TMIS_2.0_Questions_and_Answers_Updated_9.22.pdf

RFP QMAC-CY-140001-N

Item Section Page Requirement or

Paragraph Number Question Answer

1 Attachment A 1

(Also cross-reference to L.4.2, 3. b) viii, "Oral Presentation / Demonstration"): Today, only the incumbent contractor has access to many of the data sources required to conduct an effective demonstration of a TMIS 2.0 solution. Please provide bidders with sample data (either encrypted or anonymized, with live PII / PCI data removed or replaced) with which we can create a demonstration. As an alternative, please specify that all demonstrations must be conducted with mock-ups that do not show (or evaluate) interactive features.

The Government's expectation is for the Offeror to use existing data from its commercial capabilities. The Offeror should have access to the types of data required to demonstrate minimum capabilities as travel data experience is an expectation. Prototypes are allowed for the demonstration; mockups/static screen captures are not.

2 Attachment H 37

TMCs - Will the Government describe the current configuration of each TMC data feed? (Ex. Are all of the TMCs configured alike; What % of the TMC data is alike; Are all of the TMCs configured differently) The answer to this question defines the Success Criteria in meeting the 30 day requirement for TMC connectivity

Each TMC will be providing its data output on a regular schedule (such as weekly). Each TMC data feed will contain similar data fields with some variations possible (due to user defined fields for example), and the format will vary by TMC depending on the back-office system and the data output query/logic used. Attachment H lists the current TMC back-office systems used and the approximate percentage of transactions received from each (and is subject to change).

3 Attachment H Attachment H Attachment H

TMC Data – How would you characterize the TMC data sources – (Each TMC data source is exactly the same in configuration; Each TMC data source is slightly different in configuration; Each TMC data source is different / vastly different in configuration)

Each TMC will be providing its data output on a regular schedule (such as weekly). Each TMC data feed will contain similar data fields with some variations possible (due to user defined fields for example), and the format will vary by TMC depending on the back-office system and the data output query/logic used. Attachment H lists the current TMC back-office systems used and the approximate percentage of transactions received from each (and is subject to change).

4 Attachment H Attachment H Attachment H

Does the government already have data sharing requirements in their contracts with the TMCs?

The GSA SmartPay Contract? Can these data sharing agreements (formats, etc.) be shared with the solution providers? The government in section C.4.7 implies the service provider may need to establish these agreements ("The Contractor shall acquire and import federal travel data from external sources").

Yes, the Government has a data sharing requirement built into its contracts with certain data providers including TMCs, ETS, and GSA SmartPay. The Government will authorize these suppliers to make data available to the TMIS 2.0 Contractor.

The Contractor is required to establish ISA / MOU with the data supplier to ensure a secure transmission and data transfer processes.

5 Attachment J Attachment J Attachment J Will the Government allow offerors to convert the subcontracting plan document into a Word format for easier drafting and transmission, as long as it contains all the required content?

Yes

TMIS 2.0 Questions and Answers - 1

Requirement or

Paragraph Number Question Answer

6 B.2.1 10

Please indicate if any data sources anticipated to be integrated into TMIS 2.0 will need to be purchased by the TMIS 2.0 vendor other than ARC data; please also confirm that CLIN 0005 is expected to be expressly for "pass through" for the cost bidders expect to incur for ARC data purchase.

The cost of purchasing ARC data should be included in CLIN

0005 ARC Data Services. Please refer to the Data Services definition to better understand which costs should be factored into the pricing of this CLIN. Other data sources to be procured by the TMIS 2.0 Contractor include some reference data.

7 C.1 23 2

Referring to C.1.1 (Also cross-reference to C.4.1-1.c, Attachments A and H): Please clarify this requirement:

"Travel data sources include, but are not limited to: TMIS 1.0 data archives; E-Gov Travel Service voucher data..."

This and other areas of the solicitation and attachments indicate that analysis, including "expense" analysis, will be required for TMIS 1.0 data. Please confirm that the TMIS 2.0 vendor will be expected to consume, map, and report on ETS1 VOUCHER data. Please also provide us with GSA's plans for having ETS1 legacy providers update the ETS1 "archives" (since some legacy ETS1 systems appear likely to still be operating during the TMIS 2.0 implementation) so that the TMIS 2.0 vendor can "re-load" this data per C.4.1-1.c; changes and errors to historical data "re-load" would create variance in reports that were run prior to such a re-load.

