AIE Draft RFP Questions - Government Response.xlsx
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- DRAFT REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP) - ARMY ACCESSIONS INFORMATION ENVIROMENT (AIE) Federal contract opportunity
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About this file
This document is a draft Request for Proposal (RFP) for the Army Accessions Information Environment (AIE), which seeks to further develop and expand the Army's Salesforce-based recruiting solution. The key details are:
The draft RFP seeks industry feedback to support an upcoming RFP release for continued AIE development and expansion. The scope includes requirements grouped into six main categories: Foundation, CRM, Processing, On-Boarding, Intelligence, Marketing, Training and Leader Development, and Sustain and Support. The anticipated ceiling contract award is $267M over 10 years, with a 5-year base period and five 1-year option periods. The RFP will utilize a best value tradeoff source selection process for a multiple-award IDIQ contract, with anticipated award in early FY 2025. Respondents are asked to provide feedback on the technical challenge evaluation approach, Agile metrics in the QASP, potential incentives, CDRLs, and challenges/opportunities with multiple development teams. The RFP is anticipated to be posted to SAM.gov in late June 2024 with proposals due in late July 2024.
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Other files for this federal contract opportunity
| File | Type | Posted |
|---|---|---|
| AIE Draft RFP Questions Submission Form 05062024.xlsx | XLSX spreadsheet | |
| AIE PWS Task Order 1.pdf | ||
| AIE Section G.pdf | ||
| AIE Section H.pdf | ||
| AIE CDRLs.zip | ZIP file | |
| AIE - Cost Price Sheet Task Order 1.xlsx | XLSX spreadsheet | |
| AIE L - M.pdf | ||
| AIE Functional RTM.xlsx | XLSX spreadsheet | |
| AIE QASP Task Order 1.pdf | ||
| AIE Overview.pptx | PPTX presentation | |
| AIE PWS IDIQ Multiple Award.pdf | ||
| AIE Draft RFP Questions Submission Form.xlsx | XLSX spreadsheet |
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PWS - IDIQ
| # | Question | Government Reponse |
| 1 | We recommend the Government provide all prime Offerors the opportunity to bid on all Task Orders unless the Government predetermines any OCI or dependencies between Task Orders. | Yes, that's the current plan |
| 2 | For Task Area 2, development requirements (user stories) that may exceed Salesforce out-of-box functionality, we recommend the Government specify how it will apply Task Area 1 PMO processes to facilitate collaboration and arbitration with an Offeror to either modify the requirements to suit Salesforce out-of-box capability or reclassify the requirements to a higher level of out-of-box complexity and avoid customization and resultant technical debt. | The language in the PWS Task Area 1 and 2 is broad enough to allow for flexibility to update requirements as needed and to collaborate. |
| 3 | We recommend the Government specify the Offeror’s foundational governance and cybersecurity responsibilities (at the IDIQ or Task Order levels) for the AIE solution including ATO, compliance with cRMF, performing cybersecurity scans, and supporting POAMs. | The following has been added to the IDIQ PWS make it explicit: "Note that the government ultimately owns the Authority To Operate (ATO) process, and will assign vendors tasks based on information security needs." |
| 4 | Reference 1 (AIE Components.xls) was mentioned but not included. The full list of AIE tools and applications needs to be included. | The Government plans to provide this in the final RFP. |
| 5 | What features of Salesforce’s Public Sector Solutions (PSS) are being utilized? | All will be utilized |
| 6 | What is the Integration environment and associated tools? | The Government plans to provide DevSecOps details in the final RFP. |
| 7 | What version/Parts are of Scaled Agile Framework are you using (Essential, Large Solution, Portfolio, Full)? | PEO EIS is currently considering Portfolio, but a final decision has not made. |
| 8 | How many teams/contractors will be operating together within the same DevSecOps pipeline? Who manages platform services, e.g. deployment? | Multiple teams, not a fixed number. Currently, there are already 3 Contractor teams working within the DevSecOps pipeline. |
| 9 | Is the AWS specification for future development or does it already host related solutions? | Yes, hosted in AWS GovCloud |
| 10 | What Artificial Intelligence (AI), if any, is currently FedRamped or approved for this program? | No AI tool currently in Prod. |
| 11 | Is there currently mobile access to other enterprise solutions and Salesforce? | GoRecruit Mobile has already launched for Accessions enterprise. |
| 12 | What legacy systems and Interfaces need to be consumed/eliminated? | The Government plans to include interface list in the final RFP |
| 13 | Please list point-to-point interfaces and indicate which might be reduced. | The Government plans to include interface list in the final RFP |
| 14 | How will AIE conform and/or interact with the Unified Data Reference Architecture (UDRA)? | This is in its early stages, however; AIE plans to reduce point to point interfaces and utilize data mesh as feasible when it matures its architecture. |
| 15 | To what extent are legacy-system data migration and/or archiving to be considered under this contract? | It is within scope of this IDIQ. Please see section 4.2. |
| 16 | What CLIN's does the Government intend to be treated as FFP? | Potential incentives |
| 17 | Will all activities involving Product Owners (for example: daily scrum, backlog refinement, etc.) be required to take place at the AIE facility? | No, remote daily scrums and other Agile ceremonies are possible. Some face-to-face meeting and interaction is possible also, based on need. |
| 18 | Reference 001 – AIE Software Baseline Applications and Tools.xlsx was mentioned but not included. The full list of AIE tools and applications needs to be included. | The Government Plans to provide additional technical details as part of final RFP. |
