Contract No. GS00T99NRD2001
Modification Number: PS 15
Effective Date: 09/21/00
7.0Network Management Information (L.38.2.1.6)
The offeror shall propose and describe its existing service network management information systems (including means of electronic access) that are provided to large users of global integrated services. The offeror shall describe how these systems may be used to meet the Government’s requirements as specified in Section C.3.7 and the IEG. The offeror shall identify which requirements are not met by these systems. The offeror shall describe how its systems can be extended and/or modified to meet the total set of the Government’s requirements.
The offeror may, in its Price Proposal, propose a one-time price to fully develop and implement these extensions and/or modifications to its existing systems. The offeror may also propose a monthly recurring charge to cover maintenance and upgrading of these extensions and/or enhancements.
Sprint takes exception to all of Section 7.0 for this Managed Network Services (MNS) for ATM, Router, and Hub Additional Offering. Instead, we offer Section 7.9 which describes Sprint's MNS network management information systems as they pertain to each of the three aforementioned service types. X
Sprint’s global network management capabilities are based on a solid foundation of Government and commercial customer experience, and have resulted in many industry accolades for outstanding network performance and customer satisfaction. World-class entities such as the X have entrusted their mission-critical communications functions to Sprint, and accordingly, have benefited from Sprint’s progressive network management infrastructure and vision. Sprint’s far-reaching vision of network technology has led to a number of industry innovations, including the world’s first 100 percent digital, fiber optic-based network, the aggressive deployment of “self-healing” SONET technology, and the successful implementation of ATM services for Government and commercial customers. Looking towards the future, Sprint will build upon these technological advances in order to provide customers with “bandwidth-on-demand” network capabilities, and object-oriented enterprise-wide solutions. Due to the keen foresight and wisdom of the GSA, a large portion of the requirements specified within the FTS2001 RFP can be satisfied utilizing the systems which currently support the Sprint FTS2000 services. Sprint can X. Sprint has developed specialized platforms for monitoring and managing specific services provided under FTS2000. These unique systems monitor the X service. The GSA has full access to these systems today.
In addition, Sprint has a X state-of-the-art facility in X dedicated to monitoring and managing all video services, both government and commercial. This facility, which provides X will be used to manage all FTS2001 video services in the same proven effective manner.
Sprint will harness its vast base of network experience, including its demonstrated FTS2000 and core commercial systems expertise, to provide Network Management (NM) information systems data to the Government for its administration of the FTS2001 contract in accordance with Section L.38.2.1.6. Sprint’s current systems meet the requirements of the RFP.
The subsequent sections describe Sprint’s existing, specialized systems, relative to the Government’s stated requirements.
7.1Network Service Affecting Event Information (L.38.2.1.6(a)) (C.3.7.1)
L.38.2.1.6Network Management Information
(a)Indicate the availability of items C.3.7.1 (a) through (f), and the means it proposes to make these available to the PMO
C.3.7.1Network Service Affecting Event Information
The contractor shall provide the PMO access to current information regarding the service affecting event types listed below in items C.3.7.1(a) through (f). The contractor shall make this information available to the PMO using its existing NM reporting system and delivery methods.
The contractor’s network management system shall enable the Government to monitor service-affecting events from the NMM workstations located at the PMO and at subscribing agencies. Events considered to be service-affecting include the following:
(a)Outages of network switches or facilities, including planned outages
(b)Outages causing site impairments and/or isolations from service
(c)Faults/failures of other network elements, such as routers and multiplexers
(d)Outages/failures of major access facilities
(e)Any hazardous condition that has the potential for major service impact
(f)Network controls initiated by the contractor
To the extent possible using the contractor’s existing systems, the form of presentation of such service-affecting events at each NMM workstation shall include visuals (e.g., color and/or motion changes), and/or audible alarms, and textual message shall be associated with an audible and/or visual alarm to provide information about the reported event. The service affecting event information shall contain, at least, the following types of data:
(g)Event description (e.g., definition of problem)
(h)Event date and detected time
(i)To the extent possible, service(s) affected by the event
(j)Information about detection of service affecting events for peripheral network resources indicating whether the event is internal or external to the contractor’s network
(k)To the extent possible, identification of agencies affected by the event.
The contractor shall make only the information applicable to an agency available to that agency.
Instructions to offerors relating to Section C.3.7.1 are provided in Section L.38.2.1.10.5.
Sprint will provide the PMO access to current information regarding the network service affecting event types listed for items (a) through (f). Availability to the information required for items (a) through (f) currently exists within Sprint’s systems and are described in Section C.3.7.1. Sprint will make this information available to the PMO using its existing network management reporting system and delivery methods.
Sprint’s network management system will enable the Government to monitor service-affecting events from a NMM workstations located at the PMO and at subscribing agencies. Table 2.A.7-1 identifies the current systems Sprint uses to monitor and report network service-affecting events and the restorative actions taken, a description of the system used and the availability of the network management data.
