Project Taj Majal CSO Call Questions 5 June 2025 Amendment_2.xlsx

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Project Taj Mahal: HCM SaaS under AFLCMC Data Operations Commercial Solutions Opening
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FA8600-23-S-C056-007
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This document is a set of Questions and Answers (Q&A) for the Department of the Air Force's Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO) for a Human Capital Management (HCM) SaaS implementation project called "Project Taj Mahal". The CSO seeks an innovative solution to implement Oracle Fusion Cloud HCM SaaS for Officer Accessions, with a focus on configuring and integrating the platform while minimizing customization. The project aims to consolidate multiple HR applications, leverage cloud-based solutions, and establish a bi-directional data flow with the legacy MilPDS system.

Key details include a two-step proposal process with solution briefs due on June 17, 2025, and up to five vendors potentially selected for Step Two. The initial effort will focus on core HR and talent management modules, with specific epics covering officer candidate management, classification preferences, assignment preferences, training scheduling, and Extended Active Duty order generation. The Government has already procured Oracle Fusion Cloud HCM SaaS licenses and is seeking a contractor to configure the platform, migrate data from legacy systems, and develop integrations. The contract will be a Firm-Fixed-Price (FFP) structure, with an initial user population of approximately 10,000, primarily focusing on Officer Accessions, and requiring implementation in an IL4 environment with FedRAMP compliance.

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Sheet1

Question #QuestionDateUSAF Response
1Could you please provide the incumbent information? Who is currently performing this work?5/23/25There is no current contract, nor anyone performing this work.
2Can you please clarify the due date for the Step One submission; SAM.gov indicates that responses are due on 06 Jun 2025 @ 5pm EDT, however, the CSO Call indicates that Step One responses are due on 12 Jun 2025 @ 5pm EDT.5/23/25The correct date for Step one solution briefs is 12 Jun @5pm EDT
3Reviewing the "CSO Purpose", it specifically states the following: "This competitive combined synopsis/solicitation is focused on identifying technologies to meet the mission of AFLCMC/GBH." However, in all of your documentation attached to the requirement references "Oracle Fusion HCM"... Are you actually looking to identify potential SaaS solutions that could address the Human Capital needs of the Air Force, or have you determined that Oracle HCM is your platform and you are simply looking for a system integrator to implement that solution?5/27/25Yes, to clarify the Air Force’s platform is Oracle Fusion HCM and this CSO is not evaluating alternate SaaS solutions.
4Why is the Air Force seemingly pre-determining Oracle Fusion SaaS (OFS) as the optimal path forward without exploring alternative approaches or conducting a comprehensive 'best-of-breed' evaluation? A competitive "bake-off" among leading Human Capital Management (HCM) and SaaS solution providers would offer a more robust method to assess diverse capabilities, mitigate risks associated with single-vendor reliance, and ultimately ensure the most effective and efficient solution for the Air Force's complex personnel and pay needs.5/28/25To clarify, the DAF has already procured Oracle Fusion Cloud HCM SaaS. This CSO specifically focuses on identifying innovative solutions for the configuration of that platform and its seamless integration with existing systems, including Oracle EBS. The competition is therefore open to any commercial vendor capable of delivering a solution within this established cloud architecture.

The goal is to find the most effective way to integrate Oracle Fusion Cloud HCM SaaS with existing systems. Offerors should focus on demonstrating how their solution leverages commercial best practices to achieve this integration, while adhering to the objectives outlined in the Statement of Objectives (SOO) 5 We reviewed the terms of the upcoming HCM system procurement for Air Force and Space Force personnel management. The current acquisition excludes competition by specifying an Oracle solution. The Justification & Approval (J&A), which appears to be from 2020, is out of date given the vast changes in technology.

We respectfully request that you amend the terms of the procurement to allow for a full and open competition. Competition enables the federal government to receive the best value for the American taxpayer. 5/28/25 Project Taj Maja seeks innovative solutions for the configuration of the previously procured Oracle Fusion Cloud HCM SaaS platform and its integration with Oracle EBS. This CSO is open to any commercial vendor capable of delivering a solution within the established cloud architecture. The focus is on configuration and system interoperability, not brand-specific acquisition. Offerors must ensure their solutions work effectively within the existing Oracle environment.

To clarify, the competition remains fully open to any vendor capable of configuring the system and ensuring seamless connectivity between Oracle Fusion Cloud HCM SaaS and Oracle EBS. The hosting environment does not preclude competition among solution developers. Rather, the prior acquisition of Oracle Fusion Cloud establishes the technical foundation, but not the solution itself. The government seeks a comprehensive personnel management solution, not simply the Oracle Fusion Cloud HCM SaaS Platform as procured

6Can you provide a list of existing capacities that need refactoring and integration? SOW Section 3.1.86/2/25While we understand the need for clarity regarding existing capacities, providing specific details at this time is not possible due to the ongoing development of the A1 multicloud ecosystem. However, as stated in the Statement of Objectives (SOO), offerors should focus on demonstrating their ability to achieve seamless interoperability with key systems, including MilPDS and other designated downstream HR systems. The Government is seeking innovative solutions that can address the integration challenges inherent in a complex, evolving environment
7What is the existing configuration management tool(s) that you are using? SOW Section 10.1.16/2/25BES Atlassian Toolset
8Can you provide a list of legacy system’s inefficiencies that need to be included in the technical debt management process? PWS Section 1.2.26/2/25As outlined in the Statement of Objectives (SOO), a primary goal of this project is to modernize the DAF's HCM infrastructure and retire duplicative legacy HR systems. While a comprehensive list of all legacy system inefficiencies is not being provided at this time, offerors should be aware that the project aims to sunset AFCAPS and OATS and consolidate HR capabilities from WINGS and COMPASS.

