Attachment 4 - FINAL Q A SFH Master Sheet.xlsx

XLSX spreadsheet 39 KB Posted Jul 15, 2025

Attached to: RD Single Family Housing Servicing Office Requirement
Solicitation number: 12SAD225RFI-1
Issued by: Department of Agriculture Rural Housing Service

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Written by GovTribe AI · Jul 15, 2025

This file is a Questions and Answers (Q&A) spreadsheet for a USDA Rural Development Single Family Housing (SFH) Loan Servicing Request for Information (RFI). The RFI seeks a contractor to provide comprehensive loan servicing for a complex $14.5B portfolio of 185,000 loans, including servicing current, delinquent, and terminated loans, loss mitigation, bankruptcy and foreclosure services, and management of acquired properties. Key requirements include nationwide servicing capabilities, compliance with federal regulations, U.S. citizen staffing, FedRAMP/FISMA cybersecurity compliance, and the ability to handle approximately 2 million annual customer inquiries across various channels.

The RFI solicitation (12SAD225RFI-1) is scheduled for an Industry Day in the week of July 7, 2025, with responses due by July 16, 2025, at 4:00 PM EST. Respondents must submit via email to specified USDA contracting officers. The government is conducting market research and not currently seeking proposals, emphasizing that this is an information-gathering exercise. Critical technical and operational expectations include integration with existing USDA systems, maintaining robust data security, providing comprehensive reporting, and demonstrating experience with complex federal loan servicing portfolios. The selected vendor will be responsible for loan servicing across all U.S. territories, including Tribal Nations, with a focus on Rural Development's Single Family Housing Direct Loan program.

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Other files

File	Type	Posted
Attachment 3 - Questions and Comments Template.xlsx	XLSX spreadsheet	Jul 1, 2025
Attachment 2 - Industry Day Slides FINAL06.30.26.pptx	PPTX presentation	Jul 1, 2025
Attachment 1 - RD-SFH Industry Day Notice-Final.docx	DOCX document	Jul 1, 2025
RFI.FINAL.05.27.25.docx	DOCX document	Jun 3, 2025

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Summary - Industry

#	Subject	Industry Comment/Question	Government Answers
1	Operations	What is the composition (Phone, Mail etc.) of the 2MM annual touchpoints? What are the drivers to the volume?	Reference of 2M was phone calls, annually
2	Operations	What are the expectations regarding the days and hours of operation offered to service the USDA Client Base by the new servicer?	Service provided across RD structure to include WP, Guam, Hawaii and all corresponding time zones.
3	Reporting	Under direct supervision by Federal Oversight Staff, what forms of engagement are typically required from the servicer (e.g., reporting, approvals, or regular check-ins)? Furthermore, how is this oversight integrated into the servicer’s daily operations and decision-making processes?	Please refer to Industry Day Presentation.
4	Operations	What specific authorities or delegated responsibilities does the servicer hold in managing the USDA loan portfolio? For example, does the servicer have approval authority for borrower assistance programs, foreclosure referrals, or setting foreclosure sale bid amounts? Are there specific loss approval thresholds or servicing actions within the USDA portfolio that require centralized approval?	Please refer to Industry Day Presentation.
5	Operations	Can you outline the process for functions that require approval from a government official? Specifically, how does the USDA envision the workflow or communication flow between the servicer and the USDA or designated government official for these approvals?	Please refer to Industry Day Presentation.
6	Operations	What are the responsibilities and functions of the designated oversight official?	Any inherently government functions.
7	Reporting	What provisions, if any, does the FAIR Act include regarding communications between federal agencies and Congress?	Reference FAIR Act.
8	Operations	What is the Treasury Offset Program (TOP)? Could you provide a summary of its purpose, background, and key participation requirements?	Refer to Industry Day Presentation & DCIA
9	Reporting	Could you outline the reporting requirements for servicing loans under the USDA Single Family Housing (SFH) Direct Loan program, including any recurring documentation, timelines, and compliance obligations?	See Regulation CFR 7-3550, and Handbook 2-3550
10	Operations	Could you provide the current number of borrowers who are 30+ delinquent, in foreclosure and those who are in bankruptcy?	Approximately 37,000 delinquent accounts
11	Operations	Does the USDA permit vendors to use contractors, subcontractors, or personnel located outside the United States? If so, what specific requirements apply regarding roles, oversight responsibilities, and data security measures?	No
12	Operations	Will USDA provide detailed program descriptions and Servicer Guides for the applicable loan programs? Additionally, will the USDA servicer be responsible for managing the construction and rehabilitation phases, including associated disbursements (i.e., draws)?	Yes
13	Operations	What is the expected servicing model? Should this be executed as traditional subservicing under the servicer’s name, as private-label subservicing under the USDA name, or as a hybrid approach?	USDA OGC has advised all written correspondence will be on Servicer's letterhead.
