PSIM_RFP_Questions_and_Answers_-_SAQMMA14R0187.pdf

Solicitation Questions and Answers - SAQMMA14R0187 - PSIM

PSIM Question # AREA RFP SECTION QUESTION ANSWER

1 Technical H.10.5.15 Geographic

Information System (GIS)

Analyst / Programmer, Page

What type of programing is required of the GIS Professional? This is an entirely new paradigm and we expect the new contract provide the proper personnel to suggest new capabilities and provide a scalable set of tools to meet new requirements as they are determined.

2 Admin H.9 Associate Contract

Agreement (ACA), Page 72

Are Contractor’s currently on contracts covered by the Associate Contract Agreement

(ACA) eligible to participate on this solicitation or does this present a Conflict of Interest

(COI)

Having an ACA in itself neither creates a conflict of interest nor mitigates a conflict of interest. A contractor with an

ACA may or may not have a conflict of interest and a contractor without an ACA may or may not have a conflict of interest. The ACA is immaterial to determining conflicts under FAR part 9.

3 Admin C.4.1.5 Associate Contract

Agreement (ACA), Page 18

How is the ACA working among the existing contractors? For the mechanics of how the ACA works, please see the

ACA clause of the RFP. The Government offers no opinion on whether the current ACA system works well or not, nor is that information necessary for submission of an acceptable proposal.

4 Technical C.4.1.1 PSIM Solution, Page

Does the conversion and updating of the 300 3-D Models count toward the 1st year 100

3-D production rate.

No, there are some facilities that will need to have models created from scratch. The global situation continues to evolve and exact numbers for models to create vs convert are not exact.

5 Cost B.2 Pricing Structure, Page 2 PSIM Maintenance - Firm-Fixed-Price (FFP); At what level do we determine the

Maintenance Requirement (Calls Per Month). Our assumption is that this maintenance only covers the PISM software alone as to updates and upgrades of feature sets.

This is an entirely new paradigm and we expect the new contract provide the proper personnel to maintain the systems, integrate new capabilities and provide a scalable set of tools to meet new requirements as they are determined.

6 Cost Attachment G - Sheet 5. NTE

Labor Rates

Note 7 of Pricing Table 5 include references that do not appear to be correct. Note 7 of

Pricing Table 5 include references that do not appear to be correct. *The “Total” line is

Line 31 instead of Line 26. Note 7 of Pricing Table 5 include references that do not appear to be correct. *There is no reference to a CLIN X0009 in any location other than in this instruction. *Note 7 of Pricing Table 5 include references that do not appear to be correct. *There also do not appear to be the Government-provided formulas to automatically transfer the Total prices into the appropriate lines of the Pricing Table 6 –

Summary of Proposed Prices. *Note 7 of Pricing Table 5 include references that do not appear to be correct. - Please clarify the Note 7.

This part of the RFP has been clarified.

7 Technical C.4.2 PSIM Environment, Will the test center Server be a stand-alone test server environment with local network connections to the various system connections such as access control, video etc?

Yes - this is the intent.

8 Technical C.4.2 PSIM Environment, There are sites that are designated “Priority Sites.” The Government will provide back-up server hardware at these locations, which will be utilized by the Contractor to assure full

PSIM functionality even with extended outages of the Wide Area. - How many of the sites are considered “Priority Sites” which will require fully PSIM Functionality? Our assumption is 50 sites.

This fluctuates, use 6 as the number for proposal purposes.

9 Technical C.4.2 PSIM Environment, All PSIM clients must be capable of running on the existing Virtual Desktop Infrastructure

(VDI) environment with full functionality to include a 3-D model display. - Which Virtual

Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) is currently being used?

We are primarily utilize VMware for VDI infrastructure.

10 Technical C.2 Vision and Objectives, The PSIM solution will be utilized at the field level along with regional and global command centers to provide near instantaneous analysis of security data. - How many

Regional and Global command Centers are there? *The PSIM solution will be utilized at the field level along with regional and global command centers to provide near instantaneous analysis of security data. - Are these part of the Priority Sites?

The peered Data centers exist for core server equipment;

Command centers exist for people who are monitoring the

PSIM connected equipment. Currently our core Data centers are geographically separated from all Command

Center Operations sites. The amount of regional

Command Centers fluctuates depending on global need.

11 Admin C.5.2 3-D Model Production and Revision, Page 31

The Contractor shall be responsible for producing, updating and revising site models, at the discretion of the Government, throughout the life of the contract. The Contractor shall provide a minimum of three (3) modeling workstations to the Government for the purpose of 3-D modeling production. - Where are these workstations to be located? *

The Contractor shall be responsible for producing, updating and revising site models, at the discretion of the Government, throughout the life of the contract. The Contractor shall provide a minimum of three (3) modeling workstations to the Government for the purpose of 3-D modeling production. - At its discretion, does the Government anticipate using these workstations at any time for producing, updating or revising site models? *

The Contractor shall be responsible for producing, updating and revising site models, at the discretion of the Government, throughout the life of the contract. The Contractor shall provide a minimum of three (3) modeling workstations to the Government for the purpose of 3-D modeling production. - Is the Contractor allowed to use locations other than at a Do's facility for the purpose of producing, updating and revising site models?

