Contractor Questions and Answers -- Set 1.xlsx
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- Attached to
- Integrated Logistics Management System (ILMS) Federal contract opportunity
- Solicitation number
- 19AQMM21R0135
About this file
This draft request for proposal outlines requirements for an integrated logistics management system contract. The Department of State seeks to award a single-source indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for up to ten years of support for its enterprise supply chain management program. Services include supply chain, procurement, transportation, and federal assistance processing across domestic and overseas locations utilizing an integrated technology suite. The solicitation anticipates evaluating initial proposals and downselecting to a single awardee. Offerors must demonstrate facility security clearance at the Top Secret level. The draft includes a pre-solicitation event, with questions due by July 20th and responses provided thereafter. The final RFP is targeted for release in September 2021.
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Questions -- Set #1
| # | Reference | Question | Answer |
| 1 | Are the following applications currently on the ServiceNow platform? If so, is this only a SNOW development task or is there consideration being given for replacing this platform? |
myRD – Develop and support software to ensure compliance with security policies at post and provide a single platform for RSOs to submit requests and reports to Head Quarters (HQ); engage with RSO’s and RSO staff to understand technology needs and enhancements.
myWPS (Warehouse Management System) – Develop, enhance, and configure an enterprise solution to manage contract requirements and required deliverables, contractor performance, and personnel tracking.
myLGP (Local Guard Programs) – Develop, enhance, and configure a technology application for personnel management, training, and scheduling of Local Guard Programs at post.
myST (Service Technicians) – Develop, maintain, and support software for personnel management, taskers, service requests, and scheduling of service technicians overseas.
TIA Information Reporting – Develop a software solution and mobile application to track and disseminate threats, incidents, and other information reports from the field, leveraging machine learning and Artificial intelligence to prioritize and categorize.
| Overseas Protective Operations (OPO) Enterprise - Develop, maintain, and support software to provide a centralized and integrated solution for managing and overseeing guard programs at overseas posts; this is the HQ interface of myLGP | The RSO Tools suite of applications were built using the ServiceNow platform. This solicitation is for system support services not application solutions. The government is not looking for proposals to recommend solutions for the DS modules. | |||
| 2 | Since this calls out for a new application, please confirm that there currently isn't an application that does this? | |||
| OPO Training – Develop a new application to support the scheduling and execution of training for local guard programs overseas. | This is a new module that will be a component of the RSO Tools suite and it will be built using the ServiceNow platform. No, there is not an existing application. | |||
| 3 | Are these enhancements for an existing platform that will be maintained or is this a replacement modernization effort? | |||
| CPME (Courier Planning Modernization Effort): Courier Support – Develop enhancements and provide system support for the Courier Mobile application, Courier Travel System (CTS), and the CPME Schedule Board, which is used by the Diplomatic Courier Service worldwide. | These are enhancements to the existing platform. | |||
| 4 | Is the Fleet Management System currently On-Premise? | Yes | ||
| 5 | Under the OBO section of your presentation, there's a ServiceNow development requirement for Request OBO, ABACUS, OBO Awards, and HR Case Management. I'm assuming that these will continue to be supported by ServiceNow, however, there are also some requirements listed under GTM support that are HR related (Talent Acquisition & Development, Recruiting & Retention, Engagement Activities). What technology is being used today to handle these activities and is there interest in considering a platform other than ServiceNow for this? | This is solicitation is for system support services not application solutions. OBO currently uses ServiceNow to support Talent Acquisition & Development, Recruiting & Retention, Engagement Activities. | ||
| 6 | Given the State Department's enterprise use of ServiceNow, will there be any consideration to have multiple low code platforms doing development on any of the current ServiceNow customer facing modules? | When identifying new modules, the government conducts an analysis of alternatives to determine the best course of action, products, and/or platforms. If there is a significant reason to choose a different low code platform for a particular module, the government will make that consideration on a case-by-case basis. | ||
