RFP released for Army mobile computing procurement

The Army has released a request for proposals for a $5 billion procurement vehicle that will standardize desktop and notebook computer purchases.

The Army Desktop and Mobile Computing 2 program will consist of multiple-award, indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity contracts that will run for a three-year base period, with three two-year options.

Responses are due Nov. 21, and officials expect to award the contracts Jan. 27, 2006. The Army will buy from the winning contractors' offerings.

Following the success of the Air Force IT Commodity Council, established in June 2003, the Army decided to mandate twice-yearly commodity buys of PCs, laptops and other hardware devices through ADMC-2.

The Army Small Computer Program in Fort Monmouth, N.J., runs ADMC. Buys are expected in April and at the end of each fiscal year.

The Army expects the commodity purchases to save money, promote enterprise solutions, enhance interoperability and improve security, officials said.

Dawn S. Onley is a staff writer for Washington Technology's sister publication, Government Computer News.