Questions and Answers MWE 6-3-2021.pdf

OFFICE OF ADMINISTRATION

1100 N. Eutaw Street, Room 101

Baltimore, MD 21201 Elizabeth L. Williams, Executive Director liz.williams@maryland.gov | 410-767-3500 | www.labor.maryland.gov

LARRY HOGAN, GOVERNOR | BOYD K. RUTHERFORD, LT. GOVERNOR | TIFFANY P. ROBINSON, SECRETARY

Q & A #1 To

Request for Proposal (RFP) Maryland Workforce Exchange Software-As-A-Service (SaaS) Workforce Solution

Solicitation Number: BPM023096 Date: June 3, 2021

Question #1: What is the proposed budget for this solution?

Answer #1: Not applicable to this RFP.

Question #2: What is the incumbent system?

Answer #2: The incumbent system is Virtual Onestop by Geographic Solutions, Inc.

Question #3: From where will data need to be migrated?

Answer #3: Incumbent system Geographic Solutions Inc. (GSI) and State of Maryland Unemployment Beacon system. GSI stores the MWE data in a private cloud with a replicated backup.

Question #4: What is the preferred go live date for a new solution?

Answer #4: The preferred Go Live date is one year from the Notice to Proceed.

Question #5: Regarding 'Offeror Key Personnel Experience' (section 3.10.4), would it be acceptable for vendor staff to have extensive large government change experience, but not all within IT?

Answer #5: The key personnel experience listed in section 3.10.4 is necessary for the success of the workforce solution. Provide your 'Offeror Key Personnel Experience' and the Maryland Department of Labor will review the resumes and evaluate the experience and the applicability to this project.

Question #6: “Draft planning document due at the time of proposal.” What elements does the state want to see in this document submission? Reference DEL #02, Page 19 Answer #6: Please review the Requirements column of the Deliverables table for guidance and links on what elements to include in the document submission. For each Deliverable, include the elements that indicate that you, as an Offeror, can execute this portion of the project to the satisfaction of the State.

Per Section 2.3.6, Additional information can be found at:

The State of Maryland System Development Life Cycle (SDLC) methodology at:

http://doit.maryland.gov/SDLC/Pages/agile-sdlc.aspx;

http://doit.maryland.gov/SDLC/Pages/agile-sdlc.aspx

Baltimore, MD 21201 Elizabeth L. Williams, Executive Director liz.williams@maryland.gov | 410-767-3500 | www.labor.maryland.gov

LARRY HOGAN, GOVERNOR | BOYD K. RUTHERFORD, LT. GOVERNOR | TIFFANY P. ROBINSON, SECRETARY

The State of Maryland Information Technology Project Oversight at:

http://doit.maryland.gov/epmo/pages/MITDP/oversight.aspx;

The State of Maryland Information Technology templates at:

https://doit.maryland.gov/SDLC/Pages/templates-phases.aspx

Question #7: “Draft planning document due at the time of proposal.” What elements does the state want to see in this document submission? Reference DEL #03, Transition-In Plan Answer #7: Please review the Requirements column of the Deliverables table for guidance and links on what elements to include in the document submission. For each Deliverable, include the elements that indicate that you, as an Offeror, can execute this portion of the project to the satisfaction of the State.

Per Section 2.3.6, Additional information can be found at:

The State of Maryland System Development Life Cycle (SDLC) methodology at:

http://doit.maryland.gov/SDLC/Pages/agile-sdlc.aspx;

The State of Maryland Information Technology Project Oversight at:

http://doit.maryland.gov/epmo/pages/MITDP/oversight.aspx;

The State of Maryland Information Technology templates at:

https://doit.maryland.gov/SDLC/Pages/templates-phases.aspx

Question #8: “Draft planning document due at the time of proposal.” What elements does the state want to see in this document submission? Reference DEL #03, Test Plan Page 20 Answer #8: Please review the Requirements column of the Deliverables table for guidance and links on what elements to include in the document submission. For each Deliverable, include the elements that indicate that you, as an Offeror, can execute this portion of the project to the satisfaction of the State.

