FS III Industry Day Questions 9.10.2020.pdf

FirstSource III Industry Day Q&A September 10, 2020

FirstSource III Industry Day Questions

July 31, 2020

# Question Answer 1 Will the slides be made available for download? The industry day recording has been posted on beta.Sam along with slides.

2 Could this recording be sent to us? The industry day recording has been posted on beta.Sam along with slides.

3 For FS III, do you anticipate a more even distribution of task orders for the different socio economic categories?

We cannot predict how the orders will be distributed. The requirements will drive the use of a particular socioeconomic category based on what that pool of vendors can meet. If there is a brand name requirement, market research will be done to see how to best document and meet the need. If there are particular small business goals to consider and the status at the component level with respect to particular goals, that is also factored in.

4 Does DHS have an Enterprise License Agreement (ELA) with Oracle?

Currently there is not an ELA for Oracle and there aren’t any current plans for an Oracle ELA. However, one could be developed in the future.

5 Is it mandatory to bid in all of the 5 equipment categories (Small Form Factor Device, Static Device, Domain Device, Virtual Desktop Infrastructure and Peripheral Device) or can we propose 2 or 3 of the categories?

As with the prior iterations of the FirstSource Program, we are looking for robust solutions and the capability of industry partners to meet all of the collective requirements. This can be done through teaming arrangements or other scenarios, but we are looking for robust solutions across all of the scope categories.

6 Is there a list of DHS enterprise software agreements, similar to the Microsoft Agreement that the software is precluded from FirstSource III?

Current software enterprise license agreements include Adobe, ESRI, Microsoft, PRISM, and ECFS (eCase). This list is subject to change based on procurements in progress and the Department’s evolving requirements.

7 Do you see more Managed Cloud Services (IaaS, PaaS) procurements under the FirstSource III vehicle?

It has not been determined if managed cloud services will be included in the FSIII scope.

8 Can a large business team with companies across all 5 categories? Or can they only team for one category?

Yes, a large business can team with companies across all 5 categories as long as you remain within the SBA rules.

9 Since STARS 2 8(a) and VETS 2 are part of EAGLE NextGen, how does OCPO look at all of these in terms of priority use of a DWAC? Any preference for use of these vehicles for certain commodities or categories?

EAGLE Next Gen is highly focused on IT services. FirstSource is focused on IT commodities and delivery of those commodities. The services component of FirstSource, such as the managed services for computers or printers would take priority over other solutions, such as the GWACs where those services could be obtained.

10 A statement was made twice that FirstSource III "will have" two NAICS codes. Has this decision been made final, as it was one of the questions posed to industry for feedback? Research indicates DHS will find that companies with the capability to meet the scope of FirstSource III will not be small under 511210 because it allows for only $41.5M maximum annual revenue. As demonstrated in the slides today, the preponderance of FirstSource II volume is not software.

Yes, FirstSource III will have two NAICS codes, 541519 footnote 18, Information Technology Value Added Resellers (IT VAR) and 511210 footnote 20, Software Publishing. This decision was made in conjunction with the Small Business Administration (SBA) because of a need to categorize purchases under NAICS codes at a more granular level under large contracts to facilitate reporting 511210 is subject to a waiver of the Non Manufacturer Rule (NMR). With the waiver, 511201 has a size standard of 500 employees. DHS is pursuing a waiver for FirstSource III.

11 Can you give us some idea on the industry certifications you are considering?

We are considering ISO 9001:2015 and Open Trusted Technology Provider as two examples. These are just two examples we are considering and have not yet made a final decision. We are looking for industry’s feedback as we finalize this decision.

12 Can a company be a Prime in one socioeconomic track and a subcontractor to another vendor in another socio-economic track?

Yes, but companies must comply with all FAR and SBA regulations.

13 Are digital documentation services considered under FirstSource?

No, we currently have a DHS-Specific Strategically Sourced Contract Vehicle for these services.

14 Are there any reseller certifications required such as ISO, or particular level of reseller such as gold or platinum?

Any reseller certification requirements will be stated in the solicitation.

15 Is there a EDWOSB Socio Economic category for FirstSource III?

Not for FirstSource III. SBA has made changes in the assigned NAICS for the Woman Owned Small Business (WOSB)/Economically Disadvantaged Woman Owned Small Business (EDWOSB) program. While EDWOSB was one of the socioeconomic categories for FirstSource II, WOSB will be one of the categories for FS III as a result of that change.