Offerors should focus on demonstrating their ability to migrate data and functionality from these legacy systems to the Oracle Fusion Cloud HCM SaaS platform in a secure and efficient manner. Solution Briefs should address how the proposed solution will minimize technical debt and ensure a sustainable, maintainable system architecture.

9 What is the existing performance testing tool(s) that USAF is using? PWS Section 1.3.1.4 6/2/25 To clarify, the Performance Work Statement (PWS) is no longer applicable to this effort. As such, the Government is not specifying a standard performance testing tool. Offerors are encouraged to propose the most appropriate and effective testing tools and methodologies to ensure the performance and scalability of the implemented Oracle Fusion Cloud HCM SaaS solution, as outlined in the Statement of Objectives (SOO).

Solution Briefs should demonstrate a comprehensive testing strategy that includes, but is not limited to, performance testing, security validation, and user acceptance testing. The Government is particularly interested in innovative approaches to automated testing and continuous integration/continuous delivery (CI/CD) that can accelerate the delivery of a high-quality system 10 Would you please advise where can offerors find the Epics and User Stories? PWS Section 4.1.1.1 through 4.1.1.3 6/2/25 As part of this effort to encourage more innovative solutions, the CSO has been updated to utilize a Statement of Objectives (SOO). Therefore, specific Epics and User Stories are not being provided. The SOO outlines the high-level objectives for the Minimum Viable Product (MVP) and the overall goals of the project.

Offerors are encouraged to propose their own approaches to defining and managing Epics and User Stories within an Agile framework, demonstrating how their methodology will ensure the successful delivery of the required functionality and a user-centered design. The Government is looking for solutions that prioritize user needs and deliver tangible value in each iteration.

11 Please provide the specific DoD and Mission Critical requirements? 6/2/25 To provide greater flexibility and encourage innovative solutions, the CSO has been updated to utilize a Statement of Objectives (SOO). The SOO, along with the overarching CSO document, outlines the mission and goals of this project, including the need for a secure, scalable, and reliable HCM solution.

Offerors should carefully review the SOO and demonstrate their understanding of the DoD's security and compliance requirements, including FedRAMP Moderate+ and applicable DISA STIGs. Solution Briefs should address how the proposed solution will meet these requirements and ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of mission-critical data. The Government is seeking solutions that prioritize security and compliance while delivering a modern and user-friendly HCM system 12 Please confirm the purpose of the Tab--SaaS Pricing Tiers in Attachment 1. It is our understanding this is a Professional Services requirement only and that no license will be purchased. 6/2/25 To clarify, the "SaaS Pricing Tiers" tab in Attachment 1 has been removed. As you correctly understand, this requirement focuses exclusively on professional services for the implementation and system integration of the previously procured Oracle Fusion Cloud HCM SaaS platform. No new licenses will be purchased under this CSO. This is further clarified in Section 7.4 of the CSO, which states that the Government is not seeking platform alternatives, but rather an innovative solution to deliver a fully configured system integration on the selected platform.

Pricing details are only relevant for Step Two, and specific instructions are provided to selected offerors at that stage. See Section 9.1 of the CSO, which outlines the two-step process, and Section 13, which details the requirements for Step Two proposal submissions. For Step One, offerors should focus on submitting a comprehensive solution brief that demonstrates their technical capabilities and innovative approach to meeting the objectives outlined in the Statement of Objectives (SOO)

13We request an extension for Step 1.6/2/25The step one solution brief has been extended until June 17, 2025.
14In Section 10 of the CSO Call, the Technical/Management section (10.3) does not appear to have a page limit. We see that the Solution Brief (10.4) is limited to 10 pages. Is there a limit to the Technical/Management section response or is it included in the 10 pages for the Solution Brief? Also, is the Technical/Management sections to be single spaced or double spaced (like the Solution Brief)?To clarify, the Technical/Management section is indeed included within the overall 10-page limit for the Solution Brief. As stated in Section 11.4.1 of the CSO Call, "The solution brief shall be limited to 10 pages..." This 10-page limit encompasses both the Cover Page (Section 11.2) and the Technical/Management Section (Section 11.3).

Regarding spacing, Section 11.4.3 specifies that the entire solution brief, including the Technical/Management section, must be double-spaced with one-inch margins. Please ensure your submission adheres to these formatting guidelines. We appreciate your attention to detail and encourage you to focus on clearly and concisely conveying your innovative approach within the specified constraints.

