D -- ANALYSIS TO CREATE DOCUMENTS TO SUPPORT RE-HOSTING OF AMIS DATABASES AND PROGRAMS

Notice Date

October 10, 2000

Contracting Office

U.S. Geological Survey, 205B 12201 Sunrise Valley Drive, Reston, VA 20192

ZIP Code

20192

Response Due

November 6, 2000

Point of Contact

Ms. Susan Collins (703)-648-7394 Ms. Kathy Craig (703)648-7357 (CO)

Description

The following is not a solicitation and may not result in an actual solicitation: The U. S. Geological Survey (USGS) is seeking information concerning vendor capabilities and recommendations for implementing The Minerals Information Team, Statistics and Information Systems Section's Automated Minerals Information System (AMIS). The AMIS is an integrated database system that supports the organization's minerals information collection and analysis activities. The systems allow for cross-referencing and integration of domestic and foreign information from a variety of sources, such as: production/consumption surveys and analyses, minerals availability and economic studies, and public land appraisals. The AMIS provides a central source of minerals information that is versatile and responsive to the needs of minerals problems and policy analysts. It aids in the assessment of U.S. policies and options concerning the minerals necessary for a sound economy and secure nation. Currently, the AMIS consists of 59 Commodity Data Subsystems, the Central Mailing Subsystem, the Respondent Control Subsystem, the U.S. Imports/Exports Subsystem, and a Data Dictionary. The AMIS is developed in the Model 204 Data Base Management System and resides on the U.S. Geological Survey's IBM 9672-R83 computer (operating under IBM OS-390) in Reston, Virginia. Normal operations include data entry, update and report generation. Reports can be run on-line or in-batch. In addition, data and reports can be downloaded from the IBM to microcomputers for further processing or analysis using spreadsheet, word processing, statistical, or graphics software packages. The purpose of this proposed acquisition is to analyze the conversion requirements, identify and assess feasible conversion alternatives, and detail a migration implementation plan. The objective of this project is to conduct the necessary analysis in order to create the following documents that will support the required re-hosting of the AMIS databases and programs: Conversion Requirements Validation This document will validate the AMIS operational needs and inventory the databases, programs and reports that are to be transitioned. Conversion Options Study This document will examine a full range of conversion options, including complexity, costs and benefits of each approach, which shall establish the criteria for the recommended conversion/implementation plan approach. Conversion Implementation Plan This document will set forth a detailed conversion implementation plan, including schedules, deliverables, resources and milestones that are required to implement the recommended conversion option. This task also requires the design and development of a Commodities Prototype that will be demonstrated using the software recommended in the conversion options study. The prototype will include screens, editing, and reporting requirements for two commodities selected by the USGS. The selected commodities will be of medium complexity to demonstrate a reasonable comparison to the current AMIS system. The contractor would review existing documents, conduct interviews with a limited number of senior USGS-MIT personnel (approximately 3 to 5), and key AMIS system users (approximately 3 to 5); inventory, validate and document the current AMIS system data bases and report programs; perform a high-level requirements validation; develop and analyze feasible conversion alternatives; and develop an implementation plan to conduct the recommended conversion approach. All deliverables would need to meet normal professional standards and the requirements set forth in a potential contract. Milestones include: Milestone I The Revised Project Plan, Milestone II The Conversion Requirements Validation Report, Milestone III Conversion Options Report and Executive Briefing, Milestone IV Prototype Design and Specification Document, and Commodities Prototype, and Milestone V Conversion Implementation Plan. The successful vendor would provide personnel with expertise in the following areas: extensive knowledge of various relational data base management systems, knowledge of the Model 204 Data Base Management System, thorough knowledge of relational data base concepts and data modeling, knowledge of telecommunications, networks, and various hardware platforms, ability to perform structured analysis, good verbal skills for conducting interviews, ability to document results of the analysis work performed and experience in systems conversions. Vendor should state his recommend approach, either modification of commercial off-the-shelf software or programming new software, his support capabilities, and terms for warranty. Information concerning pricing is highly encouraged. Vendor should state if it's a small business ($18M in sales or less per year), minority-owned, women-owned, HUB Zone, etc. Vendor should also state if these services are available on GSA Schedule. The Government does not intend to pay for the information solicited except as provided in the Federal Acquisition Regulation, subsection 31.205-18 Independent Research and Development and Bid and Proposal Costs. Further details concerning the technical requirements can be obtained by phoning the Contracting Officer, Ms. Kathleen Craig at (703) 648-7357. Vendor information and recommendations shall be submitted to Kathleen Craig, Contracting Officer, U.S. Geological Survey, 12201 Sunrise Valley Drive, MS 152, Reston, VA 20192 no later than Monday, November 6, 2000.

Record

Loren Data Corp. 20001012/DSOL001.HTM (W-284 SN5039Y8)