GLOBUA Connect Software Renewal

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) intends to negotiate, on a sole source basis, under authority of FAR 13.106-1(b) (1), with the University of Chicago, 6054 S Drexel Ave., Chicago, IL 60637, for the renewal of Globus Connect Software Licenses and add on Premium Connect needed to support the Material Measurement Laboratory (MML) at NIST, Gaithersburg, MD campus. Sole source determination is based on the need to renew Globus Connect Software Licenses and maintenance support.

NIST Gaithersburg researchers operate scientific instruments at remote locations, such as the Advanced Photon Source at the Argonne National Laboratory, which generate high data volumes. The Globus data file transfer system is currently in use at the Argonne National Laboratory Data Center, the host organization for data generating instrumentation.

Globus software provides a capability for distributing large data volumes to designated remote Globus endpoint systems using network-based protocols, i.e. both the source and destination location requires the same system for end-to-end data transfer. This acquisition will provide continuation of a Globus endpoint at the NIST Gaithersburg research location and support ongoing data transfers between Argonne and NIST where data is processed, calibrated and analyzed.

Globus is open source software for grid computing developed by the Globus Alliance. The Globus Alliance is an international association founded by the University of Chicago and the Argonne National Laboratory dedicated to developing fundamental technologies needed to build grid computing infrastructures. The continued license subscription is critical to the success of the support for the Materials Genome Initiative (MGI).

The data volume generated, and knowledge acquired to set up and configure the end to end infrastructure the past few years will be lost if the current license subscription cannot be renewed. The University of Chicago and is the only known vendor capable in providing the renewal of Globus Connect Software Licenses and there are no third-party providers capable in providing the software, add on features, and support required by NIST.

The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code for this acquisition is -513210 Software Publisher with a size standard of $47.0M. A determination by the Government whether to compete the proposed acquisition based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. Information received will be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement.

Interested parties that believe they could satisfy the requirements listed above for NIST may clearly and unambiguously identify their capability to do so in writing on or before the response date for this notice. This notice of intent is not a solicitation. Any questions regarding this notice must be submitted in writing via email to Prateema Carvajal at prateema.carvajal@nist.gov. All responses to this notice of intent must be submitted so that they are received at Prateema.carvajal@nist.gov no later than May 17, 2025 at 8:00 AM Eastern Time.