15 In the Pricing model there is a tab for SaaS subscription pricing. Does the government anticipate the contractor will provide the SaaS subscriptions or does the Air Force already have the needed subscriptions for the Oracle HCM Cloud SaaS product? As previously clarified, the "SaaS Pricing Tiers" tab in Attachment 1 has been removed. The Air Force has already procured the necessary subscriptions for the Oracle HCM Cloud SaaS product. Therefore, the contractor will not be responsible for providing SaaS subscriptions under this CSO.

This requirement focuses exclusively on professional services for the implementation, configuration, and system integration of the existing Oracle Fusion Cloud HCM SaaS platform. As outlined in Section 7.4 of the CSO, the Government is not seeking platform alternatives, but rather an innovative solution to deliver a fully configured system integration on the selected platform. Please ensure your proposals reflect this understanding

16Will the Government please consider extending the deadline for submission to at least 10 business days beyond the date questions are responded to and posted? General6/2/25The step one solution brief has been extended until June 17, 2025.
17Will the Government please consider offering an estimated timeline between the different call deadline deliverables in Sections 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 15, 15, and 17 of the CSO document? General, CSO Sections 9,10,11,12,13,15,16, and 176/2/25While we understand the interest in having a detailed timeline, providing specific dates for each step in the process beyond the Step One deadline is not possible at this time. As outlined in Section 9 of the CSO, the Government will down-select offerors from Step One (Solution Briefs) to submit a Step Two proposal. The deadline for proposal submission will be provided in a separate letter once Step Two is opened, and an amendment will be posted to this CSO opening.

The Government is committed to keeping offerors informed throughout the process. Selected offerors will be notified promptly regarding their advancement to Step Two, and a clear timeline for subsequent deliverables will be provided at that time. We appreciate your patience and understanding as we move forward with this important initiative 18 Does the government have a baselined implementation of Oracle Fusion HCM solution? Section 3.1.1 Configurations and Deployment 6/2/25 While the Government has established a baseline Oracle Fusion HCM solution, the primary focus of this CSO is to identify innovative solutions for configuring and implementing Oracle Best Practices to meet specific customer requirements. As outlined in the Statement of Objectives (SOO), the goal is to modernize the DAF's HCM infrastructure and deliver a user-centered system.

Offerors should focus on demonstrating their ability to leverage the existing baseline and propose creative approaches to configuration and implementation that align with the SOO's objectives. The Government is particularly interested in solutions that minimize customization and maximize the use of Oracle's standard functionality

19If Yes, what are the module SKUs that have been configured / subscribed to? Section 3.1.1 Configuration and Deployment6/2/25B85800 - Oracle Fusion Human Capital Management Base Cloud Service B94925 - Oracle Fusion Talent Management Cloud Service B87366 - Oracle Fusion for United States Government Cloud Service B84990 - Oracle Additional test for Oracle Fusion Cloud Service
20What is the total number of users expected to use this solution after go-live? Section 3.0 Scope of Work6/2/25While the exact total number of users expected to use the solution after go-live may fluctuate, offerors should design their proposed solutions to accommodate a significant user base. As stated in Section 3.0 of the Statement of Objectives (SOO), "The system must accommodate at least 7,500 concurrent users."

Solution Briefs should demonstrate the scalability and performance of the proposed solution, ensuring that it can handle a large number of users without compromising performance or security. The Government is looking for solutions that can adapt to changing user needs and maintain a high level of service quality 21 Is Oracle Guided Learning subscribed to? Section 3.1.5 Training and Change Management 6/2/25 Whether or not Oracle Guided Learning is currently subscribed to is not a determining factor in this CSO. As outlined in Section 2.0 of the Statement of Objectives (SOO), a key objective is to "Provide training and operational transition support to DAF personnel."

Offerors should propose innovative and effective training solutions that ensure user adoption and proficiency with the implemented Oracle Fusion Cloud HCM SaaS platform. The Government is open to considering a variety of training methodologies and tools, and proposals should clearly articulate how the proposed training approach will meet the needs of DAF personnel 22 How many user types are currently using the platform? Are there use cases for increase or consolidation? Section 6.0 agile Development Approach 6/2/25 To clarify, the Oracle Fusion Cloud HCM SaaS platform is not currently in use by any users within the DAF. Therefore, there are no existing user types or established use cases at this time. However, as outlined in the Statement of Objectives (SOO), the goal of this project is to modernize the DAF's HCM infrastructure and deliver a user-centered system that meets the needs of a diverse user base.

Offerors should propose solutions that address a variety of potential user types and use cases, demonstrating their understanding of the DAF's HCM requirements and their ability to deliver a flexible and adaptable system. The Government is particularly interested in solutions that can support both current and future needs, and that can be easily adapted to accommodate new user types and use cases as they emerge

23Will you have learning measurement, tracking, KPI plans in place? Or do you look for the vendor to provide that? Section 3.1.5 Training and Change Management6/2/25As outlined in Section 2.0 of the Statement of Objectives (SOO), a key objective is to "Provide training and operational transition support to DAF personnel." The Government is seeking the vendor to provide learning measurement, tracking, and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). To effectively achieve this objective, the Government is seeking for the vendor to propose and implement a comprehensive approach to learning measurement, tracking, and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
24What testing tools (for functional, integration, performance, security testing, test & defect management), frameworks, and automation strategy are currently being used to validate the existing systems? Please let us know if there are any other low-code/no-code, zero touch options being used currently. Section 6.0 agile Development Approach6/2/25For context, the Government currently utilizes ALM and SILK for test management, and UI Path and SQL Scripting to support testing activities. While offerors are not required to integrate with or utilize these specific tools, a clear understanding of their capabilities and limitations within the existing environment is expected.