14	Technology	Does the USDA currently have any contractual obligations with Sagent for loan servicing technology or related services? If so, are there any penalties, transition costs, or restrictions associated with migrating to a different platform?	Given this project timeline, we’ll have plenty of lead time to plan accordingly to avoid any penalties. USDA owns the data and will not have restrictions on migrating the data. We do expect transition costs.
15	Operations	What is the target date for transferring the loan servicing portfolio to the new servicer? Will the current servicing staff remain in place until the transfer is complete? Additionally, is there an opportunity for existing staff to be considered for employment or transition to the new servicer?	The RFI is requesting a strategy that immediately responds to service level impacts created by the DRP, while also transitioning the SFH loan portfolio to a private sector mortgage loan servicer
16	Technology	Are there any critical systems—other than Sagent—that support loan servicing or accounting functions and should be understood as part of the operational or technical transition?	Yes, as outlined in industry day presentation.
17	Operations	As new loans are originated, is it expected that they will be transferred to the new servicer for Single Family Housing (SFH) Direct Loans or other USDA loan programs? Additionally, could you provide the average monthly or annual loan origination volumes for each applicable program?	All new loans and grants originated by RHS will be transferred to the Loan Servicer at the point of loan closing.
18	Operations	Are all loan origination and servicing documents currently digitized and available for electronic transfer? If not, approximately how many documents remain in hardcopy format? Additionally, where are the physical loan files stored, and what procedures are in place for accessing or converting them?	The volume of new loan and grant activity is dependant upon annual appropriations and any subsequent supplemental appropriations.
19	Reporting	Can you describe the procedures and communication channels used to inform the servicer of decisions related to tax and insurance disbursements under the USDA servicing portfolio?	Please provide strategy for communication between servicers and industry providers.
20	Reporting	Can you confirm whether a vendor is engaged to oversee tax and insurance monitoring for the USDA servicing portfolio?	Yes.
21	Operations	When a servicer advances funds for escrow disbursements (such as hazard insurance and property taxes), foreclosure proceedings, or bankruptcy-related fees and costs, what is the process for submitting a reimbursement claim to USDA? Additionally, what is the typical timeline for reimbursement once a claim is submitted?	It will be netted from collections within the next business day.
22	Operations	How is the amortization period for escrow advances determined? Are interest charges applied to these advances, and if so, how is that calculated and disclosed? When escrow advances are made (e.g., for taxes or insurance), are they removed from the borrower’s individual escrow account during the annual escrow analysis? Finally, is the authority to make and recover these advances explicitly outlined in the borrower’s loan agreement?	Based on the amount of the advance would determine the amortization period. Yes, interest is applied based on an amortization schedule. Fee payments due and fee balance are displayed on the Monthly Billing Statement. Yes, the agency has the authority to make and recover these advances and are outlined in the borrower’s agreement and regulations. The borrower retains the right to pay off the fee at any time with no penalties.
23	Operations	Under what circumstances is a borrower eligible to request a moratorium on their loan? At what stage of delinquency can such a request be initiated? Additionally, we will need to determine how this status should be reflected in the system of record (SOR).	Reference Handbook 2-3550.
24	Operations	Are there specific foreclosure or legal counsel networks that USDA requires servicers to use for foreclosure, bankruptcy, or other litigated matters involving USDA loans?	No, all attorneys need to be approved by USDA OGC.
25	Technology	Will the primary toll-free support numbers remain active or be transitioned to the new loan servicer?	Yes
26	Operations	What are USDA’s expectations for servicers in managing REO (Real Estate Owned) properties, specifically regarding property condition standards and listing or marketing requirements?	Reference Handbook 1-3550.