Per Section 2.3.6, Additional information can be found at:

The State of Maryland System Development Life Cycle (SDLC) methodology at:

http://doit.maryland.gov/SDLC/Pages/agile-sdlc.aspx;

The State of Maryland Information Technology Project Oversight at:

http://doit.maryland.gov/epmo/pages/MITDP/oversight.aspx;

The State of Maryland Information Technology templates at:

https://doit.maryland.gov/SDLC/Pages/templates-phases.aspx http://doit.maryland.gov/epmo/pages/MITDP/oversight.aspx http://doit.maryland.gov/SDLC/Pages/agile-sdlc.aspx http://doit.maryland.gov/epmo/pages/MITDP/oversight.aspx https://doit.maryland.gov/SDLC/Pages/templates-phases.aspx http://doit.maryland.gov/SDLC/Pages/agile-sdlc.aspx

Baltimore, MD 21201 Elizabeth L. Williams, Executive Director liz.williams@maryland.gov | 410-767-3500 | www.labor.maryland.gov

LARRY HOGAN, GOVERNOR | BOYD K. RUTHERFORD, LT. GOVERNOR | TIFFANY P. ROBINSON, SECRETARY

Question #9: “Draft planning document due at the time of proposal.” What elements does the state want to see in this document submission? Reference DEL #03, Training Plan Page Answer #9: Please review the Requirements column of the Deliverables table for guidance and links on what elements to include in the document submission. For each Deliverable, include the elements that indicate that you, as an Offeror, can execute this portion of the project to the satisfaction of the State.

Per Section 2.3.6, Additional information can be found at:

The State of Maryland System Development Life Cycle (SDLC) methodology at:

http://doit.maryland.gov/SDLC/Pages/agile-sdlc.aspx;

The State of Maryland Information Technology Project Oversight at:

http://doit.maryland.gov/epmo/pages/MITDP/oversight.aspx;

The State of Maryland Information Technology templates at:

https://doit.maryland.gov/SDLC/Pages/templates-phases.aspx

Question #10: “Draft manual document due at the time of proposal.” What elements does the state want to see in this document submission? Reference DEL #03 User Manual Page Answer #10: Please review the Requirements column of the Deliverables table for guidance and links on what elements to include in the document submission. For each Deliverable, include the elements that indicate that you, as an Offeror, can execute this portion of the project to the satisfaction of the State.

Per Section 2.3.6, Additional information can be found at:

The State of Maryland System Development Life Cycle (SDLC) methodology at:

http://doit.maryland.gov/SDLC/Pages/agile-sdlc.aspx;

The State of Maryland Information Technology Project Oversight at:

http://doit.maryland.gov/epmo/pages/MITDP/oversight.aspx;

The State of Maryland Information Technology templates at:

https://doit.maryland.gov/SDLC/Pages/templates-phases.aspx

Question #11: “Draft manual document due at the time of proposal.” What elements does the state want to see in this document submission? Reference DEL #03 System Administration Manual Page 21 Answer #11: Please review the Requirements column of the Deliverables table for guidance and links on what elements to include in the document submission. For each http://doit.maryland.gov/SDLC/Pages/agile-sdlc.aspx http://doit.maryland.gov/epmo/pages/MITDP/oversight.aspx https://doit.maryland.gov/SDLC/Pages/templates-phases.aspx http://doit.maryland.gov/SDLC/Pages/agile-sdlc.aspx

Baltimore, MD 21201 Elizabeth L. Williams, Executive Director liz.williams@maryland.gov | 410-767-3500 | www.labor.maryland.gov

LARRY HOGAN, GOVERNOR | BOYD K. RUTHERFORD, LT. GOVERNOR | TIFFANY P. ROBINSON, SECRETARY

Deliverable, include the elements that indicate that you, as an Offeror, can execute this portion of the project to the satisfaction of the State.

