QA-WebEHRSReplacement.doc
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- Data System Replacement Federal contract opportunity
- Solicitation number
- 10-236-SOL-00010
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10-236-SOL-00010
Q&A
1. Are Electronic proposals allowed?
No. Two volumes are required for each proposal, with an original and four copies need of the technical volume, and an original and one copy needed of the price volume.
2. Is it possible to provide screen shots or some level of system documentation for the current WebEHRS system to aid in our understanding of the requirements? No, we are only interested in what contractors have to offer as an existing commercial off the shelf system which are existing systems that Environmental Health Departments are using.
3. The background information indicates there are 300 IHS and Tribal environmental health officers. Are these individuals the primary users of the proposed environmental health information management system? Yes Do you expect this number to increase over the life of the contract? Yes, but the 300 takes in to consideration this increase.
4. What is your estimate of the total number of potential system users when the system is fully implemented? 300 Is there a requirement for “public” access to any data or reports? No, the public should not have access to any data. Access should be control and security should take this into consideration.
5. What is the current amount of storage (GB) required to support the existing system? In 2008, the total volume of attachments stored in the system was 27,034 items/17.2 GB. The volume for 2008 year’s usage was 3,681 items/3.9 gigabytes. Do you have an estimate for your requirements through five years? At a estimated growth rate of 9% of the previous years total GB (based on past trents), the total size by the year 2015 would be 45.5 GB, However, this does not take into account any growth based on new features a system might provide, including items such as image uploads.
6. Will all data contained in the existing system need to be mapped to the new system? It will need to be mapped and imported.
7. The “eSurvey” mechanism/process is referenced numerous times in the RFP. Could you provide a brief description of the current process as well as your vision for eSurveys in the new system? Since we are asking for a commercial of the shelf system we have no vision. We are looking for current products that companies have to offer.
8. Is WebERHS currently in use?
Yes
9. Do you have a preference for the underlying technology of the new system (e.g., Microsoft .NET, SQL Server, Oracle, etc.). No.
10. Do you require localization (translation) support for languages other than English? No.
11. Will IHS accept an RFP from a contractor team that meets the small business criteria?
A single award will be made to one contractor.
12. Is it acceptable for the small business prime contractor to utilize subcontractors in the performance of this work? If yes, is the use of subcontractors limited to small business sources?
Yes, subcontracts can be utilized, any size, with preference to small business. However, in accordance with the SBA, to be awarded a Government small business set-aside or 8(a) contract, the concern must perform at least a given percentage of the contract. This provision limits the amount of subcontracting a concern may enter into with other firms when performing these types of contracts. The provisions are as follow: Construction – For general and heavy construction contractors, the prime contractor with its own employees must perform at least 15 percent of the cost of the contract, not including the cost of materials. For special trade construction, such as plumbing, electrical or tile work, this requirement is 25 percent. Manufacturing – The prime contractor must do at least 50 percent of the cost of manufacturing, not including the cost of materials. Services – The prime contractor’s own employees must perform at least 50 percent of the contract cost for personnel. See 13 CFR §125.6, Prime contractor performance requirements (limitations on subcontracting), for more information.
13. CLIN 0001 relates to tasks 1 and 2; CLIN 0003 relates to task 3. What if any parameters exist for defining the service fee that feeds CLIN 0002?
CLIN 0002 is the required regular services to host and maintain the database.
14. Please confirm that Attachment 3 (“Wage Determination”) is intended simply to define the minimum wages to be provided to our resources.
Correct
15. FAR 52.212-4 indicates that invoices may be submitted more frequently than monthly if approved by the contracting officer. What criteria must be met to allow more frequent billing? What is the targeted frequency of billing of this solicitation?
Monthly is the targeted frequency of billing. If you feel that this would cause a hardship, provide documentation with your request.
16. FAR 52.232-19 states that the government’s obligation for financial performance is contingent on funds availability. Assuming the contract is awarded and work was performed, if the agency’s funding was subsequently cutoff, is there an implied obligation that the work must still be performed without payment?
The government will reimburse any work approved by the Contracting Officer.
