Questions__Responses_for_ED-FSA-16-R-4567.pdf

Department of Education, Federal Student Aid (FSA)

Application Development Group Support Services RFP Number: EDFSA-16-R-4567

Questions and Responses RFP Number: ED-FSA-16-R-4567

# RFP

Section

Page # Question

1. L.9.2 115 Page 115, Section L.9.2 provides page limits for Volume I Tab D - Staffing and Resumes, however there are no corresponding instructions for this Tab. The corresponding instructions for Tab C also state they exclude resumes, but provides no details on which resumes are required. Please clarify the resume requirement.

Government Response: Section L has been amended to remove any reference to Tab D and resumes have been included in Volume I Tab C in both the chart and written instructions.

Resumes are part of the changed 30 page count for Volume 1 Tab C, but are limited to 2 pages per resume.

2. 120 L.10.2 Page 120 Section L.10.2 states offerors should complete Attachment A Pricing Schedule as the price submission, however page 111 Section L.2 states offerors should provide completed Attachment A Basic IDIQ Pricing Schedule and Attachment B Task Order 0001 Pricing Schedule. Also included is an Excel sheet for Task Order 0002, but no instructions for submission are included. Please clarify the pricing requirement.

Government Response: Section L has been amended to include clarity for Attachment names and sections as part of the amended Section L.

3. C Appendix C 30 Under Software Application Development, please elaborate on the deliverable "Software Development Methodology". We understand that software development at FSA follows the LMM (which can be adopted for Agile or traditional Waterfall SDLC). Will this deliverable provide details on any customization of LMM performed for the specific Software Development project?

Government Response: The contractor should define the development methodology that would be used ( i.e., waterfall or agile).

4.

C Appendix D 36 Under the Service Area "Program Management" please elaborate on how the performance measurement "quality" is captured and measured.

Government Response: The performance measurement for quality is allocate resources with the correct skills 100% of the time so that duplicative work and multiple rounds of planning are not required.

5.

C Appendix D 36 Under the Service Area "Program Management" please elaborate on how the performance measurement "customer satisfaction" is captured and measured.

Government Response: Customer satisfaction performance measurement will be based within each individual task order.

6.

C Appendix D 37 Under the Service Area "Software Application Development" please elaborate on how the performance measurement "Ability to follow industry standard SDLC" is captured and measured.

Government Response: The performance measurement for ability to follow industry standard SDLC will be defined at the

# RFP

Section

Page # Question individual task order level, as it will depend on the SLDC being followed and the project.

7.

C Appendix E 39 The section states "The Contractor performing integration services for FSA in connection with FISMA-approved cloud computing services (SaaS, PaaS, IaaS) shall ensure the infrastructure, support software, and enabling components and frameworks are maintained to (at minimum) N-1 versions as part of a standard technology refreshment program (Evergreening)." Does the government expect the ADGSS contractor to deliver and maintain the SaaS, PaaS and IaaS services, or to support FSA to make sure that the vendors delivering these services to FSA are in compliance with the Evergreening requirements?

Government Response: No, the Contractor is not responsible for delivering or maintaining these items. The contractor shall be responsible for supporting any development or testing that may result from these actions.

8.

C Appendix E 39 The section states "Evergreening of Applications and Enabling Components and Frameworks: The vendor is responsible for maintaining the application code and its underlying frameworks at the N-1 version to ensure that functionality and application design are optimized, maintenance is cost efficient, and the enabling technology remains under support by third party vendors (e.g. IBM, Oracle, or Microsoft)." Does this requirement only apply when such systems are within the scope of a current, open TO? Can we assume that an O&M contractor would be responsible for maintenance after the TO is complete?

Government Response: That is correct. This only applies to a specific task order. The O&M contractor would be responsible for maintenance.

9.

C Appendix E 41 The section states "A contractor using a Government Furnished Equipment (GFE) Laptop, the preferred method for remote access is Aventail Virtual Private Network (VPN) connection." and "Note:

To use this feature, you must be using a GFE laptop with the Aventail VPN Connection client installed, and you must be outside of the ED wired network." Does this imply that the Government will issue GFE laptops to contractor personnel in the performance of TOs? If yes, will these also be issued to contractor program management staff not affiliated with a specific TO?

Government Response: The issuance of GFE will be based on the individual task order awarded. The Government will not issue GFE to program management staff.

10.

I - Contract Clauses

89 The Full Text FSA Clause 37-2, Continuation of Mission Critical Contractor Services (Oct 2012), listed on pages 89-91 of the SOW, indicates that a “…preliminary plan describing how it will continue to perform the Contractor services listed in Section C.” is required to be submitted with its offer. Please clarify that this preliminary plan is indeed required for the proposal submission, and if so, which volume/section it should appear.

Government Response: The preliminary plan is not required to

Page # Question be submitted with the Offer, but will be required to be submitted for approval as stated within the clause after award.

11.

L.02 111 This section states "1) Breakout for Section B - Price Proposal. The Offeror shall submit a completed Attachment A Basic IDIQ Pricing Schedule and Attachment B Task Order 0001 Pricing Schedule."

and "Attachment A Basic IDIQ Pricing Schedule and Attachment B Task Order 0001 Pricing Schedule...". Should this state Attachment D Task Order 0001 Pricing Schedule and also include Attachment H Task Order 0002 Pricing Schedule?

Government Response: That is correct. This has been amended in the revision of Section L.

12.

L.02 112 Section L.2.(a).(1).(i) Labor Rates states "This relates to overall management of the PPMSS Program." Should this say "…ADGSS Program" instead?

Government Response: Yes, Section L.2(a)(1)(i) should state:

“ADGSS” and has been amended in Section L.

13.

