RSIMSS__RFP_Questions_and_Answers_-_21_Sep_15.docx

RSIMSS RFP Questions & Answers

Q1. What configuration management system is being used for source code and documentation?

A1. The configuration management system being used is Team Foundation Server (TFS) for Source code, while documentation utilizes Sharepoint.

Q2. What is the current LOE (Contractor FTEs) for supporting help desk operations for RSIS? (Attachment J-1, Page 86)

A2. The current contractor has two FTEs dedicated to this function, as well as additional support as required from existing staff.

Q3. What percentage of RSIS source data is received in hard copy forms? (Attachment J-1, Page 72)

A3. The percentage of source data received in hard copy is approximately 7%.

Q4. What percentage of RSIS source data is received as attachments to email messages? (Attachment J-1, Page 72)

A4. Attachments are considered a subgroup of hard copies. Refer to A3 above.

Q5. What are the current RAIRS processing times by receipt types – Paper, Electronic (Email), Electronic (AIRGNET)?

A5. All processing times are currently less than one month in length for all receipt types.

Q6. How are the client data collection solutions – RISPC, FARS, AIRGNET – currently disseminated to the stakeholders? (Attachment J-1, Page 96)

A6. RISPC and AIRGNET are both available via upload link to users. FARS is a web-based application and does not require installation; however, FARS has an offline version which needs installation.

Q7. What is the current LOE (Contractor FTEs) for maintenance of the client data collection solutions – RISPC, FARS and AIRGNET? (Attachment J-1, Page 96)

A7. Maintenance for these products is currently provided by two FTE positions that are also the same as those supporting the help desk operations. Additional staff is required, on an as-needed basis for regular updates to the applications.

Q8. What is the current LOE (Contractor FTEs) for maintenance of the RSIS SharePoint sites? (Attachment J-1, Page 86)

A8. One FTE supports all Sharepoint maintenance, but also provides support for any additional Sharepoint work.

Q9. Are the Forms F6180.78 and 81 to be processed and stored in the database as part of this contract? (Attachment J-1, Page 73)

A9. Currently, the requirement is to file and maintain the forms. Processing of the forms may be a future task.

Q10. Please confirm the following production cycles. If these are inaccurate, please provide the production cycle timeline for each. (Attachment J-1, Page 75)

A10. Yes, these are the drop site production cycles. See Figures 3,4,5,6 in Attachment J-1 for a more detailed description of the production cycles for each data type.

Q11. Would the contractor have direct access to Production environment to update the data models and/or data in the Production environment?

A11. Per the Service Level Agreement with FRA HOSTS, the contractor can access and update the RSIS Production data and data structure via elevated rights.

Q12. Please provide the number of database objects (tables, views, stored procedures) for each: (Attachment J-1, Page 73)

A12. The number of records for each of these is listed in Table 2 of the SOW, page 73 (Attachment J-1) and highlighted in the question above.

Q13. Please confirm that the contractor is responsible for updates and maintenance of each of the following applications hosted on the Secure Safety Data Portal: (Attachment J-1, Page 84)

A13. All are yes, except IAR which is maintenance only.

Q14. Please provide the software/technologies, size and number of lines of code for each of the following applications hosted on the Secure Safety Data Portal: (Attachment J-1, Page 84)

A14. See RSIS Safety Data Portal section on page 84 for software/technologies used for the above applications. Answers are highlighted in the question above.

Q15. Please provide the software/technologies, size and number of lines of code for the following application hosted on the Public Safety Data Portal: (Attachment J-1, Page 84)

a. Web-Based Accident Prediction System (WBAPS) 15K – 25K (25MB)

A15. WBAPS is primarily ASP.NET. FRA HOSTS has responsibility for all hosting; therefore size is not an issue. Answers are highlighted in the question above.

Q16. Please provide the software/technologies, size and number of lines of code for each of the following applications hosted on the SharePoint site: (Attachment J-1, Page 86)

A16. All are Sharepoint as stated on page 86. FRA HOSTS has responsibility for all hosting; therefore size is not an issue. Answers are highlighted in the question above.

Q17. Historically, what is the range for number of corrective maintenance items that had to be addressed for each of the following client data collection tools: (Attachment J-1, Page 96)

A17. Corrective maintenance varies for each. RISPC has about 10-20 items that are addressed on a weekly basis, primarily additions and modifications to the reference tables, and has a twice yearly update with about 10 items. FARS has a bi-annual update schedule with 3-8 items. AIRGNET averages about two updates per year with 1-6 items.

A18. VGTS, RIP, AF/FP, and Special Applications are modified based on a need for maintenance, which is less than once per year. NIP has a twice per year update schedule. QZC is required to be updated once per year.

Q19. Historically, what is the range for number of correction maintenance items that had to be addressed for the following application on the Public Safety Data Portal: (Attachment J-1, Page 84)

a. Web-Based Accident Prediction System (WBAPS)

A19. WBAPS has maintenance once per year.

Q20. Historically, what is the range for number of corrective maintenance items that had to be addressed for each of the following applications on the SharePoint site: (Attachment J-1, Page 86)

A20. As Sharepoint applications, these are updated as required. Sites within the RRSP are constantly evolving based on customer needs.