X
Sprint systems respond to alerts and conditions, use equipment interfaces to test, and perform the necessary network maintenance and repairs in the event of outage and or failure. Service-affecting event information is generally presented using visuals and/or text or other message indicators that provide data on the reported event. Sprint does provide audible alarms for monitoring of T1 level private lines. Audible alarms for monitoring other activities will be provided as they are made commercially available. When a trouble ticket is entered in Sprint’s appropriate network management fault system(s), the Government will be able to monitor Sprint’s activity, in near real time, for the service-affecting events from the NMM workstations located at the PMO and at subscribing agencies.
Sprint will provide the Government with status information via X enabling GSA and user agencies to view information on service affecting events to include:
• Event description (e.g., loss of signal, link failure, circuit outage)
• Event date and detected time
• Service affected by the event
• Information about detection of service affecting events for peripheral network resources indicating whether the event is internal or external to Sprint
• To the extent possible, identification of agencies affected by the event.
The agency information will be provided by Sprint only for that specific agency. For example, HUD will not be able to view DOJ’s information.
7.1.1Electronic Access to Network Fault Management Status (L.38.2.1.6(b)) (C.3.7.1.1)
L.38.2.1.6Network Management Information
(b)Describe the proposed mechanism to provide the network fault management status defined in Section C.3.7.1.1
C.3.7.1.1Electronic Access to Network Fault Management Status
To the extent possible within the constraints of the contractor’s existing NM system, the contractor shall provide electronic access with appropriate security controls to NM status (preferably via a Web site) to inform agencies and the PMO of major outages or potential hazards to service on a real-time basis. This electronic access shall be utilized by the contractor to present clearance of these same situations.
Sprint’s FTS2001 solution will utilize our proven, reliable and accurate X system and processes as well as our core commercial systems and processes. X built primarily to meet the original FTS2000 requirement, has continued to evolve over the past X. Sprint intends to exceed the needs of the Government and fully intends to implement system X to accomplish this goal. More importantly, as the Government shifts to COTS product and support services, Sprint will X, allowing the Government to take advantage of new support systems and network management capabilities as soon as they are offered to Sprint commercial customers.
Sprint will provide the Government (agencies and the PMO) electronic access to trouble reporting information and network management information. Electronic access to network management status information and network fault management status will be accomplished through X.
Electronic access provided to the Government will have the appropriate security controls (I.D. and password) protection.
7.2Network Configuration Management (C.3.7.2)
The contractor shall provide notification to the PMO of any contractor network and related support systems’ configuration changes affecting or likely to affect users’ services and resources. In addition, the contractor shall notify and coordinate with the PMO and affected agencies regarding planned network maintenance activity for shared facilities supporting the subscribed services and related support systems (hardware and software) that likely could affect users’ services.
When requested the contractor shall maintain and provide access to a network configuration database that shows the connectivity between significant network components. This database shall enable the PMO and/or agencies to perform impact analyses on their networks during outages. Charges for this access shall be negotiated on an individual case basis.
Sprint will notify the PMO of any contractor network and related support systems’ configuration changes that affect or are likely to affect users’ services and resources. In addition, Sprint will notify and coordinate with the PMO and affected agencies regarding major planned network maintenance activity for shared facilities supporting the subscribed services and related support systems (hardware and software) that could likely affect users’ services.
Sprint’s portfolio of customer network management services will measure, monitor and provide status of FTS2001 services and provides a full complement of customer network capabilities designed to meet the Government’s evolving customer network monitoring and management requirements.
Sprint will provide X. Under FTS2001, access to the database will be provided to both the PMO and to agencies so they may perform impact analysis on their networks during outages. Charges for this access will be negotiated on an individual case basis.
The configuration database X, for customer impact analysis and reporting, contains the following information:
- X
Access to the configuration database will be accomplished X.
7.3Network Accounting Management (C.3.7.3)
The contractor’s network accounting management system shall provide for the generation and distribution of usage data to support Government monitoring for detection of agency waste, fraud, and abuse; contract compliance; and telecommunications planning.
X.
Sprint’s billing system provides detailed usage data to an individual call level, including “calling” and “called” phone numbers. The “called” phone number is also provided on all calling card calls. This information will be available to both the GSA and direct billed Agencies for Government monitoring for agency waste, fraud and abuse. Additional information concerning fraud is contained in Section 7.6, “Fraud Prevention Management”.
Technical contract compliance information will be provided on-line as it is today with the existing FTS2000 system. Telecommunications planning information will be satisfied through both the NS/EP planning function and the “Network and Access Cost Minimization” report requirements.
X.
7.4Network Performance Management (C.3.7.4)
The contractor shall provide all subscribing agencies and the PMO with access to all available customer performance reporting capabilities for subscribed services on the same basis (i.e., means of delivery, frequency, and content) that they are available to other customers.