L.09.2 115-

The table on pages 115 and 116 indicates that all tabs except the Volume II Tab C Price Proposal should be in PDF format. The detailed instructions on page 116 say that "...shall be formatted using Microsoft Office 2003 (MS Office 2003) or Portable Document Format (PDF) as specified in the Proposal Organization Table below." Should "Table below" actually say "Table above"?

Should the table on pages 115 and 116 say "PDF or DOC" instead of just PDF?

Government Response: Section L has been amended to revise, accordingly.

14.

L.09.2 and L.10.2

116 & 119-

The end of section L.9.2 on page 116 has a statement that says:

"The Offeror shall submit a single Volume I and Volume II with clearly identified components of the Basic IDIQ, Task Order 0001, and Task Order 0002 as indicated within the RFP instructions."

Section L.10.2 indicates that Volume II has three Tabs, with A being Exceptions, Deviations and Assumptions, B being Contract Documents and Associated Information and C being Cost/Price Proposal. Would Tab A be different for TO 0001 and TO 0002 than the Basic IDIQ? Would Tab B be different for TO 0001 and TO 0002 than the Basic IDIQ?

Government Response: No, the instructions are as stated in amendment to section L. Follow the instructions, “…clearly identified components of the Basic IDIQ, Task Order 0001, and Task Order 0002 as indicated within the RFP instructions.”

15.

L.10 118 In reference to the text "A description of the proposed approach to business analysis and reengineering " under Support and Procedures. Is reengineering referring to business process reengineering (BPR)? Or Reengineering of IT/SDLC processes?

Government Response: “Reengineering” refers as it relates to software development lifecycle methodologies.

16. L.10.1 117 The file naming convention does not indicate if the Tab is for the

Page # Question

Basic IDIQ, TO 0001 or TO 0002. For example Tab A instructions say "Volume I-Tab A-Cover Letter-Offeror Name.doc". Should this name also include an indication about whether it is for the Basic IDIQ, TO 0001, or TO 0002?

Government Response: Please refer back to the instructions, “The Offeror shall submit a single Volume I and Volume II with clearly identified components of the Basic IDIQ, Task Order 0001, and Task Order 0002 as indicated within the RFP instructions.”

17.

L.10.1 117 The Table on pages 115 and 116 indicates that the file types should be PDF format. However, the file naming conventions in this section all say ".doc". Should they be ".doc or .pdf"?

Government Response: Section L has been amended for clarification.

L.10.1 118 The file naming convention for Tab C does not include "Offeror Name" like it does for Tabs A and B. Should the Offeror Name be included for Tab C as well?

Government Response: Yes, include the name, as amended in Section L.

L.10.1 118 Section L.10.1 Tab B a. Understanding of The Requirements item #1 states "A description of proposed technical strategies and solutions for each functional service area…". Are the functional service areas the five identified in C.3 Scope (Program Management, Business Analysis, Software Application Development, Operation & Maintenance, Enterprise Testing) or in C.4 Requirements (Program Management, Business Analysis, Business Process Re-engineering, Requirements Definition, Technical Writing, Software Documentation Requirements, Software Design, Software Application Development, Operation and Maintenance (O&M) Support, Application User Suport, Technical and Programmer Support, Application Setup, Configuration and/or Installation) or the service areas identified in the Table in Appendix B (Program Management, Business Analyst, Software Application Development, Operation and Maintenance, Enterprise Testing)?

Government Response: The service areas listed in Appendix B (Program Management, Business Analysis, Software Application Development, Operation & Maintenance & Enterprise Testing).

L.10.2 119 The file naming convention does not indicate if the Tab is for the Basic IDIQ, TO 0001 or TO 0002. For example Tab A instructions say "Volume II-Tab A-Exceptions_Deviations_Assumptions- Offeror Name.doc". Should this name also include an indication about whether it is for the Basic IDIQ, TO 0001, or TO 0002?

Government Response: See response to number 16.

L.10.2 119 The Table on pages 115 and 116 indicates that the file types should be PDF format. However, the file naming conventions in this section all say ".doc". Should they be ".doc or .pdf"?

Page # Question

Government Response: See response to number 17.

L.10.2 120 The section indicates that the file name for Tab C should be "Volume II –Tab C –Attachment L-1-PriceProposal-Offeror Name.xls". Should we assume that this should be the renamed files attached to the solicitation corresponding to the Basic IDIQ, TO 0001 and TO 0002 (ATTACHMENT_A- _Pricing_Schedule__ADGSS_IDIQ.xlsx, ATTACHMENT_D__TASK_ORDER_0001_PRICING_SCHEDU

LE.xlsx, ATTACHMENT_H__TASK_ORDER_0002_PRICING_SCHEDU

LE.xlsx)? Should the file name for Tab C end with an extension of .xlsx?

Government Response: Section L has been amended to clarify.

L.10.3 121 This section states "Describe the applicable team member’s role in the project and the challenges and lessons learned from your experience as the prime contractor." Will the Government consider Relevant Experience gained as a subcontractor?

Government Response: The Government will consider subcontractor’s past performance, however, at least one (1) past performance described must be as the Prime Offeror, per instruction of RFP.

L.2, (a) (1) 111 There’s no mention of Task Order 2 pricing. Should it be added?

Government Response: Section L has been amended to clarify.

L.2 – (a), (i 112 Cost of PM and Teaming Coordinatior. We notice there is a Program Manager line in the overall cost spread sheet – is that sufficient? Or should we add the cost of the overall PM and Teaming Coordinator to the other rates provided?

Government Response: The reference to “Teaming Coordinator” has been removed from this section. The PM rate for the IDIQ should be billed into the fully burdened rate for the individual Task Orders, as the IDIQ will not obligate funds, only the task orders will obligate funding.