The TMIS 1.0 archive data does not include ETS1 voucher data. ETS1 voucher data is not part of the TMIS 2.0 solicitation.

8 C.1 23 3 Why was the visualization element removed from the final solicitation? The Government has its own third party visualization tools.

9 C.1 23 3 Does GSA have future plans to procure a visualization tool at the later date? Not as part of the TMIS 2.0 solicitation.

10 C.1 23 3rd/4th bullet Could the government provide additional detail concerning the market benchmark information required to support airline and hotel sourcing?

The corporate benchmark data is typically available from large

TMCs and other public sources. The Government will provide summary benchmark data on air, lodging, and rental car average rates as described in Attachment H.

11 C.1.1 23 2nd full paragraph

RFP Item 1, states that “Additionally, the solution shall enable queries on the consolidated data stored in the vendor’s database using third party data visualization tools. NOTE: THIRD PARTY DATA

VISUALIZATION TOOLS ARE NOT SOLICITED AS PART OF THIS EFFORT.” We are not clear as to how third party data visualization tools would work to enable queries on the consolidated data in the vendor’s database. For example, if integration or programming is required to enable such tools to work on the database, which CLIN would be used by the Contractor in support of such efforts? If the Contractor’s solution in terms of reporting capabilities already includes such visualization tools, does the language above preclude the offeror from offering such tools as part of its reporting solution?

The solicitation has been amended to clarify the

Government's requirements. The TMIS 2.0 Contractor is required to enable (at no additional cost) a secure database connection to a third-party visualization tool provided by the

Government. The Government will use this visualization tool to produce analytics, reports, etc. The Government is seeking a cost-contained solution. The language in the referenced section does not preclude the Offeror from proposing such tools as part of its reporting solution.

TMIS 2.0 Questions and Answers - 2

Requirement or

Paragraph Number Question Answer

C.1.1

C.1.13

The government does not illustrate a requirement for "data blending" of these data sources into a

"master database", yet the requirements in section C.1.13.1 mention "linking and matching"

SmartPay charges to other records. Is the government interested in creating a "master database" or simply being able to link/match the individual data sources together? In section C.1.1 the government states the solution "shall enable queries on the consolidated data stored in the vendor's database". We are assuming this means a single physical database system, not a "master database", please advise.

As stated in C.4.1.5, any data output produced by TMIS 2.0 should be tracable back to the original source. The

Government is not concerned whether a physical database system or "master database" is used by the Contractor. The

Contractor may determine the underlying data management scheme (storage, schema, model, etc.). The ability to link and match records from multiple data sources is a requirement.

C.1.1

C.4.9

The government in section C.1.1 states "Third party data visualization tools are not solicited as part of this effort", and later in section C.4 notes "A BI visualization tool is NOT required under this effort". However, many of reporting requirements would be best served by one of the many industry leading BI tool vendors. In fact, in section C.4.9 the government states "reports may be delivered via more advanced capabilities such as multi-dimensional reporting data sets/tools (with drill down, drill across capabilities).". It is safe to assume the government would enjoy the use of an industry leading BI/DataViz tool (Tableau, SAS Visual Analytics, etc.) in addition to a more traditional tabular data reporting (which could be scheduled, emailed, etc.). My assumption is that the government wants to get their information and reports via the best delivery channel, and if that channel includes (but is not limited to) an industry leading BI/DataViz tool, the requirements of the contract would be met and exceeded by the solution providers.

Yes. The Government is looking for cost-contained solution.

The Contractor may propose a more advanced reporting tool, but shall still allow for a connection to the Government's visualization tool.

14 C.4.1 24 1.c) The government has a very aggressive timeline for ingesting TMIS 1.0 archive data (30 days post

ATO), can the government provide more details about what is contained in TMIS 1.0?

TMC data since FY08, GSA SmartPay data since 1/1/12, and

ARC data are included in TMIS archive data. Upon award, GSA will provide a sample of the archive data removing PII until the ATO is granted. The timeline is addressed in an amendment to the solicitation.

