B09_Solicitation_140A1626Q0003_Amend_1_0002.pdf

Solicitation 140A1626Q0003 - Amendment 1

Questions and Answers:

1) RFQ due date extension?

Answer: RFQ due date extension.

A quote shall be submitted no later than 3:00PM Eastern Time on January 8, 2026.

2) if this is a brand-new contract OR if there is (was) an incumbent performing these services.

Answer: This is a follow-on requirement to purchase order # 140A1621P0086.

3) Attachment 1 – Statement of Work notes “Please see Appendix A for Labor Category

Descriptions and Minimum Personnel Qualifications.” Will Appendix A be released so we can ensure our proposed personnel meet minimum qualifications?

Answer: Appendix A language removed. All labor category descriptions are described in SOW.

4) Can the Government confirm which positions are considered “key personnel”?

Answer: All four positions are considered key personnel.

5) Are resumes required for all proposed personnel at submission, or only for key personnel?

Answer: Resumes are required for all four positions because they all considered key personnel.

6) Are letters of commitment required at submission? For all personnel or only for key personnel?

Answer: All quoted personnel must include a letter of commitment.

7) Can you please confirm that quotes are to be submitted via email to Nancy.Shah@bia.gov? Are there any naming conventions required for the files or email subject line?

Answer: Yes, all questions and quote shall be submitted to Nancy.Shah@bia.gov as listed on Page 50.

Email Subject line should include RFQ Number 140A1626Q0003 & Name of the

Vendor

For the File submission –

Volume 1 – Technical quote

Volume II – Price Quote (Includes Attachment 2 – price table and any assumptions and/or information/clarification about price table.

Volume III – IEE Certification

Volume IIII – Any other attachments including signed SF30 & SF1449, Past performance etc.

mailto:Nancy.Shah@bia.gov mailto:Nancy.Shah@bia.gov

8) Should the completed SF 1449 and SF 30 be included in Volume 1 or 2?

Answer: Volume I or Volume IIII – other attachments

9) Should the ISBEE Representation form be submitted in Volume 1, 2, or as a standalone attachment?

Answer: Volume III

10) On the SF 1449, should blocks 23 and 24 be completed, or should price information only be entered on Attachment 2 – Price Quote?

Answer: Price information should only be in Attachment 2 – Price Quote.

11) In order to meet the requirement for work to begin within two weeks, can existing personnel be used to fill the roles temporarily until full-time personnel are onboarded?

Answer: No. Contractor will have enough time for transition.

12) Can you confirm if all positions are able to be filled remotely or if any positions are expected to be on-site?

Answer: Yes, positions are able to be remote. Currently, all of our positions are considered remote.

13) Can tables, figures, and headers/footers have font size smaller than 12 points? To facilitate the reviewers' ease in recognizing information separation, could the

Government please confirm that fonts larger than 12 pt. are acceptable for Section

Headers, the Cover Page, and other indicators of information separation? Will the

Government accept 10-point font size within charts and graphs?

Answer: Yes, and it can be any font.

14) How many past performance examples are required? Does the Government have a maximum timeline in which past performance information must be provided (i.e. no more

3 years)?

Answer: Minimum 3. No more than 5 years.

15) The company information that an offeror is required to supply includes "quote number."

Can the government clarify whether this is different than the RFP number and if so, describe how the offeror would determine that number?

Answer: RFQ number is 140A1626Q0003 and Quote number is based on what vendor wants to number their technical quote and price quote. However, quote number is not required and vendors can use RFQ numbers as their quote number.

16) In Statement of Work, Page 1: The contract staff will respond to project requests involving the use of various technologies including but not limited to SmartsheetGOV, the ESRI Suite of GIS software and much more.

Can the Government please clarify whether these will be provided by the Government or if the Contractor is required to provide?

Answer: The Government will provide all software required for use.

17) Can the Government please provide details on the expected travel location(s) and frequency?

Answer: There wont be much travel that will be required. Every few years we try to have a team building meeting that we would like contractors to travel to but are not required. The Government will try to cover the cost of travel if possible. We also allow contractors to request to go to conferences which the government will also try to cover if possible.