As the CSO has been converted to a Statement of Objectives (SOO), offerors are encouraged to propose innovative testing tools, frameworks, and automation strategies that best align with their proposed Agile development approach and the objectives outlined in the SOO. The Government highly encourages offerors to explore and propose solutions that leverage low-code/no-code or zero-touch options to accelerate testing, improve efficiency, and reduce costs. The use of such innovative approaches in testing is considered an important factor in the evaluation process. Solution Briefs should clearly articulate the rationale for the proposed testing approach and demonstrate its effectiveness in ensuring the quality and security of the implemented Oracle Fusion Cloud HCM SaaS platform 25 Could you please share if there is a dedicated QA team currently responsible for testing the existing (as-is) systems? Additionally, we’d like to understand how testing is carried out today and what key challenges you face with the current approach. If test automation is in place, it would be helpful to know the split between manual and automation testers. Section 6.0 Agile Development Approach 6/2/25 To clarify, this effort is focused on the implementation and testing of the new Oracle Fusion Cloud HCM SaaS platform. As the legacy systems are not currently in use, the vendor will be responsible for all aspects of testing the new system, including functional, integration, performance, and security testing.

As outlined in the Statement of Objectives (SOO), offerors should propose a comprehensive testing strategy that ensures the quality, security, and performance of the implemented solution. The Government is particularly interested in innovative approaches to test automation and continuous integration/continuous delivery (CI/CD) that can accelerate the delivery of a high-quality system. Solution Briefs should clearly articulate the proposed testing approach, including the allocation of resources between manual and automated testing, and demonstrate its effectiveness in meeting the Government's requirements 26 What are the current challenges and tools used for Test Data management? Section 10.0 Technical and Security Requirements 6/2/25 While Government test managers have used UI Path in the past, the vendor will be responsible for all aspects of test data management for the new Oracle Fusion Cloud HCM SaaS platform. As such, offerors should propose innovative and effective solutions for test data management that align with their proposed testing strategy and the objectives outlined in the Statement of Objectives (SOO).

Solution briefs should address how the proposed test data management approach will ensure data quality, security, and compliance with relevant regulations. The Government is particularly interested in solutions that automate the creation, masking, and provisioning of test data, and that minimize the risk of exposing sensitive information. The Government seeks a comprehensive data management solution, not simply the UI Path as procured 27 Could you share the current test metrics and any performance benchmarks you track as part of your QA process? Section 6.0 Agile Development Approach 6/2/25 As this is a new implementation, the Government does not have established test metrics or performance benchmarks to share at this time. However, as outlined in the Statement of Objectives (SOO), offerors should propose a comprehensive testing strategy that includes measurable acceptance and inspection criteria (Section 5.0). These criteria will be used to define the 'Definition of Done' (DoD) for each deliverable.

Solution Briefs and step two proopsals must clearly articulate the proposed test metrics and performance benchmarks, and demonstrate how these metrics will be used to track progress, identify areas for improvement, and ensure the quality, security, and performance of the implemented solution. The Government is looking for solutions that provide actionable insights and enable data-driven decision-making throughout the testing process. If the Government proceeds forward with an award, payment will be tied to the successful completion and formal acceptance of each SubCLIN, ensuring that all deliverables meet the agreed-upon Definition of Done (DoD) and provide tangible value in each Agile increment 28 Can you confirm if you would like us to implement an experience led approach? Section 3.1.4 User-Centered Design 6/2/25 While a user-centered design is certainly valued, the primary focus of this effort is to leverage the existing Oracle HCM SaaS platform to meet customer requirements using out-of-the-box capabilities whenever possible. As stated in Section 4.0 of the Statement of Objectives (SOO), the desired outcomes include an "Improved user experience via intuitive, modern interfaces and streamlined workflows."

Offerors should demonstrate their ability to configure the Oracle HCM SaaS platform to deliver a positive user experience while minimizing customization and maximizing the use of standard functionality. The Government is looking for solutions that strike a balance between meeting user needs and maintaining a sustainable, maintainable system architecture. If the Government proceeds forward with an award, payment will be tied to the successful completion and formal acceptance of each SubCLIN, ensuring that all deliverables meet the agreed-upon Definition of Done (DoD) and provide tangible value in each Agile increment 29 Is there any existing research insights available (persona, journey maps) on the current experience or do you expect the vendor to perform user interviews with target personas to formulate the best-in-class experience? Section 3.1.4 User-Centered Design 6/2/25 While existing research insights (personas, journey maps) are not currently available, the Government expects the vendor to collaborate closely with the Product Owner upon contract award to formulate detailed personas and map out key business processes. This collaborative approach will ensure that the implemented solution effectively meets the needs of the DAF's diverse user base.