16 How can you have multiple NAICS Codes - will you need to certify on one or both?

FirstSource III will have two NAICS codes. NAICS Codes are used to determine business size. It is possible for firms to have multiple NAICS codes and businesses may choose to do so. You may find more information on NAICS codes at the following link:

https://www.census.gov/eos/www/naics/faqs/faqs.html#q9

17 What will be the size standard for each NAICS including the NMR? You have to meet both? Its not a one or the other

DHS is seeking an individual contract level waiver to the NMR from the SBA for FirstSource III. Once the waiver is approved, the size standard for 541519 footnote 18 will be 150 employees, and for 511210 footnote 20 it will be 500 employees.

18 Would the size standard apply to all socio-economic statuses?

Yes. FirstSource III is a 100% small business set-aside.

19 Can you elaborate more on the Mentor Protégé program? Do we need to engage SBA as well as DHS?

SBA has an all small business Mentor Protégé Program. You may find more information at this link: https://www.sba.gov/federal-contracting/contracting-assistance-programs/all-small-mentor-protege-program The DHS mentor-protégé program is not applicable for FirstSource III, as it is for large business primes.

20 If the task orders are competed only within the Socio Economic Class, who decides which class to compete the task order?

The decision on which socioeconomic category to use for competition is made jointly by the program office, the small business specialist and the Contracting Officer based upon the task order requirement, the results of market research, and component small business goals.

21 For SDVOSB -- what is the certification eval factor? CVE ? Org certified via FAR?

For SDVOSBs, DHS will use a self-certification.

22 Will contracting officers provide individual Non- Manufacturer Rule waivers for each purchase of large-business software under NAICS 511210?

DHS is pursuing an individual contract level NMR waiver for FirstSource III.

The referenced waiver will cover the entirety of FirstSource III, including both NAICS 541519 footnote 18 and 511210 footnote 20. The waiver will be at the contract level, so waivers will not need to be requested at the order level by individual Contracting Officers (COs).

23 Is this webinar being recorded? Yes, the webinar was recorded. The recording has been posted on beta.Sam along with slides.

24 What level of Cyber Maturity Model Certification is anticipated for each NAICS?

We do not anticipate any level of Cyber Maturity Model Certification for each NAICS.

25 Can you please clarify your comments on Footnote 18?

Are you using the size standard 150 or 500 for non-manufacturers?

The size standard for footnote 18 is 150 employees.

26 As a VAR with under 500 employees, can we both Prime under NAICS Code 541519 and also team with other

FirstSource III will use the term Value Added Reseller (VAR) in conjunction with 541519 footnote 18. The size standard for 541519 footnote 18 is 150 https://www.sba.gov/federal-contracting/contracting-assistance-programs/all-small-mentor-protege-program https://www.sba.gov/federal-contracting/contracting-assistance-programs/all-small-mentor-protege-program https://www.sba.gov/federal-contracting/contracting-assistance-programs/all-small-mentor-protege-program https://www.sba.gov/federal-contracting/contracting-assistance-programs/all-small-mentor-protege-program https://www.sba.gov/federal-contracting/contracting-assistance-programs/all-small-mentor-protege-program https://www.sba.gov/federal-contracting/contracting-assistance-programs/all-small-mentor-protege-program companies under the other 4 socio economic categories?

employees. Any teaming relationship must be compliant with SBA regulations.

27 What are the categories of HW and SW that are excluded from the contract?

It has not been determined if any hardware or software categories will be excluded in the FSIII scope.

28 Thank you for the information on Mentor Protege, we are considering an 8(a) Mentor Protege JV with large firm. Please confirm that we don't need Mentor Protege approval at the time of proposal submission.

A mentor-protégé agreement needs to be approved prior to award, but when depends upon the program.

Currently, there are 2 mentor-protégé programs: 8(a) and the all small business mentor-protégé program. For the 8(a), the mentor protégé agreement does not have to be approved before offer, but it does have to be approved before award. For the all small business mentor-protégé program, the agreement must be approved before submitting an offer.

29 Will FSIII allow for turnkey integration of systems where the awardee provides hardware, software, installation and integration services, along with follow on maintenance?

It has not been determined at this time. DHS is exploring all options.

30 Will there be a list of vendors who may be priming that are seeking subcontractors/partners?

The bidder’s list is active on beta.sam. This feature enables you to see other vendors who are interested in this opportunity.

31 Will DHS allow for selection of more than one category for competition at the delivery order level?

No. Awards will be made within a particular socioeconomic or small business track and delivery order competitions will be conducted within that track.