| 19 | What AIE DevSecOps tools are in use? | The Government Plans to provide additional technical details as part of final RFP. |
| 20 | Is there any technical debt that the contractor will be taking on? Can it be quantified? | Possibly, however this changes daily and cannot be quantified. |
| 21 | Will the code coverage be set higher than Salesforce's defaults? | Yes, there are custom code. Salesforce OOTB is 80% code coverage. Goal is to obtain 100%. |
| 22 | Is there already a code scan process/preferred tool in place? | Currently the program is working through the exact tool of choice |
| 23 | What are the sources and size of data to be converted? | Right now, this is small, but as AIE subsumes legacy systems, it is anticipated to get larger. |
| 24 | What is the full list of integrations required and which have been implemented via MuleSoft to date? | The Government plans to provide interface details in the final RFP. |
| 25 | Could you provide further details on the weighting of the different evaluation criteria mentioned in the PWS IDIQ document? | Order of importance will be covered in L&M |
| 26 | Can you elaborate on the expected process and timeline for transitioning from incumbent contractors to new awardees under this IDIQ? | No incumbent contractors are expected to transition. |
| 27 | This section indicates a requirement for a Quality Control Plan that isn't referenced in Section L/M. Please identify where this plan is required to be submitted. | Quality Control Plan is part of Agile Program Mgmt Task (see 4.1 TA: 1, a, 10) |
| 28 | Considering the required collaboration and potential dependencies on the other IDIQ holders, please confirm if ACA's will be required to be executed upon IDIQ award or on specific TO's. Also, will the government confirm that government interactions/adjudication of issues concerning the IDIQ holders will be allowed as part of the negotiated ACAs? | ACA is part of the current PWS. |
| 29 | For Rejected deliverables, please confirm once the CDRL is resubmitted with a ten (10) business day period addressing the Governments concerns, the CDRL will be deemed accepted. | This is incorrect. Within 10 days is for resubmission and Govt Review to confirm if addressed and then accepted. |
| 30 | Several of the Reference Materials do not provide an Reference date, such as "Underwriter Laboratories 2050… current edition". Please include the version reference that must be adhered to. | In the event a version is not listed, please assume the latest available. |
| 31 | Does the government intend on issuing a Task Order for management of the IDIQ and its deliverables? | No, the Program Management Office (PMO) will do this. |
| 32 | There is a reference for a "full list of AIE tools and applications" in Reference 1 (AIE Component.xls). This Reference was not in the RFP Package, can the government provide? | The Government plans to provide additional technical details as part of final RFP. |
| 33 | How many Solution Integrators will be awarded participation in the IDIQ? | Multiple vendors will be awarded IDIQ, and one vendor will be awarded the first task order. Subsequently, more task order will be issued where the IDIQ participant can bid on and win. At this point, the number of vendors awarded IDIQ is not determined. |
| 34 | Does the Army anticipate the requirement for an IL6 version of AIE to support Talent Management for personnel recruiting and retention initiatives to support the Intelligence Community (IC), Cyber National Mission Force (CNMF), and Special Operations Force (SOF)? | At this time we're in IL4. Currently, in the short-run, the Government plans to stay at this level. |
| 35 | Will the Army sponsor new and emerging technologies through FedRAMP and assist in those technologies obtaining an ATO at IL4? | This may be possible in the future. |
| 36 | Will the Army level-set the competition and provide fair and equitable opportunity for vendors with innovative technology but that does not have an ATO to compete with vendors possessing similar technology that has already obtained an ATO or is actively in the process of obtaining an ATO at IL4 through FedRAMP? | At this time we're in IL4. In the short-run, the Government plans to stay at this level. The Government may consider other tools in the future. |
| 37 | How will the Army evaluate innovation regarding new and emerging technologies that have not obtained an ATO at IL4? | This may be possible in the future. |
| 38 | Will the Army allow for a transition period to allow all onboarding steps, including obtaining security clearance, before program start? | Yes |
| 39 | Will the Army include NETCOM specific requirements (RMF 2.0) and instructions in future AIE documentation to include specific instructions regarding onboarding and gaining access to NETCOM cybersecurity requirements with realistic and achievable timelines? | Currently being managed by the Government and will be communicated to vendors as needed. |
| 40 | Can the Army specify what "All" relevant documents are as it relates to providing documentation to the Army? (Concerned with the word All) | Relevant means all documents that is needed for the government to operate AIE. |
| 41 | Given that travel between Contractor and Govt facilities is not reimbursable, and some events will be required to be held at AIE facilities, can the government provide an estimated number of trips per year and expected attendees, so that contractors can understand cost obligations? | Funding will be provided for Government required travel. However, it is currently hard to predict the number of trips. |
| 42 | Regarding this text: "The Contractor will synchronize tasks and associated activities with other technical contracting teams already in place that established the AIE Salesforce platform, architecture, and CI/CD pipeline. |
AIE resides on Salesforce Government Cloud Plus leveraging Salesforce’s Public Sector Solutions (PSS). The full list of AIE tools and applications are included in Reference 1 (AIE Components.xls). The Government will give the Contractor access to the AIE applications and tools at the level necessary to perform the required work including the established DevSecOps pipeline tools."
