Commercial_e-Marketplace_Acquisition_-_Questions_and_Answers_-_25_October_2019.xlsx
XLSX spreadsheet 30 KB Posted
- Attached to
- Commercial e-Marketplace Acquisition
- Solicitation number
- 47QSCC20R0001
- Issued by
-
GSA Federal Acquisition Service
About this file
Please see the attached questions and answers.
View the file
Other files
Show all 22
On GovTribe
Work with this file
- Download the original file
- Contacts named in this file
- Similar government files
- Ask GovTribe AI about this file
Text version
Questions and Answers
| *More Answers will be forthcoming next week to Questions that have not yet received a response | |||||
| RFP Section Number | RFP Section Topic | RFP Page Number | Question | Response | |
| Attachment 4 | Prospective Offeror Requirements | Attachment 4 | Is it a requirement that the prospective offeror currently operate an e-commerce site or can it be developed as part of the performance of the grant? | Yes, prospective offerors must have a functioning e-marketplace platform with B2B capabilities that can meet the requirements identified in Attachment 3 and Attachment 4 of the solicitation package. GSA is not seeking development services to build a new platform as that is not permissible under the authority granted under the Section 846 legislation. | Note: This question was previously uploaded to FBO on 10/8/2019 |
| E.3.5.1. g. General Instructions | General Instructions | 22 | Could you outline the process for answering questions? What cadence will they be answered in, i.e. weekly during the period leading up to the deadline? Or will they be answered in aggregate after the questions are due on October 15th? | Questions between Oct 1 - Oct 4: |
Responses posted by Oct 8
Questions between Oct 7 - 11:
Responses posted by Oct 15
Questions between Oct 11-15 Responses posted by Oct 23rd*
| *Dependent on volume of questions | Note: This question was previously uploaded to FBO on 10/8/2019 | |||||
| E.3.5.2.1 | Volume 1 - Contract Data | 23-24 | Can Government please confirm their acceptance of the Table of Contents for each volume to additionally contain a List of Figures, List of Tables, and List of Acronyms & Abbreviations to ease navigation and evaluator understanding? And that all these items do not count against any page limitations. | The table of contents for each volume may include this information. The table of contents does not count against the volume page limitation. | Note: This question was previously uploaded to FBO on 10/16/2019 | |
| E.3.5.2.1 | Volume 1 - Contract Data | 23-24 | Will Government accept inclusion of a Transmittal Letter before Tab 1 of Volume 1 so bid validity period and other contractual affirmations can be made by Offerors? | Tab 1 of Volume 1 calls for a cover page to the proposal. This information may be included in the cover page. | Note: This question was previously uploaded to FBO on 10/16/2019 | |
| E.3.5.3.1 | Volume 3 - Phase II Technical Proposal | 26 | Can Government please confirm that the 13-page limit for the PWS be limited to only those sections identified in the RFP? Since a FAR 32.602-compliant PWS is intended to be a separable, stand-alone document, which will be incorporated into the contract, all other needed pages (e.g. Cover page, Revision History, Table of Contents, Part 1 - General, Part 2 - Definitions, Part 3 - Government & Contractor Furnished Items & Services), and other non-directed sections required for document completeness be excluded from the RFP's stated page limit. If not, will Government stipulate that these items may be added prior to inclusion into any resulting contract? | The PWS requirements for this solicitation are outlined as indicated in section 3.5.3.1 of the solicitation. Please see Amendment 1 for updated information on this section. | Note: This question was previously uploaded to FBO on 10/16/2019 | |
| E.3.5.3.1 | Volume 3 - Phase II Technical Proposal | 26 | Since PWS is expected to be included in any resulting contract, may Offerors submit it as a separate document that is an Attachment to Volume 3? | As mentioned above, the PWS requirements are outlined in section 3.5.3.1 of the solicitation. Offerors shall not submit a separate PWS as an attachment to Volume 3. | Note: This question was previously uploaded to FBO on 10/16/2019 | |
| E.3.5.3.1 | Volume 3 – Phase II Technical Proposal | 26 | Can the Government please clarify and/or provide additional information on how Offerors are to respond to SOO Sections 4.A and other SOO requirements not included in Table under heading Factor 3 - Performance Work Statement; so that "… the PWS demonstrates an overall understanding of the Government’s objectives..." can be achieved as required in Para. E.3.6.2. | In accordance with section 3.5.3.1 of the solicitation, the PWS shall specifically address and describe the offeror’s plan and approach for meeting the Government’s requirements in the focus areas, as outlined in the noted sections of the Statement of Objectives, within the page limitations specified in the chart. |
| The offeror is not limited to the focus areas but they must be addressed, in addition to the quality assurance process as described below the chart. The overall page limitation for the PWS has been increased to 14 pages (see Amendment 1). However, the page limitation for the items in the chart has not changed. | Note: This question was previously uploaded to FBO on 10/16/2019 | |||||
| Attachment 1 | Click-Through Text | 1 | There can be multiple steps in completing a purchase. Please specify at what point GSA wants the click-through text to occur. What is the GSA's definition of 'the conclusion of a purchase'? Is it before an item is added to the cart, or before Government Purchase Card information is submitted, or is it before order placement/checkout? | Prior to order placement is requested. | Note: This question was previously uploaded to FBO on 10/16/2019 | |
| Attachment 2 | Communication of e-Marketplace Acquisition Initiative | 1 | How is the e-Marketplace Acquisition initiative going to be published and communicated among participating government buyers, and how are buyers going to be notified/trained to use the awarded e-marketplaces? Please provide any specific GSA plans to drive agency adoption to ensure sufficient engagement for mutual evaluation of the pilot. | GSA is working with multiple agencies who have expressed interest in participating in the proof of concept. GSA intends to have agency buyers prepared to purchase from the platforms and outreach activities with interested agencies are currently underway. Beyond these structured interactions, GSA will also allow more ad-hoc buying from interested buyers. | Note: This question was previously uploaded to FBO on 10/16/2019 | |