017. I. SCOPE C. BACKGROUND. Can you provide a description/list of the 200 varying unmet needs expressed by the current users? The requirements to meet the unmet needs are:
Enhance the ability to document training:
· Allow for more detailed data input (what type of training, number trained, etc.).
· Provide more detailed output reports.
· Generate certificates or cards.
· User-friendly export capability.
· Provide management information.
Automate survey reports:
· Pre-fill data elements from previous reports. Allow for body to be overwritten.
· Allow for real-time data entry and printing at a survey site.
· Allow for customer response and status of corrections.
· Allow for uploading pictures, GIS data, and documents into the survey report.
· Add other types of inspections/reports/activities for environmental health services.
Provide management/decision modules and reports to support the program at each level within the IHS.
· Flag facilities that have not been surveyed in 3 years.
· Apply risk assessment values/categories to facilities within larger group and temporary risk assessment values/categories to facilities individually based on the performance of the facility.
· Report pre-defined and customizable templates filled in automatically by EH Data System – allow for modification and explanation. Includes activity reports. Compliance with national program objectives.
· Administrative time defined, allocated to, and accounted for, for surveys/activities.
· Cross-reference environmental health indicators and health outcomes for trends and patterns.
· Reports designed to serve as tools for management decisions, funding, strategic planning, compliance, and trends.
· Activity codes tied to the 10 Essential Services list (primary and secondary).
· Prioritization of workload and scheduling.
Increase EH Data System communications capability.
· Dashboard with generic information for elements outside of firewall.
· Dashboard with standard reports for inside users.
· Connections to other inside (e.g., NDECI, RPMS) and outside systems (e.g., EPA, CDC) to allow for download/upload/viewing of data.
· Customized email notifications for pending activities/surveys.
· Feedback loop for requested changes/modifications.
· Change Control Board (CCB) or similar feature to provide continuity and priority to the maintenance and upgrade of the EH Data System.
· Library to support programs (e.g., links, database storage, files).
018. I. SCOPE F. GENERAL. and III. REQUIREMENTS C. TASKS Task 2. IHS will provide data from WebEHRS in a common format for transfer to the application. Please describe the extent of the current data to be transferred. Number of objects, files, total database size, etc. Please describe the overall quality of the existing data. Existing data is stored on a Microsoft SQL 2005 Server. There are 232 tables at this time (many are “snapshots of previous year data) with a database size just over 4.4 GB. All database relations have been managed through ColdFusion rather than through SQL, so there are some minor inconsistencies at this time.
019. III. REQUIREMENTS B. APPLICATIONS REQUIREMENTS. What web-based (with mobile components) are required to be supported? Can you provide a complete list? Due to IT security requirements, only MS Windows based products at this time (tablets, etc.)
020. III. REQUIREMENTS B. APPLICATIONS REQUIREMENTS. Please describe the data cleanup requirements mentioned in conjunction with the hourly data backups. Cleanup includes the removal of any temporary files, tables or other type of data storage that is not needed in order for the system to continue operating as required.
021. III. REQUIREMENTS B. APPLICATIONS REQUIREMENTS. Please describe the data validation requirements. All data entered will meet the requirements for the type, size or length of the entry field. All data that has a relational (lookup) tables will validate against those table in real time. Users will be prompted by the system to correct errors or oversights in data in a manner that is non-destructive to any other data elements that were correctly entered on the same form, webpage, etc.
022. III. REQUIREMENTS C. TASKS, Sub-Task 1A 12. What is involved with logging samples, descriptions, and results? Is this uploading files and entering information about the files? Is this simply noting that the samples, descriptions, and results exist in a form? An example would be with water systems. If an individual wanted to track the water sample results over time, they could. For this they would need the capability to log the sample for a facility, enter the date taken, enter the results and have the capability to enter what was tested, chlorine, fluoride, etc.
023. III. REQUIREMENTS C. TASKS, Sub-Task 1A 13. Please define the RRM calculation. Item 13 references Attachment 1, but the PWS is Attachment 1 and no detailed description was found. See Attachment 5.