| 7 | What are the On-Premise, custom built or COTs applications that will need to be modernized? | Refer to Attachment 2 of the draft RFP for the list of all ILMS modules and current platforms. | ||
| 8 | L.14.3.3.2 Subfactor 2: Staffing Approach | Will the government confirm that volumetrics for all modules contained in Attachment 2 - ILMS Systems (Module Inventory) were included for Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3 from all ticket repositories? | The volumetrics provided in Attachment 2 of the Draft RFP were missing some modules. Attachment 2 will be updated before the release of the final RFP and will include all modules in the ILMS integrated suite. | |
| 9 | Task Order 1 Attachment; Table 2 – Task 1 Requirements | To make sure that the Government receives the amount of support it requires, will the Government provide additional quantitative detail on the workload associated with the tasker support, strategic planning, strategic engagement, and communication activities in O&M Task Order Task 1? | Yes. Approximately 4324 hours (2.3 FTEs) of the Task 1 team will be spent providing tasker support and supporting strategic planning, strategic engagement, and communication activities. In additional to the Task 1 team, Tier 3 functional team leads, technology management team leads, and the customer support desk team lead are estimated to spend approximately 10% of their time providing tasker support and supporting strategic planning, strategic engagement, and communication activities. Team leads from future task orders supporting change management and communications and analytics are estimated to also spend 10% to 20% of their time providing tasker support and supporting strategic planning, strategic engagement, and communication activities. The workload on the analytics team is heavier than the workload of other teams. This time is considered part of these team lead's overall responsibilities and not in additional hours to support the PMO team. | |
| 10 | Will the Government consider bids that propose to replace or augment the technology leveraged in the current ILMS stack with a more consolidated simplified solution vs integrating many bespoke tools such as Ariba, ServiceNow, SAP, etc.? | No, this solicitation is for system support services not software solutions. Offerors can address hypothetical proposed modernizations within the appropriate business scenarios. However, business scenarios are purely hypothetical. | ||
| 11 | Would the Government consider a separate procurement for innovation and modernization of ILMS given that the current solicitation appears to focus on the maintenance of existing tools? | No. The government is extremely interested in continuously modernizing ILMS and considering innovation. However, the government also needs a vendor that will be able to support the existing system. The government intends to work closely with the vendor after award to identify innovative strategies to meet the ILMS 2030 plan. | ||
| 12 | There is little mention of data analytics outside of the existing OBO solutions. Is there a desire to integrate additional analytic capability into the core ILMS product? | The ILMS program makes extensive use of advanced analytics and these activities are outlined in the draft RFP [e.g. Sections C.2.1, C.2.3.1, C.3 - Table 4, and C.3.3]. The first task order to be awarded under the IDIQ is for Operations and Maintenance services. | ||
| 13 | For the OBO analytic solutions. Is the intent to provide continued maintenance on the already created solutions or can offerors propose a simplified approach? | OBO intends to provide maintenance and new development within the existing platform and toolsets. | ||
| 14 | Is the solicitation date still Nov 2021? | No. Please keep an eye on SAM.gov for updates. | ||
| 15 | Do you still expect this to come out Full and Open – Unrestricted? | Yes. This will be an unrestricted acquisition using Full and Open Competition. | ||
| 16 | Solicitation B-M Draft, B2: Draft | Will the government consider making this a multiple-awardee IDIQ, which would incentivize innovation and price competitiveness throughout the life of the new, 10-year award? | No. Prior to developing the draft solicitation, the government conducted a study to assess advantages, disadvantages, and risks associated with various contracting structures. As a result of this study, the government determined a single award IDIQ is in the best interest of the Department of State. |
As provided for by the Draft RFP and due to the nature of the program to be executed under the planned contract, the resultant contract award will be a single award IDIQ contract.