Yes, the contractor is allowed to use alternate locations to produce and update site models, subject to prior approval by the COR.

12 Cost H.10.5 Personnel

Qualifications/Requirement s, Page 76

For the personnel identified in this section, does the government expect one of each, or are there several personnel required of a given position? Is it possible to get a breakdown of the current manning structure? Please provide a summary table of the labor categories and numbers for each.

This is an entirely new paradigm and we expect the new contract provide the proper personnel to suggest new capabilities and provide a scalable set of tools to meet new requirements as they are determined.

13 Admin L.16.1.5.4 Past Performance and Experience, Page 137

Is there a limit on the number of Past Performance References that can be submitted?

Clarify the limitations (if any) of how many past performances can be provided?

See revised RFP section L.14.1.5.4.

14 Admin C.5.2, Page 31-33 What is the data collection method for Three Dimensional Models creation (LIDAR, cameras, Laser backpacks, etc)? * Where does the 3-D Model Production / integration take place due to the sensitive nature of the information? (government or contractor facility)? * Can we get a 3D Model sample (used with current PSIM system)?

The model information is derived from AutoCAD drawings and on site pictures provided by the government. This contract represents a paradigm shift and we are open to exploring new options for creating accurate and timely model information.

15 Technical C.2 (Pg 15) How many of the approximately 350 DOS sites require local PSIM monitoring independent of the WAN?

This fluctuates, use 6 as the number for proposal purposes.

16 Technical C.2 (Pg 16) How many regional and global command centers are there? Page 19 infers there are two peered data centers. Does this mean there are two global command centers? How many regional centers?

The peered Data centers exist for core server equipment;

Command centers exist for people who are monitoring the

PSIM connected equipment. Currently our core Data centers are geographically separated from all Command

Center Operations sites. The amount of regional

Command Centers fluctuates depending on global need.

17 Technical C.4.1.1 (Pg 17) The RFP states “The contractor will ensure that the whole earth viewer remains fully functional in an offline condition.” Is it the desire of DOS to have a complete earth server at each local site or is it acceptable that the PSIM remains functional for displaying alerts and devices using the map images cached since last connection to the whole earth server. Recommendation: During WAN outages local PSIMs shall have the ability to view geospatially accurate imagery, terrain, and other geospatial data of all facility grounds where devices and cameras are located. Connection to a whole earth server is not needed during WAN outages.

Yes - this suggestion meets and clarifies our intent.

18 Technical C.5.1 (pg 31) vs. F.3 (pg 56) There appears to be a discrepancy in model conversion requirements in C.5.1 and F.3.

C.5.1 requires Contractor to convert 3 existing models for integration within 90 days of contract award “as stated in Section F.3”. However, F.3 (pg 56) requires: * Conversion of

10 existing models within 90 days, * Creation of 3 new models within 90 days. Please clarify the requirement.

F3 is correct. C.5.1 is a mistake and has been corrected.

19 Technical F.3 (pg 57) Please define / specify expectations in requirement to “establish PSIM worldwide duel

PSIM and VSOC operations within 225 days”

This is an old/incorrect reference that has been removed.

20 Technical F.3 (pg 57) Please define / specify expectations in requirement (roles/responsibilities) to

“implement worldwide 24/7 PSIM maintenance support within 225 days”

The contractor must describe in its proposal an architecture and method to implement worldwide 24/7 PSIM maintenance support within 225 days.

21 Technical C.10, pg 50 The Quality Assurance and Compliance Report (QACR) is due the 1st business day of the following month. This timeframe does not provide enough time to properly prepare the analysis and results. Suggest QACR report due the 10th business day of the following month

ST has a history of requiring Activity reports with in the fist couple of days of the quarter, the PSIM statistics will need to be folded into larger reporting documents. We typically start preparing QAR activity reports several days in advance of the actual end of the quarter.

22 Technical C.7, pg 36 This section references training on collaborative tool utilization. What collaborative tool is currently in use?

We are moving towards, LYNC 2013, but it is not yet globally available.

23 Cost C.9.3.1, pg 42 Under what Sub-CLIN is the 24/7 PSIM maintenance support captured? X002B

24 Cost B, pg2 CLIN 004 indicates cost for PSIM Training (Instructor Led). Should we include the training costs for the other aspects of the training requirement in CLIN 004 (i.e., videos, tutorials, simulation, user guides etc.)?

CLIN x0004 will include only the labor portion of training.

Other training costs will be billed under the Materials portion of the T&M arrangement (i.e. CLIN X005), for evaluation of which the Government is using a "plug" number.

25 Cost L, pg 145 Items 40 – 42 refer to “Detail Pricing Tables”, please confirm that there is no government provided format for these tables and that format should conform to contractor’s standard practice.

The "Detail Pricing Tables" are RFP Attachment G.

26 Cost L, pg 145 Item 45 – in the event a contractor has not been audited by DCAA or other Federal auditor, how should this be addressed?

In such case, the contractor shall make a statement to that effect.

27 Cost B.3, pg 4 Is it the government’s expectation that the contractor bid 1880 hours for each labor category or shall the contractor propose the expected number of hours by category per year based on its understanding of and approach to the requirements?