L.2 (1) 112 What is the PPMSS Program?

Government Response: PPMSS Program has been removed from this RFP.

L.9.2 115 Should there be a Volume 1 provided for the ID/IQ, TO 1 and TO2? A total of three Volumes 1?

Government Response: There should be only one (1) Volume I that clearly identifies components of the Basic IDIQ, Task Order 0001, and Task Order 0002 within that one(1) single volume. The same is applicable for Volumes II.

Tab C, C.4.9 118 For WBS – there is no O&M Task Order. Should the O&M WBS be for the entire ID/IQ effort? Or solely for the O&M task in the

ID/IQ?

Government Response: The O&M WBS should be for the

Page # Question

IDIQ effort.

TAB B –

Relevant Past Performance

122 Would you change the three year limit to a five year limit on Past Performance?

Government Response: No, the three (3) year limit on Past Performance remains unchanged.

Attachment D

– TO 0001

Pricing

What does the 90 mean in the spreadsheet?

Government Response: The 90 has been removed.

Attachment A Is the Program Manager position for the entire ID/IQ?

Government Response: The PM rate for the IDIQ should be billed into the fully burdened rate for the individual Task Orders, as the IDIQ will not obligate funds, only the task orders will obligate funding.

Attachment B & G

Is Task 0001 & 0002 response included in the page count for Volume I?

Government Response: Yes, Task Order 0001 and 0002 are included in the page count for Volume I.

Attachment B & G

What is the proposed level of effort in terms of hours expected for Task 0001 & 0002?

Government Response: Attachment H Task Order 0002 Pricing Schedule has provided the estimated number of hours for this task order, please refer back to the RFP instructions.

Attachment D Task Order 0001 Pricing Schedule has been amended via Attachment D Task Order 0001 REVISED to include the estimated labor hours for this task order.

Attachment B & G

Who are the incumbents for task 0001 & 0002?

Government Response: There are no incumbents for task order 0001 and 0002 requirements.

General This solicitation is set aside for Hubzone or SDVOSB prime vendors. Does the government intend to further set aside future task orders on this vehicle? For example, would certain task orders be set aside for hubzone only prime vendors and some set aside for SDVOSB only prime vendors?

Government Response: As stated on page 3 of the RFP section B.3, this requirement is intended to be multiple award, IDIQ contracts. Therefore, task orders awarded against the IDIQ will be competed among the awardees of the IDIQ(s), no additional set-aside will be established after award of the RFP.

Section K 94 The FedBizOpps posting for this procurement states that the NAICS code is 541511, with a size standard of $27.5M. Can the government please confirm the NAICS code associated with this procurement is 541511?

Government Response: The NAICS code for this solicitation is 541511 and the RFP Section K has been amended to reflect.

Page # Question

L.5.2 113 The RFP states, "Proposals are due….to the email address:

FSAEAT@ed.gov and one (1) hard copy marked "original," and 1 CD. Would the government consider removing the requirement for CDs and hard copy delivery of the proposal?

Government Response: No. The government will not remove the requirement for 1 CD and 1 hard copy.

L.9.2 115 &

Please confirm if the offeror is to respond with:

- Only one Volume 1, one Volume 2 and one Volume 3 (i.e., the response to Task Orders 1 and 2 should be within the IDIQ response), or

- Separate Volumes 1 & 2 for the IDIQ, Task Order 0001, and Task Order 0002 responses, and one Volume 3 with the IDIQ response.

Government Response: Only one Volume 1, one Volume 2 and one Volume 3 (i.e., the response to Task Orders 1 and 2 should be within the IDIQ response).

Attachment A

- Pricing Table

Line

Bullet G, Page 75 of the RFP states that "FSA will not provide a PIV card reader." Please clarify what line 45 of the pricing table for "PIV-1" is for.

Government Response: The clause bullet G states “PIV Card Reader.” The Attachment A Pricing Schedule has a CLIN for the actual PIV Card (itself), not reader, associated costs.

Task Order 0001, 1.0 Scope

1, Bullet A.1

It says to "Reference Appendix B - FIMS Phase 1 Backlog". This link takes us to the "Appendix B - EBC Software & Services" referenced on page 2, Section 2.1 item L. Please provide the Appendix B - FIMS Phase 1 Backlog or updated link.

Government Response: At the time of this publication FIMs Phase I did not have any open backlog items. FIMs Phase I has been actively in “Beta” since early August 2016. FIMs Phase I is effective October 16, 2016. It is possible defects may be added to the backlog prior to contract award.

Task Order 0001, 2.4 Key Personnel

4, item d)

It states, "Given two hours notice, be able to meet with designated Government personnel…"Please clarify whether this requirement means that key personnel are to be available via phone or other electronic means or if it means that the key personnel must be available to meet in person with 2-hours notice.

Government Response: Details of the availability will be provided at the time of the notification, specific key personnel will be determined based on the topic of discussion.

Task Order 0002, Section

1 Will the ISE Development work that was awarded in April 2016 be moved to this IDIQ?

Government Response: No, the ISE Development work that was added in April 2016 will not be moved to this IDIQ.

Task Order 0002, Section 7.0

12-13 On page 12, the RFP states that the personnel requirements are a Senior Testing Technician, a Testing Technician, a Test Lead and a Testing Technician - Intermediate. On page 14, Section 10 states

Page # Question that the initial task order is for one Senior Testing Technician to provide support for enhancement work for 10 months. In the pricing table in Attachment H -Pricing Schedule - it lists only a Senior Testing Technician and a Testing Technician - Intermediate.

Can the government please clarify (and provide updated solicitation documents for) the personnel requirements for this Task Order?

