Amendment_A00001_continuation_pages_and_Attachment_1.pdf

Entity Validation Services ITSS Solicitation#; ID15170001

Contract: TBD

Amendment A00001 - Page 1 of 3

Solicitation ID# 15170001 is modified as follows:

1) Section C-7 under “Rehabilitation Act Compliance (Section 508)” the following sentence is deleted:

“For this requirement, the contractor is exempt from provisions of Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended.“

Section 508 compliance is required under this contract.

2) Under Section F.3 Delivery Dates and Places for Data Items, the Staffing Matrix is added to the list of Deliverables as follows:

Section F.6 Deliverables

Staffing Matrix

NLT 10

calendar days after Award

Electronically to the GSA

ITSS/ASSIST

System & email to the

IAE COR, PM

and CO

Provided with unlimited data rights IAW 52.227-14

3) Section L.7 paragraph 1 is revised to correct reference: From L.3 to L.4.

4) Section L.7 under Proposal Validation Period, the proposal validity period is revised: From: 180 days To: 90 days

5) Section L.8 Proposal Contents, under “Cover Page” reference is changed: From:

L.3(c)(2) To: L.4(c)(2)

6) Section L.8 Proposal Contents, under “Pass/Fail Elements” g. SAM Data Rights.

reference is changed From: C.13 To: C.9 under “SAM Data Rights”

Amendment A00001 - Page 2 of 3

7) Section L.8 Proposal Contents under Factor 1: Operational Capability Demonstration. The sample data template is provided as follows:

Company Name

Physical Address Line 1

Physical Address Line 2 City State/Province

Zip/Postal Code +4 Country

ABC Inc

12345 ABC

Way Suite 123 Alphabet VA 12345 6789

United States

XYZ Inc

12345 XYZ

Street

Numeral

A1B 2C3

Canada

8) Section L.9 Proposal Format and Restrictions is revised as follows:

a. Page Margin is revised as follows:

From: No less than 1” on top, bottom and sides To: No less than ¾” on top, bottom and sides

b. “Font” is revised to add:

“Tables and graphics may be less than either of the listed Font sizes but shall be clearly legible.”

c. Page Limitation Exceptions is revised as follows:

Add: Letters of Commitment for Key Personnel and Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification documentation

Revise: Draft API Technical Specifications to also include: schemas, data dictionary and other applicable information.

9) L.11 Proposal/Quotation Submission Instructions, under paragraph “ITSS/ASSIST Registration Requirement” is revised to correct the website and add a clarification as follows:

Instructions for registering are provided on the website:

30TUhttps://portal.fas.gsa.gov/web/guestU30T

GSA Information Technology Solution Shop (ITSS) is an application under GSA’s Assisted Services Shared Information System (ASSIST).

10) Section M.2 under “Pass/Fail Elements” g. SAM Data Rights. reference is changed From: C.13 To: C.9 under “SAM Data Rights”

11) Section M.2 “Factor 3, Management Approach, under Key Personnel and Project Staffing paragraph is revised as follows:

https://portal.fas.gsa.gov/web/guest

Amendment A00001 - Page 3 of 3

Key Personnel and Project Staffing

Key Personnel: The Government will assess the degree to which:

● the offeror provides key personnel listed in Section C-8 with the qualifications to perform the PWS.

● the offeror demonstrates that the experience of each employee will add value to the project and meet the specific needs of the government.

● the proposed employees have the proper skills and experience for the position to which they are assigned.

● The government will also review detailed information and/or résumés of these proposed key personnel. When performing this evaluation, the Government will focus on the information provided in the résumés and/or personnel narratives that describe the proposed staff members’ education and experience qualifications. The evaluation will take into consideration how well the proposed education, experience, and abilities of each staff member are substantiated.

Project Staffing: The Government will assess the degree to which:

● the offeror’s Draft Project Staffing Plan demonstrates the ability to maintain qualified staffing levels in response to changing customer support demands. This evaluation will take into consideration both management practices and hiring capability.

12) EVS Questions and Answers are incorporated as Attachment 1.

End of Amendment

Attachment 1 Page 1 of 3

Attachment 1 to Amendment A00001 of Soliciation #: ID15170001 - Questions and Answers

RFP

Section/Section Page reference

Question GSA Response

Section H.9, pg 3 Does section H.9 prevent the contractor from charging or otherwise holding the numbers and data as proprietary? In other words, is GSA including a stipulation barring the awardee from charging for licenses or other third-party access to the data?

No, the RFP does not prevent the offeror from charging or otherwise holding the numbers and data as proprietary, and GSA does not include a stipulation barring the awardee from charging GSA for licenses or other third party access to the data. If the offeror proposes use of a proprietary number, it shall describe in its proposal how it will map to the government's identifier, the SAM Managed Identifier (SAMMI). Any and all costs for proprietary numbers, data rights, and licensing shall be included in the offeror’s completed Section B “Schedule of Items/Services and Prices” associated with the appropriate CLIN (s).

C.4, Objective 4, pg

Can you confirm the FSD will be hosted by GSA or is the intent to have the FSD be hosted by the provider?

