AIE Questions Conslidated from L M and AIE Industry Day.xlsx
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- Solicitation number
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About this file
This document contains a series of questions and answers related to a draft Request for Proposals (RFP) for the Accessions Information Environment (AIE) program, which is a defense business system being developed by the U.S. Army Program Executive Office Enterprise Information Systems (PEO EIS).
The key details are:
- AIE is developing a modern solution to simplify and streamline the Army's recruiting process across the entire accessions enterprise.
- The Government anticipates releasing the final RFP in Q4 FY24 and making approximately 10 IDIQ awards (5 small businesses, 5 large businesses) in Q2 FY25, with one contractor selected for the initial Task Order.
- The procurement will be conducted in two phases - Phase 1 is the technical challenge using Salesforce, and Phase 2 is the oral demonstration. Pricing will be requested at the Task Order level, not the IDIQ level.
- The Government is considering set-asides for certain Task Orders, such as training and help desk, and is open to feedback on small business participation areas.
- Key evaluation factors include maximizing use of Salesforce out-of-the-box functionality, human-centered design, and Agile program management. The incumbent contractors are Booz Allen Hamilton and Deloitte.
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L&M
| Draft RFP Section L&M Questions and Response | ||
| QUESTIONS | RESPONSE | |
| 1 | What impact Level (IL) does the scenario need to be built on? | For the technical demonstration, contractors will have to use their own Salesforce envirionment. |
| 2 | Will the log-in of the technical challenge scenario require CaC card authentication? | No, the technical challenge scenario will not require CAC authorization. |
| 3 | Would the Government consider 7 business days after Step 1 evaluation. | The contractor will have 4 weeks for Factor 1, as specified. |
| 4 | Will the Government consider allowing ten individual to present? | The offeror should have technical personnel, ideally the 3 key personnel specified in the Task Order 1 persent. The maximum number of presenters is seven (7), as specified. |
| 5 | Please clarify the Factor 3 Cost/Price approach for an Oral Demonstration listed in the Step 2 Submission table on page 3. | The cost/price model for the Task Order will be based on the Task Order PWS provided at RFP release. |
| 6 | Please provide the naming convention for the Factor 3- Cost/Price 'Labor Excel and Staffing Plan' as the only file name provided is a .docx or PDF file for the Cost Narrative. | The naming convention has been updated to reflect an MS Excel format. |
| 7 | The current L&M instructions do not clarify whether both CPFF and FFP prices will be requested of offerors within the Cost Model. |
If FFP prices will be requested, please clarify / confirm:
1. Cost backup for FFP rates will not be required
| 2. FFP rates will be team-wide rates proposed by the prime only (rather than having separate FFP rates for the Prime and each Subcontractor) | This effort is CPFF and Cost reimbursable. FFP is anticipated for incentive purposes. The incentive structure will be determined by the Government at the time of final RFP release. | ||
| 8 | Please confirm the Government will accept Commercial Item subcontractors proposed at fixed hourly rates under CPFF tasks, in the even that subcontractors do not have the accounting systems or other ability to demonstrate a cost element break out of their proposed rates. | As stated at DFARs 242.7502(a) - Contractors receiving cost-reimbursement, incentive type, time-and-materials, or labor-hour contracts, or contracts which provide for progress payments based on costs or on a percentage or stage of completion, shall maintain an accounting system. | |
| 9 | Would the Government accept FPRP support for proposed DL rates, in the event that an offeror is "in between" FPRR/FPRA support due to timing of new fiscal years and the 60 days that DCAA/DCMA needs to evaluate new FPRPs before issuing a subsequent FPRR? | Yes. The Government would accept a newly submitted FPRP that is under evaluation be DCMA/DCAA. | |
| 10 | The RFP identifies the procurement as being for a multiple award IDIQ and also requests pricing for the first task order. Could the Government clarify the pricing requirements to separate what is required for the IDIQ pricing submission and the Task Order pricing submission? For example, is a compensation plan necessary only for the IDIQ, and not for the first Task Order? | The Government does not anticipate having a Cost Price Model for the Base IDIQ. The RFP instructions will be revised to reflect the update. | |
| 11 | Could the Government clarify whether there will be two Cost.xlsx documents submitted, one for the IDIQ and one for the first Task Order (TO), or is the only requirement to submit pricing for the first Task Order? | The Government does not anticipate having a Cost Price Model for the Base IDIQ. The RFP instructions will be revised to reflect the update. | |
| 12 | Does the Government desire two separate cost narratives, one for the IDIQ, and one for the first Task Order? | The Government does not anticipate having a Cost Price Model for the Base IDIQ. The RFP instructions will be revised to reflect the update. | |
| 13 | Could the Government provide the anticipated number of IDIQ awards? | The Government anticipates approximatley 10 awards at the Base IDIQ level. | |
| 14 | Please confirm that proposed variances will be measured against the task order proposed rates, not the IDIQ level proposed rates. |
In a multi-year IDIQ, the requirements and timing of task orders are not specific enough to know with certainty which specific individuals will be used on future task orders. This is particularly true when task order performance may occur at a variety of contractor sites, in different geographies, which may bear different labor costs. It will be challenging to accurately predict all personnel costs at the time of IDIQ proposal in order to be held to those costs when more specific requirements are identified in a Task Order request.