| The AEI Components or AIE Software Baseline Applications and Tools.xlsx files are not part of the draft RFP. Please provide this file. | Will be included in Bidders Library | ||
| 43 | While it's clear how the technical challenge will address a scenario under task order one, it's less clear how proficiency in this single scenario will qualify vendors to participate on the ID/IQ contract. Moreover, the use of a multiple award ID/IQ seems contradictory to having an agile team for a single Salesforce instance. | The Government appreciates your input. | |
| 44 | Section 1.1 mentions SAFe, is this application in a shared environment or dependent on other applications? Are there other trains or applications that will be deployed to this Org or is this the only application in this Org? There are multiple contractors deploying this application into this Org, correct? | SAFe is an agile framework, not an application. The Salesforce application is in AIE landscape with one CI/CD Pipeline following common DevSecOps process | |
| 45 | The AIE will support global operations with over 25,000 core users operating around the clock seven days a week. Are we required to be available 24/7 as part of maintaining the application? If not, what is an acceptable amount of downtime? | Yes | |
| 46 | Can you confirm that the hours of operation are based on Eastern time zone? | Yes, hours are in Eastern Time Zone | |
| 47 | Can the government define what is meant by "reported locations"? In addition to Fort Belvoir and Fort Knox (Task Order 1 PWS) are there other potential places of performance in other cities/states? | To Be Determined (TBD) | |
| 48 | Will the AIE 2023 BPR results be made available at time of award? This could be utilized to speed up development. | The Government plans to provide additional technical details as part of final RFP. | |
| 49 | Will contractor have access to the Army Enterprise Knowledge Repository at time of award? |
HR Mgt (HRM) domain Mgt at time of award?
Technology & Business Architecture Integration (TBAI) at time of award?
| Making this information could certainly help speed up the development process. | Awardees will be given access to Government information as needed. | ||
| 50 | State AIE requirements are in six categories, but list eight categories? Difference could impact team composition, experience, specialties, etc. | The Government will update PWS section 1.3 | |
| 51 | Are the mandatory training requirements a part of the time and accounting practices. | The Government does not understand this question | |
| 52 | Can the government please clarify IT travel requirements? For example, are contractors allowed to bring a GFE laptop aboard, or will the they need to use a sanitized laptop for travel? | AIE development work must be performed within United Sates | |
| 53 | Does not specify if contractors are able to continue working, or cannot work at all, in the event of a government shutdown, or other similar event—on site? Hybrid workers? Remote workers? | Place of Performance should specify Hybrid work (remote plus on site) if it doesn't already specify. | |
| 54 | The PWS states: "The period of performance for this multiple-award IDIQ is ten (10) years, consisting of a five (5) year Base Period from date of award and five (5) one year Option Period(s). Task orders will define the performance scope and base period start and end." |
| Will the government provide more clarity as to what will the base 5 years will entail? | This is a Base IDIQ. TO's to be issued will clarify the work needed. | ||
| 55 | Are personnel required to have a minimum security clearance? If so, what is the minimum level of clearance required? | DD254 answers the question. Secret. | |
| 56 | Section K, point 1 states: "Provide input to, as data model becomes available, and update the AIE Data Dictionary?" Can the Government please provide more details of what this AIE Data Dictionary is, and how the Government envisions the data model becoming available? | The data model and dictionary are currently being updated. If feasible, details may be provided at a later time. | |
| 57 | Is the government open to commercial modular and interoperable data integration software solutions (or capabilities from existing programs of record) to support the requirements and integrate directly with Salesforce? | Yes as long as they satisfy the requirements and the cyber standards. | |
| 58 | What are the DoD source systems that the Offerors will be responsible to integrate with? How does the Government anticipate testing/ vetting whether the Offeror's solutions can seamlessly integrate data if a first class way? How much data will need to be migrated? Is the Government simply seeking proposed staffing approaches to execute data cleansing along with proposed COTS/ commercial solutions? | The Government plans to provide list of interfaces with the final RFP. The amount of data that needs to be migrated will be determined later. | |
| 59 | The PWS states: "Load the AIE solution into the integration environment, performing the necessary checks to ensure that the solution is properly configured and ready for test." |
| Is the referenced integration environment the Government Cloud Plus (AWS IL4 environment)? If not, can the Government please provide additional details of the integration environment? | Yes, there is an integration environment as part of DevSecOps | |
| 60 | The PWS states: "AIE resides on Salesforce Government Cloud Plus leveraging Salesforce’s Public Sector Solutions (PSS). The full list of AIE tools and applications are included in Reference 1 (AIE Components.xls). The Government will give the Contractor access to the AIE applications and tools at the level necessary to perform the required work including the established DevSecOps pipeline tools." |
| Can the Government please provide the attachment for Reference 1 (AIE Components.xls)? | The Government plans to provide additional technical details as part of final RFP. | |
| 61 | The PWS states: "AIE has established a DevSecOps pipeline. The Contractor is required to utilize this existing DevSecOps pipeline to align with the AIE environments and processes in place, to include security policies within the AIE production baseline." |
| Can the Government please provide information on the established DevSecOps pipeline? | The Government plans to provide additional technical details as part of final RFP. | |
| 62 | The PWS states: "For the first time, this AIE will enable the Army to leverage a minimally configured Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) solution hosted in a commercial Salesforce and Amazon Web Service (AWS) Cloud Impact Level 4 (IL4) environment for talent acquisition Army-wide. In concert with systems modernization across the accessions enterprise, AIE will originate the Army record for management in systems downstream.." |