How do you envision the interaction between FSD and EVS (Entity Validation Services?) Can you provide additional detail for the interaction?

Answer Question 1: The FSD will continue to be hosted by GSA. The PWS states (Section C.4 pg 22) "Entities will initially contact the supporting Federal Service Desk (FSD) helpdesk, and relevant issues will be forwarded to the (EVS) contractor electronically via API or third party service. The contractor is expected to provide rapid, ready support through multiple communication channels for worldwide registrations to meet the SLA." Answer Question 2: PWS States (Section C.4 pg 22) "The customer support shall integrate with the FSD ticketing system."

Reading the solicitation this looks like a transformation technology procurement. Can you please sure some insight as to why this NAIC Code 561 -- Administrative and Support Services/561450 -- Credit Bureaus

Can this NAICS be change to 541519

The technical objectives of this contract involve no development activity on SAM or other IAE systems. Some testing assistance may be requested with interface setup, but the contractor will not work on SAM or other IAE systems.

C.4, Objective 2, pg

When asked to validate predecessor (pg. C-18,19), what would the government like returned? For example, Fiat Chrysler-> Chrysler Group, LLC-> Chrysler, LLC-> DaimlerChrysler AG-> Chrysler Corporation->Maxwell Motor Company=5 degrees

The government would like predecessor information validated or returned in a manner that can be processed automatically with simple logic. Section C-4, Objective 3- Identify Entity Organizational Relationships, provides guidance on these requirements.

C.4, Objective 3, pg

When asked to validate subsidiaries (pg. C-18,19), what would the government like returned?

The government would like subsidiary information validated or returned in a manner that can be processed automatically with simple logic. Section C- 4, Objective 3- Identify Entity Organizational Relationships, provides guidance on these requirements.

C.4, Objective 3, pg

The RFP states: "The following data elements shall be validated via on-going monitoring:" Questions:

We would like clarification on is the validation of business “Entity Structure.” Will this be provided upon registration and limited to the 8 Business Types below? The RFP states that validation of Predecessor & Subsidiaries will depend on the Entity Type. What “Entity” structures warrant Predecessor & Subsidiary information to be validated? Can a sample be provided for Predecrssor?

In accordance with Section C-4 Objective 2, it is up to the contractors to provide the information they need to validate and conduct on going monitoring. The contractor may provide any additional information the contractor believes could assist the federal government in registrant identification. As defined in FAR 52.204-20 Predecessor of Offeror, “Predecessor” means an entity that is replaced by a successor and includes any predecessors of the predecessor.

“Successor” means an entity that has replaced a predecessor by acquiring the assets and carrying out the affairs of the predecessor under a new name (often through acquisition or merger). The term “successor” does not include new offices/divisions of the same company or a company that only changes its name. The extent of the responsibility of the successor for the liabilities of the predecessor may vary, depending on State law and specific circumstances.

Attachment 1 Page 2 of 3

C.4, Objective 4, Customer Support Identity Security, pg.

In regards to Customer Support Identity Security, will every transaction(phone call/online session) for change have to meet a IAL2 workflow such as document validation-identity verification utilizing a portrait match and phone verification with a one-time passcode? Or if an entity logs in from a known device will they be able to continue?

Offerors should propose how they would conduct user verification to meet the idenity security requirements in the PWS, including for previously verified users.

C.7, Additional Performance Requirements, Rehabilitation Act Compliance (Section 508), pg 31

For this requirement, the Contractor is exempt from the provisions of Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended. In several places (including the Pass/Fail Elements in Section L.8), the RFP asks that offerors confirm compliance with Section 508. This seems inconsistent with the statement in Section C.7 that the Contractor is exempt from the provisions of Section 508. Please clarify.

Contractors are required to comply and shall assert compliance with Section 508. The following sentence is removed from the RFP: "For this requirement, the Contractor is exempt from the provisions of Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended."

Section L.7, Proposal Preparation - General Inclusions, pg 11

The RFP states, "The offeror’s proposal must include all information requested and must be submitted in accordance with the instructions in Paragraph L.3, above, and the following additional instructions." The RFP then provides a list of items to be included (Ability to Perform, Relevant Data, Proposal Clarity, Assumptions, Extraneous Material, Elaboration, Security Classification, Tersm, Conditions, Section 508, SAM, Reps & Certs, Unique Identifier, Remittance, Partial Proposal, Proposal Validation Period, etc.) We request that the Offeror be allowed to submit these as part of the Price Proposal.

The General Inclusions listed in Section L.7 may be included as part of the Offeror's Price Proposal.

L.8 Proposal Contents, Part 1,

pg. 15

Disclosure of whether the contractor intends to utilize any proprietary data or software in accordance with Section H. Disclosure of whether contractor is licensed to utilize any data, if it does not itself own. Note: This would apply to the Operational Capability Demonstration described in this Section L and post-award. These two disclosures statements are not included within the Pass/Fail Elements or any of the other evaluation Factors 1-3. How are they evaluated?