| Attachment 3, section 3 | Scope | 2-3 | With the initial proof of concept starting small, is there a way to quantify 'small' so we can determine an estimated value of the pilot? The 2018 FY spend is estimated at $260M, how long until that number is reached with the pilot? How long until the full $6B addressable market is reached? | Adoption is often gradual with new initiatives and the Government is unable to predict how quickly agencies may adopt use of the marketplaces and how much of their spend might go through them. | Note: This question was previously uploaded to FBO on 10/16/2019 | |
| Attachment 3, section 4.C | Data Capabilities | 12 | Offeror accepts that Government owns the transactional data the Commercial E-Marketplace platform generates with each query and/or subsequent purpose. For the purpose of clarification, can the government please specify exactly what data it expects to own and its preferred method of transfer? Since all data on e-commerce sites is protected by law, platform providers are legally bound to not destroy or delete the data. We must therefore maintain all data for the requisite period but are open to providing agreed-upon data to government electronically, once all parties understand and agree. | Please see section 4.C.II of Attachment 3 for the specific extracts the Government seeks on a recurring basis. The ideal method of transfer is via API, however GSA is willing to working with the awardees on this process. | Note: This question was previously uploaded to FBO on 10/16/2019 | |
| Attachment 3, Section 4.C.ii | Data Extracts | 12-13 | Please confirm that the “Vendor Data” items contained in the table is this section is the specific Seller/Vendor from which any item(s) was ordered through the E-Marketplace instance. | The "Vendor Data" is intended to be the supplier who fulfilled the order. This could be either the vendor's name as a 3rd party supplier or the portal provider's name in the case of a 1st party sale. | Note: This question was previously uploaded to FBO on 10/16/2019 | |
| Attachment 3, Section 4.C.v | Data Security and Protections - Restrictions on Contractor's Use of Data | 14-15 | Please provide any Data Item Description (DID) or other written guidance needed to ensure Offerors provide a data restriction plan that meets government expectations. | The contractor shall provide their approach to complying with the data restrictions identified in Section 838 of the FY19 NDAA. | Note: This question was previously uploaded to FBO on 10/16/2019 | |
| Attachment 4 | Business-to-business capabilities | 1 | Please clarify/define "preferred-pricing practices" and provide examples other than volume discounts? For example, is every day low pricing (discounted from B2C pricing) considered acceptable? | The Government seeks to understand what additional price-related benefits are available. Everyday low pricing (as discounted from the B2C pricing) is a valid example. | Note: This question was previously uploaded to FBO on 10/16/2019 | |
| Attachment 4 | Conduct the check-out process within the platform | 1 | Please clarify if this refers to front-end only, or back-end too? For example, is using a 3rd party checkout service okay as long as user experience on the front-end is seamless? | This refers to the front-end only, e.g. the check-out process that is viewable to the buyer. | Note: This question was previously uploaded to FBO on 10/16/2019 | |
| Section C.5 | Contract Award Date | 13 | Reference Para. C.5, pp. 13 of RFP, please provide estimated Contract Award date. This will assist commercial Offerors in understanding the lead time to launch this platform. Also, please provide your anticipated dates for LTD activities? | GSA cannot provide an estimated timeframe on the contract award date. GSA needs to allow time for the evaluation during Phase I before notices can be sent to offerors that they have moved to Phase II. For offerors that progress from Phase I to Phase II, it is anticipated that LTDs will be held in December. | Note: This question was previously uploaded to FBO on 10/16/2019 | |
| Attachment 3, Section 4.B.iv | AbilityOne and 'Essentially the Same' Items | 9 | On the Mandatory Use language, is it the Government’s intent for this to be a “block and ship” capability? | The Government is seeking to understand the offeror's approach to complying with the Mandatory Sources in Section 4.B.iv, which may include capabilities such as 'block and subtitute'. | Note: This question was previously uploaded to FBO on 10/16/2019 | |
| Attachment 3, Section 4.B.iv | AbilityOne and ‘Essentially the Same’ Items | 9 | Since AbilityOne requires an authorized distribution approval, is the ability to promote/offer or search and filter AbilityOne products on the E-Marketing site required upon Contract Award (i.e. first day of the Base period of performance) or is it a goal to achieve this capability within the base period? It is understood that Offeror’s must demonstrate the “blocking” and “Essentially the Same” capabilities at LTD. | The Government acknowledges that AbilityOne distributors need to participate on the platforms in order to display (and promote) them on the platform. Offerors should outline their strategy for bringing on AbilityOne distributors, as well as how they intend to comply with the requirements under section 4.B.iv. within 120 days of the start of the period of performance under this contract. | Note: This question was previously uploaded to FBO on 10/16/2019 | |
| 1 | How many pages would you like our proposal to be composed of , including photographs and graphs ? | The Government has outlined the total page limit requirements under each Phase. Please review the requirements for Phase I, Contract Data in Section 3.5.2. | ||||
