NVDRS RAD AUTOMATION CONTRACT_Questions and Answers.pdf

CDC NCIPC NVDRS RAD AUTOMATION CONTRACT

Questions/Answers

August 10, 2020

• What database technology is NVDRS RAD system on currently? For example is it a SQL server, Oracle, MySQL, mongo..

o The NVDRS RAD currently consists of several pieces: requests for the RAD are made via email, the data sharing agreement is a .pdf file that needs to be signed before the researchers gain access, the researchers are required to put variables requested in an Excel file, and the final dataset is sent to the researcher via File Transfer Protocol (FTP).

• Could we know who the current contractor is for maintaining National Violent Death Reporting System (NVDRS) Restricted Access Database (RAD) is?

o The NVDRS RAD consists of a piecemeal system as described above, and there is no current contractor.

• NVDRS is a web based surveillance System, Can you provide us the technology stack NVDRS is on? Should the solution proposed for this RFQ use the same technology stack or can we propose the technology stack that best suits for this automation.

o MS IIS, SQL Server, C-Sharp, JAVA, hosted on CDC Servers

• Could we know who the current contractor that is maintaining National Violent Death Reporting System (NVDRS) o CDC MISO in conjunction with CDC DVP Surveillance Branch Information Technology staff maintains the NVDRS web-based data collection system.

• RFQ says ”Provide an analysis that fit the most current “Big Data tool stack”. This includes the production of a list of tools and services for the upcoming big data prototype.” Does it mean that scope of this RFQ is just to provide the list of tools and services for the big data prototype or should the contractor support more than that towards the big data proto type o This section has been removed from the RFQ.

• Will users (applicants and CDC employees) use unique accounts to access the tool?

o Yes, applicants should only be able to see their submitted application. CDC employees should be able to see requests they are assigned and working on.

• Is there a standardized NVDRS RAD Data Sharing Agreement? If not, can CDC provide a previously used example?

o Please see attached

• Please see attachedPlease expand on the "upcoming big data prototype."

o This section has been removed from the RFQ.

• Will the Government consider changing contract type from Firm Fixed Price to Time and

Materials? Although the scope of the base year is somewhat defined, the scope of the option years are less defined and FFP task orders limit the government's ability to evolve task support as the program needs evolve.

o No, Option years are difficult due to vagueness of contract as written.

• Can the government confirm whether there is incumbent staff on this work and if so, whom?

Contract number?

o The NVDRS RAD currently consists of several pieces: requests for the RAD are made via email, the data sharing agreement is a .pdf file that needs to be signed before the researchers gain access, the researchers are required to put variables requested in an Excel file, and the final dataset is sent to the researcher via File Transfer Protocol (FTP).

The NVDRS RAD consists of a piecemeal system as described above, and so there is no current contractor. CDC MISO in conjunction with CDC DVP Surveillance Branch Information Technology staff maintains the NVDRS web-based data collection system.

• The SOW specifies that the vendor is to select the cloud provider & purchase CBCP development environment. Is the vendor responsible for also procuring the test and hosting the production environments?

o Yes

• Should the cloud infrastructure to be included as a separate ODC CLIN?

o No

• The contractor shall provide a Transition-Out Plan - can the government confirm that this is due 90 days prior to the end of Option Year II?

• If the government confirms that there is no incumbent to transition from and that this is a new requirement, will the government accept the discussion of project kickoff and startup as part of the overall management approach activities and have Task 2 focused specifically on the transition out plan?

o Yes, a kickoff meeting will be scheduled.

• Will the vendor be hosting and maintaining the production environment as part of the scope of this task order?

o Yes, as long as the contract is active.

• Is this project to be governed by the EPLC governance processes? If so, should the vendor assume that enhancements are needed in Base Year, OY1 and OY2 which would require Project Managment and Business Analyst resources and required documentation to support?

• Will the government allow for an extension of the due date to 8/14 to allow for the incorporation of comments?

o Yes, the extension will be Friday, Aug. 14.

• Will the government expand the page limit of the Teach Approach to 10 pages to allow for all required elements to be addressed including include the Task Approach, the Management Plan, the Staffing Plan and Matrix and Past Performance references in addition to any potential graphics?

o Yes, the applicant can go slightly over the page limit.

• Is the vendor responsible for deployment to production, including Governance paperwork and EPLC compliance (e.g. stage gate reviews, ATO)?

• Milestone 1 indicates the platform will be cloud-based. Has NCIPC already procured a cloud environment with enterprise connectivity established? In our experience working with the OCIO Cloud Task Force, this can take months to receive after the initial request.

o Yes we use cloud based platforms at CDC within our Center.

• The Government provides a very specific LOE estimate for this work. Would the Government provide the rationale for this LOE for Base Year and then drop off in the Option Years?

o Years two and three are for maintenance, so the specific LOE isn’t needed.