CAT_Solicitation_Questions_ _Responses_01-07-2014.pdf

Credential Authentication Technology (CAT)

HSTS04-14-R-ST4000

Questions & Responses 01/07/2014 (v2)

Solicitation Questions:

12/20/2013

1. For the Representations and Certifications, (Part E, Section I, FAR 52.212-3) the “certificates regarding exemptions from the application of the Service Contract Act” (paragraph (k)) does not indicate whether (k) (1) or (k) (2) apply to this solicitation, please clarify.

Response: Neither (k) (1) nor (k) (2) apply to this solicitation. When completing the Representations and Certifications requirements of the proposal (Volume III, Tab 4, FAR 52.212-3) it is not necessary for the offeror to provide certifications for (k) (1) and (k) (2).

2. The SOW reflects delivery of the Prototype unit (to be used for STIP testing) within 120 days after issuance of a DO. The SOW further states that a minimum of two (2) LRIP-1 units, to a maximum of twelve (12) units, are to be delivered 30 days under a separate DO. Please confirm that the LRIP-1 units are not required to be delivered before the Prototype unit.

Response: The prototype system and LRIP-1 are parallel efforts delivered under separate DOs.

Depending on the timeframe proposed for delivery of the prototype unit, TSA anticipates that the LRIP-1 units may be delivered prior to the prototype unit. Because CAT is considered a commercial item, it is expected that the proposed solution (as demonstrated in Volume I through the self-certification matrix, schematics, and screen images) will be in a production-ready state upon contract award, allowing for the LRIP units to be delivered before the software integration development is completed for the STIP-enabled prototype unit.

01/07/2014

3. Please confirm if installation support is to be covered under CLIN 0003 and 0003A, or under CLIN 0006.

Response: Costs associated with installation, FAT, and SAT of the CAT units should be included in the CAT unit price (CLINs 0003 and 0003A). CLIN 0006, (Engineering Support Services) when utilized, may also include installation costs as part of any future changes/upgrades to the CAT system, but is not intended to be used for the initial deployment of units in conjunction with CLINs 0003/0003A.

4. Does TSA envision a requirement for an on-screen digital reference library of genuine document images to be available for use in either the primary or secondary screening functions of the CAT? If yes, from where will these images be obtained?

Response: TSA is looking for the vendor to provide a system that meets FRD and ORD requirements.

It is left to the offeror how to best fulfill these requirements.

5. How will TSA ensure that the ID documents referenced by the CAT are of genuine origin? Does TSA require that documents contained within the CAT be certified as being obtained with the permission of the issuing authority?

Response: TSA is looking for a system capable of recognizing legitimate and false IDs at the rates specified in the requirements documentation, which will be evaluated through rigorous testing. See response to question 4.

6. Volume III Tab 3 – Socio-Economic Considerations has a limitation of 10 pages. Attachment F (Small Business Subcontracting Plan) is 9 pages without any written contents which only addresses the first part of Tab 3. Can the page limitation for this section be expanded or can the Attachment F template be submitted as an appendix and not included in the page count?

Response: Attachment F is provided as a template, but is not the required format for the subcontracting plan. If Attachment F is used and if, when completed, it exceeds the 10 page limit, it will not be counted against the offeror. Similarly, the signed letter confirming participation in the DHS Mentor-Protégé Program does not count towards the 10 page limit.

7. There are several sections that refer to key personnel, but the labor categories for the key personnel have not been identified, please clarify.

Response: There is only 1 individual designated as key personnel. This individual is the Program Manager and has an associated labor category as indicated in the RFP.

8. Can the FDRS data contained in CAT be purged after 24 hours even if the supervisor does not export the Processing Summary Report (FRD Appendix B.2)? If not, what is the retention period of FDRS data in CAT?

Response: There is no requirement for FDRS data to be purged as it is not PII. TSA prefers for the FDRS data to be stored on the unit for at least 6 months.

