AMENDMENT_0001_Government's_Responses_to_RFI_Questions.(API_-_Director).pdf

AMENDMENT 0001 –RFI DJM-15-A41-R-0073

Academic Partnership Initiative - Data Analytics

1. The purpose of this amendment is to:

Provide clarification to responses to questions received from potential offerors concerning the US Marshal Service Office of Director’s Request for Information (RFI) for Academic Partnership Initiative - Data Analytics issued on July 28, 2015.

1. OFFEROR’S QUESTION - Will the potential academic partner need to address all three areas of interest or could the partner fulfill only one or two areas? 1) data analytics education and training to USMS employees, 2) knowledge consortium/reach-back 3) internship or fellowship opportunities.

GOVERNMENT’S RESPONSE – The intent is for the potential academic partner(s) to have the capability to address all three areas and fulfill the requirements of each of the three areas {1) data analytics education and training to USMS employees, 2) knowledge consortium/reach-back 3) internship or fellowship opportunities.}. A potential academic partner(s) may provide the capability independently or through teaming arrangements.

2. OFFEROR’S QUESTION - How important is proximity of partner/provider to the location of potential attendees (for the training and education component)?

GOVERNMENT’S RESPONSE – Proximity of the partner/provider will not be a factor. It is the responsibility of the partner/provider to present the most efficient and effective means to deliver services {See response to question three (3) for additional information}.

3. OFFEROR’S QUESTION - Is the intention that programs would be delivered on-site or online or through a hybrid model?

GOVERNMENT’S RESPONSE – It is the intention to have areas of the program delivered through a hybrid model.

- For program area 1 - data analytics education and training to USMS employees – services may be provided on-site, online, or through remote mechanisms depending on audience as per RFI DJM-15-A41-R-0073, Requirements section, Paragraph 1.a.iv through the most efficient and effective means.

- For program area 2 - knowledge consortium/reach-back –services may primarily be provided at partner/ provider location(s) as per RFI DJM-15-A41-R-0073, Requirements section, Paragraph 2.a.iv with travel to and/or communication with USMS Headquarters as needed.

- For program area 3 - internship or fellowship opportunities – work will be performed at USMS locations as per RFI DJM-15-A41-R-0073, Requirements section, Paragraph 3.a.iii.

4. OFFEROR’S QUESTION – How important is online delivery capability of partner/provider (for training and education component)?

GOVERNMENT’S RESPONSE – Online delivery capability of the partner/provider is a factor for program area 1 - data analytics education and training to USMS employees. Services may be provided on-site, online, or through remote mechanisms depending on audience as per RFI DJM-15-A41-R-0073, Requirements section, Paragraph 1.a.iv through the most efficient and effective means.

5. OFFEROR’S QUESTION - What is the total number of potential personnel (for the training and education component)? Are these individuals located in separate/different locations?

GOVERNMENT’S RESPONSE – For the training and education component, the total number of personnel is approximately seventy-two 72 as provided RFI DJM-15-A41-R-0073, Requirements section, Paragraph 1.a.i. The audience or total number of personnel, per training topic will vary from approximately 10 to approximately 72.

Individuals are primarily located in USMS Headquarters in Arlington, Virginia. Approximately 10% of the potential audience is at other USMS locations.

6. OFFEROR’S QUESTION – What does “Reach-Back” mean? How do you envision this to work?

GOVERNMENT’S RESPONSE – “Reach-Back” refers to the situation where resources, capabilities and expertise are physically distant from the primary user. It is the intention of the USMS (the primary user) to have the ability to reach back to the academic partner(s) to make inquiries related to the program areas of interest, increase awareness of program area topics, access expertise and information concerning program areas of interest, and present challenges in the program area of interest for the academic partner(s) to provide options, recommendations, and/or solutions. The USMS will provide a liaison at the USMS headquarters to represent the USMS interests. It is the responsibility of the partner/provider to present the most efficient and effective means and/or options to deliver services associated with “reach back” as per RFI DJM-15-A41-R-0073, Requirements section, Paragraph 2.a.