Government Response: For the initial Task Order, one Senior Testing Technician is required for 10 months.

SF33 1

Block #9

RFP states - Sealed offers in original and number of copies requested in Section L.10 for furnishing the supplies or services in the Schedule will be received at the place specified in Item 8 or if hand carried, in the depository located in Section L.5.2 until 2:00 PM Washington, DC local time September 07, 2016. Whereas, page 113 states September 16, 2016 at 10am; can you please clarify?

Government Response: Section L has been amended to reflect the correct date and time and method of delivery. Please refer to the Section L REVISED attachment for Amendment: 0002.

SECTION C

STATEMENT

OF WORK

5, 6, 15, 57, Is the contractor expected to provide all development tools and software? If not, can you please provide the tools and software that will be provided as Government Furnished Equipment as some of the tools (e.g., IBM Rational CLM solution) may seriously impact contractor's pricing.

Government Response: The Government will provide all software and tools needed for the Contractor.

SECTION C

STATEMENT

OF WORK

7, 9 It does appear that Enterprise Testing (C.3.5) is not included in the Section C.4 requirements. Should Enterprise Testing be added to Section 4.0?

Government Response: Yes, Enterprise Testing should be added. Section C of the RFP has been amended to reflect.

SECTION C

STATEMENT

OF WORK

C.4.0 Requirements

9-15 Whereas Enterprise Testing does not appear under C.4 please confirm that it is a C.4 Requirements.?

Government Response: Yes, Enterprise Testing should be added. Section C of the RFP has been amended to reflect.

SECTION C

STATEMENT

OF WORK

14 Does the government have a separate testing environment to test changes including software patches and system upgrades?

Government Response: Yes, the Government has a separate testing environment to test changes including software patches and system upgrades.

Appendix B Labor Categories

23 Please clarify that the "Business Systems Analyst-Senior" and "Business Systems Analyst-Intermediate" represent the "Business Analyst-Senior" and "Business Analyst-Intermediate" detailed in Attachment A-Pricing Schedule?

Government Response: Yes, it is correct and the RFP has been amended to reflect.

Page # Question

Appendix B Labor Categories

23 The "Documentation Specialist-Senior" and "Documentation Specialist-Intermediate" in Appendix B are not listed in Attachment A-Pricing Schedule. Will the government add the Documentation Specialist labor categories to Attachment A-Pricing Schedule?

Government Response: The Attachment A has been amended to reflect.

Appendix B Labor Categories

23 The "Software Engineer" labor category in Appendix B is not listed on Attachment A. Will the government add the Software Engineer labor category to Attachment A?

Government Response: The Attachment A has been amended to reflect.

Appendix B Labor Categories

24 Please clarify that the "Applications Systems Analyst/Programmer" represent the "System Programmer Analyst" detailed in Attachment A-Pricing Schedule?

Government Response: Yes, it is correct and the RFP has been amended to reflect.

Appendix B Labor Categories

25 In the RFP "Project Manager" labor category is listed under Operation and Maintenance; however, "Program Manager" is list in Attachment A-Pricing Schedule, please clarify?

Government Response: Each of the service areas identified in Appendix B may require its own Program Manager.

Attachment A did reflect Project Manager, also.

Appendix C Deliverabl es

30 RFP states the Entity Responsible for the Deliverable is "Software Engineer"; please clarify if this Labor Category should also appear on Attachment A-Pricing Schedule?

Government Response: Yes, it is correct and the RFP and Attachment A have been amended to reflect.

Appendix C Deliverabl es

30 RFP states the Entity Responsible for the Deliverable is "Application Systems Analyst"; please clarify if this Labor Category should also appear on Attachment A-Pricing Schedule?

Government Response: The Attachment A has been amended to reflect.

Appendix C Deliverabl es

30 RFP states the Entity Responsible for the Deliverable is "Programmer/Program Analyst"; please clarify if this Labor Category should also appear on Attachment A-Pricing Schedule?

Government Response: Yes, it is correct and the RFP and Attachment A have been amended to reflect.

Appendix C Deliverabl es

30 RFP states the Entity Responsible for the Deliverable is "Programmer/Program Analyst"; please clarify if this Labor Category is correct and thus should be described under Appendix B- Labor Categories (page 24)?

Government Response: Yes, it is correct and the RFP has been amended to reflect.

Appendix C

Deliverabl 31 RFP states the Entity Responsible for the Deliverable is "Database

Page # Question es Architect"; please clarify if this Labor Category should also appear on Attachment A-Pricing Schedule?

Government Response: Yes, it is correct and the RFP and Attachment A have been amended to reflect.

Appendix C Deliverabl es

31 RFP states the Entity Responsible for the Deliverable is "Database Architect"; please clarify if this Labor Category is correct and thus should be described under Appendix B- Labor Categories (page 25)?

Government Response: Yes, it is correct and the RFP and Attachment A have been amended to reflect.

Appendix C Deliverabl es

31 RFP states the Entity Responsible for the Deliverable is "Configuration Management Analyst"; please clarify if this Labor Category should also appear on Attachment A-Pricing Schedule under Operation and Maintenance?

Government Response: Yes, it is correct and the RFP and Attachment A have been amended to reflect.

SECTION C

STATEMENT

OF WORK

42 The hyperlink does not appear to work:

https://fsa.share.ed.gov/to/architecture/eis/Documents/Resources/M odernization/120.1%20- %20Security%20and%20Privacy%20Support/120.1.1f%20- %20Bimonthly%20Security%20and%20Privacy%20Program%20I mprovement%20Report/NIST%20Guidance.pdf

Please provide correct link or the pdf file associated with the link.

Government Response: This link will be provided upon award.

Appendix E -

FSA

Compliance

38, 49 RFP states "This section lists constraints and special award requirements under which the Contractor shall operate under….36.

