Questions_and_Answers_0001.xlsx
XLSX spreadsheet 22 KB Posted
- Attached to
- Operational Efficiencies and Customer Experiences Federal contract opportunity
- Solicitation number
- 140D0425R0138
About this file
This file is a Questions and Answers document for a Department of the Interior (DOI) commercial Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract for operational efficiencies and customer experience services. The solicitation is a 100% set-aside for 8(a) participants with a total shared ceiling of $13.5M, anticipating up to 3 awards. The contract will support enhancement of organizational capabilities through business and technical analyses, requirements gathering, and implementing solutions using low-code and no-code platforms, with an initial focus on platforms like Appian and Box.
Key details include a contract start date of September 1, 2025, a 3-year ordering period, and a primary performance location within the continental United States. The seed task order will initially require a Senior IT Project Lead and Senior Analyst, with contractor personnel required to be US-based and able to obtain a moderate public trust clearance. Evaluation will prioritize Key Personnel, Experience Example, and Seed Task Order Staffing over price, with a pass/fail past performance review. Contractors must submit a 3-5 minute video demonstrating a technology solution implemented within 90 days, and all proposed personnel must be capable of working on DOI-furnished equipment.
View the file
Other files for this federal contract opportunity
| File | Type | Posted |
|---|---|---|
| B08_SOL_Combined_Synopsis_Solicitation_Amendment_0003_0003.pdf | ||
| Sol_140D0425R0138_Amd_0003.pdf | ||
| B08_SOL_Combined_Synopsis_Solicitation_Amendment_0002_0002.pdf | ||
| Sol_140D0425R0138_Amd_0002.pdf | ||
| Attachment_1_-_IDIQ_PWS_Amendment_0001_0001.pdf | ||
| Attachment_2_-_Pricing_Sheet_Amendment_0001_0001.xlsx | XLSX spreadsheet | |
| Sol_140D0425R0138_Amd_0001.pdf | ||
| B08_SOL_Combined_Synopsis_Solicitation_Amendment_0001_0001.pdf | ||
| Attachment_3_-_Seed_TO_SOO.pdf | ||
| Attachment_1_-_IDIQ_PWS.pdf | ||
| B08_SOL_Combined_Synopsis_Solicitation.pdf | ||
| Attachment_2_-_Pricing_Sheet.xlsx | XLSX spreadsheet |
Show all 12
On GovTribe
Work with this file on GovTribe
- Download the original file
- Contacts named in this file
- Similar government files
- Ask GovTribe AI about this file
Text version
Sheet1
| Question | Response |
| What security standards are required, such as FedRAMP moderate? The PWS says "where applicable, Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program (FedRAMP) requirements for cloud-based services. Can the DOI clarify the implications of "where applicable". | The where applicable will be addressed at the task order level as individual requirements are generated. For the most part, Specific Security Standards will be addressed at the TO level; however, most requirements will specify compliance with FEDRAMP moderate standards. |
| The SOO is very brief in describing implementing effective solutions using low-code and no-code platforms. The PWS does not mention low-code/no-code. We could ask a great deal of questions to narrow the scope. However, its possible the DOI's need currently is simply for generic labor rates. Precise scope of work might be provided as the project matures. Any further info on platform requirements would be helpful, unless specifics are not available at this stage. | The Seed SOO is not Firm Fixed Price for this reason. The solicitation requests labor rates and personnel to fill the positions/labor categories for the positions noted. Platforms expected to be utilized for the Seed Task Order include Appian, Box and other Custom Developed Applications. |
| What are the geographic requirements for various labor categories? Historically we have used 2 approaches for quoting labor. We can quote strictly US-based engineering. Alternatively, we can quote a hybrid workforce including US-based and overseas labor, when technical expertise is similar and work hours are compatible with US time zones. | Contractor employees will be issued Government Furnished Equipment that will need to be utilized in performance of the duties. The Government Furnished Equipment cannot leave the Continental United States as such, all contractor personnel must be US based. |
| Request a one-week extension to the due date referenced in the RFP. | The RFP will be extended to Thursday, August 28, 2025 at 2pm. The requirement submissions are not extensive and the Government expects much shorter turn around times for preparing task order proposals. |
| The contractor shall provide personnel to support the enhancement of organizational capabilities by conducting comprehensive business and technical analyses, gathering and validating detailed requirements from stakeholders, and implementing effective solutions using low-code and no-code platforms. What low-code and no code platform(s) is DOI referencing? What platform should the Seek Task Order resources be proficient in? | For the initial task order it is expected contractor personnel will be implementing solutions in Appian, Box, and other Custom Developed Applications. |