Proprietary data disclosure(s) is required in accordance with Section H.9.

In accordance with Section M.2 under Factor 2, the Government will evaluate restrictions, if any, on the Government's data rights. More restrictive terms that impact the Government's ability to use the data as contemplated in this soliciation may be assessed as a weakness or significant weakness.

L-8 Proposal Contents, Demonstration of Technical Capability, Factor 1 - Operational Capability Demonstration, Pg.

The offeror will have two (2) hours to perform a live demonstration of their technical approach… Will the government allow additional information about our technical approach (e.g., including staffing, key personnel, management approach, etc.) during this demonstration, or is it strictly a technical demonstration of the API?

The Operational Capability Demonstration will be evaluated in accordance with Section M.2 under Factor 1.

L.8 Proposal Contents, Demonstration of Technical Capability, Factor 1 - Operational Capability Demonstration, Pg.

The government will schedule the meeting and provide the meeting space link as well as a sample data template. When will the government supply the sample data template? This would be useful for preparation of the demo.

The sample data template is provided, please see Amendment A00001.

L.9 Proposal Format and Restrictions, pg 19

This section provides a list of items that are excluded from page count; however, it does not mention that the Key Personnel Letters of Commitment are excluded. We request that the LOC's be excluded from page count.

Letters of Commitment for Key Personnel listed under "pass/fail elements" within Section L.8 shall be excluded from page limitations and Letters of Commitment is added to the Page Limitation Exclusions listed in Section L.9. Please see Amendment A00001.

Attachment 1 Page 3 of 3

L.9 Proposal Format and Restrictions, pg 19

This section provides a list of items that are excluded from page count; however, it does not mention that the PMI certification documentation is excluded. We request that this document be excluded from page count.

Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification documentation listed under "pass/fail elements within Section L.8 shall be excluded from page limitations and (PMP) certification documentation is added to the Page Limitation Exclusions listed in Section L.9. Please see Amendment A00001.

L.9 Proposal Format and Restrictions, pg 19

The RFP states, "No smaller than 11 point Arial or 12 point Times New Roman, We request that the font size for tables are allowed at 10 point font; and that graphics can be as low as 9 or 10 point font.

Font size for tables and graphics may be smaller than the font sizes listed in L.9 but should be clearly legible. Please note the following are listed under Section L.9 under Page Limitation Exceptions: List of Tables, List of Figures and Appendix containing stand alone supporting documents.

L.8 Proposal Contents, Part 2- Past Performance, pg 17

A statement describing any of its contracts that were terminated for default or cause or for which the offeror was cited for non-compliance with federal contract terms and conditions and describe the circumstances of the termination or non-compliance citation and resolution. The statement shall not exceed two (2) pages, per contract. A statement describing any of its contracts that were terminated for default or cause or for which the offeror was cited for non-compliance with federal contract terms and conditions and describe the circumstances of the termination or non-compliance citation and resolution. The statement shall not exceed two (2) pages, per contract. Does this requirement apply to the contracts being used for Past Performance references, or to all contracts held by the offeror? If the latter, are subcontractors subject to this requirement as well?

Under Section L.8, Part 2 - Past Performance- "If subcontractors (at any tier) are proposed, information about one current or past project (completed no more than three years ago) for each proposed subcontractor. Except for the fact that only one project per subcontractor is requested, the subcontractor submission requirements are the same as those required of the offeror under this Part 2 – Past Performance."

L.9 Proposal Format and Restrictions, pg 19

The RFP states, "Past Performance - One Completed Past Performance Questionnaire (PPQ) per each referenced project" Please confirm that no past performance write up is required aside from the submission on the PPQs.

See also Section L.8, Part 2 - Past Performance- The information should include: a statement describing any contracts that were terminated for default or cause or for which the offeror was cited for non-compliance with federal contract terms and conditions and describe the circumstances of the termination or non-compliance citation and resolution. This statement shall not exceed two (2) pages, per contract. In accordance with directions on the Attachment J-5, the Past Performance Questionnaire, Offerors shall complete blocks 1-4 and the Offeror's Client shall complete blocks 5- 8 of the PPQ. Offeror's will be assessed in accordance with Section M.3 of the RFP. While the Government may elect to consider data from other sources, the burden of providing detailed, current, accurate and complete past performance information rests with the Offeror.

M.3 Management Approach, pg 6

The offeror demonstrates that the experience of each employee will add value to the project and meet the specific needs of the government. the proposed employees have the proper skills and experience for the position to which they are assigned. Does the term "employee" in this case refer to the Key Personnel only, or to the additional (non-Key) staff as well?

This applies only to the Offeror's proposed Key Personnel. Please see Amendment A00001.

M.3 Management Approach, pg 6

The government will also review detailed information and/or résumés of these proposed key personnel.

When performing this evaluation, the Government will focus on the information provided in the résumés and/or personnel narratives that describe the proposed staff members’ education and experience qualifications. The evaluation will take into consideration how well the proposed education, experience, and abilities of each staff member are substantiated.

This applies only to the Offeror's proposed Key Personnel. Please see Amendment A00001.