The Social Security Administration (SSA) intends to acquire mainframe hardware, required to meet the SSA’s capacity needs, from IBM Corporation. The SSA will pursue acquiring Complementary Metal Oxide Silicon (CMOS) processors with sufficient processing capacity to support the processing needs of the Agency. The maximum quantity needed will increase from six to ten machines with an additional ten machines reserved for Disaster Recovery Requirements. Additionally, the processors must be capable of operating in 64-bit mode, capable of running IBM z/OS 1.4 and future IBM z/OS operating systems. The processor must support z/Architecture, as the Agency’s operating system is z/OS and run in 64-bit real support mode. Running z/OS in 64-bit mode, which is only possible on a z/Architecture processor, is essential to SSA’s VSAM and DB2 application growth and performance. Processors must include Input/Output channels which support IBM FICON (native/FICON bridge card support), ESCON (native/converted/CTC), Open System Adaptors (Gigabit OSA) and Coupling Facility Links (single mode). Processors must provide Sysplex Timer connectivity and participate in a Parallel Sysplex environment. IBM Corporation is the only source known with a product capable of meeting these requirements. Any firm that feels they have the capability of providing an equivalent product must respond, in writing, within 10 days of this notice. Responses must be specific as to the alternate product proposed and must include detailed specifications to support claims of equivalency to the IBM processors. Acknowledgement of responses received will not be provided. If no acceptable responses are received, SSA shall issue a delivery order against IBM's GSA schedule contract.

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