Questions and Answers 8-11-11.pdf

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Washington, D.C. 20410

OFFICE OF THE CHIEF PROCUREMENT OFFICER

Visit our web page at http://www.hud.gov/offices/cpo/index.cfm

Reference: Questions in response to Solicitation No R-OPC-23859 ”Program Business Process Analysis and Training Content Development and Management”.

To: Prospective Offerors

The following questions and answers are considered to be Amendment 1 to RFQ No.

R-OPC-23859 and are addressed below:

THE CLOSING DATE OF THIS COMBINED SYNOPSIS/SOLICITAITON HAS BEEN

EXTENDED TO WEDNESDAY AUGUST 17, 2011 AT at 2:00 p.m. E.S.T.

Q1. Can you tell me who the incumbent for PROGRAM BUSINESS PROCESS ANALYSIS

AND TRAINING CONTENT DEVELOPMENT AND MANAGEMENT SERVICES,

Solicitation #: C-OPC-23859 is at this time?

R1. Source for Writing and Technical Services.

Q2. Is there an incumbent currently performing the services described in the SOW?

R2. Yes.

Q3. Is the incumbent eligible to bid on this solicitation?

R3. See R6.

Q4. How many personnel are currently performing tasks?

R4. Information is not available.

Q5. Is August 10th the final submission date for a response or will there be an extension?

R5. The combined synopsis/solicitation has been extended to Wednesday August 17, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. EST.

Q6. Who is the incumbent and are they eligible to rebid?

R6. See R1. All qualified Small Businesses are eligible to rebid.

Q7. What is the contract number for the incumbant currently supporting this project?

R7. C-OPC-23280

Q8. Please provide number of resources required, including labor categories and hours per labor category?

R8. See Attachment A, Schedule of Charges.

Q9. Please provide number of resources, including labor categories and hours per labor category of incumbent currently supporting the project?

R9. Information is not available.

Q10. Please provide section L - instructions for submitting proposal. E.g. page limit etc In the Attachment A, Scope of work, first paragraph, please clarify, what HUD means by "hybrid contract"?

R10. There is no Section L, This is a commercial requirement in accordance to FAR Part 12 and Part 13. See Attachment B Solicitation Provisions.

See Cover Letter, Page limitation for technical is 25, there is no limit for the business quotation.

A hybrid contract is a combination of fixed price and time material/labor hours or cost reimbursable line items.

Q11. Why are the questions and past performance surveys due on the same day? Some companies may not decide to bid based on the answers they receive from HUD.

R11. The Past Performance Survey is due August 17, 2011 at 2:00 PM E.S.T.

Q12. Is there an incumbent on this contract and if so what is the contract value?

R12. Yes. The contract value is $463,035.

Q13. Please Explain a Hybrid Contract Please explain CLIN 001AA Task One, Orientation Task 0001AE, Task Five, Continued Maintenance and Hosting of Current E-Learning Training Guide – this is maintenance and hosting of the e-learning training guide only correct?

R13. See R10. Also, see Amendment 1, Attachment A.

Q14. Will the actual IDIS system will be maintained and hosted by the existing contractor?

R14. No.

Q15. Is it anticipated a quick award since the performance period starts September 24, 2011?

R15. Yes.

Q16. If so and there is an incumbent what is the transition period from the prior vendor?

R16. Yes, see R1. There is no transition period.

Q17. Is there a Transition In or Transition Out CLIN for costs?

R17. No.

Q18. Past Performance Certificates are due August 3, 2011 by 4:00 pm. Since the response is not due till August 10, 2011 and questions are only due on August 3, 2011 can the PPC deadline be extended?

R18. See R11

Q19. What is the Maximum size of the response?

R19. See R10.

Q20. Does that include Resumes and Qualifications?

R20. 2 pages for resumes.

Q21. The Cover Letter states that is it a 100% small business set-aside and the notice states that it is an 8a. Which is correct? What is expected uptime and web site availability - service level expectations?

R21. This is a 100% Small Business Set-aside.

Amendment 1 Attachment A Statement of Work Task 5, the website will be available a minimum of 95% of the time every day excluding Saturdays and Sundays or Federal Holidays.

