OSD - IT Service Support - MRAS

The Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) is conducting market research to explore industry capabilities for supporting and maintaining the Unisys Pre-Validation Module (UPVM) system. This initiative is part of DFAS's acquisition planning efforts and seeks to gather input from potential vendors who can provide IT service support for the UPVM, a critical component of the Elimination of Unmatched Disbursements (EUD) system. The EUD system, which includes modules such as the Accounting Pre-Validation Module (APVM), Pay Pre-Validation Module (PPVM), and UPVM, is designed to assist with pre-validation requirements by interfacing with various accounting systems to pre-validate payments and reserve funds.

The UPVM operates on a Unisys OS2200 mainframe platform using COBOL 74, a legacy system that requires specialized knowledge for its upkeep and maintenance. The DFAS is seeking contractors with advanced experience in UNISYS/COBOL-74 to ensure the continued functionality, operation, training, and maintenance of this system. This requirement includes providing COBOL support, performing software upgrades and updates as needed, and utilizing UNISYS utilities for compiling COBOL programs. Given the complexity of maintaining such a legacy platform, expertise in handling basic functions like file copying, FTP operations, job submissions, and other related tasks is highly valued.

The scope of work involves ensuring the seamless operation of UPVM's two-way connections with multiple systems through custom programs that handle transaction data inquiries. These connections are vital for acknowledging requests for fund availability across different modules within the EUD framework. As part of this market research effort, DFAS seeks detailed capability statements from interested vendors that demonstrate their ability to effectively manage these tasks while ensuring data security and compliance during all phases of support.

This Request for Information (RFI) serves purely informational purposes aimed at understanding industry capabilities better; it does not constitute a solicitation or obligation on behalf of the government to procure services at this stage. Responses will aid DFAS in shaping potential future requirements but do not represent binding commitments or entitlements toward any contracts or financial remuneration from respondents.