24. On page 8 in Past Performance paragraph, it is saying that “Provide a minimum of three past performance reference for substantially similar work performed within the past three years. If no similar contracts have been performed in the last three years submit any contracts of similar complexity and value.” Whereas on page 14, in Experience paragraph it is saying, “The minimum company experience requirement is 5 years of web based applications used by Environmental Health Departments for inspection data storage and management.” Which Is the correct for this contract? The 1st statement will allow us to compete for this contract while the 2nd statement will not. Please clarify on this.
Experience and past performance are two separate evaluation factors. Please see the redacted pages.
25. There is no page count listed in this RFP. How many pages is it? And will the total page count include the resumes and past performance in it or will the total page count only include the technical and management approach? What will be the font size and which theme for fonts is allowed?
50 pages, times new roman, font size 12, for technical and management approach only.
26. How many key personnel are required for this contract? and will the description for the positions be available to us?
This is a performance work statement. It is up to the contractor to determine which personnel are required to complete the job and which positions are key.
27. Please clarify what is meant by “contemplates a firm fixed price requirements type contract.”
The Government will award a firm fixed price requirements contract unless a vendor can show cause as to why this contract type would not be best.
28. Will the department wait until the above required funds are made available before issuing the award?
Funds are currently available for the base year.
29. In section I, It states that the vendor will be replacing the current web-based system? Will the vendor be looking to mirror that web-systems functionality? No.
29. In section E, What specific internet browser applications do you use currently? Microsoft explorer
30. In scope C, background, Please clarify the specific “management/decision tools” that are needed from the system. May contractors assume that all desirable/required “management/decision tools” already defined in Section III. Requirements (pages 37 – 43) and Attachments 2-3 (pages 44-54)? Yes, that is correct. The Section III requirements address the background problem that WebEHRS the current system does not have Management/decision tool. These tools are included in the Section II. Requirements. However, the only attachment that should be included is Attachment 2.
31.
In scope D, assumptions, Will the Contractor be permitted to invoice (outside of RFP scope) IHS for future enhancements? Enhancements defined as: currently unknown functional and/or technical specification-based requirements. The enhancement is speaking to the gap between you Commercial Off the Shelf system and Section III Requirements. Future modification of the system is addressed in Task 3 of this section and will be based on Task Orders on an as needed bases.
32. In section F, Will IHS provide documentation regarding data being imported concerning field definitions, table relationships, etc.? (It states user manuals will be provided.) Yes
33. Under Section III, requirements, B, Web Based (with mobile component)
Please describe in more detail what type of mobile component you’re requesting? ? Since we are asking for a commercial of the shelf system we have no specifics other than a product that meets the overall requirements of an Environmental Health Data System. We are looking for current products that companies have to offer.
Does it need to work off line? Yes Does it need to have exact form replication? Yes, in at least the order and presentation of data and field elements.
Does it require a form based look/feel? Yes Do you want the mobile product to be the exact same as the office module? Yes Will mobile be required for all program areas? For e-Surveys, sample collection and demographic data collection (counts, coordinates, etc).
34. In the same section as above, Please define or provide examples of the types/formats of graphs and charts to be used for “Graphing and Charting of aggregate data.” An example would be the number of repeat violations in food service operations, by geographic location (national, Area, Reservation), by violation. The system should have the ability to take the violation for not meeting required cooking temperature for a specific time frame (one year) and compare it to subsequent years to determine trend. The system should have the ability to do is with repeat violations as well.
35. In section C, Clarification and more detail would be appreciated on the following:
- Document, track, and report Tribal and Federal policy and law. The system should have the capability for staff to input data regarding current Tribal Environmental Health Laws including the versions. An example is the current system allows staff to record if a tribe has an food code, if it is based on the FDA model code and if yes what version Management need to have the capability to run aggregate reports to establish the situation at a given point in time.
- Calculate Resource Requirements Methodology (RRM) figures to determine budget allocation percentages for each IHS Area office. See attachment 5.