| If a team of companies are bidding, can a subcontractor's past performance and experience be permissible for submission? | The solicitation has been amended to address this answer under Factor 2. Note, edits made via the amendment are provided in red or stricken through if no longer applicable). Note, there are no submission requirements for past performance. |
| How does the government intend for us to send the video? Can we send a link of the video uploaded into google drive? | The solicitation has been amended to address this answer under Factor 2. |
| Is the government asking for the overview of the technology solution of how the solution will be implemented? | No, the Government is requiring vendors demonstrate that they have implemented a technology solution in the past. Based on expedited timelines that will be required under this contract, the example must be of a technology solution that was implemented within 90 days. |
| What low code and no code platforms is implemented within the current environment. | The current environment includes Appian, Box and other Custom Developed Applications. |
| Are there any tools used for Business Process Management? | Business Process Management tools currently being utilized include Appian and other Custom Developed Applications. |
| Who is the incumbent contractor for the current work covered under this solicitation. | There is no incumbent, this is a new effort. |
| Is this requirement a new procurement or a recompete of an existing contract? | This is a new procurement. |
| What is the expected baseline number of FTEs or effort hours for the IDIQ Program Manager role across the IDIQ period of performance? | Estimated FTE or effort hours for the IDIQ Program Manager is approximately 900 hours, where vendors have 1 or more task orders. Attachment 2 has been updated. This individual is not expected to be involved in the day to day; but this position will provide a manager of sorts to oversea progress at a higher level and ensure the team is on track to meet expressed needs. |
| Is the SME (PM) labor category in the Pricing Sheet the same position as the Key Personnel IDIQ Program Manager? | Attachment 2 has been updated to include Program Manager. |
| For the Seed Task Order, are the required roles only the two listed in the SOO (Senior IT Project Lead and Senior Analyst), or all labor categories listed in Attachment 2 (Pricing Sheet) should be proposed as personnels during submission? | These are not the only positions required; however, these are the positions that will be needed to start. Also, the resume submission requirements for the Seed Task Order have been revised in the Solicitation amendmend. |
| For the Seed Task Order roles, must proposed personell be identified in the proposal submission, or can they be proposed post-award? | Only the positions referenced in the Instructions to Offerors and Evaluation Criteria should be submitted. These are the positions that will be needed to start and others can be added as soon as possible after award. Also, the resume submission requirements for the Seed Task Order have been revised in the Solicitation amendmend. |
| Can you provide the current team size and roles supporting these applications? | There is a very small Government team, approximately 5 - 10 people that are involved with the applications. |
| Can proposed Key Personnel or other proposed personnel hold valid work visas if they meet clearance requirements? | Individuals must be able to obtain a moderate public trust clearance. |
| Can you provide a baseline level of effort for the overall IDIQ scope of services? | This is not available at this time. |
| All labor categories in Attachment 2 to be priced for the IDIQ ceiling, even if they are not proposed for the Seed Task Order during proposal submission? | Offerors are required to propose labor rates for all labor categories in both the IDIQ Ceiling Rates and Seed Task Order Pricing. |
| Does the September 1, 2025 start date account for the time required to complete background investigations and onboarding, or must proposed staff already be cleared by that date? | The September 1st start date represents the date the contract(s) and seed task order is expected to be awarded. Onboarding packages to submit to security will be due within 3 business days after task order award. |
| Can the Government identify specific tools, software, systems, and environments that will be provided as Government-Furnished Equipment/Information versus what the contractor must supply? | At this juncture, there is no application that the contractor will be required to provide. In the event such a need arises, this would be handled as an Other Direct Cost. Note, there is no ODC anticipated for the seed task order. |
| Can the Government provide anticipated frequency, destinations, and estimated number of trips for travel requirements? | This information is not available at this time, offerors shall utilize the "plug" number ($25,000) input into the Seed Task Order Pricing. |
| For the required video submission, should the content be a presentation-style overview or a demonstration of actual implemented AI tasks and configurations? | Either is acceptable provided the submission addresses the information in the Instructions to Offerors, Factor 2. |
