2.4.1 70B06C25Q00000096 Amendment A00001- Question and Answer.pdf

Question # Question Government Answer 1 We are a small business but not yet registered with a UEI on SAM, and although we have begun that process today, we aren't sure that we will be registered by the 2/28 due date. Is there an extension that can be offered if we are not yet registered?

An extension is being made. See Amendment A00001 for the new quote deadline.

2 The RFQ does not explicitly outline the number of queries that are expected (weekly / monthly) by the 700 users, nor does it state the amount of historical data (6 months, 1 year, 10 years).

This would have a significant impact on cost, so are you able to give us additional clarity on the number of searches and amount of historical data required?

CBP prefers historical data available for search of at least 10 years.

Average monthly queries by category.

Shipment Search: 3000 queries Global Search: 950 queries Company Profile: 735 queries Research: 50 queries

3 Does this contract require any multi-tenant capability or isolated deployments of the provided software solution?

CBP requires the capability for concurrent users. CBP is looking for a COTS, web-based application that can provide the needed information.

4 We would like to offer an instructional tutorial video in our RFQ response, so that the users will be better acquainted with the application during the 30 day test period. Is this allowed? What format should the video tutorial be submitted in?

No. All technical submissions are limited to 5 pages to include an Executive Summary with links and log-in information for Self-Led Technical Demonstration.

May include cover page and table of contents for 1-page each. This executive summary shall, at a minimum, provide a web-based password protected link to their subscription service/data platform for the government to conduct its own self-led demonstration for an evaluation of the platform’s capabilities. The Offeror shall provide at least five (5) unique username and passwords that would give access to the proposed platform, with all capabilities and functions available that will be provided to CBP end-users. The usernames and passwords shall be valid for 30-days after the quote submission deadline. Any help videos or tutorials may be referenced in the written submission, but should only be accessible through the program after being logged in. Links to videos (e.g., YouTube, etc.) within the written submission that are external to the program will not be viewed.

5 We saw that analytic and dashboard functionality was mentioned in the RFQ, but is AI or Generative AI of interest to use with the data for the purposes of trade data analysis?

In the past AI has been used to assist with analysis. This could potentially add to the value of the product if presented.

6 Is ocean container import and export data for the listed countries the only main requirement, with other forms of shipping (i.e. truck and rail shipments from Canada or Mexico into the US, air freight shipments) as optional add-ons?

Not necessary for the requirement at hand and its intended use. However, additional features beyond the requiments listed in the solicition will be considered within the single price for the solution.

7 What is the current Tech Stack of Product Vendors currently in use at the Agency? We are currently using Panjiva through contract 70B06C20C00000049.

8 Are there any required Minimum Certs/Quals? i.e. ISO, CMMI, CMMC, FedRAMP, etc. No.

9 Will there be, or has there been, an Industry Day? If so, is there a copy of the presentation? No industry days have occurred or are planned.

10 Upon award of this contract (est. May 2025), how will the Government address existing contracts that meet some/all of the requirements but have a Period of Performance that extends beyond May of 2025?

The current contract expires May 25, 2025. It is CBP's intent for this contract to be effective shortly before or on May 26, 2025 for a transition into the new contract.

11 Is the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Office of Trade Import/Export Trade Data Subscription requirement contained in the RFQ considered by the Office of Trade to be a replacement for an existing subscription/product or a new requirement.

Yes. This replaces contract 70B06C20C00000049 with Panjiva.

12 Is the Government's expectation that vendor's should provide a single price for a solution that includes access to an online database (the data) as well as an analytical user-based platform (the application)?

Yes.

13 Does the solution need to provide comprehensive and timely visibility into global companies' physical and online presence, business scope, and legal standing across multiple jurisdictions?

Yes

14 Does the solution required to provide product related information, such as pricing, quality, measurements, conformity etc.?

If obtainable, that would be valuable to CBP.

15 Is the solution expected to provide real time information from Open Sources such as social media, company websites, national registrars etc.?

Yes. Would be ideal if data source could be identified.

16 Should the system flag high risk transactions due to possible links to Fentanyl and Fentanyl pre cursors based on exporters’ scope of business?

Not necessary for the requirement at hand and its intended use. However, additional features beyond the requiments listed in the solicition will be considered within the single price for the solution.

17 Should the system alert to anomalies and discrepancies between company scope of business and traded product?

If obtainable, that would be valuable to CBP.

18 Should the system alert to the presence of high-risk items in a shipment such as HAZMAT, explosives etc.?

If obtainable, that would be valuable to CBP.

19 Should the system flag products suspected of substandard or poor quality such as medical equipment, pharmaceuticals, food etc.?

Not necessary for the requirement at hand and its intended use. However, additional features beyond the requiments listed in the solicition will be considered within the single price for the solution.

20 Should the system alert to suspected origin fraud and possible trans-shipment manipulation? If obtainable, that would be valuable to CBP.

21 Are the system users able to connect to the service via VPN? CBP intends to primarily use this product from their desktop/laptop computers in an office environment either connected to the CBP network or a personal home internet connection behind the CBP firewall utilizing the Zscaler VPN.

Import/Export Data Subscription Support

RFQ#: 70B06C25Q00000096

Question & Answer Template

22 What is the expected volume of daily transactions to be executed by all system users? Daily based on estimated average Shipment Search: 100 queries Global Search: 32 queries Company Profile: 25 queries Research: 2 queries

23 We intend to host our solution in AWS GovCloud to meet federal security requirements. Would this approach satisfy CBP’s security and compliance needs?

Yes.

24 Are there additional FedRAMP, FISMA, or specific DHS security standards beyond AWS GovCloud that we should be aware of?

No.

25 The Statement of Work (SOW) specifies trade data from the U.S., China, India, and Mexico.

Would CBP prefer a live API feed, batch data updates, or both or we can develop automations?

No. CBP is seeking an existing, commercial off-the-shelf, web-based platform.

CBP is not seeking nor desire interconnectivity of systems or custom-developed solutions with live API feeds or automations.

26 Are there specific data sources or formats (e.g., JSON, CSV, XML, Parquet) required for CBP systems integration?

At the very least convert PDF files, XML, and possibly Power BI

27 Does CBP allow for milestone-based payments or partial upfront payments upon contract award?

CBP may allow for upfront payments of subscriptions to commercial, off-the-shelf platforms.

28 If awarded, is there a preferred onboarding timeline and transition period before full implementation?

Onboarding and transition time should be minimal as CBP is requesting a commercial, off-the-shelf subscription to an existing platform that only requires log-in credentials to obtain access to the required data.

29 Since we are completing our CAGE registration, would you recommend submitting our proposal once it is finalized, or is there a way to proceed in parallel?

All quotes must be submitted by the deadline listed in the solicitation (currently 3:00pm ET February 28, 2025). In accordance with FAR 4.1102(a), quoters are required to be registered in SAM at the time an offer or quotation is submitted in order to comply with the annual representations and certifications requirements.

30 Are there any pre-proposal briefings or Q&A sessions planned for vendors? Nothing is planned other than responding in writing to questions asked as part of the RFQ Question and Answer process identified in Section III.1.