Per Section 2.3.6, Additional information can be found at:

The State of Maryland System Development Life Cycle (SDLC) methodology at:

http://doit.maryland.gov/SDLC/Pages/agile-sdlc.aspx;

The State of Maryland Information Technology Project Oversight at:

http://doit.maryland.gov/epmo/pages/MITDP/oversight.aspx;

The State of Maryland Information Technology templates at:

https://doit.maryland.gov/SDLC/Pages/templates-phases.aspx

Question #12: “Draft planning documents due at the time of proposal.” What elements does the state want to see in this document submission? Reference DEL #03 System Integration Plan Page 21 Answer #12: Please review the Requirements column of the Deliverables table for guidance and links on what elements to include in the document submission. For each Deliverable, include the elements that indicate that you, as an Offeror, can execute this portion of the project to the satisfaction of the State.

Per Section 2.3.6, Additional information can be found at:

The State of Maryland System Development Life Cycle (SDLC) methodology at:

http://doit.maryland.gov/SDLC/Pages/agile-sdlc.aspx;

The State of Maryland Information Technology Project Oversight at:

http://doit.maryland.gov/epmo/pages/MITDP/oversight.aspx;

The State of Maryland Information Technology templates at:

https://doit.maryland.gov/SDLC/Pages/templates-phases.aspx

Question #13: “Draft planning documents due at the time of proposal.” What elements does the state want to see in this document submission? Reference DEL #03 Risk Management Plan Page 21 Answer #13: Please review the Requirements column of the Deliverables table for guidance and links on what elements to include in the document submission. For each Deliverable, include the elements that indicate that you, as an Offeror, can execute this portion of the project to the satisfaction of the State.

Per Section 2.3.6, Additional information can be found at:

The State of Maryland System Development Life Cycle (SDLC) methodology at:

http://doit.maryland.gov/SDLC/Pages/agile-sdlc.aspx http://doit.maryland.gov/epmo/pages/MITDP/oversight.aspx https://doit.maryland.gov/SDLC/Pages/templates-phases.aspx http://doit.maryland.gov/SDLC/Pages/agile-sdlc.aspx

Baltimore, MD 21201 Elizabeth L. Williams, Executive Director liz.williams@maryland.gov | 410-767-3500 | www.labor.maryland.gov

LARRY HOGAN, GOVERNOR | BOYD K. RUTHERFORD, LT. GOVERNOR | TIFFANY P. ROBINSON, SECRETARY http://doit.maryland.gov/SDLC/Pages/agile-sdlc.aspx;

The State of Maryland Information Technology Project Oversight at:

http://doit.maryland.gov/epmo/pages/MITDP/oversight.aspx;

The State of Maryland Information Technology templates at:

https://doit.maryland.gov/SDLC/Pages/templates-phases.aspx

Question #14: “Draft planning documents due at the time of proposal.” What elements does the state want to see in this document submission? Reference DEL #03 Data Conversion Plan Page 21 Answer #14: Please review the Requirements column of the Deliverables table for guidance and links on what elements to include in the document submission. For each Deliverable, include the elements that indicate that you, as an Offeror, can execute this portion of the project to the satisfaction of the State.

Per Section 2.3.6, Additional information can be found at:

The State of Maryland System Development Life Cycle (SDLC) methodology at:

http://doit.maryland.gov/SDLC/Pages/agile-sdlc.aspx;

The State of Maryland Information Technology Project Oversight at:

http://doit.maryland.gov/epmo/pages/MITDP/oversight.aspx;

The State of Maryland Information Technology templates at:

https://doit.maryland.gov/SDLC/Pages/templates-phases.aspx

Question #15: “Draft planning documents due at the time of proposal.” What elements does the state want to see in this document submission? Reference DEL #03 Requirements Traceability Matrix Page 21 Answer #15: Please review the Requirements column of the Deliverables table for guidance and links on what elements to include in the document submission. For each Deliverable, include the elements that indicate that you, as an Offeror, can execute this portion of the project to the satisfaction of the State.