9. There is a requirement to disallow the operator from logging off when a scan remains unresolved.

There is another requirement to logoff the user when the system is not used for the user-defined timeout period. If a scan remains unresolved and there is no activity for user-defined timeout, should the user still be logged off?

Response: The user should be logged off using the user-defined timeout.

10. There is a requirement to display a visual indicator based on the ID result and the vetting status.

What visual indicator should be displayed when no match is returned by STIP (or the operator indicates there is no match)?

Response: It is up to the offeror to determine what should be displayed that allows the user to make a well-informed decision in an operational environment.

11. Please clarify the requirement for the Operational Test Kit (OTK). Will the government provide the IDs for the test kit to ensure the application is tested with a wide variety of valid and invalid IDs?

Response: The Government will not provide the IDs for the test kit. It must be provided by the contractor.

12. The FRD and ORD reference the CAT CONOPS version 2.05. Can this document be provided?

Response: Although the CONOPS is referenced in the ORD, all information pertinent to this procurement can be found in the ORD.

13. Please clarify the requirements for manual entry as mentioned in footnote 21 of the FRD.

Response: This footnote was relevant to a previous version of the FRD. It no longer applies to this version of the document and can be ignored.

14. Can the due date for proposals be extended?

Response: The due date will be extended in an amendment to the RFP.

15. What is the spare strategy for the CAT units? Does TSA plan to designate all 2400 CAT units as operational or will some be designated as spares?

Response: Some CAT units will likely be reserved as safety stock, and stored at the Transportation Logistics Center. The number of units reserved for safety stock will depend on the number of units deployed in the field in addition to other factors, and is not known at this time.

16. The RFP indicates that the contractor must designate a Contract Administrator, a Quality Manager, and a Maintenance Program Manager. Are these billable positions? If so, please note that these positions are not included in the list of labor categories to be used for billing services.

Response: The Contract Administrator, Quality Manager, and Maintenance Program Manager are not billable positions.

17. The battery requirements imply a model where batteries must be removed on a regular basis from the target system and moved to a separate battery charger for charging. The RFP acknowledges that these batteries may be of considerable size and weight. Would the Government consider a solution wherein batteries are charged within the CAT system, and would not need to be handled except in the rare case that service was required?

Response: As long as the proposed battery and/or charger meet the requirements stated in the RFP and FRD, it may be considered a plausible solution to the Government.

18. Would TSA consider allocating proposal space for a solution overview to point out the features and benefits of the proposed solution and provide context helpful for evaluating Tabs 1, 2 and 3 for Volume I, Technology Solution?

Response: TSA will evaluate all aspects of a proposal, assuming that it is not removed from competition due to any of the circumstances listed in the RFP. An overview will not be necessary for the evaluation of Volume I.

19. Due to the holidays, it may be difficult for offerors to coordinate the completion of Past

Performance Questionnaires (Attachment D) prior to the proposal due date. Would the government consider extending the due date for receipt of these questionnaires?

Response: The Past Performance Questionnaires (Attachment D) from the Offerors’ references are not required to be received by the proposal due date. The Past Performance Data (Attachment C) submission should include contact information for these references. In the event that questionnaires are not received from the references in a timely manner, TSA will reach out to the points of contact indicated.

20. Please provide the physical address for hand-delivery of the proposal.

Response: Hand delivery will occur at the TSA Headquarters West Building, located at 701 South 12th Street, Arlington, VA 22202. To ensure timely delivery, please indicate if and when you intend to hand deliver prior to the due date. Upon arrival, contact Jason Richards (571-227-1263) or Steve Santos (571-227-4661) for delivery of the proposal.

21. If CAT units are arranged in a primary/secondary configuration where the secondary screen functionality is provided by the second unit, how does TSA envision the scanned credential information be passed to the second screening unit? In the non-STIP units, will this deployment configuration be used and how will the data be passed to the secondary unit?