| If demonstrations are expected, may proprietary tools and configurations be included and marked as confidental to protect sensitive information? | Video submissions may be marked as confidental to protect sensitive information. |
| Can you please clarify how the labor rates for the IDIQ Program Manager should be factored into Attachment 2 to account for the required IDIQ deliverables? | Attachment 2 has been updated to include Program Manager. |
| Regarding Factor 2 - Experience Example, can you provide clarity on the format of the video file? | MP4 or YouTube video files are preferred. |
| Regarding Factor 2 - Experience Example, can you provide clarity on how the video should be submitted (e.g., link, attachment to email)? | The solicitation has been updated to address. |
| Can you please clarify how the word "premise" used in the following statement, "Local travel, within 50 mile radius, to the scheduled premise is not reimbursable" is equivalent to the primary place of performance?" | Where the contractor employee is physically located for work; if travel is within a 50 mile radius from their authorized/normal work location - travel reimbursement will not be authorized. |
| Can you confirm that all GFE have functional, accessible web cameras? | Confirming GFE will have functional, accessible web cameras. |
| Volume II, Factor 3 - Seed Task Order Staffing is asking for resumes for the Senior IT Project Lead and Sr. Analyst. However, in Attachments 1 and 2, only a IT Project Lead and IT Project Lead - Mid level are specified. Could you please provide clarity on the minimum education requirement, minimum years' experience, and substitutions authorized for the Senior IT Project Lead? Could you also please include this LCAT in Attachment 2 - Pricing Sheet? | Attachment 2 does not specify only a IT Project Lead and IT Project Lead - Mid. Those are 2 of a number of positions listed. The IT Project Lead - Mid was greyed out indicating no hours, this has been deleted to eliminate confusion. |
Attachment 1 Labor Categories includes the minimum education requirement, minimum years' experience and authorized subsititions for all labor categories.
| Page 37 states that Factor 5 - Past Performance will be reviewed on a Pass/Fail basis. Could you please provide clarity of how CPARS will be reviewed. Will all CPARS of a submitter ve reviewed? | The Solicitation has been amended to clarify this. |
| The Management Plan is limited to 5 pages and must include a sample performance report. Can we append the sample (to not count against page limit)? | The Management Plan is not due with proposal submission, it is due 30 days after a task order award. The Government may consider appending; however, there would need to be a limit on any appendixs. This approval can be requested from the Contracting Officer at the time of award. |
| Please confirm which low-code/no-code and automation platforms DOI currently licenses and expects contractors to use on DOI-furnished laptops (e.g. Microsoft Power Platform/Power Apps, ServiceNow, Salesforce, UiPath, etc.). | The current environment includes Appian, Box and other Custom Developed Applications. |
| Please confirm whether Volume I will have total of 2 pages or a total of 1 page (i.e. is the page limit one page in addition to the cover page). | Solicitation has been revised to reflect 2 pages, 1 of which is the cover page. |
| Can DOI provide more detail on its current technology stack and preferred platforms (beyond low/no-code, AI, and RPA) to help ensure proposed solutions align with existing infrastructure. | The current environment includes Appian, Box and other Custom Developed Applications. |
| Are there any specific cloud providers, integration tools, or security frameworks DOI intends to prioirtize for future task orders? | The current environment includes Appian, Box and other Custom Developed Applications. |
| Will DOI provide Government Furnished Information (GFI) such as process maps, system inventories, or data dictionaries to help with requirements analysis at the task order level? | Where they are avaialble, they can be provided. However, where they do not exist, analysts may be involved with producing this information. |
| Do you anticipate that the scope of this opportunity will expand as technology solutions are introduced to DOI? | Yes, this is certainly a potential. I would not say the scope would expand, as our scope is fairly broad; however, it is a potential new technology solutions will be introduced and contractor personnel will be involved in supporting. |
| Are there tools currently on DOI's IT roadmap that will impact the future direction of this engagement? | This information is not available at this time. |
| How flexible is DOI's roadmap with regard to changes or adaptations that may be needed during execution of the IDIQ? | This information is not available at this time. |
| Can DOI provide details on current implementation of RPA, AI, chatbots, or low/no code platforms within the Department? | The current environment includes Appian, Box and other Custom Developed Applications. |