TMIS 2.0 Questions and Answers - 3

Requirement or

Paragraph Number Question Answer

15 C.4.1 24 1.c.

RFP states: Data delivery schedule (for data services ordered): Within 30 days of this contract’s

Authority to Operate (ATO), the Contractor shall be ready to process an order TMC data and TMIS

1.0 archive data if ordered. Within 180 days after this contract’s ATO, the Contractor shall be ready to process an order for GSA SmartPay data and ETS2 voucher data if ordered and Attachment H states: It is expected that the feed will be received from 20-30 TMCs weekly. TMIS 1.0 currently receives data feeds from 22 TMCs. These TMCs utilize 7 different commercial back-office systems which are, Agresso (42%), Decision Source (<1%), GlobalMax (<1%), Globalware (2%), Glory (32%), TRAMS (24%), Travcom (<1%). The Figures in parenthesis are the approximate % of transactions currently received from each back office system, and is subject to change.

Does “Process an Order” mean have the data available or does it mean have the full reporting functionality available? Success level (or Risk) are vastly different based on this answer.

"Process an Order" means having the reporting functionality available necessary to meet the minimum capabilities outlined in C.4.9 and Attachment A. The solicitation will be amended to clarify this requirement.

16 C.4.1 24

RFP C.4.1 Basic Capabilities Requirements, states that “The Contractor shall establish the capability to aggregate, cleanse, standardize, consolidate, store, and manage Federal travel data (imported from various travel data sources), and provide reporting and BI. As part of its service for all data sources [including but not limited to Travel Management Centers (TMC) back office systems data

(PNR data), GSA SmartPay charge card data, ARC settlement data, TMIS 1.0 data archives, ETS2 voucher data, benchmark data, and supplier direct data (air, hotel, and car)]…” Attachment H identifies some of the data sources, the frequency of expected data feeds, the potential number of data elements. For example, in regard to ARC data, Attachment H, Item 3 states “Airline Reporting

Corporation (ARC) Data ARC (www.arccorp.com) provides settlement services for U.S. flag carriers and many international carriers, but not for all carriers. For example, Southwest Airlines is a large carrier that does not use ARC. The ARC data feed only covers air and some rail travel. This data feed includes ticket sales for virtually all official government travel. Here is a single data feed. The expected frequency of ARC data feed is monthly. The format of data feed is currently CSV/excel

The TMIS 2.0 Contractor will purchase data from ARC. This cost will be reimbursed through CLIN 0005 ARC Data Services.

With respect to part 2 of the question, the solicitation requires the Offeror to have travel data expertise. The

Government has provided the information on data sources in

Attachment H.

17 C.4.1 24 1.c) The government indicates the service provider shall be ready to process data post ATO, what is the expected turn-around time for government issuance of the ATO?

If the Offeror's commercial service is FedRAMP certified, it should be ready from date of award. If the commercial service requires FISMA moderate level A&A, then the Offeror should have the expertise to obtain ATO within 90 days after contract award. The Offeror should indicate what its anticipated timeline will be in its proposal.

18 C.4.1 24 1.c.

Please define this statement "the Contractor shall be ready to process an order TMC data and TMIS

1.0 archive data if ordered". (Ex. Does this requirement include full report functionality also or are reports due at the 180 day time frame - when does the reporting functionality have to be available?)

The solicitation requirement to process an order means to have the full reporting functionality required. The solicitation will be amended to clarify this requirement.

TMIS 2.0 Questions and Answers - 4

Requirement or

Paragraph Number Question Answer

19 C.4.1 25 2 Is the requirement for 1 enterprise license for up to 50 users and up to 500 non-current users. Can the Government provide a range of potential concurrent users (50 to 100; 100 to 150…..)

Government expects up to 10 concurrent users.

20 C.4 29 2

Referring to C.4.7.b (Data Requirements), also:

"...establish Integration Agreements and interfaces with the solution and the required data mapping;"

Inferring from this specification and other areas of the solicitation, GSA does not expect establishment of a persistent data warehouse to store interfaced data-source providers' "cleansed" data for use by GSA and other agency users for ad hoc access to data-sets in real time. Is the plan for users to query "static" datasets that are updated periodically by the TMIS 2.0 vendor?