Q22. What are the current service level expectations from the incumbent?

R22. See R4.

Q23. Is the incumbent contractor permitted to bid on this opportunity?

R23. Yes. See R6.

Q24. Where is the current place of performance operated by the incumbent contractors?

R24. Contractor facility

Q25. Approximately how many employees are assigned to the current contract?

R25 See R4.

Q26. Does all work need to be completed at the Government site?

R26. No. See Amendment 1 Attachment A

Q27.What security clearance level is required for contractor staff?

R27. HUDAR 2452.239-70 ACCESS TO HUD SYSTEMS:

ACCESS TO HUD SYSTEMS (NOV 2005) (Deviation)

(a) Definitions: As used in this clause –

“Access” means the ability to obtain, view, read, modify, delete, and/or otherwise make use of information resources.

“Application” means the use of information resources (information and information technology) to satisfy a specific set of user requirements (see OMB Circular A-130).

“Contractor employee” means an employee of the prime contractor or of any subcontractor, affiliate, partner, joint venture, or team members with which the contractor is associated. It also includes consultants engaged by any of those entities.

“Mission critical system” means an information technology or telecommunications system used or operated by HUD or by a HUD contractor, or organization on behalf of HUD, that processes any information, the loss, misuse, disclosure, or unauthorized access to, or modification of, would have a debilitating impact on the mission of the agency.

“NACI” means National Agency Check with Written Inquiries, the minimum background investigation prescribed by the U. S. Office of Personnel Management.

“PIV Card” means Personal Identity Verification (PIV) Card, the Federal Government-issued identification credential (i.e., identification badge).

“Sensitive information” means any information, the loss, misuse, or unauthorized access to or modification of which could adversely affect the national interest or the conduct of federal programs or the privacy to which individuals are entitled under section 552a of title 5, United States Code (the Privacy Act), but which has not been specifically authorized under criteria established by an Executive Order or an Act of Congress to be kept secret in the interest of national defense or foreign policy.

“System” means an interconnected set of information resources under the same direct management control, which shares common functionality. A system normally includes hardware, software, information, data, applications, communications, and people (see OMB Circular A-130). System includes any system owned by HUD or owned and operated on HUD’s behalf by another party.

(b) General.

(1) The performance of this contract requires contractor employees to have access to a HUD system or systems. All such employees who do not already possess a current PIV Card acceptable to HUD shall be required to provide personal background information, undergo a background investigation (NACI or other OPM-required or approved investigation), including an FBI National Criminal History Fingerprint Check, and obtain a PIV Card prior to being permitted access to any such system in performance of this contract. HUD may accept a PIV Card issued by another Federal Government agency but shall not be required to do so. No contractor employee will be permitted access to any HUD system without a PIV Card.

(2) All contractor employees who require access to mission-critical systems or sensitive information contained within a HUD system or application(s) are required to have a more extensive background investigation. The investigation shall be commensurate with the risk and security controls involved in managing, using, or operating the system or applications(s).

(c) Citizenship-related requirements. Each affected contractor employee as

Described in paragraph (b) shall be:

(1) A United States (U.S.) citizens; or,

(2) A national of the United States (see 8 U.S.C. 1408); or,

(3) An alien lawfully admitted into the United States for permanent residence as evidenced by an Alien Registration Receipt Card Form I-151.

(d) Background investigation process:

(1) The Government Technical Representative (GTR) shall notify the contractor of those contractor employee positions requiring background investigations.

(i) For each contractor employee requiring access to HUD information systems, the contractor shall submit the following properly-completed forms: Standard Form (SF) 85, “Questionnaire for Non-sensitive Positions,” FD 258 (Fingerprint Chart), and a partial Optional Form (OF) 306 (Items 1, 2, 6, 8-13, 16, and 17).

(ii) For each contractor employee requiring access to mission-critical systems and/or sensitive information contained within a HUD system and/or application(s), the contractor shall submit the following properly-completed forms: SF 85P, “Questionnaire for Public Trust Positions,” FD 258, and a Fair Credit Reporting Act form (authorization for the credit-check portion of the investigation). Contractor employees shall not complete the Medical Release behind the SF 85P.