Per Section 2.3.6, Additional information can be found at:

The State of Maryland System Development Life Cycle (SDLC) methodology at:

http://doit.maryland.gov/SDLC/Pages/agile-sdlc.aspx;

The State of Maryland Information Technology Project Oversight at:

http://doit.maryland.gov/epmo/pages/MITDP/oversight.aspx;

https://doit.maryland.gov/SDLC/Pages/templates-phases.aspx http://doit.maryland.gov/SDLC/Pages/agile-sdlc.aspx http://doit.maryland.gov/epmo/pages/MITDP/oversight.aspx https://doit.maryland.gov/SDLC/Pages/templates-phases.aspx

Baltimore, MD 21201 Elizabeth L. Williams, Executive Director liz.williams@maryland.gov | 410-767-3500 | www.labor.maryland.gov

LARRY HOGAN, GOVERNOR | BOYD K. RUTHERFORD, LT. GOVERNOR | TIFFANY P. ROBINSON, SECRETARY

The State of Maryland Information Technology templates at:

https://doit.maryland.gov/SDLC/Pages/templates-phases.aspx

Question #16: Is the Requirements Traceability Matrix part of DEL #03 or #04 or both?

Reference Pages 21-22 Answer #16: Both. The RTM is a living document that is baselined at the beginning of the project and updated as the project progresses.

Question #17: “Offerors shall describe in a Staffing Plan how additional resources shall be acquired to meet the needs of LABOR.” What elements does the state want to see in this document submission? Section 3.10.2 Page 51 Answer #17: Please review the Requirements column of the Deliverables table for guidance and links on what elements to include in the document submission. For each Deliverable, include the elements that indicate that you, as an Offeror, can execute this portion of the project to the satisfaction of the State.

Per Section 2.3.6, Additional information can be found at:

The State of Maryland System Development Life Cycle (SDLC) methodology at:

http://doit.maryland.gov/SDLC/Pages/agile-sdlc.aspx;

The State of Maryland Information Technology Project Oversight at:

http://doit.maryland.gov/epmo/pages/MITDP/oversight.aspx;

The State of Maryland Information Technology templates at:

https://doit.maryland.gov/SDLC/Pages/templates-phases.aspx

Question #18: See separate Excel Form labeled, “Appendix 5 – MWE Technical Requirements”. The document from the RFP site labeled this as Attachment 5. Should it be labeled Appendix 5 or Attachment 5? Reference Page 140 Answer #18: The filename for Attachment 5 should be Appendix 5. See Addendum #1.

Question #19: “The Offeror shall give a definitive section-by-section description of the proposed plan to meet the requirements of the RFP, i.e., a Work Plan.” What elements does the state want to see in this document submission? Reference 5.3.2 (F) (3), Page 78 Answer #19: Please review the Requirements column of the Deliverables table for guidance and links on what elements to include in the document submission. For each Deliverable, include the elements that indicate that you, as an Offeror, can execute this portion of the project to the satisfaction of the State.

Per Section 2.3.6, Additional information can be found at:

The State of Maryland System Development Life Cycle (SDLC) methodology at:

https://doit.maryland.gov/SDLC/Pages/templates-phases.aspx http://doit.maryland.gov/SDLC/Pages/agile-sdlc.aspx

Baltimore, MD 21201 Elizabeth L. Williams, Executive Director liz.williams@maryland.gov | 410-767-3500 | www.labor.maryland.gov

LARRY HOGAN, GOVERNOR | BOYD K. RUTHERFORD, LT. GOVERNOR | TIFFANY P. ROBINSON, SECRETARY http://doit.maryland.gov/SDLC/Pages/agile-sdlc.aspx;

The State of Maryland Information Technology Project Oversight at:

http://doit.maryland.gov/epmo/pages/MITDP/oversight.aspx;

The State of Maryland Information Technology templates at:

https://doit.maryland.gov/SDLC/Pages/templates-phases.aspx

Question #20: “Offeror shall provide the proposed implementation schedule with its Proposal.” Is this the same as the project schedule requested in the table of deliverables?

Reference 5.3.2 (F) (4), Page 78 Answer #20: Yes. The project schedule should include the implementation dates.

Question #21: “If available, the Offeror shall include Financial Statements, preferably a Profit and Loss (P&L) statement and a Balance Sheet, for the last two (2) years (independently audited preferred).” Due to the sensitive financial nature of this information, can we provide our financial statements in a separate, secure portal or via separate, secure email that is viewable by the evaluation team? Reference Section 5.3.2 (K) Answer #21: Through the proposal submission in eMMA, the financial statements are only available to the evaluation team during the review process. They are not available to personnel other than the evaluation team.