The data import frequency for a data source in TMIS 2.0 will be determined by the Government. For most data sources, an expected frequency has been provided in Attachment H. At a minimum, the TMIS 2.0 reporting database(s) is expected to be updated at the frequency specified for each data source.

The users of the solution shall be able to generate an output

(standard/ad-hoc) at any time during the life of the contract.

21 C.4.3

The referenced RFP Section C paragraph reads: "Use of Client-side application software (other than one of the specified web browsers and associated signed plug-ins that are downloadable-on-demand shall not be required by the solution." There appears to be be a "close parenthesis - )" missing from that sentence that could change the meaning of the requirement considerably, depending on where that "close parenthesis" were placed.

The solicitation will be amended.

22 C.4.6 27 TMIS 1.0 - Will the Government describe the current level of 508 requirements that TMIS 1.0 meets The 508 requirements for TMIS 2.0 are described in the SOW and expected to be met. TMIS 1.0 508 requirements are not relevant.

23 C.4.7 29 1

RFP Item C.4.7.1 Data Objectives states “The TMIS 2.0 solution, to the maximum extent possible, should be capable of identifying and collecting, in a manner that will make it useful within TMIS 2.0, travel related transactional data in non-travel Government charge card data feeds, including, but not limited to: procurement cards and fleet cards.” Is GSA intending to use the transactions from non-travel government charge cards to supplement travel-related data (e.g., are travel purchases being made on non-travel government charge cards) or is GSA intending to potentially expand the scope of the data warehouse beyond TDY travel?

The TMIS 2.0 Contractor shall identify travel transactions made on non-travel Government charge cards to supplement data from travel Government charge cards. The Government does not intend to expand the scope of the data warehouse beyond TDY travel.

TMIS 2.0 Questions and Answers - 5

Requirement or

Paragraph Number Question Answer

24 C.4.7 29 2.a)

RFP Item C.4.7.2 Data Requirements states that “The solution shall be capable of supporting a data import frequency, determined by the Government.” Attachment H specifies the data frequency for the sources of data. Does the Government interpret Item C.4.7.2 as allowing the government to change the frequency of the data import from those specified in Attachment H? If yes, is the

Contractor entitled to request an equitable adjustment for Government required changes in the frequency of the data import?

The data import frequency specified in Attachment H is the frequency at which the Government expects a data source to be imported into TMIS 2.0. The Government does reserve the right to change the data import frequency, but will notify the

TMIS 2.0 Contractor in advance and does not anticipate numerous changes to the frequency. Any costs associated with changes to the data import frequency should be built into the firm-fixed price.

25 C.4.7 29

GSA Travel Data: Should one of the GSA systems revise their configuration for data output (ETS2, TMCs) is the expectation TMIS 2.0 cost to retest this connection in a DEV/TEST Environment be in our proposal price or will GSA issue a Task Order or Authorization with funding to make / test this change

The expectation is to build this cost into your proposal price.

In the event of a change to the data feed format from a data source, TMIS 2.0 Contractor is expected to adjust its data import process accordingly. The Government does not anticipate frequent changes to the data feed format. The

Government is responsible for making the government travel data covered by government contracts available to the

Contractor. The Contractor is responsible for receiving data from the data sources and providing reports and analytics services as outlined in the SOW.

26 C.4.7 30 7.c)

RFP Item C.4.7.7.c, Data Requirements, requires the contractor to provide a Data Management Plan that, among other things, “include a Data Glossary, which shall provide, list of all data elements within the solution (preferably in alphabetical order), along with detailed descriptions (fully and clearly defined so no ambiguity of data meaning exists), field characteristics, data types, source, schema, and other relevant data element information….” As some of the data sources include

Government sources of data for which the Government has stated the number of data elements, but not provided list of data elements, how is the contractor expected to provide a data glossary that would include these government provided data elements?

The TMIS 2.0 solicitation requires the Offeror to have travel data expertise. Without an understanding of the data used in the solution, it is not clear how the Offeror will be able to meet the requirements in the solicitation. The data glossary details the data elements included on various report outputs, as well as those contained within the underlying data model, therefore, the Offeror is in the best position to provide this information.