| Attachment 3 - SOO | S3 | 2 | It was indicated that "GSA seeks to award multiple contracts to providers of e-marketplace platforms that offer a wide range of general products and routine commercial items found on today’s commercial e- marketplace platforms." - is this RFP to award contracts to existing marketplace operators with READY marketplaces furnished with product listings relevant to COTS items, OR can it be the creation and launch of a new marketplace to enlist and onboard approved suppliers with COTS items? | Prospective offerors must detail how they intend to comply with the requirements under section 4.B.iv. within 120 days of the start of the period of performance under this contract. Prospective offerors must have a functioning commercial e-marketplace platform with B2B capabilities that can meet the requirements identified in the solicitation package. GSA is not seeking development services to build a new platform as that is not permissible under the authority granted under the Section 846 legislation. | ||
| E.3.5.2.2 Volume 2 – Phase I Technical Proposal | Commercial RFP | 25 | The RFP described that the offerors shall provide a clear, concise, and complete written narrative that describes how the proposed e-marketplace platform meets all of the B2B e-marketplace requirements listed in Attachment 4 to the solicitation - Will we be disqualify or "failed" if some of the described requirements need to be newly built/added to the marketplace platform and is currently not an out-of-the-box feature or functionality? | Prospective offerors must detail how they intend to comply with the requirements under section 4.B.iv. within 120 days of the start of the period of performance under this contract. Prospective offerors must have a functioning commercial e-marketplace platform with B2B capabilities that can meet the requirements identified in the solicitation package. GSA is not seeking development services to build a new platform as that is not permissible under the authority granted under the Section 846 legislation. | ||
| E.3.5.2.2 Volume 2 – Phase I Technical Proposal | Commercial RFP | 26 | Under Factor 2 - Prior Experience, RFP stated that the offeror shall provide a written narrative describing its prior experience in managing and operating a B2B e-marketplace platform and serving B2B customers. If we are a marketplace platform builder (usually contracted by businesses and customers to design and build a marketplace) and not an operator (e.g. Amazon Business), do we qualify to submit for this RFP? Is marketplace operations a critical requirement? | Prospective offerors must detail how they intend to comply with the requirements under section 4.B.iv. within 120 days of the start of the period of performance under this contract. Prospective offerors must have a functioning commercial e-marketplace platform with B2B capabilities that can meet the requirements identified in the solicitation package. GSA is not seeking development services to build a new platform as that is not permissible under the authority granted under the Section 846 legislation. | ||
| E.3.5.3 INSTRUCTIONS FOR PHASE II | Commercial RFP Document | 26 | For the Live Test Demonstration, can parties from other countries be called in over a video-conferencing tool to support the demo in Washington D.C? | All Live Test Demonstrations (LTDs) will be held in person at GSA headquarters as indicated in the solicitation. However, if a member of the LTD presentation team (who does not play a lead role) must be virtual, details may be coordinated with the Contracting Officer prior to the scheduled LTD date. | ||
| Section 4.A.x Customer Service: | Attachment 3 - Statement of Objectives | 7 | Does the customer service capabilities include managing email marketing, responding to emails (within e-marketplace), built-in chat (within e-marketplace), hotline or call centre (outside of e-marketplace)? Any others? | The customer service capabilities of the prospective offeror should align with what is currently being offered in the commercial market. No additional customer service capabilities are being requested specific to government purchases. | ||
| Section 4.B.ii Supply Chain Risk Management and 3rd Party Supplier Management: | Attachment 3 - Statement of Objectives | 8 | Can we work with select third-party providers or partners to perform and deliver vendor vetting and onboarding? For order fulfilment, do we need to show in-house logistics capabilities or can we partner and integrate a logistics partner for order fulfilment? What is the expectations of vendor vetting (e.g., review vendor documents for approval, audit) and onboarding, and order fulfilment by GSA? | The capabilities offered should align with what is currently being offered in the commercial market with respect to vendor vetting, onboarding, and logistics capabilities. Prospective offerors must have a functioning commercial e-marketplace platform with B2B capabilities that can meet the requirements identified in the solicitation package. GSA is not seeking development services to build a new platform as that is not permissible under the authority granted under the Section 846 legislation. | ||
| Attachment 4 - e-marketplace Requirements | B2B Capabilities | 1 | What does GSA mean by “Management of buyer accounts within a hierarchy” in #4 E-Marketplace Requirements? What is the hierarchy? Please elaborate or point to the sections in Attachment 3 for clarity. | Attachment 3 "Statement of Objectives", Section 4.A.ii "account management" discusses account hierarchy. | ||
| RFP E.3.5.2.2 Volume 2 | Phase I Technical Proposal Factor 2 – Prior Experience | 25 | Can respondents include links to publicly available case studies and customer testimonials so that full content of these publications will not count towards the three page limit in the Factor 2 section of the Phase I Technical Proposal? | GSA will only look at information in the prospective offeror's proposal. GSA will not click on links to review case studies or customer testimonials. | ||