This is an entirely new paradigm and we expect the new contract provide the proper personnel to suggest new capabilities and provide a scalable set of tools to meet new requirements as they are determined.

28 General Due to the impact of the holidays and based upon the size and complexity of the response would the government consider a 45 day response extension?

The due date was extended in amendment A001.

29 C.4.1, Page 18 Beyond the 3D models, what imagery will DOS be providing? Provide any imagery required for implementation of the PSIM system.

The contract will be responsible for earth imagery beyond the models.

30 C.4.2, Page 21 Does a Geospatial mapping server already exist within D0S that can be utilized by the new PSIM solution? If yes, what system?

No

31 C.4.2, Page 21 Can DOS define four typical sizes of sites (e.g. micro, medium, etc.), including: * Number of Users * Number of card readers * Number of cameras *Number of other network devices * Average bandwidth.

We expect a large amount of expansion in the near future.

Micro sites have 0 users, 1 card reader, 16 cameras, and 6

IP addressable devices.

32 Technical C.4.2, Page 19 Are the provided data centers fully accredited according to NIST? If so, which NIST standard(s)?

Yes. Specific standards cannot be identified at this time.

33 Technical C.4.2, Page 19 Is there a plan to become FedRAMP certified? No

34 Technical C.4.2, Page 20 What is the Active Directory architecture across the network as applicable to the PSIM deployment? Recommend local AD authentication at each site.

In general AD authenticates centrally, special posts, less than five, have domain controllers.

35 Technical C.4.2, Page 22 Will the software be installed on an existing Active Directory environment? If not, will all clients expected to be connected to the PSIM be able to be added to a new Active

Directory environment delivered as part of this project?

We expect to integrate PSIM into the existing AD environment.

36 Technical C.4.2, Page 22 If DOS is providing the Active Directory infrastructure, is it currently resilient enough to handle network operations during an outage?

At the current time, PSIM is a critical system run independently of AD.

37 Technical C.4, Page 25 Is there a requirement to convert SOPs from VSOC? If so, in what format will they be delivered to us for conversion?

No, this is an entirely new paradigm and we expect the new contract to do much more than the existing.

38 Technical C.4, Page 25 How many SOPs do you expect to have in the system? On average, how many steps in each?

This is expected to increase dramatically as new capabilities are added to the system.

39 Technical C.4.1.2, Page 18 Is the documentation required to present the Notification of Change for the SMSe and

ATO limited only to the software/hardware provided by the proposed solution?

SMSe will need to maintain an ATO and PSIM is expected to integrate seamlessly into the SMSeNet.

40 Cost B.2, Page 2 Under which CLIN is the installation covered? Will this be T&M? Initial installation of the PSIM software solution must be included in the FFP CLIN X002A. Installation of hardware delivered under the ODC/Materials CLIN X005 would be billed under CLIN X005. "Installation" relating to operations and maintenance activities would fall under CLIN X002B.

Installation relating to Model Creation and Engineering activities would be billed T&M under CLIN X003.

41 Technical C.4.6.3, Page 26 Please define which sites are the regional command centers? Which sites are the global command centers?

The global command center is in the DC area. Regional command centers will pop up wherever personnel, network conditions, and support requirements make a regional center feasible.

42 Technical Do you expect the contractor to access the network monitoring status on the new PSIM and is that a current capability under VSOC? Recommend: Interface to network monitoring should be provided and status displayed on PSIM.

This is a Performance Work Statement, we expect the contractor to continuously provide suggestions for upgrading the capabilities and relevance of the PSIM.

Offerors are cautioned that this RFP for PSIM and the current VSOC contract are very different. Assumptions about PSIM requirements should not be made based on

VSOC requirements.

43 Technical Are any reports for anticipated hardware subsystems required? Exclude requirement of report on anticipated hardware. Recommend: Exclude requirement of report on anticipated hardware.

Offerors are not required to include anticipated hardware in the proposals. After contract award, hardware must be tracked by the contractor as Government furnished property in accordance with applicable clauses.

44 Technical If a new Geospatial Map Server/system is to be proposed, what Geospatial Data will be

GFE and in what Formats?

The model information is derived from AutoCAD drawings and on site pictures provided by the government. This contract represents a paradigm shift and we are open to exploring new options for creating accurate and timely model information.

45 Technical C.7. Page 36, Paragraph 1 The paragraph states that “The Contractor shall provide DS/T with lesson plans for maintenance personnel pre-deployment training.” What type of training environment currently exists at DS/T? Does DS/T have an “automated electronic classroom” that contains network-connected work stations? Can the Government provide a list of DS/T training classroom capabilities, assets, and technical specifications?

DS/T typically provides personnel with a general overview of SMSe capabilities. There are no PSIM specific training.

All materials are the responsibility of the contractor.

46 Technical C.7. Page 36, Paragraph 1 The paragraph says that “Individual training accreditation” is a requirement. Testing scores and subsequent tracking of accreditation/certifications is typically handled through use of a Learning Management System (LMS). Does DS/T have a preferred LMS to manage user logins, the distribution of courseware to those logins, and a tracking mechanism for capturing test results that lead to certification? If so, what is the name of the LMS? If DS/T does not use an LMS, please provide information on how this information for each user is tracked and managed. Will accreditation be determined only at the DS/T facility, or will users be allowed to take virtual training at remote locations to achieve accreditation?

