Q A Report_1-12-11.doc

January 12, 2011

Return Preparer Testing and Fingerprinting Support Services

Solicitation No. TIRNO-11-R-00005 (dated December 6, 2010)

Questions and Answers Report (Set 2) RFP General

55. Question: “Will there be a bidders conference for this solicitation?”

Answer: The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) will not have a vendor conference for this requirement.

56. Question: “Our company is a subcontractor to [vendor] on TIPSS and has been providing online training, training support materials, and online certification for the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA) through the IRS Wage & Investment group. We are interested in teaming with a vendor who is pursuing this opportunity for certifying professional tax preparers. Would you be able recommend a way that we could reach out to potential partners? Thank you.”

Answer: The IRS is amenable to publishing a list that identifies vendors that are interested in partnering and teaming opportunities relating to the subject Request for Proposals. All vendors interested in having its firm’s included on such a list are requested to submit an e-mail to the Contracting Officer by 12:00 pm (EST), January 18, 2011. The list will be published via the Federal Business Opportunities and IRS Procurement websites. At a minimum, vendors should include the company’s name, address, industry, business size, and point of contact information (e.g., name of individual and telephone number), and identify whether interested in a teaming or partnering relationship as a prime contractor or subcontractor.

57. Question: “Can a vendor submit proposal for both the Testing/Fingerprint contract and the Fingerprinting Only contract?”

Answer: Yes, a vendor can submit a proposal for “Testing/Fingerprint”, “Testing only” and/or “Fingerprinting only”. Please see Amendment 0003 to Section IV- Proposal Instructions, Paragraph 6.5 that discusses the references to Testing/Fingerprinting Vendor.

58. Question: “In consideration of the significant scope of services of the RFP, the fact that responding vendors will likely have to establish partnerships and subcontracts to meet all requirements, and the abbreviated timeframe for response (including two Federal Holidays, with only eight business days between the Questions due date and the Proposal due date), would IRS consider extending the Offer Due Date?”

Answer: The proposal submission date was extended in Amendment 0001 dated December 20, 2010. The due date for proposals is now Jan 25, 2011, at 12:00 PM (EST).

59. Question: “We see that the deadline for responding to the subject RFP has been extended from 1/3/11 to 1/25/11. Does this mean the deadline for asking questions has also been extended past 12/17/10?”

Answer: The deadline for asking questions remained as December 17, 2010.

SF 1449

60. Question: “Regarding Standard Form 1449, Lines 6 and 8, a due date of January 3, 2011 allows offerors 18 working days to thoroughly review the RFP, develop questions, receive responses to questions, and craft a thorough and accurate proposal response. Moreover there are over a dozen various compliance requirements (i.e. Section 508, OMB Memorandum, CMMI, etc.) that offerors must review to make sure they are in compliance. Would the IRS consider extending the proposal submission date by at least four weeks?”

61. Answer: The proposal submission date has been extended. The due date for proposals is Jan 25, 2011, 12:00 PM (EST).

RFP SECTION I, STATEMENT OF OBJECTIVES

62. Question: “Are there any pre-requisites to test? If so, how will the testing vendor know who is eligible to test?”

Answer: There are no pre-requisites to testing.

63. Question: “How long will a passing test result be valid for?”

Answer: Passing test results will be valid indefinitely, as long as the preparer has satisfied all other compliance requirements.

Place of Performance/FBO

64. Question: “Are services for this RFP rendered in Washington DC only? I live in the New York area.”

Answer: Testing and fingerprinting services under this contract shall be performed by the vendor throughout the United States and internationally.

Scope/Objective

65. Question: “Would IRS consider proposals for testing solutions without a fingerprinting component? The testing contract could then be combined with the fingerprinting contract for a complete solution.”

Answer: Please see Amendment 0003. -Proposal Instructions, 5.0 has been revised. The IRS will consider a proposal for a testing solution without a fingerprint component. A vendor can submit a proposal for the Testing/Fingerprint, Testing or Fingerprinting only contract.