27	Operations	What is the composition of the USDA servicing portfolio in terms of geography, loan type, and value?	Direct Loans and grants are made across the entire U.S. and U.S. Territories, including Tribal Nations, with a total value of $14.5B
28	Reporting	Are there any restrictions or guidelines regarding the use of artificial intelligence in managing the USDA servicing portfolio?	Need further clarification.
29	Operations	Will the USDA host a servicing due diligence meeting as part of the RFP process?	At this time we are only conducting market research.
30	Operations	Are there specific types of servicing advances that the USDA typically does not fund?	Need further clarification.
31	Operations	Could the USDA provide a comprehensive list of its key vendors, including their respective roles and any restrictions on their use in USDA-related servicing activities?	No.
32	Operations	Can the USDA outline how it processes servicing statements, including the frequency, format, and any applicable compliance requirements?	Yes, please refer to Industry Day presentation.
33	Operations	Can the USDA provide a description of its front-end lending process?	No, the RFI is not requesting market research on origination.
34	Technology	Could you please describe your current Interactive Voice Response (IVR) capabilities as they relate to the USDA servicing portfolio?	Includes basic loan information and the ability to make payments online.
35	Operations	Are there specific loss approval thresholds or servicing actions within the USDA portfolio that require centralized approval?	Yes. Debt settlement is an inherently governmental function.
36	Reporting	Could you please share a detailed schedule of all reporting deadlines—whether recurring or one-time—required for the USDA servicing portfolio?	Not at this time.
37	Monthly escrow and workstation advance funding	Is RHS willing to continue funding the monthly escrow and workstation advances as they are currently? Typically in a subservicing arrangement the client and owner of the servicing provides funding for these advances (estimated at $30 mm per month per the RFI document). Please clarify the method for the monthly reimbursement of advances to the subservicer. The presentation deck specifies that advances may be amortized over the remaining life of the loan at the note rate.	Please refer to Industry Day presentation. The Servicer is required to have adequate liquidity t o ensure the continued operation of the portfolio.
38	Debt Collector Licenses	The RFI document specifies that the subservicer needs to be a licensed debt collector in all jurisdictions. DMI has all required licenses as a subservicer to perform our duties. Would this licensing be sufficient?	Vendors are required to adhere to State licensing requirements.
39	Servicing Ownership; Servicer of Record	Please confirm that RHS will continue to be the owner of these loans and therefore the "servicer of record" with all legal proceedings (e.g. foreclosures) to be done under the name of RHS.	Yes.
40	Private Branding	Please confirm if RHS wants the services to be performed on a private-label basis under the name of RHS as owner and servicer of record. This relates to monthly billing statements, consumer websites, call center answering, credit bureau reporting, etc.	See above.
41	Servicing transfer timeline	Does RHS have a desired timeline to complete the transfer of servicing to the new subservicer?	Not at this time.
42	Regulatory compliance	Are there any known regulatory defects, deficiencies or violations with the current servicing operation or portfolio?	No.
43	Delinquency details	Please provide details on delinquency and default levels including 30-days, 60-days, 90-days, 120+ days, bankruptcies and foreclosures.	See above.
44	Loss mitigation and default	Please clarify how approvals will work for modifications, workouts and foreclosure recommendations. Are these approvals delegated to the subservicer or will RHS review and approve each recommendation in advance?	Please refer to Industry Day presentation.
45	Inherent Government Functions	Please clarify - several of the functions listed are normally done by the subservicer including escrow collection and disbursement, billing statement production, etc.	Please refer to Industry Day presentation
46	Customized procedures	The RFI refers to the subservicing needing to incorporate custom procedures - please provide specifics of all required customized procedures.	Please refer to Industry Day presentation.
47	Data files and reports	Please provide sample data file or report layouts, frequencies and delivery methods for all customized data files and reports to be required.	Data file and reports layout will vary by system and will be determined with selected vendor during technical discussions.
48	Real Estate Tax Service Contracts	Does the portfolio currently have life of loan, freely transferable real estate tax service contracts and if so, issued by whom?	We currently have life of loan tax service.
49	Deficiency Judgements	Please clarify if the subservicer is required to pursue deficiency judgements post foreclosure of these will be managed by RHS. We believe this was the intent of the reference to "cross servicing post liquidation".	Yes.
50	Additional Loans	Will there be any additional loans added to this portfolio on a monthly or periodic basis?	Yes, as described above.