| Offerors will be held to the rates proposed at the Task Order level. | ||
| 15 | The Government has asked industry to provide past performance as a part of this RFI. Would the Government consider including past performance as an element that Offerors need to demonstrate to the Government? Benefit to the Government being that Offerors would need to describe their ability to deliver in similar complex and mission driven environments in addition to the ability to deliver working software through the Technical Challenge (Step 1). | The Government has chosen not to evaluate Past Performance for this requirement. |
| 16 | The File Name identified for several volumes provide the same file name "xxxxORALDEMOxxx vs. reference to the volume (e.g., Small Business Participation). Please confirm. | File names will be updated in the final RFP. |
| 17 | Subsection 3 requests the Offeror identify the contract type with each subcontractor. Is this data required only for TO1? Depending on the task order, the Subcontractor type may change. | Task Orders will contain unique Sections L & M language to provide instructions for each respective order. |
| 18 | Section 13 identifies the first TO will be awarded under CLIN 0002. Please confirm if CLIN 0001 will be utilized for the minimum order award. | The CLIN structure will be updated in the final RFP. |
| 19 | The section indicates "The fee proposed for the Cost Plus Fixed Fee line items will be incorporated into the IDIQ contract and will serve as the maximum fee ceiling for all Task Orders issued under the IDIQ.". Will the govt issue a separate Cost sheet for IDIQ pricing? | The Government does not anticipate having a Cost Price Model for the Base IDIQ. The RFP instructions will be revised to reflect the update. |
| 20 | Please confirm if the Government Property Management Plan shall be submitted as an attachment to the Cover Letter | Yes, please provide the Government Property Management Plan as part of the General Information in Phase 1. |
| 21 | Document states "Key Personnel. The presenting Oral Demonstration team shall include three (3) of the |
five (5) Key Personnel IAW PWS Section 1.7.8 and shall be the Prime Contractor or
| Sub-Contractor’s existing employees", however, para 1.7.8 of the PWS_IDIQ does not address key personnel by position, PWS_TaskOrder only names three individuals as Key Personnel. Can the government provide clarity on the number and preferred Labor Category for intended Key Personnel? | The RFP will be updated to reflect three (3) key personnel are required in Sections L&M | ||
| 22 | "Cost Model Solicitation Attachment 2" is referenced - please provide Attachment 2 for the 10 1/2 year period of performance including CLIN structure | The Government does not anticipate having a Cost Price Model for the Base IDIQ. The RFP instructions will be revised to reflect the update. | |
| 23 | In reviewing the IDIQ and PWS we recognize the government is looking to limit the number of assumptions and scope-binding statements. In reviewing both documents, there seems to be many general statements regarding scope and requirements which can prove difficult for internal costing. Will bidders be able to submit additional questions after the Final RFP is released for clarification? | Yes, Offeors will have a Question and Answer period once the final RFP has been submitted. Assumptions need to be addressed before proposal submission. | |
| 24 | In Section L, the Factor 5 (Oral Demonstration) section references Key Personnel in the following manner: "The three (3) required existing Key Personnel are required to actively and orally participate in all aspects of the demonstration. Additionally, strengths may be given to Offerors that hae the reamining two (2) of the five (5) existing and/or contingent Key Personnel actively and orally participating in all aspects of the demonstration." As the IDIQ PWS does not include Key Personnel and the TO 1 PWS includes three (3) Key Personnel, we would welcome clarification of this requirement. | The RFP will be updated to reflect three (3) key personnel are required in Sections L&M | |
| 25 | While the Introduction to the IDIQ PWS refers to AIE as a "multi-award contract," Section M includes multiple instances of langage that imply a single award. Can the Government confirm that the AIE IDIQ is a multi-award contract -- and that the evaluation criteria will be amended to account for multiple IDIQ awardees? |
Section M, p. 18: "The Government reserves the right to make an award to other than the lowest prices Offeror. . . . "
| Section M, p. 19: Award will be made to the Offeror whose proposal is best value to the Government. . . " | The Government will be making the necessary updates to the RFP to reflect that multiple Offerors will receive a Base IDIQ award for this requirement. Only one Offeror will receive an award for the initial Task Order. | ||
| 26 | We recommend that the required cover letter information be excluded from a page count requirement. | The Government has updated Section L to remove the page limit for the cover page. | |
| 27 | The Government cites a two (2) step process as part of its evaluation of awardees for the IDIQ. Can the Government disclose an estimated number of awardees? | The Government anticipates approximatley 10 awards at the Base IDIQ level. | |
| 28 | Page 3 - Proposal Contents table shows Oral Demonstration, Labor Excel, and Staffing Plan as part of Factor 3 - Cost/Price, whereas Page 12 and 14 shows these requirements as part of Factor 4, and 5. Please revise and clarify if these contents are indeed part of Factor 3. | The Staffing Plan will now fall under Phase 2, Factor 1 - Oral Demonstration. | |