(iii) The SF85, 85P, and OF 306 are available from the Office of Personnel Management’s website: http://www.opm.gov. The GTR will provide all other forms that are not obtainable via the Internet.

(2) The contractor shall deliver the forms and information required in subparagraph (d) (1) to the GTR.

(3) Affected contractor employees who have had a Federal background investigation without a subsequent break in Federal employment or Federal contract service exceeding two (2) years may be exempt from the investigation requirements of this clause subject to verification of the previous investigation.

For each such employee, the contractor shall submit the following information in lieu of the forms and information listed in subparagraph (d)(1): employee’s full name, Social Security number, and place, and date of birth.

(4) The investigation process shall consist of a range of personal background inquiries and contacts (written and personal) and verification of the information provided on the investigative forms described in subparagraph (d)(1).

(5) Upon completion of the investigation process, the GTR will notify the contractor if any contractor employee is determined to be unsuitable to have access to the system(s), application(s), or information. Such an employee may not be given access to those resources. If any such employee has already been given access pending the results of the background investigation, the contractor shall ensure that the employee’s access is revoked immediately upon receipt of the GTR’s notification.

(6) Failure of the GTR to notify the contractor (see subparagraph (d)(1)) of any employee who should be subject to the requirements of this clause and is known, or should reasonably be known, by the contractor to be subject to the requirements of this clause, shall not excuse the contractor from making such employee(s) known to the GTR. Any such employee who is identified and is working under the contract without having had the appropriate background investigation or furnished the required forms for the investigation, shall cease to perform such work immediately and shall not be given access to the system(s)/application(s) described in paragraph (b) until the contractor has provided the investigative forms required in subparagraph (d)(1) for the employee to the GTR

(7) The contractor shall notify the GTR in writing whenever a contractor employee for whom a background investigation package was required and submitted to HUD, or for whom a background investigation was completed, terminates employment with the contractor or otherwise is no longer performing work under this contract that requires access to the system(s), application(s), or information. The contractor shall provide a copy of the written notice to the Contracting Officer.

(e) PIV Cards.

http://www.opm.gov/

(1) HUD will issue a PIV Card to each contractor employee who is to be given access to HUD systems and does not already possess a PIV Card acceptable to HUD (see paragraph (b)). HUD will not issue the PIV Card until the contractor employee has successfully cleared an FBI National Criminal History Fingerprint Check, and HUD has initiated the background investigation for the contractor employee. Initiation is defined to mean all background information required in paragraph (d)(1) has been delivered to HUD. The employee may not be given access prior to those two events.

HUD may issue a PIV Card and grant access pending the completion of the background investigation. HUD will revoke the PIV Card and the employee’s access if the background investigation process (including adjudication of investigation results) for the employee has not been completed within six (6) months after the issuance of the PIV Card

(2) PIV Cards shall identify individuals as contractor employees. Contractor employees shall display their PIV Cards on their persons at all times while working in a HUD facility, and shall present cards for inspection upon request by HUD officials or HUD security personnel.

(3) The contractor shall be responsible for all PIV Cards issued to the contractor’s employees and shall immediately notify the GTR if any PIV Card(s) cannot be accounted for. The contractor shall notify the GTR immediately whenever any contractor employee no longer has a need for his/her HUD-issued PIV Card (e.g., employee terminates employment with the contractor, employee’s duties no longer require access to HUD systems).

The GTR will instruct the contractor as to how to return the PIV Card. Upon expiration of this contract, the GTR will instruct the contractor as to how to return all HUD-issued PIV Cards not previously returned. The contractor shall not return PIV Cards to any person other than the individual(s) named by the GTR.

(f) Control of access. HUD shall have and exercise full and complete control over granting, denying, withholding, and terminating access of contractor employees to HUD systems. The GTR will notify the contractor immediately when HUD has determined that an employee is unsuitable or unfit to be permitted access to a HUD system. The contractor shall immediately notify such employee that he/she no longer has access to any HUD system, physically retrieve the employee’s PIV Card from the employee, and provide a suitable replacement employee in accordance with the requirements of this clause.