| Can the Government please clarify / confirm that the AIE environment (inclusive of all components) will consist of a a Commercial Salesforce Cloud and separately an IL4 AWS Instance? If proposing additional software components, can that IL4 AWS Enviroment be provided through a SaaS offering? | The Goverment is currently using Saleforce Government Cloud +, that is built on AWS Government Cloud and have Public Sector Solutions access. There will be public facing content as well. | ||
| 63 | Please provide an expected number of award to be made for this IDIQ. | TBD | |
| 64 | Please confirm that the Reference 1 referred to on page 7 of the Draft will be shared with vendors in the final RFP as it was not included in the Draft RFP content. | Please see 1.1, full list of AIE tools and applications are included in Bidders Library | |
| 65 | Please confirm whether or not the DevSecOps pipeline leverages a cloud-based platform specifically designed for managing deployments and development workflows in Salesforce. | Yes. | |
| 66 | Are all the ~ 25,000 recruiters/staff located in United States? Will they be accessing the Salesforce platform from within the US? | Yes, primarily within US | |
| 67 | Contractors who are leading the assessment of the existing AIE Salesforce Platform have additional insights into the current capabilities and future vision of the AIE platform. To encourage fair competition, will the Government apply an OCI clause that prohibits them from participating in this IDIQ? | No | |
| 68 | Will the results of the assessment of the existing AIE Salesforce Platform be provided as an attachment as part of the final RFP package? | Additional technical details will be provided as part of the RFP. | |
| 69 | Please clarify what scenarios would require the flow down of CSDR requirements to subcontractors. | CSDR Plan | |
| 70 | Please clarify whether the ASDP is to be provided at the IDIQ or Task Order Level. | Further technical details will be provided as part of the final RFP. | |
| 71 | The detailed scope of TA 5: Training Material Development does not include training execution. Please clarify if it will be contractors or the Government who will be responsible for providing training to end users on this contract. | Not part of the main initial task order, but CLINs or additional task order may require this | |
| 72 | Will the government allow for the submission of a Past Performance Questionnaire (PPQ) in lieu of a CPAR in the final RFP? | No Past Performance requirement | |
| 73 | Will the Government consider hosting an Industry Day? | Yes, scheduled for late June 2024 | |
| 74 | It is not clear how multiple awardees could perform development on a single Salesforce platform without introducing a high level of risk, such as a developer working on one part of the system introducing a change that breaks another part of the system. In the final solicitation, can the Government provide details of how this multiple developer approach would work and where the boundaries would be? For instance, would a single contractor be responsible for integrating and testing changes made by multiple contractor teams into a new release? | Need to consider if we describe DevSecOps approach for the RFP. | |
| 75 | Does the AIE DevSecOps team exist now? If so, is it Government personnel or a contractor? | Yes and Both. | |
| 76 | This states, "The AIE will answer TRADOC's modernization solution…." The word "answer" is unclear here. Should this say something like, "The AIE will answer TRADOC's modernization solution requirements…"? | The Government will consider updating in the final RFP. | |
| 77 | Please provide a list of the "applicable legacy systems" and their interfaces referenced here. | Additional techinical docuements will be provided at final RFP | |
| 78 | The first sentence of item b appears to be missing a word or two. Should it say (added words in italics), "The Contractor will prohibit use of Government issued keys by any persons other than the Contractor's employees."? | The Government plans to update in the final RFP | |
| 79 | In the final solicitation, will the Government please specify the required or desired Agile qualifications and certifications, since there are many possibilities? | The RFP states "certifications and/or experience". Government adheres to SAFe Framework. | |
| 80 | Will the Government expedite onboarding paperwork so that Contractors can meet the 10 or 15 business day requirement? | Yes. | |
| 81 | Will the Government hold the Contractor responsible for missing the business day requirement if the delay is due to the Contractor waiting on the Government to complete a request? | The Government is unclear what is meant by "request". This is for Key Personnel REPLACEMENT | |
| 82 | Does "cannibalize property" mean use parts from one piece of property to repair another piece? Please clarify. | Yes. | |
| 83 | Under a. Agile Planning and Reporting, item 1) is not part of the list; rather, it introduces the list and should not be numbered. Will the Government update the final solicitation? | The Government plans to update in the final RFP | |
| 84 | "AIE DevSecOps environment/tools" is referred to here and in other places. Will the Government provide a list of such environments and tools as part of the final solicitation? | The Government plans to provide additional technical details as part of final RFP. | |
| 85 | To facilitate future transfer of developed functionality and documentation to the AIE DevSecOps Team or to another contractor, it is essential that all contractors carry out these tasks in a standard manner. Will the Government establish and enforce compliance with a standard set of processes for Development Planning and Reporting, Implementation/Agile Execution; Interface Development; Compliance; Requirements/Capability Management and Traceability; Configuration and Change Management; Release and Deployment Management; Integration, Test, and Evaluation; Defect Management and Resolution; 508 Compliance; and Data Management? | Yes, the Government has established and will control the DevSecOps process. | |
| 86 | Question regarding item j: Is the underlying Salesforce solution 508-compliant? | Yes | |
| 87 | Question regarding item k.3: Please provide more detail on the data to be migrated, its source(s), what type(s) of data, and its size. | The Government assumes this question is about applicant data. As recruiters come on to AIE, the Government plans to migrate over the data of the applicants who are 45 days out from shipping. | |
| 88 | Question regarding item k.5: Please provide more detail on any known "data from legacy systems", including the source system, the type of data, and the size of the data to be migrated. | The Government assumes this question is about applicant data. As recruiters come on to AIE, the Government plans to migrate over the data of the applicants who are 45 days out from shipping. | |
