Request for Information - IT IM Services.docx

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE ACQUISITION DIRECTORATE

Request for Information

1.0 General Information

Document Type: Request for Information Title: Information Technology/Information Management Support Services Request for Information Post Date: 10/8/2021 Request for Information Response Date: 11/7/2021 NAICS Code: 541519 – Other Computer Related Services Services Product Service Code: 7E20, It and Telecom – End User: Help Desk; Tier 1-2, Workspace, Print, Productivity Tool (Hw/Perpetual Sw)

2.0 Background

The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA)/George C. Marshall Center (GCMC) in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany, is sponsoring this Request for Information (RFI). The Government intends to issue a single award contract for this requirement.

3.0 Introduction

The mission of the GCMC, as a vital instrument of German-American cooperation, is to create a more stable security environment by advancing democratic institutions and relationships; promoting active, peaceful, whole-of-government approaches to address transnational and regional security challenges; and creating and enhancing enduring partnerships worldwide.

4.0 Request for Information

To facilitate market research, the Government is looking to identify qualified sources under the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) 541519 – Other Computer Related Services.

Responses are requested from “all” sources including Other than Small Businesses. However, please note that FAR 19 does not apply to this requirement as the entirety of the place of performance is OCONUS.

This RFI Notice is for information and planning purposes only and shall NOT be construed as a solicitation or as an obligation on the part of the Government. This notice does not obligate the Government to award a contract or otherwise pay for the information provided in the response. The Government reserves the right to use information provided by respondents for any purpose deemed necessary and legally appropriate. Any concern responding to this notice should ensure that its response is complete and sufficiently detailed to allow the Government to determine the concern’s qualifications to perform the work.

Respondents are advised that the Government is under no obligation to acknowledge receipt of the information received, or provide feedback to respondents with respect to any information submitted. After a review of the responses received, a pre-solicitation synopsis and solicitation MAY be published in Contract Opportunities on SAM.gov. However, responses to this notice will not be considered adequate responses to a solicitation.

The Government will NOT accept requests for meetings or briefings. No phone solicitations or email with regards to the status of the Request for Proposal (RFP) will be accepted prior to its release. Information and materials submitted in response to this notice WILL NOT be returned.

As a result of this notice, the Government MAY issue a RFP. There is no solicitation available at this time. However, should such a requirement materialize, no basis for claims against the Government will arise as a result of a response to this RFI, nor the Government’s use of such information as either part of our evaluation process, nor in developing specifications for any subsequent requirement.

Confidentiality: No proprietary, classified, confidential, or sensitive information should be included in your response. The Government reserves the right to use any non-proprietary technical information in any resultant solicitation.

5.0 Program Details

The Washington Headquarters Services/Acquisition Directorate (WHS/AD) is issuing this notice to obtain information to assist DSCA/GCMC in providing Information Technology/Information Management Support Services in order to successfully execute the mission of the GCMC. The potential scope of this requirement includes technical expertise to support the development, integration, implementation, operation, and security of computer hardware, software, and associated network and communications systems for the GCMC. Contractor support is required to provide the necessary professional, competent, and dedicated on-site IT service expertise to perform work as identified in support of the GCMC and its staff and participants. The GCMC consists of roughly 300 permanent staff members and more than 1000 participants rotating annually, as well as numerous pieces of technical equipment including printers, monitors, mobile devices, physical and virtual workstations, physical and virtual servers, and wireless and non-wireless network equipment spread across two (2) Kasernes (Artillery Kaserne and Sheridan Kaserne).

The purpose of this RFI is to identify a pool of potentially qualified contractors to provide the U.S. Department of Defense (“DoD”) with these support services to support and to engage the contractor community in a discussion regarding this requirement. Please note: the prior solicitation for this effort was solicited under CHESS, RFP 267259. The following service requirements may be critical task areas required in support of this follow-on effort:

6.0 Service Requirement Critical Task Areas/Elements

(Contractors are encouraged to include *verifiable* information about their firm’s ability to comply with the security clearance, German law, installation access, computer network access, and task area requirements for this effort.)

1) Security Clearance. Certain contractor personnel performing work under this contract shall have a SECRET security clearance at time of the proposal submission, and shall maintain the level of security required for the life of the contract. More specifically, all US citizen contractor personnel with access to unclassified information systems, including e-mail, shall have at a minimum a favorable Tier 1 Background Investigation (formerly known as National Agency Check & Inquiries (NACI)). All non-US citizen contractor personnel with access to unclassified information systems, including e-mail, shall have at a minimum a favorable Local National Screening Program (LNSP) background investigation. All US Citizen contractor personnel whose contracted position requires a SECRET clearance shall have a Tier 3 Background Investigation (formerly known as National Agency Check with Local Agency Check and Credit (NACLC)).