(g) Incident response notification. An incident is defined as an event, either accidental or deliberate, that results in unauthorized access, loss, disclosure, modification, or destruction of information technology systems, applications or data. The contractor shall immediately notify the GTR and the Contracting Officer of any known or suspected incident, or any unauthorized disclosure of the information contained in the system(s) to which the contractor has access.

(h) Nondisclosure of information.

(1) Neither the contractor nor any of its employees shall divulge or release data or information developed or obtained during performance of this contract, except to authorized government personnel with an established need to know or upon written approval of the Contracting Officer. Information contained in all source documents and other media provided by HUD is the sole property of HUD.

(2) The contractor shall require that all employees who may have access to the system(s)/applications(s) identified in paragraph (b) sign a pledge of nondisclosure of information. The employees shall sign these pledges before they are permitted to perform work under this contract. The contractor shall maintain the signed pledges for a period of three years (3) after final payment under this contract. The contractor shall provide a copy of these pledges to the GTR.

(i) Security procedures.

(1) The Contractor shall comply with applicable Federal and HUD statutes, regulations, policies and procedures governing the security of the system(s) to which the contractor’s employees have access including, but not limited to:

(i) Federal Information Security Management Act (FISMA) of 2002;

(ii) OMB Circular A-130, Management of Federal Information Resources, Appendix III, Security of Federal Automated Information Resources;

(iii) HUD Handbook 2400.25, Information Security Policy;

(iv) HUD Handbook 732.3, Personnel Security/Suitability;

(v) Federal Information Processing Standards 201 (FIPS 201), Sections 2.1 and 2.2;

(vi) Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12); and

(vii) OMB Memorandum M-05-24, Implementing Guidance for HSPD- 12.

The HUD Handbooks are available online at:

http://www.hudclips.org/cgi/index.cgi or from the GTR.

(2) The contractor shall develop and maintain a compliance matrix that lists each requirement set forth in paragraphs, (b), (c), (d), (e), (f), (g), (h), (i)(1) and (m) of this clause with specific actions taken, and/or procedures implemented, to satisfy each requirement. The contractor shall identify an accountable person for each requirement, the date actions/procedures were initiated/completed, and certify that information contained in this compliance matrix is correct. The contractor shall ensure that information in this compliance matrix is complete, accurate, and up-to-date at all times for the duration of this contract. Upon request, the contractor shall provide copies of the current matrix to HUD.

(3) The Contractor shall ensure that its employees, in performance of the contract, receive annual training (or once if the contract is for less http://www.hudclips.org/cgi/index.cgi http://www.hudclips.org/cgi/index.cgi than one year) in HUD information technology security policies, procedures, computer ethics, and best practices in accordance with HUD Handbook 2400.25.

(j) Access to contractor’s systems. The Contractor shall afford HUD, including the Office of Inspector General, access to the Contractor's facilities, installations, operations, documentation (including the compliance matrix required under paragraph (i)(2)), databases and personnel used in performance of the contract. Access shall be provided to the extent required to carry out, but not limited to, any information security program activities, investigation and audit to safeguard against threats and hazards to the integrity, availability and confidentiality of HUD data and systems, or to the function of information systems operated on behalf of HUD, and to preserve evidence of computer crime.

(k) Contractor compliance with this clause. Failure on the part of the contractor to comply with the terms of this clause may result in termination of this contract for default.

(l) Physical access to Federal Government facilities. The contractor and any subcontractor(s) shall also comply with the requirements of HUDAR clause 2452.237-75 when the contractor’s or subcontractor’s employees will perform any work under this contract on-site in a HUD or other Federal Government facility.

(m) Subcontracts. The contractor shall incorporate this clause in all subcontracts where the requirements specified in paragraph (b) of this section are applicable to performance of the subcontract.

(End of clause)

Q28. What business processes is the contractor expected to analyze?

R28. The contractor is expected to analyze the IDIS system functions and procedures. See Amendment 1, Attachment A – SOW.