It is expected the PSIM training materials will be available via SMSe Net to all SMSe users. The contract is responsible for tracking user information. It is mandatory that users be allowed to achieve accreditation via virtual training at remote locations.

47 Technical C.7. Page 36, Paragraph 2 Paragraph 2 of C.7 discusses the need for both “virtual and traditional instruction methods.” Is this training expected to meet the Government Section 508 compliance requirement? 508 compliance mandates that electronic media be developed for individuals with disabilities (including the sight and hearing impaired).

The Department encourages technologies that provide access to persons with disabilities. However, because of the nature of the PSIM system, this acquisition falls within multiple, documented statutory exemptions to Section 508 and so the RFP does not include those restrictions.

48 Technical C.4.2, Page 19, Paragraph 2 and C.7. Page 36, Paragraph 2

Section C.4.2 notes that WAN conditions for global sites “may be limited to 128Kbps and have latency of up to 600ms.” Section C.7 notes that “All levels of user and maintenance training shall be available via existing DOS networks.” In addition, the paragraph describes the training as having to be comprised of videos and “realistic interactive scenarios that require user input” as well as “simulations using the PSIM training environment.” Because Section C.7 describes training capabilities that may not operate within the technical specifications listed in Section C.4.2, can it be assumed that the PSIM training at remote locations can be executed on local network/PC configurations and not be reliant on the DOS networks?

Yes, training can be executed on local networks at each site.

49 Technical C.4.2, paragraph 5 and

C.4.2, paragraph 2

Referring to the following sentence, “Additionally, all access controls, alarm activations, and other PSIM functions available under normal operations will continue to function.”

For non-AACS sites, when the WAN is down, the connection between the site and the

ACS is down. The PSIM client relies on information exchanged with the ACS during normal operation. If WAN connectivity to the ACS is lost, there is an associated loss of

PSIM client capability. Please clarify the requirement for the PSIM client to have all functions available under normal conditions, even during WAN outage. What is

“minimum required PSIM service”? Please clarify.

For all sites, we expect the PSIM to integrate seamlessly into the AACS capabilities, if a local AACS server is available the PSIM will connect to it locally. It is expected that, at a minimum, supporting data for the region will be installed at each PSIM site. During WAN outages local PSIMs shall have the ability to view geospatially accurate imagery, terrain, and other geospatial data of all facility grounds where devices and cameras are located. Connection to a whole earth server is not needed during WAN outages.

50 Technical C.4.2, Page 20, Paragraph 1 Paragraph C.4.2 discusses the requirement that All PSIM clients must be capable of running on the existing Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) environment with full functionality to include a 3-D model display. Question: Where does the VDI server reside? Question: If this server resides within the local LAN, will policy adjustments be made to allow VDI clients to retain ActiveX and .NET applications?

This is an entirely new paradigm and we expect the new contract to suggest new capabilities and provide a scalable set of tools to meet new requirements as they are determined.

51 Technical C.4.2, Page 20, Paragraph 2 Paragraph C.4.2 discusses the requirement that “The Contractor’s PSIM solution shall leverage Active Directory for authentication and role assignment purposes and be configurable for high availability, to include application redundancy.” Question: Where does the AD server for each site reside? Is this a regional or local based server?

A few priority sites have AD domain controllers. Most sites authenticate to a central "global" AD domain controller.

52 Technical C.4.5.6 Discusses the requirement to provide a solution for the batch import of Intellex DVRs based on machine IP address and Machine Active Directory Organization Unit (OU) location. Question: Do the Intellex DVR’s utilize DNS for IP resolution?

Yes all SMSe DVR have been joined to the domain and can be resolved using DNS.

53 Technical C.2, page 15 Section C calls for global, regional and local monitoring capabilities. How many regions are anticipated? What are the required failover capabilities, if any? How much visibility of local data is required at the regional and global levels? What are the required operational availabilities for each level?

5 regions are anticipated. Local sites should retain critical services independent of the WAN. All local data will be available "on demand" from the regional sites, but video will not be constantly streaming to all regional centers.

54 Technical C4.6.8, first bullet Please clarify if this should instead read, “disconnect from regional PSIM server”? The intent is to ensure that video resources on the local

LAN remain available to the local LAN PSIM clients when the WAN is disconnected. The PSIM client must be able to communicate directly with the Video systems, without the support of a geographically disparate central server.

55 Technical C.2, pg.15 “The PSIM user interface must be innovative, flexible, intuitive, vibrant, and user-friendly, as well as convenient and eminently productive at all organizational and permission levels.” Design considerations possible among the leading PSIM platform providers will force significant trade-offs against the above stated PSIM UI/Client goals. Can the

Government provide clarification with regard to “convenient and eminently productive” qualities? Please stipulate acceptable Client side load/latency times under connected and WAN recovery conditions for: * 2D & 3D maps * AACS data

*Authentication/Reauthentication to video systems * AD and DNS driven Operations.

By "convenient and eminently productive" the Department means easy to use and provides the data you need when you need it in a easy to understand fashion.

56 Technical C.4.1.1 C.4.1.1 states that “the earth viewer will have the capabilities to manage, display and navigate all visual data at multiple levels of detail.” Does this imply the government wants to be able to drill down into live camera views from the 3D server as networks are available?

