DHS previews large cloud acquisition for industry to see
By
Ross Wilkers
The Homeland Security Department gives industry their first detailed glimpse at how the agency is undertaking a massive cloud services contract that will go to a single winner.
The Homeland Security Department is giving industry their first detailed glimpse at how the agency is undertaking its massive cloud services contract that will go to a single winner.
One detail from the draft solicitation released Wednesday jumps off the page: the Data Center and Cloud Optimization contract’s cumulative ceiling value is now $4.1 billion over up to 10 years, double over what was originally expected.
DCCO’s solicitation ID number is 70RTAC20R00000013 in the event that how it lists on Beta.Sam.Gov changes.
Still clear is that DHS is seeking a systems integrator as the prime contractor. That integrator will manage the future setup with cloud infrastructure providers and other software vendors involved to stand up DHS’ future environment.
DHS currently operates two main data centers that house its IT and other assets -- Data Center 1 and Data Center 2. The DCCO contract begins with migrating everything in DC1 to the new environment, after which the shift from DC2 will take place.
Responses to the draft solicitation are due by 5 p.m. Eastern time on Nov. 5. DHS is eyeing a release of the final request for proposals in early December with a two-week turnaround time for bids to be due, which would peg an award in mid-March.
DCCO covers an initial five-year base ordering period, then a three-year option period and potentially a second two-year option period.
One related item still awaiting further detail is how DHS could go about acquiring applications and other related services through a separate multiple-award vehicle.