| 89 | Question regarding item a.2: For knowledge transfer, who has the knowledge currently and to whom specifically does it need to be transferred? | There is an existing bridging contractor. | |
| 90 | Item a.6 appears to be incomplete: "…prior to initiating testing with the testing". Can the Government update this in the final solicitation? | The Government plans to update in the final RFP | |
| 91 | In Item b.6, it appears that either "performs" or "meets" is not needed. Will the Government clarify this requirement in the final solicitation? | The Government plans to update in the final RFP | |
| 92 | Is the scan in item b.12 to be conducted using the Force.com Security Source Scanner? | No | |
| 93 | Item f.4 requires development of Help Desk materials. Who operates the Help Desk? | Potentially a vendor within this IDIQ in concert with Functional team's support | |
| 94 | The first paragraph is unclear, especially the first words, "Architecture is to evaluate existing Salesforce product functionality…" Should this just start with, "Evaluate existing Salesforce product functionality…"? | The Government will consider updating in the final RFP. | |
| 95 | The scope of this requirement is unclear. Is this transitioning responsibility for the entire Salesforce recruiting application to the AIE DevSecOps team or just transferring responsibility for work completed by a Contractor under a single task order? | Please see PWS 4.6: "transition all AIE solution assets post full deployment to the AIE DevSecOps team, turning over total control of the AIE solution to the AIE DevSecOps." | |
| 96 | After the Production Operations Transition, does the DevSecOps team then become responsible for any future code modifications or configuration changes? | Yes, the mechanics of the DevSecOps are not yet full ironed out. | |
| 97 | Has the Government considered whether the DevSecOps team should be performing all testing and deployments to Production to ensure a consistent process that avoids conflicts created by having multiple contractors using the CI/CD pipeline? | Yes, that is the plan now. However, some testing and user acceptance may occur during development Sprints. The goal is to sync all testing and other activities to facilitate rapid delivery. | |
| 98 | The AIE conducted BPR's Assessments will the contractor have access to those? Are you able to provide the output OKRs that new BP's are being measured against to influence the Human Centered Design and Architecture? | The Government plans to provide additional technical details as part of final RFP. | |
| 99 | How is the ROI being measured for the program? | The QASP will be update with additional ROI related measures such as user satisfaction, etc. | |
| 100 | Could you elaborate on the specific tools and processes in the existing DevSecOps pipeline that the contractor is expected to use? | The Government plans to add tools list to Bidders Library | |
| 101 | Could you specify the level of security clearance required for all team members, or if different roles require different levels of clearance? | Please see DD 254 | |
| 102 | Could you specify which Agile methodologies are preferred and the required Agile certifications for team members | The RFP states "certifications and/or experience". Government adheres to SAFe Framework. | |
| 103 | Could you provide more detailed scenarios or examples of potential OCIs that might affect this contract? | As stated in section, if Offeror has participated in the definition of requirements, they may have OCI to compete for subsequent TO work. | |
| 104 | Could you provide further details on the existing Salesforce configurations and any pre-defined workflows that we must adhere to? | AIE Salesforce architecture is currently being refined. AIE is utilizing Salesforce GovCloud in IL4. Pre-defined workflows that have to be followed will be provided later as the architecture is more mature. | |
| 105 | What are the expectations for post-contract support and maintenance? Are there specific SLAs or performance metrics that need to be met during the maintenance period? | Will be defined in the future Capability Support TO | |
| 106 | How should the new system integrate with existing Army systems, and are there specific technical or security protocols that must be followed? | Using Mulesoft for interfaces. All DoD security requirements such as cRMF applies. | |
| 107 | What are the requirements for training Army personnel on the new system, and what role does the contractor play in user acceptance testing? | The Contractor is expected to work closely with users at each sprint to gain user acceptance. | |
| 108 | Could you provide specific guidance on the expected protocols and requirements for Agile development integrations within the DevSecOps framework, as mentioned in the performance work statement? | DevSecOps architecture that is being currently established, see attachment for initial details. | |
| 109 | Can you detail the measures in place to ensure the security and integrity of data throughout the architecture, particularly in relation to the interfaces with external systems | This part of our DevSecOps architecture that is being currently established. | |
| 110 | What are the specific training materials and methodologies that have been utilized to support the system users, and how is the effectiveness of these materials assessed over time? | In the future, training (virtual, face to face, paper, etc. may be required. Content in videos, tutorials, manuals, etc.) | |
| 111 | Several attachments are referenced but not included (i.e., Reference 1 - AIE Component.xls, Reference 3 - Capability Overview, Reference 001 – AIE Software Baseline Applications and Tools.xlsx) will they be provided with the final RFP? | Yes, they will be included in the final RFP or references will be removed from PWS. | |
| 112 | How many task orders are expected during the initial PoP? | Not yet determined. | |
| 113 | Do all personnel on the contract require Secret clearances or just those accessing classified information in Government facilities? | All personnel supporting the contract require Secret Clearances or Interim Clearances. | |
| 114 | Is OCONUS travel expected? If so, how frequently? | Travel need will be specified in the task orders. | |
| 115 | Is the Government willing to extend the replacement timeline to 30 days? In the current job market in Northern Virginia, it is unrealistic to expect a replacement can be found, hired, and onboarded within 15 days. | This is a requirement by the Government to make sure resources are available in a timely manner. |
PWS - Task Order One
| # | Question | Government Reponse | |