Drilling down to the camera from the 3D model is a requirement.

57 Technical C.4.1.2, C.6, C.8 What FISMA level does the government desire for PSIM to integrate to SMSe? Please specify FISMA Moderate or High for PSIM.

FISMA High.

58 Technical C.9.6, page 45 The SOPs addressed in this section are related to the PSIM software operations. Does DS have documented SOPs for security events (e.g., door alarm triggered)? If so, what format are these SOPs (e.g., Word, Excel, Visio, etc.)?

This is an entirely new paradigm and we expect the new contract to suggest new capabilities and provide a scalable set of tools to meet new requirements as they are determined.

59 Technical C.9.3.2 Government

Acceptance Review

There doesn’t appear to be a Section F4. Please provide correct reference. This reference has been corrected.

60 Admin L.15 General Proposal

Instructions; Page 131

Will the government please allow the family of Arial fonts for tables and graphics?

Recommend: Allow the family of Arial fonts for tables and graphics.

Yes.

61 Admin L.15 General Proposal

Instructions; Page 131

For graphics, will the government please allow the font size to be no smaller than 8 pt.

Recommend: All the font size for graphics to be no smaller than 8 pt.

Yes.

62 Admin L.15 General Proposal

Instructions; Page 131 and

The table on page 131 indicates that 2 CDs are required for the Technical Proposal. On page 132, the second full paragraph says that we must provide one CD for each proposal volume hard copy. Please resolve discrepancy.

These references have been corrected.

63 Admin L.16.2 Price Proposal

Information

Now that you are no longer requiring information on the company’s financial condition and capability (required in the Business Management Proposal in DRFP), how do you intend to determine financial viability of the bidder?

The contracting officer will determine responsibility matters pursuant to FAR subpart 9.1 using any sources of information available to the Government.

64 Admin L.15 General Proposal

Instructions; Page 132

When you say that the page count does not include past performance information, do you mean the entire response to L.16.1.5.4, or just the Past Performance

Questionnaires?

The entire past performance section is excluded from the page count.

65 Admin L.8 Time, Place, and

Submission of Offer

Given that the answers to some of our questions will likely impact our technical approach, would the government please extend the proposal due date by 45 days.

The due date was extended in A001.

66 Admin Apart from FAR clause 52.225-13 Restrictions on Certain Foreign Purchases, is there any restriction on the PSIM having foreign-developed code?

COTS products, developed overseas but purchased in the

US are allowed for use on the network. Given the clearance requirements for contractor staff, overseas development of software intended for SMSeNet is not seen as practical.

67 Admin Are any of the existing vendors supporting DS/ST conflicted out of the opportunity, e.g., Administrative and IT Support Services contractor, Quality Assurance and Liaison Support contractor, etc.

This information is not necessary for submission of a compliant proposal. Any excluded contractor or contractor with a conflict of interest knows it is excluded or has a conflict of interest and has a duty to inform prospective teaming partners.

68 Admin C.5, page 29 Is GFE 3-D model and supporting data classified? If so, at what level? All SMSe data is Sensitive But Unclassified.

69 Cost Attachment G – Pricing

Tables 1-8; Table 5

Please confirm that the offeror is expected to modify the Positions per Year to reflect our proposed staffing plan.

Please utilize proposals to reflect expected staffing plan to accomplish the Performance Work Statement.

70 Cost B.4.f, page 7 Should the reference to section B.4 be section B.5? Yes.

71 Technical/

Cost

H.4.4, page 68 There are several references to the Contractor providing all hardware but H.4.4 indicates that the Government will use its supply chain to acquire infrastructure. Should the

Contractor plan on providing hardware (e.g., servers) or will the Government procure those servers?

ST maintains a supply chain contract that provides a plethora of logistics and inventory management support.

Utilizing this contract will often times reduce prices and delivery times for commonly used equipment. The PSIM contract will interface with the supply chain via CMMS.

Items directly ordered through the PSIM contract will need to be manually added to CMMS for inventory purposes and will be invoiced through CLIN X005.

72 Admin C.4.1.5, Page 18 Section C.4.1.5 – Associate Contractor Agreement. Can the Government provide a copy of the Associate Contractor Agreement for review?

No, a copy of the ACA is not provided. Please see the ACA clause for pertinent information.

73 Admin C.9, Page 37 Section C.9 – “At the discretion of the Government, the Contractor shall provide comprehensive program management for PSIM activities, including quality control and oversight to ensure the continued alignment of SMSe activities with DOS goals and objectives.” Can the Government clarify if there is a requirement for Program

Management, its functions and capabilities? And/or the intent of “At their discretion”?

Execution of the PSIM contract through development, deployment, and operations must be based on three guiding principles: 1) no risk to current and future continuity of service; 2) essentiality of communication; and

3) flexibility. Active Contractor leadership to instill a PSIM workforce culture that embraces these guiding principles will help ensure a practical, low risk approach to transition and will work well in partnership with ST. Maintaining

Continuity of Service to ST’s existing capabilities while improving and transitioning to full PSIM operations is paramount.