| RFP E.3.5.3.1 Volume 3 | Phase II Technical Proposal Factor 3 - Performance Work Statement | 27 | Since the Performance Work Statement will be incorporated into the contract, does that mean any capability mentioned in that statement must be available at the time the pilot begins? Or can the offeror flag capabilities that will be specifically built as a result of this contract award, and therefore might have a longer lead time? | Prospective offerors must detail how they intend to comply with the requirements under section 4.B.iv. within 120 days of the start of the period of performance under this contract. Prospective offerors must have a functioning commercial e-marketplace platform with B2B capabilities that can meet the requirements identified in the solicitation package. GSA is not seeking development services to build a new platform as that is not permissible under the authority granted under the Section 846 legislation. | ||
| Request for Proposal | C.9 Cybersecurity Compliance | 14 | Can the Government please provide clarity on the security requirements for the Commercial e-marketplace. Is securing to FISMA Moderate standards sufficient? Will GSA sponsor and oversee an ATO or is the intent for the provider to pursue its own independent assessment and audits? | Since e-marketplace portals are based on commercial standards and are not being connected to government networks, an Authorization to Operate (ATO) is not required. Please refer to section C.9 "Cybersecurity Compliance" to understand the security requirements for this solicitation. | ||
| Attachment 2 - Statement of Objectives | 3) Scope | 1 | Per Attachment 2, the Statement of Objectives, the Government asks for “contractor(s) to provide Federal buyers access to….a commercial e-marketplace platform.” We understand that GSA is seeking bids from proven multi-vendor teams (including marketplace platform owner(s), configuration and enhancements, customer support, etc.) who jointly meet or exceed the RFP requirements. Can GSA confirm this is the government’s intent? | Prospective offerors must detail how they intend to comply with the requirements under section 4.B.iv. within 120 days of the start of the period of performance under this contract. Prospective offerors must have a functioning commercial e-marketplace platform with B2B capabilities that can meet the requirements identified in the solicitation package. GSA is not seeking development services to build a new platform as that is not permissible under the authority granted under the Section 846 legislation. | ||
| Attachment 5 LTD Questions | 1 | 1 | For the capabilities that will be custom built as a result of this contract award, will wireframes/mockups be sufficient to demonstrate the ability to meet the Government’s requirements since those won’t be fully operational electronic capabilities as of the LTD? | Prospective offerors may use wireframes/mockups to demonstrate the ability to meet the contract requirements during the LTD. Prospective offerors must detail how they intend to comply with the requirements under section 4.B.iv. within 120 days of the start of the period of performance under this contract. Prospective offerors must have a functioning commercial e-marketplace platform with B2B capabilities that can meet the requirements identified in the solicitation package. GSA is not seeking development services to build a new platform as that is not permissible under the authority granted under the Section 846 legislation. | ||
| Attachment 2, 1.4 | Mandatory Sources | 2 | If the authorized purchase cardholder is ultimately responsible for ensuring compliance with the mandatory source requirements, then why is it the contractor’s responsibility to block ETS and suppress recommended alternatives? As long as products from these mandatory sources are, as per Attachment 2, 1.4: “identified as such on the e-marketplace platforms,” shouldn’t that be sufficient since “the authorized purchase cardholder is ultimately responsible for ensuring compliance?” | Per the SOO the Government’s implementation of a commercial e-marketplace platform shall ensure compliance with the Federal procurement rules and regulations that apply to all purchases at or below the micro-purchase threshold, while seeking many of the benefits of today’s ecommerce experiences. Under section 4.B.iv, Contractors shall restrict “Essentially the Same” (ETS) items on the Government agency-view within the platform and shall not display ‘Recommended Alternatives”, except where agencies are attempting to purchase ETS, in which case, the Contractor is required to block the sale of ETS and substitute the AbilityOne product using AbilityOne sellers. This can occur either on the commercial e-commerce platform or by sending the buyer to the appropriate source. AbilityOne sellers are not mandated to sell items on the commercial e-marketplace platforms. Additionally, the contractor shall have the ability to remove listings from vendors attempting to sell AbilityOne products but who are not an authorized AbilityOne distributor. | ||
| Attachment 2, 1.4 | Mandatory Sources | 2 | As per Attachment 2, 1.4: “Prior to purchasing through the e-marketplace platforms, authorized purchase cardholders shall comply...” can we assume the purchasers will check GSA advantage or some other source of mandatory sources before purchasing on the e-marketplace platform, so we aren’t required to custom build solutions to force compliance which would not be part of a standard commercial environment? | The Government’s implementation of a commercial e-marketplace platform shall ensure compliance with the Federal procurement rules and regulations that apply to all purchases at or below the micro-purchase threshold. | ||
| Attachment 3, 3 | 2 | 3 | Could GSA expand on the definition of “small”? Are there estimates of agencies and the number of buyers that will initially participate? What are the expectations for scaling across users and agencies? | GSA is working with multiple agencies who have expressed interest in participating in the initial proof of concept. GSA intends to have agency buyers prepared to purchase from the commercial e-marketplace platforms and is currently conducting outreach activities with interested agencies. Beyond these structured engagements, GSA will also allow ad-hoc buying from interested buyers. | ||
| Attachment 3 | 4.A | 3 | Will there be standard guidelines for purchasing hierarchies across agencies, i.e. spending limits? Or will it be determined by the agency itself? How will workflows and approvals apply in cases of single, opt-in users? | Attachment 3 "Statement of Objectives", Section 4.A.ii "account management" discusses account hierarchy. Agencies are responsible for maintaining individual cardholder spending limits. | ||