| For the Seed Task Order, does DOI anticipate options or extensions beyond the initial 1 year Period of Performance? | An option is not currently included for the seed task order. It is a potential a follow-on task order may be needed. |
| Will Firm Fixed Price task orders be scoped around deliverables/milestones, or will they include outcome-based measures tied to customer experience improvements? | Potentially could include either depending on the requirement; however, it is more likely specific milestones will be utilized. |
| How does DOI intend to allocate work across multiple awardees - will all awardees be invited to compete for every Task Order under Fair Opportunity, or will DOI pre-select based on capability areas? | All TOs must follow the Fair Opportunity procedures specified in FAR 16.505(b). |
| Beyond the required Program Manager, will DOI identify other mandatory labor categories for future task orders, or should contractors propose based on their methodologies? | This will be task order dependent; however, for T&M or LH efforts the Government will identify the mandatory labor categories. |
| Is DOI open to remote-first staffing models (as suggested in the PWS), or will future task orders require on-site support at DOI offices? | Please refer to the PWS paragraph Place of Performance. |
| Will the current FTE mix be fixed throughout the Period of Performance, or does DOI anticipate flexibility based on evolving task order requirements? | DOI anticipates flexibility based on evolving tasks and may adjust estimated hours or positions +/- throughout the period of performance. |
| If an incumbent exists for this effort, can DOI provide the vendor name and prior contact information? | There is no incumbent, this is a new effort. |
| Will there be a knowledge transfer period for ongoing DOI projects, and if so, how long does DOI anticipate allocating for transition-in? | There is no incumbent, this is a new effort. |
| Can DOI clarify the relative weighting of evaluation factors (e.g., Technical vs. Management vs. Past Performance vs. Price) in the best value determination? | Key Personnel, Experience Example and Seed Task Order Staffing are more important than Price. Price is more important than Past Performance. |
| How will DOI evaluate innovation and emerging technology proposals (e.g., AI or advanced automation) - are pilot programs or proof-of-concept approaches encouraged? | The Solicitation has been amended to clarify this. |
| For past performance, will DOI accept experience from similar IDIQ or BPA vehicles outside DOI, or must examples be DOI/federal-specific? | Please note there are no submission requirements for past performance. Please refer to Factor 5 under paragraph 1.2, Evaluation Criteria. |
| With regard to Factor 1, will the Government allow the Key Personnel resume to come from a sub in a prime-sub bid? | The solicitation has been amended to address this. |
| With regard to Factor 2, will the government allow the Experience example to come from a sub in a prime-sub bid? | The solicitation has been amended to address this. |
| With regard to Factor 3, will the government allow the Seed Task Order Staffing resumes to come from a sub in a prime-sub bid? | The solicitation has been amended to address this. |
| With regard to Factor 5, how will CPARS be selected for evaluation for Past Performance. | The solicitation has been amended to address this. |
| With regard to Factor 5, will all CPARS be reviewed or just DOI-focused CPARS, or other subset of CPARS? | The solicitation has been amended to address this. |
| With regard to Factor 5, will only CPARS from the prime be considered? | The solicitation has been amended to address this. |
| With regard to Factor 5, will CPAR ratings be averaged within each individual CPAR or will any marginal/unsatisfactory rating in any category on any CPAR result in a "fail" rating? | The solicitation has been amended to address this. |
| Is there any contractor currently performing some or all of the scope of work? | There is no incumbent, this is a new effort. |
| Is it acceptable to address the RFP requirements in both the accompanying video and the written response? Or do respondents need to address all the RFP requirements with the written response only? | A video submission is required; offerors may use the 2-page allowance to supplement the video to ensure all information requested for Factor 2 is included. |
| To adequately address the requirements for Factor 2, please extend the page count to be greater than 2 pages. | The page limit will not be increased. |
| How should the video be submitted with the proposal? Is there a preferred format? Is there a size limitation? | The solicitation has been amended to address this. |
| Can the government provide information on the low-code or no-code platforms for the Seed Task Order? | The current environment includes Appian, Box and other Custom Developed Applications. |
| Please confirm that Volume I includes a 1-page cover page with required items a. followed by a second page addressing items b-f. | The solicitation has been amended to clarify this. |
