QA doc_Final.pdf

Question

Section Reference

Question Answer Change to

RFQ?

1 All references to Vendor IT Symposiums

Per the requirements within the RFQ/Requirements Matrix for access to vendor IT symposiums per license, per year, can the OCC please modify this requirement due to global pandemic travel and conference gathering restrictions (as outlined by the CDC)? Can this requirement please be modified to be an optional service as opposed to mandatory due to the uncertain nature of conference or “symposium” type gatherings? Or can the OCC modify this requirement to be provided and available when appropriate per CDC and pandemic restriction guidelines?

The RFQ has been amended to clarify that virtual venues are acceptable, but this remains a minimum requirement.

Yes. Virtual venues are allowable format.

2 Price Schedule Are vendors able to provide alternative and additional pricing and product options on top of the required tables within the price schedule? We will be sure to provide pricing as required within the Price Schedule document but want to be able to provide alternative or additional options as well.

No. Vendors should provide their best pricing for the respective tiers and requirements via the price schedule.

No.

3 RFQ Page 6, section 4.2.1.

RTM section 3a

Per the requirements within the RFQ/Requirements Matrix for access to unlimited inquires (defined as one-on-one phone call/conference call for up to 30 minutes in duration each), would it be beneficial to the OCC to have this service offered in the same way as described but for 60 minutes in duration to allow for more detailed collaboration, advice and support?

The RFQ and Requirements Matrix represent OCC’s minimum requirements. If the vendor’s proposed solution exceeds these requirements, it can be stated in the “Description of how requirement is met” section of the Requirements Matrix. However, all quotes that meet the minimum requirements are evaluated as meeting technical specifications.

No.

4 RFQ Page 6, section 4.2.1.

RTM section 4

Per the requirements within the RFQ/Requirements Matrix for access to document reviews for IT documents up to 20 pages in length as described…, would it be beneficial for the OCC to have this service offered with

See answer to question #3. No.

no cap on the number of contractual pages to be reviewed to allow for deeper analysis and direction in terms of contractual savings and compliance efforts?

5 RFQ Page 4, section 4.1.1.

RTM sections 4b and 4c.

Per the requirements within the RFQ/Requirements Matrix for access to a Peer Directory – access to searchable directory of CIO’s/senior technology leaders and Online Forums – access to virtual discussions of common issues with peers, could vendors propose this service via directed peer networking though their advisor and dedicated counselor support to better align peers to those members of the OCC wishing to connect as opposed to self-service online forums and a directory which may be difficult to navigate and difficult to align properly based on the scope and requirement needed?

Yes, this service can be provided via peer networking.

Yes. Peer networking OR Peer Directory

6 All references to Workshops

Per the requirements within the RFQ/Requirements Matrix for access to Workshops, described as one (1) half-day session, each or two (2) half-day or one (1) full day sessions, would it be beneficial to have these workshops be made available to the OCC via five (5) full day engagements to provide more detailed and practical and tactical support, advice, and direction specific to a technology topic or project/initiative of the OCC’s choosing?

See answer to question #3. No.

7 N/A Would it be beneficial to the OCC for Vendor’s to provide research only access memberships in addition to the required/requested licenses outlined within the pricing schedule? This research only memberships would allow for more collaboration and involvement for the technology staff at the OCC and could be provided within a team solution of services/included within vendor’s proposed membership offerings.

Vendors may choose to customize their packages in a way they feel best meets OCC’s stated requirements. However, the price schedule remains unchanged and the vendor’s quoted package must be priced in the appropriate tiers and quantities shown in the pricing schedule.

No.

8 N/A Is there an incumbent contractor currently performing these services, if similar services have been performed in the past, or is this a new requirement?

Yes, similar services to this RFQ are currently provided by InfoTech Research Group, Inc.

No.

9 N/A If this is a follow-on requirement, could OCC please provide the previous contract or task order number?

The previous contract number is

TCC16HQP0121.

No.

10 RFQ Page 2, section 2.0

Is there an incumbent contractor currently providing these services? If yes, please provide us with any contract details.

See answers to questions #8 and #9.

No.