51	Real estate collateral	Please confirm that all loans are secured by real property.	Direct Loans are secured by real property. Grants and 504 loans less than $7500 are not. See CF 7 3550.
52	533 Grant servicing	Please detail the specific servicing requirements for the grants as referenced in the RFI.	Reference Handbook 2-3550
53	Contract duration and termination	Please confirm the expected duration of the subservicing agreement and any termination rights for both parties.	Please incorporate in your strategy appropriate amount of time for transition, IT Development and onboarding of the loan portfolio to the Subservicer.
54	REO	Please detail any responsibilities the subservicer will have related to management and marketing of REO and how approvals will work for these properties.	Please see above
55	Investor remittances	Please detail the format and frequency of investor P&I remittance methods.	Daily
56	PITI custodial accounts	Please confirm that the subservicer will control all PITI accounts and activity with monthly account reconciliations to be provide to RHS.	Daily
57	Terminated loans	Please clarify the reference to and subservicing duties required for "terminated loans".	Need further clarification.
58	Risk management	Please clarify the reference to "risk management" and the specific requirements including the references to portfolio resilience and monitoring of collateral values.	Expectation of the Subservicer work in collaboration with Rural Development leadership, stakeholders and government authorities to manage and mitigate risk across the portfolio.
59	Foreclosure attorneys	Please confirm the subservicer will be able to use their current network of approved foreclosure law firms.	Please see above.
60	API data access	Please provide specifics and data fields for all API data access requirements referenced as "rapid-response" data calls.	API data access requirements will vary by system and will be determined with selected vendor during technical discussions.
61	Collateral and Asset Management	Please clarify these specific requirements.	Please see Industry Day Presentation
62	SFH D Loan Data Fields	Please clarify the requirement to perform an audit of all new loan data fields.	Subservicer will work with Rural Development staff to ensure origination data included on new loans is accurate.
63	RDA field offices, etc.	Please clarify the requirements to provide "support and assistance" to these offices, state offices, headquarters, etc.	Field phone calls and written requests from internal USDA customers.
64	"Same rates and terms assumption quotes"	Please clarify these specific requirements on Page 7.	Please refer to Industry Day Presentation.
65	Subsidies and PRAS	Please provide specific servicing requirements for these programs.	Please see Handbook 2-3550.
66	Customer Service Call Volume	Please confirm the current monthly volume of incoming customer service calls.	Please see above.
67	Loan Set	Please clarify which loans are included in the definition of a "loan set". Clarify how these different loans are displayed on one consolidated monthly billing statement provided to each borrower.	Please see Industry Day Presentation
68	Technical	Would the Government prefer vendors to propose the use of their own proprietary servicing platforms or operate within the existing USDA system (e.g., Sagent)? If hybrid or phased solutions are acceptable, what criteria will guide this preference?	The government will base all decision on vendor response.
69	Technical	Can the Government provide additional details on the scope of oversight and decision-making retained by USDA employees—particularly for activities bordering on inherently governmental functions such as debt settlement, subsidy recapture, and Treasury Offset Program implementation?	As outlined in the industry day presentation.
70	Small Business Participation	Given the national scale and regulatory complexity of the SFH Direct Loan servicing portfolio, is the Government considering strategies such as breaking up the requirement into multiple task orders, phased work packages, or prime-sub teaming models to enhance small business participation?	We are only conducting market research at this time.
71	Small Business Participation	Will USDA consider setting aside specific components of the servicing requirement—such as call center operations, document workflow support, or special assistance activities—for small businesses or socioeconomically disadvantaged firms (e.g., WOSB, SDVOSB)?	Please see above.
72	Technical	What Government Furnished Information (e.g., borrower data files, standard operating procedures, system interface documentation) will be made available to selected vendors during ramp-up, and how soon after contract award will this information be accessible?	Selected vendor will have access to all borrower files, SOP's and system interfaces will be determined with selected vendor during technical discussions.
73	Technical	Given the volume and complexity of customer service interactions described—including escalated borrower issues, subsidy recalculations, and foreclosure activity—will the selected vendor have direct coordination channels with USDA Field, Area, and State Offices to resolve borrower inquiries efficiently?	The vendor will work directly with Rural Development leadership to support necessary communication and strategies.