Q21. Is the 4 page limitation for the CPARS information provided in lieu of the Past Performance Questionnaire in Attachment J-4? (Section L.9.5.5)

A21. CPARS information will no longer be accepted in lieu of the Past Performance Questionnaire in Attachment J-4. Sections L.9.3 and L.9.5.5 have been substantially revised in Solicitation Amendment 1. The following is an excerpt from the revised Section L.9.3.1:

The Offeror shall identify up to three (3) recent and most relevant projects the Offeror or key personnel has performed (completed or ongoing) of similar scope, magnitude, and complexity to the requirements of the RFP. For the three (3) recent and relevant projects selected, the Offeror shall summarize the following information, not to exceed one (1) page each, three (3) pages total.

The following is an excerpt from the revised Section L.9.3.3:

The Government reserves the right to contact and verify past performance information with references provided on the Past Performance Questionnaires, and to use any other past performance information available on the firm. Additional past performance data may be obtained through the Past Performance Information Retrieval System (PIPRS), the Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS) or similar systems, other Government departments and agencies, program managers, contracting officers, and other sources known to the Government (including commercial sources). Offerors will be given the opportunity to address any negative performance information resulting from the past performance assessment inquiries.

Q22. What is the page limitation for information provided in the Past Performance Questionnaire in Attachment J-4? (Section L.9.5.5)

A22. The Past Performance Questionnaire in Attachment J-4 has been substantially revised in Solicitation Amendment 1. The page limitation for a completed Past Performance Questionnaire (Attachment J-4) is 3 pages. Section L.9.5.5 has been revised to indicate the page limitation in Solicitation Amendment 1.

Q23. Please confirm that the resumes are to be provided for the Key Personnel: Project Manager, Deputy Project Manager, and any other key personnel for Task #1 (Attachment J-1). (Section L.9.2.1.5.5)

A23. The Project Manager and Deputy Project Manager positions are designated as key personnel at the IDIQ contract level and resumes are required for each of these positions. The Senior Data Analyst and Senior Solution Manager are designated as key personnel at the task order level (Task Order 1). Resumes are required for each of these positions. Sample resumes shall be provided for each proposed non-key labor category.

Q24. Please confirm that all the resumes are excluded from the page limit for Volume I – Technical Proposal. (Section L.9.2.1.5.5)

A24. All resumes are excluded from the page limit for Volume I – Technical Proposal as stated in RFP Section L.9.2.1.5.

Q25. Are the Project Manager and Deputy Project Manager currently full-time positions?

A25. No, the current contract has the Project Manager as a half-time position and the Deputy Project Manager as full-time.

Q26. Historically, what is the Level of Effort (LOE) percentage distribution across CLINs 00001 - 00004?

A26. Assuming the question is referring to the CLINs as described in this RFP, historically the percentage between CLIN 00001 and 00002 are approximately 73% and 24%, respectively. The remainder is split between Transition In and Out, with CLINs 00003 and 00004.

Q27. What GFE is referred to in Section C.6.3.1 of the RFP?

A27. Laptops and monitors.

Q28. What is the current number of personnel with DOT VDI access? (Section C.6.3.1)

A28. Approximately 14 people have access to VDI at this time.

Q29. What is the current number of personnel that have been provided DOT workstations? (Section C.6.3.1)

A29. All current contractor staff have DOT provided laptops and monitors.

Q30. What is the current number of contractor personnel supporting this effort?

A30. The staff has ranged between 10-20 people.

Q31. Section L.9.2.1.6 states that the Technical Proposal shall not include any cost/price information. Section L.9.2.1.5.4 states that “Offerors, in their management approach, should identify the roles, levels of experience for those roles, and fully burdened labor rates as labor categories they believe will be needed for accomplishing and providing the data management services specified in this SOO”. Please confirm that fully burdened labor rates are NOT to be included in the management approach.

A31. Fully burdened labor rates are NOT to be included in the management approach. The phrase “fully burdened labor rates as” has been removed for RFP Section L.9.2.1.5.4 in Solicitation Amendment 1.

Q32. Is there a requirement to address the SOO Task 2 information in the proposal? (Section L.9.2.1.2)

A32. Section L.9.2.1.2 is revised in Solicitation Amendment 1 to the following:

The Offeror shall submit a proposal in response to the Statement of Work for Task Order 1 (CLIN 1 Attachment J-1) and the SOO for Tasks 2, 3 and 4 (CLINs 2, 3, and 4) outlined in Section C. The proposal and SOWs become part of contract award and shall become legally binding.

Q33. How will the Government evaluate the Offeror’s response to SOO Tasks 3 and 4 (CLINs 00003 and 00004)? (Sections L.9.2.1.2 and L.9.2.1.3)

A33. Government will follow the Evaluation Factors listed in Section M.3 when evaluating the response.

Q34. In cases where the Offeror is a team consisting of the prime and one or more subcontractors, does the three-contract limitation refer to the entire team (i.e., three total contracts) or does it refer to three contracts for the prime and three for each subcontractor? (Section L.9.3.2)

A34. The three contract limitation refers to the entire team.