27 C.4.7 32 9.17.a)

The government in section C.4.9.17.a states per diem rates shall be managed for "CONUS, OCONUS, and Foreign". Can the government please elaborate on "Foreign"? Is this US OCONUS Foreign locations whose rates are managed by DoD? Or is this foreign countries per diem rates? Please advise.

This is referring to OCONUS per diem rates managed by DoD and Foreign per diem rates managed by Department of State.

GSA manages per diem rates for CONUS. More details on per diem rates are available at:

http://www.gsa.gov/portal/content/104877 (CONUS)

AND

http://www.defensetravel.dod.mil/site/perdiemFiles.cfm

(OCONUS / Foreign)

TMIS 2.0 Questions and Answers - 6

Requirement or

Paragraph Number Question Answer

28 C.4.7 32 9.17.a)

The government does not list the Travel Global Distribution Systems (GDS) as a potential source of travel data to be aggregated. Was this purposefully omitted? Does the government anticipate wanting data from the GDS systems (such as Sabre, Worldspan, etc.)?

Yes, it was purposefully omitted. Our market research did not indicate that it was a necessary primary source. The

Contractor may submit a comment and Travel PMO will consider.

29 C.4.7.1 33

RFP Item C.4.7.1 Data Objectives states “The Contractor shall acquire and import federal travel data from external sources. These include, but are not limited to: ETS2, TMIS 1.0 data archives, GSA

SmartPay, ARC, TMC, Travel Service Suppliers (such as airlines, hotels, and rental car companies), benchmark data and reference data, including publicly available Government data. The Contractor will be required to coordinate with the data sources once Government permission has been given and/or procure the data where data is not already owned by the Government (e.g. ARC, benchmark sources). In certain circumstances, the Government may have the data in its possession and will provide it directly to the Contractor (e.g., TMIS 1.0 archive data).” Please clarify all data sources which will be provided by the government.

TMIS 1.0 archive data, GSA SmartPay data, and some reference/benchmark data will be provided by the

Government. For other data sources such as TMC data and

ETS2 voucher data, the Government will use its contracts with these data providers to make data available to the TMIS 2.0

Contractor.

30 C.4.9 34 1.a)

RFP Item C.4.9.1(a), for city pair data, requests “Market characterization reporting for all potential, bid, and flown markets including QSI [Quality Service Index].” Does the government have any requirements concerning where this comes from or how this is calculated? There is not an industry standard for QSI; therefore, calculations vary.

The TMIS 2.0 solution is required to house characterization data about a market as it grows and becomes more independent so that analysis can be generated more quickly for solicited pairs. Characterization data about a market includes "Nonstop/Connect", “Which Carriers Serve”, “Which

Carriers are in a Strength/Monopoly Position”, “Carrier with the highest QSI”, etc.

31 C.4.9 34 c.

The government in section C.4.9.c states "Room nights by Per Diem Zones" – are per diem zones defined as counties (CONUS), cities (OCONUS), etc. ? Please advise.

The CONUS per diem zones are defined by counties. Please see links for OCONUS and Foreign per diems More details on per diem are available at:

http://www.gsa.gov/portal/content/104877 (CONUS) and http://www.defensetravel.dod.mil/site/perdiemFiles.cfm

(OCONUS/Foreign)

32 C.4.9 Is there a list of the standard reports that need to be created?

The Offeror shall propose a standard report set which meets the minimum capabilities outlined in C.4.9 and Attachment A.

TMIS 2.0 Questions and Answers - 7

Requirement or

Paragraph Number Question Answer

33 C.4.10 37 1

The government in section C.4.10.1 states the solution provider shall ensure a response is provided in a timely fashion, "within two hours of the initial call or by 5:00 PM ET if the call is received after

3:00 PM ET". If a call is received just prior to 5:00 PM ET, it's unreasonable to assume the solution provider would be able to return that call by 5:00 PM, correct?

Yes, that is correct, however, the call shall be returned at the start of service hours on the following business day.