| 17 | Solicitation B-M Draft, C.2.2 ILMS 2030 | Based on the vision for ILMS 2030, what is the government’s appetite for modernizing the ILMS platform with emerging technologies? | The government is continuously modernizing the ILMS integrated suite and leveraging emerging technologies like AI and RPA. Modernization activities are conducted as funding is available. The government has recently begun a multi-year effort to migrate the existing on-premise version of Ariba to a new modern procure-to-pay platform. The government is also considering options for replacing ILMS' PeopleSoft components. | ||
| 18 | Attachment J, Qualifications | The Technical Infrastructure and Architecture Lead requires “A minimum of 8 years’ experience with ILMS supporting technologies and domains. Must possess experience leveraging strategic, operational, and tactical skills and knowledge to a) apply their understanding of ILMS supporting technologies and domains, b) identify upcoming industry changes and be in front of industry trends, and c) recommend operational efficiencies and strategic modernizations." Is this description a role only the incumbent would have with the requisite 8 years of ILMS experience? | No. The supporting technologies and functional domains are not unique to the ILMS program or the Department of State as a whole. Additionally, the Technical Infrastructure and Architecture Lead is not required to have knowledge of every single ILMS supporting technology. The proposed individual's qualifications should demonstrate a breadth and depth of technical skills and experience supporting highly complex, integrated technical architectures with specific experience with many of the ILMS supporting technologies. | ||
| 19 | Solicitation B-M Draft, B2: Draft | Would the Government consider including individual company due diligence sessions with the Government as part of the procurement, either prior to RFP release and/or after the first phase gate? | The government is planning on conducting a second Industry Day event to answer questions from vendors. At this time, there are no planned due diligence sessions planned. | ||
| 20 | In “L.14.2.2 Additional Company Requirements” of the Draft Solicitation, minimum requirements for the awarded firm are included. From our experience supporting contracts of size and scope in the commercial and public sector, we understand the importance of an independent, 3rd party to provide objective guidance and support to supply chain and logistics functions. Is the Department of State willing to require a that the final contract awardee be an Independent Public Accounting firm? | The government has outlined the minimum mandatory requirements in the draft RFP. | |||
| 21 | Attachment 6 of the Draft Solicitation provides descriptions and qualifications for each proposed labor category. Page 5 outlines the labor category “Functional Subject Matter Expert (SME)” that includes five functional areas including “Transportation and Warehouse SME”, “Fleet SME”, and “Property and Asset Management SME”. In our experience supporting contracts of size and scope, the International Standards Organization (ISO) 55000 Asset Management Certification provides the necessary expertise to support transportation, warehousing, fleet, property, and asset management functions. Is the Department of State willing to including the ISO 55000 Asset Management certification as a necessary requirement for these SME roles? | The government will take this under advisement. | |||
| 22 | In “L.14.3.1 Factor 1 – Corporate Capabilities and Experience” of the Draft Solicitation, it states that “All projects cited [as corporate experience] can be in support of commercial or public sector”. From our experience supporting contracts of size and scope in the commercial and public sector, we understand that commercial contracts can vary greatly in size compared to public sector contracts. Is the Department of State willing to require a minimum contract value threshold of $25M for commercial contracts to ensure the scope is comparable to that of ILMS? | The government will take this under advisement. | |||
| 23 | Analytics Operations | C.3.3 Capability Area 3: Data Management and Analytics Operations (Capability Area 3.4: Advanced Analytics) | The existing core technologies do not appear to be sufficient for the desired capabilities for AI/ML, optimization, etc. We recommend exploring new technologies to augment ILMS core technologies. If amenable, please specify the restrictions for any new technology introduced, such as FedRAMP requirement. | The existing core technologies do not appear to be sufficient for the desired capabilities for AI/ML, optimization, etc. We recommend exploring new technologies to augment ILMS core technologies. If amenable, please specify the restrictions for any new technology introduced, such as FedRAMP requirement. | The government is continuously modernizing ILMS and introducing new