Q29. What training content is the contractor expected to develop?

R29. The contractor will provide updates to the HOME IDIS Training Manual to include the screens, navigation and report instructions that are implemented in IDIS by the HUD IT contractor.

Q30. Please provide more information on recommending program path functionality and reports. Will the awardee make recommendations on system modifications, modifications to the system, or both?

R30. The contractor will analyze how the IDIS system functions for all users and recommend whether modifications are necessary in accordance with the HOME program regulations. The contractor will recommend new reports for users that it determines will be helpful to them in using IDIS.

Q31. The FBO page for this solicitation states that it is a Competitive 8(a) set-aside. However, the cover letter states that it is a 100% small business set-aside. Please clarify the set-aside category.

R31. See R21.

Q32. The cover letter states that “The selected Offerors must submit a completed copy of the provision at 52.212-3, Offeror Representations and Certifications-Commercial Items.” Please verify whether this needs to be submitted with the proposal or only upon award.

R32. Offeror Representation and Certification must be submitted with your quotation.

Q33. The link provided in Attachment A – Scope of Work, page 4, does not work. Please provide the correct link.

R33 Noted in Amendment 1 at website http://www.hud.gov/offices/cpd/affordablehousing/programs/home/ index.cfm.

Q34. On page 8 of the Scope of Work, the estimated maximum is listed as “(TBD).” Please provide information on the estimated maximum. Please provide more information on what the Government is requiring for each of the eight tasks listed in the scope of work.

R34 Noted Amendment 1 Attachment A Task Eight

Q35. Attachment B, Solicitation Provisions, FAR Clause 52.212-1 (a)-(b) state that the “NAICS code and small business size standard for this acquisition appear in Block 10 of the solicitation cover sheet (SF 1449)… Offers may be submitted on the SF 1449…” No SF 1449 was provided with the solicitation materials.

R35. Noted see Amendment 1, SF 1449.

Q36. Please clarify how the Government would like offers to be submitted.

R36. See Attachment B, Solicitation Provisions.

Q37. Attachment C, Evaluation Factors, states that there are four factors in addition to price:

Technical Capability, Management Capability, Staffing Experience and Key Personnel Requirements, and Past Performance. Does the Government have any guidance for what should be included in each section?

R37. Yes. Noted Amendment 1, Attachment A.

http://www.hud.gov/offices/cpd/affordablehousing/programs/home/index.cfm

Q38. Are there any page limitations or format guidelines for the proposal?

R38. See R10.

Q39. Attachment C, Evaluation Factors, item f. states that there should be a “Relevant Experience section of the Technical.” Please provide information on what should be included in the Technical section and what should be included in the Relevant Experience section.

R39. There is no Relevant Experience factor. This statement has been removed from the Past Performance section See Amendment 2.

Q40. Please verify that the offeror is not permitted to use contracts currently underway in its Past Performance section.

R40. Yes. The contract must be completed before the due date of quotations.

Q41. Is the offeror permitted to use contracts currently in progress in its Relevant Experience section?

R41. See R39.

Q42. On the past performance survey, should “GTR/Contract Title” and “GTR/Contract Phone Number” be “GTR/Contact Title” and “GTR/Contact Phone Number”?

R42. Yes.

Q43. Attachment A, Scope of Work, states: “The E-Learning Training Guide shall continue to be maintained and hosted so that it is available to HOME PJ staff, field office staff and other IDIS On-Line users. This is a Brand Name or Equal requirement.” Please clarify the meaning of this statement.

R43. No direct experience is required to be with only IDIS. The explanation of Brand Name or Equal is provided.

52.211-6 Brand Name or Equal.

Brand Name or Equal (Aug 1999)

(a) If an item in this solicitation is identified as “brand name or equal,” the purchase description reflects the characteristics and level of quality that will satisfy the Government’s needs. The salient physical, functional, or performance characteristics that “equal” products must meet are specified in the solicitation.