Q35. Is the intent of this instruction that Offerors are to obtain fully completed Past Performance Questionnaires from their customer and include the Past Performance Questionnaires in the proposal? If not, should Past Performance Questionnaires with information provided in the first four lines and the last four lines only be provided in the proposal? (Section L.9.3.3)

A35. Section L.9.3 has been substantially revised in Solicitation Amendment 1. The following is an excerpt from the revised Section L.9.3.2 discussing the Past Performance Questionnaires:

The Offeror shall initiate the Past Performance Questionnaires for each of the projects used above. The Offeror shall complete blocks 1 through 7 on the form. The Offeror shall request that the owner’s representative most knowledgeable of the project complete block 8 on the form and that they submit the Past Performance Questionnaires directly to the FRA POC identified on the form no later than the proposal due date. Offerors are responsible for ensuring that the telephone numbers provided for the owner’s representative indicated on each Relevant Project Summary are accurate and that the representative is aware that FRA may be contacting them regarding the questionnaire and the Offeror’s past performance. Offerors are also reminded that it is their responsibility to ensure the Questionnaires are properly received by the due date and time specified herein, October 5th, 2015 at 12PM EST.

Q36. Are Offerors required to complete any of the columns in the Schedule B.2 tables for CLIN 00002 for the IDIQ price submission? If so, will the Government provide workload data that will enable Offerors to provide pricing data for CLIN 00002? (Section L.9.4.1)

A36. Offerors are not required to complete any of the columns in the Schedule B.2 tables for CLIN 00002 for the IDIQ price submission.

Q37. Will the Government confirm that based on the content in the Past Performance Questionnaire (Attachment J-4), the Government does not want the offeror to provide a description of the contract and its relevance to the proposed effort? (Section L.9.5.5)

A37. The Past Performance Questionnaire (Attachment J-4) has been substantially revised. The revised Attachment J-4 is included in Solicitation Amendment 1. A Microsoft Word version of the Past Performance Questionnaire will also be included as an attachment in FBO.

Q38. Will the Government confirm that the four page limit for Past Performance reference information submitted in lieu of the Past Performance Questionnaire is a limit on each contract, not a limit on the total past performance volume? (Section L.9.5.5)

A38. Please refer to A21.

Q39. Does the Government desire that the completed SF33 be provided as a standalone document? (Section L.10.3.1)

A39. The completed SF33 should be provided as part of the Technical Proposal. The completed SF33 will be excluded from the Technical Proposal page count limitation. This language is added to Section L.9.5.4 in Solicitation Amendment 1.

Q40. Does the Government require Offerors to complete and submit a completed Section K? If so, where should that document be included? (Section L.10.3.1)

A40. Since FAR Provision 52.204-7 – System for Award Management, is incorporated by reference in Section K, Page 110 of the solicitation, offerors don’t need to complete and submit the Reps and Certs in Section K. Per the revised Section L.9.5.4 in Solicitation Amendment 1, a certification statement that the offeror’s System for Award Management (SAM) registration is accurate and up-to-date shall be included with the Technical Proposal and is not part of the Technical Proposal page limitation.

Q41. RFP Section M.3.2.1 states “The FRA shall evaluate this factor on the basis of the … (b) Offeror’s demonstrated background with respect to organizational activities contributing to the development of requisite technical expertise in relation to FRA’s requirement…” Is the Offeror required to address their experience in providing training and career development activities to enhance the technical expertise of their personnel?

A41. Yes, it is required.

Q42. Will the Government please clarify the requirement for a Performance Work Statement? (Section M.3.3.1)

A42. The offeror must develop a Statement of Work for the base IDIQ contract detailing the specific approaches the offeror will take to accomplish the tasks/services discussed in the Statement of Objectives.

Q43. RFP Section M.3.3.1. This section states that “The FRA shall evaluate the effectiveness of the Offeror’s proposed approach and methodology … in terms of the development of innovative and proactive strategies designed to maximally address achieve [sic] the RSIMSS Data Management Services and Data Solution Enhancement Services objectives outlined in the SOO and Task #1 SOW (Attachment J-1)”. The “objectives” are only defined in the SOO and not in the Task #1 SOW. Further, there is no specific reference to “RSIMSS Data Management Services and Data Solution Enhancement Services” in either the SOO or SOW. (a) Will the Government remove the reference to the Task #1 SOW from this evaluation criteria? (b) Does the reference to “RSIMSS Data Management Services and Data Solution Enhancement Services objectives” indicate that Offerors should only address SOO paragraph C.5.2 CLIN 00002 – Non-routine Maintenance, System Development and Enhancement Services Objectives” to fulfill this evaluation criterion?

A43. Section M.3.3.1 is revised in Solicitation Amendment 1 to the following:

The FRA shall evaluate the effectiveness of the Offeror’s proposed approach and methodology, as reflected in its Statement of Work, in terms of the development of innovative and proactive strategies designed to maximally achieve the RSIMSS Program, Systems, Data and Application Management Services outlined in the Task #1 SOW (Attachment J-1) and Non-Routine Maintenance, System Development and Enhancement Services objectives outlined in the SOO.

Q44. RFP Section M.3.3.2. This section states that “Evaluation of the Offeror’s understanding of the Government's requirements, its understanding of the nature of the work to be performed under the prospective contract, to include demonstrated understanding of the technical requirements for data collection, data processing, RSIMSS data solution operations and maintenance and RSIMSS data management services and data enhancement services as outlined in the SOO and Task #1 SOW (Attachment 1 J-1)” The reference to “data collection, data processing, RSIMSS data solution operations and maintenance” appears to directly reference SOO paragraph C.5.1 CLIN 00001 and the Task #1 SOW. The reference to “RSIMSS data management services and data enhancement services” is less clear but may refer to SOO paragraph C.5.2 CLIN 00002. Will the Government please clarify the references provided in this evaluation criterion?

