What this opportunity is
The Department of Defense is seeking a contractor for the modernization and sustainment of the Air University Student Information System (SIS), focusing on establishing a stable application infrastructure, governance framework, and user training. This opportunity is set aside for total small businesses under NAICS 518210. As a Sources Sought notice, interested firms should track this opportunity for potential future solicitations rather than submit bids at this stage. The place of performance is in Alabama.
Analysis by Mindy, grounded in the SAM.gov notice.
Description
Statement of Work (SOW) for the Air University (AU) Student Information System (SIS) Modernization and Sustainment
Background
The Student Information System (SIS) is an enterprise solution that consolidated education information technology (IT) services within the United States Air Force (USAF) and United States Space Force (USSF). As AU transitioned from legacy (IT) systems to an enterprise solution, the government is unable to implement a comprehensive model to support and configure the SAP Student Lifecycle Management System (SLcM) to fully meet user interface demands, address existing technical debt, keep pace with growing backlog capability gaps, provide necessary training to enable users to leverage system capabilities, and establish a predictable cycle of continuous capability development and integration.
Objective
The core objectives are to establish a mature and stable application and database infrastructure, repeatable and value-added user processes through a modern user interface, tier II and III support services, and initial user training followed by targeted training as new capability enters the operational pipeline. All activities shall be managed under a formal ITIL-based governance framework. The end state shall deliver the SLcM into a capability support phase and enable SLcM to maintain a cycle of continuous development and integration of required upgrades, patches and system owner approved and funded system features and/or new capabilities.
Scope of Work
The contractor shall perform the tasks necessary to modernize, sustain, and support the AU Student Information System. The scope includes establishing a robust governance framework, providing transformation and operational support, delivering technical maintenance, developing and executing a training plan, and furnishing detailed reporting.
Specific Tasks
Governance and IT Service Management (ITSM) Framework
The contractor shall establish, operate, and maintain a comprehensive governance framework based on Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL) best practices to ensure a structured, predictable, and controlled approach to all service management activities.
Change Management: The contractor shall implement a formal Change Management process to standardize methods and procedures for the efficient and prompt handling of all changes to the production environment (including infrastructure, applications, and documentation).
This process must include the facilitation of a Change Advisory Board (CAB) in coordination with government stakeholders.
All changes must be documented via formal change requests (CRs), undergo impact and risk analysis, receive explicit government approval, and include detailed back-out plans. The entire process must be tracked and auditable.
Configuration Management: The contractor shall implement a formal Configuration Management process to identify, document, and maintain the configuration of all system components—known as Configuration Items (CIs)—throughout their lifecycle.
The contractor shall establish and maintain a Configuration Management Database (CMDB) or a logically equivalent system of record that serves as the single source of truth for all CIs, their attributes, and their relationships.
This system shall provide authoritative system baselines and support the impact analysis required for the Change Management process.
ITIL Best Practices for ITSM: To ensure services are aligned with the mission needs of Air University, the contractor shall implement and adhere to core ITIL processes, including:
Incident Management: To restore normal service operation as quickly as possible and minimize adverse impact.
Problem Management: To identify and resolve the root cause of incidents to prevent recurrence.
Service Level Management: To define, document, monitor, and report on the agreed-upon levels of service.
Knowledge Management: To gather, analyze, store, and share information, including the creation of a robust knowledge base to support user training and help desk efficiency.
Transformation Support
The contractor shall provide transformation planning and execution from a proof-of-concept activity to a development, modernization, and integration activity.
Deliverable: The contractor shall create and provide the Government with a Modernization Roadmap for contractor and government actions to remedy technical debt and deliver a modernized user interface as an Initial Operational Capability (IOC). This will be based on an assessment in the first 90 days and delivered 90 days after task award.
The roadmap must include a schedule for initial and new capability training sessions.
The contractor shall support a process for including development, configuration, and/or infrastructure changes outside the scope of the approved roadmap as unpriced CLINS through contract modification.
Operational Support
The contractor shall provide expert-level Student Information System (SIS) capability support, guidance, and troubleshooting for users and key stakeholders with a focus on incident resolution. This shall include:
Providing comprehensive project management.
Providing Tier III support on SIS service tickets, including troubleshooting, documenting solutions, and adding items to the backlog for prioritization.
Providing experienced, certified, and trained personnel meeting all cybersecurity requirements.
Managing and providing support for SAP SIS solution enhancements, expansions, and updates.
Managing and providing support for the SAP Security module, including user access and roles.
Managing and providing support for the SAP-HCM module.
Managing and providing support for the SAP S/4HANA Database.
Maintaining the security posture of all SAP SIS systems and sub-systems.
Executing the design and development of all government-approved changes.
Conducting testing for all major change requests and providing resolutions for upgrades an…
Source: SAM.gov, as posted. Verify the current solicitation before responding.