1. FirstSource III - DRAFT RFP_Cover 2.25.21.pdf

DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY February 25, 2021

FIRSTSOURCE III

DRAFT REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP) COVER DOCUMENT

U.S. Department of Homeland Security

FirstSource III

DRAFT Request for Proposal Cover Document

70RTAC2100000003

February 25, 2021 Department of Homeland Security Office of Procurement Operations

DRAFT REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP) COVER DOCUMENT

Prospective Offerors:

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Office of Procurement Operations (OPO) is pleased to present a second DRAFT solicitation for the FirstSource III program. DHS appreciates industry’s feedback on the initial draft issued in November and has incorporated that feedback into this draft. This draft is near final and will closely represent the final solicitation.

Notably, the statement of work has been updated to reflect the incorporation of the second NAICS code, 511210 footnote 20, Software Publishing and includes definitions to distinguish IT Value Added Reseller (ITVAR) requirements from Software Publishing requirements. The reporting section and report templates have also been updated based on feedback. Most importantly, the instructions to offerors (Section L) and evaluation (Section M) are included, which will clearly demonstrate how DHS intends to request and evaluate proposals for FirstSource III from a technical perspective.

DHS seeks industry’s feedback in particular, on price. DHS understands that the FirstSource II pricing approach was extensive and complex and seeks to take a different approach for FirstSource III. Two sets of pricing models are included with the draft solicitation as separate attachments. One is a more traditional model, based on quantities, and the second is based on discounts. The discount model is included to acknowledge the vast marketplace for IT commodities and with the understanding that not all potential offerors will be able to provide all product lines from every manufacturer. This model will also provide latitude for industry to adjust its offerings over the life of the vehicle.

The instructions (Section L) are included for each model and we have included pricing model questions for you to answer on tab one of the Questions and Comments Template. DHS will again use industry’s valuable feedback to determine its pricing approach for FirstSource III.

Once final, the single solicitation will result in two source selections, one for each Functional Category, ITVAR and Software Publishing. Multiple awards will be made in each Functional Category in each of the small business and small business socioeconomic tracks: 8(a), HUBZone, Small Business, Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business (SDVOSB), and Woman Owned Small Business (WOSB). Offerors will be able to submit more than one proposal.

Draft Solicitation Documents:

The following documents are included as part of this draft solicitation:

• This cover document

• The Excel sheet including two tabs entitled Questions and Comments Template

• The draft solicitation 70RTAC21R00000003

• Attachment 1 – Sample Pricing Model Option (quantities)

• Attachment 2 – Pricing Discount Model Option

• Attachment 3 – Transactional Data Report (TDR) Template

DRAFT REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP) COVER DOCUMENT

• Attachment 4 – EPEAT Report Template

• Attachment 5 – No-Bid Report Template

• Attachment 6 – Compliance Checklists (Phases I & II)

• Attachment 7 – Past Performance Reference Check

Respondent Instructions: DHS welcomes your suggestions and/or questions about the draft FirstSource III pricing models and responses to the pricing questions and draft solicitation but does not intend to issue direct responses to individual suggestions and/or questions at this time.

DHS will consider all suggestions and/or questions in finalizing the FirstSource III solicitation and will make an effort to ensure improved clarity for elements that prompt suggestions and/or questions. All suggestions and/or questions should be provided using the Excel file entitled Questions and Comments Template which is posted on www.beta.SAM.gov along with the draft solicitation. Suggestions and/or questions should include entries in each template cell and must be received at FSIII@dhs.gov on or before 1pm ET, March 10, 2021. DHS will only consider suggestions and/or questions received by the above date and time and in the format requested.

Immediately below are anticipated near term milestone events:

Event Date Draft Solicitation Release February 25, 2021 Suggestions/Questions Due March 10, 2021 Final Solicitation Released On or about April 6, 2021 Virtual Presolicitation Conference Mid-April 2021 http://www.beta.sam.gov/ mailto:FSIII@dhs.gov