Ramona Adams
The U.S. Army wants industry feedback on technologies that can help modernize the Army Research Laboratory’s information technology environment.
The military branch said Tuesday in a FedBizOpps notice that it plans to use cloud computing, virtualization and self-service tools to modernize ARL’s IT systems.
ARL seeks to develop a computing environment that can expand and contract services; deliver optimized services at lower costs; simplify the management of IT systems, end-users and applications; and support end-user self-service.
The modernization effort is also intended to boost system administration, patching/upgrading, backups and system and data security, as well as support the automated or remote execution of those activities where possible.
Responses should describe the feasibility of building a private cloud environment that can be scaled to meet changing mission needs.
Interested vendors should also provide input on the applicability of an environment that utilizes virtual machines and containers in the data center as well as the use of virtual desktop infrastructure to increase end-user flexibility and address client support issues.
ARL also seeks feedback on the use of application virtualization to mend application management or patching problems; implementation of end-user self-service tools; full lifecycle asset management; and the adoption of hybrid private or public cloud platforms.
Responses to the request for information are due March 13.
