Solicitation QA.docx

Solicitation Q&A

· Is this opportunity available through a specific vehicle or is it open to all bidders?

· This opportunity is available through SAM.gov and is a small business set-aside.

· What is the anticipated period of performance, or maybe more realistically, in what time frame does the Air Force wish this project to be completed?

· We anticipate the work period will be between 9-12 months but certainly would like it completed within a 12-month period of performance.

· Can you please define what you mean by the term "hypercare"?

· Hypercare is a period of extra support and monitoring after the HTML upgrade goes live to ensure the system is operating well and being available to immediately address any issues that do affect system operation.

· How will past performance be evaluated once the proposal is considered technically acceptable?

· If the offeror has no more than one unsatisfactory rating in the Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS). Past performance shall be evaluated by determining the number of unsatisfactory ratings on CPARS. If an offeror has one or less unsatisfactory rating, it is considered as passing. In the case of an offeror without a record of relevant past performance or for whom information on past performance is not available, the offeror may not be evaluated favorably or unfavorably on past performance and will be considered as passing.

· Is the current STARLIMS 12.2 system on-premise or cloud-based? If cloud-based, are there specific DoD IL4/IL5 requirements that must be met?

· AFTAT is hosted in Cloud One’s Azure Gov Cloud IL-4 environment. Cloud One has the responsibility to ensure their cloud computing environment meets IL-4 requirements, there should be no application-specific IL-4 requirements.

· How many STARLIMS licenses will be required for this project? Will the government provide licenses, or should vendors include licensing costs in the proposal?

· Any specific licenses necessary to perform the HTML conversion should be included in the price of the effort as a separate line item. Licenses for end user access to the system will not be included in this effort.

· Are there specific cybersecurity frameworks (e.g., RMF, NIST 800-171, FedRAMP) that this project must comply with? Will the vendor be required to undergo USAF cybersecurity audits or assessments before deployment?

· AFTAT is governed by RMF for cybersecurity and has an active authority to operate based on RMF requirements. Any changes to the current cybersecurity posture will have to be assessed during deployment. It is expected that the AFTAT program office will lead the assessment.

· Approximately how many end users will access the updated AFTAT system post-upgrade? Are there any third-party system integrations that must be accounted for?

· Approximately 1500 end users access the system now and that will not change post-upgrade. AFTAT has no external interfaces, but the vendor shall be familiar with implementing a STARLIMS program on a virtual machine in a cloud environment.

· Will there be a need for data migration from STARLIMS 12.2 to 12.7, or is this primarily a UI upgrade? Are there any specific data validation requirements post-upgrade?

· If there are any changes to tables, dictionaries, etc… between QM 12.2 to 12.7, some data migration may be necessary. Data will be validated post-upgrade to ensure data integrity from pre-migration.

· Beyond quarterly reporting, are there any specific deadlines or deliverable expectations for major phases (e.g., development, testing, deployment)?

· The expectation is that the AFTAT team will be working closely with the contractor so will be continually cognizant of contractor progress. Therefore, specific deadlines for major phases are foreseen to be necessary.

· How many on-site visits to Wright-Patterson AFB are expected during the project lifecycle? Will the government cover travel costs, or should these be included in the proposal?

· No more than one on-site visit is foreseen. Costs should be included in the proposal.

· Can you please let us know is licenses have to be included with our quote?

· Any licenses required by STARLIMS to enable the vendor to perform the HTML upgrade effort shall be included in the proposal as a separate line item.

· Can the Government please clarify the contract type? Is the expected award anticipated as firmed fixed price, labor hour, or a different type?

· Firm Fixed Price