Q&As.doc

Questions and Answers

For Community of Interest Software Service

RFP: GS-00A-09-AA-D-0051

1.

In the context of providing software as a service, could you clarify the intent of the language for the Technical Approach evaluation criteria?

a.

For example, does describing ‘the method of establishing the community of interest’ refer to describing the modules of the software as a service, or to the assistance (i.e., professional services) provided to GSA in implementing the software within the Government Customer Service Community of Interest, or to something else?

A. The language refers to describing the modules of the software as a service.

b.

Does ‘the assistance provided by the offeror in the implementation and maintenance, communication and coordination, scheduling of all tasks and subtasks, meetings, and deliverables’ refer to product delivery or to assisting GSA implement the software as a service within their community of interest?

A. The language refers to the implementation and maintenance, communication and coordination, scheduling of all tasks and subtasks, meetings, and deliverables relating to product delivery.

2.

Email marketing is mentioned throughout the SOW, but is not included as a contract line item. Do you anticipate adding this as a line item? If not, in which other line item should it be included?

A. You are welcome to include it as a line item if it is separately priced.

3.

From our experience in supplying collaboration tools to communities of interest, we have developed professional services as well as anticipate potential interest by the community of interest in other tools we provide. Will providing options to utilize these additional services and tools, if deemed relevant, be included in the evaluation process? Is it permissible to include these as options within the technical and pricing proposals?

A. You may propose any optional services as contract options. However, we are hopeful that the product is easily implemented without additional expense. If consulting services are normally required to implement your product, please include them in the base fee.

4.

Please clarify the relative priorities of this RFP. The SOW and contract line items place a priority on SaaS modules, emphasizing social software. The Software Requirements Checklist emphasizes event registration and calendar features. The Technical Approach of the evaluation criteria appears to emphasize professional services and support. Where should the primary focus be?

A. The primary focus should be on SaaS modules, emphasizing social software. However, you may propose any optional services as contract options.

5.

Given the wide range of functionality requested in this RFP, if no vendors can supply all mandatory requirements, will the contract go to the vendor who best matches government requirements, or will the RFP be cancelled? That is, if a supplier can meet most, but not all requirements, should we submit anyway or will it be rejected as non-responsive?

A. GSA will choose the supplier who can best meet the requirements outlined in the SOW.

6.

Is GSA currently using Commercial Off-the-Shelf (COTS) Software as a Service (SaaS) for community forums? Will https://collab.core.gov part of this CoI effort?

A. We are aware of one other group within GSA using a COTS Software as a Service (SaaS) for community forums. We follow the policies of the Enterprise Architecture Office. At the current time we do not expect to include our solution in https://collab.core.gov, 7.

Who currently maintains the Government Customer Service Community of Interest website?

A. GSA's Office of Citizen Services.

8.

We understand the maximum number of members is estimated at not more than 5,000. How many members does OCS anticipate as a starting number for the community of interest? Is there an anticipated rate of growth?

A. OCS anticipates 100 members initially, with up to 1,000 in the first 12 months.

9.

How many event registrations are anticipated for Year One?

A. 10 10.

Is OCS interested in optional consulting services for strategic planning to implement the Community of Interest?

A. You may propose any optional services as contract options. However, we are hopeful that the product is easily implemented without additional expense. If consulting services are normally required to implement your product, please include them in the base fee.

11.

Are costs associated with customization of the COTS SaaS and additional training allowable?

A. You may propose optional services and training as contract options. However, we are hopeful that the product is easily implemented and used without additional expense.

12.

Re: C.3.3 Business Requirements: Resumes of staff members, such as might be brought to tasks on this contract, will be provided for evaluation.

Q: Are resumes to be included with the business proposal or as an appendix to the technical proposal? If the latter, should we assume that this is not included in the ten-page count?

A. Resumes are not included in the page count limitation. They should be an appendix.

13. Would an integrated set of Open Source components packed as a SaaS satisfy the COTS requirement?

A. This is a requirement for Commercially Available Software as a Service that includes appropriate licenses to use and normal warranting of operation.

14. Is there an incumbent provider from the e-Gov initiative?

A. No. This is a new initiative.

15. When does the desired solution need to be operational?

A. 30 days

16. How many agencies are expected to be operational at initial launch?

A. We currently have one requirement, but the BPA will allow other offices to utilize the contract if it meets their requirements.

17. How long till the full community (5000) of users will need to be supported?

A. OCS anticipates 100 members initially, with up to 1,000 in the first 12 months. We expect that number to increase as new communities are added.