| Please confirm that bidders can include a cover letter that is outside the current page limits to provide a place to introduce ourselves. | A cover letter outside of the current page limits for introduction is not approved. |
| Labor Categories - RFP does not specify a labor category for the IDIQ Program Manager. Should the vendor include an appropriate Government labor category for this role as part of the proposal submission? | The amendment updates Attachment 2 to include the Program Manager. |
| Does the Minimum number of years experience per labor category have to be US based experience or will international experience count as well? | The current environment includes Appian, Box and other Custom Developed Applications. |
| Low-Code/No-Code Tools - Does DOI have a preferred platform (e.g. PowerApps, ServiceNow, Saleforce) or are contractors free to propose any COTS/GOTS tool? | The current environment includes Appian, Box and other Custom Developed Applications. |
| Security Compliance - For cloud based solutions, is FedRAMP High required, or is FedRAMP moderate acceptable for most systems? | This may vary; however, FedRAMP moderate will be acceptable for most systems. |
| Task Order Process - Will technical lead roles be evaluated at the IDIQ level, or only when specific Task Orders are issued? | Outside of the Seed Task Order; technical lead roles will be evaluated at the Task Order level. |
| Will the Government provide any anticipated technology platforms, COTS tools, or preferred solutions that contractors should align with in their proposals? | The current environment includes Appian, Box and other Custom Developed Applications. |
| Can the Government provide an estimate of anticipated travel (annual trips, locations, and duration) for pricing purposes? | This information is not available. Offerors are not required to price travel and should use the plug figure ($25,000) included in Attachment 2. |
| Can the Government confirm if there is an incumbent contract supporting similar operational efficiency and customer experience requirements? If yes, please provide the contract number(s) incumbent contractor name(s), and total contract value. | There is no incumbent, this is a new effort. |
| Can the Government share information on the current team composition supporting DOI for these services (e.g. approximate FTEs, key roles, labor mix)? This will help bidders in estimating realistic resourcing. | There is no current team, this is a new procurement. |
| Will there be a transition period from the incumbent to the new awardee(s)? If yes, what is the anticiapted length of transition-in activities? | There is no incumbent, this is a new effort. |
| Can the Government provide an estimate of the number, size, or anticipated socpe areas of task orders expected during the 3-year ordering period to help bidders prepare accurate pricing models? | This is not available at this time. |
| Who are the incumbents on this IDIQ? | There is no incumbent, this is a new effort. |
| What is the current contract number for this IDIQ? | There is no incumbent, this is a new effort. |
| What is the potential contract value of this IDIQ? | Reference Section 3 of the Combined Synopsis Solicitation. Paragraph 3.6. The shared capacity or ceiling shall not exceed $13.5M. |
| Would the Government consider extending the deadline from August 25th to September 1 to allow vendors to incorporate responses to questions into their submissions? | The RFP will be extended to Thursday, August 28, 2025 at 2pm. The requirement submissions are not extensive and the Government expects much shorter turn around times for preparing task order proposals. |
| Please may the Government confirm that Offeror Representations and Certifications will be excluded from the Volume I page limit? | Confirmed. |
| The solicitation states that "Offerors shall provide an example of a technology solution implemented within 90 days of receiving the requirement." By "requirement" does the Government mean TO/Contract Award? | Requirement could mean from the date of TO/Contract award if the TO/contract was for a specific solution. It could also be from the time an offeror was tasked with the action. |
| The solicitation states that offerors should "Include a 3 - 5 minute video providing an overview of the solution. In what format should this video be provided (e.g. link to video provided within technical proposal, video attachment to submission email)? | The solicitation has been amended to clarify this. |
| The Government has an 8-page limit for the Factor 1 - Key Personnel section of Volume II - Technical. Please may the Government confirm that this section only includes the resume, or are additional details required? | This section only includes resumes. Letters of Commitment are not included in the page limit. |