A44. Section C.5.1 title is revised in Solicitation Amendment 1 to “CLIN 00001 – Program, Systems, Data and Application Management (O&M) Objectives to directly align with the CLIN 00001 description in Section B.2. Section M.3.3.2 is revised in Solicitation Amendment 1 to the following:

Evaluation of the Offeror’s understanding of the Government's requirements, its understanding of the nature of the work to be performed under the prospective contract, to include demonstrated understanding of the technical requirements for Program, Systems, Data and Application Management Services outlined in the Task #1 SOW (Attachment J-1) and Non-Routine Maintenance, System Development and Enhancement Services objectives outlined in the SOO.

Q45. RFP Section M.3.3.3. This section states that “The FRA shall assess Offeror’s proposed plan for responding to and managing RSIMSS Data Management Services and Data Solution Enhancement Services efforts.” The reference to “RSIMSS Data Management Services” appears to reference the second of two tasks, “RSIS Program and Safety Data Management,” in the Task #1 SOW. The reference to “Data Solution Enhancement Services” appears to reference SOO paragraph C.5.2 CLIN 00002. Will the Government confirm that this is the correct interpretation of this requirement?

A45. Section M.3.3.3 is revised in Solicitation Amendment 1 to the following:

The FRA shall assess Offeror’s proposed plan for responding to and managing RSIMSS Program, Systems, Data and Application Management Services outlined in the Task #1 SOW (Attachment J-1) and Non-Routine Maintenance, System Development and Enhancement Services objectives outlined in the SOO.

Q46. RFP Section M.3.3.4. This section states that “The FRA shall evaluate the Offeror’s proposed strategy for facilitating the achievement of FRA’s goal of maintaining and streamlining operations related to the data collection, processing, and distribution of the railroad safety data. Using and enhancing the value of that data through more openness and transparency shall be assessed.” In addressing this requirement, should the Offeror focus the response on the first of two tasks, “Safety Data and Processing,” in the Task #1 SOW and appropriate elements of SOO paragraph C.5.2 CLIN 00002?

A46. Yes.

Q47. RFP Section L.9.2.1.5.2 states that the CMMI certificate is to be included in Vol. I of the offer, but while our appraisal is scheduled for early October we understand that the certificate may not be available for 2 to 3 weeks afterwards. Would the Government consider delaying receipt of the certificate until 1 month following the proposal due date?

A47. The CMMI certificate must be received by the proposal due date.

Q48. RFP Section L.10.3 states that proposals are to be emailed, but RFP Section L.7 states that, "The offer shall be manually signed in the original…": Does this mean that we cannot use an electronic signature, but must print and sign a physical page then image it?

A48. An electronic signature is acceptable. Section L.7 is revised in Solicitation Amendment 1 to the following:

The offer shall be signed by an official authorized to bind your organization.

Q49. Since Task Order 1 is Routine Maintenance, can you please confirm that the Offeror needs to only price CLIN 00001 for the base period and option years? How should we estimate pricing for CLIN 00002?

A49. The pricing for CLIN 00001 will need to be proposed for the base period and each option period. Pricing for CLINs 00003 and 00004 will also need to be proposed for the base period and each option period. Please refer to A36 concerning pricing for CLIN 00002.

Q50. May the Government please provide historical information regarding CLIN 00002 such as number of Task Orders issued, total labor hours, etc.? (Section B.2, Page 2)

A50. Refer to A36 concerning pricing for CLIN 00002.

Q51. How should bidders complete the Section B.2 requirement for CLIN 00002? (Section B.2, Page 2)

A51. Refer to A36 concerning pricing for CLIN 00002.

Q52. May the Government please clarify which resumes are required for submission with the proposal response? (Section L.9.2.1.5.5, Pages 20, 33, 90 and 143)

A52. Refer to A23.

Q53. What will be the process for starting sooner with the transition? Would personnel have to be cleared? (Section C.5.3.1)

A53. An earlier transition is possible but this is unfunded and no direct work is allowed until the official transition date and staff have been cleared. We would encourage the Awardee to begin the clearance process as soon as the contract has been awarded. Coordinate any early transition plans with the COR.

Q54. Please clarify that CLIN 00001 is exactly the Statement of Work (SOW) from Attachment J-1 per Section L.9.2.1.2. Schedule B.2 does not link this directly. (Section B2, Page 2)

A54. The Attachment J-1 Statement of Work (SOW) is directly associated with CLIN 00001.

Q55. Please confirm or clarify if CLIN 00002 does not need to be addressed in the offeror’s proposal. (Section L.9.2, Page 142)

A55. Section L.9.2.1.2 is revised in Solicitation Amendment 1 to the following:

The Offeror shall submit a proposal in response to the Statement of Work for Task Order 1 (CLIN 1 Attachment J-1) and the SOO for Tasks 2, 3 and 4 (CLINs 2, 3, and 4) outlined in Section C. The proposal and SOWs become part of contract award and shall become legally binding.