| 29 | Please clarify the Government's metrics to measure and define HCD utilization listed under point #1. | Section L&M will be updated with additional technical criteria. | |
| 30 | How will the Government determine the level of out-of-the-box functionality being used within the submitted technical challenge? | To Be Determined. Section L&M will be updated with additional technical criteria . | |
| 31 | Please confirm that the Attachment 2 was NOT part of the Draft RFP document. | Confirming Attachment 2 was not part of the draft RFP document. Attachment labels will be updated for the final RFP. | |
| 32 | Please clarify whether the referenced Labor Categories need to be stated in the payroll documentation. | The labor categories do not need to be specified in the payroll documentation, however, there must be clear mapping between the employee payroll record and the labor catefory against which the employee is performing against. | |
| 33 | Are Provisional Billing Rates considered "Approved Provisional Rates"? | Provisional billing rates can be either proposed/submitted, or approved by DCMA/DCAA. Please keep in mind, if using provisional billing rates, additional supporting documentation must be provided, as specified in the RFP. | |
| 34 | Does Payfactor (part of Payscale) meet the Government's definition of an acceptable resource for salary surveys? | Payfactor is an acceptable resource for salary surveys. | |
| 35 | Please confirm if the ODC and Travel plug numbers will be provided in the final RFP. | Yes, the ODC and Travel "plug numbers" will be provided in the final RFP cost/price template. | |
| 36 | Will the Government require subcontractors to have an approved accounting system? | Subcontractors will not be required to have an approved cost accounting system, however, the subcontract type cannot be cost-reimburseable. For subcontractors without an approved cost accounting system, you may utilize a T&M type subcontract, however, the prime offeror would need to track the sub's labor hours in their approved accounting system. | |
| 37 | Please clarify and revise the number of Key Personnel required. PWS Section 1.7.7 lists 3 total Key Personnel, but the Orals instructions mention 5 total key personnel. | See AIE Industry Day Slides 23-25 for further details. | |
| 38 | As the Government has provided instructions regarding the Oral Demonstration factor in the draft RFP, please clarify what additional details will be provided with the Step 2 successful Offer invitation other than logistics. | See AIE Industry Day Slides 23-25 for further details. | |
| 39 | Does the Government have an estimated timeframe for evaluations of Step 1? | The Government anticipates evaluating Phase 1 during Q1FY25, however, this is subject to change based on variables such as the number of proposals received and the quality of the proposals, etc. | |
| 40 | Given the Cost Plus / Firm Fixed Price / IDIQ nature of this contract, please confirm that pricing will be requested at the individual Task Order level, and not at the IDIQ level. | The Government does not anticipate having a Cost Price Model for the Base IDIQ. The RFP instructions will be revised to reflect the update. | |
| 41 | Can the government provide additional file naming instructions for (1) Factor 2 - separate Small Business Subcontracting Plan required by OTSB, and (2) General - cover letter. | File naming instructions will be udpated for the final RFP release. | |
| 42 | Does the government perceive there to be OCI for those contractors who have performed or are performing work in support of the Salesforce AIE solution? | The Government takes it duty to ensure all vendors receive impartial, fair and equitable treatment very seriously. If you have specific information concerning a potential OCI matter, contact myself (Megan Lamiotte, the Contracting Officer) and Sesun Park (the Contract Specialist), and the matter will be handled in accordance with FAR 9.5. | |
| 43 | Can key personnel be 1099 subs? | The Government will not dictate the relationship the prime has with its subcontractors. | |
| 44 | Is more than one login permitted for persona-based user experiences? | Planning to obtain approximately four (4) user/recruit acess. Section L&M will be updated with further details. | |
| 45 | Within the scope of the demo - how will the HCD utilization be determined? | Updated Section L&M will provide further details | |
| 46 | What is the definition of "Salesforce out-of-box functionality"? | Minimizing custom objects and coding. | |
| 47 | What Salesforce features or implementation approaches are included in the "out-of-box" categorization? | Section L&M will be updated with additional details. | |
| 48 | When a HCD approach does not fall into the category of "out-of-box", should the HCD COA be pursued because it is higher in the list? If not, which COA should be taken? | Both HCD and out-of-box are important. Section L&M will be updated with additional details. | |
| 49 | Will the Government reconsider allowing contractors to present their exceptions, assumptions, terms, and conditions, within their proposal? | Yes, Offeors will have a Question and Answer period once the final RFP has been submitted. Assumptions should be addressed prior to proposal submission. | |
