ICE looks for mainframe replacement

The Immigration and Custom Enforcement agency must replace its main-frame computer system with a new one with more capabilities, and officials have asked companies to propose systems that set up fast.

ICE currently uses a case management system called TECS for its criminal investigations. It’s an old government-developed custom software system. Officials say TECS has become extremely difficult and costly to maintain operations on that mainframe system, according to a request for information.

ICE notes there are two key milestones. The Initial Operational Capability must occur before September 2015. That means all of TECS users are on the new system and have at least the same functionalities. Secondly, there must be a “code freeze” date. At that point, all code development, if required, must be completed, and the replacement system will begin integration and integration testing with other required systems and interfaces.

Due to the time constraints, ICE is looking for companies that have low-risk system solutions already in production and are operational. ICE officials estimate about 15 months to meet the milestones after awarding the contract.

ICE says there is too little time for developing an extensive system while maintaining low risk. As a result, companies that propose such systems or solutions will likely not be competitively viable.

The RFI was released Feb. 5, and the deadline for replies is Feb. 14.