SAM #PCA-NIMH-01870

Maintenance Services for Tape Backup and Disk Storage Systems at NIH NIMH

The National Institutes of Health (NIH), National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), Human Genetics Branch, Section on Developmental Neurogenomics, is seeking a contractor for maintenance services on tape backup and disk storage systems supporting critical research data. - Government Buyer: - National Institutes of Health (NIH), National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), Human Genetics Branch, Section on Developmental Neurogenomics - Contracting office: NIH Office of Logistics and Acquisition Operations (OLAO), 6011 Executive Blvd., Suite 503L, Bethesda, MD 20892 - OEMs and Vendors: - No specific OEMs or vendors are named in the solicitation - Products/Services Requested: - Maintenance contract for tape backup and disk storage systems - Includes 24/7 technical phone support - Next business day onsite support and access to upgrades - Firmware and software upgrades - Immediate repair and replacement of failed disks or components - Support for large capacity disk storage arrays and tape backup systems used for genetic, neuroimaging, and behavioral datasets - Unique or Notable Requirements: - Contractor must have in-depth expertise in both hardware and software for these systems - Must ensure data security and availability in case of system failure - Technical assistance must be available 24/7 to minimize downtime - Service must support disaster recovery for large-scale research datasets - No specific part numbers, models, or purchase quantities are provided; further details are referenced in the Statement of Work - Anticipated as a single award, firm fixed price purchase order - Place of performance is at NIH facilities in Bethesda, Maryland

Description

COMBINED SYNOPSIS / SOLICITATION - COMPETITIVE

Title: Maintenance Contract for Tape Backup and Disk Storage Systems

1. This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items prepared in accordance with the format in Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Subpart 12.6 as supplemented with additional information included in this notice. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; quotes are being requested and a separate written solicitation will not be issued. The solicitation number is PCA-NIMH-01870 and the solicitation is issued as a request for quotation (RFQ). This acquisition is for a commercial item or service and is conducted under the authority of FAR Part 13 — Simplified Acquisition Procedures; and FAR Part 12 — Acquisition of Commercial Items. It is not expected to exceed the simplified acquisition threshold. A fixed-price purchase order is contemplated for this requirement. A maintenance contract is required to provide the necessary maintenance for a tape backup system used to back up data stored on the disk storage system to tape. This ensures data preservation in case of disk storage failure. The contract also includes maintenance for the disk storage system, providing firmware updates and immediate service in case of failure of disks or other components. The NIMH, Human Genetics Branch, Section on Developmental Neurogenomics, conducts studies involving large genetic, neuroimaging, and behavioral datasets. These data are stored on large capacity disk storage arrays and backed up onto tape for remote storage in case of catastrophic events. The objective is to ensure data availability with minimal downtime during hardware failures. The maintenance contract also supports firmware and software upgrades, especially concerning data security. See Attachment 1 – Purchase Description or Statement of Work for additional details.

2. Regulatory and Contractual Information The solicitation document and incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular 2025-05, dated 08-07-2025. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) Code for this procurement is 518210 — Computing Infrastructure Providers, Data Processing, Web Hosting, and Related Services, with a small business size standard of $40,000,000. Line Items: NIMH anticipates a single award, firm fixed-price purchase order for the Maintenance Contract for Tape Backup and Disk Storage Systems (Lowest Price Technically Acceptable) as described in Attachment 1. Project Requirements: The Contractor shall furnish all necessary services, qualified personnel, materials, equipment, and facilities, not otherwise provided by the Government, to perform the Statement of Work below: The maintenance contract requires in-depth knowledge of hardware and software components of the disk storage and tape backup systems. Technical assistance will be available 24/7 to minimize downtime. The goal is to avoid interruptions in research activities and loss of productivity. Repairs will be performed under the guidance of technical experts.

3. Level of Effort and Responsibilities Level of Effort: The labor hours will vary based on system needs, hardware reliability, and software upgrades. Government Responsibilities: The Government will ensure the specific equipment is available for onsite maintenance or repair, if needed.

4. Deliverables and Support The contractor will provide: Technical phone support 24/7 Next business day access to upgrades Onsite support and assistance Repair, maintenance, and parts replacement Reporting requirements are not applicable.

5. Technical Evaluation Criteria Offerors shall include the following in their technical quote: Maintenance Contract for Tape Backup and Disk Storage Systems See Attachment 2 – Technical Evaluation Criteria for detailed criteria. The Government will award based on best value, considering technical factors and price. Factor 1: Technical Approach The proposal should address each area of the statement of work, demonstrating understanding and capability to provide exceptional service, including 24/7 technical support, onsite support, and parts replacement. Factor 2: Past Performance Provide at least two references from the past five years, including: Name of Organization Description of Requirement and Responsibilities Contact Name and Title Contract Value Period of Performance Proposals will be evaluated using a scale: Excellent, Good, Acceptable, Marginal, Unacceptable, with detailed descriptions for each.

6. Submission Requirements The Offeror must include: A completed copy of FAR clause 52.212-3, Offeror Representations and Certifications—Commercial Items Technical quote in searchable PDF format Price quote in Excel format UEI number SAM registration verification Quotes should be submitted electronically to jaddua.johnston@nih.gov with the subject line including PCA-NIMH-01870 and the Title. The deadline is April 17, 2026, at 4:00 P.M. EST. Late submissions may not be considered. Offerors should include the total price for the basic requirements and ensure all submissions are timely and complete.

7. Additional Information The Government reserves the right to award without discussions if prices are fair and reasonable. Questions and clarifications should be directed to the Contract Specialist at jaddua.johnston@nih.gov, with the subject line including PCA-NIMH-01870.

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