Transition Support (Phase-In). The Contractor shall develop comprehensive procedures for phasing in contractor performance to the level prescribed and within the time allowed under the terms of this contract. To ensure a smooth transition, the Contractor shall submit a Phase-In Plan as a part of its technical proposal in accordance with the Contract. Please clarify if this is related to the Task Order levels only?

Government Response: Yes, this is related to the Task Order levels, only.

L.2 Requirements for Certified Cost or Pricing Data and Data Other Than Certified Cost or Pricing Data

111 Please clarify Offeror's must submit

"ATTACHMENT_H_TASK_ORDER_0002_PRICING_SCHEDU

LE" along with Attachment A and Attachment B.

Government Response: Yes., Offeror’s must submit Attachment H Task Order 0002 Pricing Schedule, along with an Attachment A Basic IDIQ Pricing Schedule Revised and Attachment D Task Order Pricing Schedule Revised.

64 L 112 ii) Materials (Direct), Subcontracts for supplies, and ODCs: As defined in Section B.6.1. There is no section B.6.1 in the RFP. Is

Page # Question this an oversight or error?

Government Response: Reference should be Section B.6.

L 113-

The email address on page 113 states ESAEAT@ed.gov; whereas page 114 states Alan.Cornwell@ed.gov; please clarify?

Government Response: Section L has been amended to correct.

L.5.2 - Delivery of Proposal

115 When delivering the proposal "by hand" will security allow sealed boxes through its inspection process?

Government Response: Yes.

L.9.2, General Format Instruction s - Basic

IDIQ, TO

0001, and

TO 0002

115 Tab A - Cover Letter (One (1) page limit) and Executive Summary (One (1) page limit)Please confirm that the cover page is not included in the page count for Volumes I and III.

Government Response: Yes, the Cover Letter is a part of the page count for Volume I.

L.9.2, General Format Instructions - Basic IDIQ, TO 0001, and

TO 0002

115 Please confirm that the table of contents is not included in the page count for Volumes I and III.

Government Response: The page count for Volume 1 includes the page limits for Tab A, Tab B, and Tab C. The page count for Volume III includes the page limits for Tab A and Tab B.

L.9.2, General Format Instruction s - Basic

IDIQ, TO

TO 0002

115 Please confirm that the cross reference matrix is not included in the page count for Volumes I and III.

Government Response: The cross reference matrix is not included in the page count for Volumes I and III.

L.9.2, General Format Instruction s - Basic

IDIQ, TO

TO 0003

116 RFP states "the Attachment L-1, Pricing Template, shall be 8-1/2 by 14-inch white paper with printing on one side only". There is no Attachment L-1; please clarify?

Government Response: Section L has been amended.

L.10 Format and Instructions for Proposal Submission for Basic

IDIQ, TO

0001, and TO

117-

Naming conventions for Filenames did not mention .pdf extension possibility despite the fact that the table in section L.9.2 General Format indicated an acceptable format, was this an oversight?

Government Response: Section L has been amended.

Page # Question

L.10.1 Volume I – Technical/Ma nagement Proposal

117 Tab A - Cover Letter (One (1) page limit) and Executive Summary (One (1) page limit), TAB B - Technical Capability (Twenty (20) page limit) and Tab C - Management Capabilities Twenty (20) page limit, excluding resumes) are included in this section;

however, TAB D Staffing and Resumes Fifteen (15) pages is missing. Please clarify.

Government Response: Section L has been amended.

L.10.1 Volume I – Technical/Ma nagement Proposal

118 According to the table on page 115 resumes should be included in TAB D, not TAB C correct?

Government Response: Section L has been amended.

L.10.2 Tab C- Cost/Price Proposal

120 The file name required is in excel format. According to page 115, Offerors are allowed to submit Tab C of Volume II in Excel or MS Word. Please clarify the required file name for Volume II/Tab C.

Government Response: Section L has been amended.

L.10.3 Volume III

TAB A

Subsection a

121 RFP states - A completed Past Performance Questionnaire submitted by each of the references cited in Tab C. TAB C seems to be missing from this section. Please advise.

Government Response: The reference to Tab C is in accordance with Volume I, Tab C as amended in Section L.

L.10.3 Volume III

TAB A

Subsection a

121 RFP states - The Offeror shall complete the project title and contract reference number to match its Tab A proposal information before sending the form to its reference. We assume the contract reference number is the same as contract number, is this correct?

Government Response: Correct, the contract reference number is the same as contract number.

L.10.3 Volume III

TAB A

Subsection a

122 RFP states - The Offeror shall complete the project title and contract reference number to match its Tab A proposal information before sending the form to its reference. The project title is missing from the Past Performance Questionnaire, where should we add it?

Government Response: Feel free to add a project title on the PPQ, if necessary.

L.10.3 Volume III – Past Performance

121 &

Given the nature of the government’s requirement the need to ensure demonstrated experience is critical. Will the government ensure that all past performances and relevant experience submitted are in fact from the Prime only?

Government Response: The Government will consider subcontractor’s past performance, however, at least one (1) past performance described must be as the Prime Offeror.

L.10.3 Volume III – Past Performance

121 &

Will the government consider similar tools/infrastructure etc. that perform same/relevant tasks as being equal to that of Department of Education’s tools/infrastructure etc.?

Government Response: Question is unclear.

Page # Question

M. 5 Method of Evaluation - Factor 3 –

PAST

PERFORMA

NCE

126 Will the government consider past performance/relevant experience of similar scope from other federal agencies as being equal to that of Department of Education?

Government Response: Please refer back to the method of evaluation terms and conditions.

