Q_ _A_for_Sources_Sought.pdf

Q1. Is the ability to perform analysis of real-world social media a required capability in the Sources Sought?

A1. No.

Q2. It's stated that the software and hardware maintenance component is intended to support multiple Task Orders for Department of Defense (DOD) and non-DOD exercises. We assume this means our system must integrate with an existing Task Order system. Is this correct? Can any information on this system be provided?

A2. The "multiple Task Orders" referenced in the Sources Sought document are not pre-existing Task Orders, but additional Task Orders that may be added to the main effort and which may support DOD or non-DOD exercises, within the scope of capabilities identified in the Sources Sought.

Q3. The Exercise Social Media Web Portal is described as needing to look and function like current websites and social media channels but be isolated from them. Should there be an option to pull in data from real-world social media channels?

A3. The isolation requirement between the social media emulation portal and real-world social media is intended to prevent bleedover in either direction; that is, non-real exercise data should not be disseminated on real-world sites, and raw real-world social media data (particularly that containing Personally Identifiable Information [PII]) should not be disseminated on the social media emulator portal.

Q4. One requirement suggests that there will be as many as 1,200 users using as many as 10 personae.

Should those personae be consistent by scenario for all users? For example, "the Hurricane Scenario," "the Dirty Bomb Scenario," "the Targeted Sophisticated Attack Scenario," etc. Or alternatively, should the personae be completely customizable by user?

A4. While it may be useful to preserve certain personae from one exercise or scenario to the next, the requirement in the Sources Sought Social Media Emulator Requirements Checklist to be able "to create and manage 1,200 users during major exercises" includes the option to customize all exercise personae associated with those users.

Q5. Can open source technology and open source data sets be incorporated in a desirable solution?

A5. Yes, as long as the system meets the requirements in the Sources Sought document that it be "certified and accredited for installation and use on DOD information technology systems prior to contract start" and "isolated from the emulated real-world media sites," the system does not include PII, and the Government is not expected to pay for open-source technology or data as part of a contract.

Q6. When it is stated that 'the system can be operated in semi-austere environments (summer heat, high humidity, permeable shelter, etc.)' does this mean that the entire system must be movable outside of a closed environment? Meaning terminals and other hardware must be deployable as part of field operations. OR does this mean that provided other infrastructure (remote connectivity) that field officers would be able to connect to a central database?

A6. The entire system need not exist in the semi-austere environment; however, any hardware components which are required to support exercise execution from the field location must be able to operate in such an environment, and any remote connections and services not located at the exercise site but which are supporting live exercise play must be reliably able to remain connected and functional for the exercise participants in the field.

Q7. Are "Play-Books" (i.e., detailed "Response Guides" that ensure everyone has a "single" version of the truth as to how best to respond to a given set of scenario types and outcomes) required to support each exercise?

A7. The Sources Sought requirement is for Modeling and Simulation (M&S) support, and is not intended to include generalized exercise planning and execution beyond that necessary to properly integrate the M&S effort into the exercise.

Q8. Are "Scenario & Simulation Debriefs" a part of the requirement?

A8. The Sources Sought requirement for the "capture of M&S and SM lessons learned" may typically include M&S data, playback information, and compiled lessons learned related to the M&S play. In that respect, it is limited to the M&S and SM support, and does not include facilitation and coordination of the balance of post-exercise activities and products.

Q9. Is there a budget for the acquisition and annual use of the licenses to use proprietary software?

A9. Yes; the Sources Sought specifically mentions "software licensing and maintenance, hardware configuration and maintenance, and Information Technology (IT) support during exercise execution."

NOTE:

You are not required to submit a cover, cover letter, table of contents but note that the 10-page capability statement limit does NOT include a cover, cover letter, table of contents, checklist.

And the Government retains full ability to execute separate, standalone contracts, particularly when it is in the Government's best interest.