18) Can the Government please clarify if actual travel costs will be reimbursed or if there is a maximum limitation of $5,000 reimbursable per year?

Answer: The maximum limitation is now $5,000 per year we reimburse for.

However very little to no travel will be required for employees. They can request to go to conferences and the government will try to cover a few per year.

19) For FISSA and other mandatory information security training, what is the required timeframe for completion after onboarding (e.g., 30 days)? Can personnel begin work on-site or remotely while training and clearance are in process, or is completion required prior to any system access?

Answer: FISSA can be taken even before onboarding is complete and is required before security will approve individuals. Remote work is allowed for this contract and on site is not required. The amount of work the contractors will be able to perform is limited until security gives their clearance because they wont have a

Government computer.

20) The SOW states that “The Contractor who will work in Government facilities shall be subject to a background check…” and includes conditions such as no DWI convictions in the last ten years. Please clarify whether these background check requirements also apply to fully remote personnel who will access BIA systems but not physically enter government facilities.

Answer: Yes the same requirements would apply for remote employees.

21) Task 1.3 states “Monitor and mitigate security vulnerabilities with portal, AWS and all geospatial systems.” Please clarify which security tools and processes (e.g., DOI vulnerability scanners, logging/monitoring platforms) are currently in place, whether the contractor is expected to operate those tools, propose new ones, or both, and how incident response responsibilities are divided between DRIS, DOI central IT, and the contractor.

Answer: Our staff has processes in place to check security vulnerabilities daily/weekly. However a lot of times our staff is notified by DOI or even ESRI regarding these vulnerabilities. Our staff then works with DOI/ESRI or our AWS contractor to mitigate these vulnerabilities.

22) Given the requirement that the contractor use Government information systems and abide by Indian Affairs security policies, is there any authorized use of contractor-hosted cloud services (e.g., CI/CD pipelines, source code repositories, dev/test environments) for development, provided they meet FedRAMP/FISMA requirements? If so, what approvals are required?

Answer: Contractors will be given access to all software systems they are expected to use to perform the work on this contract. If a contractor had there own hosted cloud service, that would not apply to work performed on this contract.

23) For the Enterprise GIS/EGIS environment, please describe the current baseline architecture: ArcGIS Enterprise/Server versions, database platforms and versions, operating systems, whether the environment is hosted on-premises, in AWS, or a hybrid, and any current high-availability or disaster recovery configurations.

Answer: For the Enterprise GIS/EGIS environment, please describe the current baseline architecture:

ArcGIS Enterprise/Server versions, ArcGIS Enterprise Single Stack Multi-Machine env with ArcGIS version 11.3 installed.

database platforms and versions, AWS RDS, Version: MS SQL Server 2019 operating systems, MS Windows Server 2019 whether the environment is hosted on-premises, in AWS, or a hybrid, Hosted in AWS and any current high-availability or disaster recovery configurations.

Area HA Indicator DR Indicator

Compute Multi-AZ Snapshots

Database Multi-AZ RDS EBS & Snapshots

Storage S3 EBS - Snapshot

Network Multi-AZ subnets, NAT Single-region VPC

DNS Multi-AZ load balancers Unknown

Backups Daily backups backups

Regions Multiple AZs in one region [us-east-

1]

Multiple AWS regions

24) For the integration with TAAMS and other tabular reporting systems (e.g., land status), please clarify the current integration mechanisms (e.g., APIs, direct database connections, batch file exchange), data refresh cadence and latency requirements, and any specific constraints or ATO conditions we must adhere to when designing new workflows.

Answer: Our DBA team has a script that updates the Tract Viewer every 24 hours with any parcel updates. The BOGS team does not update TAAMS directly however we do work with data from TAAMS. The contractors will take training on TAAMS and may be required to access data from it for projects but that is the extent that the

BOGS team on this contract uses TAAMS.

25) Task 2.4 requires alignment of TAAMS legal descriptions with BLM PLSS Cadastral

NSDI GCDB. Does BIA provide standardized data models and business rules for resolving discrepancies (e.g., conflicting survey data), or is the contractor expected to define and document those rules in collaboration with BIA?