34 C.4.10 37

Customer Support - Can the Government provide historical Call Center Volume; Abandonment Rate;

Average Answer / Handle Time. Our interpretation is that the Government intended the sentence to read: "Use of Client-side application software (other than one of the specified web browsers and associated signed plug-ins that are downloadable-on-demand) shall not be required by the solution"

(note the placement of the close parenthesis). Will the Government please confirm that this interpretation is correct?

Only representatives of the GSA TMIS team contact the solution provider. Average of one call per day in addition to communication via email. Volume may be higher during TMIS

2.0 implementation phase.

35 C.4.14 39 Are there software products which the government does not want the solution provider to use? Is there an approved list of products which the solution provider has to comply with?

No, as long as security requirements are met. Software used should enable the minimum capabilities to be met.

36 C.4.14 40 2

The government in section C.4.14.2 indicates it is interested in GHG calculation reporting. Are there methods of calculation which are approved and or recommended or can the solution provider determine the best/most-reasonable method of calculation (e.g. EPA formulas)?

The solution provider can determine the best / most reasonable method of calculation. Offerors must document the methodology in their proposals.

37 L.3 110 When are proposals due?

No later than 4:30 pm Eastern Time, September 29, 2014 (see

RFP Section L.3).

38 L.3 110

Question: Section L.3, page 109, notes the files must be submitted electronically. Given the file sizes, we assume zip software must be used to send the full proposal in one email. Can the government clarify which software is desired to zip the files?

Offerors are free to use whatever software package that is compatible with a Windows platform. The Government uses the WinZip that is included in the Windows Platform

(presently WinZip® 9.0 SR-1 (6224)).

39 L.4.2 111 2.b.

Will the Government allow a different / smaller (but still legible) font in tables and graphics (e.g.

Arial Narrow 10 point)?

The solicitation will be amended.

40 L.4.2 119 3.b)viii.

L.4.2 Orals - Clarification question - Orals presentation material is not requested as part of the

Proposal input and therefore the 20 pages for Orals is not included in the overall page content -correct?

Attachment A is required to be submitted with the proposal and is not included in the overall page count, but is limited to

15 pages. The solicitation will be amended to make this more clear. If invited to participate in oral presentations/ demonstrations, materials supporting the event are permitted not to exceed 20 pages. These are in addition to the 60 page limit.

41 L.4.2 121 2.d.i.

Past Performance d.i - The first bullet reference 3 relevant projects for a PP and the (ii) references a

PP Questionnaire to at least 5 customers. Should we plan for 5 Past Performances?

The solicitation requires the submission of three relevant projects; and the solicitation requires 5 customer references.

See L.4.2, paragraph 3, subparagraphs d) i. and ii.

TMIS 2.0 Questions and Answers - 8

Requirement or

Paragraph Number Question Answer

42 M 128

(Referring to M.4): The "competitive range" is referenced but not provided in the final RFQ. Some budget guidance was provided previously, NTE $5M per year / $25M for the total P.O.P. Please identify sources of funding and the method for determining the competitive range.

M.4 of the solicitation will be amended. Budget guidance is not provided with the final solicitation. GSA's Office of Travel and Transportation will provide appropriate funding for the minimum guarantee as well as any task orders awarded under this effort.

43 L.4.2 110 2.b.

Will the Government confirm that Attachment A must be completed and submitted with the written proposal along with the other written proposal volumes on Sept 29th?

Yes - Attachment A must be completed and submitted with the proposal.

44 L.4.2 111 2.b.

Will the Government confirm that the socio economic plan and past performance elements are to be included within the body of Volume 2 and not as separate volumes?

If so, will the Government provide an additional page count allowance at least for the past performance, in order to allow a full response to the PWS and PMP sections?

The socio economic plan and past performance are to be included in Volume 2. The solicitation will be amended to provide an additional page count for past performance summary information.

45 L.4.2 111 2.b. Please confirm if PDF documents are acceptable instead of Microsoft Office files?

The solicitation requires Microsoft Office files - this enables the Government to review and complete its evaluation timely.

46 L.4.2 112 3.(a)v.

The master table of contents requires (if possible) hyperlinks to the remainder of the proposal. This is not possible when the submitted files are broken in to multiple word documents. Will the

Government permit this Master TOC to contain no hyperlinks?