Question #22: Is there a difference between the Non-Disclosure Agreement labeled Appendix 3 (to be submitted with the proposal) and the Non-Disclosure Agreement labeled Attachment I (suggested with proposal)? Which should we submit? Appendix 3 (page 138) states “This solicitation does not require a Non-Disclosure Agreement for the Offeror.”

Please confirm. Reference 7 (Table 1), Pages 92-93 Answer #22: Appendix 3: Non-Disclosure Agreement (Offeror): This solicitation does not require a Non-Disclosure Agreement for the Offeror. However, Attachment I: Non- Disclosure Agreement (Contractor) shall be submitted 5 Business Days after recommended award.

Question #23: “This solicitation does not require a DHS Hiring Agreement.”

However, in Section 7 Table 1 Attachment O DHS Hiring Agreement (page 92) is listed as “5 Business Days after recommended award” and a link to download it appears on page 132.”

Please confirm it is not required with proposal submission. Reference Section 4.3.6, Page Answer #23: The solicitation does not require a DHS Hiring Agreement. See Addendum #1.

Baltimore, MD 21201 Elizabeth L. Williams, Executive Director liz.williams@maryland.gov | 410-767-3500 | www.labor.maryland.gov

LARRY HOGAN, GOVERNOR | BOYD K. RUTHERFORD, LT. GOVERNOR | TIFFANY P. ROBINSON, SECRETARY

Question #24: Please validate numbering: following 2.3.8.1, the RFP lists 2.3.6.1 and

2.3.6.2. Reference Section 2.3.8, Pages 15-16

Answer #24: Section 2.3.6.1 should be Section 2.3.8.2. Section 2.3.6.2 should be Section

2.3.8.3. See Addendum #1.

Question #25: “Web page translation shall include Spanish and Chinese at a minimum.” Is Google Translate acceptable for the required Chinese translation of web pages? Reference Attachment 5, FR-1: D Answer #25: Yes, Google Translate or other translation software is acceptable.

Question #26: “The proposed system shall be able to interface to an external automated call out system to be able to call individuals or employers.” Please provide more detail regarding this requirement. Can you describe the current interface? Reference Attachment 5, FR-6:E Answer #26: There currently is no call out system. This may be needed/requested in the future.

Question #27: “The proposed system shall have the ability to keep track of employers and the DOL assigned TAW numbers.” Is “TAW” numbers meant to be “TAA” numbers?

Reference Attachment 5, FR-7:D Answer #27: Yes, TAW should be TAA. See Addendum #1.

Question #28: “become internal resumes to streamline employer access.” This requirement appears to be incomplete, please clarify? Reference Attachment 5, FR-25:A Answer #28: See Addendum #1, Appendix 5. Attachment 5 has been replaced by Appendix 5.

Question #29: “Data, which is identified as Maryland Workforce Exchange System and shall address all areas” This requirement appears to be incomplete, please clarify. Reference Attachment 5, NFR-2:A Answer #29: See Addendum #1, Appendix 5. Attachment 5 has been replaced by Appendix 5.

Question #30: “relating to information technology security and operational processes.”

This requirement appears to be incomplete, please clarify. Reference Attachment 5, NFR- 2:B Answer #30: See Addendum #1, Appendix 5. Attachment 5 has been replaced by Appendix 5.

Question #31: “Technical Proposal and all supporting material in Microsoft Word format, version 2016 or greater,” – part of the Technical Proposal (Attachment 5) is an Excel

Baltimore, MD 21201 Elizabeth L. Williams, Executive Director liz.williams@maryland.gov | 410-767-3500 | www.labor.maryland.gov

LARRY HOGAN, GOVERNOR | BOYD K. RUTHERFORD, LT. GOVERNOR | TIFFANY P. ROBINSON, SECRETARY worksheet – should that be converted to Word or submitted in Excel? Reference Section

5.2.7 (A), Page 76 Answer #31: Submit Appendix 5 in MS Excel and Adobe PDF format.