M.5 Method of Evaluation - Factor 4 - Price

127 The solicitation states the "Offeror's financial capability" will be evaluated in accordance with general accounting standards to support requirements. If there are no requirements to provide proof of "financial capability" in Section L (Instructions, Conditions, and Notices to Offerors), how will the government evaluate Offerors' financial capability? Would providing the Profit and Loss statement satisfy this?

Government Response: The FSA needs some sort of assurance that your firm has the financial wherewithal to perform the requirement. The intent of the financial statement is to demonstrate to FSA this capability. Yes, that could be used to satisfy this requirement.

ATTACHME

NT_A-

_Pricing_Sche dule_

Colum n B Line 4

Should Program Management state Program Manager?

Government Response: Section C of RFP has been amended to match Attachment A Pricing Schedule Revised.

ATTACHME

NT_A-

_Pricing_Sche dule_

Colum n B Line

Serena Solution Development Specialist - Senior appear on the Price Schedule and Task Order 0001 but not described under Appendix B- Labor Categories is that an oversight?

Government Response: Section C of RFP has been amended to reflect.

ATTACHME

NT_A-

_Pricing_Sche dule_

Colum n B Line

Serena Solution Development Specialist - Intermediate on the Price Schedule but not described under Appendix B- Labor Categories is that an oversight?

Government Response: Section C of RFP has been amended to reflect.

ATTACHME

NT_A-

_Pricing_Sche dule_

Colum n B Line

Should Quality Assurance Specialist-Senior - Senior state Quality Assurance Analyst - Senior?

Government Response: Section C of RFP has been amended to reflect.

ATTACHME

NT_A-

_Pricing_Sche dule_

Colum n B Line

Should Quality Assurance Specialist - Intermediate state Quality Assurance Analyst - Intermediate?

Government Response: Section C of RFP has been amended to reflect.

ATTACHME

NT_A-

_Pricing_Sche dule_

The "Documentation Specialist-Senior" and "Documentation Specialist-Intermediate" in Appendix B (page 23) are not listed in Attachment A-Pricing Schedule. Will the government add the Documentation Specialist labor categories to Attachment A- Pricing Schedule under Business Analysis?

Government Response: Attachment A Pricing Schedule Revised has been amended to reflect.

Page # Question

ATTACHME

NT_A-

_Pricing_Sche dule_

The "Software Engineer" labor category in Appendix B (page 23) is not listed on Attachment A. Will the government add the Software Engineer labor category to Attachment A under Software Application Development?

Government Response: Attachment A Pricing Schedule Revised has been amended to reflect.

ATTACHME

NT_A-

_Pricing_Sche dule_

Please clarify that the "Applications Systems Analyst/Programmer" (page 24) represent the "System Programmer Analyst" detailed in Attachment A-Pricing Schedule Software Application Development?

Government Response: Attachment A Pricing Schedule Revised has been amended to reflect.

ATTACHME

NT_A-

_Pricing_Sche dule_

In the RFP "Project Manager" (page 25) labor category is listed under Operation and Maintenance; however, "Program Manager" is list in Attachment A-Pricing Schedule, please clarify?

Government Response: The Attachment A Pricing Schedule does have Project Manager listed as a labor category under the Basic IDIQ that can be applied as needed within a Task Order at any time specified within the TO.

ATTACHME

NT_A-

_Pricing_Sche dule_

RFP states the Entity Responsible for the Deliverable is "Software Engineer" (page 30); please clarify if this Labor Category should also appear on Attachment A-Pricing Schedule under Software Application Development?

Government Response: Attachment A Pricing Schedule Revised has been amended to reflect.

ATTACHME

NT_A-

_Pricing_Sche dule_

RFP states the Entity Responsible for the Deliverable is "Application Systems Analyst" (page 30); please clarify if this Labor Category should also appear on Attachment A-Pricing Schedule under Software Application Development?

Government Response: Attachment A Pricing Schedule Revised has been amended to reflect.

ATTACHME

NT_A-

_Pricing_Sche dule_

RFP states the Entity Responsible for the Deliverable is "Programmer/Program Analyst" (page 30); please clarify if this Labor Category should also appear on Attachment A-Pricing Schedule under Software Application Development?

Government Response: Attachment A Pricing Schedule Revised has been amended to reflect.

ATTACHME

NT_A-

_Pricing_Sche dule_

RFP states the Entity Responsible for the Deliverable is "Database Architect" (page 31); please clarify if this Labor Category should also appear on Attachment A-Pricing Schedule under Software Application Development?

Government Response: Attachment A Pricing Schedule Revised has been amended to reflect.

ATTACHME

NT_A-

_Pricing_Sche dule_

RFP states the Entity Responsible for the Deliverable is "Configuration Management Analyst" (page 31); please clarify if this Labor Category should also appear on Attachment A- Pricing Schedule under Operation and Maintenance?

Government Response: Attachment A Pricing Schedule Revised has been amended to reflect.

ATTACHME

NT B:

TASK

1.0 Scope

Please confirm that the government will provide a Serena Service Manager, Serena Work Center and Serena Business Manager as

Page # Question

ORDER

Government Furnished Equipment.

Government Response: Yes, these will be provided as GFE, where applicable within individual Task Orders.

ATTACHME

NT B:

TASK

ORDER

RFP states the Entity Responsible for the Deliverable is "Programmer/Program Analyst" (page 30); please clarify if this Labor Category is correct and thus should be described under Appendix B- Labor Categories (page 24)?

Government Response: Section C of RFP has been amended to reflect.

ATTACHME

NT B:

TASK

ORDER

RFP states the Entity Responsible for the Deliverable is "Database Architect" (page 31); please clarify if this Labor Category is correct and thus should be described under Appendix B- Labor Categories (page 25)? Government Response: Section C of RFP has been amended to reflect.