74	Small Business Participation	Recognizing the unique challenges small businesses face—such as meeting the USDA’s nationwide licensing requirements, niche loan portfolio expertise, and federal compliance—would USDA consider providing a small business technical assistance or mentorship component (e.g., through a pilot phase, subcontractor incubation model, or mentor-protégé structure)?	We are only conducting market research at this time.
75	Pricing	Does the USDA expect the pricing to be constructed in a commercial manner (i.e. per loan fee) or more aligned with government contracting - on a per employee/cost basis ?	We are only conducting market research at this time.
76	Performance	Does the USDA have critical operating metrics that the servicers should be focused on to deliver -commercially standard items such as Average speed of answer, DQ rates, etc.?	Yes.
77	Operations	What are the expected hours of operation for borrower support -call center - day/times?	Please see above.
78	Operations	Please confirm the USDA is open to the transfer of loans from the Sagent platform to a different system of record	Yes
79	General	What is the expected timing of the RFP and preferred date for the start-up/transfer with a new provider ?	Please see above.
80	Bankruptcy and foreclosures services; management and disposition of acquired properties	"The Servicing Office is requesting proposals from qualified vendors to provide loan servicing (servicing current, delinquent, terminated loans) and grant servicing: loss mitigation services; bankruptcy and foreclosures services; management and disposition of acquired properties; and provide accounting reports/data to the Single- Family Housing (SFH) Direct Loan portfolio, a complex loan type portfolio. " What aspects of bankruptcy and foreclosures services; management and disposition of acquired properties are included with this contract and where are they detailed in the draft SOW?	Please see Industry Day Presentation
81	Slide 24 - System Interface	What methods of data exchange (i.e. FTP, SFTP, API, CSV) are available with each of the 9 USDA systems of record so the Contractor can provide the needed loan servicing tasks?	Will vary by system and will be determined with selected vendor during technical discussions.
82	Slide 24 - System Interface	Will contractors be required to use an API with all 9 of these systems of record to provide complete loan servicing tasks?	System integration methods will be determined with selected vendor during technical discussions.
83	Draft PWS, Page 8, Customer Contact, 2nd bullet	USDA is currently receiving 2M inquiries via different methods, but the PWS states "The vendor should not anticipate this level of volume." What does USDA anticipate will be the volume for the Contractor?	Yes.
84	Draft PWS, Page 8, Customer Contact	Must the contractor utilize U.S. citizens for this work?	Yes.
85	Draft PWS, Page 8, Customer Contact	Can the Contractor host any of the USDA data offshore?	No
86	Draft PWS, Page 8, Customer Contact	Can the Contractor use offshore labor for customer service or to access the USDA loan servicing data?	No
87	Draft PWS, Page 8, Customer Contact & Advocacy	Is the USDA providing a separate CLIN for operating a customer contact center for borrowers and industry?	We are only conducting market research at this time.
88	Loss Mitigation	Will loss mitigation options include all currently allowed USDA RD tools (e.g., moratoriums, reamortization, DIL), and are there plans to expand or align more with FHA/Fannie Mae?	Yes. Please refer to Handbook 2-3550.
89	Escrow and Treasury Functions	What role will the vendor play in escrow shortage collection or disbursement monitoring - does USDA intend to retain cash controls internally?	Please see Industry Day Presentation
90	Integration Expectations	Will vendors be required to integrate with existing USDA systems or Treasury platforms (e.g., CIFMS, Sagent, RD Apply)? If not, how will the Contractor access data from these systems?	Yes, system integration methods will be determined with selected vendor during technical discussions.
91	Performance Metrics	Will USDA provide a draft set of KPIs or allow industry input on recommended SLA metrics?	Yes.
92	RFI, Question area: 2. "Compliance and Security"	Will the selected vendor be required to operate within a FISMA compliant environment for any hosted systems or SaaS components used in servicing, reporting, or managing data related to the SFH Direct Loan portfolio? If so what are the IT security requirements for any of the contractor operated system?	Any system housing Govt data must met federal security requirements, so it will need to be FedRamp/FISMA certified.
93	RFI, Question area: 2. "Compliance and Security"	Will the selected vendor be required to operate within a FedRAMP-authorized environment for any hosted systems or SaaS components used in servicing, reporting, or managing data related to the SFH Direct Loan portfolio?	Any system housing Govt data must met federal security requirements, so it will need to be FedRamp/FISMA certified.
