Infrastructure Infrastructure serves as the foundation and building blocks of an integrated IT solution. It is the hardware which supports Application Services (C.3.2) and IT Management Services (C.3.3); the software and services which enable that hardware to function; and the hardware, software, and services which allow for secure communication and interoperability between all business and application service components. Infrastructure services facilitate the development and maintenance of critical IT infrastructures required to support Federal government business operations. This section includes the technical framework components that make up integrated IT solutions. One or any combination of these components may be used to deliver IT solutions intended to perform a wide array of functions which allow agencies to deliver services to their customers (or users), whether internal or external, in an efficient and effective manner. Infrastructure includes hardware, software, licensing, technical support, and warranty services from third party sources, as well as technological refreshment and enhancements for that hardware and software. This section is aligned with the FEA/DoDEA Technical Reference Model (TRM) which describes these components using a vocabulary that is common throughout the entire Federal government. A detailed review of the TRM is provided in Section J, Attachment 5. Infrastructure includes complete life cycle support for all hardware, software, and services represented above, including planning, analysis, research and development, design, development, integration and testing, implementation, operations and maintenance, information assurance, and final disposition of these components. The services also include administration and help desk functions necessary to support the IT infrastructure (e.g., desktop support, network administration). Infrastructure components of an integrated IT solution can be categorized as follows:
Technology Access Contractor expressly acknowledges that state funds may not be expended in connection with the purchase of an automated information system unless that system meets certain statutory requirements relating to accessibility by persons with visual impairments. Accordingly, Contractor represents and warrants to System Agency that the technology provided to System Agency for purchase (if applicable under this Contract or any related Solicitation) is capable, either by virtue of features included within the technology or because it is readily adaptable by use with other technology, of: • providing equivalent access for effective use by both visual and non-visual means; • presenting information, including prompts used for interactive communications, in formats intended for non-visual use; and • being integrated into networks for obtaining, retrieving, and disseminating information used by individuals who are not blind or visually impaired. For purposes of this Section, the phrase “equivalent access” means a substantially similar ability to communicate with or make use of the technology, either directly by features incorporated within the technology or by other reasonable means such as assistive devices or services which would constitute reasonable accommodations under the Americans With Disabilities Act or similar state or federal laws. Examples of methods by which equivalent access may be provided include, but are not limited to, keyboard alternatives to mouse commands and other means of navigating graphical displays, and customizable display appearance. In accordance with Section 2157.005 of the Texas Government Code, the Technology Access Clause contract provision remains in effect for any contract entered into before September 1, 2006.
Critical Infrastructure Subcontracts For purposes of this Paragraph, the designated countries are China, Iran, North Korea, Russia, and any countries lawfully designated by the Governor as a threat to critical infrastructure. Pursuant to Section 113.002 of the Business and Commerce Code, Contractor shall not enter into a subcontract that will provide direct or remote access to or control of critical infrastructure, as defined by Section 113.001 of the Texas Business and Commerce Code, in this state, other than access specifically allowed for product warranty and support purposes to any subcontractor unless (i) neither the subcontractor nor its parent company, nor any affiliate of the subcontractor or its parent company, is majority owned or controlled by citizens or governmental entities of a designated country; and (ii) neither the subcontractor nor its parent company, nor any affiliate of the subcontractor or its parent company, is headquartered in a designated country. Contractor will notify the System Agency before entering into any subcontract that will provide direct or remote access to or control of critical infrastructure, as defined by Section 113.001 of the Texas Business & Commerce Code, in this state.