| Attachment 3 | 4.A(ii) | 3 | Can GSA define who would be ineligible? How does this fit with allowing ad-hoc government buyers to use the platform as described in SOO 3.4.A(ii) Account Management? | Only government users with an approved Government Purchase Card are allowed to make purchases on the commercial e-marketplace platforms. The GSA Ordering Procedures will provide additional guidance on use of the platforms. | ||
| Attachment 3 | 4.B | 7 | Is GSA going to require all AbilityOne sellers to sell on the platform? In the case of no AbilityOne seller/item being available for purchase will the contractor be exempt from blocking ETS for that particular item? | Per the SOO the Government’s implementation of a commercial e-marketplace platform shall ensure compliance with the Federal procurement rules and regulations that apply to all purchases at or below the micro-purchase threshold, while seeking many of the benefits of today’s ecommerce experiences. Under section 4.B.iv, Contractors shall restrict “Essentially the Same” (ETS) items on the Government agency-view within the platform and shall not display ‘Recommended Alternatives”, except where agencies are attempting to purchase ETS, in which case, the Contractor is required to block the sale of ETS and substitute the AbilityOne product using AbilityOne sellers. This can occur either on the commercial e-commerce platform or by sending the buyer to the appropriate source. AbilityOne sellers are not mandated to sell items on the commercial e-marketplace platforms. Additionally, the contractor shall have the ability to remove listings from vendors attempting to sell AbilityOne products but who are not an authorized AbilityOne distributor. | ||
| Attachment 4 and 5 | Response | 22 | In order to ensure we submit a complete response, confirm that the complete required response in Phase 1 includes: | |||
| 1. | Confirmation that all requirements in Attachment 4 can be met. This includes verification of meeting the “Platform Provider Click Through Text” in Attachment 1. | |||||
| 2. | Completed responses to Attachment 5. | |||||
| Please see RFP sections E.3.5.2.1 and E.3.5.2.2 for instructions for Phase I, Volume 1 (Contract Data) and Phase I, Volume 2 (Phase I Technical Proposal). | ||||||
| Attachment 3 | 2 | The third paragraph in page 2 of Attachment 3 states that “the marketplaces should align with and support multiple categories of products as identified by the Category Management Leadership Council and OMB in the government-wide category structure” and continues to reference “10 common spend categories as outlined”. |
Can you direct me to the document listing these 10 common spend categories?
| This information can be found at the following link: https://www.acquisition.gov/content/category-management. | ||||
| Attachment 3 - Statement of Objectives (SOO) | 4) Requirements | 7 | In the section about returns it states "The contractor is responsible for facilitating the returns process on behalf of the suppliers.", can you elaborate on what is expected from the e-Marketplace? Will the contractor be expected to physically handle return of goods, or does this represent making sure orders have access to and can communicate with 3rd party suppliers to make returns? | Unless otherwise notes, prospective offerors should follow their standard commercial order management process for the processing of returns. |
| C.5 | Period of Performance | 13 | What is the anticipated award date? | GSA cannot provide an estimated timeframe on the contract award date. GSA needs to allow time for the Phase I evaluation before notices can be sent to offerors that they have moved to Phase II. For prospective offerors that progress from Phase I to Phase II, it is anticipated that Live Test Demonstrations will be held in December. |
| Attachment 4 | 1 | For Phase 1, does a marketplace need to demonstrate current capabilities or is it possible to submit a proposal to develop future capabilities? | Prospective offerors must detail how they intend to comply with the requirements under section 4.B.iv. within 120 days of the start of the period of performance under this contract. Prospective offerors must have a functioning commercial e-marketplace platform with B2B capabilities that can meet the requirements identified in the solicitation package. GSA is not seeking development services to build a new platform as that is not permissible under the authority granted under the Section 846 legislation. | |
| Attachment 3 | Statement of Objectives | 5 | We off and operate marketplace technology for B2B businesses. Does this RFP require that we be currently operating across all categories currently or just that we are able to do that? | Marketplaces are not required to operate across every category, but the marketplaces should align with and support multiple categories of products as identified by the Category Management Leadership Council and OMB in the government-wide category structure and the matched Product Service Codes (PSCs). The 10 common spend categories represent those categories where a government-wide approach to spend management is beneficial, as opposed to agency or user-driven purchasing. Please see this link for more information on the government-wide category structure: https://www.acquisition.gov/content/category-management. |
| E.3.5.3.1 | 3 | 27 | Since the Performance Work Statement will be incorporated into the contract, does that mean any capability mentioned in that statement must be available at the time the pilot begins? E-Marketplaces routinely augment and update features on a regular basis and it would be helpful for GSA to have an understanding of features currently in development. | Prospective offerors must detail how they intend to comply with the requirements under section 4.B.iv. within 120 days of the start of the period of performance under this contract. Prospective offerors must have a functioning commercial e-marketplace platform with B2B capabilities that can meet the requirements identified in the solicitation package. GSA is not seeking development services to build a new platform as that is not permissible under the authority granted under the Section 846 legislation. |