technologies. The only restriction is that technologies not on the Department's approved technology list must go through the Information Technology Change Control Board (ITCCB) review and approval process. If new technologies reside behind the Department of State's firewall on local servers or the already FedRAMP certified Department of State MS Azure instance, FedRAMP is not required. If outside the firewall (such as the ServiceNow Cloud) the technologies must be FedRAMP certified. New technologies must go through the Department's ITCCB approval process which is lengthy. Approval takes a average of 3 months if all of the documentation is in place and the new technology does not require a security assessment. If the new technology requires a security assessment, approval typically takes 6 months or more. |
| 24 | M.10.1 Phase 1 – Mandatory Minimum Requirements | To streamline the acquisition process for government and industry, would the government consider separating the Minimum Mandatory Qualifications from the remainder of the proposal, thus enabling DOS and industry to quickly identify offerors who can submit viable bids? | Yes, the Government will consider the proposed approach. | ||
| 25 | L.14.1.Evaluation Factors for Award; Similar Size, Scope, and Complexity Definitions |
The government will assess cited projects for mandatory minimum requirements and all factors requiring similar size, scope, and complexity experience or past performance using the criteria below:
• A Global End-to-End Logistics and Supply Chain Management project is of similar size, scope, and complexity when three or more of the following project attributes are similar:
Number of ILMS functional areas supported (See C.1.3.2.A)
| The Draft RFP references the Number of ILMS functional areas supported (See C.1.3.2.A). Would the Contracting Office please clarify where Section C.1.3.2.A is located in the Draft RFP? | The reference changed. It will be corrected to show C.2.3.1. |
| 26 | L.14.1.Evaluation Factors for Award; Similar Size, Scope, and Complexity Definitions |
The government will assess cited projects for mandatory minimum requirements and all factors requiring similar size, scope, and complexity experience or past performance using the criteria below:
• A Global End-to-End Logistics and Supply Chain Management project is of similar size, scope, and complexity when three or more of the following project attributes are similar:
Number of ILMS domestic and overseas locations deployed (see C.1.1.1)
| The Draft RFP references the Number of ILMS domestic and overseas locations deployed (see C.1.1.1). Would the Contracting Office please clarify where Section C.1.1.1 is located in the Draft RFP? | The reference changed. It will be corrected to show C.1. |
| 27 | L.14.1.Evaluation Factors for Award; Similar Size, Scope, and Complexity Definitions |
The government will assess cited projects for mandatory minimum requirements and all factors requiring similar size, scope, and complexity experience or past performance using the criteria below:
• A Global End-to-End Logistics and Supply Chain Management project is of similar size, scope, and complexity when three or more of the following project attributes are similar:
Number of ILMS Users (see C.1.2.1)
| The Draft RFP references the Number of ILMS Users (see C.1.2.1). Would the Contracting Office please clarify where Section C.1.2.1 is located in the Draft RFP? | The reference changed. It will be corrected to show 3.2.1. | ||
| 28 | C.2 ILMS Program Overview | Other than the systems outlined in the Draft ILMS RFP, what other existing applications are in place and what level of integration/interaction is required of those applications with ILMS? | The Draft ILMS RFP and the attachments identify all the applications and integration/interaction required. [See Section C.2.3 and Attachments 2 and 3.] |
| 29 | L.14.1 Evaluation Factors for Award | Volume 1 Prime only, with reference to similar “size, scope, and complexity” and Factor 2 indicates understanding of existing operational independencies—The current prime would have the best understanding, so how is the government going to factor this understanding to have a fair procurement? | The Factor 2, Business Scenarios, evaluation factors do not require an understanding of ILMS or the Department of State. Rather they require an understanding of delivering required services within an end-to-end logistics and supply chain functional domain. Unless specified, responses to the business scenarios do not need to be tailored to ILMS specifically. Details to ensure vendor understanding of the types of services, modules, functions, user roles, etc. has been provided. The offeror should use the information provided throughout Section C and within Attachments 2 and 3, to apply their knowledge of similar types of systems/modules and typical supply chain and logistics operational interdependencies to formulate their response. For business scenarios requiring an ILMS specific response, the offeror must user their knowledge of relevant technologies and similar types of systems to formulate their response. Again, the Department provided information under Section C and the attachments will allow for a vendor to understand the types of technology and systems that are relevant. Experience and hands-on knowledge of ILMS is not necessary. For example Business Scenario 4: New System Development, the response requires an overarching understanding of the level of effort and steps required to replace a large, mission critical system with significant integration points to related supply chain systems and a large and culturally diverse user base. |