32 Would the government clarify the NAICS code and the size standards for those NAICS codes?

FirstSource III will have two NAICS codes, 541519 footnote 18, Information Technology Value Added Resellers (IT VAR) and 511210 footnote 20, Software Publishing. This decision was made in conjunction with the Small Business Administration (SBA) because of a need to categorize purchases under NAICS codes at a more granular level under large contracts to facilitate reporting 511210 is subject to a waiver of the Non Manufacturer Rule (NMR). With the waiver, 511201 has a size standard of 500 employees. DHS is pursuing a waiver for FirstSource III.

33 Do all members of a Joint Venture (JV) need to be small under each NAICS code and does the JV itself need to have both of the NAICS codes?

For mentor-protégé JVs, the protégé must qualify as small under the NAICS code assigned to the particular contract. For JVs between small businesses, each JV partner must qualify as small under the applicable NAICS code.

34 Will the government provide on-ramp procedures after award to add additional contract holders?

Yes, this is something we will consider adding.

35 Managed services are a new addition to the scope of the FirstSource program. To better understand DHS’s needs and expectations as they relate to managed services, can DHS please:

A) Provide examples of the common types of managed services they expect to be procured through FirstSource

III?

B) Confirm how these services would be classified (e.g.

as a VAR service, or a type of IT product?)

One example is laptops and other hardware/computing equipment:

providing the staging, inventory, imaging, preparing them for end users and delivering them to our employees and contractors. Another example is printers: people still rely upon them. They require a lot of maintenance, and they have maintenance cycles that can be forgotten.

With respect to Part B: VAR Services, the answer is yes, and depends on what the main service is. A future option could be a software package that could have value added services, or a product with value added. DHS is not looking to outsource knowledge of its government employees, but to improve time to delivery.

36 Is DHS planning to use a centralized dashboard or portal and process as are currently in use in similar IDIQs, such as SEWP or ITES?

We haven’t made a determination at this time. We are exploring all of our options to ensure usability for our end users either for government or vendors. We are looking at all elements and options to manage the vehicle in the marketplace. It is a 10 year vehicle, so there are options to deliver this capability in the future.

37 How does DHS intend to utilize 2 different NAICS codes?

For instance, will certain socio-economic categories be assigned to 511210, and the other socio-economic categories be assigned to 541519? Or does DHS intend to create “sub-categories” within a socio-economic lane with some awards made under 511210 and others under 541519? Please provide clarification on how the two different codes will be used in practice.

DHS is still determining its strategy with respect to how best to implement the two NAICS codes. We will not, however assign certain socioeconomic categories to a particular NAICS code. All socioeconomic categories will be represented under each NAICS code.

38 If FirstSource III is intended to procure software does DHS intend to negotiate upfront with software OEMs to establish terms and conditions at the contract level?

No, DHS will not negotiate separately with the software OEMs. It is DHS’s expectation that the offeror negotiates its terms and conditions with the

OEM.

39 Would the government clarify whether a member of a Mentor-Protégé Joint Venture in the Small Business or 8(a) socioeconomic category may also submit a

FS III is a 100% small business set aside. There isn’t an unrestricted track for large businesses.

proposal for the unrestricted category if they are, or recently became a large business.

40 Is it intentional that one of the tracks is defined as "Woman-Owned Small Business" as opposed to "Economically Disadvantaged Woman-Owned Small Business?" The latter is part of FirstSource II.

Yes, it is intentional. SBA has made changes in the assigned NAICS for the Woman Owned Small Business (WOSB)/Economically Disadvantaged Woman Owned Small Business (EDWOSB) program. While EDWOSB was one of the socioeconomic categories for FirstSource II, WOSB will be one of the categories for FS III as a result of that change.

41 Can a Joint Venture or CTA be done on First Source III? Yes 42 1. "Cross" teaming - Prime-Sub becomes inverted for another team.

2. Can one firm be on Multiple teams?

Yes, one firm can be on multiple teams.

43 Will you consider other NAICS codes aside from the ones listed in the beta.sam.gov notice?

No. The choice of NAICS codes was based on DHS’s requirement and in conjunction with SBA.

44 There is a max 250 word count for all topics. Do you want just major OEM reseller certifications or all certifications? This will exceed the allotted word count.

The 250 word count was provided with the sample evaluation criteria to foster discussion. The word count may be adjusted based on industry feedback for the draft solicitation.