Answer: The BIA would provide all standardized data models and business rules for resolving discrepancies.

26) The SOW references NSDI, FGDC standards, and BIA data standards. Can the

Government provide the current data standard documentation (schemas, naming conventions, metadata profiles) and confirm whether the contractor is expected to propose updates to these standards as technologies evolve?

Answer: The BIA follows FGDC and NSDI data standards that can be found online that federal agencies are required to follow. We do have standard documentation like a dashboard/application guide as well as a master SOP that we follow. However that is not public and the contractors would learn about that when they are onboarded. Contractors would be welcome to provide updates to the SOPs and standards as technologies evolve.

27) For Internal/External Portals and the Open Data Page, are these implemented via ArcGIS

Online, ArcGIS Enterprise Portal, another platform, or a mix, are there separate dev/test/prod environments, and what is the existing review/approval workflow for publishing datasets and applications (including privacy and open data approvals)?

Answer: These are all implemented using ArcGIS Enterprise portal under the

Geoplatform Contract with AWS. There is a thorough review process for anyone publishing anything on portal and only certain users are given publisher access. The

Open Data Page has grown greatly in applications/dashboards over the past two years and we have developed many new processes to ensure those are vetted/QC before they are published.

28) For GIS Programming Support (Category Two), are there existing standards for programming languages/tools (e.g., ArcPy vs. ArcGIS API for Python, use of

PowerShell/JavaScript frameworks), source code management (e.g., Git repositories under DOI control), and CI/CD or automated testing expectations for scripts and applications?

Answer: Yes, there are standards in place for programming languages. DBAs are expected to be very familiar with Python as well as Power/Shell/JavaScript frameworks. They are also expected to be familiar with Python integration with

ArcGIS. They will work at direction of the federal DBA but are expected to have specialized knowledge in programming language as well.

29) For the specialized monthly data publication statistics concerning the National Indian

Land Dataset, is the contractor expected to serve as the primary data steward (responsible for quality control and schema management), or only to support existing BIA stewardship processes with reporting and automation?

Answer: The contractor is expected to support existing BIA stewardship processes with reporting and automation. If the contractor is new to the BIA, they will work under the direction of the federal team. If they have been working with the BIA for years, its possible they could serve as the primary data steward if they are experienced with the process.

30) For remote personnel, what is the standard method of access (e.g., VPN, VDI, Citrix) to

BIA systems, and are there any bandwidth or performance constraints we should account for when designing dashboards and applications that may be accessed remotely?

Answer: The standard method of access for BIA/DOI systems is a VPN on a BIA computer. You should not have to worry about designing dashboards or applications because the contractor will have access to everything they need on the BIA computer.

31) For the “requirements, direction, and service desk support” tasks, are there defined service levels (e.g., response and resolution time targets by priority) or an existing ITSM framework (e.g., ITIL, ticketing system) that the contractor must align with?

Answer: We would like the DBA staff to be able to respond to emergencies within 1-

2 hours. The contracting staff is expected to work at the direction of the lead

Federal DBA for task priority. As the DBA staff gets more experienced, they will be responsible for certain tasks and be expected to respond to emails pertaining to those tasks. We would still like someone from the DBA team to always respond to inquires within 24 hours to let them know the issue is being looked at. The contractors should confer with the Federal DBA team lead if any questions.

32) Deliverable 6 references “Publish usage reports on growth, user numbers, conference attendance, etc.” Please clarify which systems provide these metrics today, whether existing reporting pipelines exist, and what cadence and format (dashboards vs. static reports) BIA prefers.

Answer: The GIS Analyst II and GIS Analyst IV could possibly create dashboards that publish metrics such as user numbers, conference attendance etc. The main form of reporting is currently in dashboards/applications. For instance, the BIA currently has an application on conference attendance on the DRIS Open Data

Page. The helpdesk manager is the one who maintains this data.

33) In line with the RFI’s question on “enterprise-wide application lifecycle management and platform governance,” how does BIA envision the contractor’s role: providing advisory services only, or actually operating a governance board and enforcing lifecycle standards

(e.g., onboarding, change control, decommissioning)?