| 30 | C.3.5 Capability Area 5: Customer Support and Services | What is the number of help desk tickets /cases, what is the average resolution time and what is the current expectation of DoS? | This information is provided in Attachment 4 - ILMS Workload Metrics of the draft RFP. |
| 31 | Most of the documents describe a general level of what each system does but do not go into the operational challenges or risks. What are the imposed repercussions of missing the objectives? | The operational challenges and risks the ILMS program faces are not module of function specific. They are the same as any large, complex, global program faces. Significant challenges are discussed in section C.1 and throughout the RFP. | |
| 32 | Capability Area 1.6.1: Transition-In Management | Can you please provide the name(s) and contract number(s) of existing contract (s)? | ILMS support is currently covered under SAQMMA09A0173, by Accenture Federal Services. |
| 33 | C.2.3, ILMS Today, Page 28 | This paragraph notes that “portions of ILMS exist in the cloud today and a full migration to the cloud is anticipated over the next 3 years.” Please identify the portions of ILMS today that are already in the cloud (and which cloud service providers are used). Also, does DoS intend for those portions to remain in the same cloud services/cloud service providers in the future ILMS? | PeopleSoft and .Net modules and supporting technologies are hosted on the Department of State's Enterprise Microsoft Azure Cloud environment. These modules will remain in this environment. The initial migration to the Azure cloud was a lift and shift and the program will begin to leverage available Azure cloud services as appropriate. ServiceNow modules are hosted on ServiceNow's cloud. Ariba is currently hosted on the Department of State's Microsoft Azure cloud environment. However, the program will be migrating our SAP Ariba On-Premise solution to an SAP Ariba On-Demand software as a service hosted on SAP Ariba's cloud environment. |
| 34 | Solicitation B-M Draft, C.1 Integrated Logistics Management System (ILMS) program Objectives | The solicitation states “This IDIQ may be used as deemed necessary for other DOS programs requiring similar capabilities.” Can the government provide a summary of the programs and services where the incumbent has provided similar support across State through this vehicle? | In addition to the Office of Logistics Management (A/LM), under this contract the Overseas Building Operations (OBO) and Diplomatic Security (DS) have been identified for support. Other offices in the future may be identified. |
| 35 | Solicitation B-M Draft, C.2.3.5 Technical Functions, Hardware, and Languages | “Please note, myServices and Federal Assistance are unique ServiceNow instances that integrate with ILMS core technologies as needed.” Based on this statement, it reads as if these functions may not be included with ILMS in the future. Are Federal Assistance and myServices splitting from ILMS and moving to CGFS? | No. This statement is intended to provide information on the ServiceNow architecture. The decision to host Federal Assistance in a separate instance was purely to avoid system performance issues that would be encountered if myServices and SAMS were hosted in the same instance. SAMS, myServices, ILMS, and Secure ILMS are all part of the ILMS integrated suite. |
| 36 | Attachment 6, ILMS Labor Category Descriptions | The labor categories provided map closely to the incumbent’s GSA schedule. For instance, Attachment 6 requests Business Integration Analysts 1-4, Business Integration Consultants 1-4, Business Integration Manager 1-4, and Business Integration Senior Manager 1-3. Accenture’s current GSA schedule has a Business Functions Analyst 1-4, Business Functions Consultants 1-4, Business Functions Manager 1-4, and Business Functions Senior Manager 1-3. Is the government considering revising these labor categories to open the playing field for competition? | The Government is evaluating the labor categories based on feedback and will consider modifying the categories used. |