As outlined in the Statement of Objectives (SOO), the desired outcomes include an "Improved user experience via intuitive, modern interfaces and streamlined workflows" (Section 4.0). Offerors should demonstrate their ability to work effectively with the Product Owner and other stakeholders to gather requirements, define user stories, and deliver a user-centered system that aligns with the SOO's objectives. If the Government proceeds forward with an award, payment will be tied to the successful completion and formal acceptance of each SubCLIN, ensuring that all deliverables meet the agreed-upon Definition of Done (DoD) and provide tangible value in each Agile increment

30What are the different target user groups and personas that would be accessing the HCM application? Section 3.1.5 Training and Change Management6/2/25•Candidate: The officer candidate
•Recruiting/Source of Commission Staff: Staff involved in the initial application and onboarding process.
•HR/Personnel Staff: Staff responsible for personnel actions, order generation, and HR system integration.
•Assignment Officer: Staff responsible for matching candidates with assignments.
•Training Staff: Staff involved in scheduling, managing, and tracking initial skills training.
•System (Automated Actions): Actions performed automatically by the OATS system.

31 Is there an existing Design System in place which the Contractor's UX team can refer? Section 24.0 Government Furnished Property (GFP) 6/2/25 Information regarding any existing Design System that may be leveraged for this project will be provided to the selected vendor upon contract award. This will allow for a more detailed and context-specific discussion of the available resources and how they can be leveraged to ensure a consistent and user-friendly experience.

Offerors should focus their solution briefs on demonstrating their understanding of user-centered design principles and their ability to create intuitive and effective interfaces within the Oracle Fusion Cloud HCM SaaS platform. As stated in Section 4.0 of the Statement of Objectives (SOO), the desired outcomes include an "Improved user experience via intuitive, modern interfaces and streamlined workflows" 32 Is there any specific design tool needs to be used to deliver mockups as per guidelines or are the contractors free to suggest a design tool as per the current market? Section 3.1.1 Configuration and Deployment 6/2/25 Given the Government's objective of implementing an out-of-the-box Oracle Fusion HCM SaaS solution, specific design tools are not being mandated at this time. Offerors are free to suggest design tools that align with their proposed Agile development approach and facilitate effective communication and collaboration with the Product Owner and other stakeholders.

The primary focus should be on demonstrating the ability to configure the Oracle Fusion Cloud HCM SaaS platform to meet user needs while minimizing customization and maximizing the use of standard functionality. Offerors should be prepared to provide mockups and prototypes that illustrate their proposed configuration and demonstrate its usability and effectiveness. As stated in Section 4.0 of the Statement of Objectives (SOO), the desired outcomes include an "Improved user experience via intuitive, modern interfaces and streamlined workflows."

33 Is there any specific Accessibility standard that needs to be met, e.g., WCAG AA or AAA? Section 3.1.4 User-Centered Design 6/2/25 Yes, the implemented solution must adhere to the U.S. Web Design System (USWDS) standards, which can be found at https://designsystem.digital.gov/. This will ensure that the system is accessible to all users, including those with disabilities.

Offerors should demonstrate their understanding of USWDS and their ability to configure the Oracle Fusion Cloud HCM SaaS platform to meet these accessibility requirements. The Government is committed to providing a user-friendly and inclusive system for all DAF personnel 34 In the Overview, 12.7 states, Offerors who are required to submit subcontracting plans should submit subcontracting plans in accordance with FAR 19.704. Is a Commercial small business subcontraing plan acceptable? 6/2/25 The Government will evaluate such plans to ensure they meet the requirements of FAR 19.704 and demonstrate a commitment to maximizing subcontracting opportunities for small businesses, consistent with commercial practices.

Offerors should clearly articulate how their proposed subcontracting plan will support small businesses and contribute to the overall success of the project. The Government is committed to supporting small businesses and promoting a diverse and competitive marketplace 35 In the SOW, section 3.0, is Task Order 1 the only effort the Offeror should base their inputs for "Step One – Solution Brief Submission" and "Step Two – Proposal Submission"? 6/2/25 To clarify, the Statement of Work (SOW) is no longer applicable to this effort. As the CSO has been converted to a Statement of Objectives (SOO), offerors should base their inputs for Step One (Solution Brief Submission) solely on the objectives and requirements outlined in the SOO.

The SOO provides a high-level overview of the Government's needs and desired outcomes, and offerors are encouraged to propose innovative solutions that align with these objectives. The Government is looking for solutions that demonstrate a clear understanding of the SOO and a practical, adaptable strategy for achieving its goals 36 In the SOW, section 3.0, is the Minimum Viable Product (MVP) delivered within this effort to be a "prototype" reflecting core capabilities or is the result of this effort to be a fully configured and deployable system meeting all data migrations and all interface integrations? 6/2/25 To clarify, while the Statement of Objectives (SOO) includes high-level objectives regarding the Minimum Viable Product (MVP), the ultimate goal of this effort is to deliver a fully configured and deployable system that meets all data migration requirements and has all necessary interfaces and integrations in place. The MVP should be viewed as a stepping stone towards achieving this larger objective.

