Integrator Insider

by Nick WakemanThe Commerce Department is looking to consolidate its data centers and wants innovative contracting approaches that will allow the agency to take on the project with little up-front expense. Commerce released a request for information that asks contractors to submit information and recommendations. All contracting approaches, including share-in-savings, will be considered, the agency said.Commerce conducted its own study that identified potential savings by consolidating several data centers. Copies of the study are available through the chief information officer's office. Part of the savings will be generated because several of the data centers have overlapping and duplicative capabilities. In addition to its own study, an independent study validated the Commerce Department's findings.Responses to the request for information are due by Oct. 6.XXXSPLITXXX-NASA has developed a cooperative agreement notice soliciting research proposals to increase interoperability and performance of its earth, space, life and microgravity sciences applications. The applications are part of the agency's Great Challenge Investigations program, which is aimed at helping the research community use high-performance computer applications that model, analyze or interpret earth, space, life and microgravity science observational data.More information is available under "Research Opportunities" at www.earth.nasa.gov. A conference for interested parties is expected in early October.XXXSPLITXXX-Microsoft Corp. of Redmond, Wash., and Lockheed Martin Corp. of Bethesda, Md., have formed a partnership to develop new products and services for mail-processing systems. The companies want to develop commercially available technology that will Web-enable the management and delivery of mail, messaging and merchandise throughout an enterprise as well as between businesses.The products and services will help companies and government agencies modernize their existing mail-processing systems and related information platforms with common, easy-to-use Internet and intranet solutions.