DOC NIST - Gaithersburg, MD Data Center Co-Location - MRAS

The Department of Commerce (DOC), through the General Services Administration (GSA), is conducting market research to gather Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM) pricing for data center colocation services. This initiative is spearheaded by the Computer Facility Services Team (CFST) and focuses on identifying potential hosting solutions within a 50-mile radius of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) campus in Gaithersburg, MD. The primary goal is to support future procurement planning for scientific computing equipment by understanding the associated costs and requirements for hosting such equipment in an appropriate data center environment.

The work being requested involves providing colocation services capable of supporting high-performance computing resources. The anticipated system will require significant power and cooling capabilities, with an estimated capacity requirement of approximately 250 kW. The final specifications are yet to be determined, but the system may necessitate electrical service at various voltages, including 208V, 240V, 415V, or 480V. Additionally, cooling requirements could involve air cooling, liquid cooling, or a combination thereof based on the final system configuration. The colocation service provider may also need to supply IT cabinets and other infrastructure if not included as part of the system.

This market research is critical for informing future procurement strategies by identifying feasible hosting options that meet specific technical demands. By obtaining budgetary estimates through this process, CFST aims to determine funding needs accurately and ensure that any future high-performance computing systems are housed in facilities that can adequately support their operational requirements. The insights gained from this effort will guide DOC's decision-making process regarding infrastructure investments necessary to advance its scientific research capabilities.