66. Question: “Can the IRS provide what constitutes ‘market value prices’?”

Answer: A market value price is the amount typically charged a commercial customer.

67. Question: “Is the IRS interested in hearing about chain of custody police ink card (FD258) conversion to electronic FBI format in locations where live scan are not available? Or is it the IRS sole understanding that a live scan will be on each testing site location (ref: 2.4 #7 of the RFP).”

Answer: Please see Amendment 0003 to Section I - Technical, 2.0, 2.1 and 2.3. Electronic scanning of fingerprints is not an absolute requirement when extenuating circumstances prohibit. It is understood that fingerprint cards can be electronically captured. If fingerprint cards are used, the cards still must be submitted in an acceptable electronic format to the FBI via an approved channeler.

68. Question: “What fee, if any, will IRS be charging for fingerprint channeling/adjudication in addition to the FBI fee and vendor fee that must be collected by the vendor?”

Answer: The government is required to recoup all costs associated with the administration of the Return Preparer Program in a user fee. The vendor shall collect this fee from the applicants and remit to IRS. The fee for fingerprint channeling will be assumed by vendor as the contract(s) issued will be "No Cost Contract(s)". The government will not be obligated to pay any fees, costs, or other charges or expenses in connection with the requirements as specified in the RFP.

69. Question: “Out of the tax preparers who have received PTINs since the implementation of the new registration system, how many are EAs, CPAs or attorneys?”

Answer: As of January 4, 2011, approximately 213,000 CPAs, Attorneys, and Enrolled agents have received their PTINS. This number is expected to increase over the next few months.

70. Question: “If IRS selects multiple fingerprint vendors and does in fact require confirmation of fingerprinting prior to a candidate testing, how will the testing vendor be notified of the fingerprint history for that candidate?”

Answer: Please see Amendment 0003. Section I Technical, 1.5(7) has been revised. Confirmation of fingerprinting is not required prior to testing.

71. Question: “What populations within the tax preparer community are required to be fingerprinted? The Dec. ’09 Return Preparer Review does not specify under what circumstances tax preparers must be fingerprinted – could you provide more specific detail and estimates of the anticipated annual volume of fingerprints to be collected? Of these, how many does the government expect would be fingerprinted at the testing center versus a separate Fingerprinting only location?”

Answer: Please see Amendment 0003. Section IV Proposal Instructions, 6.3. Volume I, TAB 2 COST/PRICE has been revised. Executive level decisions that will determine whom within the tax preparer community will be required to be fingerprinted, have not been made. For proposal purposes only, it should be assumed that 450,000 preparers will be required to fingerprint by December 31, 2013. Proposal estimates should include 20% variances upward and downward using this figure. The specific fingerprinting volumes for a testing center versus a separate fingerprinting vendor are not available.

72. Question: “If there is no sensitive (SBU) data being processed at the test centers, do the Test Center Administrators (center staff) have to be US citizens?”

Answer: All contract employees must be U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents with 3 years residency. Please refer to attachment 1 in the RFP.

73. Question: “Reference is made only to the electronic capture and submission of fingerprints of tax preparers. Does the IRS anticipate any circumstance when ‘inked’ fingerprints would be necessary?”

Answer: Please see Amendment 0003. Section I - Technical, 2.0, 2.1 and 2.3 has been revised. Yes. "Inked" fingerprints using FD 258 cards may be necessary in some foreign countries and in other extenuating circumstances. Electronic scanning of fingerprints is not an absolute requirement when extenuating circumstances prohibit. It is understood that fingerprint cards can be electronically captured. If fingerprint cards are used, the cards still must be submitted in an acceptable electronic format to the FBI via an approved channeler. However offerors with technology that enables live scanning will be viewed more favorably.

