DHS CBP - Virtualization Infrastructure Support - MRAS

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), under the Department of Homeland Security, is seeking to modernize its virtualization infrastructure to better support multi-cloud environments and enhance automation capabilities. This initiative is part of CBP's broader goal to replace its existing VMware by Broadcom setup with a more robust, scalable, and cost-effective solution. The current infrastructure includes over 3,000 virtualization hosts across multiple data centers, utilizing Cisco and Dell servers. The modernization effort aims to facilitate a seamless transition to an advanced virtualization platform that can efficiently manage CBP's extensive compute resources while supporting future growth.

The scope of work for this project involves several critical components designed to ensure a comprehensive upgrade of CBP's virtualization capabilities. Key areas include platform modernization and architecture, which will focus on replacing the current system with a solution that supports multi-cloud operations and advanced automation features. The project also emphasizes compatibility and integration with existing systems, ensuring that any new solutions can seamlessly integrate with current IT infrastructure including legacy systems, databases, and applications.

Additional requirements for the new system include enhanced security measures such as global support for two-factor authentication using CBP's active directory credentials. The solution must also accommodate both on-premises and external cloud service providers while offering robust disaster recovery and business continuity capabilities comparable or superior to the existing VMware setup. Automation features are crucial as well; the new platform should support automated deployments across all virtualization hosts with provisions for custom scripting or ancillary script engines.

To achieve these objectives, vendors are invited to propose solutions that address these technical requirements while providing detailed pricing models for different virtualized compute core ranges. Proposals should also outline any hardware compatibility considerations or alternative hardware suggestions if necessary. Furthermore, vendors must ensure compliance with federal standards such as FISMA and FedRAMP, provide training programs for CBP personnel, offer comprehensive vendor support including standard Service Level Agreements (SLAs), and demonstrate how their solutions leverage automation and AI integration to optimize performance across CBP's virtualization environment.