ATTACHME

NT B:

TASK

ORDER

2.4 Key Person nel

Are resumes required in response to this proposal for all key personnel (Project Manager, Business Systems Analyst, Serena Solution Development Specialist (Senior))? Government Response: Yes, resumes are required for all labor categories identified as Key Personnel with the IDIQ, TO: 0001 and TO:

0002.

ATTACHME

NT D TASK

ORDER 0001

PRICING

SCHEDULE

Please clarify if Task 0001 is considered FFP, LH, or T&M?

Government Response: Attachment D Task Order 0001 Pricing Schedule Revised has been amended to include estimated hours for the level of effort for this LH TO.

ATTACHME

NT D TASK

ORDER 0001

PRICING

SCHEDULE

Colum n A Line 6 & 7

Please provide Labor Category Descriptions for Test Technician (intermediate) and CM?

Government Response: Government Response: Section C of RFP has been amended to reflect.

ATTACHME

NT G: TASK

ORDER 0002

3.0 Object ives

Please clarify the following sentence, “The second task that may be awarded is Operations and maintenance (O&M) testing support which was awarded recently to Dovel Technologies in July 2016.”

Should we expect this to be a part of the work or will we need to coordinate with existing contractor Government Response: During the Task Order 0001, coordination with Dovel, for the O&M testing Contractor as it relates to testing will have some overlap.

ATTACHME

NT G: TASK

ORDER 0003

7.0 Person nel Requir ements

Document states "Senior Testing Technician (Key Personnel) - 7 years of work experience active testing of software, at least 3 of those years testing Web applications whereas the RFP states a minimum of 10 years on page 17 ; please clarify?

Government Response: Section C of the RFP has been amended to reflect 7 years.

ATTACHME

NT G: TASK

ORDER 0004

7.0 Person nel Requir ements

Document states "Testing Technician 3 years of work experience in hands on software testing" whereas the RFP states that this would be a "Junior"; Attachment A-Pricing Schedule does not list a Junior labor category. Please clarify so we can price appropriately?

Government Response: Testing Technician is equivalent to the

Page # Question

Junior level in the RFP.

ATTACHME

NT G: TASK

ORDER 0002

13.0 Gover nment Furnis hed Equip ment

Confirm that the government will provide the access to all required testing environments to support this task and the contractor will not be required to establish a separate testing environment?

Government Response: That is correct, the Contractor will not have to be required to establish a separate testing environment.

ATTACHME

NT H: TASK

ORDER 0002

PRICING

SCHEDULE

Please clarify if Task 0002 is considered FFP, LH, or T&M?

Government Response: Attachment H Task Order 0002 Pricing

Schedule includes the estimated number of hours for the level of effort for this LH TO.

ATTACHME

NT H: TASK

ORDER 0002

PRICING

SCHEDULE

Resour ce

Two resources are listed whereas pages 12 and 13 of the actual Task Order 0002 list four required labor categories, please clarify?

Government Response: Please provide pricing in accordance with the Attachment G Task Order SOW and Attachment H Task Order 0002 pricing schedule.

GENERAL

Does the IDIQ have precedence over the Task Orders?

Government Response: The individual Task Orders have the specific requirement details.

General

FSA has also posted an RFP for Project and Program Management

Support Services (PPMSS) - RFP# EDENFS-16-R-0004. Should the vendor respond and receive an award for PPMSS, will they be OCI'd out for this procurement (ADGSS)?

Government Response: Should a vendor respond and receive an award for PPMSS, they will still be eligible to submit for the ADGSS procurement, they are two separate requirements.

C

Is there an incumbent or multiple incumbents performing the tasks or a portion of the tasks specified in the Statement of Work? If so, which companies are currently supporting?

Government Response: There is not an incumbent performing the tasks specified in the current Statement of Work.

C 17 The RFP states, "Should any Key Personnel choose to leave for another reason (e.g. higher pay, job dissatisfaction) prior to six months in place, then any costs associated with security investigations for replacement personnel shall be the sole responsibility of the contractor. Their replacement shall have equal or superior qualifications and be provided within 30 calendar days after their known departure date." Is this at time of award?

Government Response: The above requirement for Key

Personnel begins at time of award, and the duration of the individual Task Order.

L 113

L.5.2 Delivery of Proposal specifies a due date of September 16, 2016. In order to provide a quality response, conduct a quality review of answers to questions, and assess the impact on responses, it would be beneficial to have additional time to respond to this RFP. Will the government consider extending the proposal due date to September 30, 2016, 10:00 am Eastern Time?

Government Response: See Amendment 0001. The

Page # Question government will extend the proposal due date to October 7, 2016 No Later Than 2:00 p.m. Eastern Time.

L 115

L.9.1 General Format Instructions - Basic IDIQ, TO 0001, and TO 0002 specifies that Offerors shall furnish the proposal in separate volumes for the basic IDIQ, Task Order 0001 and Task Order 0002 as follows: Volume I: Technical/ Management Proposal; and Volume II: Contract, Small Business Participation Cost/Price Proposal.

Please clarify if the government expects vendors to provide three

(3) separate responses for Volume I: Technical/Management Proposal and Volume II: Contract, Small Business Participation Cost/Price Proposal:

- One for the Basic IDIQ

- One for TO 0001

- One for TO 0002

Government Response: See response to number 27.

L 115&

Reference: General Format Instructions table, Tab D - Staffing and Resumes

Reference: 3452.243-70 Key Personnel QU: The instructions require a Tab D - Staffing and Resumes but there are no instructions on what resumes FSA would like included. Are the resumes requested for the Key Personnel outlined in both the Basic IDIQ, TO0001, and TO0002?