94	RFI, Question area: 2. "Compliance and Security"	Should vendors assume compliance with USDA Departmental Regulation (DR) 3440-002 and the USDA Cyber Security Manual Series 3500 for all IT systems and personnel involved in the work? If so, can USDA provide the expected cybersecurity posture and controls level (e.g., Moderate or High baseline per NIST 800-53)?	Yes, compliance with USDA Dept Regulation and Cyber manual for both systems and personnel. The Govt reserves the right to make the determination related to posture and control levels once the final solution is known.
95	RFI, Question area: 2. "Compliance and Security"	Given the nature of borrower data (including PII and potentially financial/health hardship data), does the agency require vendors to maintain a FISMA-compliant security framework or meet specific requirements for handling and transmitting Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI)? If so, what are those specific IT security requirements for protecting PII and financial information for the borrowers and others?	The vendor must meet FedRamp/FISMA requirements of the Federal govt along with all Privacy Laws. Due to the sheer volume of the controls we are unable to list individually, but the NIST documentation is available to the public.
96	RFI, Question area: 2. "Compliance and Security"	Will contractor staff be expected to access USDA systems directly (e.g., RD's internal servicing systems)? If so, will they need to be enrolled in USDA's identity and access management system (e.g., eAuthentication) and subject to background investigation, training, and clearance processes?	Government expects vendors to propose full solution for servicing loans and related systems required to complete all required tasks.
97	RFI, Question area: 2. "Compliance and Security"	Will vendors be required to follow USDA’s Configuration Management Plan and Change Advisory Board (CAB) process when implementing upgrades or applying patches to any software or hosted tools used in loan servicing operations?	Government expects vendors to provide Configuration Management plans related to their servicing system.
98	RFI, Question area: 2. "Compliance and Security"	Will the servicing vendor be subject to regular ATO reviews, system audits, penetration testing, or third-party assessments conducted by USDA?	Yes, they will be subject to annual control testing.
99	RFI, Question area: 2. "Compliance and Security"	Will the contractor be required to maintain a USDA-compliant Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP) and Disaster Recovery (DR) solution with predefined recovery time objectives (RTOs) and recovery point objectives (RPOs)?	Yes
100	RFI, Question area: 2. "Compliance and Security"	Will the vendor be required to integrate with USDA’s enterprise reporting, data governance, or document management tools (e.g., ECMS, PLAS, LoanServ)? Are interface control documents (ICDs) available to understand integration and security handshake requirements?	Yes, and will vary based on individual system.
101	Sagent	You indicated that “This call volume is largely driven by existing business processes and antiquated IT systems”? What version of the Sagent software is currently in use on the USDA platform? Is there a date by which you must exit Sagent due to loss of support or other reason?	Government currently is on the Sagent 24.01 release and the Sagent Loanserv system is customized for the Governments specific loan servicing regulations and servicing processes. No, there is no anticipated loss of support by Sagent.
102	Small Business Requirements	Will the government consider utilization of a Small Business approach for this effort such as requiring the large institution to have small business teaming partner participation (as an example of up to 30% on its team). This will be advantageous for the government for several reasons a.) it will help save USDA on average 40% as small businesses carry less over head and have compensation programs in line with government procurement expectations. b.) there are many small businesses that actively perform functions of this work including direct federal government loan program servicing, payment collections/disbursements, loan guarantee program customer service, federal compliance expertise) c.) small business contractors that already do business with the federal government and particularly USDA will bring expertise to large servicers that are infrequent government contractors delivering the dedicated niche services to make delivery on this contract successful.	Please see above.
103	Portfolio Information	Can the government provide a breakdown of the 185,000-loan portfolio by loan type (e.g., performing, delinquent, in loss mitigation, under moratorium, in foreclosure, or terminated)?	Please see Industry Day Presentation
104	Portfolio Information	What is the monthly average volume of new loans added, matured loans, and restructured loans?	Please see Industry Day Presentation
105	Portfolio Information	What is the historical average number of monthly servicing transactions (e.g., payment postings, escrow disbursements, account inquiries)?	1,674
106	Portfolio Information	Can you provide average call volumes by channel (phone, email, task, chat) now vs. expected after modernization?	Based on industry standards, please provide us an estimate based on portfolio size.
107	Portfolio Information	Does the government have an estimated Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) expectation for the contractor based on historical or projected workloads?	Based on industry standards, please provide us an estimate based on portfolio size.