Question #32: “MD Labor reserves the right to request data extracts to facilitate internal ad-hoc report creation. Contractor shall include a minimum of 50 annual data extracts requests in its cost proposal.” Please provide more detail as to the nature of the data extracts. Reference Attachment 5, FR-21:P Answer #32: The MD LABOR data extract request would specify what data is needed. This item is referring to Maryland’s need to request data elements from the database to fulfill ad-hoc reporting needs.

Question #33: “The State requires that the Contractor completes full system deployment within six calendar months. The Contractor may proposed an alternate deployment schedule subject to the State’s acceptance. “There are two instances in the RFP that states a one year deployment (Summary Statement, paragraph 2.1.1 and Responsibilities and Tasks, Section 2.3.1 C). Please confirm the anticipated start date and expected Go Live date.

Reference Attachment 5, FR-24:E Answer #33: The preferred Go Live date is one year after Notice to Proceed.

Question #34: “All pages of both Proposal volumes shall be consecutively numbered from beginning (Page 1) to end (Page “x”).” Will the state allow the consecutive page numbering to start over for each TAB (e.g., page TAB A-1, page TAB B-1, etc.? Reference Section 5.3.1, Answer #34: Yes.

Question #35: “If references are required in RFP Section 1, those references shall be submitted in this section and shall contain the information described in both Section 1 and Section 5.3.2.1.” There does not appear to be a Section 5.3.2.1 – please confirm. Reference Section 5.3.2 (E), Page 78 Answer #35: Paragraph should reference Section 5.3.2.I (letter “I”), not 5.3.2.1. See Addendum #1.

Question #36: “The Offeror shall include an SLA as identified in Section 2.6”“see Section 2.6 Service Level Agreement” “Meet the Problem Response Time and Resolution requirements as defined in Section 2.6.7.” “Emergency, High, Normal, or Low as defined in Section 2.6.7).” “The State will also be looking for the Offeror’s commitment to the stated service levels in the form of SLA Credits (see Section 2.6.5).” There does not appear to be Sections 2.6, 2.6.5, or 2.6.7 – please confirm. Reference Section 5.3.2 (F) (12), Page 79 Answer #36: Section 2.6.5 should be Section 2.5.4.1 SLA Credits. Section 2.6.7 should be Section 2.5.6. See Addendum #1.

Baltimore, MD 21201 Elizabeth L. Williams, Executive Director liz.williams@maryland.gov | 410-767-3500 | www.labor.maryland.gov

LARRY HOGAN, GOVERNOR | BOYD K. RUTHERFORD, LT. GOVERNOR | TIFFANY P. ROBINSON, SECRETARY

Question #37: Does the state have an estimated timeline of award determination?

Reference Section 6.5.3, Page 89 Answer #37: Estimated timeline is week ending September 3, 2021.

Question #38: “The Contractor shall:

a. Be responsible for complying with all performance measurements (as defined in Section

2.5.8) and shall also ensure compliance by all subcontractors.

b. Meet the Problem Response Time and Resolution requirements as defined in Section

2.6.7.

c. Log Problems into Contractor-supplied help desk software and assign an initial severity

(Emergency, High, Normal, or Low as defined in Section 2.6.7).”

d. These requirement refer to Sections 2.5.8 and 2.6.7 that do not appear to be included in the RFP – please confirm. Reference Section 2.5.2, Pages 27-28

Answer #38: Section 2.6.5 should be Section 2.5.4.1 SLA Credits. Section 2.6.7 should be Section 2.5.6. See Addendum #1.

Question #39 (Qualification Questions): There is a requirement that says, "The proposed system shall be a SaaS with a minimum 80% in the base solution and 20% customization.

Configuration changes are counted as part of the 80% base." Our solution is more custom-built (vs. packaged SaaS) so we would be unable to meet this 80% requirement. Can you confirm whether a solution that is 80% customization would be ruled out of consideration?

Answer #39: A solution that requires 80% customization would not meet the requirements of the solicitation. The requirement is for a SaaS based solution with minimal customization.

Question #40 (Qualification Questions): Under section 2.1.5: "The State does not wish to procure a software application still under development. The solution shall be operational (i.e., not under development) and generally available before the due date of the Proposal.

Would a highly customized solution that takes time to build post award rule us out of consideration?

Answer #40: A solution that requires 80% customization would not meet the requirements of the solicitation. The requirement is for a SaaS based system with minimal customization.