(b) To be considered for award, offers of “equal” products, including “equal” products of the brand name manufacturer, must—

(1) Meet the salient physical, functional, or performance characteristic specified in this solicitation;

(2) Clearly identify the item by—

(i) Brand name, if any; and

(ii) Make or model number;

(3) Include descriptive literature such as illustrations, drawings, or a clear reference to previously furnished descriptive data or information available to the Contracting Officer;

and

(4) Clearly describe any modifications the offer or plans to make in a product to make it conform to the solicitation requirements. Mark any descriptive material to clearly show the modifications.

(c) The Contracting Officer will evaluate “equal” products on the basis of information furnished by the offeror or identified in the offer and reasonably available to the Contracting Officer. The Contracting Officer is not responsible for locating or obtaining any information not identified in the offer.

(d) Unless the offeror clearly indicates in its offer that the product being offered is an “equal” product, the offeror shall provide the brand name product referenced in the solicitation.

Q44. Will the offeror assume responsibilities for hosting the E-Learning Training Guide?

R44. Yes.

Q45. Attachment C, Evaluation Factors, refers to a list of past performance references. Should this list be included in the proposal, or will the Past Performance Surveys serve as this list upon receipt by the Government?

R45. List the references in your quotation.

Q46. Attachment C, Evaluation Factors, states that “The list should include both a contractual and technical point of contact (email addresses and phone numbers) for each of the contracts/orders.” Should the Past Performance Survey include both a contractual and a technical point of contact? If so, where should the second POC’s information be listed on the Past Performance Survey? Otherwise, should these two POCs be listed in a particular section of the proposal?

R46. You can list the POC as technical and one for contractual.

Q47. The general information lists this as an 8a competitive and the synopsis states that this is a small business set aside. Which one is correct?

R47. See R21.

Q48. The questions for RFP and the past performance surveys are due on the same day - 3rd August. Please clarify.

R48. No. See R11.

Q49. Usually past performance surveys are due at the same time the proposal is due. There is a very short time between submission of questions, HUD’s response to those and the proposal due date. We request HUD extend the proposal due date by a couple of weeks to allow vendors to take into account the clarifications that HUD will provide. This is a firm fixed price solicitation

– however there is not sufficient information being provided to arrive at a firm fixed price quote.

Only the incumbent will know the required information to develop FFP pricing. We therefore request HUD provide the following information: Task Three, Updated HOME IDIS On-Line Training Manual. Please clarify the extent of the updates required to the HOME IDIS training manual such that one can figure out how much labor will be required to complete the task.

R49. See R5 and R11 Noted see Amendment 1, Attachment A.

The IDIS training manual had major revisions already completed this past year. Only minor revisions to the manual are expected as the HUD IT contractor makes enhancements to the system. We estimate approximately 77 hours devoted to this task for this coming year.

Q50. Provide copy of existing manual. Task Four, E-learning Training Guide- update. Please clarify the extent of the updates required to the E-learning Training Guide such that one can figure out how much labor will be required to complete the task.

R50. The current HOME IDIS On-Line Training Manual can be found here:

http://www.hud.gov/offices/cpd/affordablehousing/programs/home/home_idis_manual_pj.cfm.

HOME IDIS On-Line Training Manual is updated after changes are made to HOME functionality as a result of quarterly IDIS system releases. Updates to the Manual will occur no more than four times per year.

Q51. Provide copy of existing training guide.

R51. See R50.

http://www.hud.gov/offices/cpd/affordablehousing/programs/home/home_idis_manual_pj.cfm

Q52. Task Six, HOME IDIS On-Line Reports Manual. Please explain all the tasks this entails.

R52. The Contractor shall create a HOME Reports Manual directed to users of HOME IDIS OnLine reports (http://archives.hud.gov/offices/cpd/systems/idis/library/refmanual/index.cfm) as well as the HOME web-based reports (http://www.hud.gov/offices/cpd/affordablehousing/reports/). The reports manual will cover each report and describe its contents, its use, and how to improve performance or compliance using the report.

Q53. Clarify if a new reports manual is to be created or existing one updated.

