Question_answers.docx

Q: Does FEMA plan to terminate the existing contract early and not exercise the last option year on the current contract?

A: FEMA does not disclose specific information about current contracts. The successful offerer for this solicitation should plan on beginning transition immediately.

Q: Will the RiskMAP PMO procurement be a performance-based acquisition (PBA)?

A: Yes Q: Does FEMA allow/encourage the co-location of some RiskMAP PMO staff with PTS and CDS contractors and at Regional offices as needed?

A: Yes, in addition staff may be co-located in FEMA space as well.

Q: Has FEMA determined the criteria to evaluate the RiskMAP PMO proposals submitted? If so, will FEMA release the evaluation criteria and the weighting?

A: Yes, and we will release the relative weighting the Request for Proposal (RFP) Q: Will FEMA release the current program management plan?

A: Yes, it is on the Virtual Library Q: What Earned Value Management (EVM) software does RiskMAP PMO currently use? Does FEMA own the license for the current EVM software used by the RiskMAP PMO? If not, will FEMA require the contractor to purchase and own a license for the EVM software used?

A: The MIP is utilized for Regional Production work, and each Risk MAP Provider must deliver ANSI compliant EV data. FEMA does not prescribe a certain software, method, or purchase of licenses.

Q: How does the contractor support the compilation and dissemination of Mitigation Planning information?

A: The PM must help ensure that Mitigation Planning information is being accurately tracked. FEMA does not prescribe a specific approach. The Virtual Library contains information on Mitigation Planning Q: What tools does FEMA use to conduct the Flood Risk Awareness survey for the general public?

A: Examples of the Risk MAP tools and templates are available on the Virtual Library.

Q: Can FEMA provide examples of community engagement tools and templates that have been used successfully by the RiskMAP PMO?

A: Examples of the Risk MAP tools and templates are available on the Virtual Library.

Q: Besides the annual RAD workshop, what other stakeholder meetings will FEMA expect the RiskMAP PMO to support?

A: There are numerous conferences that Risk MAP providers support, including, but not limited to the Association of State Floodplain Managers (ASFPM), National Association of Flood and Stormwater Management Agencies (NAFSMA), National Flood Determination Association (NFDA), National Flood Conference (NFC), etc. In addition, there are frequent engagements with other federal stakeholders such as USACE, NOAA, USGS, etc.

Q: What additional staff skills is FEMA looking for, in addition to program and project management, communications, and performance measurement?

A: FEMA has detailed its objectives through the PWS. FEMA will not prescribe an approach or labor mix on how to achieve those objectives.

Q: What level of geospatial information systems (GIS) support will be provided by the RiskMAP PMO contractor?

A: The PM support of GIS is limited, though some knowledge is required to help facilitate efforts such as NDEP and NDOP, as detailed in the PWS.

Q: Does FEMA currently use an executive/management performance dashboard for RiskMAP that is managed by the PMO? If so, what is the platform for this dashboard?

A: FEMA actively manages performance through various tools, including a Balanced Score Card, Performance Requirements Summary (PRS)/Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP), Employee Performance Plans, Joint Program Reviews, etc. FEMA does not prescribe a platform for ensuring active management of performance.

Q: Will there be preference given to proposal teams with small business sub-contractors?

A: No Q: Are there other examples of special/high profile support that the RiskMAP PMO provides to the Regions?

A: Each Region has utilized their provider network in various ways aligned to the scope of the contract and goals of the program. FEMA HQ will not prescribe to each Region how to utilize their staff.

Q: How does the RiskMAP PMO coordinate with the NFIP FloodSmart Campaign for the execution of the National Outreach Strategy?

A: FEMA has frequent meetings with FloodSmart and other groups such as External Affairs, and the PM provider is likely to be asked to help support by prepping materials, logistics, note taking, follow-up, etc.

Q: Will an independent verification and validation (IV&V) of the overall RiskMAP strategy be conducted by the RiskMAP PMO or by an external/independent party that is not currently the RiskMAP PMO?

A: FEMA will not be conducting IV&V on the overall Risk MAP strategy, but the PM contractor will have an IV&V role for certain functional areas, such as mapping and regulatory products.