| 50 | Will the Government reconsider allowing contractors to present their scope assumptions? Creating assumptions when estimating Agile work is an important practice due to the inherent uncertainty and variability in project development. The goal of assumptions in Agile is to provide a sensible framework that guides the contractor in their estimation efforts and sets the proper expectations with the government around the amount of scope that can be completed under the contractor's proposal. Assumptions allow teams to create an estimate based on the best available information. | The Government may consider. | |
| 51 | "xxxxORALDEMOxxxx" appears four times in the "File Name(s)" column. Are Offerors required to provide all of these sections in a single file? | File naming instructions will be udpated for the final RFP release. | |
| 52 | This states, "The Offeror shall review its Staffing Plan during the Factor 5 - Oral Demonstration…." However, the table on page 15 for the oral presentation time allotments doesn't include time for the Staffing Plan review. Will the Government add time for this requirement? | Section L&M will be updated with further details. | |
| 53 | The instructions for presenting the Staffing Plan during the Oral Demonstration state that the Offeror should provide information (among other things) "to support cost realism analysis." However, page 15 states, "Cost information shall not appear in the Oral Demonstration." It would difficult or impossible to provide information that supports cost realism analysis without providing cost information. Please update the Oral Demonstration requirements and instructions to resolve this difference. | Section L&M will be updated with further details. | |
| 54 | Will the Government move the Introduction of key personnel to the beginning of the Oral Demonstration (since at least some of these key personnel will be presenters)? | Section L&M will be updated with further details. | |
| 55 | Page 16 states that the Q&A Session at the end of the Oral Demonstration may last up to 45 minutes; however, the table on page 15 only allots 15 minutes. Will the Government update the final solicitation so that the instructions and table are consistent? | Section L&M will be updated with further details. | |
| 56 | The example in the next-to-last paragraph on page 23 mentions "if three (3) different labor rates were proposed for a particular labor category…." We assume that you mean rates for different levels of experience, i.e., Senior, Mid, and Junior rather than an Offeror proposing more than one rate for the same labor category and level of experience. Is this assumption correct? The Government may wish to clarify the example in the final solicitation to prevent any confusion. | The Government will take the action to clarify this requirement. | |
| 57 | Could you provide specific examples or metrics on how Human-Centered Design (HCD) will be evaluated in the Technical Challenge? | The QASP will be updated with additional matrix. Please refer the AIE Industry Day slide 27. | |
| 58 | Can you specify which Salesforce out-of-the-box functionalities are most critical for the project, and are there any particular functionalities that you expect to see leveraged in the Technical Challenge? | Section L&M will be updated with further details. | |
| 59 | Can you provide a tentative timeline on when the technical challenge will begin? | At RFP issuance | |
| 60 | For small business participation, are there specific industries or specialties within small businesses that the agency is particularly interested in promoting through this contract? | To Be Determined. | |
| 61 | Will there be opportunities for feedback and iterative improvements on the submissions before the final evaluation, or is the evaluation strictly based on the initial submissions? | Contractors should submit their best and final proposal. The Government reserves the right to hold Discussions, but Discussions may not necessarily occur. | |
| 62 | In the context of the Agile Program Management Approach, what specific methodologies and tools does the Government expect Offerors to utilize to align with the Agile requirements set forth in the PWS? | PEO EIS utilizes SAFE agile. Additional details such as AIE DevSecOps overview will be provided as part of final RFP. See AIE Industry Day Slide 15 to 19. | |
| 63 | Can the Government provide further details on the evaluation process for the 'Innovation' criterion, particularly regarding what constitutes a significant innovation compared to baseline expectations? | Section L&M will be updated will further clarification. | |
| 64 | Could the government clarify the expected cadence for deliverables review and feedback sessions with vendors to ensure agile methodologies are effectively adhered to and that deliverables align with the evolving requirements? | Please refer to AIE Industry Day slides 15 to 19 for further details. | |
| 65 | The Government states "All information the Offeror intends to have considered, including the Offeror’s best cost, shall be submitted with the initial proposal." Does the Government expect Step 2 information to be submitted concurrently with the Step 1 - Technical Challenge response? | Upon receipt of this RFP, Offerors will have four (4) weeks to develop and provide the Technical Challenge solution to the Government. Please refer to AIE Industry Day slides 22-23 for additional details. | |
| 66 | Because Human-Centered Design involves developing with the User, will the Government provide user focused criteria representative of the user's need? | Yes | |
| 67 | Is there an incumbent to this work? | The incumbant on this effort is Booz Allen Hamilton (BAH) and Deloitte. | |