Response: If the CAT units are arranged in this configuration, there will be no connection made between the primary and secondary unit. The credentials will need to be re-scanned at the secondary unit. This configuration may or may not be used for the non-STIP units, but due to the need to rescan the credentials at the secondary unit, there does not need to be any connection between them.

22. The FRD defines the processing time as the time when the operator receives the ID to when the initial scan results are presented, but the ORD indicates separate screenings for initial, secondary, and issue resolution to meet per hour screening requirements. Please clarify.

Response: The FRD requirement focuses on machine capabilities and user interaction, while the ORD requirements focus on the overall throughput goal of the system in the operational environment.

23. The ORD indicates a scenario where a passenger does not have an ID to present for screening. Is this operational scenario to be handled by the CAT solution or by existing manual procedures?

Response: This is an operational scenario that will be handled through established TSA procedures.

If there are no documents available that the CAT unit is capable of scanning, a manual process will likely be required.

24. The Self-Certification Matrix (Attachment B) references to FRD section numbers are incorrect for Shalls listed after 19-25, and 35 on. Please provide an updated version.

Response: The Self-Certification Matrix is correct. Please ensure that you are using the most recent version of the FRD (Version 4.1, dated November 25, 2013)

25. The ORD has Shalls that are not included in the Self-Certification Matrix (Attachment B). Should these be included?

Response: No, these Shalls should not be included in the Self-Certification Matrix.

26. How does TSA expect to provide connectivity to the TSANet (VPN, onsite access, etc.)?

Response: Connectivity will be provided through onsite access.

27. For the non-STIP enabled units, will any network connection be provided to provide software, anti-virus, OS updates, or does the contractor need to plan to manually provide this to every unit delivered? If manually, what is the anticipated timeframe that the units will be deployed?

Response: All updates for non-STIP enabled units will need to be completed manually. The need for and distribution of CAT software updates will be determined on a case-by-case basis. If the contractor is required to perform manual updates to systems, the Government will provide compensation for the effort. The anticipated timeframe that the non-STIP units will be deployed will depend on how long it takes for the STIP-enabled units to be deployed operationally.

28. On the SF 1449, should a NAICS code be listed?

Response: The NAICS code for this solicitation is 334511.

29. Although the FRD has a number of battery requirements, there are none in the ORD, please clarify.

Response: ORD requirements flow down to FRD requirements. The battery requirements stem from requirement 11 of the ORD.

30. Bidder is required to sign the SF1449 and return three copies to issuing office. Into which Volume should the three copies be placed?

Response: The signed SF1449 should be included in Volume III, Tab 1.

31. Is SAT to be performed on all LRIP units (CLINs 0002 and 0002A)?

Response: SAT will be performed on LRIP units if and when they are deployed after successful completion of operational testing.

32. MIL-STD-973 was cancelled 9/30/2000 and replaced with EIA-649 by the DoD. Please clarify whether bidders are to continue to reference the cancelled MIL-STD or the EIA standard.

Response: This reference document is still applicable.

33. In Section 16.0, Data Deliverables, (T) Training Related Deliverables, only one set of T002 and T003 deliverables are identified. However, Sections 8.0.a and 8.0.b appear to indicate the use of student guides and instructor guides for two separate courses, please clarify. Additionally, when will these training courses occur? Are revisions to T002 and T003 the result of tailoring deliverables to address the Instructor Training course, or of review and approval of the Operator Training course?

Response: The Operator Training Course (Section 8.0.a) is intended for the LRIP efforts and will require the contractor to provide training to TSOs to operate the CAT unit. This class requires the development of the 2 deliverables (T002 – Student Guide, T003 – Classroom Presentation). The Instructor Training course (Section 8.0.b) will be performed after the Operator Training Course and is intended for full rate production deployment. This class will require the contractor to provide training to allow for Government personnel to perform the same Operator Training Course delivered by the contractor previously to TSOs nationwide. The only new deliverable requirement for the Instructor Training Course is the Instructor Guide (T001). Revisions to all 3 deliverables (T001, T002, and T003) may occur if any changes are made to the class between the LRIP and FRP efforts, or by request of the Government. The intent of these 3 deliverables is that once approved, (prior to delivery of any classes) they will have little to no changes made to them.