45 Is the total evaluated price for the sample tasks merely a pricing exercise and how will this be used to justify a respondent’s ability to provide value and a competitive cost? Will there be OEM involvement to ensure respondents aren't discounting the pricing to a point where it is unobtainable for a true delivery order response?

The total evaluated price allows the government to evaluate all offerors equally using the same standard (apples to apples). It is the government’s expectation that the pricing provided in the model will have been coordinated with your respective OEMs and represent accurate and available pricing and discount structures. DHS will not be coordinating directly with OEMs.

46 Can the Government provide additional clarification regarding how "Factor 4: Price" will be evaluated?

Specifically, the "DHS Questions for Industry Partners" attachment references the usage of "pricing models" as a potential evaluation factor. Industry would benefit from additional clarification regarding this potential approach.

The information provided in the questions for industry partners was a very brief statement to obtain industry feedback. The draft solicitation may include more comprehensive pricing instructions as well as the models themselves.

47 Which NAICS codes does DHS envision using for this procurement? Will NAICS code size requirement(s) be determined as function of company size in dollars ($) or employee size?

DHS will use NAICS codes 541519 footnote 18 which has a size standard of 150 employees and 511210 footnote 20, which is subject to a waiver of the Non Manufacturer rule. With the waiver, 511210 footnote 20 has a size standard of 500 employees.

48 What are the pertinent evaluation factors after the downselect?

DHS is considering the following evaluation factors for the Phase II:

Demonstrated Prior Experience, Ability to Achieve Results, Past Performance, and Price. The factors will be included in detail in the draft solicitation.

49 Will you allow 1 Past Performance Questionnaire from a teaming partner?

The information provided in the questions for industry partners was a very brief statement to obtain industry feedback. We will take this into consideration as we develop the Past Performance instructions for the draft solicitation.

50 Will the pricing evaluation be the same as with FSII? FirstSource II used sample delivery order pricing matrix to derive a total evaluated price. At this point, we are still deciding the specific pricing approach for FirstSource III but will continue to include industry on our approach through the draft or additional industry engagements.

51 How did the Government arrive at a 250-word max for each response in factors 1 and 2?

The 250 word max was provided based on other solicitations using a similar approach. The number was provided as part of the sample to foster discussion. The word count may be adjusted based on industry feedback for the draft solicitation.

52 How would graphics or images count toward the word limit?

The word count was provided as part of the questions to industry to foster discussion. The draft solicitation will include instructions on graphics and images.

53 Would appendices count toward the word limit? The word count was provided as part of the questions to industry to foster discussion. The draft solicitation will include instructions on appendices.

54 Under "Factor 3: Past Performance," DHS requires offerors to submit information regarding their performance on recent and relevant engagements. In a similar approach to FirstSource II, will DHS consider past performance examples provided by members of an offeror's respective project team (e.g. key subcontractors and suppliers)?

The information provided in the questions for industry partners was a very brief statement to obtain industry feedback. We will take this into consideration as we develop the Past Performance instructions for the draft solicitation.

55 Assuming the government uses subjective evaluation criteria for Phase II of the evaluation, would the government consider consolidating the questions to be addressed and/or expanding considerably the word count permitted for each question? As presented, the government has asked numerous detailed sub

The information provided for industry partners was to obtain industry feedback and based on your feedback we may refine our factors and approach. We will take this into consideration as we develop the draft solicitation.

questions that are difficult to respond to substantively such that the government can make an informed evaluation of an offeror's capabilities.

56 Would the Government consider increasing the 250 word limit for bidder responses to each of the questions under Factor 1 and Factor 2? This would enable bidders to address the Government's questions as thoroughly and comprehensively as possible.

The 250 word count was provided with the sample evaluation criteria to foster discussion. The word count may be adjusted based on industry feedback for the draft solicitation.

57 Please identify the socioeconomic groups that will be eligible for award.

The tracks are 8(a); (2) Historically Underutilized Business Zone (HUBZone); (3) Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB);

and (4) Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB). Track 5 will be set-aside for all small businesses (which includes all small businesses and socioeconomic designated small business concerns).

58 Please clarify how contract holders will add items to contract at the task order level. What is the process and how will it be evaluated/approved?

Alternate Equipment and Alternate Labor Categories represent equipment and labor categories not currently listed in the FS III contracts, but may be required to perform certain Task Orders within the scope of FS III requirements. It is anticipated that, similar to FS II, at the CO’s discretion, alternate equipment items and/or alternate labor categories may be added at the Task Order level, without any need for approval from the FS III CO (IDIQ-Level).

