POSTING QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS.pdf

1305M322QNFFN0019 SF18

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

1. Upon award of this RFQ, would the awarded contractor be provided with any training to their crew for proper execution of their task?

No - The contractor will be responsible to create a data entry program on any platform they like and train staff on use of the program. NOAA will not be familiar with the contractor's data entry program and will only be receiving databases and images from the contractor. Contractor staff should simply be key punching information written on the forms.

2. Is this a new requirement or a recompete?

Recompete, with the exception of adding capability to create new reporting form(s) on an as needed basis.

3. If a recompete, who is the incumbent?

Incumbent information can be found under contract number 1305M321PNFFN0552.

4. If a recompete, what is the contract number?

1305M321PNFFN0552

5. This procurement looks much like the contract awarded to CPI Data Services in 2021 under solicitation NFFN7110-2102702MCW for Document Conversion Services for Logbook Data Entry, Document Scanning and Data Verification. Is this a follow on of that procurement or a new requirement?

Recompete, with the exception of adding capability to create new reporting form(s) on an as needed basis.

6. On page 9 – “Contractor must have the capability to create new reporting form(s) on an as needed basis.” Question: Is there a list of expected reports?

Not at this time, it will be contingent on an ‘as-needed’ basis as an option and will be provided to the awardee once a need arises.

7. Will the NMFS supplied codes/names Count table be supplied like the State code table and the Dealer Code table?

Yes, however, NMFS uses multiple fields to validate data entry so the vendor will need to verify operators are entering correct data not selecting incorrect data. The vendor should not use shortcuts, for example, using filtered state lists to determine a county.

8. Is it correct the following fields would no longer be captured (not used in FLS):

AREA1 Box12 pg.61 - Not used to capture data on current forms. It is a placeholder still in use by NMFS for data load programs.

AREA2 Box13 pg.61 - Not used to capture data on current forms. It is a placeholder still in use by NMFS for data load programs.

AREA3 Box14 pg.61 - Not used to capture data on current forms. It is a placeholder still in use by NMFS for data load programs.

LST_COM pg.67, 73 - Not used to capture data on current forms. It is a placeholder still in use by NMFS for data load programs.

OP_NAME pg. 68, 71, 73, 75 - Used by vendors to determine which operator is making key punch mistakes. It is a placeholder still in use by NMFS for data load programs.

OP_VALUE pg. 68, 71, 73, 75 - Used by vendors to determine which operator is making key punch mistakes. It is a placeholder still in use by NMFS for data load programs.

OP_DATE pg. 68, 71, 73, 75 - Used by vendors to determine which operator is making key punch mistakes. It is a placeholder still in use by NMFS for data load programs.

OP_TIME pg. 68, 71 - Used by vendors to determine which operator is making key punch mistakes. It is a placeholder still in use by NMFS for data load programs.

9. Page 6 of 87. Is scanning to be in .TIF format or PDF, as there are references to both .tif & readable pdf file for each scanned form?

Images delivered in TIF is preferred and images should be delivered in the same format every time. If the vendor cannot deliver TIF then NOAA will work with them to convert to PDF.

10. How will the vendor know the turnaround times? Will NOAA define the number of keystrokes needed before delivery to the vendor, or is the number of keystrokes needed determined by form or other metric?

Turnaround time is per batch and is typically one week. In case of a rare events (hurricanes or government funding lapses), the turnaround time may require an extension. In such cases, NOAA will work with the vendor.

11. Output specifications (1st one begins on page 61 and ends on page 71 of 87 & next one is on page 73 of 87) Data_Type is shown as VARCHAR2 (255 BYTE) – all specifications for all form types are listed as VARCHAR2 (255 BYTE) – will an updated set of specifications that list beginning & ending positions be available?

Yes, if needed, we will work with the vendor to collaborate on the formatting for fields transmitted.

12. Please confirm that all services must be performed within the United States and that offerors within the U.S. may not offshore portions of this work.

Correct, within CONUS.

13. In regard to the following "Offeror must have experience providing fisheries and/or other wildlife data and digital imaging to government agencies or scientific organizations", can the requirement for fisheries and/or other wildlife data be removed? We have provided environmental (emissions) and financial data.

The requirements will remain as-is.

14. Are you expecting resumes to be submitted as part of the technical response?

No, it is optional.

15. What is the estimated level of effort?

This is a firm fixed price requirement.

16. On average, how many forms are completed each year?

See Section V of the solicitation.

17. Are there any key personnel for this requirement?

Yes, the personnel entering, scanning and submitting the data.

18. Is a resume and letter of intent required for key personnel?

No, it is optional.

19. Will the government consider extending the due date?

Due date remains March 25, 2022.

20. The solicitation states the optional forms shall not exceed 10%-20% of the average price for the current five forms. What is the average cost for the current five forms?

Pricing of optional forms is established by bidder and shall be negotiated at time of option award.

21. Can this not exceed 10%-20% of the average price of the current five forms as priced by the offeror, or as established by the market/industry rate?

Pricing of optional forms is established by bidder and shall be negotiated at time of exercising the optional CLIN.

22. What are the security requirements for personnel?

See Section VI III in the solicitation

23. Is there any educational background or certifications the client would like personnel to have?

See Section VIII(b)(1)(b) in the solicitation

24. The solicitation states contractors need to execute an NDA “prior to delivery to awardee of initial form delivery.” Will the government provide the NDA? Can it be signed electronically?

Yes, the Government will provide the NDA. Yes, it can be signed electronically.

25. Is there a required place of performance for contractor personnel?

See Section VI VI (PWS) in the Solicitation