Q53. The Contractor shall create a HOME Reports Manual directed to users of HOME IDIS OnLine reports (http://archives.hud.gov/offices/cpd/systems/idis/library/refmanual/index.cfm) as well as the HOME web-based reports (http://www.hud.gov/offices/cpd/affordablehousing/reports/). The reports manual will cover each report and describe its contents, its use, and how to improve performance or compliance using the report.

Q54. Task Seven, Weekly, Monthly and Quarterly Reports – clarify if these are project progress reports or something else.

R54. These are updates to the existing reports found here:

http://www.hud.gov/offices/cpd/affordablehousing/reports/, as well as updates to other similar reports.

Q55. Task Eight, Creation of the Ad Hoc Reports and the Program Path Analysis as requested (level of effort/loaded hourly rates). This is a firm fixed price contract yet this task is open ended “as requested” so it could be zero hours or max of 2,050 hours. Please clarify.

R55. Noted Amendment 1 See Attachment A Statement of Work/Schedule of Charges.

Q56. Provide historic information on how many hours were expended on this task in the last year. If HUD aniticipate the same level of effort during the base and option years. If not provide estimate.

R56. See R12 and Amendment 1, Attachment A.

Q57. The SOW states the following tasks but the deliverable matrix does not mention any of them. Please clarify.

R57. See Amendment 1, Attachment A Statement of Work.

http://archives.hud.gov/offices/cpd/systems/idis/library/refmanual/index.cfm http://www.hud.gov/offices/cpd/affordablehousing/reports/ http://archives.hud.gov/offices/cpd/systems/idis/library/refmanual/index.cfm http://www.hud.gov/offices/cpd/affordablehousing/reports/ http://www.hud.gov/offices/cpd/affordablehousing/reports/

Q58. “analyze existing IDIS functionality and reports (2) recommend new IDIS On-Line HOME program path functionality and reports; (3) conceptualize and recommend system improvements consistent with the HOME Program regulations; (4) evaluate any proposed IDIS On-Line HOME program path changes and recommended actions; and (5) survey user groups on requirements. ”Provide the incumbents labor mix and utilization during the past year i.e labor categories and hours used per category. Provide Government’s price estimate for this contract.

R58. These are sample of activities that may be a part of Task 8. See R12 & R52.

The price estimated is not available.

Q59. It is our assumption that both federal and commercial past performance references will be considered. Is our assumption correct?

R59. Yes

Q60. What are guidelines for past performance requirements based upon prime/sub-contracting teaming arrangement?

R60. The small business must perform at least half the work, therefore, 2 past performance references are required from the small business and one from the subcontractor.

Q61. The link provided in the SOW document is not accessible. Can you please provide us the information source related to HOME project.

R61. The link to the HOME Program website is:

http://www.hud.gov/offices/cpd/affordablehousing/programs/home/index.cfm.

Q62. We understand that the existing IDIS system uses Java and Oracle 11g. Can you please provide more information about other technologies and hardware configuration used in the system?

R62. This system uses Microstrategy version #8 (moving to version #9 in the next few months) reporting tool and SiteMinder authentication. This system is on a virtualized Solaris environment, at an off-site contractor-run datacenter.

Q63. Do we need to provide enhancement support to IDIS system in addition to the E-Learning Training Guide?

R63. No.

Q64. Is the current IDIS system and E-Learning Training Guide system hosted internally within HUD or by offsite contractor?

R64. The current site is not hosted by HUD and can be found here:

http://lms.learningevolution.com/IDIS/loginhtml.asp?v=IDIS.

Q65. Is there any specific guidelines to be followed (page limit, font size, etc.) on the technical proposal?

R65. See R10, no font size required.

Q66. What is Home Certification form? Do all the offerors need to certify irrespective of the receipt Home Funds?

R66. Yes, HOME is authorized under Title II of the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act, as amended. Program regulations are at 24 CFR Part 92.

HOME provides formula grants to States and localities that communities use-often in partnership with local nonprofit groups-to fund a wide range of activities that build, buy, and/or rehabilitate affordable housing for rent or homeownership or provide direct rental assistance to low-income people. For more information on Home Program you may go to website http://www.hud.gov/offices/cpd/affordablehousing/programs/home/

Q67. The solicitation doesn’t specify anything related to subcontractor/prime or teaming arrangement. Are teaming partners and/or sub-contractors permitted?