| 1 | For Key Personnel, we strongly recommend the Government add a part-time Salesforce Certified Technical Architect (CTA) key personnel role. CTA is Salesforce’s pinnacle architect certification and given the mission criticality of this program, the Army should require offerors to bring a CTA to the program. The CTA can be 25% allocated (or less) and is most critical at the onset of the program to validate and build a sound architecture for AIE upfront, in collaboration with Salesforce. | ||
| o Suggested Language: “Lead Salesforce Architect: The Lead Salesforce Architect will have the following experience and qualifications: Currently hold the Salesforce Certified Technical Architect (CTA) certification; 10+ years of experience in a technical Salesforce architect role; proven experience with Salesforce architecture and development supporting HR use cases”. | The Government will consider. | ||
| 2 | Additionally, we recommend the Government amend the language for the Solution Technical Lead role to read, “1 or more years of experience working in Army or DoD environments or 5+ years of Federal Salesforce experience.” The Army and DoD talent can surround the technical Salesforce talent, but amending the language per the above will provide the Government access to a broader talent pool for the AIE program. | The Government will consider. | |
| 3 | What is the standard set of tools the ARMY uses for CI/CD pipeline? | Additional technical details will be provided as part of final RFP. | |
| 4 | Who will be responsible for discovery/business analysis and creating user stories? | Offeror who wins the TO with help from user representatives (product owner), and AIE PM team | |
| 5 | Since most solutions will require tailoring even for OOTB functionality, how does the government define customization (e.g. platform configuration vs. custom code)? | Anything outside Salesforce out of the box is considered customization, such as custom fields, custom objects, Apex coding, etc. | |
| 6 | What are the 'AIE DevSecOps processes and tools' to be used? | Will be provided as part of final RFP. | |
| 7 | What is the level of technical debt in the project's current state? | Technical debt is currently being worked on. It is currently difficult to predict the level of technical debt at time of the award. | |
| 8 | The PWS Task Order 1 document mentions the use of Agile methodologies. Could you provide more specifics on how strictly the Agile framework should be followed and any particular Agile practices or tools preferred by the agency? | PEO EIS is utilizing SAFE Agile. Please see attached for initial draft DevSecOps pipeline. | |
| 9 | Can you clarify the roles and responsibilities of the contractor in stakeholder engagement and communication as outlined in Task Order 1? | Offeror will engage with Functional Team members to define and anlyze business requirements, develop user stories and confirm acceptance criteria, perform backlog grooming, demo of solution, support acceptance testing. | |
| 10 | Will TO 001 be awarded based on the initial proposal submission or is it a sample TO? | Upon proposal submission. | |
| 11 | This section indicates travel will occur to CENTCOM, PACOM and EUCOM. Can the government confirm if any travel will be required to locations that may be listed by the Dept of State as hostile or austere conditions? | No planned trave outside US for this project yet | |
| 12 | Several of the Reference Materials do not provide an Reference date, such as "DoDD 5400.11 DOD Privacy Program". Please include the version reference that must be adhered to. | If no date or version specified, assume the latest available. | |
| 13 | Will there be multiple SIs awarded for the performance of T.O 1? | No. Task Orders are a single award. | |
| 14 | Can the Government provide the current Recruitment processing times that will be used to compare delivered solution against? | Not available at this time. But may be providing during planning phases. | |
| 15 | Can the Government provide the current Recruiter record accuracy rates that will be used to compare delivered solution against? | TBD | |
| 16 | How will User Satisfaction rates be measured? | TBD | |
| 17 | The QASP mentions a Contractor OM, but table 2 in this document does not. Can the government provide clarity on the personnel expected to support TO 1? | There is no "OM" in the QASP. | |
| 18 | Task 2 references items referring to training while the IDIQ PWS lists Training as Task Area 5, can the government clarify the intent for TO1 Task Area 2 as listed in table 3? | There is no training under Task Area 2. The Government may potentially add optional CLINs to Task Order PWS that may include PWS. | |
| 19 | The Surge Optional Clin references Task 2, 3 & 4 while the scope also references Training Items, which is listed as Task Area 5 in the IDIQ PWS, can the government provide clarity on the intent to develop, prepare, and deliver training and/or materials to end users during the implementation of Task Order 1? | The Government plans to update with more clarity with optional tasks | |
| 20 | Who owns the DevSecOps Tool that all awardees will operate in if there are multiple SIs involved in the IDIQ? And who will be responsible for managing the DevSecOps processes? | The Government owns the DevSecOps pipeline. There is a current bridging contract in place with establishing the DevSecOps pipeline. The winner of the first task order will operate within this existing DevSecOps pipeline. | |
| 21 | Who owns the Product Backlog for the duration of the IDIQ and which tool will it be hosted? | The Government owns the Product Backlog and the Tool will be the DevSecOps Tools | |
| 22 | Can the government define the Definition of Done as it relates to Task Order 1? | Definition of done is accepted capability delivered to production | |
| 23 | What RTM Requirements are expected to be delivered/met during the Task Order 1 timeframe? | Not yet determined. The current bridging Contractor is working on enlisted mission requirement. | |
| 24 | Team Composition lists 4 developers, but does not mention Data personnel listed in PWS_Task Order (Data Architect, Data Interface Specialist, and Data Migration Specialist). PWS shows the Labor Category as Developers. Can the government clarify whether they are requiring Developers to perform the Data work, or if the SI shall provide Data personnel to fit the Role and apply the appropriate Labor Category as they see fit? | The base scope for this initial Task Order 1 is focused on development and configuration. Existing bridging Contractors have data and architecture resources. There are optional tasks that may require additional data resources later. | |
| 25 | Solution Technical Lead is listed as a Technical Lead, which seems to be a limiting factor for the experience necessary to satisfy the listed RTM requirements. We suggest elevating the Technical Lead and Data Lead Labor Categories to an Architect 4 to ensure success of the program? | For the initial Task Order 1, the labor categories are considered that there will be an existing bridging contractor(s) in place when this first Task Order is order. | |