36. In section C, task 1, Please clarify how IHS envisions “tracking” program priorities. Please provide examples and define what IHS considers “program priorities.” The current system has the capability to record program priorities. An example would be to “reduce the repeat violations of risk factors in food service operations.” This would be determined locally, by an area or nationally. Over time the system should have the ability for reports on these priorities to be entered.
37. In the same section as above, Please define the frequency of web-service data transfers between the system and other OEHE data sources. Please estimate the approximate file size with data to be interfaced. The frequency will be on a daily basis to maintain continuity with IHS applications. The estimated file size will generally average around 1MB
38. Under subtask 1a, # 8, Would you please describe the “IHS” Coding System Structure” for Area, Tribe, Reservation, Community, Facility. See attachment 5
39. Under subtask 1a, #17, Clarification and more detail would be appreciated on this requirement:
1. Development of a Reference Library (uploaded documents and/or data-links to sites with pre-existing data – data-links need to be maintained to prevent breaks). Links to the Food and Drug Administration Model Food Code, Consumer Product Safety Commission Playground Safety Standards, Occupational Health and Safety Laws, etc., and stored documents where links are not feasible.
40. Under subtask 1a, #19, Can an example be provided? The data that will need to be updated is related primarily to IHS specific demographic data that is shared between the different divisions of the IHS Office of Environmental Health and Engineering. Examples include facility name changes/updates, owner/operator information, health care facility administrator information, and Service Unit and Area resource and contact information. The frequency will be on a daily basis to maintain continuity with IHS applications. The estimated file size will generally average around 1MB
41. Please define “communicate” as to the anticipated formats. Passing of data back and forth? Will data passed "to" CDP need to be updated into a database(s)? The data that will need to be updated is related primarily to IHS specific demographic data that is shared between the different divisions of the IHS Office of Environmental Health and Engineering. Examples include facility name changes/updates, owner/operator information, health care facility administrator information, and Service Unit and Area resource and contact information.
42. There doesn’t appear to be a Billing and Accounts Receivable Module required within your Request. Is this a correct? Yes that is correct
43. Please clarify and provide more details such as definition regarding the levels of hierarchy (HQ / Area / SU/Tribal).
HQ to 12 Areas. Each Area to many Service Units. Each Service Unit may encompass several Tribes or only one Tribe. In the case of the Navajo Area, the entire area serves the Navajo Nation only, but does have Service Units to break up the Area into manageable sections. More information can be found at this address: http://info.ihs.gov/Map.asp
44. What COTS products did IHS review when forming the opinion that a COTS product is the most feasible approach? Three existing and highly visable COTS products were reviewed, all three were found to be acceptable. These COTS systems will not be provided as this is not a sole source requisition. It is our belief that there are numerous COTS systems that would be able to fulfill this acquisition successfully.
45. Where there any COTS products that IHS found more favorable than others? No.
46. What backend databases do you predominately use (i.e., ORACLE, SQL Server or etc.)? Microsoft SQL Server 2005 is the only database used.
47. I. SCOPE.
F. GENERAL
The Contractor shall provide hardware and software which must be compliant with IHS IT security requirements.
Question: Is it the Contractor’s responsibility to provide the hardware and software to the IHS or is the Contractor permitted to host the new application for the period of the contract? No hardware should be provided to IHS however contractors should use their servers to run and maintain the system . Only software as a service which web based should be provided.
Is the Contractor allowed to utilize a third-party professional Application Service Provider (ASP)?
It is not the intent of the Government to dictate how a company does business. However, see question #12 for additional information on small business set asides.
Does the Contractor need to provide hardware/software to IHS beyond what is required to support the application/database? No.
48. I. SCOPE.
G. PHASE-IN PERIOD
In addition, documentation of a completed background check and security clearance for at least one key member of the Contractor’s team shall be provided to IHS.
Question: Please define the level of security clearance you require.
This item has been removed from the PWS.
49. I. SCOPE.
H. PHASE-OUT PERIOD
A minimum of 60 days prior to contract completion, the Contractor shall coordinate with Environmental Health Data Systems Manager for instructions regarding disposition/transference of the data to an IHS-approved data system
Question: Does the “phase out” period refer to the end of the full contract term (5 years) and if yes, is the intention to move the system, or just the data, internal to IHS? Yes, just the data would be moved.