R67. Yes. FAR Clause 52.219-14, Limitations on Subcontracting (December 1996) applies to this requirement. The Small Business shall perform at least 50 percent of the cost of contract performance incurred for personnel shall be expended for employees of the concern.

Q68. Do we need to provide any TA as part of the response?

R68. No.

Q69. The FEDBIZOPPS opportunity list for the Business Process Analysis and Training Content Development Management references this specific opportunity as Competitive 8(a), but the documents state this is a Small Business set-aside.

R69. See R6

Q70. Is this contract a small business or 8(a) set-aside?

R70. See R21

Q71. Who are incumbents for e-learning and systems development -- are these vendors eligible to submit proposals for this RFP?

http://lms.learningevolution.com/IDIS/loginhtml.asp?v=IDIS http://www.hud.gov/offices/cpd/affordablehousing/programs/home/

R71. See R1 and R6. This is a Request for Quotation (RFQ) in accordance to Part 12 and Part 13.

Q72. Based upon nationwide geographic locations of Participating Jurisdictions (PJs), are there any associated travel requirements for this contract?

R72. No travel to HOME participating jurisdictions is required.

Q73. What does “This is a Brand Name or Equal requirement” mean?

R73. See R43

Q74. What is this in reference to?

R74. HOME IDIS experience

Q75. Historically, how often have the IDIS Training, E-Learning Training, and IDIS On Line Reports manual been updated during the course of a year?

R75. HOME IDIS On-Line Training Manual is updated after changes are made to HOME functionality as a result of quarterly IDIS system releases. Updates to the Manual will occur no more than four times per year. Historically, the manual has been updated no more than once per year.

Q76. How many reports are anticipated each months for the base year (Item 0001 AH)? For Option Year 1 (0002 AH)?

R76. It is difficult to determine the number of reports necessary under Item 0001AH and 0002AH. These reports are requested periodically and typically do not exceed eight requests per week.

Q77. What is the guaranteed minimum for CLIN 0001AA through 0005AG?

R77. Deleted from the Statement of Work. See Amendment 1 Attachment A.

Q78. Attachment A seems to be focused solely on updating the guides and manuals and providing additional reporting. However, the Purpose states that tasks include 1) analyzing existing reports 2) recommending additional IDIS On-Line path functionality,3) recommending systems improvements, etc. None of these items are captured in the CLIN list. Should the CLIN list reflect these additional tasks?

R78. See R58

Q79. When does the Government anticipate making an award?

R79. See R15

Q80. Does the Government anticipate implementing a transition period?

R80. No.

Q81. Can the Government confirm the web site for the E-Learning Training Guide or provide a copy of the E-Learning Training Guide?

R81. The current eLearning system can be found here:

http://lms.learningevolution.com/IDIS/loginhtml.asp?v=IDIS.

Q82. As it pertain to CLIN 0001AD-Other than statutory and regulatory updates, will there be other sections of the Training Guide that will need to be updated? If so, which ones?

R82. Any of the sections of the eLearning system (http://lms.learningevolution.com/IDIS/loginhtml.asp?v=IDIS) could be updated during the course of the contract based on functionality updates to the IDIS OnLine system.

Typically, these updates occur no more than four times per year.

Q83. As it pertain to CLIN 0001AD-What sections under the Training Guide will need to be updated?

R83. See R82

Q84. How many days does the Government anticipate the orientation period will be ?

( 5 days , 7 days etc?)

R84. The orientation is anticipated to take one day.

Q85. Does the Government anticipate the surveying of all 14,000 HOME IDIS users or what percentage of users will need to be surveyed?

R85. No, a reasonable sample of system users should be surveyed. This may be one of the activities of Task 8.

Q86. Do Limitations to Subcontracting apply?

R86. Yes, FAR Clause 52.219-14, Limitations on Subcontracting (December 1996) applies to this requirement. At least 50 percent of the cost of contract performance incurred for personnel shall be expended for employees of the concern.