Question #41 (Training Question): For training purposes, what is the approximate count of LABOR staff?

Answer #41: Currently there are approximately 600 LABOR system staff users.

Baltimore, MD 21201 Elizabeth L. Williams, Executive Director liz.williams@maryland.gov | 410-767-3500 | www.labor.maryland.gov

LARRY HOGAN, GOVERNOR | BOYD K. RUTHERFORD, LT. GOVERNOR | TIFFANY P. ROBINSON, SECRETARY

Question #42 (Training Question): For training purposes, what languages do we need to account for in training materials and session delivery?

Answer #42: Training materials and session delivery for staff would be delivered in English.

Question #43 (Training Question): For communications purposes, in past projects we have been responsible for internal [IE LABOR] communications, as well as external [ie Job Seeker] communications. Should our response accompany both or only one of these audiences?

Answer #44: Neither. Training communication is handled by LABOR staff.

Question #44 (Training Question): Under the Communication and Correspondence section, there are several requirements for messaging systems.

a. Is the intent to provide real-time communications (i.e. chat) between job seekers, state staff and even external employers? Does Maryland have commitment from employers to provide real time chat resource contacts for that functionality (FR-6:B)? Yes of No? The real-time Chat functionality allows

Employers, Job Seekers, and LABOR Staff to communicate with the system help desk. Employers have not committed to providing real-time chat resources.

b. Does the State have SMS text-ready mobile numbers from residents as part of current profiles (FR-6:D)? Yes, text numbers are provided by customers who wish to receive these types of communication.

What sort of communications does the state envision occurring through social media channels (FR-6:D)? Job postings can be shared by the job seeker or employer via Twitter, Facebook, email, etc.

c. Does the state envision integration to existing MD contact centers to facilitate outbound calling to residents or employers (FR-6:E)? Yes or No? No.

Answer #44: See responses above.

Question #45 (Integration Question): For the Spidering of jobs, has the State looked into more reliable API access (LinkedIn API, Indeed API, Glassdoor API, ...) for these job database sources? Would this spidering be used instead of or in addition to the subscription API-based data providers?

Answer #45: Our current vendor uses spidering technology to import job postings and receives a feed directly from the NLX.

Question #46 (Integration Question): Under Case Management, does the State envision real time or batch integration between this new system and the state Unemployment Insurance system. How do residents obtain WorkKeys® scores? Through this new site?

Answer #46:

Baltimore, MD 21201 Elizabeth L. Williams, Executive Director liz.williams@maryland.gov | 410-767-3500 | www.labor.maryland.gov

LARRY HOGAN, GOVERNOR | BOYD K. RUTHERFORD, LT. GOVERNOR | TIFFANY P. ROBINSON, SECRETARY

Part A: The current system uses API and file transfers to communicate data to/from MWE from/to the UI system.

Part B: WorkKeys scores are entered into the MWE and used for case managers and job matching. The system does not administer the assessment.

Question #47 (Integration Question): Under Additional Features, there is a requirement for HelpDesk Chat. Is that to be coordinated through an existing Maryland contact center or do you envision Offerer staffing up a help desk for this specific purpose (FR-24:L)?

Answer #47: The current real-time Chat functionality allows Employers, Job Seekers, and Staff to communicate with LABOR’s established system help desk. LABOR does not envision an Offeror staffing a help desk for this specific purpose.

Question #48 (Integration Question): Under Additional Features, is there existing kiosk hardware in the job centers? Should that be proposed as part of this proposal (FR-24:Q)?

Answer #48: Currently the check-in kiosk functionality provided is web-based. American Job Centers use their current hardware or purchase hardware as needed.

Question #49: (Procedural/RFP Questions): What does FR-25:A say? The text appears cut-off.

Answer #49: FR-25:A should be removed. See Addendum #1.

Question #50 (Procedural/RFP Questions): Is the Department of Labor able to waive the Performance Bond requirement of $1 million given the proposer has sufficient experience in the proposed solution and has not defaulted, had a breach of contract, or any pending litigations against it?

Answer #50: The Maryland Department of Labor cannot waive the Performance Bond requirement of $1M.