The Government is looking for solutions that demonstrate a clear path to achieving a fully functional system, with a focus on delivering tangible value in each iteration. As stated in Section 2.0 of the SOO, the objective is to "Integrate Oracle Fusion Cloud HCM to support core functions such as Core HR, Talent Management, and Benefits Administration." Offerors should propose a strategy that incrementally builds upon the MVP to deliver a complete and integrated solution that meets all of the Government's requirements 37 In the SOW, section 3.1.2, is the cleansing criteria already defined or will the Offeror need to coordinate each data field cleansing requirement with the Government? How many legacy systems require data migration to the SaaS solution and what are the descriptions and configurations of each systems? 6/2/25 As the Statement of Work (SOW) is no longer applicable, offerors should focus on the objectives and requirements outlined in the Statement of Objectives (SOO). While some of the data cleansing requirements have already been defined, offerors should anticipate the need to coordinate with the Government to refine these requirements and ensure data quality.

Data for this project will be required from the following legacy systems: MilPDS, WINGS, COMPASS, and AFRISS-TF. Offerors should demonstrate their understanding of the challenges associated with migrating data from these systems and propose a comprehensive data migration strategy that ensures data quality, security, and compliance with relevant regulations. The Government is looking for solutions that minimize data conversion and migration efforts while maximizing the value of the migrated data 38 In the Overview document, section 10.4.2, please verify text in tables and charts must be double-spaced? 6/2/25 To clarify, while the main body of the solution brief should be double-spaced as per Section 11.4.3 of the CSO document, text within tables and charts may be single-spaced to improve readability and presentation. However, the text within illustrations, flowcharts, drawings, and diagrams does not need to be 12-pt Times New Roman or double-spaced, as long as it is legible and clearly conveys the intended information. However, any explanatory text that accompanies these visuals should adhere to the specified font and spacing requirements. Illustrations, flowcharts, drawings, and diagrams are part of the page count, limitation and may utilize single spacing, section 11.4.4.

The goal is to ensure that the solution brief is clear, concise, and easy to read. Please use your best judgment to format tables and charts in a way that effectively communicates your message while adhering to the overall formatting guidelines 39 In the Overview document, section 10.4.4, please clarify if illustrations, flowcharts, drawings, and diagrams must be 12-pt font Times New Roman and double-spaced? 6/2/25 To clarify, while Section 11.4.2 of the CSO document specifies 12-pt Times New Roman font and Section 11.4.3 specifies double-spacing for the text in the solution brief, it is understood that illustrations, flowcharts, drawings, and diagrams may require different formatting to be legible and effective.

Therefore, the text within illustrations, flowcharts, drawings, and diagrams does not need to be 12-pt Times New Roman or double-spaced, as long as it is legible and clearly conveys the intended information. However, any explanatory text that accompanies these visuals should adhere to the specified font and spacing requirements. The illustrations themselves still count towards the 10-page limit.

The goal is to ensure that the solution brief is clear, concise, and easy to understand. Please use your best judgment to format visuals in a way that effectively communicates your message while adhering to the overall formatting guidelines 40 In the Overview document, section 10.4.5, please verify you want the cover page as page one, leaving only 9 double-spaced pages for the actual solution brief? 6/2/25 Yes, that is correct. As stated in Section 11.4.5 of the CSO document, "All pages shall be numbered starting with the cover page being page 1." This means that the cover page counts as page one, leaving only nine (9) double-spaced pages for the actual solution brief (Technical/Management Section).

Offerors should focus on clearly and concisely conveying their innovative approach within the specified page limit. The Government is looking for solutions that demonstrate a clear understanding of the SOO and a practical, adaptable strategy for achieving its goals 41 In the Overview document, section 12.1.3, what is the list and description of required interface integrations? Is it the Offeror’s choice on which interface integrations is to be chosen for MVP? 6/2/25 To clarify, the Government will dictate which interface integrations need to be put in place. It is not the Offeror's choice on which interface integrations are to be chosen for the MVP. At a minimum, an integration must be implemented between Oracle Fusion Cloud HCM SaaS and the legacy MilPDS system.

Offerors should demonstrate their ability to develop and implement secure and reliable interfaces that meet the Government's requirements. As stated in Section 3.0 of the Statement of Objectives (SOO), "Seamless and bi-directional interoperability with MilPDS and designated downstream HR systems is required." The Government will provide further guidance on the specific requirements for these interfaces as the project progresses 42 In the Overview document, section 12.1.4, is the Offeror required to coordinate and ensure SaaS vendor compliance with STIGs, RBAC, encryption, and ATO-readiness? Are there other systems not including the HCM SaaS product, that the Offeror is required to ensure Security and compliance plan including STIGs, RBAC, encryption, and ATO-readiness? If so, what are the other systems and their descriptions/use? 6/2/25 The Offeror will be required to work closely with the Government Program Management Office (PMO) to ensure that the developed solution meets all applicable Security Technical Implementation Guides (STIGs), Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) requirements, encryption standards, and Authority to Operate (ATO)-readiness criteria.