Section L.9.2.1.3 is revised in Solicitation Amendment 1 to the following:

The Offeror’s proposal shall provide a detailed description of the company’s experience, demonstrated related technical capabilities, proposed management strategy and technical approach to maximally address the objectives, requirements and deliverables outlined in the SOO (CLINs 2, 3 and 4) and SOW for Task Order 1(CLIN 1 Attachment J-1) and perform the prospective contract successfully as reflected in the solicitation Evaluation Factors (see Section M). The Offeror’s proposal shall further demonstrate a clear understanding of the objectives and requirements set forth in the SOO and Task Order 1 SOW.

Q56. Please confirm that “M.3.3.3 The FRA shall assess Offeror’s proposed plan for responding to and managing RSIMSS Data Management Services and Data Solution Enhancement Services efforts” relates directly to Task 2 and Section C.5.2 CLIN 00002 – Non-routine Maintenance, System Development and Enhancement. (Section M.3.3.3, Page 147)

A56. Refer to A45.

Q57. Please clarify if Attachment J-1 RSIMSS SOW or C.3 Envisioned Scope, should be followed in the event of a conflict especially for Section C.5.1 CLIN 00001 – Data Collection, Data Processing and RSIS Data Solutions Operations and Maintenance Objectives as compared to Attachment J-1. (Section C.3, Page 10 and Attachment J-1, Page 71)

A57. The Attachment J-1 RSIMSS SOW is directly associated with CLIN 00001. The SOO (Section C) applies to CLINs 00002, 00003 and 00004.

Q58. This section is blank – L.9.2.1.5.3 – Quality Management System. May the Government please clarify if we should defer to Section H.12 in developing our response for this section? (Section L.9.2.1.5.3, Page 142)

A58. Offerors should defer to Section H.12 in developing a response for the Quality Management System.

Q59. What level of detail is required for the cost breakdown to be submitted as backup for CLIN pricing? (Section L.9.4.2, Page 143)

A59. At a minimum, the offeror shall provide the hourly rates and number of hours estimated for each proposed labor category for each CLIN.

Q60. In Attachment J-1, Page 82, under Data Management – Safety Data Management, in the last sentence of the first paragraph, you state – “Details related to the data management solutions can be found in 0.” Can you please elaborate where this information can be found? (Attachment J-1, Page 82)

A60. Page 91, Appendix A. Solicitation Amendment 1 will correct the reference on page 82.

Q61. In Attachment J-1, Page 86, under Help Desk Operations for RSIS, it says the timings for the Help Desk are 8:00AM – 8:00PM. In Appendix A, paragraph 3, you say that “The RSIS Help Desk is accessible via a toll-free number, 1-888-372-9393, and is manned by contractor staff from 7AM to 8PM EST.” What are the times that the Help Desk will be manned for the new contract?

A61. For the new contract, the hours will be 7AM to 8PM EST.

Q62. Please define what is required for compliance for a Quality Management System. (Section L.9.2.1.5.3)

A62. Refer to A58.

Q63. If a Joint Venture is being proposed, does the Joint Venture itself need to be certified CMMI 2 or greater if the organizations making up the Joint Venture are both CMMI 3 certified? (Section L.9.2.1.5.2)

A63. The Joint Venture itself does not need to be certified CMMI Level 2 (or higher) if at least one of the entities making up the Joint Venture is certified CMMI Level 2 (or higher).

Q64. On the Draft RFP Questions and Answers document, Answer 3 states that “many of the software applications are covered by government enterprise licenses, while some other development tools are covered by the contractor.” Can you please list the applicable enterprise licenses currently held that pertain to the work being performed on this project as well as the development tools the contractor will need to have available?

A64. Enterprise licenses include:

· Windows 2008

· SQL Server 2008R2/2012

· Microsoft Web Services

· SQL Server Business Intelligence Service Development Tools may include those listed in C.5.2.1: .NET, SQL, SQL Server, PL/SQL, SAS, Visual Basic, JQuery, SharePoint, Java, Javascript , C++, AJAX, HTML, HTML5, CSS3, XML, JSON, ODATA, SOAP, REST, ESRI, ArcGIS Server, API’s, data modeling, Oracle 11gR2 database, Oracle Web Server 10g, JavaServer Pages, Struts, Oracle 10g Developer Suite for case generation reports, Redhat Linux Enterprise 7, and other modern languages for application maintenance activities.

Q65. There is no CLIN for any software or hardware that may be necessary for a given solution. Can this be added?

A65. A CLIN for software or hardware will not be added at this time.

Q66. What documentation will fulfill the requirements for Section L.2.1.5.1 for a Joint Venture?

A66. All Joint Ventures must be recognized by the SBA as having met the 8(a) criteria.

Q67. Would the FRA accept a mix of prime and subcontractor past performances as part of the three citations?

A67. Yes.

Q68. Will bidders have access to the incumbent’s proposed “Transition Out” plans?

A68. No, only the Awardee will have access to the Incumbent’s Transition Out plan.

Q69. Does the FRA have a preferred format or information it would like included in the resumes and is there a page limit for each resume? How would the FRA prefer that we distinguish key personnel from other proposed personnel?

A69. No preferred format or information for the resumes. See Section L.9.2.1.5.5 for the resume page limit. Please indicate “SAMPLE” in the header for all non-key personnel resumes.

Q70. Confirmation of key personnel. There are only 2 key personnel called out on page 2 (PM/DPM) and Section C.6.2, nothing specified in H.3, and additional staff in TO1, page 90. Please clarify.

A70. Refer to A23.