Question #51: Please clarify if you are looking to entirely replace the current existing system or expand upon the existing environment? (section 2.2)?

Answer #51: LABOR is looking to replace the existing system.

Question #52: Is this RFP open for a new system integrator?

Answer #52: Yes.

Question #53: The State does not wish to procure a software application still under development. Are you looking for out of the box with minimal or no code? (Section 2.1.5)?

Answer #53: Yes. The State is looking for an out of the box solution with minimal or no code.

Baltimore, MD 21201 Elizabeth L. Williams, Executive Director liz.williams@maryland.gov | 410-767-3500 | www.labor.maryland.gov

LARRY HOGAN, GOVERNOR | BOYD K. RUTHERFORD, LT. GOVERNOR | TIFFANY P. ROBINSON, SECRETARY

Question #54: As mentioned mobile usage would be desired, do you expect texting capabilities to be available? If yes, who is the user and specific need? ( section 2.2) Answer #54: Yes. The mobile application currently allows text messages and documents to be shared from the job seeker to the case manager/job center staff as it is connected to the main system.

Question #55: In terms of the Federal programs that provide funding - are you looking to track the grants as well? (Section 2.2.1) Answer #55: Yes, all federal programs and grants are tracked by the MWE. Local areas also require the ability to track local/non-federal programs.

Question #56: Please provide the approx. amount of users: (section 2.2.1 and 2.2.2)

a. Maryland American Job Centers (32) - How many users per AJC would need to access the platform?

b. Local workforce development boards (12) - How many users per WDB would need to access the solution?

c. You mention integrated services, would you want partners to have access as well? If yes, please provide a number of providers.

Answer #56: Yes, there are currently approximately 600 system staff users including AJC Staff, Workforce Board Staff, and any service providers.

Question #57: We offer a SAAS Solution that has a subscription fee based on licenses. On attachment B - you are referencing a “Statewide License for an unlimited number of users”.

In addition, ‘LABOR shall not be charged for software licenses; however a subscription fee is acceptable. (Section 2.3.5) Based on these references, as long as I’m able to provide a subscription fee that provides access to the solution for all users, would this be acceptable?

Answer #57: Yes.

Question #58: Please clarify are you looking for a solution to also allow Employers to Post Jobs and see applications to those Jobs? If not please clarify if you are looking for any other solution involving Employers.

Answer #58: Yes, employers establish system registrations to post positions, search for qualified applicants, participate in Job Fairs and send communications to job seekers. Jobs posted by employers are searchable by job seekers using various methods.

Question #59: What does the acronym “MIDTP” stand for?

Answer #59: Major Information Technology Development Project (MITDP). Section 4.29.3 and Attachment G have the incorrect acronym. It should be MITDP. See Addendum #1.

Baltimore, MD 21201 Elizabeth L. Williams, Executive Director liz.williams@maryland.gov | 410-767-3500 | www.labor.maryland.gov

LARRY HOGAN, GOVERNOR | BOYD K. RUTHERFORD, LT. GOVERNOR | TIFFANY P. ROBINSON, SECRETARY

Question #60: Section 2.2.2.B. lists the WIOA programs that DWDAL administers. Will the solution be required to support all of those programs?

Answer #60: Yes, all federal programs are to be managed via the MWE. Local areas also require the ability to track local/non-federal programs.

Question #61: Do we need to provide software that does User Identity verification?

Example: Lexus-Nexus.

Answer #61: Yes.

Question #62: Will we need to provide an IVR solution or integrate with an existing IVR solution?

Answer #62: Currently there is no requirement to provide an IVR solution.

Question #63: Do we need to provide offline capabilities for mobile apps?

Answer #63: The mobile app functionality is online and connected to the job seeker’s main system account.

Question #64: Do we need to provide a middleware platform recommendation or does Maryland have their own middleware?

Answer #64: Yes. The Offeror needs to provide a middleware platform as part of their solution.

Question #65: For the four key personnel positions listed, do those individuals, with those specified years of experience, do they need to be 100% committed to the project or can they act in a supervisory role?

Answer #65: No. The State does not want to have the Key Personnel acting in a supervisory role.