DMS-MES_PWS_Q A.docx

DMS-MES QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

1. In our opinion, three weeks would be a preferable timeframe to produce a fully responsive proposal to an RFP based on this solicitation IF the RFP includes addressing Task Order 1. If the RFP does not include addressing TO 1 we believe two weeks is sufficient.

Answer: Task Order 1 is fully encompassed in the main PWS, and comprises both DOD's requirements and the approach to be taken for the non-DOD (IDIQ) events that would result in TOs 2, 3, 4, etc. As such, there is little additional material needed in a proposal to ensure that it covers both TO1 (DOD) and the rest of the PWS (non-DOD Subtask 3 IDIQs). The Government does not anticipate any major changes in the PWS between the draft posted on 7 Dec and the final version to be released with the RFP. Additional response time to the RFP will be considered.

2. Section 1.2 says the contractor will provide the DMS-MES software and associated licensing and support but Section 4.1.2 of the draft PWS says the Government will provide the simulation software via its own licenses. Is the PWS intended to prompt industry responses from DMS and EMS providers as stated in Section 1.2 or is the PWS and the eventual RFP intended to prompt responses from firms that manage and implement programs utilizing Government-provided software as 4.1.2 appears to indicate?

Answer: These sections are not inconsistent; Section 4.1.2. indicates the Government intends to lease or purchase permanent licenses for the software to be used, and to pay associated maintenance fees, and Section 1.2. describes the Government's requirement that the Contractor manages those licenses and performs that associated maintenance, including the maintenance necessary to comply with existing network certification and periodic recertification.

3. Is any DMS-MES software, licensing and/or related support services being requested in the PWS and the anticipated RFP?

Answer: Yes. Task 1, Infrastructure Management, describes the licensing, support services, and scheduling requirements as an integrated effort to support all Task Orders. The Government is not paying for the development of new software applications under this PWS as written.

4. This question assumes the DMS-MES software, licensing and related support and services with capabilities detailed in the PWS is what is being requested: To achieve maximum competition and value for the Government, will the Government consider a multi-award contract structure to allow firms that have only one of the two required software components to submit responses to the RFP individually for their respective functionality?

Answer: Contract type is determined based on Government’s need and Market Research. Potential offerors are free to partner in any capacity permitted under FAR rules that satisfies the RFP and PWS. The Government reserves the right to modify or reissue the RFP at its discretion.

5. Can the copy in section 2.4.11 be modified to include the requirement for the portal not to infringe on copyright, intellectual property or other legal protections not only of ‘commercial sites’ but also of other vendor’s products?

Answer: Although the PWS does not limit nor negate any vendor's legal protections, the phrase "that apply to commercial sites" will be deleted from the final PWS.

6. Is there an anticipated posting date for the RFP? If that's in December, a two week posting could be challenging. Three weeks would be better for most, if not all, bidders.

Answer: RFP issue date is still to be determined. Posting the Draft PWS on 7 Dec, soliciting comment by 11 Dec, and posting Government responses is intended to provide potential offerors an opportunity to begin developing their respective proposals in advance of release of the final RFP. It reduces proposal preparation and promotes a clearer understanding to industry of the requirements. The Government does not expect major changes to the PWS in the interim. Additional response time to the RFP will be considered

7. Given that most modern DMS and MES software can communicate and integrate via API, will the Government allow firms with one of the two major components to pursue the eventual opportunity independently? This would make the eventual contract a multiple-award, but would ensure fair and robust competition for the work described in the PWS.

Answer: Contract type is determined based on what best suits the Government’s need and Market Research. Potential offerors are free to partner in any capacity permitted under FAR rules that satisfies the RFP and PWS. The Government reserves the right to modify or reissue the RFP at its discretion.

8. Can the MES portion be hosted in the “cloud" rather than on laptops?

Answer: The MES must provide a look and feel that emulates the real-world online media environment (while maintaining password-protected isolation from real-world access/exposure), without infringing on applicable copyrights. Multiple architectures for the MES portion may be possible as long as the requirement is met that the combined DMS-MES arrangement is certified and accredited to operate on DOD networks, per the PWS.

9. The draft Performance Work Statement (PWS) for Disaster Management Simulation and Media Emulation Software (DMS-MES) Support involves two different software platforms – DMS and MES. PWS Section 1.2.3 requires these software applications be capable of running independently or as fully integrated programs.

PWS Section 2.4.4 requires that “The (MES) platform must be able to run, when authorized, on DOD networks for which an Authority to Connect/Authority to Operate (ATC/ATO) has been issued.” No similar direct requirement is stated for the DMS software, except by implication in PWS Section 2.1’s requirement for “annual certification and accreditation for DOD networks.”

If the two applications are to be capable of running as fully integrated programs, it seems that the specific certification requirements in Section 2.4.4 for MES are identical to the implied certification requirements for the DMS software in Section 2.1. Is this true? Are the ATO requirements identical for both?

Answer: Correct. Both capabilities, whether one system or two, must be able to satisfy the separate as well as the integrated operating modes in support of exercises as described in the PWS, and all systems and modes of support must be certified and accredited for operation on DOD networks.

10. Can the Government provide the name and manufacturer of the DMS-MES software to be provided as GFE under paragraph 4.1.2?

Answer: The DMS-MES software is to be provided by the Contractor; the Government will lease or purchase the necessary licenses to support exercises scheduled under the PWS, but is not expected otherwise to own the DMS-MES software.

11. Paragraph 1.2.3 and 4.1.2 would appear to be in conflict. Can you confirm that the DMS-MES software is GFE as paragraph 1.2.3 suggests that the contractor would be required to furnish the software?

Answer: The DMS-MES software is to be provided by the Contractor, and must be certified and accredited for use on DOD networks.

12. Will the final RFP seek qualified DMS and MES software providers as discussed in 1.2.1 or is the Government looking for a qualified prime contractor to administer the contract with the software providers either subcontracted or made available via other contract vehicles as Government Furnished Property as noted in 4.1.2?

Answer: Offerors on the final RFP are expected to provide the DMS-MES software, certified and accredited to operate on DOD networks. Offerors are free to propose a prime-sub or any other teaming arrangement that satisfies the RFP and the requirements in the PWS.

13. Will the Government consider a multi-award contract to allow for maximum competition to achieve best-in-class software components as well as appropriate contract administration and management capabilities?

Answer : As noted above, Offerors may form teaming arrangements that satisfy the RFP and PWS. Contract type is determined based on what best suits Government’s need and Market Research.

14. In relation to Section 2.4.19, in order to allocate resources properly, what is the quantity range of how many separate exercise events may be occurring simultaneously?

Answer: The estimated workloads for DOD and non-DOD exercises are listed in the various Estimated Workload tables throughout the PWS; the number of exercises occurring simultaneously is dependent on individual exercise planning and execution timelines as well as the total number of exercises on the schedule. Exercise planning and execution events are not evenly distributed throughout the year.

15. Posting the RFP for two (2) weeks inhibits a quality response due to inadequate time to thoroughly analyze the RFP, develop a first class solution, and complete teaming arrangements. We suggest posting the RFP for thirty (30) days.

Answer: 21CONS anticipates posting of a DRAFT RFP. This will reduce proposal preparation and evaluation time, and promotes a clearer understanding to industry of the requirements. Additional response time to the RFP will be considered.