Q71. Are offerors required to provide position descriptions for non-key personnel?

A71. Refer to Section L.9.2.1.5.4.

Q72. Please confirm that the cover page and Executive Summary of the technical proposal in total should not exceed 3 pages (per RFP Section L.9.5.3), but that those 3 pages do not count against the total page requirement for the Technical Volume of 45 pages (per RFP Section L.9.2.1.1).

A72. Confirming that the information stated above is correct.

Q73. In Section L.9.5.5 Body of Volume II, the RFP states “The page limitation for Past Performance reference information submitted in lieu of the past performance questionnaire shall be four pages.” This seems to indicate that past performance questionnaires are optional. Please clarify what is expected from the Government in terms of Past Performance references and questionnaires, including any maximum page counts for each.

A73. Refer to A21 and A35.

Q74. There appears to be some inconsistencies between the language in sections L.9.2.1.2 and M.3.3.1 with regards to FRA’s expectation for responding to CLIN 2. In section L.9.2.1.2, FRA states “The Offeror shall submit a proposal in response to the SOO and Statement of Work for Task Order 1 (CLIN 1 Attachment J-1) and Tasks 3 and 4 (CLINs 3, and 4) outlined in Section C.” This implies that our proposal should focus only on CLINs 1, 3 and 4. However, in section M.3.3.1, FRA states that “The FRA shall evaluate the effectiveness of the Offeror’s proposed approach and methodology, as reflected in its Performance Work Statement, in terms of the development of innovative and proactive strategies designed to maximally address achieve the RSIMSS Data Management Services and Data Solution Enhancement Services objectives outlined in the SOO and Task #1 SOW (Attachment J-1)”. This implies that our proposal should focus on the entire SOO (CLINs 1, 2, 3 and 4), in addition to TO-1 (CLIN 1, again)." With respect to the Section L requirements for the response, can the FRA clarify the approach that is being requested for responding to CLIN 2 requirements?

A74. Refer to A45 and A55.

Q75. Attachment J-1 seems to be organized differently than the rest of the RFP. Can the Government please clarify the organization level for the tasks and subtasks in the SOW? What is the hierarchy for headings in the SOW?

A75. Bullets and indenting were used in the SOW. The rough order is: Dark bullet (left justified), open bullet (left justified), indented small square, indented dark bullet.

Q76. Is Table 3 an example for the successful vendor to complete or are the dates for receipts control, data entry, and data validation the FRA requirement? Can the Government explain the definition of “acceptance” in this table? What steps are required to accept a record? Are there different steps for electronic and paper input? (Attachment J-1, Page 79)

A76. Yes, this is an example for the successful vendor to complete and these are the requirements. “Acceptance” is the acknowledgement of receipt and checking for completeness and compliance. Please see Figure 2: RAIRS System Process Flow Diagram for more information.

Q77. Section L indicates that all Past Performance references will center on the Past Performance Questionnaire, yet the questionnaire does not appear to be detailed enough to elicit the information being evaluated in M.3.6.1, and there is no clear provision for a narrative. Moreover, L.10.3 states that Past Performance reference organizations should submit their information to Corey Scott directly. Please clarify the Government’s intent as it relates to the Past Performance Questionnaires, and narrative (if any).

A77. Refer to A21, A35 and A37.

Q78. The page limitation for Past performance reference information is four pages. Does the Government intend that the entire volume be limited to four pages, or does the Government intend four pages per Past Performance?

A78. Refer to A21, A35 and A37.

Q79. Is the table of contents for each volume – like the glossary – not included in page count? (Section L.9.1.1)

A79. The table of contents for each volume is not included in the page count. The language in Section L.9.1.1 is revised in Solicitation Amendment 1 to indicate this information.

Q80. L.9.2.1.1 addresses the cover letter, Executive Summary and cover page for Volume One. The cover page and Executive Summary do not count against the Volume One page count. Can Offerors assume that the cover letter does not count against Volume One page count too?

A80. The reference to a “cover letter” in Section L.9.2.1.1 was changed to “cover page”. Section L.9.2.1.1 is revised in Solicitation Amendment 1 to the following:

A cover page and Executive Summary that provides an introduction of company to include the company’s history and related activities, emphasizing the firm’s capacity, experience and required area of expertise to successfully carry out the requirements outlined in the Statement of Objectives (SOO) (Section C of the solicitation). The cover page shall include the FRA solicitation number, date of submittal, acknowledgement of all amendments, the Offeror’s name, address, Taxpayer ID Number (TIN), CAGE code, DUNS and the Offeror’s POC name, phone and email. The cover page shall also include a list of all subcontractors and team members. The cover page and Executive Summary shall not count against the Volume One page count.

Q81. Does the Government intend Offerors to provide cover pages for Volumes Two and Three as well?

A81. No.

Q82. The cover page and Executive Summary are limited to three pages. Will the Government add an additional page for the cover letter?

A82. Refer to A80.

Q83. Will the Government permit single spacing for spreadsheets and charts, tables, and diagrams, and other graphics so long as the font is compliant and the data legible? (Section L.9.5.1, Page 144)

A83. Yes.

Q84. Are the performance standards in Table 3 the measurement for all reports coming in? Or is it the basis for only the current cycle's reports? Would the government be open to suggested SLAs? (Attachment J-1, Page 79)

A84. Yes, this is for all reports coming in. Government would be open to SLA discussions that do not increase the timelines.

