Questions__Answers_from_Sources_Sought.pdf

Responses to Questions for Sources Sought

Language Portal FA7037-14-R-0003

1. What is the anticipated Period of Performance (POP) for this contract?

Refer to Sources Sought

2. Is there existing government-owned documentation that details the back-end design of the portal?

Yes. The Government has determined it is not necessary to release at this time. It will be released upon award.

3. Is it possible to obtain a high level diagram (hardware and software) of the existing system?

No. The Government has determined it is not necessary to release at this time. It will be released upon award.

4. Is it possible to view/obtain a demo of the existing web portal?

No. The Government has determined it is not necessary at this time. A demo will be provided upon award.

5. Can we get the specification of the existing framework?

No. The Government has determined it is not necessary at this time. Any existing design documentation will be provided upon award.

6. How does the existing system interface with the entire DoD database infrastructure?

“This Performance Work Statement (PWS) addresses the continued maintenance, enhancement, and expansion of the CLPM Database/Language Portal utilizing a Learning Management System (LMS) and Content Management System (CMS) compatible with Department of Defense (DoD) standards as the front-end, web interface. The system shall interface with the entire DoD database infrastructure” The current system is integrated into the AF portal and is fully accredited.

7. How are the work/tasks differentiated between government personnel and contractor personnel responsibilities?

“The systems shall be maintained and updated by a mixture of Government and Contractor personnel in multiple locations including, but not limited to San Antonio, TX; Offutt AFB, NE and the Contractor’s geographically separated location.”

The government provides program oversight and COR functions/responsibilities.

Government offices are part of any process that is connected to accreditation, base IT support, etc.

8. Is there a list of hardware that the contractor is supposed to maintain?

“The Contractor shall maintain and enhance all system hardware for all systems (unclassified, Top Secret/SCI, Secret, and NSANet) and enhance the baseline website configuration of the CLPM Database/Language Portal according to AF ISR Agency/A2F written requirements.”

Any existing hardware specifications or requirements will provided upon award.

9. Is there a time frame required for accreditation and has the process been attempted previously on the existing solution? Is the current NIPR portal not accredited?

“Upon award, the Contractor shall immediately begin the Non-classified Internet Protocol (IP) Router Network (NIPRNet) accreditation process” The current NIPR portal is accredited, but that process must be renewed annually.

Timeline for accreditation will be provided upon award.

10. Does the following statement mean, to be able to interface with an Oracle database or is Oracle development planned in the future?

“The Contractor shall have the capability to author code using Oracle.”

The statement means that the contractor needs to be able to interface with an Oracle database.

11. Can you be more specific on computer languages that is referred to in the following statement?

“Any additional computer languages consistent with AF accreditation policy and standards is highly desirable” The awardee must be familiar and capable of engaging directly with AF and DoD functions to ensure continued accreditation directly upon award. It is highly desirable that the awardee be capable in any and all systems or computer languages that could be a part of current or projected future upgrades to AF systems. The awardee must be able to ensure continued accreditation on AF systems consistent with AF and DoD Information Technology standards, systems and policies.

12. What are the Air Force requirements/specifications to maintain the classified and unclassified servers?

“The Contractor shall maintain an unclassified server at Offutt AFB, NE, a back-up unclassified server at the Contractor’s location, and classified servers (Top Secret, Secret and NSANet) at Offutt AFB, NE” The awardee must be familiar with AF requirements and specifications for maintenance of classified and unclassified servers.

13. Is there a specific requirement/specification for the content catalog, and if YES, can you provide it?

“Content Catalog: The Contractor shall maintain a content catalog to include all DoD-procured language and cultural materials and technologies” Any existing specifications or requirements will provided upon award.

14. Is it a requirement to create new native applications for Apple iPad, iPhone, and Android which is a sub-set of the current web application?

“Additionally, the Contractor shall develop and integrate software applications compatible with mobile devices such as the Apple iPod Touch or iPhone and provide compatible functions with Apple and Android operating systems.”

Yes.

15. Can you provide the specification for the Analysis Reports?

“Analysis Reports: The Contractor shall provide AF ISR Agency/A2F Language Training Managers, CLPM and the Government COR with analysis data and reports pertaining to users and materials accessed within five (5) work days of request.”\ Analysis reports are fluid and the specifications of what is required can change by report depending on final requirement and customer. Further detail can be provided upon award of the contract.