| 68 | How many awardees does the Government expect to award in total? | The Government anticipates approximatley 10 awards at the Base IDIQ level. | |
| 69 | Will the Government please clarify the difference between the technical challenge and TO1 PWS? If TO1 is supposed to serve as an the MVP for the AIE program, is the proposed overarching proposed approach/ solution for the technical challenge supposed to adhere or be TO1? | Sections L&M have been updated. Phase 1, which includes the Technical Challenge will be for the award of the base IDIQ. Phase 2, which includes the Oral Demonstration, will be for the award of the initial Task Order. Those Offerors who did not receive an award at the end of Phase 1 will not be competing in Phase 2. | |
| 70 | Will the Government please verify that both primes and all its subcontractors are required to have approved cost accounting systems (CAS) and provide documentation from DCAA/DCMA? Assuming that this is the case, doesn't this greatly limit competition to those Offerors who only have approved CAS? For vendors who do not have a DCAA/DCMA CAS, will the government permit these vendors to participate as a subcontractor? | Offerors that intend to prime must have an approved cost accounting system to receive a CPFF contract/task order. Subcontractors will not be required to have an approved cost accounting system, however, the subcontract type cannot be cost-reimburseable. For subcontractors without an approved cost accounting system, you may utilize a T&M type subcontract, however, the prime offeror would need to track the sub's labor hours in their approved accounting system. | |
| 71 | The Government cites a two (2) step process as part of its evaluation of awardees for the IDIQ. Can the Government disclose an estimated number of awardees? | The Government anticipates approximatley 10 awards at the Base IDIQ level. |
AIE Industry Day
| AIE Industry Day Questions and Answers | ||
| QUESTIONS | RESPONSE | |
| 1 | Will these slides be made available afterwards? | Yes, the slides are now available as an attachment on this posting. |
| 2 | With the multi-vendor strategy - who is ultimately responsible for performance? Is Army now the SI? | The Government owns overall performance. There is an existing bridging Contractor who is establishing the DevSecOps pipeline. Multiple vendors, functionals, and the Government will collaborate within the DevSecOps pipeline. |
| 3 | Who performs the actual integration of each of the multi-vendor product deliveries? | The Government will serve as the Release Train Engineer orchestrating the integration along with the OEM, Salesforce. |
| 4 | What role will the Small Business community play in this effort? Will there be some work set-aside? | The Government anticipates approximately a 50/50 split between large and small businesses. Training and help desk are being considered for tasks set-aside to the small business suite |
| 5 | Since Salesforce is intimately involved - do the ID/IQ selectees need any Salesforce past performance - if they do - why? | Past Performance is not an evaluation factor for this requirement. Offerors will need to demonstrate domain knowledge of the Salesforce solution to be eligible for an award, as demonstrated in the technical challenge. |
| 6 | Where do the recruiting leads come from that recruiters begin their efforts | 1. Recruiters can manually enter leads 2. Recruiters receive leads in AIE from various interface partners. |
| 7 | Is the Army open to making changes to established recruiting processes to streamline development efforts? | Yes, the Army is open to adopting industry leading best practices for any opportunities to create efficiencies and innovation. |
| 8 | There is a lot of mention about the importance of Salesforce. Ultimately, all CRM endpoints are similar. For companies with vast experience on other well-known CRMs and less so on salesforce, will this impact how the GOV considers those companies? | The offeror will need to demonstrate domain knowledge of the Salesforce solution to be eligible for an award |
| 9 | Is there a need for an Impact Level beyond IL4? | Not at this time |
| 10 | Who manages the DevSecOps Pipeline? Is that managed by the PMO? | Yes, the Government owns the DevSecOps pipeline. It is currently being technically built with support of a bridging Contractor. |
| 11 | How is this schedule possible with the current speed of the Army's RMF process? | We currently have an ATO and implementing DEVSECOPS within the process to ensure we catch vulnerabilities early and often with Static and dynamic code scans. |
| 12 | Can you tell us when the final RFP will be released? Any expected award date? | The Government anticipates an RFP release date within Q4FY24 and award around Q2FY25. This is subject to change based on many factors. |
| 13 | Just to confirm, if small businesses do not currently have a DCAA approved system, we can provide signed copy of SF1408 Pre-Award Survey. | All businesses, regardless of size, are required to have a DCAA/DCMA approved accounting system by the time of Task Order award. Approval from private auditing firms will not be accepted. Please reach out to Contracting Specialist for assistance in getting a DCAA Pre-Award Accounting System review started. |
| 14 | Does the tentative award date include both ID/IQ and TO awards? | The award date (anticipated for Q2FY25) will be for both the IDIQ awards and TO award. This is subject to change based on many factors. |
| 15 | Will large business submit a SB subcontracting plan and meet SB goals? | Yes, this will be required as part of the Source Selection process. Finalized information on this requirement will be in Sections L&M of the draft RFP. |