| 37 | L.14.2.2 Additional Company Requirements | We believe L.14.2.2 (p. 127) is referred to as "L.14.2.1.3" on p. 125 and 163 in the document. Please advise. | You are correct page 125 and page 163 incorrectly L.14.2.1.3. Both pages should reference L.14.2.2. The solicitation will be updated with the corrected reference. |
| 38 | L.14.3.1 Factor 1: Corporate Capabilities and Experience | The instructions reference "Section C.1.1" and there is no Section C.1.1. Please advise. | The reference should be C.1. The solicitation will be updated with the corrected reference. |
| 39 | L.14.3.3.1 IDIQ Management Plan Subfactor 1: Management Approach | The instructions state, "In the appendix, the offeror shall provide evidence of the following section H requirements." Please confirm that CMMI certification is the only requirement. | Within the posted draft RFP, the evidence is specific to the CMMI certification. |
| 40 | L.14.3.3.3 IDIQ Management Plan Subfactor 3: Earned Value Management System (EVMS) & H.23 Earned Value Management System (EVMS) | H.23 states that a contractor shall use an EVMS “Consistent With” the ANSI/EIA-748 guidelines. L.14.3.3.3 states that a contractor shall “identify whether their EVMS has been certified”. It is our understanding that only the government can review and certify a contractor’s EVMS, and that certifications are initiated and prioritized by the government. Please confirm that per H.23, an Offeror would meet the Section L requirement if 1) its EVMS is certified or 2) the Offeror has designed its EVMS to be compliant, applies that EVMS to the contract, and presents an EVM Compliance Plan to achieve compliance that is satisfactory to DoS. | The Department confirms the above statement. A vendor is not required to be certified at the time of their proposal submission. The Section L language requires that a vendor identify if they have been certified. |
| 41 | L.14.3.4 Factor 4: IDIQ Technical Approaches | The bulleted list shows "Technology Management" as Subfactor 3 and is missing "Customer Support and Services." Our interpretation is that both "Technology Management" and "Customer Support and Services" should be defined in L.14.3.4 and content is missing. Please advise. | You are correct. The Government will add that section into the solicitation as a 4th subfactor. |
| 42 | L.14.3.4.3 IDIQ Technical Approaches Subfactor 3: Customer Support and Services | The table in this section appears to be missing a row for Service Area 5.1. Please advise. | You are correct. The Government will add that row to the Customer Support and Services subfactor. |
| 43 | L.14.3.6 Factor 6: Past Performance | Instructions state, "Attachment E character limitations are identified within Attachment E." However, no character limitations are identified in Attachment E. Will the Government please specify a page (and/or character) limit for Attachment E? | You are correct. The Government will identify the character limitations. |
| 44 | L.14.4.2 Factor 8: Business Management Plan, Section B | Offerors are instructed to provide a current statement of financial condition, certified by a third party, that includes copies of our Income (profit-loss) statement, Balance Sheet and Cash Flow Statement. Will the Government please confirm that a copy of the Offeror’s SEC Form 10-K (Annual Report) would satisfy this requirement? | This would be satisfactory only if the SEC 10-K includes all information that would be contained in the specified financial documents. |
| 45 | Does the Department of State intend to issue this solicitation through a contract vehicle? If so, which one? | No. This is a stand-alone RFP and will result in award of a stand-alone IDIQ contract. | |
| 46 | Is the Department of State willing to accept commercial qualifications to enable best practice integration from leading global sources of similar size, scope, and complexity? | The mandatory minimum requirements and corporate capability needs are clearly defined in section L. Public sector experience is not a requirement. However, there are some functional domains that would benefit from public sector experience. For example, federal procurement is vastly different from commercial procurement as the systems must support federal regulatory requirements. | |
| 47 | Attachment J, Qualifications | The draft RFP calls for 9 Key Personnel. The incumbent contractor has a distinct advantage in providing the expertise for these KP positions, given that their KPs are staffing the program today. We recommend the government reduce the number of KPs to include the PM and the Architect to better enable competition by industry. | The government will reduce the number of key personnel from nine to three. |
