B09 App Support RFQ Questions (4)_0001.pdf

Q. # Source Question text

1 PWS Could the government please confirm that the date 5, 2021 on the cover page is correct? 5/21/21

2 PWS Regarding reference to the code repository requirement, will the vendor be expected to work directly off the NPS managed Bitbucket code repository for all software development and maintenance involving source code?

A: The vendor may work from their own code repository but all major released code versions will have a copy stored in the NPS bitbucket.

3 PWS If direct interaction with the NPS Bitbucket code repository is required, are there any citizenship, visa and/or geographical location specific requirements for the staff that the contractor will put on this project?

A: Anyone requiring access to the NPS Bitbucket directly will be required to complete the HSPD12 background check requirements and obtain a PIV card. HSPD12 determines these citizenship, visa, and geographic location requirements.

4 PWS Regarding Task 1 O&M, can the government please provide some additional details on the type of work, deliverables and frequency of expected tasks identified in this section to assist bidders in providing a more accurate FFP quote for this task?

A: The tasks described are the range of services expected to support the app on a daily basis. We leave it to the vendor who brings the expertise and understanding of mobile app management to know how frequently tasks should be completed. Deliverables are defined on a monthly basis.

5 PWS With reference to PWS Section 4.2 Tools, could the Government please clarify if the National Park Service will provide the winning contractor access to the tools identified in this section necessary to complete the assigned tasks? Alternatively is the contractor expected to obtain their own software and licenses to complete the required development and software maintenance over the life of the contract?

A: The NPS will provide access to NPS Bitbucket, Mapbox/Atlas service, Firebase, and Jira. Any other tools that meet the requirements specified in the PWS are at the discretion and cost of the contractor.

6 PWS Regarding Section 4.6 concerning the required period of performance (PoP), - could the government please clarify the desired PoP for the base and option years? (This question arises because the dates cited in the PWS versus the solicitation document do not directly match.)

A: The period of performance is approximately May 2021- May 2022 with a 6 month option from May 2022 – November 2022.

7 PWS Concerning Section 4.8 Place of Performance, could the Government please clarify any mandatory requirements for the geographical location of staff? For example, do all staff need to live in the continental United States or US territories? In different words, does the government allow any or all of this work to be outsourced to personnel who live in a foreign country?

A: Any staff working under this contract must be in residence in the USA for the past six years, it may not be outsources to another country.

8 Solicitation Document

Concerning the Solicitation Document requirement on page 3 of 19, could the Government please clarify the requirement in Factor 5: past performance bulleted statement which reads which says bidders shall provide " ... up to three (3) substantial efforts performed by the prime contractor"? Specifically, does this mean that the government requires that at least two (2) out of three (3) past performance examples submitted under this RFP response must represent work completed by the prime?

A: All three examples must be from the prime.

9 Solicitation Document

Regarding requirements on page 21 of 19, specifically item 13 - the solicitation doc says questions are due 4/19/21.

Elsewhere in the same doc it says the questions are due 5/7/21. Could the government please confirm the date and time of the final deadline for questions about the PWS and Solicitation document considering these differences.

A: 5/7/21

Q SOW / RFP Reference / Other Question

1 Performance Work Statement, NPS Mobile Applications Support

“The contractor shall work to integrate the app with third party services such as Recreation.gov or simple notification services.” Does NPS have a preferred SNS provider or an existing subscription to an SNS service?

A: NPS will be using Amazon Simple Notification Service.

2 Performance Work Statement, NPS Mobile Applications Support

“Any updates or new development to the app will need to undergo rigorous testing and quality control prior to release.” Do the applications in their current state go through any kind of automated testing process? If so, what testing frameworks are currently in place?

A: NPS has no testing frameworks in place. These are defined by the contractor through their quality control plan.

3 Performance Work Statement, NPS Mobile Applications Support

“Updates to mapping will be an ongoing requirement as more data becomes available for consumption.” Does the scope of the expected map related tasks include the use of mapping software beyond Mapbox, like ArcGIS or QGIS?