11 RFQ Page 2, section 2.0

Can the Government please confirm that it requires the ability to change users at no additional cost during the life of the engagement?

Yes. The Government requires the ability to change users, if a user leaves the agency or a new person fills the position intended for the license.

Yes. Section

4.0 includes the requirement to change users.

12 RFQ Page 4, section 4.0

Can the Government confirm that, in addition to the Executive Partner and Client Service Manager, that it requires a third engagement team member dedicated to driving engagement and content use?

No, a third engagement team member is not a minimum requirement. Also, see answer to question #3.

No.

13 RFQ Page 4, section 4.0

The Government has stated that it requires access to Analysts. To ensure that it will be able to get access in a timely manner, does the Government require that offerors demonstrate an Analyst to client ratio of 5:1 or less to ensure that the Government can interact with SMEs as much as needed?

The Government does not dictate a vendor’s ratio of available Analysts.

It is incumbent on the vendor to describe how it meets the OCC’s stated minimum requirements via the Requirements Matrix.

No.

14 RFQ Page 4, section 4.0

As change can be iterative, does the Government require that offerors allow for multiple interactions with the same SME during the engagement? For example, multiple inquiries with a specific Analyst as the Government works to overcome a specific challenge.

The OCC’s requirement is to have unlimited access to analysts. This is defined as not being limited to topic either.

No.

15 RFQ Page 4, section 4.0

Does the Government require that offerors demonstrate a commitment to transparency in the benchmark studies? For example, does OCC require the research methodologies, documents with scores, weightings, and raw data of the benchmarking studies?

No, the OCC does not require the described data or information that forms the basis of benchmarking studies. Also, see answer to question #3.

16 RFQ Page 4, section 4.0

Can the Government please confirm that it requires offerors to allow for a total of seven (7) half day (28 hours) of workshop time? Three (3) of these must be included in the license and then four (4) can be purchased as a la carte?

The OCC requires:

Six (6) licenses with one half-day workshop (4 hours each), and one additional requirement (CIO license) for two half-day or one full day workshop (8 hours total) = 32 hours).

Option CLINs for additional half day (4 hour) workshops a la carte (up to 4 total workshops of 4 hours each = 16 optional hours of workshop).

Each period of performance includes up to 68 hours of workshops.

No.

17 RFQ Page 4, section 4.0

Can the Government please confirm that it requires the ability to combine half day sessions to create full-day and/or multi-day sessions?

The OCC requires 8 hours of content to be delivered by the vendor during a full-day workshop(s). How those hours are divided are to be determined by the licensee as advised by the contractor based on topic an availability. Half day sessions are defined as 4 hours of content delivery and full day sessions are defined as 8 hours of content delivery.

Yes.

Definition of sessions to include # of hours

18 RFQ Page 4, section 4.0

Can the Government please confirm that half day sessions must be conducted by either offeror Analysts and/or the proposed Executive Partner?

Workshops will be conducted by persons the Contractor and OCC agree are the best suited to present the topic.

No.

19 Page 5, Section 4.1.2

Can the Government please confirm that offerors must offer unlimited and unmetered Analyst Inquiry?

Yes. The OCC’s requirement is to have unlimited access to Analysts.

20 Page 5, Section 4.1.2

Historically, how often has the CIO/CDO engaged with the Executive Partner? For example, do they have monthly meetings or just quarterly strategy sessions?

Historically, the frequency varies but is not more often than monthly.

No.

21 Page 5, Section 4.1.2

Does the Government require the ability for non-license holders to be able to join Analyst Inquiries to drive consensus?

Analyst Inquiries as described in Section 4.2.1 are for license holders only. Non-license holders may join workshops if invited by licensee (section 4.1.2).

No.

22 Page 5, Section 4.1.2

Can the Government please confirm that all Analysts must be Full-time employees of the offeror?

Analysts must be full-time employees of the Offeror.

No.

23 Page 4, Section 4.1.1

Can the Government please confirm that a searchable directory that is used by a dedicated success manager to facilitate peer connections would be acceptable?

The OCC requires access to a searchable directory. Description of how that directory is used or by whom can be included in the Requirements Matrix but must as least meet minimum requirements.