Sprint’s customer performance reporting capabilities have enabled some of the world’s largest corporations to effectively and efficiently monitor their ongoing telecommunications operations. For FTS2000 customers, reporting capabilities are captured through X. X, in conjunction with X, will support performance management functions and will be modified, where appropriate, to support FTS2001 services and requirements. Sprint designed X to meet the dynamic nature of the telecommunications industry and address the changing Government’s requirements. Sprint will upgrade and enhance its systems to address improvements requested by the Government in the FTS2001 solicitation. This approach will allow the Government to take advantage of new support systems and network management capabilities as they are offered by Sprint to commercial customers.
To ensure that the Government will enjoy the benefits of Sprint’s broad-based experience in both the commercial and Government marketplaces, Sprint will provide all subscribing agencies and the PMO with access to all available customer performance reporting capabilities and telemanagement reports for subscribed services on the same basis (i.e., means of delivery, frequency, and content) that they are available to other customers.
Today, Sprint successfully provides the Government with comprehensive FTS2000 customer performance reports. For the FTS2001 program, Sprint will continue to provide the Government with performance reporting information.
7.5Network Security Management (C.3.7.5)
The contractor shall provide network security services as specified in Section C.2.1.12, “Security of Contractor Infrastructure.” The contractor shall report to the PMO via E-Mail or facsimile within the time frame normally provided its commercial customers for notification after detection of each unauthorized intrusion, of fraudulent use of services, and all other security breaches. The contractor shall provide the PMO with a monthly Status of Network Fraud and Security Breach Detections Report. The report shall contain the information as described in Section C.6.1.1. Refer to section C.3.2.7 for the media of delivery and Section F for other deliverable requirements.
Instructions to offerors relating to Section C.3.7.5 are provided in Section L.38.1.3.3.
Sprint will provide network security services as specified in RFP Section C.2.1.12, Security of Contractor Infrastructure, including reporting to the PMO, via e-mail or facsimile, all detected incidents of hacker intrusions, fraudulent use of services, and all other security breaches. Complete details of network security services are contained in the Security Plan in Appendix C. Sprint will provide the PMO with a monthly Status of Network Fraud and Security Breach Detection Report, via paper or on media, as described in RFP Section C.6.1.1.
Sprint will ensure the protection of the infrastructure and the network management data transported or contained within the infrastructure. Network management data pertains to accounting data, network performance, data failure, detection, and report data, security management data including incident reports of overt acts that result in denial or reduced service. Such information is critical to ensuring the availability/integrity of the network and confidentiality of the data, and documenting attempts and successes in attacking the network, and as such, requires appropriate mechanisms to protect from denial-of-service, unauthorized disclosure and modification.
7.6Fraud Prevention Management (L.38.2.1.6(c)) (C.3.7.6)
L.38.2.1.6Network Management Information
(c)Include a draft description of the procedures used to deter, detect, and prevent fraud (Section C.3.7.6)
C.3.7.6Fraud Prevention Management
The contractor shall take a proactive approach in developing methods to prevent, detect and report fraudulent use of services. Within the time frame normally provided its commercial customers for notification after detection the contractor shall report to the affected agencies and the PMO all incidents where it detects or suspects fraudulent use of services.
The Government is particularly concerned with potential fraud associated with both domestic and non-domestic use of calling card authorization codes and wireless services. In particular and since authorization cards are intended for only individual use and not group use, the contractor shall automatically block simultaneous calls made from the same card. The contractor shall notify the DAR when triggers, such as the allowable cost or traffic threshold(s) (as mutually agreed between the PMO and the contractor,) are reached on any calling card. In limited instances, an agency may wish to have unrestricted calling cards. In those cases, the agency will identify the users of those cards and setup special fraud management arrangements with the vendor on an individual case basis following award.
The contractor shall take all prudent measures to detect and prevent fraud abuse related to the FTS program. The contractor shall identify all fraud related system and network vulnerabilities and take corrective measures to eliminate them, perform message and calling pattern analyses prior to and after billing, investigate annoyance calls, investigate incidents of misprogrammed system and network computers, and act as a consultant to agencies concerning their efforts for fraud prevention and detection techniques. The contractor shall maintain and update its draft description of its procedures to deter, detect and prevent fraud after award. The contractor shall provide the initial update within 60 calendar days after notice to proceed with further updates as requested by the PMD. The procedures shall become effective upon written acceptance from the CO. Refer to Section C.3.2.7 for the media of delivery and Section F for the other deliverable requirements.
Instructions to offerors relating to Section C.3.7.6 are provided in Section L.38.2.1.10.6.
Fraud causes customers considerable anxiety and inconvenience. Sprint recognizes that Government, and customers, in general, demand long distance carriers take prudent measures to control fraud as part of its basic service. Sprint leads the way in dramatically reducing fraudulent network traffic. The Government can be assured Sprint’s state-of-the-art voice and data network security monitoring and analysis systems and a team of highly trained and dedicated security specialists set the industry standards in fraud control. Sprint is a recognized industry leader in providing customers with the highest level of security support available.