| 16 | Understanding that development to date has been in Salesforce and understandable reticence moving away from that platform. Is the Army open to complimentary recruiting solutions to Salesforce to expedite AIE outcomes? | At this time, the Army is not open to complimentary recruiting solutions. |
| 17 | Who will ultimately own governance and coordination for functionality? | The Government owns governance, the performer on this contract will be required to meet requirements and performance will be measured against modern software metrics in accordance with the QASP. |
| 18 | Can the Government provide an updated final RFP Date? | The Government anticipates an RFP release date within Q4FY24 and award around Q2FY25. This is subject to change based on many factors. |
| 19 | For clarification, if you are successfully down selected as a Phase 1 awardee, does that mean you are automatically a MA IDIQ awardee? Or is the Phase 2 Orals going to be used to select awardees of IDIQ as well as the winner of the TO? | Base IDIQ awards will be made at the end of Phase 1. Those awardees will be competing for the TO award in Phase 2. |
| 20 | It has been mentioned that solutions must show "out of the box" compatibility/functionality with the Salesforce CRM. Could you please define? | Minimize custom items and codes |
| 21 | It seems a bit redundant to have the large businesses still have SB goals when the IDIQ is already satisfying that. | Where required by FAR 15.304(c)(4) and/or DFARS 215.304(c)(i), the Government shall evaluate the extent of participation of small business concerns. |
AIE Industry Day One-on-One
| AIE Industry Day One-on-One Questions and Answers | ||
| QUESTIONS | RESPONSE | |
| 1 | Do we need to provide pilot/voice over for the Tech Challenge? | The final RFP will provide additional details about the Tech Challenge in Sections L&M along with specific instructions to offerors for submission. |
| 2 | How many users and password should we provide for the Tech Challenge. | The vendors will respond to technical challenge using their own Salesforce environment. They need to provide access for at least 4 users to evaluate the response’s look and feel (human center design), and other end-user factors. |
| 3 | What is SB consideration? | SB set aside consideration is not finalized yet. The Government is looking to award aproximately five small and five large businesses. |
| 4 | Who is the Bridging contractor? | Deloitte |
| 5 | Will vendor be given their own value stream? | TBD |
| 6 | Does a vendor need to have Secret clearance during Phase I or II? | Need at Phase I and II |
| 7 | Is the govt. considering specific areas for SB set aside? | Govt is currently considering Training and Help Desk, but is open to other ideas. |
| 8 | How many users need access to TC? | The vendors will respond to technical challenge using their own Salesforce environment. They need to provide access for at least 4 users to evaluate the response’s look and feel (human center design), and other end-user factors. |
| 9 | External licenses needed? | The vendors will respond to technical challenge using their own Salesforce environment. They need to provide access for at least 4 users to evaluate the response’s look and feel (human center design), and other end-user factors. |
| 10 | Final RFP will have Q&A opportunity | Yes |
| 11 | Salesforce out of box only for Tech Challenge (TC) | The goal of Tech Challenge response is to maximize out of the box utilization |
| 12 | When will RFP be released? Are there any other industry engagements between now and then? Additional DRFPs? How many vendors will be selected for Task Order 1? Will there be one for the other task orders? Is there plan already for "Task Order 2"? | Planning for 4th QTR of FY24 for RFP release; No planned industry engagements; No planned additional DRFPs; One vendor will be selected for Task Order 1; Planning for additional Task Orders to be issued later; |
| 13 | How many planned Multi-Award IDIQ awardees? | The Government is looking to award aproximately five small and five large businesses. |
| 14 | Has Govt looked at BPR? | Yes |
| 15 | What is the Government's rationale behind the 5 Small and 5 Large businesses target? | Based on Governement Market Research |
| 16 | Has the Government considered BPR to minimize data duplication? | Yes |
| 17 | How are venders incentivized across participants in the IDIQ? | Govt. is considering optional incentive CLINS |
| 18 | How are vendors held accountable for measuring performance across value-streams? | Govt. is considering optional incentive-based CLINs for shared success. |
| 19 | What happens when architecture changes ripple through multiple value streams? | There is a singe DevSecOps pipeline with a governance process. |
| 20 | What will be the governance framework? | The governance process is currently being ironed out as part of the DevSecOps pipeline. The government will do its best to provide further details as part of final RFP if feasible. |
| 21 | What does it mean that Salesforce has a place at the table for AIE? | Salesforce is under contract to provide direct professional services. |
| 22 | How will the govt account for product defects found from post production? | We're considering it as part of our governance process. |
| 23 | What is your governance for architecture changes? | We have an architecture review board, as part of the approval process weekly, for major changes to the design and architecture. |