74 Technical B.1 Overview, Page 2 and

C.4.2, Page 19

Section B.1 States: “The Contractor is responsible for providing all Information

Technology (IT) hardware and software necessary to connect to existing and future technical security systems on a DS-owned and managed network.” Yet section C.4.2 states: For all other sites, outside of the aforementioned priority sites (approximately 300 sites connected to date), if required the Government will provide server hardware to be utilized by the Contractor to provide minimum required PSIM service to the mission.”

Request clarification on whether the contractor is supposed to provide all Hardware and

Software or if the Government is going to provide?

The contractor must plan and propose to provide all software and hardware. Since the software and hardware outside the core deployment is under the ODC/Materials

CLIN, the Government may elect to provide Government furnished equipment on a case-by-case basis as deployments become necessary.

75 Technical C.4.2, Page 19 & C.6.1, Page

35 & C.9.4, Page 43

Section C.4.2 – The RFP states: “The PSIM environment is considered a critical automated information system, and the Contractor shall therefore provide 24/7/365 operational support.” Yet section C.6.1 states “The Government intends to provide the majority of

Tier 1 and some Tier 2 maintenance support, but the Contractor shall at the

Government’s discretion provide on-call 24/7/365 customer support for Tier 1, Tier 2 and

Tier 3 maintenance issues” and again in section C.9.4 “Post-PSIM acceptance operations and maintenance shall include but is not limited to the following: ….24/7/365 maintenance support as outlined in the SOP” Can the Government please provide clarification as to if 24/7/365 support is required and which CLIN the costs should be allocated to.

Tier 3 support for critical or urgent issues will be considered

"on call" throughout the life of the contract. It is the intent of the government that the PSIM be a reliable, stable IT system that will never need extra afterhours critical support, however proper Contingency Planning dictates that resources be available when necessary. As the system capabilities increase the government expects an increase in the amount of Tier 1 and 2 support that will be necessary to integrate new features into each post. It is our intent to reserve the right to add personnel for this support as necessary.

76 Technical C.4.2, Page 19 Section C.4.2 – States “minimum required PSIM service to the mission.” Can the

Government please6define the Minimum required PSIM service?

For all sites, we expect the PSIM to integrate seamlessly into an earth viewer. It is expected that, at a minimum, supporting data for the region will be installed at each PSIM site. During WAN outages local PSIMs shall have the ability to view geospatially accurate imagery, terrain, and other geospatial data of all facility grounds where devices and cameras are located. Connection to a whole earth server is not needed during WAN outages.

77 Technical C.4.2, Page 19 …”any site that contains an Automated Access Control System (AACS) will be able to operate independently of the WAN connection. There are sites that are designated

“Priority Sites.”” How many sites are considered Priority sites?

The number of "priority sites" fluctuates with global DOS requirements.

78 Technical C.4.2, Page 19 Are the priority sites the same as the AACS sites?(CCURE – Hirsch server sites) No, all sites have AACS.

79 Technical C.4.2, Page 19 As stated, the Government will supply backup server hardware designated at the priority sites. Presumably, since the priority sites contain the AACS these systems already have backup server solutions in place. Are these fault tolerant backup systems such as

Marathon/Stratos solutions and are you requiring the Marathon/Stratos fault tolerant software and configuration as part of this proposal? If so, the backup hardware provided by the Government as stated, must be identical to the hardware hosting the PSIM solution. Would it be the intent of the government to procure the identical hardware or would the government be providing hardware specifications to the contractor in an attempt to match on the server hardware provided to host the PSIM? It should be noted that older hardware may not be able to match up with current hardware.

We are not requiring a fault tolerant solution for each site.

80 Technical C.7, Page 35 Section C.7 – “In addition, users must be able to access tutorials and simulations, utilizing a PSIM training environment that is consistently updated to resemble the production environment.” Is it the intent of the Government that the training environment be accessible from remote (Global) locations?

Yes - but training software may be executed on the local

LAN at each site.

81 Technical C.4.2, Page 20 How many client connections would be needed at each “Priority Site” for off WAN operation?

Utilize 15 client connections at each priority site for proposal purposes. Initially this number will fluctuate between 1 and 30.

82 Technical C.2, Page 15, Section C.4.2, Will the DOS consider a different topology for their WAN supported devices? This is an entirely new paradigm and we expect the new contract provide the proper personnel to suggest new capabilities and provide a scalable set of tools to meet new requirements as they are determined.

83 Technical C.4.2.1, Page 20 What is the current access control systems topology? Hirsch with local Velocity controllers at some posts and

CCURE800 with five regional servers centrally provisioned from NCR.

84 Technical C.2, Page 15 The RFP states all sites capable of local PSIM monitoring and control will function independent of the WAN, does DOS have any site not capable of independent PSIM monitoring and control?

All current critical systems function independently at the site level.

85 Technical C.2, Page 15 The RFP states all sites capable of local PSIM monitoring and control will function independent of the WAN,. Is it DOS intent to have all sites capable of local PSIM control?

Yes

86 Technical C.2, Page 15 The RFP states the Aggregate PSIM Data will be analyzed in a regional context, please define regional context?

Analyze data by Region, ie AF, EUR, WHA, etc.

87 Technical C.4.1.1, Page 16 The RFP requires three operational environments (production, training, and testing), how extensive does the DOS required subsystems integration in the aforementioned operational environments?

