This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items in accordance with the format in FAR Subpart 12.6 Streamlined Procedures for Evaluation and Solicitation for Commercial Items, as supplemented with additional information included in this notice. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation: firm-fixed price proposals are being requested and a written solicitation will not be issued. The solicitation number is NAMA-05-Q-0010 and is issued as a request for quotation (RFQ). The solicitation document and incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular 2001-14 effective June 23, 2003. The Government reserves the right to make an award on the initial quote without discussions of this procurement. Award will be based on a best value determination, price and other factors considered. Other factors for award include past performance and a responsible offerors ability to meet the salient functional and technical requirements as listed below for the Annual Support, Updates, and Maintenance for the F5 Big-IP Load Balancer REQUIREMENT: Furnish annual support, software updates, and maintenance for Big-IP Load Balancer, manufactured by F5 Networks Inc. The annual support and maintenance must include 24/7 phone support as well as upgrades on the products already purchased. Quantity: 7 Big-IP Load Balancers (Bip038071s, Bip038233s, Bip040450s, Bip040467s, Bip040507s, Bip048750s and Bip048751s). 1. GENERAL. Network Premium Service(Category 5) should provide full support for hardware and software on a 24/7 basis. Including: Ask F5 – fast on-line database support and answers; All software updates and new version releases; Dispatch of replacement hardware units within 24 hours; Tech News communication – email updates and technical advisories on F5 products via client registration; and Web Support. Fast Problem Resolution – Toll Free telephone number for contacting the Network Support Center to report an incident and receive a case number, immediatly an F5 support engineer will start working to solve the issue. Priority is assigned based on severity - so network and business-critical issues will receive the highest attention. Ask F5 – Specific technical question about F5 products or general information about F5 solutions and services. Ask F5 a the fast and convenient way to get the most from F5 products. Unlimited access is free with a service agreement. Solution Versioning –Receive all software updates, version releases, and relevant hot fixes as they are released. Choose between new feature releases and maintenance-only (fixes) releases for F5 products, depending on the needs. Regardless, each release is carefully tested and evaluated before shipping, with support for all software versions until one year from the date of the next major release. Rapid Replacements – Repair or replace any product or component that fails during the term of the maintenance agreement, at no cost, provided that the customer contacts the Network Support Engineer to report the failure and complies with F5's troubleshooting and return policies. A replacement product or component will then be shipped to the user, usually within 24 hours. WebSupport Portal – WebSupport portal to provide a more flexible and better, faster access to F5 Support, 24/7. Quickly create new support cases, immediately receive automated case number generation, read case details and updates on your open cases, upload troubleshooting attachments. Offerors must submit a brief description of relevant experience duties and responsibilities. Vendor must except direct deposit for payment via electronic funds transfer. The following clauses and provisions are incorporated and are to remain in full force in any resultant fixed price purchase order: FAR Clause 52.212-1, Instructions to Offerors Commercail Items (Jan 2004): each offeror shall include a completed copy of the provision at FAR clause52.212-3, Offeror Representation and Certifications Commercial Items (May 2004) with the quotation. A copy of the provision can be found at http://www.arnet.gov/far/: FAR 52.212-4 Contract Terms and Conditions Commercial Terms (October 2003): FAR 52.212-5, Contract Terms and Conditions Required to Implement Statutes or Executive Orders Commercial Items (October 2004). Paragraph (b) of this clause incorporates by reference the following FAR clauses 52.222-3 Convict Labor, 52-222-36 Affirmative Action for Workers with Disabilities, 52,232-34 Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer Other than Central Contractor Registration, 52.232-36 Payment by Third party, and 52.233-3 Protest After Award. Two copies of each proposal must be mailed to the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) Attention: Stuart Hitchings,8601 Adelphi Road, Room 3360, College Park, MD 20740-6001 by 4:00 PM ET on January 06, 2005 Additionally, the detailed price proposal may also be e-mailed to :[email protected]. Telephonic responses will not be processed.

Bid Protests Not Available