Answer: The contractors role is an advisory role to our lead Federal DBA. The contractor DBAs still perform many tasks in the enterprise-wide application management but their main role is an advisory role to our DBA lead.

34) The Government indicates labor category titles are based on historcal data and may not coincide with contractors labor categories and references Appendix A for Labor Category

Descriptions and minimum personnel qualifications. Appendix appears to have indavertantly been left off the solicitation.

Answer: Delete Appendix A references

35) Would the Government please provide Appendix A Labor Category Descriptions and

Minimum Personnel Qualificatiosn to ensure contractors can provide the appropriate key personnel and LCATS that possess the necessary skills, qualifications, experieance, and/or education?

Answer: Delete Appendix A references

36) Can the Government please confirm if there are any file size limitations that will affect/restrict its ability to receive and open documents via email?

Answer: There are size limitations for the BIA to send out that could effect work duties however no size limitations will effect anything with onboarding. If size limitations become a problem on the jobs, contractors will work with BOGS staff to find alternatives.

37) Can the Government please clarify where/how they would like the Offeror's SF1449 +

Amendments, IEE form, and Representations & Certifications submitted? Would the

Government prefer they are included in the Pricing Volume?? OR would Government prefer a separate "Business Volume" for this information?

Answer:

Email Subject line should include RFQ Number 140A1626Q0003 & Name of the

Vendor

For the File submission –

Volume 1 – Technical quote

Volume II – Price Quote (Includes Attachment 2 – price table and any assumptions and/or information/clarification about price table.

Volume III – IEE Certification

Volume IIII – Any other attachments including signed SF30 & SF1449, Past performance etc.

38) To facilitate the reviewers' ease in recognizing information separation, can the

Government please confirm that volume cover pages are excluded from page limitations?

Answer: Yes

39) Will the Government please confirm that there are only four key personnel on this contract (Geospatial Data Administrator, Geospatial Architecture Specialist, GIS Analyst

IV, and GIS Analyst II)? Are resumes required for all four?

Answer: Yes that is correct, these are the 4 positions and they are all key positions.

Resumes are required for all if they want to be considered in the final evaluation.

40) Can the Government please confirm the GIS Analyst IV, as mentioned in 3.1, shall serve as the Project Manager, versus the Geospatial Data Administrator?

Answer: The contract manager of the contractor who gets the award can choose the

Project Manager for the team. It does not have to be from one specific position.

41) The SOW Section "Deliverables" references within #1, #2, #3, #4, #8, and #9 certain reports. Can the government please clarify if the contractor will develop these reports or they are existing and will update accordingly?

Answer: These reports already exist and will be updated accordingly.

42) The SOW Section "Deliverables" #10 refers to contractor preparing and presenting briefing packages at meetings. Can the government please provide the type and content of these briefings that the contractor is to provide, to include the frequency of such briefings?

Answer: The GIS Analyst IV may be required at times to present dashboard/applications they developed to senior leadership. They may also be asked to present at conferences if they are comfortable doing that. This will be on projects they have worked on and items they are comfortable with. They would also be doing this with close government supervision.

43) The SOW Section "SCHEDULE" specifically "Office Schedule" states the majority of the work will be performed on regular work days, legal holidays excluded, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. with reference that on occasion services will be provided on an "as needed" basis. As services may be provided on an "as needed" basis to include any travel, can the government please clarify if any overtime will be allowed and that contractor will have the ability to invoice and be paid?

Answer: no overtime will be allowed.

44) The SOW Section "SCHEDULE" specifically "Location of Work" and "Office Access" refers to contractor services being provided at OTS, BOGS, Lakewood, CO, yet also reference "Contractor services will also be provided from their remote locations" to include "This is only for employees in the Denver Metro Area" respectively.

Additionally, the "Attachment_2_-_Price Quote" "Location" for the four (4) labor categories represents "Remote" and "Government Furnished Property" section refers to remote employees on Page 8. Can the government please clarify if the personnel will provide services at the Lakewood, CO location only or personnel will have the ability to perform remote services at an alternate location?

