The Indian Health Service (IHS) is issuing a Sources Sought Notice (75H70424R00006) to identify Indian Small Business Economic Enterprises (ISBEEs) capable of providing Enterprise IT Operations and Maintenance (EIT O&M) services, specifically focusing on support for the New Splunk Expansion for the Cybersecurity Operations Center (CSOC) Dashboard. As mandated by the Buy Indian Act, the IHS aims to prioritize Indian Economic Enterprises in this procurement. Respondents are requested to submit a capability statement along with a completed Buy Indian Act Representation Form by October 25, 2024. The responses must include important organizational details such as the company name, address, unique entity identification, point of contact, and size designation. Importantly, the notice clarifies that this is not a solicitation for proposals, nor does it obligate the government to award a contract. Confidential information should be excluded from submissions, and the maximum submission size is limited to ten pages. The IHS, as part of the Department of Health and Human Services, provides health services to approximately 2.6 million American Indians and Alaska Natives, emphasizing the importance of secure and reliable IT operations for its mission.

The Indian Health Service (IHS) seeks comprehensive Enterprise IT Operations and Maintenance (EIT O&M) support to uphold critical IT services across its extensive network. The purpose of the Performance Work Statement (PWS) is to ensure the availability, integrity, security, and confidentiality of IT systems operated by the IHS Office of Information Technology (OIT). The contractor will be responsible for managing standard investment support tasks including Data Center Services, End User Services, and IT Management, facilitated through experienced technical staff. Key objectives include supporting IHS's mission of enhancing health services for American Indians and Alaska Natives, managing enterprise applications, and fostering cybersecurity measures. The contract, designated as Firm Fixed Price, encompasses a 12-month base period with four additional option periods. Services will be delivered primarily on-site at IHS facilities located in Rockville, MD, and Albuquerque, NM, requiring occasional travel for mission-critical tasks. The PWS outlines extensive management and operational responsibilities such as infrastructure lifecycle support, project management following established governance frameworks, and providing immediate IT support to over 20,000 end users nationwide. This strategic initiative aims to modernize IT infrastructure and align with federal standards while enhancing overall service delivery to ensure effective healthcare support.

The Indian Health Service's document outlines the requirements for entities to self-certify as an “Indian Economic Enterprise” under the Buy Indian Act for solicitations, RFIs, or contracts. To qualify, the enterprise must demonstrate this status at the offer submission, contract award, and throughout the contract performance period. If the enterprise ceases to meet these eligibility requirements, it must notify the Contracting Officer immediately. Successful offerors must also register with the System of Award Management (SAM). The document emphasizes the importance of honesty in submissions, as false information could lead to legal penalties. Additionally, it provides a representation section where the offeror confirms their status and includes fields for the owner’s name, signature, tribal entity, business name, and DUNS number, reaffirming the importance of compliance with the Buy Indian Act. This summary reinforces the document's purpose of ensuring eligibility for Indian Economic Enterprises in government contracting while maintaining accountability and legal integrity.