt operations (debt aging, demand letter generation, etc.) - Training and post-implementation support for VA staff - Compliance with VA security and privacy requirements - Technical Environment: - Legacy system includes 257 COBOL modules, 540 JCL files, 87 PROCS, 18 COPYBOOKS, and 300 Java programs on Microsoft Windows servers - Unique Requirements: - Contractor must replicate or enhance all existing functional capabilities - Ensure data integrity and continuity of operations during transition - Provide training and ongoing support

Description

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Technology Acquisition Center (TAC) is seeking information concerning the availability of capable contractors to provide a possible Replacement of IBM COBOL Mainframe System for Veteran Benefit Debt Management, NAICS - 541519   This is a Request For Information (RFI) only and is limited to seven pages.  Do not submit a proposal or quote.  There is no obligation on the part of the Government to acquire any products or services described in this RFI.  Your response to this RFI will be treated only as information for the Government to consider for Market Research purposes.  You will not be entitled to payment for direct or indirect costs that you incur in responding to this RFI.  This request does not constitute a solicitation for proposals or the authority to enter into negotiations to award a contract.  No funds have been authorized, appropriated, or received for this effort.  Interested parties are responsible for adequately marking proprietary, restricted, or competition sensitive information contained in their response. 

If interested, please provide the following: 

Provide a high-level response that describes your ability to meet the technical requirements described below. If additional information is required by VA to determine a contractor s capability to provide the full requirement and the economic feasibility of the information provided, additional information may be requested at a later date. A draft version of the requirement is below.

Provide a Rough Level of Effort which would be required to complete this project. Include Labor Categories, Labor Category Descriptions, and project number of hours per Labor Category. This will be based upon your estimate of how long the Replacement of IBM COBOL Mainframe System for Veteran Benefit Debt Management will take to complete.

Please direct all responses to David Gabrysiak, david.gabrysiak@va.gov and Debra Clayton, debra.clayton2@va.gov.

Replacement of IBM COBOL Mainframe System for Veteran Benefit Debt Management

Scope

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) requires contractor support to modernize a legacy Veteran Benefit Debt Management system that is running on an IBM COBOL mainframe system. The Contractor shall provide the technical expertise necessary to design, develop, implement, test, and transition to a modernized solution that fully replaces the legacy mainframe capabilities while ensuring continuity of operations.

2.0 Background

The current Veteran Benefit Debt Management system supports agency-wide Veteran Benefit and Debt operations. It performs debt aging, generates demand letters, and conducts file-based integrations with approximately ten external systems. Each external system integration utilizes a unique file-based interface. Approximately two million debt records are maintained in Virtual Storage Access Method (VSAM) and sequential file structures.

The legacy environment consists of: 257 COBOL modules totaling approximately 258,000 lines of code 540 JCL files totaling approximately 43,000 lines of code 87 PROCS totaling approximately 8,000 lines of code 18 COPYBOOKS totaling approximately 14,000 lines of code These programs are executed daily or on demand via the CA7 scheduler. Additionally, the system includes approximately 300 Java programs (126,000 lines of code) executed on Microsoft Windows servers, also via Computer Associates Workload Manager 7 (CA7) or on demand.

The legacy mainframe serves as a backend system and transmits updates to a Microsoft SQL Server database that supports APIs running on the MuleSoft AnyPoint Platform. These downstream systems are expected to remain in operation and must be fully supported by the contractor s solution.

Requirements

Solution Development and Modernization

The Contractor shall provide a replacement solution that:

Replicates or enhances all existing functional capabilities of the Veteran Benefit Debt Management system. Supports all debt management operations including, but not limited to, debt aging, demand letter generation, and batch processing. Accommodates the migration and processing of approximately two million debt records currently stored in VSAM and sequential files.

Integration Requirements

The Contractor shall:

Provide interfaces that support all current file-based integrations with approximately ten external systems. Maintain compatibility with each system s unique integration format and operational requirements. Ensure continued interoperability with the existing Microsoft SQL Server environment and MuleSoft Anypoint Platform APIs that depend on mainframe-generated updates. Operational Requirements

The Contractor shall ensure the modernized solution: Supports scheduled and on-demand execution of batch processes analogous to those performed using CA7. Provides equivalent or improved performance, reliability, and auditability compared to the legacy environment. Supports secure, reliable data transfer between all interfacing systems.

3.4 Data Migration

The Contractor shall: Migrate all legacy VSAM and sequential file data without loss or corruption. Conduct validation of migrated datasets to ensure data integrity and functional continuity. 3.5 Transition and Implementation

The Contractor shall: Provide a detailed transition plan that ensures uninterrupted operations during system cutover. Deliver training materials and training sessions to VA personnel as required. Provide post implementation support during stabilization.

4.0 Constraints and Considerations

All existing downstream systems (SQL Server, MuleSoft APIs) must remain operational throughout. The Contractor shall ensure compliance with VA security, privacy, and data protection requirements. All modernization efforts must minimize disruptions to current business operations.

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