| SOO § 4.B.ix; RFP Attach. 1 | Click-Through Text | SOO at 11; RFP Attach. 1 | Instead of having the RFP Attachment 1 Platform Provider Click-Through Text appear “immediately preceding the conclusion of a purchase,” would GSA consider placing the Click-Through Text on a checkout page without a click button and with a pre-amble stating “By clicking Purchase you agree to [text in Attachment A]”? | The commercial e-marketplace platform must meet the following requirement as stated in the solicitation, "The following text will be provided by the contractor on the platform screen immediately preceding the conclusion of a purchase (see relevant Section 4(B)(ix))." Per the solicitation (Section C(3)), "The contractor will ensure that the text of Attachment 1 is included in the platform screen immediately preceding the conclusion of a purchase through a “click-accept” or “pop-up” or another appropriate mechanism requiring an affirmative response, and that such text is included in the audit trail for each purchase." |
| SOO | SOO (all) | all | Would GSA be open to features being added over the course of the Pilot to meet or refine the requirements outlined in the SOO? | Prospective offerors must detail how they intend to comply with the requirements under section 4.B.iv. within 120 days of the start of the period of performance under this contract. Prospective offerors must have a functioning commercial e-marketplace platform with B2B capabilities that can meet the requirements identified in the solicitation package. GSA is not seeking development services to build a new platform as that is not permissible under the authority granted under the Section 846 legislation. |
| SOO § 4.D.v | Other Business-to-Business Terms | SOO at 16 | The SOO states that “the contractor shall provide GSA with all services associated with their B2B platform,” “include[ing] any benefits related to expedited shipping and handling or B2B pricing.” Will this apply to all Government users or only GSA personnel? | GSA is awarding this contract on behalf of all federal agencies. Any services provided to GSA are also expected to be offered to any government buyer using the commercial e-marketplace platforms. |
| § E.2; SOO §§ 4.A, 4.B | Mandatory Sourcing and Requirements | RFP at 11, 27; SOO at 3-12 | The RFP at pages 11 (“Mandatory Sources”) and 27 (discussing Sec. 889 of the 2019 NDAA) and the SOO at §§ 4.A and 4.B seek to allow Government purchasers to filter suppliers by various categories including, but not limited to, small business status, AbilityOne status, AbilityOne and ‘Essentially the Same’ Items, and suppliers with whom the United States is prohibited by statute or regulation from contracting. It is neither customary in the commercial e-marketplace industry nor practicable to require e-marketplace providers to obtain such detailed information from its suppliers and/or to continually monitor the veracity of such information. Moreover, Sec. 846(e)(1) of the 2018 NDAA contemplated that GSA would provide such information to the e-marketplace providers on a period basis. Please confirm that GSA will provide all such necessary information to the e-marketplace providers. | GSA has provided the appropriate AbiltyOne distributor list and Essentially the Same Items as part of the solicitation package. Small business status and prohibited contractor lists will be provided to offerors. |
| E.3.5.1 | General Instructions | 22 | Can an extension of four weeks be granted for Phase II? With over sixty regulations and one hundred technical requirements we would appreciate the opportunity to be allowed more time to carefully review, evaluate and craft a proposal. | GSA has extended the proposal response period an additional 2 weeks to Nov 15, 2019 acknowledging that this is a new type of program for Government. However, the majority of these clauses and technical requirements have been well communicated over the last year through a series of program updates, RFIs and the draft solicitation. |
| 4.(iv) Pricing Considerations | Attachment 5 - LTD Questions | 8 | RFP asked how we plan to cover this fee within your existing pricing structure given GSA intends to charge a nominal fee to portal providers participating in this program. Can we able to charge commissions on the platform? Are there any restrictions to our pricing and commercial model to build and operate this B2B platform? | The commercial e-marketplace platforms are responsible for determining the prices of items sold on their platform. Commercial e-marketplace platform product pricing shall reflect the commercial e-marketplace platform provider’s B2B pricing and any related discounts. Prices on the platform shall be updated dynamically (e.g. in real time); be reflective of all included items (including shipping costs unless otherwise noted), warranties or other benefits, and; shall not contain hidden costs or fees. |
| Attachment 5 - LTD Questions | 3.(iii) Pricing Considerations | 8 | Can the data processing and analytics provision be performed by a third-party business intelligence tool integrated onto the B2B platform as a plug-in or via APIs? | Unless otherwise notes, prospective offerors should follow their standard commercial procedures as it relates to business intelligence tools and data processing capabilities. |
| Attachment 3 - Statement of Objectives | 4.C. Data Capabilities, (v) Data Security and Protections - Restrictions on Contractor’s Use of Data | 14 | We understand that the data must not be used by any other entity for marketing, market insights - Can this be fulfilled by giving full control of the data to the GSA if the marketplace platform is purpose-built for the GSA? Can you clarify who has the ownership of the e-marketplace? | The commercial e-marketplace platform provider owns the marketplace and GSA owns the data. GSA is not seeking development services to build a new platform as that is not permissible under the authority granted under the Section 846 legislation. |