A: No, NPS only uses an internally hosted verson of Mapbox called Atlas. There are no plans to move away from this platform at this time.

4 Performance Work Statement, NPS Mobile Applications Support

Login: It's mentioned that the login will be done through Recreation.gov, but the authentication for the mobile apps is yet to be decided. Will the service be REST-based or SSO-based?

A: This is yet to be determined.

5 Performance Work Statement, NPS Mobile Applications Support

It's mentioned that the personalized content will be eventually moved to a login-based cloud solution once it's developed. Will this server-side implementation come under the current scope of work?

A:The schedule for implementing the personalized content is not yet determined and may be dependent on the number of available hours within the development portion of the contract.

6 Performance Work Statement, NPS Mobile Applications Support

For the integration of notification services, the app is required to have a hosted server that triggers the notifications to specific users. Should we include the effort for the same in the RFP response?

A: We are not expecting specific detail to individual development requirements with this proposal. As development tasks are prioritized and scheduled, the contractor will work with NPS to provide level of effort for each task to determine scheduling and additional technical requirements.

7 Performance Work Statement, NPS Mobile Applications Support

We would like to get more clarity on existing park-specific apps. Will the 31 apps be moved to the NPS apps eventually? Or will some of the functionalities of the park-specific apps be moved to the NPS app? If so, who will be responsible for the new feature/module development? How are we planning to integrate the new features?

A: Most of the 31 apps will be decommissioned by July, 2021. Two apps may remain in operation while additional functionality is made available in the NPS App (e.g. support for multi-unit parks, live data, etc). These new features will be made available to all parks in the app and become part of the core codebase based on the prioritization schedule NPS is managing. Development work to make this possible will fall under the labor hour portion of this contract if time allows.

8 Performance Work Statement, NPS Mobile Applications Support

It's mentioned that the 31 apps use a common platform. Could you please provide more info on the common platform, if it comes under the SOW? Will the vendor be responsible for maintaining these apps?

A: The vendor will not be responsible for maintaining these apps.

9 Performance Work Statement, NPS Mobile Applications Support

"Task 1 - Maintenance and Operations" - Can we get an idea of the maintenance and support hours spent on a monthly basis for the mobile applications already hosted on the App Store and Play Store?

A: Currently the average monthly hours are around 230, however, this work is being performed under a different set of requirements. There have also been no major OS upgrades.

10 Performance Work Statement, NPS Mobile Applications Support

"Task 2 - Design/Development/Documentation" - The mentioned 5050 Hours of work is to develop an application from scratch as an MVP(features present on the existing application) or does it cover only new features planned by NPS for the existing application?

A: The MVP exists and is available in Apple and Google Play stores. Task 2 will be used to develop and implement new features and functionality within the current MVP app.

11 General Is there a budget that is already allocated for this project?

A: The NPS has an independent government estimate that will be compared to proposals to determine offers that are considered fair and reasonable.

12 General Does NPS allow this project to be executed with offshore resources outside the US?

A: No

13 RFP 140P2121R0011 Page 21 of 19 indicates that the Questions concerning this opportunity are due in writing by April 19, 2021, at 1200 MT. Please confirm that questions are due by May 7 at 3:00 PM Eastern Time (ET) as identified on page 2 of 19 of the RFP 140P2121R0011.

A: 5/7/21

14 RFP 140P2121R0011 Page 21 of 19 indicates that the response date for this combined synopsis/solicitation is April 30, 2021, at 1200 MT. Please confirm that the response date is May 21, 2021, at 5:00 Eastern Time (ET) as identified on page 2 of 19 of the RFP 140P2121R0011.

A: 5/21/21

15 Performance Work Statement, NPS Mobile Applications Support

Section 4.1, clicking the hyperlink returns a “Page Not Found (404)”. Please provide the correct hyperlink.

