The Quilt’s VMware and Related Offerings RFI – Due 11/21/2018

The Quilt is a non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation that represents over 38 of our country’s most advanced non-profit statewide and regional research and education networks (RENs). The Quilt is primarily a member-funded organization which receives significant volunteer contributions from its participants to support our initiatives. Through The Quilt, research and education networks collaborate to develop, deploy and operate advanced cyberinfrastructure that enables innovation in research and education.  Collectively, Quilt members connect over 900+ higher education institutions as well as over 75,000 additional community anchor institutions such as K-12 schools, public library, state/local government, and other non-profit entities, to their networks.

The Quilt has a successful history of leveraging the collective purchasing power of its membership and authorized member institutions to purchase advanced networking technology and services at a lower cost.  VMware is a global leader in cloud infrastructure and business mobility. In an effort to leverage its buying power for improved pricing for VMware and Related Offerings, our Quilt community issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) in August of 2015 to select a distribution partner for a Quilt community consortium-based pricing program.  Details about the 2015 RFP can be found here: https://www.thequilt.net/vmware-convenience-pricing-program/.

In January of 2019, The Quilt plans to issue its second RFP for a VMware and Related Offerings Distribution Partner. In advance of the 2019 RFP, The Quilt is issuing a Request for Information (RFI) to identify VMware-related technology offerings that are commonly requested as a bundled solution offering with VMware.  Through this RFI, information will be gathered and compared in a structured, confidential format without prejudice. Information gathered through this RFI will be used to guide the scope of future Request for Proposals.

THIS IS A REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI) ONLY to identify sources that can provide VMware and Related Offerings. The information provided in the RFI is subject to change and is non-binding.  The Quilt has not made a commitment to procure any of the items discussed, and release of this RFI should not be construed as such a commitment or as authorization to incur cost for which reimbursement would be required or sought. It is the responsibility of the potential respondents to monitor The Quilt website for additional information pertaining to any RFP.  Not responding to this RFI does not preclude participation in any future RFP.

Interested parties are requested to respond to this RFI via email to the attention of David Dennis at quiltvmwarerfp@thequilt.net.

Non-Binding responses are due no later than Wednesday, November 21, 2018, 11:59pm PST.  Proprietary information, if any, should be minimized and MUST BE CLEARLY MARKED. All information in responses will remain confidential.  

The response should also include the following as a minimum: Name, title, phone number, and e-mail of designated point(s) of contact(s).

Please address the following items in your response:

  • In your experience, what are the top selling related offerings that are sold as a bundle with, or commonly purchased in conjunction with VMware? What products would you include in an expanded VMware program? https://www.vmware.com/partners/strategic-technology-partners.html
  • Do any of the related offerings and/or bundles have specialized training, maintenance or licensing renewal aspects to consider?
  • Are you aware of any new related offerings to VMware that have been announced for market soon?
  • Are you able to consider special State, Local and Education (SLED) offerings or pricing within the context of VMware and Related Offerings?

Questions regarding this announcement shall be submitted in writing by e-mail to David Dennis at quiltvmwarerfp@thequilt.net.  Questions will be accepted until Friday, November 9th and responses will be posted by Wednesday, November 14, 2018. Verbal questions will NOT be accepted. Any questions received after November 9th will be answered on a best effort basis. A list of these questions and answers can be found (HERE)

Interested parties are invited to visit this webpage to ensure they keep up to date on any important information and updates connected with this RFI.
https://www.thequilt.net/the-quilts-2019-…ed-offerings-rfi/

The Quilt’s 2019 VMware and Related Offerings RFP will be released in early January 2019. More information to come.