Q85. Page 142, section L.9.2.1.2 - In addition to addressing the SOW for Task/CLIN 1 (Section J), should all of the CLINs in the SOO (Section C) be addressed or just CLINs 3 & 4 from the SOO?

A85. Refer to A55.

Q86. Page 142, section L.9.2.1.5.3 - Under “Required Documents”, can you provide more information on what is expected for "Quality Management System"? Is a certificate needed, or is a narrative expected?

A86. Refer to A58.

Q87. Page 143, section L.9.2.1.5.4 – Under “Roles”, it is stated, "Offerors, in their management approach, should identify the roles, level of experience for those roles, and fully burdened labor rates as labor categories they believe will be needed for accomplishing and providing the data management services specified in this SOO." Please verify that (1) fully burdened labor rates should not be in Volume 1 - Technical proposal and should only reside in Volume III – Pricing Proposal, and (2) offerors should provide a job function description and experience requirement for each position they believe is needed for the program (and not just for the SOO).

Additionally, please clarify the difference between this requirement and section L.9.4.2, which reads "In addition, Offerors shall provide educational, experience, and technical qualifications for each labor category as addendum information to Section B.2 of the solicitation".

A87. Fully burdened labor rates should not be in Volume 1 but will be in Volume II and Section B.2 Offerors should provide a job function description and experience requirement for each position they believe is needed for the program (and not just for the SOO).

Q88. Page 20, section C.6.2 - Key Personnel are listed as the Project Manager and the Deputy Project Manager. However, page 90 also lists the Senior Data Analyst and Senior Solutions Manager as Key Personnel. How many positions and for which roles are to be included as Key Personnel?

A88. Refer to A23.

Q89. Page 144, section L.9.5.5 – Are completed Past Performance Questionnaires to be included in the Past Performance Volume?

A89. Refer to A21 and A35.

Q90. Page 144, section L.9.5.5 - How are CPARs, if used, to be submitted for Past Performance consideration?

A90. Refer to A21 and A35.

Q91. Page 144, section L.9.5.5 - Are narratives of the Past Performance projects expected in addition to the submitted Past Performance Questionnaires/CPARS?

A91. Refer to A21 and A35.

Q92. Can a subcontractor's Past Performance be used in the submission?

A92. Yes.

Q93. May we supply information/questionnaires on more than three projects which meet the criteria?

A93. No.

Q94. Section L.9.2.1.2, Page 142. The instruction requests that for the Technical Proposal, the offeror submit a response to Task Order 1 (CLIN 1 Attachment J-1) and Tasks 3 and 4 (CLINS 3 and 4). No mention is made in reference to providing a response in the Technical Proposal to CLIN 2, Non-routine Maintenance, Systems Development and Enhancement Services Objectives. Please confirm that the government does not expect/require CLIN 2 to be addressed in the offeror’s proposal response.

A94. Refer to A55.

Q95. Section L.9.2.1.5.3, Page 142. Please clarify the submission requirements related to the “Required Document” identified in this sub-section, Quality Management System.

A95. Refer to A58.

Q96. Sections L.9.3.3 and L.10.3.1, Pages 143 and 145. Please clarify that it is the government’s intent that completed Past Performance Questionnaires (using the template providing in Section J) be submitted directly to FRA by the reference organization and not the offeror. In addition, please confirm that the deadline for submission of Past Performance Questionnaires is October 5 at 12 noon Eastern Time.

A96. Refer to A21 and A35.

Q97. Section L.9.5.5.5, Page 144. This section states that “The page limitation for Past Performance reference information submitted in lieu of the Past Performance Questionnaire shall be four (4) pages.” Please clarify if the government is permitting offerors to submit their own write-ups of Past Performance references instead of requesting reference organizations to submit Past Performance Questionnaires.

A97. Refer to A21 and A35.

Q98. The government requires a signed SF33 – should this be included as part of the Price volume or as a separate (4th) document?

A98. Refer to A39.

Q99. Does the government wish Offerors to submit Reps and Certs – if so, in which volume?

A99. Refer to A40.

Q100. The government has suggested historical Labor Categories, are there any restrictions to proposing additional Labor Categories?

A100. Per the following language on Page 2 of the solicitation, “The following are labor categories based on historical usage, although the contractor may suggest their own mix of labor categories”.

Q101. Can the government provide an anticipated team size in terms of FTEs and/or LOE for the Task Order 1?

A101. Based on the current level of effort the contractor may want a range of between 10-20 employees, depending on their skill and capability. The contractor has flexibility to determine the team size.

Q102. Do the listed Help Desk support hours imply a Multi-Shift team?

A102. It is the decision of the contractor as to how to support the Help Desk. This allows flexibility for resource sharing.

Q103. What are the mimimum contractor resource immigration status requirements for this IDIQ? i.e. Green Card, U.S. Citizen, etc.

A103. All contract resources are required to pass DOT Security background check and must be able to obtain a DOT PIV card.

Q104. Is a Management Approach to be included in Volume 1?

A104. Per Section L.9.2.1.3, the management strategy/approach shall be included in Volume 1.

Q105. The Proposal Format and Page Counts are stated to be DOUBLE SPACED. Are the subsequently stated Page Counts in L9.5.2-L9.5.7 for Volumes I-III suggested in terms of the same Double Spaced requirement?

