RFI_Q A.docx

REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI) HSFE30-14-I-0036

QUESTION AND ANSWERS

Q1. Under the scope section, we were able to identify the need for a web based budgeting application. Most of the industry standard budgeting applications are desktop based application with CRTIX enablement to make it look like a web based thin client application. As an approach to address this project requirement, does CRTIX based thin client application may be an option to consider for a potential budgeting solution?

At this time FEMA is collecting information to determine the best approach for a software budgeting application. CITRIX may be considered as a potential budgeting solution, however, we are open to all approaches in meeting our needs.

Q2. Is the Agency looking to perform employee and/or position based budgeting within the desired solution?

Yes.

Q3. Is this work being performed by another contractor? If so, please provide their name and contract number.

This work is not being performed by another contractor.

Q4. Will there be an industry event for this effort? If so, when?

An industry event is not planned at this time.

Q5. Will there be an organizational conflict of interest of any kind if awarded a contract for this effort? If so, what?

We do not anticipate an organizational conflict of interest.

Q6. Phase 3 – Option Year Three Phase three will entail linking the new application to several Oracle based systems. Please provide details of which Oracle based systems will be used for this effort.

It is possible we will link the new application to IFMIS and/or EMMIE. It is also possible that IFMIS and EMMIE will be replaced by other Oracle based systems before we are able to link to them. The new systems have yet to be identified.

Q7. The box on the second page of the solicitation indicates, “To be considered for a Small Business set-aside, at least 50% of the cost of contract performance incurred for personnel shall be expended for employees of the responder.” Does the Government intend to issue a solicitation as a small business set aside?

At this time FEMA is collecting this information to determine if adequate competition exists among small business to set this requirement aside for small business as a total or partial set aside. A determination to set this requirement aside has not been made at this time.

Q8. The second page of Attachment One of the RFI lists “Interface with Oracle Products” as a scope requirement and states that “Phase three will entail linking the new application to several Oracle based systems” under specific tasks. Could the Government please identify any Oracle products / Oracle-based systems with which the budget application should interface?

It is possible we will link the new application to IFMIS and/or EMMIE. It is also possible that IFMIS and EMMIE will be replaced by other Oracle based systems before we are able to link to them. The new systems have yet to be identified.

Q9. Under item 4 (Special Tasks), you indicated that the prospective vendor must:

Offer a product that is web based and can support 250+ users or more if needed.

Do you require that the product run in a browser?

This is our strong preference.

Q10. The NAICS Code of 541511 represents Custom Computer Programming Services yet the RFI seems to suggest COTS. Is the government seeking a COTS implementation, custom software solution, or simply trying to see what industry has to offer regardless of custom or COTS?

Our project is time sensitive, so a COTS product with some degree of customization would work best.

Q11. If COTS is the preferred solution, are there any COTS products currently owned by FEMA that would be an option? If so, what are they?

Not that we’re aware of.

Q12. Is there a contractor currently providing this service to the government? If so, what is the name of the contractor and the contract where those services are being provided?

This service is not currently provided to the government by another contractor.

Q13. Can you elaborate more on “Immediate creation of data models” mentioned as one of the minimum features in the SOW?

During planning processes we may want to change our model by adding a new customer or item of expenditure that will change our model. We want the additions or changes to our model captured immediately, in real time.

Q14. Phase three describes “...linking the new application to several Oracle based systems.” What are those Oracle systems?

IFMIS and EMMIE However, it is possible, that EMMIE may be replaced with another Oracle based system.

Q15. Will this new application need to interface/integrate with any of the following:

a. Disaster Financial Status Report (DFSR) – potentially

b. Financial Information Tool (FIT) Reports – Yes – in phase 1.

c. Integrated Financial Management Information System (IFMIS) – Yes, in Phase III

d. Emergency Management Mission Integrated Environment (EMMIE) -potentially

e. National Emergency Management Information System (NEMIS) - potentially

f. Operational Data Store (ODS) – potentially

g. Enterprise Data Warehouse (EDW) - potentially

Q16. Regarding the requirement “for a product that can be housed on FEMA’s server,” is the server in an environment managed by OCFO or OCIO?

Yes.

Q17. Will this new application need to support reporting requirements for FFATA (Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act) and/or FSRS (FFATA Subaward Reporting System)?

No.

Q18. Is this requirement being driven by the activities of the Mississippi Recovery Office (MSRO)?

No. This is a requirement being driven by the national activities of OCFO- FBO.

Q19. “Our team is considering the use of an Excel Based Application as our Budgeting solution. We plan to use a Citrix environment to our cloud environment, to support the end users to be able to access the application on their environment. Can such an application via a Citrix set-up qualify as a “Web-Based” solution?”

At this time FEMA is collecting information to determine the best approach for a software budgeting application. CITRIX may be considered as a potential budgeting solution; however, we are open to all approaches in meeting our needs.

Q20. Is there an incumbent contractor associated with this work? If so, are you able to provide the name of the contractor and the contract #? Or, is this considered a brand new requirement?

This is a brand new application replacing our existing Excel tool. A contractor is not associated with our Excel tool. It was something built in house.