| 24 | Is AIE on the GovCloud? | Yes |
| 25 | What are the highest degrees of success you are looking for? | See Section L&M |
| 26 | What does ideal vendor look like? | See Section L&M |
| 27 | How is OCI managed? | Contracting is working with legal team to address OCI concerns. Please reach out to the Contracting Officer and Contracting Speciallist with specific concerns. |
| 28 | Are there other tools outside SF ecosystem being consider for AIE? | Yes |
| 29 | Frequency of task order releases, concurrent TO or step by step? | TBD |
| 30 | What type of variables is Govt. building the solution to? First TO will focus on Enlisted Mission? | We are building one Enterprise System. |
| 31 | Are you considering vendors to have Salesforce (SF) certification? | The Government will consider this idea. |
| 32 | What specific metrics can be used? | See QASP |
| 33 | When does bridging strategy end? | TBD |
| 34 | Does Deloitte have the DevSecOps pipeline. | Govt. owns the DevSecOps pipeline and bridging vendor currently supporting govt. |
| 35 | Who will maintain the DevSecOps pipeline after Deloitte? | Govt. owns the DevSecOps pipeline and future contractor support TBD. |
| 36 | How do you manage agile metrics with no PM position in the Task Order? | There are business and manage resources included in the Task Order that can track agile metrics |
| 37 | How will the Govt mange conflict between contractors? | Final RFP will be updated with new language to emphasize and incentivize vendors to cooperate directly with each other. |
| 38 | Will the govt provide further details on AIE governance process? | The Government will explore providing further details in the final RFP. |
| 39 | Will we have access to functional Users? | Users are involved with the technical team on daily basis |
| 40 | Can you provide a Roadmap? | TBD |
| 41 | What are the tools used in DevSecOps pipeline? | Currently using Azure DevOps (ADO) services |
| 42 | What tools for testing? | Govt is considering automated testing tools such as Selenium |
| 43 | Is Govt open for new tools? | Maximize SF out of box utilization while still considering other tools. |
| 44 | What is your Feedback cycles and process improvement with multiple vendors working on this project? | DevSecOps process provides for continuous improvement |
| 45 | If a vendor does not have an approved DCAA accounting system will a letter stating its in process be sufficient? | TBD |
| 46 | How will labor rates be validated? | Instructions are to be found in Section L&M |
| 47 | What environment will the Tech Challenge be in? | The tech challenge will be configured in the vendor’s environment. |
| 48 | Will DevSecOps will discuss during Oral Demonstration? | Yes |
| 49 | What mock up and diagraming tools are currently utilized by AIE? | AIE does not have a preferred mock up tools. |
| 50 | What tools are you using to gather user experience? Survey tools using? | Exploring SF native User satisfaction tracking functionality. |
| 51 | What are you consideration for on and off ramping vendors into the IDIQ? | The Government is currently considering the process |
| 52 | Is AIE utilizing SF Omni Studio? | Yes |
| 53 | Will DevSecOps allow for reuse of functionality? | Yes |
| 54 | Has Govt standardized a data approach? | Government data approach is part of our architecture and design |
| 55 | Is govt identifying OOTB features for TC? | The goal of Tech Challenge response is to maximize out of the box utilization |
| 56 | Will there be a SB Set aside? | The Government is looking to award aproximately five small and five large businesses. |
| 57 | What is the Ceiling on IDIQ? | $267M |
| 58 | Will small and large awards look to cover social economic status? | Will not be specific to social economic status but rather open to all SB |
| 59 | Set aside contracts for SB? | Currently looking at help desk and training; however the Government is exploring other Task Areas SBs have capacity to perform. An RFI would be released prior to a Task Order being released to gauge SBs capability before determining if it will be set aside for SB or open to all. |
| 60 | Is Past Performance a part of evaluation criteria? | No, Tech Challenge will be used instead. |
| 61 | Is AIE PMO contractor run? | No, Govt run |
| 62 | Are current contractors eligible for award? | Yes |
| 63 | Any opportunity for direct awards? | No |
| 64 | Will a Basis of Estimate (BOE) be provided by the Govt? | Yes |
| 65 | Can vendors provide Capability Statement? | Yes, please send to the Contracting Officer. Please refer to the slides for contract information. |
| 66 | Will small business be able to compete for all TO? | Currently looking at help desk and training; however the Government is exploring other Task Areas SBs have capacity to perform. An RFI would be released prior to a Task Order being released to gauge SBs capability before determining if it will be set aside for SB or open to all. |
| 67 | What are the plan for AIE for test automation? | AIE DevSecOps plans to maximize test automation. |
| 68 | Are there opportunity for no cost trial? | Not at this time |
| 69 | What are your Integration and interoperability challenges? | Examples: Migrating legacy data and integrating with legacy systems |
| 70 | What are security requirements for AIE? | AIE complaint with RMF |
| 71 | What are the key data challenges? | Migrating legacy data |
| 72 | How is cost realism evaluated? | IAW the FAR |
| 73 | How is AIE planning to evolve with other enterprise systems? | This is being considered with AIE architecture strategy. |