A105. The double spacing requirement in Section L.9.5.1 applies to all proposal submission page counts.

Q106. Section M.3.6.1, Page 148. Is there a minimum value for past performance citations/references?

A106. There is no minimum value for past performance citations/references.

Q107. Section M.3.6.1, Page 148. Is the prime required to have experience within FRA, or will other broader DOT experience be acceptable?

A107. The prime is not required to have experience within FRA.

Q108. Is the prime required, or at least preferred, to have hands-on experience or knowledge of the various FRA systems (RAIRS, RIRS, GCIS, VGTS, etc.)? Will sufficient experience from partners be considered acceptable?

A108. No prior experience or knowledge of FRA systems is required.

Q109. Section M.3.5.1, Page 148. Can sufficient, demonstrable, experience for the Project Manager – such as 20 years + IT railroad project management experience – be offered in lieu of the PMP qualification?

A109. No.

Q110. Section L.9.4.2, Page 144. Is cost breakdown required for Labor Hour on CLIN 00002 only or all pricing across each CLIN?

A110. Price/Cost breakdowns are required for all pricing across each CLIN.

Q111. Section M.3.1. How will the CMMI appraisals of the offeror’s teaming partners or subcontractors be evaluated? I.e., will they be taken into account?

A111. Per the RSIMSS Presolicitation Conference Slides (Slide number 36) dated 27 July 2015 and available as an attachment in FBO for this requirement, the Prime Contractor must be CMMI Level II Certified (or higher) for all teaming arrangements.

Q112. Section C and M.3.2.1(c). The RFP reads: “(c) Offeror’s demonstrated available corporate resources and capabilities to successfully fulfill the requirements and deliverables outlined in the RSIMSS Statement of Objectives (SOO).” However there are no deliverables listed in the Statement of Objectives, Section C. Please clarify if responses to deliverables is an evaluation component to Factor 2, and if it is please provide the deliverables.

A112. Deliverables are spelled out in Section J-1. Responses to the SOO and the SOW will be evaluation components.

Q113. Section L.9.5.5. Does the Government want the offeror to provide a description/narrative of their past performance in addition to the PPQ and/or CPARS submission? How many pages are such write ups limited to? Does the Government have a preference between a PPQ or CPARS if a CPARS is available?

A113. Please refer to A21 and A35.

Q114. Section M.3.6. Is the Government evaluating past performance by looking for performance risk and how likely an offeror is to succeed?

A114. Yes.

Q115. Section L.9.2.1.5.3 and M.3.4.2. Will the Government provide more instruction around the Quality Management System requirement to clarify what exactly is required and how it will be evaluated? Do you require ISO certification for this?

A115. See A58.

Q116. Section L.9.2.1.2. Is it acceptable to respond to CLIN 0001 and attachment J-1 as one response to include both CLIN 0001 and J-1, or is there a requirement to respond to each individually?

A116. One response is acceptable if all components are clearly addressed.

Q117. Please confirm that the data entry tasks are a 1 day turnaround time per submitted form.

A117. Yes, this is correct.

Q118. How many data entry/transcription FTEs are supporting the current contract?

A118. Currently, there are two data entry FTEs supporting this contract.

Q119. What Receipts Control product is currently being used at FRA? Does FRA intent to continue to use that product?

A119. Current receipt control product was custom developed. FRA is open to other solutions.

Q120. Are there specific specifications or requirements for contractor provided laptops to run the DOT Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI)? For example, is a PIV Card and PIV Card Reader required?

A120. Yes, there are minimum DOT requirements. Currently, a PC must be able to download and install the VDI software. It must also be able to connect to the internet and have a PIV reader; then it will run the VDI client correctly. The PIV card and reader are required.

Q121. What applications require an on-site workstation (as opposed to accessible via VDI)? Can you distinguish whether the applications that require on-site access are relevant for CLIN 1 tasks and/or CLIN 2 tasks?

A121. No applications require on-site access. No on-site workstations are used or available.

Q122. In reference to Section H.8, can DOT confirm that the government will provide laptops that enable incoming contractor access to the relevant FRA systems and applications?

A122. See Section C.6.3.1 Government Furnished Equipment (GFE) and Asset Requirements for more information about any equipment that is transitioned to the incoming contractor.

Q123. Section L.9.2.1.5. Regarding “The Offeror shall provide the below listing of “Required Documents” which shall not count against its Volume One page count” It is clear that an SBA 8a(a) certification and CMMI appraisal are required but it is not clear if additional documentation is required and what those documents are. How many documents are required in total for the “Required Documents” and what specific documents are required?

A123. SBA 8(a) Certification, CMMI Level 2 (or higher) Appraisal, Quality Management System documentation (see Section H.12 for more details) and resumes for all proposed key and non-key personnel.

Q124. Will we be required to submit something in response to Section K? It is not included in the instructions for the Price Proposal, so if we are required to submit something, where and how should it be included? Will a certification statement that SAM is accurate and up-to-date be sufficient? Or alternatively, should offerors submit a SAM report?

A124. The following is an excerpt from the revised Section L.9.5.4 in Solicitation Amendment 1:

A certification statement that the offeror’s System for Award Management (SAM) registration is accurate and up-to-date shall be included with the Technical Proposal and is not part of the Technical Proposal page limitation.