108	Portfolio Information	Are there peak seasons that would require surge staffing (e.g., year-end reporting, subsidy recertifications)?	No.
109	Technology Integration	Will vendors be required to integrate with the government’s existing Sagent platform directly, or is there flexibility to propose an alternate platform?	We are looking for respondents of this RFI to propose solutions related to this topic.
110	Technology Integration	Can the government provide technical documentation or specifications for existing APIs or data exchange methods with Sagent?	Once a vendor has been selected this information will be available.
111	Technology Integration	Will historical servicing data be available in a clean, structured format for import into a new servicing platform, if proposed?	Government will provide data in current state and any modifications will be determined during technical discussions with selected vendor.
112	Technology Integration	What continuity expectations does the government have in the event of contract offboarding or transition?	To be determined.
113	Technology Integration	Will systems proposed by vendors need to be FedRAMP Moderate or High authorized if hosted in a cloud environment?	Yes systems storing government data will be required to be Fedramp/FISMA compliant.
114	Technology Integration	Is there a preferred cloud service provider (CSP) or existing cloud infrastructure in use?	Government is looking for vendors to provide a detailed solution proposal to address this question.
115	Technology Integration	What are the technical and administrative requirements for onboarding contractor staff into USDA systems (e.g., HSPD-12, eAuthentication, PIV cards)?	To be determined based on the technical landscape of the vendors proposal.
116	IT Security	Beyond NIST compliance, will the contractor be required to obtain an Authority to Operate (ATO)? If yes, at what level (FISMA Low/Moderate/High)?	Yes, FISMA level will be determined after final solution has been analyzed.
117	IT Security	Are there any agency-specific cybersecurity controls in addition to NIST 800-53 that must be implemented?	NIST documentation is available to the public, government will work with selected vendor on specific implementation.
118	IT Security	Is there a requirement for all work to be performed within the continental United States, or can certain roles be offshored (e.g., IT development or call center overflow)?	Yes
119	IT Security	What are the expectations regarding encryption, data loss prevention (DLP), and incident response times for systems containing PII?	Government expects vendors to propose full technical proposal addressing all aspects of Cyber-Security protocols.
120	Small Business Requirements	Has the agency considered breaking out any of the functional areas (e.g., call center, escrow support, or compliance reporting) to facilitate small business participation or teaming?	We are only conducting market research at this time.
121	Small Business Requirements	Will the government consider relevant experience of teaming partners/subcontractors (e.g., COTS platform providers) when evaluating past performance?	Your RFI submissions should detail your proficiency and success in the mortgage banking industry, including historical examples of your organizations performance of these activities as referenced in accordance with the size, scope and complexity of the portfolio, as detailed in the Industry Day Presentation.
122	Small Business Requirements	Will there be a small business subcontracting plan requirement, and if so, what are the target percentages?	We are only conducting market research at this time.
123	Prior Experience and Qualifications	How will the government validate the licensing and regulatory standing requirements for nationwide loan servicing and debt collection?	The Subservicer will provide all required certifications and licensing as required by industry standards, the the government for review and approval.
124	Prior Experience and Qualifications	Are the stated "Yes/No" thresholds (e.g., $30M/month advance capacity, debt collection licenses in all territories, experience with USDA/FHA/VA/others) considered minimum qualifications or evaluation factors?	Yes, they are minimum expectations.
125	Prior Experience and Qualifications	Will Past Performance Questionnaires be utilized in addition to CPARs?	Yes.
126	Prior Experience and Qualifications	Will there be any requirements for Key Personnel?	Yes.
127	Prior Experience and Qualifications	Is there any geographic preferences by USDA for this portfolio servicing?	Yes, St. Louis, MO.
128	Timing	What is the government’s desired or required transition period from contract award to full operational capability?	Please see above.
129	Timing	Will there be a phased implementation by loan type or servicing function?	Please see above.
130	Timing	What is the governments timeline for the RFP, Award and Kickoff?	We are only conducting market research at this time.
131	Standards	Will the government provide templates or define required metrics for reports like delinquency, loss mitigation, escrow reconciliation, and customer contact KPIs?	Not at this time.
132	Standards	Are there minimum service level requirements (e.g., call wait times, response times to inquiries, error rates in processing)?	The RFI is seeking strategies that benchmark performance against industry standards.

File details come from the government source that posted it. Updated Jul 15, 2025.