Amendment_004_q_and_a.pdf

QUESTION 1: Figure 1 represents a workflow. Is it also required that the data management system require manage the workflow and delegate tasks to individuals in addition to the data and the linkages of this data?

RESPONSE 1: What does ‘manage the workflow’ mean? Not required to delegate tasks, may be of interest for the future

QUESTION 2: Specific requirement #1: What are the solution expectations for storing the analysis methods used to create derived data from raw data? Please explain.

RESPONSE 2: We expect to be able to store scripts and programs used to create derived data. We require being able to track how the raw data is converted to derived data and be able to exactly replicate that process in the future

QUESTION 3: Specific requirement #2: What is the primary reason for requesting user-defined schema? Is this for searching? What classification of user would do this (ex. db admin, test engineer, anyone)?

RESPONSE 3: The reason to request user defined schema is that it is unlikely that we will be able to a priori define all terms in a schema we would wish to include.

We require being able to define the terms ourselves as needed. Classification of user is a business decision that rests with the quoter.

QUESTION 4: Specific requirement #12: Is this to include content data (files) or just schema and metadata?

RESPONSE 4: All information imported into the database, content data, schema and metadata must be exported.

QUESTION 5: Specific requirement #13: What is the desired method of storing images in a

DB? As individual attributed objects or stored in a single attributed object?

What is the desired image storage method when the test is iterated and new versions of the images exist?

RESPONSE 5: Method of storing images and versioning is a business decision that rests with the quoter.

QUESTION 6: Specific requirement #15: This access if for the test data management software and not associated test and CAE software that uses and builds data, correct? Is there any requirement where the test data management system is to execute and internal tool?

RESPONSE 6: The access is to the data management software. The additional question

“requirement where the test data management system is to execute and internal tool?” is not clear.

QUESTION 7: Specific requirement #20: Are there access restrictions to other PLM capabilities such as modifying, deleting, creating, etc? Are there object lifecycle requirements that have access restrictions? Are all users to be behind same firewall and geographically co-located?

RESPONSE 7: The intent of the first two questions is not clear. There are not any requirements to access other PLM systems. Users must be able to define which items will to be plotted, regardless of data type and define the plotting axes. Users are behind the same firewall and geographically co-located.

QUESTION 8: Specific requirement #22: This is to plot what type of data specifically?

Array data? If scalar data what would make up the data set?

RESPONSE 8: Users must be able to define which items will to be plotted, regardless of data type and define the plotting axes.

QUESTION 9: Specific requirement #23: This is the first requirement to mention import templates, suggesting that this is the desired solution for test data import.

Is this correct? If so, please describe the requirements for how these templates are to be developed, deployed and accesses and by what type of user?

RESPONSE 9: As part of the ‘user friendly’ requirement, a system that “is efficient and effective in its operation to upload data and create templates with the least number of steps possible;” is required. Several example data files have been provided as part of this solicitation to the quoters so that they may identify the solution that meets our requirements.

QUESTION 10: Specific requirement #24: "not limited to" suggests other important searches will be conducted. Is it a requirement to allow users to configure object attributes, parameters and other meta data so that searches can be conducted on these objects; whatever type of search that may be?

RESPONSE 10: These objects are expected to appear in the schema or data. How best to implement those searches is a business decision that rests with the quoter.

QUESTION 11: Specific requirement #25: What behavior do you expect from import templates? Are these to be automated? Are these to guide users how and what to import? Are these to be pre attributed? Is attribute automated?

RESPONSE 11: We expect to take the data files and import them into the data management system. The method for that import is a business decision that rests with the quoter.

QUESTION 12: Capability to enhance #2: This implies the system will run external commands whether both command line and scripts. Is this in association with data export and import from the system? If for external execution and the system requires secure access does this secure access apply to the remote and distributed execution as well? Since the UI is to be web based how do you envision system's execution management capability (monitoring, user configuration at runtime, etc )?

RESPONSE 12: Running external commands and scripts is expected to allow for users to set up automated processes that interacts with the data management system. Secure access would be required for remote access and distributed execution.

A web interface is preferred, however vendors are not limited to only provide a web interface. However, if multiple interface options are provided vendors are expected to specify which features are not available in the different interfaces.

QUESTION 13: We also have these additional general questions with respect to the RFQ:

Of the pool of 30 users mentioned, how many would only require use of the system to import test data and review managed test data?

RESPONSE: From 5 to 20.

Of the pool of 30 users, how many would require use of the system to import and execute simulations?

RESPONSE: From 5 to 15.

Of the pool of 30 users, how many would require use of the system to develop new enhancements of the system, such as schema updates, or authoring their own import templates?

RESPONSE: From 2 to 15.

QUESTION 14: Is the technical team willing to use a server running a Microsoft operating system and database?

RESPONSE 14: Please reference the statement of work:

“The data management system shall be installed on a government-supplied fileserver. The Contractor must include system requirements for their software. Preference shall be given to software that can run and perform all required functions on the fileserver defined in the Government

Furnished Property section of this document…”