Government Response: Section L has been amended.

L 116& 117-

Reference: "The filename shall be “Volume I Tab B –Technical Capability-Offeror Name.doc”

Reference: "The Offeror shall submit a single Volume I and

Volume II with clearly identified components of the Basic IDIQ, Task Order 0001, and Task Order 0002 as indicated within the RFP instructions."

QU: The Instructions require a separate electronic file name for each Tab within each Volume. Yet, there is also an instruction that the proposal content must be in two (2) Volumes. Can FSA please clarify if it wants the electronic and emailed copies of the proposals to all be individual files separated by Tabs, i.e. seven

(7) separate files? And if so, does FSA want the hard copies to be only separated by Volume rather than by tabs?

Government Response: Please refer back to the RFP, “Offeror shall submit a single Volume I and Volume II with clearly identified components of the Basic IDIQ, Task Order 0001, and Task Order 0002 as indicated within the RFP instructions.” QU: The above reference instructs to submit a "single Volume I and Volume II." Was the exclusion of Volume III intentional here? Could FSA please clarify this instruction?

Government Response: Volume III Past Performance shall only be submitted for the Basic IDIQ

125 L 121

Will FSA accept past performance from teaming partners or only from the prime vendor?

Page # Question

Government Response: See response to number 23.

L 121 Reference: "The Offeror shall complete the project title and contract reference number to match its Tab A proposal information before sending the form to its reference. The completed Questionnaire shall not be submitted with the Offeror’s proposal submission."

QU: The Instruction states that Offeror's should NOT include the Past Performance Questionnaires in Tab A. Can FSA please clarify what content should be included in Tab A? We ask because Tab B requires project descriptions for Relevant Experience.

Government Response: Section L of the RFP has been amended to reflect clarification of a narrative.

Appendix E

Reference: "Appendix E – FSA Compliance Requirements....36.

Transition Support (Phase-In) To ensure a smooth transition, the Contractor shall submit a Phase-In Plan as a part of its technical proposal in accordance with the Contract."

QU: In what section of our proposal would FSA like us to include a Phase-In Plan?

Government Response: The phase in plan is part of the

Technical/Management proposal.

L 118 Under 10.1.C the Government states: "A description of the Offeror’s proposed approach to quality control, independent verification and validation (IV&V) and configuration management practices as it applies to software developed and maintained, as well as supporting documents." what is the scope of the IV&V practices as it pertains to this solicitation.

Government Response: Any task order may be subject to

IV&V and the Contractor shall have to support IV&V activities providing documentation and answering questions as required.

Is the submission date of September 16th still valid for physical proposals that are shipped to the submission address? While the September 7the due date is for those proposals being hand submitted?

a. Page 113 of the RFP notes that “Proposals (in their entirety) are due NO LATER THAN 10:00 A.M. Eastern Time on September 16, 2016 to the email address: FSAEAT@ed.gov and one (1) hard copy marked “original,” and 1 CD.”

b. However page 1, SECTION A – STANDARD FORM 33 notes that “9. if handcarried, in the depository located in Section L.5.2 until 2:00 PM Washington, DC local time September 07, 2016.”

Government Response: Section L has been amended.

Does the 20 page limit for Tab B – Technical Capability encompass the entirety of the technical response for the IDIQ, Task Order 0001 and Task Order 0002?

Government Response: Section L has been amended. Yes, the

Technical Capability Tab B encompasses the IDIQ, TO:

0001 and TO: 0002 technical response clearly indicated each component.

131 Will small business size status recertification be required at any point in the procurement cycle?

mailto:FSAEAT@ed.gov

Page # Question

Government Response: Small Business size will be certified at time of award and will not be recertified for the life of the contract.

Page 94 Section K – Bullet 1 notes that The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code for this acquisition is 541611. And that (2) The small business size standard is $15 Million. On the FBO site record for this opportunity the NAICS code is listed as 541511, which has a $27.5 Mil size standard.

Please address which NAICS an Side Standard applies to this opportunity.

Government Response: See response to number 36.

Are prime contractors required to be certified as Capability Maturity Model Integration (CMMI) organizational maturity level 2 or 3 ?

Government Response: Valid CMMI Level 2 organizational/company appraisal is required as the Prime Offeror and at time of proposal submission. Evidence of the valid CMMI Level 2 appraisal for the Prime Offeror must be submitted with proposal submission per amended Section L.

On page 49 the RFP references a Phase-In Plan that is to be submitted with the proposal submission, is the Phase-In Plan to be submitted under Tab B: Technical Capability, and does it fall under the stated 20 page limit for Volume 1: Tab B?

Government Response: See response for number 27 and

Section L has been amended.

Will a separate Phase-In plan be required for each Task Order and the IDIQ? Please clarify.

Government Response: Yes, depending upon the scope of the individual Task Order.

If PPQs are being submitted directly to the government, shall the offeror utilize Tab A to provide Past Performance write-ups which correspond to the submitted PPQs.

Government Response: Section L has been amended.

Regarding Tab B – Relevant Experience, shall the relevant experience write-ups match the PPQ projects submitted under Tab A? Or shall all relevant experience from projects not submitted as a PPQ be accepted?

Government Response: Past Performance will be utilized to determine an Offerors relevant experience that is similar in scope, complexity, and possess the knowledge of software testing standards or other technical standards for software development through creation and completion.

C.6 In Section C.6, the RFP discusses key personnel; however, the RFP does not indicate which positions are to be treated as key. Is the vendor expected to identify the positions it believes to be key or will the Department identify the positions that should be treated as key.

Government Response: See response to number 72, Key personnel will be identified within individual task orders.

C In Section C, Is the vendor expected within Tab B of the proposal response to address its…