This is an entirely new paradigm and we expect the new contract provide the proper personnel to suggest new capabilities and provide a scalable set of tools to meet new requirements as they are determined.

88 Technical C.4.2, Page 20 What is the manufacturer name and version of VDI that is currently in use and what are the current resources assigned/available to the VDIs?

VMware

89 Technical C.4.2, Page 20 It is assumed that this applies only to the sites labeled as “Priority Sites” with full PSIM fault tolerance during network disconnect. Does each site have its own domain controller or is it priority sites only?

Only select priority sites have a domain controller.

90 Technical C.4.5.1, Page 22 “Receive AACS events (i.e., Card Admit, card Reject), but it must cross-reference a predefined CCure database for personnel database (i.e., photo).” The last bullet point references the Hirsch Velocity AACS transaction events cross referencing a predefined

CCURE data base for Personnel database. Is that correct and if so can you provide additional information about the dB locations for the cross reference?

This situation would occur in locations where Hirsch is being used as the main automated access control system, and ccure is being used to create and maintain personnel records. In order for the PSIM to display a picture of a person when the Hirsch swipe is made, the PSIM must be able display the access event and pull the relevant .jpg from the local CCURE machine for display.

91 Technical C.4.6.1, Page “Alerts shall be capable of requiring the user to navigate a series of interactive, logical steps in order to clear the alert (i.e., a complex SOP).” This feature is supported;

however, a description of a complex SOP as an example would be very helpful in determining appropriate response. Could an example/description of your interpretation of a complex SOP be provided?

Example of a basic SOP for a intrusion event:

1. Acknowledge receipt of the alert (checkbox)

2. Send Rover to investigate (checkbox)

3. Was there evidence of an intrusion? ("YES" or "NO" radio buttons which will branch/determine the remaining

SOP)

If YES:

4. Contact the RSO (checkbox)

5. Enter details on what was found (text field)

6. Clear alert

If NO:

4. Enter details on what was found (text field)

5. Clear alert

92 Technical C.4.6.2, Page “PSIM clients shall maintain all video related functions (live and recorded) during a network disconnect from the PSIM server” It is assumed that this is referencing PSIM

Clients disconnected from the Enterprise WAN connection and does not apply to the

PSIM Clients connected to the local “priority Site” servers. If there is no network connectivity for the PSIM clients to either the Enterprise or the local “priority site servers” then no functionality would be permitted. Can you provide additional clarification?

The client at the site level will be able to pull video from the site systems.

93 Technical C.4.1.1, Page 17 What modeling software is currently being used to create the 3D models for production? This is an entirely new paradigm and we expect the new contract provide the proper personnel to suggest new capabilities and provide a scalable set of tools to meet new requirements as they are determined.

94 Technical C.4.2, Page 20 The requirements specify 500 concurrent client connections. From an Enterprise perspective an Enterprise client can monitor and control devices and have direct access to any location/site as permitted. For the priority sites requiring full PSIM continuity when disconnected from the WAN/Enterprise how many clients would be needed for each priority site for continuity?

Utilize 15 client connections at each priority site for proposal purposes. Initially this number will fluctuate between 1 and 30.

95 Admin L.8 May a contractor submit two separate proposals as the prime integrator offering a different PSIM vender for each proposal? Recommend: In order to optimize the government’s choices and to maximize the prime’s ability to provide the best systems available it is the benefit of all stakeholders to review all options. We recommend allowing an addendum to each prime proposals offering optional solutions to the installation and integration service.

Yes, multiple proposals are permitted and must be submitted separately, as entirely separate physical proposals without internal cross-reference and will be evaluated separately.

96 Admin C.9.3 In the initial deployment phase it is unclear of the DOS intention as to how the PSIM will be phased in – can we expect a “proof of concept” period where the deployment would be to x number of sites in a certain type of environment (say 10 most challenging sites) or can we expect it to be deployed to x number of sites CONUS to allow a proof of concept and maintenance period? We recommend that the system be deployed to the ten most diversified but most accessible sites - perhaps in the NCR region - to allow a proof of concept and to fix any bugs before launching worldwide.

The deployment plan is a deliverable of the contract. See section C9.

97 N/A No Question #97 No Question #97 No Question #97

98 Admin H.2 If the prime has a Secret Facility clearance and TS and TS/SCI amongst its prime employees –what is the requirement for the subs as they relate to security clearances?

We understand that all contractor personnel performing on this contract are required to have a personnel security clearance at the SECRET level to have access to classified material and/or enter into areas requiring a security clearance. As the prime has the facility clearance we don’t recommend a requirement for subs to have facility clearances.

Please clarify.

For clearance requirements, see DD254 attached to solicitation and clause H.2.

99 M.3. If a contractor is in the process of attaining HUB zone status can it use any of its documentation pertaining to the status in its bid? Does a HUB Zone status (or a pending

HUB Zone delineation) have any impact on selection criteria?

This is a 100% small business set-aside, so although small business status is germane, HUBZone status has no bearing on evaluation.

100 Technical C.2, page 15 Section C calls for global, regional and local monitoring capabilities. How many regions are anticipated? What are the required failover capabilities, if any? How much visibility of local data is required at the regional and global levels? What are the required operational availabilities for each level?