50. III. REQUIREMENTS.
A. WORK REQUIREMENTS.
The Contractor shall provide the personnel, facilities, equipment, and materials necessary to perform the services described in this Performance Work Statement
Question: Are Contractor personnel required on-site at one or more IHS facilities (other than required meetings, possible onsite training, etc.)? No.
51. III. REQUIREMENTS.
B. APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS.
• Web Based (with mobile component).
Question: Please provide a description of the mobile component requirements. In particular, do you anticipate the requirement to have a “subset” of the main system including database synchronization? Or by “mobile” do you mean the ability to complete an eSurvey in the field (where internet connectivity may not be available) with the ability to upload the saved eSurvey results to the primary system? We do not anticipate the need to have a “subset” of the main system. The ability to complete an eSurvey in the field (where internet connectivity may not be available) with the ability to upload the saved eSurvey results to the primary system.
52. • Capability to upload files from various software sources
Question: Does this capability refer to files (versus “data”)? For example (not limited to), Adobe Acrobat (.PDF), Microsoft Excel (.XLS), graphics/images (.JPG, .TIF, .BMP), XML, etc. Yes.
53. • Allow for pre-fill of data elements from a previous report which will allow for overwriting as needed Question: For this requirement, do you mean the ability to execute the same report with specified search/filter criteria with the ability to “overwrite” such criteria? For example, change the facility, location, inspector, date or date range, or other criteria? Yes, and the ability to see previous violations of that facility and accept as a repeat violation with the ability to over write or edit as needed.
54. III. REQUIREMENTS.
B. APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS.
• Provide the means to allow for the ability to create new reports as the need arises and provide them to users.
Question: Does the Contractor create new reports as needed, or do you require this capability for some authorized users to be able to create new reports? The authorized users creates the report and the contractor would help in putting into the system.
55. • Track and report variances within a facility over time and between users or inspectors
Question: Please provide an example of the "variances" which need to be reported. An example would be that an inspector has an issue about dirty cooling unit gaskets. They write everyone up for it. If the majority of the facilitates are written up for “non-contact food surfaces not clean to the sight and touch’ then the supervisor can then look for variances between this inspector and others in their department. They could agree to write up the gaskets only when they are causing the cooling unit to function improperly. Identifying variances helps to standardize inspections between employees.
56. C. REQUIRED TASKS.
TASK 1 - Data system development of a replacement application that meets the standards of sound Environmental Health Practices.
• Document, track, and report Tribal and Federal policy and law.
Question: For this requirement, do you mean a document management system or document library feature? No, these would need to be items individually tracked for each of the organizations mentioned to help monitor the use of current and best practices. There is a need for data on laws as well. Also, are you looking for the Contractor to keep Tribal and Federal policy and law references current (e.g., regulatory review)? No, this would be reported by IHS or tribal staff.
57. • Calculate Resource Requirements Methodology (RRM) figures to determine budget allocation percentages for each IHS Area office.
Question: Can you provide a description or example of an RRM calculation? See attachment 5.
58. • Develop a data transfer protocol which will require web services to connect to external database products or commercial databases
• Provide web services to maintain connectivity to and continuity with other OEHE data sources.
Question: For these requirements, can you provide a list of external database products or commercial databases? Is this a requirement for database interfaces (import/export) or database integration (live connection)?
“Develop a data transfer protocol which will require web services to connect to external database products or commercial databases”
· IHS - RPMS/Electronic Health Record (EHR) – need for community data.
· Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) – Safe Drinking Water Information System.
· Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – need for the Web-based Injury Statistics Query and Reporting System (WISQARS).
· Safe Road Maps (SafeRoadMaps.com) – Motor vehicle crash fatality and injury analysis data.
· CDC – National Environmental Public Health Tracking Network.
