COTS Functional Area Offerings

Systems Alliance is qualified in the following COTS functional areas:

Functional Area 1 – COTS Software
Master Contractors shall provide COTS software, in accordance with the guidelines provided hereunder. Master Contractors may add Manufacturer Product Lines periodically throughout the term of the Master Contract in accordance with the terms of Section 2.7. This includes software licenses which grant the Requesting Agency the right to run or access the purchased software program within the terms and conditions of the license agreement.

Functional Area 2 –Installation and Training Services
Installation and/or Training services may only be purchased when purchasing COTS software under Functional Area I – COTS Software or Functional Area III – Manufacturer’s Software Maintenance. Functional Area II services may not be purchased alone. In addition, Functional Area II services may not exceed 49% of the total value of the PORFQ. Installation services required separately from the purchase of COTS software must be purchased via a separate vehicle such as Maryland’s Consulting and Technical Services (CATS) contract or a stand-alone procurement.

Installation Services
Installation services are limited to the installation of the COTS software with only the configuration necessary to ensure that the COTS software operates properly in the Requesting Agency’s environment. Installation services shall not include customization or installation-specific enhancements.
Training Services
Training may only be purchased contemporaneously with the original purchase of COTS software or with the purchase of Manufacturer's Software Maintenance and shall include, but is not limited to:
Formail on-site training that is planning in advance and that has a defined curriculum;
Computer-based training that includes software that provides interactive, self-paced training at your desktop, workstation, or laptop computer; and
Web-based training that provides courses or classes that are accessible via an internal Intranet or the Internet.

Functional Area 3 – Manufacturer's Software Maintenance
Manufacturer's Software Maintenance may be purchased in conjunction with or separately from Functional Area I – COTS Software, at any time, or in conjunction with Functional Area 2 – Installation and Training. Master Contractors authorized by the Manufacturer or Distributor of the COTS software may only provide Manufacturer's Software Maintenance. Manufacturer's Software Maintenance shall include, but is not limited to:

Electronic media and consulting services, upgrades and enhancements for technology advancements, improved functionality, and compatibility with new industry standards;
Direct access to experienced consultants of the software;
Flexible service options including telephone or e-mail support;
Timely problem resolution of reported discrepancies;
Remote technical support; and Online self-help functions.