| 26 | Will the government be responsible for legacy data quality, data cleansing, and de-duplication for the migration efforts? | Yes. | |
| 27 | Are there any "minimum" deliverables for this project that relates to cybersecurity? | None. | |
| 28 | Are there any Zero Trust deliverable requirements? For example, RMF Artifacts and documentation. | As part of compliance with cRMF, and cybersecurity best practices, Zero Trust principles are part of AIE platform design. | |
| 29 | In regards to the Solution Technical Lead - we recommend adding a requirement for an existing DoD secret clearance. | The Government appreciates your input. | |
| 30 | In regards to the Solution Technical Lead - we recommend changing the 1 year of DoD experience to 3 years. | The Government appreciates your input. | |
| 31 | In regards to the Solution Technical Lead - we recommend changing the "DoD experience" to "Salesforce Solutions Delivery for the DoD" | The Government appreciates your input. | |
| 32 | In regards to the Developer Lead - we recommend adding a requirement for an existing DoD secret clearance. | The Government appreciates your input. | |
| 33 | In regards to the Developer Lead - we recommend adding a requirement for 1 year of DoD experience. | The Government appreciates your input. | |
| 34 | In regards to the Test Lead - we recommend adding a requirement for an existing DoD secret clearance. | The Government appreciates your input. | |
| 35 | In regards to the Test Lead - we recommend adding a requirement for 1 year of DoD experience. | The Government appreciates your input. | |
| 36 | In general - since this task order is expected to plug into an existing Salesforce solution, providing detailed information would be appreciated and help ensure the proper staff is proposed. Information such as the DevSecOps tools, data architecture (what is local to Salesforce, what is interfaces to authoritative systems, tools, etc.), API gateways, test harness tools, etc. will be helpful. | DevSecOps, Interfaces, and other documents will be provided as part of final RFP. | |
| 37 | The scope paragraph states, "The scope of this task order is obtaining one Agile team to continue AIE Salesforce development…" |
Being a Cost+ contract based based on the dynamic needs of application elicitation, build, test, and deploy, the team composition will change as the program matures, especially once Production Support emerges.
| Question: Under Scrum, teams are usually sized 6 +/- 3 and in SAFe, 8 +/- 3. If it makes sence based on the functional / technical backlog, priorities, and, would the Government approve more than one team? | Initial Task Order is for one team but additional teams may be ordered | |
| 38 | The PWS states, "...Maximize out-of-box Salesforce functionality... Salesforce out-of-box utilization percentages;…" |
Would the Government provide the current out of the box metrics as part of the final solicitation?
Does the current backlog include removal of current customizations?
| At what point does the Government plan to reveal the current prioritized backlog? | Not at this time, but further details on backlog, and system details will be provided to the awarded contractor. | |
| 39 | Task 2 Scope Column contains, "Planning Interval (PI) Planning" in the 3rd and 4th rows. |
| Is this intended to be "Program Increment (PI) Planning" - which is a scaled agile ceremony? | Table 2 will be updated in the final PWS. | |
| 40 | The PWS states, "This paragraph addresses contractor access to, or possession of, collateral (non-SCI) classified information, CUI, PII, PHI, CTI, or CPI in connection with the performance of this contract. However, it is also applicable to safeguarding the same information in connection with all aspects of pre-award activity, including preparation of bids and proposals and pre-award negotiations, and all aspects of post-award activity." |
| Does the Government intend to release classified information to offerors during the pre-award phase of this oppertunity? | No | |
| 41 | The PWS states, "Salesforce out-of-box utilization: Percentage of Salesforce capabilities deployed to users without customization" |
| What is the current out-of-box utilization? | AIE platform is being matured to maximize out-of-box utilization. | |
| 42 | The PWS states, "BS in Computer Science, information systems or a related technical degree plus and/or equivalent five (5) years' experience." |
| Please clarify this qualification, "Plus and/or" is ambiguous. | Computer Science degree OR related technical degree with 5 years of experience. Removing the word "plus" from the final PWS | |
| 43 | The PWS states, "The Government provided information shall not be shared with other Government or commercial agencies without the approval of the AOR or Product Manager." |
| What is AOR? | Authorizing Offical of Record | |
| 44 | The PWS states, "DevSecOps delivery process that works in concert with the established AIE DevSecOps processes and tools" |
| It would be benefecial to our understanding of the AIE to understand what is currently being used, especially if the Government intends to continue with those as the program matures. What Processes and Tools are currently established? | The Government will provide DevSecOps details in the final RFP as as an attachment. | ||
| 45 | When will the Government release the approved cost and software data reporting (CSDR) plan, or at least the portion relevant to contractor reporting. (DODM5000.04.Para5.3.a.(1)) | CSDR Plan is planned to be issued with the final RFP | |
| 46 | The PWS states, "detailed end-to-end processes and procedures, and development framework for: (1) continuous capability … (6) how technical debt is identified, manages, tracked, reported, and remediated;" |
(1) It would be benefical to planning to understand the Government's currently implemented continuous delivery framework. Would the Government summarize this during the solicitaiton?
| (2) Has the Government identified and tagged backlog items related to technical debt and if so, when will the Government share that infomration? | DevSecOps and interfaces are planned to be provided as part of the final RFP. Further technical details will be provided at the time of the award. | |
| 47 | The PWS states, "Meet the following compliance requirements: Clinger Cohen Act (CCA), Authority to Operate (ATO), Authority to Connect (ATC), Privacy Impact Assessment (PIA), Privacy Threshold Analysis (PTA), Security Impact Assessment, and ABEA |
a. Requirements / Capability Management and Traceability"
Does the Government have a completed CCA complaince checklist and / or a BPR assessment?