59 What performance standards and metrics will contractors be measured against.

It is anticipated that FS III performance measures will include, for example, the ability to meet agreed upon dates for scheduled delivery of items, warranty, and/or services; to prepare, develop, and use comprehensive reports/presentations; to provide qualified employees to adequately staff the program; to efficiently log and track requests for warranty service and notify the customer as to expected completion time; and, to respond to the customer’s requests for quotes and configuration assistance within five (5) Government working days.

60 Does the government intend to procure subscription-based or consumption model cloud services under FirstSource III? What order-level processes and requirements will the government follow for such cloud services?

It has not been determined if subscription-based or consumption model cloud services will be included in the FSIII scope.

61 Will a license management portal be available for FirstSource III procurements, streamlining the accumulation of newly acquired licenses in existing installations?

We have not determined at this time. We are exploring all options.

62 Will an offeror be required to provide for the full scope of commodity items, or will an offeror be allowed to select which category of products it provides?

As with the prior iterations of the FirstSource Program, we are looking for robust solutions and the capability of industry partners to meet all of the collective requirements. This can be done through teaming arrangements or other scenarios, but we are looking for robust solutions across all of the scope categories.

63 Will products need to be TAA and BAA compliant? It is anticipated that Buy American Act and Trade Agreement Act regulations, for example those prescribed within FAR Part 25 and agency specific regulations, shall be included within the FS III IDIQ awards and shall be fully applicable at the Task Order award level.

64 What are the requirements in responding to RFQs, and obtaining TOs to remain on contract?

The ordering instructions will be stated in the awarded IDIQs and ordering guide. While we encourage all contract awardees to be active participants, RFQ response requirements are not contemplated at this time.

65 Is Lenovo an option given its past history at DHS? No 66 At times there seems to be issues with updating DHS’s current APL (or maybe one of the components). Will selected FSIII vendors be able to gain access to this APL on the FSIII contract for the process of getting products approved and updated? A challenge we face currently on FSII is implementing updates such as when products go EOL.

Access to the APL will be indirect and will be subject to a governance process that is currently under review. The goal for the APL is that it will contain products that promote the use of supported products and those required to meet DHS mission requirements.

67 How are the current Reporting Requirements creating pain points for the First Source II COR and CO?

Elaborating on the current processes will enable Industry to provide feedback, and make recommendations for optimizing Reporting Requirements under First Source III.

We are assessing the FS II reporting requirements to determine their need and applicability for FS III. It is DHS’s desire to make reporting more meaningful and useful for both contracting and industry.

68 Does reporting happen through DHS provided templates or is the vendor expected to create its own

The reporting requirements will be specified in the Request for Proposal

(RFP).

template for reporting? Will the RFP establish and layout all the KPI's for reporting to DHS?

69 For Factor 1 - will bidders need to demonstrate prior experience across each of the five factors identified on

pp. 1 -2 - i.e. VAR services, software, hardware, licensing, IT managed services - in order to receive a favorable rating for this factor?

Prior experience across each of the five factors identified may result in a more favorable rating. As with the prior iterations of the FirstSource Program, we are looking for robust solutions and the capability of industry partners to meet all of the collective requirements. This can be done through teaming arrangements or other scenarios, but we are looking for robust solutions across all of the scope categories.

70 Statement of Work (SOW) C.6.1 indicates a per month capability of 5000 desktop systems, 500 advanced servers and 500 portable systems. In terms of 'Past Performance' would DHS consider relaxing this requirement for Small Business socioeconomic groups?

No, as this requirement is 100% set aside for small business.

71 Define the criteria for 'similar scope, size, and complexity' as relates to past performance. Will past performance contracts need to be of a specific dollar value?

Size, scope, and complexity criteria may include awards similar to those which will be issued under the FirstSource III contracts in the form of Task Orders (orders with a significant number of units, disparate delivery locations, different types and configurations of units within the same order, etc.)

72 Will the First Source II Contract Vehicles be extended to accommodate the DHS clients with a source for awards until the First Source III contacts are awarded?

The FirstSource II contracts are being extended to March 31, 2020.

73 Can you please elaborate how contractors will be evaluated for their performance once on the contract?

Please clarify the government's expectations for performance and the metrics that contractors will be measured against.

Please see response #59 above.

It is fully anticipated that annual and final evaluations of Contractor performance, at both the FS III IDIQ and individual Task Order levels, will be prepared in accordance with FAR 42.1500.

74 What is the anticipated ceiling value for the FirstSource III vehicle?

The anticipated ceiling will be $10 billion