The solicitation is already permissive in this regard by the "if possible" designation.

47 L.4.2 120 3.c)i.

Question: Section L.3.c.i, page 118, notes the contractor should meet or exceed "GSA’s target goal of total subcontracted dollars (this year)...40.52%". Can the government clarify whether "this year" refers to FY 14 or FY15? If the target is for FY14, will the government advise its target goal for FY 15 so contractors may ensure compliance?

The solicitation refers to FY 14 targets. The Small Business

Administration has not set targets for FY 15. Agency targets, once identified, may be found at the SBA site http://www.sba.gov/content/small-business-goaling.

48 L.4.2 117 3.b)iv.

The RFP requires Key Personnel in the following roles: Program Manager, Service Technical Lead, Information System Security Officer, Contract Administrator. In many organizations, the Contract

Administrator are indirect charge functions, and are identified in a firm’s Disclosure Statement as indirect charge functions. Therefore, it would be impossible to identify an individual in this role as

Key Personnel and still remain compliant with both one’s Disclosure Statement and the RFP requirements. Will the government consider removing the CM role as Key Personnel requirements?

If not, will the government accept as compliant a proposal where the CM role is identified as indirect charge functions in accordance with the firm’s Disclosure Statement for which the firm is unable to identify an individual as a Key Personnel?

This is a firm fixed price contract and is not subject to cost accounting standards. The Government does not see how this question is relevant.

TMIS 2.0 Questions and Answers - 9

Requirement or

Paragraph Number Question Answer

49 L.4.2 111

Please confirm whether a title page will be allowed for the Volumes I, II (Including Socio-Economic

Plan and Past Performance Sections) and III. Please also confirm whether the title pages (where applicable) will count against page count limitations.

Title pages are permitted, but will count towards page limitations. Note - the footer specifications are designed to denote the solicitation section negating the need for title pages. For those sections where a footer is not needed, the

Government is already familiar with these sections.

50 L.4.2 113 2.b. Please confirm the font type and minimum font size requirements for both tables and graphics.

The solicitation will be amended to permit a smaller font for tables and graphics.

You indicate the ETS1 archive (to be provided by the government) will be a one-time event. ETS1 data is still being produced and the solicitation refers to "reload" of this data. Please explain what you expect here.

The TMIS 1.0 archive CLIN is only expected to be ordered once. TMIS 1.0 archive will include historical TMC data, ARC data, and GSA SmartPay data, but will not include ETS1 voucher data. The solicitation is amended to state that TMIS

2.0 contractor will import TMC and GSA Smartpay data retroactively to the date that the TMIS 1.0 ceases collecting this data.

Please describe the expected enhancements to your analysis from adding voucher data to the booking/credit card data you currently analyze.

The Government anticipates voucher data will provide additional detail (e.g. total spend of trip, ancillaries, etc.) not available in TMC or GSA SmartPay data. The CLINs are structured so that they may be ordered independently. If the

Government discovers a particular data source does not provide additional value, it may choose to stop ordering the corresponding CLIN.

Do the data sources to be integrated carry unique identifiers that enable the matching process, or will matching be a match by extrapolation.

In general, data sources are expected to contain unique identifier(s) that enable the matching process. However, a unique identifier (like Travel Authorization Number, GDS

Record Locator, Charge Card Number, Agency/Organization

Code etc) may not always be present in the data. Additionally, on occasions, a data source may include a unique identifier

(meaning such a data element is part of the feed), but the values may not be populated (incomplete data). Accurate matching/linking of records between two disparate sources may also depend on other data elements such as name

(traveler, hotel property, etc.) and a matching algorithm may need to be applied.

CONFERENCE QUESTIONS

TMIS 2.0 Questions and Answers - 10

Requirement or

Paragraph Number Question Answer

54 Is DoD included or excluded from this TMIS 2.0 service?

The GSA does not expect to receive data feeds direct from the

DoD (DTS) or direct from DoD's Commercial Travel Offices

(CTOs). Please note, however, that commercial data sources, such as ARC, may included Government-wide information.

Will the test environment be what the Government users (with visualization tools) will use to access data sources to perform their ad hoc queries?

