70--Linux-based Computer Cluster System

NAICS Code: 541512 The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, is responsible for performing analyzes of future air pollution impacts over the United States and recommending strategies for mitigating the predicted impacts. The next series of analyses will require a much more powerful computer system for processing computationally intensive numerical models that simulate meteorological, pollutant emission, photochemical, and transport processes in the North American atmosphere. Also there is a need to be able to run these processes whenever needed. These processes can take a long time to run and therefore many of these applications will have to be executing concurrently if results are to be analyzed in a timely manner. For these reasons, EPA's current requirement is to have one master node where many users can log onto and have access to many computer CPUs. It has been determined that a custom-built Linux-based Cluster System would meet our computing needs for these future analyses. The purpose of the master would be for load-balancing or the proper allocation of single-threaded applications (as opposed to parallel-processing where one job is distributed over several CPUs). The schematic for the cluster system will be provided in the Request for Quotation (RFQ). NAICS Code 541512 applies and the size standard is $21 million in average annual receipts over the last three years. It is estimated that the RFQ will be issued approximately 15 days after the date of this notice, as a total small business set aside action. Quotes will be due approximately five (5) days after the RFQ issuance date. The complete Statement of Work (SOW)/System Description, Request for Quotation (RFQ)and any RFQ amendments will be available via the Internet at http://www.epa.gov/oam/rtp_cmd. Firms are encouraged to access the SOW and RFQ via the Internet. If you will be obtaining a copy of the RFQ via Internet, it will be your responsibility to frequently check the same site where the RFQ is posted for any amendments. Firms who do not have the capability to obtain the documents from the Internet, may submit a written request for a FAX copy of the SOW and RFQ from the contact point at the address above; however, only those firms who do NOT have the capability to obtain documents from the Internet should request a FAX. FAXes will not be sent to those firms who have Internet access. If you request a FAX of the RFQ, you will receive amendments by mail, unless you notify us otherwise. Telephone and fax requests will not be honored. Only one copy will be FAXed to a corporate entity, regardless of the number of requests from one or more different geographic locations. All responsible sources may submit a quotation which shall be considered by the Agency.