The primary focus of this effort is to ensure the security and compliance of the Oracle Fusion Cloud HCM SaaS platform. However, offerors should also be aware of the need to integrate securely with other systems, such as MilPDS and designated downstream HR systems, as outlined in Section 3.0 of the Statement of Objectives (SOO). The Government will provide further guidance on the specific security requirements for these integrations as the project progresses. The Government seeks a comprehensive ATO, not simply the Oracle Fusion Cloud HCM SaaS Platform as procured

43In the Overview document, section 12.3.5, is the Offeror required to procure the Oracle SaaS product or additional SaaS modules?6/2/25The vendor is not required to procure Oracle SaaS products or additional SaaS modules. As stated in Section 7.4 of the CSO, the Government is not seeking platform alternatives, but rather an innovative solution to deliver a fully configured system integration on the selected platform
44In the Overview document, section 12.5.6, what work must be performed on Government property or use Government Furnished Equipment (GFE)?6/2/25All configurations, interface, and integration work must be done within the Goverment environments.
45In the Overview document, section 13, what is the period of time between Offerors invited to Step Two and the demonstration?6/2/25While the Government understands the need for planning, the period of time between Offerors being invited to Step Two and the live demonstration will be determined based on several factors, including the complexity of the proposed solutions and the availability of Government resources. Therefore, a specific timeframe cannot be provided at this time.

However, the Government is committed to providing selected Offerors time to prepare for the demonstration and will communicate the schedule as soon as it is finalized. Offerors should focus on developing a comprehensive and innovative solution that aligns with the Statement of Objectives (SOO) and demonstrates their ability to deliver a fully configured and integrated Oracle Fusion Cloud HCM SaaS platform 46 In the Overview document, section 13.5, what are the Government use cases for the Step Two demonstration or when will the use cases be provided? 6/2/25 The Government will provide the specific use cases for the Step Two live demonstration to selected Offerors in advance of the demonstration. This will allow Offerors to adequately prepare and showcase the capabilities of their proposed solutions in a relevant and meaningful context.

While the exact use cases are not being released at this time, they will generally focus on validating core HCM functionality, data security, RBAC, and performance across various user roles. Examples of potential use cases include:

-Managing Officer Accessions: Providing a comprehensive system for tracking officer candidates from onboarding through the completion of Initial Skills Training (IST).

-Capturing Classification Preferences: Allowing officer candidates to express their preferences for specific career fields (classifications).

-Collecting Assignment Preferences: Enabling officer candidates to indicate their desired assignment locations or types of assignments.

-Scheduling and Forecasting Initial Skills Training: Managing the scheduling and forecasting of initial skills training for newly commissioned officers.

-Generating Extended Active Duty Orders: Automating the generation of Extended Active Duty (EAD) orders for officers 47 In the Overview document, section 16.1.1.3.4, will the Oracle SaaS provider be responsible to ensure the SaaS product and hosting is in compliance with DoD Cybersecurity requirements to meet ATO? 6/2/25 While the Oracle SaaS provider has inherent responsibilities for the security of their platform, the Offeror will be required to work closely with the Government Program Management Office (PMO) to ensure that the implemented solution is in full compliance with all applicable DoD cybersecurity requirements and is able to achieve and maintain an Authority to Operate (ATO). This includes, but is not limited to, Security Technical Implementation Guides (STIGs), Role-Based Access Control (RBAC), and data encryption.

The Offeror's responsibilities extend to the configuration, integration, and any custom development performed as part of this effort. As such, proposals should clearly articulate the proposed approach to security and compliance and demonstrate a thorough understanding of the DoD's requirements. The Government seeks a comprehensive ATO, not simply the Oracle Fusion Cloud HCM SaaS Platform as procured 48 In the Overview document, section 16.1.2, how many legacy/on-premise system/applications require data migration and integrations to the SaaS solution and what is the description and configuration of each system to be migrated/integrated? 6/2/25 As the CSO has been updated to utilize a Statement of Objectives (SOO), offerors should focus on the information provided therein. While a comprehensive list of all legacy systems and their configurations is not being provided at this time, the core data migration and integration requirement is to establish a bi-directional data flow capability between the legacy MilPDS database and the Oracle Fusion Cloud HCM SaaS solution.

Offerors should demonstrate their understanding of the challenges associated with integrating with MilPDS and propose a robust and secure integration strategy that ensures data accuracy and consistency. The Government will provide further details on the specific data elements and integration points as the project progresses 49 In the PWS, section 4.1.3.3, what is the list and description of required interface integrations? Is it the Offeror’s choice on which interface integration is to be chosen for MVP? What are the Interface Control Document (ICD) details for each interface to include the interface data fields, record formats, and delivery protocols? 6/2/25 As the Performance Work Statement (PWS) is no longer applicable, offerors should focus on the Statement of Objectives (SOO). The Government will dictate which interface integrations are required for the Minimum Viable Product (MVP). At a minimum, an interface integration is required between the legacy MilPDS system and the Oracle Fusion Cloud HCM SaaS solution.