2) Compliance with German Law. Contractors performing services in Germany shall comply with German law to include but not limited to Section 613a of the German Civil Code. Additionally, the Contractor shall determine whether performance requires registration with German authorities or authorization to do business in Germany and, if so, shall comply with all requirements. Whether or not registration or authorization to do business is required, the Contractor also shall determine what documents or authorization its employees and any subcontractor employees must possess to work in Germany. The Contractor shall ensure affirmatively that its employees and subcontractor employees possess such documents or authorizations. Contractor employees who:

(a) are not nationals of Germany or other European Union countries, and,

(b) are not members of the force, the civilian component or their dependents, and,

(c) do not have assimilated status under Articles 71, 72, or 73 of the Supplementary Agreement to the NATO SOFA, shall possess work and residence permits.

3) Installation Access. Access to U.S. installations and controlled areas is limited to personnel who meet security criteria and are authorized by Host Nation law to work in that country. Failure to submit required information/data and obtain required documentation or clearances IAW AE Regulation 190-16, Installation Access Control, will be grounds for denying access to U.S. installations and controlled areas. The Contractor shall ensure that any Sub-contractor used in performance of this contract complies with these requirements and that all employees, of both the Contractor and any Subcontractor utilized by the contractor, are made aware of and comply with these requirements.

4) Computer Network Access for Performance. Contractor personnel shall be required to acquire a CAC in order to access the Government computer network domain. In order to acquire a CAC, contractor personnel shall complete the following:

· All non-US citizen Contractor personnel with 12 months’ minimum residence in Germany shall complete background vetting in the Local National Screening Program (LNSP).

· All US Citizens, and those non-US Contractor personnel who completed 3 of the past 5 years’ minimum residence in the US, shall complete background vetting with a Tier 1 (T1) investigation, or a US DOD-determined equivalent investigation (see US DOD Directive-Type Memorandum (DTM) 08-003 for an authoritative list of US DOD-determined equivalents).

· Contractor personnel shall be registered in the Trusted Associate Sponsorship System (TASS). In order to do so, the Contractor shall coordinate with a Government TASS Trusted Agent (TA).

5) Task Areas.

· Service Desk Support Services - Provide all GCMC participants, guests and staff with responsive, qualified, and knowledgeable IT Call Center and Service Desk support, in accordance with the DSCA-Marshall Center CIO Service Request Policy Memorandum. Service Desk requests may be received in person, over the telephone, by email, or via the Systems Support Division ticket system. Contractor shall enter telephone request calls, emails, and in-person requests into the ticket system, in accordance with the DSCA Marshall Center Ticket Handling SOP Memorandum.

· Lead Service Desk Support Services - Contribute to improving customer support by actively responding to queries, handling complaints, and follow up with customers to identify areas of improvement. Ensure that all processes used by the Service Desk are thoroughly documented, consistently audited, and regularly improved. Works with IT Project Manager on project planning and execution for Service Desk related tasks, and provide accurate reporting for manning and task status. Manage the GCMC Microsoft System Center Configuration Manager (SCCM).

· Web Software Development Services - Assist in conceptualization and development of new software programs and applications in coordination with IT Project Manager and DevOps Team Lead. Assist in the research, preparation and documentation of program and application requirements and specifications. Code, compile and test software applications according to approved specifications and business requirements. Run and monitor software performance tests on new and existing applications for the purpose of correcting errors, isolating areas for improvement and general debugging. Develop and maintain user manuals and guidelines for all developed software programs and applications.

· System Administration Services - Provide Systems Administrator support for the GCMC domain, and is responsible for the daily operation, troubleshooting, restoration, configuration, installation, and security of the government-provided servers, and associated devices in coordination with the Systems Team Lead. Physically deploy, relocate and/or replace IT equipment that will require an individual to lift equipment up to 40 pounds. Provide Tier 2 support to the Service Desk for any Systems Administration tasks.

· Network Administration Support Services - Provide Network Administrator support for the GCMC network to include moves, adds, and changes to both wireless and wired infrastructure. Deploy and configure Cisco 9xxx series switches as a part of the GCMC infrastructure to include SNMP, consoles, port security settings, STP, VTP, and any specific port configurations in coordination with the Network Team Lead. Physically deploy, relocate and/or replace IT equipment that will require an individual to lift equipment up to 40 pounds. Provide Tier 2 support to the Service Desk for any Network Administration tasks.

· Information Security Support Services - Provide Information Security services in support of requirements set forth in applicable DOD/GCMC Information Assurance/Cybersecurity policies, instructions and guidance to reduce the risk of security compromise to GCMC IT systems and network.

· Web Content Administration Support Services - Provide Web Content Administration for the GCMC websites and data portals including posting provided content, revising current content, formatting content to fit specific websites, content management systems and data delivery portals. Ensure content posted to the public has prior approval by the Public Affairs Office (PAO) in accordance with DOD regulations and local Policies. Review webpage content or links and update items as needed in a timely manner, using appropriate tools. Create and adjust visual aspects of content display.

