High Performance On-Prem Storage Solution

The University of Chicago is seeking responses from qualified partners to assist in developing a high performance on-prem storage solution (software & hardware) to refresh a portion of our current storage infrastructure. We are seeking a partner(s) who can work with the Center for Translational Data Science (CTDS) to develop a solution that meets business requirements.

Please be advised that the requested quantities associated with this order are subject to change, as a portion of the total quantity requested is subject to funding approval under a Federal Contract. The University will notify you in writing in the event any changes to this order are necessary due to a denial of funding under the aforementioned Federal Contract.

Below are the requirements for a storage solution that we are seeking from a partner(s):

  • Combined solution that includes both software and hardware
  • Required level of technical support for any software or hardware issues
  • Scalable solution that allows for adding hardware without having to perform complete refresh during the life of the solution
  • Performance and capacity sized for 5 years growth based on 30-day retention policy
  • 2x Rack appliances of IBMCoS or Alternative Solution Consisting of the following:
    • Minimum ClevOS version: 3.16.2.57
    • 6x Accessors A10
          2x 10G Dual port per node
    • 18 x Controller node C10  and 18 X 5U92 Disk Enclosure
          92 x 18TB drives per node
          2x 10G Dual port NIC per node

All information contained in this invitation to submit a proposal is considered strictly confidential and should not be shared with any individuals outside of your firm. If your firm does not plan to submit a bid, please decline accordingly and return any confidential information to our attention.

We are inviting a small group of firms to bid on this solution. Should we have follow-up questions, then the top candidates will be invited to a virtual meeting on Zoom.

Should your firm decide to bid, the proposal should be no more than 10 pages (excluding covers, table of contents, and quotation of price). Maximum page limits are specified below by section. We would like you to organize your proposal as follows:

  1. Transmittal Letter (1 page) -- Summarize the solution/services being offered, the firm’s recent and relevant experience in this space, and the name and qualifications of the individual that will have overall responsibility for the engagement.
  2. (Optional) Experience and Qualifications (<=3 pages) – Describe the relevant experience of the firm and key recently completed solutions provided to your clients.
  3. Solution/Services Description (<=5 pages) – Describe solution/services proposed to meet the above listed capabilities we are seeking. This should include a timeline for shipment. We need to receive invoices before Aug. 15
  4. Pricing Quotation – Provide an overall cost total and the basis of pricing for this solution. Please include an estimate of shipping costs.
  5. (Optional) References (1 page) – Provide three (3) references where your firm completed similar engagements for a higher education client. Include contact information for the day-to-day contact for your reference.

Response Timeline:

  • January 21, 2022 – RFP issued
  • January 26, 2022 - Send any questions related to RFP by 4pm CST
  • February 4, 2022  – Responses to RFP questions from University
  • February 10, 2022 – Emailed RFP response due by 4pm CST

Bidders are responsible for all costs of producing the proposal and submitting it on time. Bidders are encouraged to email the proposal with enough advance time so receipt can be confirmed within the deadline.