| 74 | Have you engaged with AF same using SF platform? | Yes, note that Army recruiting requirements are more expansive. |
| 75 | What is your mobile app strategy for AIE? | AIE is developing a mobile first approach |
| 76 | Are there any mobile apps being used by Army Recruiters? | Yes, Go Recruit Mobile is one example. |
| 77 | What is Tech Challenge criteria HCD? | L&M section will be updated with further HCD details. |
| 78 | When is the final RFP being released? | 4th Qtr./FY24. This is subject to change based on many factors. |
| 79 | Do vendors need to provide a script for TC? | No |
| 80 | Can you elaborate on SB set aside and sociol economic status? | Currently looking at help desk and training; however the Government is exploring other Task Areas SBs have capacity to perform. An RFI would be released prior to a Task Order being released to gauge SBs capability before determining if it will be set aside for SB or open to all. |
We are not currently looking at specific social economic status and rather for SBs in general
| 81 | Can you provide examples SF customization in AIE? | Maximize SF out of box utilization but as a last resort creating custom objects when out of the box in not sufficient. |
| 82 | How Army Enterprise Marketing Office (AEMO) capabilities will be incorporated with AIE as part of USAREC? | AIE plans to work across the enterprise to include AEMO integration. |
| 83 | Is there a different TC for small/large business? | No |
| 84 | Are there any CUI content in the RFP? | No, the Government is removing CUI labels in the final RFP |
| 85 | How are you managing technical debt? | One example is maximizing out of the box utilization |
| 86 | When will Functional Configuration Audit/ Physical Configuration Audit (FCA/PCA), when conducted? | See QASP |
| 87 | What contracting vehicle will you utilize for this upcoming solicitation? | This Multi-Award IDIQ |
| 88 | Is AIE on the GovCloud? | Yes |
| 89 | What level of alignment does the government expect between the AIE data model and a comprehensive ontology of Army recruiting, encompassing concepts, relationships, and potential inferences? Will the government provide an existing ontology, require the contractor to develop one, or rely on an emergent ontology based on system requirements? | TBD |
| 90 | Have you modeled the Army Recruiting process? | The Government modeled business processes and data models for Army Recruiting. |
| 91 | Is data modeling part of the requirement? | At a high level we will list out broad requirements that will evolve. |
| 92 | Does Task Order 1 require a secret clearance? | Yes |
| 93 | When do you plan to award the contract? | That is the current plan. Award in Q2 2025. This estimation may change based on multiple of factors. |
| 94 | Do you have an active ATO in IL4 environment? | Yes |
| 95 | How many vendors will be awarded the IDIQ entrance? | Approximately ten (10), five (5) Small Businesses and five (5) large businesses. |
| 96 | When is final RFP release? | That is the current plan. RFP release in Q1 2025. This estimation may change based on multiple of factors. |
| 97 | What components of SF Public Sector Solutions do you envision using? | All that are relevant |
| 98 | How do you address OEM products not performing as expected? | |
| Today we haven't seen any issues at this point, and of course, as if issues do arise, we will mitigate the risks associated with those issues as necessary. | ||
| 99 | How much of existing user stories are built out? | Users stories are being built in accordance with the agile process |
| 100 | What is the balance between HCD and SF OOTB utilization? | AIE prioritizes OOTB utilization and usability equally. As an example if SF rules engine is used properly both OOTB utilization and usability are maximized. |
| 101 | Are you considering an AIE Center of Excellence? | Government will consider it. |
| 102 | What are AIE pain points? | Some examples include migration of legacy data and integration of legacy systems. |
| 103 | Does Govt. prefer the offeror to include SF as part of their team? | SF is already under contract to AIE. |
| 104 | Will task order 1 be a small business set aside? | TBD |
| 105 | What are the Army component priority areas? | No, all Army components will be addressed. |
| 106 | What are the number of users for enlisted mission? | Over 100,000 per year |
| 107 | Where do you get your candidates/leads? | Some sources include: School list, ASFAB test, walk-ins, recruiter visits to multiple sites. |
| 108 | Can you provide more information on system subsumption and interfaces? | Further detail will be provided in the final RFP. |
| 109 | How do you handle Change Management? | Through our DevSecOps process. |
| 110 | Will AIE reuse SW modules? | We will maximize out of the box utilization and leverage customization as a last resort. |
| 111 | What's the government's approach to evaluating complementary solutions for requirements that require features currently unavailable in Salesforce? | The first Task Order is for capacity based but additional capabilities are anticipated for this 10 year IDIQ. |
| 112 | Will PEO EIS pursue Market Research for complimentary solutions if not available in SF native requirements? | Yes |
| 113 | Any timelines beyond first TO? | TBD |
| 114 | How will AIE leverage DevSecOps? | High level DevSecOps overview will be provided with final RFP. |
| 115 | Any requirements for 24/7 for up time? | AIE as web base system is expected to operate 24/7. |
File details come from the government source that posted it. Updated .