34. Will the operator training class be conducted prior to Government approval of deliverables T002 and

T003? Will the materials for the operator training class be delivered at the same time as the instructor training materials?

Response: All training related deliverables are due 20 days after LRIP-1 award. Training courses will not be held until the training deliverables have been approved by the Government.

35. For Attachment D, Past Performance Questionnaire, does TSA want the offeror to ask the reference points of contact to use a specific convention for naming the questionnaires when returning them to TSA? What should be in the subject line?

Response: No naming conventions or specific subject line is required when the questionnaires are returned to TSA. In evaluating past performance, TSA will compare Attachment C – Past Performance Data provided by the offeror to all Attachment D – Past Performance Questionnaires received. If a reference indicated in the Past Performance Data attachment has not submitted the Past Performance Questionnaire, TSA will reach out to the reference point of contact directly.

36. We note that there is nowhere in Attachment D, Past Performance Questionnaire, to enter the name of the agency/company that awarded the contract/subcontract. If this was an oversight, can TSA please update and reissue Attachment D since the fields in the questionnaire are locked?

Response: The first set of cells in Part I of Attachment D is intended for the agency/company that awarded the contract/subcontract. TSA will compare this and the assessor information in Part II to the data provided in Attachment C – Past Performance Data. If there are any questions, confusion, or discrepancies regarding an Attachment D submission, TSA will reach out to either the offeror or the reference for clarification.

37. In Attachment B, Self-Certification Matrix, a battery SPC reads: "The battery(ies) and the battery charger being non-proprietary and commercially available." Does non-proprietary as referenced herein mean that the battery can be ordered from multiple sources, rather than a single source, or does it mean the battery must be generic (not necessarily intended for use by the respective hardware it will be used in)?

Response: TSA would prefer that the battery is not a custom design.

38. For CLINs 0003 and 0003A, should the cost include the cost of the batteries? For CLIN 0010, is the contractor providing 500 batteries in addition to batteries purchased under CLINs 0003 and 0003A?

Response: Batteries should not be included with CLINs 0003 and 0003A, and will only be ordered separately under CLIN 0010. The majority of CAT units will receive AC power, but there are situations where batteries may be required. As these situations occur, TSA will order batteries for these units up to a maximum of 500.

39. Section 9.0 of the SOW, Engineering Services, states: “The subcontractor shall submit their proposal, including supporting details, before the Government will authorize any work.” If subcontractors are included as part of an integrated team, will they need to submit a separate proposal for the work to be performed under the contract?

Response: No, this paragraph refers specifically to engineering support services that would be ordered after contract award, and for work provided by subcontractors as directed by the Government.

40. Will TSA order CLIN 0007 (Warranty) for units ordered under CLIN 0002 and CLIN 0002A?

Response: Warranty may be ordered for units purchased under CLINs 0002 and 0002A.

41. How does TSA envision the RMA disincentives clause as it pertains to invoicing? Is it expected to be a standard holdback percentage of the unit price of CLIN 0003 and/or CLIN 0003A or will TSA consider a separate sub-CLIN, which is standard industry practice on each order for the potential amount of the RMA disincentive?

Response: The RMA disincentives will result in a percentage holdback of CLINs 0003 and 0003A per Delivery Order. The contractor shall invoice in accordance with percentages and timeframes established in a given Delivery Order, with the remainder to be received when the withholding period ends.

42. Section 10.2.1 of the SOW states that Corrective Maintenance is to include “repair after liquid spills on TSE, broken parts due to operator misuse, unintentional damage during passenger screening…” Would TSA be willing to consider non-relevant events, as defined in Attachment 6, RMA Metrics Terms and Definitions, paragraph 4.3, TSE Failure Relevancy, as covered under CLIN 0008 – Excepted Maintenance?