· SharePoint Development Services - Provide SharePoint Development services to include design, implementation and support for new SharePoint initiatives in coordination with the IT Project Manager and DevOps Team Lead. Responsible for overall day to day SharePoint maintenance, troubleshooting, availability, performance, monitoring and security.

YES

-IAT II Security+ Certification -MTA Windows Operating System Fundamentals

- 3 year Service Desk experience

YES

-IAT II Security+ Certification -MTA Windows Operating System Fundamentals -SCCM Specific Training Certificate (within 90 days of commencement of service)

- 2 years of Mobile Device Management (MDM) specific experience

- 5 years’ Service Desk experience

YES

-IAT II Security+ Certification

- 5 years web and/or application development experience

YES

-IAT II Security+ Certification -MTA Windows Server Administration Fundamentals

- 2 years system administration experience

Not Required

YES

-IAT II Security+ Certification -CCNA Certification (within 30 days of commencement of service) 3 years of similar networking experience in equivalent-sized network

Secret Clearance

-IAT II Security+ Certification -1 year of Cybersecurity experience and 2 years of experience in systems administration, networking, or Service Desk

YES

1 year in website related experience

Not Required

-IAT II Security+ Certification 5 years of SharePoint administration experience

* All contractor personnel shall possess Level 4 (Fluent) English language written and oral communication skills

Place of Performance: The services provided under this contract will be performed at George C Marshall Center, Sheridan Kaserne and Artillery Kaserne Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany. The primary place of performance is the George C Marshall Center, Gernackerstrasse 2, 82467 Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany. Working spaces and all necessary office equipment will be provided by the Government. Scheduled telework is not authorized. Situational telework may be authorized by the KO or COR on an as needed basis. Telework may also be authorized during inclement weather or other emergency type situations when access to the government facility is unfeasible as a result of closure or unique situations. Remote work shall only be by exception only.

Period of Performance: The Government is considering a five-year period of performance (PoP) not-to-exceed 66 months. This PoP would consist of a base year, four option years and an optional six-month extension per FAR 52.217-8. The base year may include a 30-day transition period from August 1 –August 31, 2022:

Base Period: August 1, 2022 – July 31, 2023 Option Period One: August 1. 2023 – July 31, 2024 Option Period Two: August 1, 2024 – July 31, 2025 Option Period Three: August 1, 2025 – July 31, 2026 Option Period Four: August 1, 2026 – July 31, 2027 FAR 52.217-8 Opt. Ext: August 1, 2027 – January 31, 2028

7.0 Capability Statements & RFI Questions and Answer Matrix

We are requesting that Contractors fill in responses to the questions listed on the RFI Question and Answer Matrix spreadsheet. PLEASE SUBMIT A COPY OF THIS SPREADSHEET IN RESPONSE TO THIS RFI AS AN UNLOCKED, EXCEL SPREADSHEET. There is no page limit to the RFI Question and Answer Matrix. Contractor information provided in response to these questions will not be shared externally with the public. This feedback is solely for the purpose of the Government.

In addition to the RFI Question and Answer Matrix, contractors are encouraged to submit a separate Capability Statement as a Word or PDF document. Please limit your Capability Statements to ten (10) pages.

Contractors interested in submitting a Capability Statement are encouraged to include the following information:

1) Company name, address, point of contact name, telephone, and email address.

2) CAGE Code and DUNS Number.

3) Business size status (business size/socio-economic category must be submitted to be used).

4) Contractor acknowledgement and capability to provide personnel that will need to successfully meet the security requirements and compliance with German Law.

5) Contracts your company has been awarded under NAICS code 541519 – Other Computer Related Services or similar NAICS code. Additional information on NAICS codes can be found at www.sba.gov.

6) List of contracts and their contract numbers historically and currently held with the Government to include any Federal Supply Schedules (or other Government ordering vehicles/contracts) providing similar services as outlined in the RFI.

7) Documentation that addresses each of the potential Service Requirement Critical Tasks/Elements.

8) A description of Corporate Experience & Past Performance Information for similar contracts and/or projects accomplished within the last three years. The description must include where, when, and for whom each similar contract and/or project was performed and a brief description of each contract and/or project, including the size, scope, dollar value, and period of performance.

8.0 Submission Instructions

All responses to this RFI must be submitted via e-mail to Tara Murphy, Contracting Officer, at tara.k.murphy.civ@mail.mil. The subject of the email must be titled “Request for Information: IT/IM.” Facsimile responses will not be accepted. Please note there is a 10MB limit on emails.

To facilitate a timely and comprehensive review of all submitted responses, contractors must respond using the format requested on the RFI Question and Answer Matrix. This must be submitted as an unlocked, Excel document to be considered. Any deviation from this format for this document may lead to the rejection of the response.

9.0 Common Cut-off Time/Date

Responses to the information above are due no later than midnight EST, November 7, 2021.

Responses received after this date and time may not be considered.