| 48 | C.1 Integrated Logistics Management System (ILMS) Program Objectives | The global change management services appear highly specialized in nature and best fulfilled by a firm that specializes in change management, talent development, and organizational effectiveness. Would the government consider breaking these services off from the main ILMS contract to better enable the high-quality specialized services ILMS users worldwide need? | Prior to developing the draft solicitation, the government conducted a study to assess advantages, disadvantages, and risks associated with various contracting structures. As a result of this study, the government determined a single award IDIQ is in the best interest of the Department of State. |
| 49 | Solicitation B-M Draft, C.2.2 ILMS 2030 | Given the current technical architecture, it will be difficult to achieve the vision for ILMS 2030. Is the government receptive to moving to a different, more modern platform? | The Department is continuously modernizing the ILMS Integrated Suite and has already made progress on the 2030 vision through the implementation of advanced analytics, mobile apps and mobility features, and planned modernization of the Ariba procurement platform. The migration of large platforms, such as PeopleSoft, must be incremental in nature and dependent on the availability of funding. |
| 50 | Attachment J, Qualifications | Given that the use of PeopleSoft Supply Chain and Ariba Procurement together is relatively uncommon, it will be difficult for a non-incumbent bidder to meet this requirement. Will the government consider relaxing these requirements? | The Program Manager position does not require knowledge of specific technologies. The functional subject matter expert positions do not require knowledge of specific technologies, rather expertise in a specific supply chain domain. The Cyber Security Specialist requires readily accessible skills. The Technical Infrastructure and Architecture Lead is the only position that requires knowledge of ILMS supporting technologies. That role is not required to have knowledge of every single ILMS supporting technology. The proposed individual's qualifications should demonstrate a breadth and depth of technical skills and experience supporting highly complex, integrated technical architectures with specific experience with many of the ILMS supporting technologies. |
| 51 | Solicitation B-M Draft, C.2.1 ILMS Background, Page 24, 2nd paragraph | Please provide list of planned development, modernization, and enhancement initiatives will allow the Department to achieve an additional $1 billion in benefits by 2025. | Those benefits are derived for existing modernizations already deployed or in the process of being deployed. Many benefits, such as elimination of a legacy system, produce benefits year after year. |
| 52 | 2030 ILMS Vision | In the next 10 years, does the Bureau of Administration/ILMS program plan on adopting a cloud strategy to assist with accessibility and performance? If so, can the Government share details of this plan? | ILMS is already hosted in a cloud environment. The Ariba On-Premise component currently resides on the Department's MS Azure instance, but will be migrating the SAP Ariba cloud in the next several years. See response to question #42 about the utilization of cloud services. |
| 53 | Would the Government consider implementing a performance-based metric to encourage Offerors to provide a solution that reduces latency of status, tracking, and reporting from current metrics today? | The government will take this under advisement. | |
| 54 | What is the Impact Level and Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program (FedRAMP) requirements of ILMS and relevant systems? | The ILMS Impact level is Moderate. | |
| 55 | What artificial intelligence (AI)/ML, robotic process engineering, next generation warehousing, and other innovative solutions is the ILMS program implementing? Have vendors been identified for these solutions? | For customer service desk automation, we are using Google Chatbot. For RPA we are using UIPath and implementing several solutions in the procure to pay functional area. The primary product used to develop analytics dashboards is MicroStrategy, and for advanced analytics we use various AI products. These include Wordsmith and Automated Insights for Natural Language Generation. For machine learning we use Python and R. | |
| 56 | Would the Bureau of Administration/ILMS program consider licenses cost optimization via system migrations? | The migration of the Azure Cloud ILMS initiative will be complete by the time this contract is awarded. | |
| 57 | Would the government consider holding an interactive industry day event to answer questions? | Yes, the Government is now planning on holding a second industry day. | |
| 58 | Although the RFQ specifies a two-step award it requires bidders to submit entire proposal prior to phase 1 down select requiring a significant investment for non-incumbent bidders. | The Government is planning to employ a two-step solicitation process that does not require the vendors to respond to the full RFP if they do not meet the mandatory minimum requirements. The revised RFP will be updated to speak to this change. |
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