“Provide web services to maintain connectivity to and continuity with other OEHE data sources. “ It is a requirement for database interfaces to batch process data updates between systems. The data that will need to be updated is related primarily to IHS specific demographic data that is shared between the different divisions of the IHS Office of Environmental Health and Engineering. Examples include facility name changes/updates, owner/operator information, health care facility administrator information, and Service Unit and Area resource and contact information. The frequency will be on a daily basis to maintain continuity with IHS applications. The estimated file size will generally average around 1MB.
59. C. REQUIRED TASKS.
Sub-task 1A – Provide a user management system that meets the requirements of the IHS Security rules.
2. eSurveys-electronic surveys (checklists) that are modified with the following features provided:
Question: Are eSurveys currently completed online via your current system (through the application interface), or are they “electronic” in the sense they are fillable forms (e.g., Adobe Acrobat PDF, Microsoft Word Form, etc.). They are completed online. Are these checklists static or do the questions and responses change over time? Violations are static but the responses change. The new system should have the capacity to be changed as needs change. When there are changes in best practices and laws then the eSurveys should be changed. There will be a few years between these changes. How many eSurveys are completed per year? In 2009 there were over 7,000 surveys. However, there are over 19,000 facilities and it is anticipated the use of the system will increase dramatically once the new data system is in place,
60. C. REQUIRED TASKS.
Sub-task 1A – Provide a user management system that meets the requirements of the IHS Security rules.
2.1. Checklists with standard violation language and established IHS facilities codes.
Question: Can you provide one or more examples of the referenced checklists? Please see Form 3-A Food Establishment Inspection Report at http://www.fda.gov/Food/FoodSafety/RetailFoodProtection/FoodCode/FoodCode2009/ucm188327.htm#form3a . Does each IHS facility have one or more codes associated with it? See Attachment 5 Can you provide a list of applicable codes? The system should be designed to capture this. The checklist are a combination of best practice and law. They will be provided to the contractor.
61. 2.2. Allow for pre-fill of data elements from the previous report which will allow for overwriting as needed.
Question: Did you intend for this to mean a “previous eSurvey” in that you can access a previous eSurvey, overwrite data as necessary, and save as a new completed eSurvey? If yes, is this is on a “by facility,” location, or other entity basis? Yes, by facility.
62. 2.3. Capability for uploading pictures, Global Positioning System (GPS) data, and documents into the survey report.
Question: Does this requirement assume that the eSurvey is being completed through an application interface (versus a “fillable form”) and that you need the ability to attach objects such as picture, documents, GPS data, to an eSurvey record for the particular facility or location? Yes There will occasionally be some activities/surveys will need the capability to attach a report while the system captures the facility, date, type service, etc. vs. capturing individual violations.
63. 5. A module that will track Tribal/Community Environmental Health policies and laws with a reporting feature. The module must allow for updates/edits/deletions/ additions as needed by users with appropriate permissions. That will give users the ability to view, save, and print Health Policy (status) Reports once the policy set is determined and implemented. [For example, the current data system has the ability to enter policy status of Tribal Food Code adoption. This could be expanded upon to other environmental public health policies, with the output being a Policy Report by tribe, community, etc.]
Question: Is this an extension of the requirement listed under Task 1 to Document, track, and report Tribal and Federal policy and law? Yes Or, is this a requirement to track, by entity (facility, location, tribe, etc.) the status of Health Policy implementation based upon the health policies and laws implemented for each entity? No. To state this differently, is there a separate library of Tribal/Community Environmental Health policies and laws that is maintained as the actual documents (Yes), and then a module that tracks for each “entity” the applicable laws and policies and the status of their current implementation for that entity (No)?
64. 6. A priority tracking system for use locally, in the Area and Nationally.
Question: Is a “priority” different from “activity” or “project” tracking? In other words, if there is a module that tracks and manages “actions” would it be acceptable to categorize any given action as a priority, activity, project, etc.? Each type of “action” could then have further categorization if necessary. This is a system for reporting community and area based priorities. These will be different. Each community will not have the same needs, and this should be driven by local or area needs. These needs may be perceived. Activities could then be used to measure the effectiveness of public health interventions used to positively affect change in the communities.
65. C. REQUIRED TASKS.
Sub-task 1A – Provide a user management system that meets the requirements of the IHS Security rules.