A: https://www.access-board.gov/ict/ https://beta.sam.gov/opp/317041f44e7b4e1a9bc0a7c432e992d6/view

16 Performance Work Statement, NPS Mobile Applications Support

Section 4.5, Does NPS have a documented baseline for performance objective in Section 2.1.1?

NPS will provide this to the contractor upon start of the work. Current baselines are based on best practices for mobile apps.

17 Performance Work Statement, NPS Mobile Applications Support

Section 4.5, Does NPS have beta access to future device upgrades from Google and Apple for performance objective in Section 2.1.1?

https://www.access-board.gov/ict/ https://www.access-board.gov/ict/

A: NPS does not have early access to devices. Devices will be tested as soon as they are released publicly. Android and iOS beta releases will be evaluated and tested with the app to ensure compatibility. Any necessary code updates should be readied for release before public OS versions are released.

18 Performance Work Statement, NPS Mobile Applications Support

Section 4.14, What is the maximum amount of data that the current application allows for offline use?

A: NPS has not determined the maximum at this time but there are plans to evaluate the current offline architecture.

19 Performance Work Statement, NPS Mobile Applications Support

Section 4.1, Are Mapbox/Atlas maps covered under Section 508 and WCAG 2.0 AA requirements?

Yes

Document Section / Page # Question Performance Work Statement Doc Deliverables Format

We understand from the RFP that the NPS will provide designs for the application. What software is used to create these, and in what format will they be provided to the vendor?

A: Designs will be provided in PSD format.

Performance Work Statement Doc Section 4.8 Place of Performance

The RFP states, “Place of Performance The work to be performed under this contract will be performed at the contractor facility.”

Is there any flexibility in allowing remote work or a blend of on and off-site work?

A: The contractor may determine the appropriate location for its employees to work that ensures the safety and well-being of its employees.

Performance Work Statement Doc Section 4.16 Contractor Travel

Can you talk about anticipated travel by the supplier’s resources? Would this be to

Government Facilities and Parks buildings?

A: At this time there is not anticipated travel for this contract. In the event in person meetings are necessary they would be held at government provided facilities.

Performance Work Statement Doc Section 4.5 Performance Requirements Summary

In relation to the SLA chart within Section 4.5, can you provide any data or evidence/past performance on past and present SLAs - how these are being met and if objectives are reached during each period of performance?

A: This is a new contract with new SLAs.

Current work is being managed under a different set of requirements to establish the appropriate baselines. We are unable to provide what is being requested.

Pricing Schedule Pricing Schedule Thank you for the pricing schedule document. Are you only accepting this document for pricing or would you allow additional other documentation that depicts how a supplier might provide a cost proposal? Pricing MUST be submitted on the Pricing Schedule only.

1. Are the Android and iOS apps written separately or is the code base more efficiently managed via a framework like React

Native?

The code bases are written separately.

2. If no framework is currently used, would introducing a framework like React Native be considered in order to facilitate more productivity?

NPS requires natively-coded separate codebases for Android and iOS to ensure that the app does not lose native support/functionality provided by each native build. Specifically, no it would not be desired to combine both apps together

3. There is a mention of hybrid mobile app development - will some of the custom park modules be implemented in this manner? Or the Login/Recreation.gov integration?

A: At this time, all development is expected to be native. However, as we integrate with other services we may need to consider hybrid options.

4. Is there an expectation for any of the NPS-hosted web sites potentially being delivered through the application in a hybrid approach to be maintained/developed as part of this contract? If so, what technologies will that involve?

A: This contract is solely responsible for development and support of the NPS app and will not be responsible for any development of external sites.

5. What is the breakdown of the labor hours totaling 5050 hours?

A: Breakdown of the labor hours will be dependent on the task. Given the work will be primarily development work, the contractor should provide for the appropriate labor categories to support app development tasks.