Response: No, these maintenance actions are considered corrective maintenance regardless of relevancy definition, and would fall under CLIN 0007 – Warranty. CLIN 0008, Excepted Maintenance, is reserved for emergencies that fall outside of the scope of Preventive and Corrective Maintenance.

The definitions and distinctions between these maintenance actions are established in Section 10 of the SOW.

43. Section B.3.5.20 requires a Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP); however this is not listed as a deliverable in the Data Deliverables defined in Part C. Please clarify that this is a deliverable after contract award.

Response: Section B.3.5.20, Continuity of Operations Plan, (COOP) is not required for this procurement and will be removed from the RFP.

44. Should vendors submit all three volumes of the proposal on a single CD ROM or separate the

Volume III – Price and Other Proposal Information files on to a separate CD ROM?

Response: Volume III should be saved on a separate CD ROM from Volumes I and II.

45. Section 14.4 of the SOW states that the OSHA certifications 29 CFR 1910.1096 and 29 CFR 1910.7 shall be provided to the Contracting Officer with the proposal. Will the TSA consider having the certifications provided at contract award?

Response: These certifications must be provided with the proposal.

46. Regarding Section 12.0 of the SOW, (Data Rights) does this only apply to interfaces and software developed under the contract? Are the procedures for licensing of commercial computer software as provided in FAR 12.212 and 52.227-19?

Response: Section 12.0, which is specific to CLIN 0011, is additional data rights that the Government may order at a later date with the intent of capturing, measuring, and/or manipulating data obtained at the CAT system. In accordance with the Data Rights clauses included in the Solicitation, all Government-funded work performed under the contract is by definition Government property.

The Enhanced Data Rights (CLIN 0011) are an additional set of rights requirements that may or may not be developed under the contract for which the Government would like the option to purchase.

These rights are specific and are limited to the 3 bullet points listed in Section 12.0. Because these additional rights are purchased, this CLIN would fall outside of FAR 12.212 and 52.227-19.

47. Regarding the key requirement: “Detection capabilities must go beyond evaluating the magnetic stripe/barcode on the ID (such as evaluating security features on the ID)” is there a requirement to read the magnetic stripe/barcode? If a scanner can (1) read the front of the card to obtain OCR results, and (2) evaluate security features on the ID without reading the magnetic stripe/barcode from the back of the card, does this meet the requirement?

Response: This key requirement refers to performing a validation check(s) beyond simply comparing the OCR results from the front of a card to the magnetic stripe/barcode information on the back of the card. The specific capability to read the magnetic stripe/barcode is not a requirement.

Pre-Proposal Conference Questions (12/18/2013):

1. Can a list of airports where the CAT systems will be installed be provided? Is there a draft schedule available?

Response: The intent is to deploy CAT systems to all federalized airports. TSA is unable to provide any estimates for number of units per airport, a tentative schedule, or the locations for LRIP testing at this time.

2. Are the draft documents sufficient to respond to the RFP?

Response: It is recommended that if your company has been cleared to view SSI, the 4 documents marked as SSI should be requested. Several key requirements are redacted in the draft versions of the documents. If you are unsure of your SSI vetting status, please contact Jason.Richards@tsa.dhs.gov.

3. When will TSA post answers to the questions received?

Response: TSA will attempt to post responses as soon as possible. Because questions are due only a week before the proposal, it is recommended that questions be submitted as they arise, and TSA will post responses as they become available prior to the cutoff date. If a particular question may cause a significant impact on a proposal, it is recommended that the question be posed immediately.

4. Can you please clarify the distinction between Tier 1 and Tier 2 devices?

Response: Detection of documents in Tier 1 of the FRD are required. Tier 2 is intended to be a future state of the CAT system.

5. To provide a lower-cost overall solution, is it acceptable to provide two models as part of the base solution – one more suited to locations that require battery-only operation and one that’s optimized for AC power, but capable of battery-backed operation?

