RFQ_Questions_and_Answers.docx

DTFH6115Q00041 Questions and Answers

1. Please describe the hosting platform and system architecture currently in place for the http://www.geotechtools.org/ website.

0. The hosting platform was developed as part of a research effort funded through the Second Strategic Highway Research Program (SHRP2). The Transportation Research Board (TRB) has published the final report which complete describes the platform and architecture. The Publication is Report S2-R02-RW-2; Development of the Geoconstruction Information and Technology Selection Guidance System. The report is available online at http://onlinepubs.trb.org/onlinepubs/shrp2/SHRP2prepubR02DevelopmentReport.pdf

1. Is self-hosting a must for the selected contractor?

1. Self-hosting is not a must, but the offeror must show how the web content will be maintained where ever it is hosted.

1. In order to allow for a level playing field for all bidders, how will FHWA evaluate website migration and redesign costs?

2. Migration and redesign costs will be evaluated based on the proposal for maintaining access to the website during migration, cost of migration and any redesign, and evaluation of any redesign proposal.

1. Please describe the database type currently in place for the http://www.geotechtools.org/ website.

3. GeoTechTools was developed as part of a research effort funded through the Second Strategic Highway Research Program (SHRP2). The Transportation Research Board (TRB) has published the final report that includes all information on the development of the database. The Publication is Report S2-R02-RW-2; Development of the Geoconstruction Information and Technology Selection Guidance System. The report is available online at http://onlinepubs.trb.org/onlinepubs/shrp2/SHRP2prepubR02DevelopmentReport.pdf

1. Does current hosting environment allow for content and database changes to be “staged” and tested before pushing to the live production server?

4. Yes. The hosting environment does allow for content and database changes to be “staged” and tested prior to pushing to live production.

1. What program is currently in place for tracking user trends and website metrics?

5. Google Analytics is currently being used to track user trends and website metrics.

1. Does the database offer an administrative tool and if so does it currently provide a tool for generating User Registration reports as described under Task 3 – User Registration Information (Collected for Each New User) of this RFP?

6. Yes, there is an administrative tool that allows the website to generate user registration information for generating reports.

1. Other than the cover page and price quote requirements listed on page 27, and the evaluation criteria on page 28, should responses comply with any other informational, formatting, organizational or page limit requirements (or guidance)?

7. None other than what are requested in the RFQ.