Answer: These positions can be in Lakewood, CO or remote. It is not restricted to

Lakewood, CO.

45) The SOW Section "SCHEDULE" specifically "Background Check" states contractors who work in government facilities shall be subject to a background check conducted by

Indian Affairs. Can the government please clarify if remote work is allowable that these individuals will also be subject to a background check and if the contractor personnel will be allowed to perform services prior to receiving this specific background check results?

Answer: Yes, all contractor employees are required to go through background check before starting any work.

46) Will the Contractor be required to provide any Esri licenses or supplemental services for the contract?

Answer:

No, all ESRI licenses required for this position are purchased by the BIA through the ELA. All required licenses for their positions will be obtained by the BIA. No supplemental services are required from the contractor.

47) Is the Contractor expected to be an Esri Partner?

Answer: No being an ESRI Partner has no impact on the contract selection.

48) Are there established formats for all of the required documents in the Deliverables?

Answer: No, there are no required formats. We will accept everything submitted in the deliverables.

49) Is there an established framework for the Network Analysis requirement in the

Deliverables?

Answer: Yes, there is an established framework that already is in place for the

Network Analysis. The contractors should follow the guidance of federal staff for this deliverable if required.

50) Will the Contractor be required to travel to BIA to provide presentations, and if so will this travel be covered by the Contractor or BIA?

Answer: If the contractor is required to travel to a conference or somewhere for a presentation, the cost will be covered by the BIA.

51) Do you require any AWS certifications for the Geospatial EGIS position?

Answer: No there is no required AWS certifications however they cant hurt. The

BIA is very satisfied with the current staff on the contract and would like to retain them.

52) Are there existing spatial database design, business rules, and workflows?

Answer: Yes, there are many different diagrams and documents that illustrate our design, rules and workflows. We have a master SOP that branch members reference and our DBAs have diagrams/documentation they follow as well. We have processes and workflows in place team members will be required to follow. Its possible new workflows/rules will be created if new projects/initiatives require it. Contractors may be asked to help establish these new workflows and rules.

53) Are there any government GIS specialists dedicated to the Enterprise management or will it be solely maintained by the Geospatial EGIS Administrator?

Answer: There is a government DBA and team lead. They are not just dedicated to

Enterprise management but the two DBA contractors along with the Federal DBA will be responsible for Enterprise management.

54) In addition to Python, is there a preference between PowerShell, JavaScript, and other coding languages that are preferred for the Geospatial Programmer?

Answer: Python along with Visual Basic is the main preference but PowerShell and

JavaScript are also very helpful. The preference would be PowerShell but the more programming experience overall, the better.

55) Are there any examples of special projects that the Geospatial programmer may be called upon to support for critical missions?

Answer: The Geospatial Programmer is sometimes called to assist projects in other

Divisions that are part of OTS. For instance, the Geospatial Programmer is currently helping the DRIS Division Chief with some Smartsheet scripts and is also helping the Division of Energy and Minerals with their migration to our portal.

56) In the SOW Section 4.1 and Section 4.4 are duplicates, is there an additional required knowledge not included in the SOW?

Answer: No that was a mistake and everything is included that is needed. ( Deleted

4.4)

57) Is there a resource to become more familiar with what is standardized geospatial and GIS software/hardware applicable to the BIA/tribes?

Answer: The best public resource is the DRIS Open Data page, BIA Open Data

Portal.

58) Is there a list of available IT equipment and other supplies for remote workstations?

Answer: No, there is no specific list. This is all handled by the BIA, DRIS will send the contractors a laptop, docking station and whatever is required to do the position.

DRIS will provide employees what they request within reason.

59) Are there any limitations of what travel funds can be used for? (i.e., travel for remote employees to come to Denver or travel for conferences)

Answer: The main items travel funds can be used for is required travel for team meetings or to conferences. It cant be used on things that are not travel related such as items required for remote work.

https://onemap-bia-geospatial.hub.arcgis.com/ https://onemap-bia-geospatial.hub.arcgis.com/