| What is the current accreditation status (e.g. ATO, ATC) and expiration date? | Compliance such as CCA will be managed at the Government level. BPR documentation may be provided if feasible as part of the final RFP. Ultimately, improvement and expermintation will be part of Sprints to make sure improvement opportunties are implmented as soon as feasible. | |
| 48 | Tasks 5 (Cybersecurity) and 6 (Capability Support) appear to be central to successful deployment of the MVCR to production users. However, Para 1.3 Scope only discusses Tasks 1 (PM) and 2 (Solution Analysis, Configuration, Development, Test, Integration, and Solution Delivery). |
Would the Government please clarify whether or not these tasks are in scope and if the Government requires they be addressed during source selection?
| The level of Capability Support ultimately funded will be a function of both the nature of the application fielded and the required response of support personnel (e.g. 24x7, answer in x rings vs voice mail or email, warm handoff vs call back, etc.). If cost estimates in this task are important, it would be beneficial if the Government clarifies these requirements. | Added optional Tasks to the final RFP to cover all areas including DevSecOps. | |
| 49 | The PWS states, "30) Release and Deployment Management … e. Establish a Definition of Ready and ensure compliance with the Definition of Ready for each release" |
Normally, the definition of ready (DoR) in agile relates to the status of a story (task, bug, etc.) as it moves through the backlog and includes elements like a complete benefit hypothesis, testable assertions, approved acceptance criteria, documented dependencies, etc.
Instead, recommend adding the necessary elements to the Definition of Done and revising para e to say something similar to, "e. Ensure the Definition of Done implements the required elements for the approved environment (e.g. Approved IAW the Configuration Management Plan)"
In this way, the elements for all changes, like proper security scans, documentation, training, and business owner approval can be documented in the CMP and evolved over time.
| Further, it will remove the ambiguity between the "Ready" status of a story to be accepted into a sprint and the "readiness" of a release to be deployed as they are documented in a tool like Jira | Deleted definition of ready from the final RFP since it is being refined by the existing DevSecOps establishment. | ||
| 50 | Section 1.1 mentions that AIE is currently hosted in the Salesforce Government Cloud Plus environment, however, section 4.0 mentions that the AIE solution will be hosted on NIPRNet. Does the existing application require a migration to NIPRNet or will the contractor be rebuilding the solution in NIPRNet? Will there need to be data migration? | No. Further details about system architectures, and tasks will be provided at time of the award. | |
| 51 | The team does not include any Business Analysts, who are critical to building out the additional requirements for the backloged user stories. Who is doing the refinement of the user stories for the developers? | Please see Personnel table in the Task Order PWS | |
| 52 | We recommend the government reconsider the 9.5 FTE requirement. This would allow vendors to provide the best fit number of personnel needed to accomplish the goals of the project. | The Government appreciates the reponse; however, the Government anticipates staying with the current team composition with options to adjust in the future. | |
| 53 | Is there already an ATO in place? If so, what is covered under that ATO? |
| Also, if there is an ATO in place, are there any ESPs already approved? If so, what are they? | Yes, ATO is in place currently. ATO covers the current AIE Environments. | ||
| 54 | Will the Data Dictionary be given to the contractor at the time of award? | Yes, additional information will be provided at time of the award. | |
| 55 | Will pre-existing government owned deliverables from previous efforts be made available to the contracting team—glean previous work, lessons learned... help speed up the development process. | Additional technical details will be provided as part of final RFP. | |
| 56 | We recommend that the government includes the following in the PWS to support accurate pricing and solutions proposed: | ||
| 1. | an upfront discovery process with business process engineering/design with HCD principles to make a productive and enhanced User experience | ||
| 2. | A requirements traceability matrix to determine the MVP and a digital transformation roadmap. Determine the vision for this roadmap and clear identification of the full end state will setup Army PEO EIS to avoid rework with low code configurations. | ||
| 3. | Use automated tools for delivery such as CI/CD tools such as Git, bitbucket, with DevSecOps approach and automated regression testing tools such as Playwright, or SILK tools or other Government approved or authorized tools to enable automated testing for each release and deployment after UAT. | ||
| 4. | Add additional FTEs for key personnel to support Innovation and automation. | At this time for this first Task Order is for one team of 9.5 FTEs | |
| 57 | Would the Government consider reducing the number of formalized Deliverables? The Government Product Owner can work with the vendor to identify the key deliverables in an interative fashion as part of sprint planning. | The goal is to minimize CDRLs that do not add direct value to technical capability delivery. | |
| 58 | Is the Vendor expected to procure the Salesforce licenses as part of this effort, or has the Government already procured Salesforce licenses? | No, the Government has procured the necessary licenses. | |
| 59 | Please confirm the Government supports other labor categories as part of the vendor's proposal outside the list of notional personnel provided. | All Labor Categories (LCATs) must be mapped back to the Govt. cost model to endure tracebility of the LCAT requirements | |
| 60 | Please characterize the level of maturity of the data models for AIE. | The work is still in-progress. | |
| 61 | What is the current state of data migration? Is there any specific timeline in place for data migration? Are there any specific timeline for full data migration? | No specific timeline at this time | |
| 62 | How many systems need to be migrated, and are there any systems that require sunsetting? | A more detailed interface and subsumption document/diagram will be provided in the final RFP | |
| 63 | Are there any specific tools mandated for automated testing? If so, please provide details for the tools. | A DevSecOps diagram will be provided in the final RFP | |
| 64 | Are there any requirments for performance/load, UAT testing? If so, please provide the requirements and timeline. | Please see the updated QASP for user acceptance metrics. A DevSecOps diagram will be provided in the final RFP that provides some details testing process. | |
| 65 | Under Data Interface Specialist, MuleSoft is specifically called out as a potential data connector tools. |
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