6. How many document deliverables are there?

A: Per section 3 Deliverables; monthly reports are expected for support. As part of the contract, the contractor will be providing a quality control plan which should describe how testing is accomplished and quality is ensured. This plan would cover all work under the contract. For development tasks, basic estimates of labor effort will be incorporated into overall planning of workload. The contractor is also expect to provide a plan for testing for accessibility.

7. We are interested in augmenting our team with a partner. Would you consider allowing 1 or more Past Performances from a teammate?

A: In this case you may include an additional PPQ for a total of (4) three from the prime and one from the sub.

8. I would like to confirm if the effort mentioned above considered as new requirement or are there incumbent contracts? If there is an incumbent vendor, would you be able to provide the contract details (such as: Vendor Name, Contract Number, Award Date, Value)?

This is a new requirement for the O&M and ongoing development of this app. The original development of the app is currently with:

ECU Communications, 140P2119F0195

Awarded in the amount of $1,467,296.57 Award date 09/25/2019.

9. Lastly, is an estimated value available for this project? Is it greater than $250,000?

A: The NPS cannot release an estimated value.

10. Can you tell me the timeline for release, the procurement strategy, and the NAICS code? This solicitation was released on Monday

5/3/21 and is located at the following link https://beta.sam.gov/opp/317041f44e7b4e1a9bc0a7c432e992d6/view This procurement is set aside for Small Business under NAICS code 541511 “Custom Computer Programming Services” with a size standard of

$30 M. The Government anticipates award of one firm fixed price/labor hour combined contract.

11. I am hoping to find out if there is an incumbent contractor currently performing these services, if similar services have been performed in the past, or if this is a new requirement.

This is a new requirement for the O&M and ongoing development of this app. The original development of the app is currently with:

ECU Communications, 140P2119F0195

Awarded in the amount of $1,467,296.57 Award date 09/25/2019.

12. Do we submit the proposal through a portal or email you? Proposals are submitted via email to heather_madsen@nps.gov.

https://beta.sam.gov/opp/317041f44e7b4e1a9bc0a7c432e992d6/view mailto:heather_madsen@nps.gov

13. For Factor 2: Overall Experience, we assume it’s number of years of experience the company has in the particular technology stack, can you confirm? Yes

14. For Factor 4: Management Capability/Company Resume, what sub-sections in particular should we discuss in this section? Company technology stack capabilities are covered under factor 2 so we assume we don’t need to mention them again here. In this section we are looking for any additional information beyond the company technology stack capability such as certifications or any other information that supports the company’s ability to provide the services outlined in the PWS.

15. Volume II (RFQ Page 1 of 19): CLINs in the pricing table on page 1 of the RFQ indicates that CLIN 1 is for the base period

(06/14/2021-06/13/2022), CLIN 2 is the option period (06/14/2022-12/13/2022), and CLIN 3 is for the six-month extension

(12/14/2022 – 06/13/2023). However, the pricing schedule spreadsheet breaks out Line Item 1 as Operations & Maintenance

(O&M) as Firm Fixed Price (FFP) and Line Item 2 as Design/Development/Documentation as Labor-Hour (L-H). Is it the government’s intent that bidders combine and add the base period, option period 1 and six-month extension period total amounts from the pricing schedule spreadsheet and evenly split the combined total amount into a single monthly amount and insert that monthly amount into the Unit Price cell in the pricing table on page 1, effectively including the O&M FFP portion and the Design/Development/Documentation L-H portion for each contract period? Fill in the pricing schedule as is.

For CLIN One the NPS is seeking a lump sum for O&M and for CLIN II Breakdown the labor rates. Do not adjust, edit or change the pricing schedule. Fill it out as is.

16. Page Limitations (RFQ Page 4 of 19): Please confirm that resumes for Key Personnel (Factor 3) and completed Past

Performance Questionnaires (Factor 5) are excluded from the 25-page limit. Yes

17. Factor 3 – Key Personnel (RFQ Page 4 of 19): The Project Manager is the only Key Personnel position identified (PWS Section

4.13). Please confirm if the Alternate Project Manager resume is required for submission? No