16. Are multiple roles available in the current web application?

“The Contractor shall also provide multiple customer access levels so managers at all levels can access and build organizationally tailored reports” Yes.

17. What is the current size of the database for the 3,300 users?

“Storage/Access/Delivery Capabilities: The Contractor shall maintain and expand Government provided storage, access, and delivery capabilities from the current 3,300 users to service up to 50,000 users. The Contractor shall ensure these capabilities are scalable to allow for future growth to include access and tracking across all participating organizations.”

Current capacity supports the stated requirement.

18. With representatives at Offutt AFB and the Contractor’s geographical location, does AFISRA deem it necessary to have representation in San Antonio, TX?

Yes.

19. Does the government require resume submissions with the proposal? If so, what clearance level is required for each of the FTE since it is stated in PWS 6.0 Security that:

“The actual clearance level required for each position … shall be defined by the Government, and this requirement shall be communicated, in writing, to the Contractor prior to the person assuming duties in performance of this requirement.”?

The Government does not require resume submissions with the proposal.

20. Does DISA provide hosting for the current applications?

No.

21. Can you clarify whether there are a total of 4 or 5 servers (4 separate servers at Offutt AFB corresponding to network domains plus one back-up UNCLASS server at vendor location is 5 servers or are some servers hosting multiple domains?)

4 NIPRNet, 2 SIPRNet, 1 JWICS, 2 NSANet 2 commercial servers, 2 servers for back up

22. What is current level of effort (total FTE)?

Current level of effort is 12 FTEs.

23. Who is responsible for securing software licensing?

The contractor will be required to identify software requirements and complete all actions up to purchase. The government will purchase the software.

24. Will any additional hardware / software to support scaling efforts (growth to 50K users) be the responsibility of the vendor or the hosting agency?

The host agency will be responsible for the purchase of additional hardware/software.

The vendor will be tasked with identifying requirements, possible solutions and completing installation.

25. What Learning Management System (LMS) and Content Management System (CMS) are currently being used?

Moodle

26. What is the accreditation status of the system on classified network domains? Has any portion of the system been accredited for NIPRNET, i.e. CLPM database vice commercial portal website?

All systems are accredited. The Commercial portal website is commercial and is not connected to NIPR.

27. Our company has a DoD TS facility clearance with access to a SCIF with the appropriate connectivity. Does this fulfill requirement in section 6.1 of the PWS?

Excerpt from Section 6.1: "The contract company shall have a TS/SCI facility clearance – this is non-negotiable."

No, reference PWS Section 6.1: "The contract company shall have a TS/SCI facility clearance – this is non-negotiable."

28. Does the Government expect a response to the sources sought? Often in a sources sought synopsis, there is a set of requirements that interested parties have to address so that the Government can assess whether or not there are at least two interested, qualified sources. We don’t see a set of requirements to which offerors must respond.

Can we assume that this synopsis is for informational purposes only, giving potential offerors the opportunity to ask questions prior to RFP release?

This Sources Sought was issued for the purpose of market research in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Part 10. All responsible contractors interested in providing this service and who have the potential to provide this service (Prime or Sub) are invited to respond. Any information provided by industry to the Government as a result of this notice is voluntary. This notice is for planning purposes only and the Government will not pay for any information provided. This sources sought announcement is not to be construed as a commitment by the Government, implied or otherwise, to issue a solicitation or to award a contract.

29. Do you intend to release a draft RFP, specifically Sections L and M, prior to release of the final RFP?

The team has not determined if a draft RFP will be released or not. If time permits, we would definitely like to get industry inputs on sections L&M.

30. With their proposals, will offerors be required to submit a draft Management Plan, identifying the skill sets that offerors believe are required to perform the PWS elements, as well as resumes of those staff members that meet the skill sets? We see that a Management Plan is required after award, but will draft Management Plans be part of the Government’s proposal evaluation?

Evaluation criteria have not been established. We are unsure at this point if a draft Management Plan or resumes will be required as part of the proposal package.

31. Is this a new requirement or a follow-on? If it is a follow-on, could you provide information about the incumbent contractor (i.e. contract number, vendor, and value)?

This is a follow-on requirement. The current contract number is FA7037-10-C-0004.

The incumbant is Spiral Solutions and Technologies, Inc. The total award amount is $5,976,375.87.