OFFADD: AFCA/ENNE, 203 W. Losey St, Rm. 2000, Scott AFB IL 62225-5222
SUBJECT: REQUEST FOR INFORMATION
DESC: This announcement constitutes a Request for Information (RFI) synopsis. Information obtained as a result of this synopsis is for planning purposes only. It does not constitute an invitation for sealed bid or request for proposal (RFP), nor is it to be construed as a commitment by the government. The government is currently conducting a market survey of products that can meet the requirements for an Internet Protocol Version 6 (IPv6) discovery and assessment tool.

The Air Force needs to determine the availability and maturity of software tools that can perform IPv6 discovery and readiness assessment. The Air Force has implemented manual processes to determine the IPv6 readiness of its network devices, but has interest in an automated tool that can perform the function to reduce workload.

Specific Requirements:
The tool must be able to scan the network and discover the devices connected to the network (e.g., routers, switches, hosts, servers, other network devices). The tool must be able to query those devices for their configuration information (e.g., manufacturer, model, operating system version, and configuration). The tool, at a minimum, must be able to gather information from network devices produced by 3COM, Cisco, Enterasys, Foundry, HP, Marconi, and Nortel.

Based on the response to the scan, the tool must generate a report detailing the IPv6 status of the discovered devices: IPv6 incapable, IPv6 upgradeable via software or hardware, IPv6 capable but not enabled, or IPv6 capable and enabled. The basis for IPv6 determination must be annotated in the report: Vendor literature, DoD IPv6 Approved Products List, IPv6 Logo Program, or other sources.

At a minimum, a vendor's RFI submission should answer the following questions:
1. How does the tool query the network devices, to include the ports and protocols used?
2. What device configuration requirements are needed?
3. Are there any requirements that cannot be met and why?
4. Does the vendor offer administrative/user support capabilities?
5. What are the expected cost breakdown (e.g., hardware, software, licenses, support desk).

Vendors responding to this RFI who currently can make solutions available to the USAF are requested to provide a description of capabilities NLT 30 days from publication of this notice. Potential vendors may express interest, make comments, and ask questions via electronic mail or fax to the Air Force Communications Agency, IPv6 Transition Management Office at Susan Ruffcorn [email protected] or FAX (618) 229-5544. Vendors that meet USAF requirements will be allowed to schedule a demonstration, at no cost to the government, to highlight their solution's capabilities and provide software/concepts for USAF review. All comments and questions must be in writing and must identify the company source, contact person, e-mail address, and telephone number.
EMAILADD: [email protected]
EMAILDESC: Air Force Communications Agency, IPv6 Transition Management Office, Scott AFB, IL