13. The ability to calculate DEHS RRM calculation as defined by IHS. (An explanation of this system can be found in attachment 1.)
13.1. The ability to Calculate of RRM by Area, Service Unit, Tribe, and nationally.
Question: Can you provide a description or example of an RRM calculation for these requirements? Attachment 1 did not provide RRM calculation examples. See attachment 5
66. 13.2. The ability to freeze a data set annually to calculate figures for RRM used to determine budget allocation percentages for each IHS Area office Area/SU/Tribal.
Question: Does "freeze" means a snapshot of the data or actually locking the database for input while calculations are performed? It is a capturing of data that can be used for reporting at any time beyond the date it is frozen. This is done at the end of each Fiscal Year (FY) without the disruption of continual use of the system. Reports can then be run by FY for RRM.
67. 16. Provide a feature that is permission controlled to add/ modify/ delete specific data fields to activities/ surveys for key indicators that will convey information to the Areas for better management of their EH programs. Permissions will be established in consultation with IHS.
Question: Is this a requirement for only authorized users to access certain data fields that would be shown on (online) eSurveys or action (activity, project, priority, etc.)? Is this additional data or is this the ability to add/modify/delete existing data? If possible, could you provide a more specific example?
This is the ability for someone at the IHS HQ or Area Office level to add new fields for data collection as needed. This does not constitute complete form reconstruction, rather the addition of fields to existing or custom built forms.
68. C. REQUIRED TASKS.
Sub-task 1C - Provide a data reporting system.
7. Detailed tracking module for training provided. This shall include the ability to generate training certificates or cards (e.g., food handler’s card).
Question: Do you require the ability to deliver training (e.g., e-learning, online courseware, PowerPoints, etc.), or is the requirement just to track training by person? Just to track training by individual and the ability to generate aggregate numbers.
69. C. REQUIRED TASKS.
Sub-task 1D - Develop WebEHRS data transfer protocol to communicate to eOEHE.
The receivables under this sub-task include data reconciliation and shall require web services to connect to external database products or commercial databases and to maintain connectivity to and continuity with other OEHE data sources.
Question: In this section, you have listed a variety of internal and external data sources. Will you be providing data import/export/sharing specifications for each of these systems? Will you be manipulating (editing) or analyzing/reporting data that may be sourced from these systems?
Yes, specifications will be provided as access to internal and external systems is granted to the Division of Environmental Health Services. This data from external sources will be for analyzing/reporting only. Internal sources will be for sharing/synchronization of information such as demographic data.
70. C. REQUIRED TASKS.
Task 3 - Data system management, enhancements, error resolution, and routine maintenance for the newly developed data system.
9. Provide an end user support system/Help Desk, operational from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time Monday through Friday.
Question: For this requirement, do you expect to have a “live person” available, on demand, twelve (12) hours per day, five (5) days per week? Yes If not, will you provide a brief description of how you would envision a Help Desk to operate in support of the new application?
71. What is the Response date for this Solicitation? I noticed on the website that this is blank.
The response date is listed on the attached 1449 as June 14, 2010
72. Page 14, Section Evaluation – Commercial Items, Paragraph (3) Experience. The paragraph reads, “the minimum company experience requirement is 5 years of web based applications used by Environmental Health Departments for inspection data storage and management.”
Question: Our company has greater than 5 years of web based application experience for various Federal clients. However, the experience is not specifically regarding Environmental Health Department. Does this inhibit our team from providing a response? We are requesting that key personnel have a minimum of 5 years experience in web based applications used by Environmental Health Departments for inspection data storage and management.
73. Is there an incumbent managing the existing database? No the system was developed by federal staff and is maintained by federal staff. If yes, who is the incumbent and what is the current value of the contract? There is not an incumbent. The reason this question is being asked is so that we can assess the level of effort involved. We expect the new system to far exceed the capability of the current system.
74. What is the current database management system used? Is it possible to get a copy of the existing database schema? The Current RDBMS is Microsoft SQL Server 2005. Since the IHS is looking for a COTS, the schema of the database should not be relevant.
File details come from the government source that posted it. Updated .