5 regions are anticipated. Local sites should retain critical services independent of the WAN. All local data will be available "on demand" from the regional sites, but video will not be constantly streaming to all regional centers.

101 Technical C.4.1.1, page 16 What integration between the whole earth viewer and the PSIM is required? Yes

102 Admin C.5, page 29 Is GFE 3D model and supporting data classified? If so, at what level? All SMSe data is Sensitive But Unclassified.

103 Admin/Tech nical

B.2.h, page 4, ref. CLIN

X0002A

DOS should clarify if this IS or IS NOT a custom software development project. This is not a custom software development project but rather requests a COTS solution with modifications as necessary. With that said, this is a performance-based contract so we expect the contractor to propose the solution.

104 Technical C4.6.8, first bullet Please clarify if this should instead read, “disconnect from regional PSIM server”? The intent is to ensure that video resources on the local

LAN remain available to the local LAN PSIM clients when the WAN is disconnected. The PSIM client must be able to communicate directly with the Video systems, without the support of a geographically disparate central server.

105 Technical F.3 Deliverables, page 55 Should the first contractor deliverable listed state “Program Management Plan within 5 days”?

Yes.

106 Technical C.7 PSIM Training, page 35 and L.16.1.2 (l) PSIM

Specifications, page 133

Section C states “The individual training courses will each provide a method to document user skills verification.” In order to effectively verify user skills, the offeror must be able to evaluate the training and analyze and report on results. To allow appropriate scoping of the evaluation process, will the Government please provide an estimated number of students by skill type? Additionally, in order to effectively scope the training development effort, it is necessary to define the desired level of interactivity for the virtual training. Will the Government please define the desired level of interactivity

(Level 1, 3, 3 etc.) for the virtual training? * Provide the estimated number of students by skill type required to take individual virtual training. *Provide the desired level of interactivity with definition to ensure consistency in proposal submission and

Government expectation.

We can estimate 500 routine users and 50 advanced users.

The level of interactivity depends on how intuitive the software is for each use case.

107 Technical L.16.1.5.4, page 138 and

Attachment F, page 1

Section L.16.1.5.4 states that the PPQs should be collected by the offeror in a sealed envelope. Attachment F gives the customer the choice of either returning the PPQ in a sealed envelope to the offeror or emailing it to Mr. Andrew Lloyd. Will the Government confirm that submitting PPQs by email to Mr. Lloyd is an acceptable alternative to the hard copies in sealed envelopes? Recommend allow customers to email PPQs directly to

Mr. Andrew Lloyd in lieu of hard copy inside of an envelope.

See revisions to RFP. Emailed PPQs are now the only acceptable method of delivery of PPQs, and the contact information has been changed from My Lloyd to Mr Haines.

108 Technical C.4.2.1, page 20 Will the Government consider a Prime Contractor who is not certified in integration for the PSIM software solution recommended?

No

109 Technical H.15, page 88 Will the Prime Contractor, at any point, be required to operate in the countries of Iraq or

Afghanistan? If so, will there be a requirement to possess/acquire a business license from each of those countries?

At this time there is no intent to require the contractor to acquire a business license for those countries. Any travel is expected to be temporary duty (TDY) in nature.

110 Technical C.4.1.1, page 17 Are the facility drawings up-to-date, accurate and immediately ready for conversion into

3D? If not, will the Government implement a process to properly update them, as well as adjust the corresponding CDRL schedule accordingly?

The drawings are ready for immediate conversion. Our environments are constantly changing, the contractor will support these changes throughout the life of the contract.

The schedule is not expected to change due to drawing availability.

111 Technical C.4.5.5, page 24 In addition to the Panasonic models notes, which models of IP cameras and accessories should we be prepared to integrate?

This is a performance work statement and we expect the contract to provide a scalable solution that will meet future requirements.

112 Technical H.2, page 66 All contractor personnel performing on this contract are required to have a personnel security clearance at the SECRET level with no special access. Overseas installations may require access to the tenant agency spaces or the PCC. Would it not be beneficial for the clearance requirement, for certain positions, to be at the TOP SECRET level with SCI and

CRYPTO accesses? To do otherwise will require escorts and will unduly burden the resources of overseas posts and may negatively impact installation schedules.

Recommend: Require positions, supporting overseas installations, to be cleared at the TS level with the necessary access to secure installation areas.

The requirement is SECRET, as indicated by the DD 254 and

RFP.

113 Technical H.4.6, page 70 The Government will only provide required training for DOS-specific equipment and systems. However, there are training requirements necessary for TDY travel to High

Threat locations. Will the Government reimburse for the required expenses related to such training?

Yes.

114 Technical H.15, page 88 The Government requires SPOT access upon award or modification. However, obtaining

SPOT access is exceptionally timely and requires coordination with DOD organizations, and is subject to lengthy delays. Given the potential impact to the schedule, will the

Government require SPOT access to be immediately available to the prime contractor and teaming partners? Recommend that the Government require SPOT access as criteria for the award of this effort to eliminate any undue program delays in high threat posts requiring LOA's.

Upon award, the DOS will work with the contractor to get registered in SPOT. It is not a particularly time consuming process for a new company and is not a pre-requisite for award.

115 Technical H.13.e.4, page 87…