Detailed Interface Control Document (ICD) details, including interface data fields, record formats, and delivery protocols, will be provided to selected offerors upon contract award. Offerors should focus on demonstrating their ability to develop and implement secure and reliable interfaces that meet the Government's requirements and ensure seamless data exchange between systems 50 In the PWS, section 4.1.3.5, what are the source systems; their data architecture configurations; data fields, types and record counts required to be migrated to meet MVP Exit Criteria requirements? 6/2/25 As the Performance Work Statement (PWS) is no longer applicable, offerors should focus on the Statement of Objectives (SOO). While a comprehensive list of all source systems, their data architecture configurations, data fields, types, and record counts is not being provided at this time, this information, along with existing configuration documents, can be provided upon contract award to selected offerors.

Offerors should focus on demonstrating their understanding of the challenges associated with data migration and propose a comprehensive data migration strategy that ensures data quality, security, and compliance with relevant regulations. The Government is looking for solutions that minimize data conversion and migration efforts while maximizing the value of the migrated data 51 In the PWS, section 6.1.1, will all interface partners support Offeror's choice in protocol for interface integrations or are there limitations to be considered with interface partners? Will interface partners be responsible for changes on their systems to support changes in protocols and record content to meet SaaS API requirements? 6/2/25 As the Performance Work Statement (PWS) is no longer applicable, offerors should focus on the Statement of Objectives (SOO). While the Government aims for flexibility in interface integration protocols, offerors should anticipate that there will be limitations due to legacy technology. These limitations will remain undefined until the work is underway.

Typically, interface partners are responsible for changes on their systems to support changes in protocols and record content to meet SaaS API requirements. However, offerors should anticipate that there will be challenges that will need to be resolved collaboratively as the project moves forward. The Government is committed to working with the selected offeror and interface partners to overcome these challenges and ensure seamless data exchange between systems 52 In the PWS, section 10.1, are Government Furnished Equipment (GFE) personal computers required for work accomplished to complete the MVP requirements to include data migrations? 6/2/25 As the Performance Work Statement (PWS) is no longer applicable, offerors should focus on the Statement of Objectives (SOO). To clarify, all work associated with this effort, including work accomplished to complete the MVP requirements and data migrations, will be required to be conducted on Government Furnished Equipment (GFE).

Offerors should factor this requirement into their proposed approach and ensure that their personnel are able to utilize GFE effectively. The Government will provide the necessary GFE to support the successful implementation of the Oracle Fusion Cloud HCM SaaS platform 53 In the PWS, section 12.2 Table 3, Metric: Production Ready Solution, is the result of this effort to include the production deployment of a fully configured and deployable system meeting all data migrations and all interface integrations? 6/2/25 As the Performance Work Statement (PWS) is no longer applicable, offerors should focus on the Statement of Objectives (SOO). Yes, the result of this effort is to have a product in production that is fully configured and deployed, meeting all data migration requirements and all interface integration requirements.

Offerors should demonstrate a clear path to achieving a fully functional system, with a focus on delivering tangible value in each iteration. As stated in Section 2.0 of the SOO, the objective is to "Integrate Oracle Fusion Cloud HCM to support core functions such as Core HR, Talent Management, and Benefits Administration." The MVP should be viewed as a key milestone towards achieving this larger objective 54 In the PWS, section 12.2 Table 3, Metric: Mobile Accessibility, is the Offeror required to develop a mobile solution above the capabilities offered within the Oracle SaaS HCM product? 6/2/25 As the Performance Work Statement (PWS) is no longer applicable, offerors should focus on the Statement of Objectives (SOO). No, the Offeror is not required to develop a mobile solution above the capabilities offered within the Oracle SaaS HCM product. However, the implemented solution must meet Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) requirements for mobile access.

Offerors should demonstrate their ability to configure the Oracle Fusion Cloud HCM SaaS platform to provide a secure and user-friendly mobile experience. The Government is committed to providing a system that is accessible to all users, regardless of their device or location.

55 In the PWS, section 12.2 Table 3, Metric: Reporting & Analytics, what are the required reports for MVP and the deployable solution? 6/2/25 As the Performance Work Statement (PWS) is no longer applicable, offerors should focus on the Statement of Objectives (SOO). Rather than specifying a list of required reports, the Government seeks a solution that empowers the customer to build custom reports and dashboards with analytics capabilities.

Offerors should demonstrate their ability to configure the Oracle Fusion Cloud HCM SaaS platform to enable users to create and customize their own reports and dashboards, providing them with the insights they need to make data-driven decisions. The Government is looking for solutions that are user-friendly, flexible, and scalable, and that minimize the need for ongoing vendor support 56 In the PWS, section 14.4.7, what is the DoD approved list of test automation tools that must be used and will the Government fund the test automation tools, or is it the sole choice of the Offeror on the selection of test automation tools for this effort? 6/2/25 While ALM and SILK are used for test management, and UI Path and SQL Scripting support testing activities within the Government, offerors are not required to use these specific tools for this effort. As the Performance Work Statement (PWS) is no longer applicable, offerors are encouraged to propose innovative testing tools and automation strategies that best align with their proposed Agile development approach and the objectives outlined in the Statement of Objectives (SOO).

The selection of test automation tools is the sole choice of the Offeror, and the Government will not be providing funding for specific tools. Solutions Briefs should clearly articulate the rationale for the proposed testing approach and demonstrate its effectiveness in ensuring the quality and security of the implemented Oracle Fusion Cloud HCM SaaS platform.

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