The requirement under Section C.4.1.7 allows for access to the TMIS 2.0 reporting database(s) by a third-party BI visualization tool(s) provided by the Government. The

Contractor may identify if this access is through the production environment/database or a staging/test environment/database.

In order to demonstrate our solution, we need sample data. How and when will this be made available?

The Government's expectation is for the Offeror to use existing data from its commercial capabilities. The Offeror should have access to the types of data required to demonstrate minimum capabilities as travel data experience is an expectation. Prototypes are allowed for the demonstration; mockups/static screen captures are not.

57 Can the government specify what standard reports need to be delivered after 30 days?

The Offeror shall propose which standard reports will be delivered in order to meet the minimum capabilities outlined in the SOW and Attachment A. Those which rely on data from

TMCs and TMIS 1.0 archives shall be delivered within 60 days of ATO, as noted in amendment issued.

For FedRamp authorization, will you consider those cloud service provisions that are "in process" with the GSA FedRamp PMO office at time of submission?

Yes, the Offeror must state in its proposal where it is in the

FedRAMP process and provide a timeline for receiving

FedRAMP authorization. If it is expected to take longer than the 90 days estimated for NIST Authorization for FIPS 199

Moderate security, then the Offeror must propose how it will mitigate the risk to a timely start up such as pursuing a ATO under FISMA.

59 Do we need to be ATO compliant at the start of work or could we apply for ATO after award?

ATO will be obtained after the contract award, but it will be required before the Contractor may obtain production

Government data containing PII.

60 To clarify, first 30 days, are we required to ingest data sources and have reports ready? The solicitation will be amended to clarify this requirement.

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Requirement or

Paragraph Number Question Answer

If a format of a data source changes, and contractors are required to change import/report to accommodate such a change, is that suppose to be part of the firm fixed price or will there be a separate task order issued?

Yes, this is supposed to be part of the firm-fixed price. With that said, the Government anticipates that changes to the data feed format will be announced in advance and infrequent.

You indicate ETS data only includes TMC data since 2008 and ARC data. Is TMIS 2.0 not expected to include ETS1 voucher data?

TMIS 2.0 is not expected to include ETS1 voucher data.

Does the Government expect data sources to change in the 5 year contract? Could any source be potentially removed?

That is a possibility. This is dependent on the needs of our stakeholders and the value added by a data source.

64 We did not see an RFI/data call to evaluate. Why was there no preference for small businesses?

Market research began with a RFI in 2013. Numerous market research activities did not identify two or small businesses capable of meeting the government's requirements.

GSA did not issue a RFI or sources sought and this procurement is only $2.5 million. If GSA receives two or more viable proposals from small businesses, would GSA consider revising the solicitation to restrict it to small businesses?

Market research began with a RFI in 2013. Numerous market research activities did not identify two or small businesses capable of meeting the government's requirements.

The solicitation requires TMIS 2.0 to be able to trace back to the source (map and match records).

How successfully did TMIS 1.0 comply with this requirement?

Performance of TMIS 1.0 is not relevant to TMIS 2.0 requirements.

67 Will this be a single or multiple award? This will be a single award (see A.1 of the RFP).

68 Is TRX the incumbent or will this contract work with their current solution?

Concur-TRX is the incumbent. TMIS 2.0 contractors will need to work with the incumbent only to the extent necessary to receive TMIS 1.0 archive data.

69 Should technical assumptions be included in Volume I?

Technical assumptions should be included the technical section (Volume 2) to enable the Government to ascertain the level of understanding and risk. The solicitation will be amended to clarify this.

70 How is the competitive range established? Please see Section M.

Will the Government consider a non-conforming proposal if it was presented a better value to the

Government?

The Government is open to alternative price proposals. The

Government would not accept an alternative technical proposal.

NEW QUESTION

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Requirement or

Paragraph Number Question Answer

72 C.4.1 24 & 25 c) Can the Government elaborate on the 508 testing?

508 testing will be performed after the contract award.

COMPLY First software from Odellus.com is GSA approved and will be used to test the TMIS 2.0 solution’s compliance with 508 requirements. Additional testing will be performed by a GSA expert tester using the following assistive technologies: Jaws v15, Window

Eyes v8 and ZoomText 8.

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