| Attachment 2 - Ordering Procedures | 1.4 Mandatory Sources | 2 | RFP describes that authorized purchase cardholder is ultimately responsible for ensuring compliance with the priorities for use of mandatory Government sources in FAR Part 8.002. Can this compliance be addressed via rules to be set within the B2B platform or via integration of Federal Prison Industries and Abilityone systems to the e-marketplace? | Per the SOO the Government’s implementation of a commercial e-marketplace platform shall ensure compliance with the Federal procurement rules and regulations that apply to all purchases at or below the micro-purchase threshold, while seeking many of the benefits of today’s ecommerce experiences. Under section 4.B.iv, Contractors shall restrict “Essentially the Same” (ETS) items on the Government agency-view within the platform and shall not display ‘Recommended Alternatives”, except where agencies are attempting to purchase ETS, in which case, the Contractor is required to block the sale of ETS and substitute the AbilityOne product using AbilityOne sellers. This can occur either on the commercial e-commerce platform or by sending the buyer to the appropriate source. AbilityOne sellers are not mandated to sell items on the commercial e-marketplace platforms. Additionally, the contractor shall have the ability to remove listings from vendors attempting to sell AbilityOne products but who are not an authorized AbilityOne distributor. |
| Attachment 3 - Statement of Objectives | 4.A.xii Returns | 7 | Is GSA looking at an integrated process of returns which includes online platform features like the generation of return labels, coordination with Fedex/UPS/USPS (for example) or other preferred logistic providers for mail returns and suppliers’ in-store returns? | Unless otherwise notes, prospective offerors should follow their standard commercial order management processes as it pertains to the returns process. |
| Attachment 3 - Statement of Objectives | 4.B.ii Supply Chain Risk Management | 8 | Can we work with another partner/provider to conduct vendor vetting and onboarding, or an third-party logistics partner for order fulfilment? What are the expectations of GSA in terms of vendor vetting and onboarding (e.g., request for documents, audit) and order fulfilment? | The capabilities offered should align with what is currently being provided in the commercial market. This includes how those portal providers onboard the suppliers onto their commercial e-marketplace platform. |
| SOO § 4.C.ii | Data Extracts | SOO at 12-13 | For the Data Extracts described at SOO § 4.C.ii.: |
-How are “Department ID” and “Agency ID” defined? Will that information be provided by GSA?
-How is “Product country of origin” defined?
-Please confirm that each of the “data elements” to be provided will only be provided where that information is either customarily available on the provider’s commercial website and/or specifically provided by GSA.
| GSA will provide Department ID, and Agency ID. Product country of origin is required as a data element as referenced in Statement of Objectives section 4.C.ii. This may be determined by reviewing 19 CFR Subpart B - Government Procurement; Country-of-Origin Determinations if information on country of origin determinations is needed. Portal providers are expected to provide the data elements listed and should work with the suppliers on the portal to ensure that data is available. | ||||
| Section 3 - Statement of Objectives | 4.B.iii Small Business Identification | 9 | Does the e-marketplace platform need to record/reflect an agency’s credit for purchasing from small businesses? What does it mean by Section 846 allows for purchases made through the commercial e-commerce portals to receive credit towards agency small business goals (as required by Small Business Act (15 U.S.C 644 (g))? | Per the language of Section 846, agencies are able to receive credit for purchases made by approved small business entities (and as identified in SAM.gov). This information will be available to agencies as part of the reports identified in the Statement of Objectives. |
| SOO § 4.C.iv | Catalog Data Access and Analytics | SOO at 14 | The SOO states that the e-marketplace providers “shall provide real-time product catalog information to GSA . . . .” What type of real-time product catalog information is needed? For example, would a real-time search feature be sufficient? | Per the Statement of Objectives, "The contractor(s) shall provide real-time product catalog information to GSA to enable |
surveillance of prohibited items, mitigation of supply chain risks, and price monitoring." A real-time search feature is sufficient so long as these capabilities are met.
| SOO § 4.B.ix; RFP | Click-Through Text | SOO at 11; RFP Attach. 1 | Instead of having the RFP Attachment 1 Platform Provider Click-Through Text appear “immediately preceding the conclusion of a purchase,” would GSA consider placing the Click-Through Text on a landing page that Government users would see immediately upon logging into the e-marketplace? | The commercial e-marketplace platform must meet the following requirement as stated in the solicitation (Section C(3)), "The contractor will ensure that the text of Attachment 1 is included in the platform screen immediately preceding the conclusion of a purchase through a “click-accept” or “pop-up” or another appropriate mechanism requiring an affirmative response, and that such text is included in the audit trail for each purchase." | ||
| Attachment 4 | Bullet 8 | 1 | Based on bullet 8 on Attachment 4 “Conduct the check-out process within the platform” - Does this indicate punch-out or direct to website? | The commercial e-marketplace platform provider must manage the check-out process. A third-party checkout provider may be used so long as the user experience is seamless on the front-end, e.g. doesn't feel as thought they are being taken to a new or different site to complete the purchase process. | ||
| Attachment 2 | E-marketplace Platform | 1 | Could you please provide clarity on how you are defining a Third-Party Marketplace | Commercial e-marketplace platform models that are eligible to participate in this contract connect buyers online to a virtual marketplace that sells either an e-marketplace provider’s products and third-party vendor products or only third-party vendor products. A third-party vendor is the supplier that offers products on the platform's marketplace. | ||
| (B) SF1449 | Schedule of Supplies/Services | 3 | what does the GSA mean by "no-cost contracts". Please explain. | The no-cost contract is a formal arrangement between a government agency (GSA) and a vendor under which the government makes no monetary payment for the vendor's performance. | ||