Response: Due to the ever-evolving nature of the checkpoint and on-going upgrades to infrastructure across the nation, TSA needs maximum flexibility of deployed systems. Although not prohibited, like many other elements, the tradeoffs should be considered. Having multiple models of the system may realize cost savings, but limits deployability and introduces configuration management issues.

6. Is the prototype unit subject to FAT and SAT?

Response: If the prototype unit is deployed to the field, it will be subject to FAT and SAT.

7. Does CLIN 0009 (Travel) include all travel for implementation?

Response: Yes, all travel is covered under this CLIN.

8. Are optional CLINs (CLIN 0007 – Warranty) to be priced into the overall number, or priced separately?

Response: Warranty pricing is a per year cost (see Price Evaluation Template) that will roll into a total cost per unit for a maximum of 7 years.

9. Are engineering services CLINs above and beyond the $85M contract ceiling?

Response: No, the $85M includes all costs under the contract.

10. For RMA, CLINs 0003 and 0003A may be reduced by 5% or 10% if performance standards are below expectations. Can the CLINs be reduced to a negative amount if reduced enough?

Response: No, the RMA reductions are applied to a maximum of 10% per category (20% total) if the standards are not met. This will be applied per delivery order, and will never result in a negative amount.

11. If a delivery/task order is mailed, can an electronic copy be sent at the same time in case the mailed copy is slow in arriving?

Response: All orders and modifications will be issued electronically.

12. Is the document control number a contractor-specified number or is it provided by the

Government?

Response: The document control number is contractor-specified.

13. Section 3.3.5: “The Contractor shall deliver all Government paperwork to the specified for location identification.” Is this a typo?

Response: It should read “… to the specified Government Property Administrator for…”

14. Section B.3.5.1, “The Contractor shall be reimbursed for travel costs associated with this contract.”

Is this CLIN 0009 (Travel)?

Response: Yes this is referring to CLIN 0009.

15. Section B.3.5.17, “Personnel performing work under this contract shall not: (a) solicit new business while performing work under this contract.” Does this mean that an employee working part time on this project cannot work on a proposal for another project?

Response: No. This is referring to standards of conduct where a contractor employee may not solicit or perform other work specifically when they are performing under this contract.

16. “Non-STIP CAT Production Units” Do the non-STIP units need to have the same hardware provided podium as the STIP units? What about the UI?

Response: It is strongly recommended that the hardware and UI are the same between the STIP and non-STIP units to reduce the time/cost required to upgrade these units to the STIP-enabled state, and to reduce configuration management issues.

17. Does the software distribution agent use TSANet? Is TSANet available to push vendor software updates to the CAT units?

Response: Yes, the agent communicates with hosts through TSANet. Indirectly, yes, vendor updates will be pushed through STIP (via TSANet) once they are formally tested and approved by the Government. There will not be a direct connection between the vendor and the CAT units.

18. The Self-Certification matrix is 4 pages, only leaving 6 pages for additional substantiation across 17 requirements. Can this limit be relaxed?

Response: The 10 page limit is for substantiation in addition to the matrix. Please fill in the matrix and attach the substantiation separately.

19. Evaluation for Factor 2 – Ability to Manage, Deploy, and Maintain Units mentions a communication plan, but it does not appear to be a deliverable, please clarify.

Response: “Communication plans” are not a formal deliverable. In evaluating Factor 2 the Government will examine the offeror’s managerial process, to include organizational structure, reporting, key personnel, and how the offeror intends to handle communication within the organization.

20. Some sections in the Statement of Work (SOW) are not listed for discussion in Section E (proposal requirements), does this mean not to dedicate discussion sections to these topics? Quality Assurance is mentioned as a discussion item in Section E, but does not have a standalone topic in the SOW.

Response: Use discretion in determining which areas to address in your proposal. Ensure that all requirements in Section E are addressed, as this is how the Government will evaluate your proposal.

Quality Assurance, specifically, should relate to several areas of the SOW.