| Section 4 of the solicitation (page 31) states that "There are no submission requirements for Past Performance." However, Section 5, Factor 5 - Past Performance (page 37) indicated that "Past Performance will be reviewed on a Pass/Fail basis. CPARS will be reviewed; vendors with Satisfactory or better ratings will receive a Pass rating. Vendors with Marginal or Unsatisfactory rating will receive a Fail rating. Vendors with no past performance history will receive a Neutral/Pass rating." Can the Government please clarify which past performance records will be reviewed for evaluation under Factor 5 Specifically: - Will the Government only review CPARS for the prime offeror? - Will subcontractor or JV member CPARS also be considered? - Is there a timeframe or set of contracts the Government will use in its review? | This solicitation has been amended to clarify this. |
| Attachment 1, PWS (pages 29 - 31), includes certain forms such as the NDA and OCI. Can the Government please clarify whether these forms are required to be submitted at the Master Contract level (with the initial proposal), or if they will instead be required at the Task Order level? | They will be required at the task order level. |
| Is there an incumbent (or incumbents) doing this work today? | There is no incumbent, this is a new effort. |
| May the IDIQ be utilized across the DOI organization? | Yes, task orders could include support for any of the Bureaus or offices within DOI. |
| Will DOI please provide a list of platforms/tools currently used at DOI for advanced technology solutions? | The current environment includes Appian, Box and other Custom Developed Applications. |
| Does DOI have a preferred tool being used to document business processes? | The current environment includes Appian, Box and other Custom Developed Applications. |
| DOI stated the Key Personnel is the IDIQ Program Manager, and the Contractor must also provide a Program Manager. Will DOI allow the IDIQ Program Manager to fill the responsibilities of the Program Manager until multiple task orders are awarded? | Yes. |
| Will DOI please provide a list of anticipated locations for travel? | This is not available at this time. |
| When completing pricing, will DOI accept year over year escalation of rates to account for cost of living? | Pricing will be evaluated for completeness, reasonableness and unbalanced pricing. Price analysis technicals at FAR 15.404-1(b)(2) will be utilized. It is common for escalation rates to be included for each year and there are no issues with this provided they can be determined fair and reasonable. |
| Items numbers mis-numbered. Appears to skip item number "g". Please confirm item numbers for this section should be through g. | The solicitation has been amended to clarify this. |
| Will the DOI provide clarification on past performance? The solicitation states that CPARS will be reviewed. Do we need to provide contract details in order for DOI to review a CPARS? | There are no submission requirements for past performance. |
| For the first Task Order, can you provide IT platform expertise required to implement effective solutions using low-code and no-code platforms? | The current environment includes Appian, Box and other Custom Developed Applications. |
| Will DOI please provide a list of systems the solution will need to integrate with? | For the initial task order, the current environemnt includes Appian, box and other Custom Developed Applications. |
| The Attachment 1_IDIQ_PWS mentions key personnel, IDIQ Program Manager. The pricing sheet does not have the Labor Category for this key personnel. Can the government provide which labor categories the contractor needs to provide the rate for IDIQ Program Manager? | Attachment 2 has been updated to include Program Manager. |
| In Attachment 3_Seed_TO_SOO the Government wants the vendor to implement effective solutions using low-code and no-code solutions. Does the government have licenses or any preferred low-code, no-code platform for this task order or the government wants the vendor to propose the low-code no-code solution? | The current environment includes Appian, Box and other Custom Developed Applications. |
| In Attachment 3_Seed_TO_SOO for the task order will the government buy the licenses directly from the low-code, no-code solution provider or the vendor has to propose the pricing for the licenses for the low-code no-code tool? If the latter, how should the vendor propose the pricing in the pricing sheet? | The Government already has licensing. |
| Can the government provide additional guidance on the video submission: is the government requiring an overview of the capability of the solution or a high level demo of the solution itself in the video? | Overview of the solution addressing the points included in the Instructions to Offerors. |
| How should the vendors submit the video; is a link to the video on Youtube or online drive suffice this requirement? | The solicitation has been amended to clarify this. |
| Is this a new IDIQ or a recompete of any past or existing contract? | This is a new procurement. |
| Does the Government require the vendor to submit the management plan for the Seed TO SOO Task Order along with the proposal for the IDIQ? | The Management Plan is not due with proposal submission, it is due 30 days after a task order award. The Government may consider appending; however, there would need to be a limit on any appendixs. This approval can be requested from the Contracting Off |
File details come from the government source that posted it. Updated .