| (B) SF 1449 Continuation | B.1 Schedule of Supplies/Services | 3 | Does the period of performance refer to the time frame that the GSA is asking for the e-commerce provider to offer services prospectively (after the award) or is that a requirement that an award recipient must meet to be eligible for an award. | |||
| Prospective offerors must detail how they intend to comply with the requirements under section 4.B.iv. within 120 days of the start of the period of performance under this contract. Prospective offerors must have a functioning commercial e-marketplace platform with B2B capabilities that can meet the requirements identified in the solicitation package. GSA is not seeking development services to build a new platform as that is not permissible under the authority granted under the Section 846 legislation. | ||||||
| Attachment 4 | Prospective Offeror Requirements | Attachment 4 | Must an e-marketplace platform provider own and operate an existing operational online e-marketplace platform? Can an offeror develop a new platform in response to this RFP? | Prospective offerors must detail how they intend to comply with the requirements under section 4.B.iv. within 120 days of the start of the period of performance under this contract. Prospective offerors must have a functioning commercial e-marketplace platform with B2B capabilities that can meet the requirements identified in the solicitation package. GSA is not seeking development services to build a new platform as that is not permissible under the authority granted under the Section 846 legislation. | ||
| 1. | Cover Letter | 1. | Cover Letter | 1 | Questions on the solicitation are due October 15, 2019 and solicitation responses due November 1, 2019. There are 12 business days between the submission of questions and the due date for offerors to respond to the solicitation. In order to ensure that interested offerors have enough time to review GSA’s answers and modify their solicitation responses accordingly, would GSA consider extending the solicitation response date 30 days to December 1, 2019? This would provide a more realistic timeframe for industry to respond to this critical procurement and maximize competition in response to GSA’s Commercial Platform Initiative (CPI) requirements. | GSA will extend the proposal response period an additional 2 weeks to Nov 15, 2019 acknowledging that this is a new type of program for Government. |
| Paragraph Bb.1 Schedule of Supplies/Services | Schedule of Supplies/Services | 3 | As contemplated by the RFP and consistent with commercial practice, the government will be paying the purchase price for products sold by 3rd party suppliers. These product prices typically include the transaction fee charged by an e-market provider (commonly 15% per transaction). Therefore, since the customer agencies ultimately will be paying these fees via the product purchase price, will GSA be evaluating these fees for award purposes and otherwise assessing the reasonableness of the transaction fees/costs to the government? Currently, it appears the RFP does not contemplate such an evaluation. However, an evaluation of these fees would serve to protect the customer agencies and the government’s interest (the public fisc). It would also provide a basis to assessing the fee impact (barriers to entry) on 3rd party suppliers, especially small businesses. | As indicated in Section 3.5.1, GSA will only address questions that are directly related to the solicitation. Please refer to GSA's Commercial Platform Interact group for additional information related to the program and for the latest news. (https://interact.gsa.gov/group/commercial-platforms-initiative) | ||
| Paragraph B.1 | 3 | Given the potential transaction fee structure, including GSA’s fee, please share with stakeholders across the procurement community, the rationale/analysis supporting the “no-cost” contract type? | As indicated in Section 3.5.1, GSA will only address questions that are directly related to the solicitation. Please refer to GSA's Commercial Platform Interact group for additional information related to the program and for the latest news. (https://interact.gsa.gov/group/commercial-platforms-initiative) | |||
| FAR 52.212-4(h) | Order of Precedence | 8 | Please address the interplay between the paragraph (h) and the language at Attachment 3, Statement of Objectives, Paragraph B.(ii), which states that “E-marketplace platform providers reserve the right to manage the rules governing the on-boarding of new suppliers in accordance with their commercial practices.” What if the commercial practices/rules conflict with the underlying contract? Which controls? | GSA will use the initial proof of concept to assess the implementation of the program before expanding. While the program does not anticipate any commercial practices/rules that conflict with the underlying contract, this will be reviewed throughout the life of the contract and if necessary, GSA will seek a contract modification to resolve the conflict. | ||
| E.3.5.3.2 | Live Test Demonstration | 29 | Is there an alternate to the in person LDT (e.g visiting the vendor website) and submitting written answers to questions. In our case this may be financial burden to small disadvantage company. | All Live Test Demonstrations (LTDs) will be held in person at GSA headquarters as indicated in the solicitation. However, if a member of the LTD presentation team (who does not play a lead role) must be virtual, details may be coordinated with the Contracting Officer prior to the scheduled LTD date. | ||
| Attachment 5 | Live Test Demonstration | Attachment 5 | Will the GSA provide any funds to those who successfully pass the Phase I evaluation so that they may prepare for the Phase II live test demonstration or are the costs of preparing for Phase II to be borne entirely by the offeror? And, how much time is there between Phase I and Phase II. | As indicated in Section 3.5.1, the Government will not be liable for any costs associated with the development, preparation, transmittal, or presentation of any proposal or material submitted in response to this RFP. Please see section 3.5.3.1, offerors will have 14 days following the notification by the GSA Contracting Officer of Phase I approval to submit Volume 3. |
This is the start of the file's text. The full file is on GovTribe.
File details come from the government source that posted it.