74. Question: “Does the IRS have an approved and operational interface control document in order to expedite an interface to the IRS? Is it publicly available at this time? If not, how soon after the award do you anticipate it will be available?”

Answer: The interface is currently not available and the anticipated timeframe will be negotiated shortly after the contract is awarded.

75. Question: “Should respondents omit listing electronic fingerprinting sites if they are contractually obligated to service only a specific client/state and would not be available for IRS applicants?”

Answer: Electronic fingerprinting sites contractually obligated to service only a specific client, and not available to be used for fingerprinting of return preparers may be deemed non-responsive.

76. Question: “If an applicant fails to appear for a scheduled fingerprinting appointment and is offered a second opportunity at no extra cost to get printed but fails to appear, may the vendor charge the applicant their usual fee?”

Answer: A recommended policy should be submitted with the proposal.

Paragraph 1.3, Item 1

77. Question: “Can the IRS clarify if they wish for the applicant to be provided with test results immediately following the test session? Or, is the suggested time delay due to the fact that IRS wants to review scoring of the initial pilot before giving final results?”

Answer: Please refer to the Amendment 0003. Section I - Technical, 1.13(4) (5) & (6) has been revised to incorporate re-worded language. The initial time delay for notifying applicants of their test scores is intended to accommodate the vendor with the implementation of the process. If the vendor is able to notify electronic test takers immediately after the conclusion of the test, then the vendor is not required to notify by mail. After the initial rollout, the requirement is immediate notification for electronic test takers, and 21 days for those who tested on paper.

Paragraph 1.3, Item 1

78. Question: “Will the IRS assist the contractor in identifying subject matter experts or providing content?”

Answer: Please refer to amendment referring to Section I, Technical 1.3(3) concerning IRS Subject Matter Experts (SME's). The IRS will provide IRS employees as SMEs with respect to the job analysis. The IRS will provide limited assistance in identifying subject matter experts outside of the IRS. Also refer to Amendment 0003. Section I Technical, Paragraph 1.3(5) has been revised. The IRS will not provide SMEs to assist in the development of test questions. The IRS will provide limited IRS SMEs to take the pilot test version along with the vendor's SMEs who will take the pilot test. IRS reserves the right to have IRS SMEs review all test questions and the IRS will exercise final approval over all test questions

Paragraph 1.3, Item 2

79. Question: “Can the IRS please clarify its expectations for paper examinations? How many candidates are expected to apply for this accommodation?”

Answer: Please see Amendment to Section IV Proposal Instructions, 6.3. Volume I, TAB 2 COST/PRICE. The availability of paper examinations must be concurrent with the electronic version. It is the intent of IRS to limit paper testing to individuals with disabilities and individuals with religious beliefs that prevent them from taking tests electronically. However at the discretion of IRS, additional individuals may be permitted to test on paper. For proposal purposes only, the assumption can be made that an estimated that 25,000 return preparers are expected to apply for this accommodation by December 31, 2013. Proposal estimates should include 20% variances upward and downward using this figure.

Paragraph 1.3

80. Question: “This section references the test development process. Can the IRS share if they have, or will assign, subject matter experts (SME’s) for this project?”

Answer: Please see Amendment 0003. Section I 1.3(3) & (5) has been revised. The IRS will provide limited IRS SMEs to take the pilot test version IRS will provide IRS employees as SMEs to participate in job analysis development, however the SME's will not be utilized in the development of test questions. The IRS exercises final approval over all test questions and reserves the right to have their SMEs review some or all test questions.

Paragraph 1.3, Test Development and Scoring

81. Question: “’Conduct job analysis…’ Will the IRS provide Subject Matter Experts to participate in job analysis meetings? Will the IRS provide email addresses for tax preparers throughout the US, so that the job analysis survey can be distributed online?”

Answer: Please see Amendment to Section I -Technical,1.3(3). The IRS will provide IRS employees as SMEs with respect to the job analysis. IRS will not provide e-mail address for tax preparers throughout the U.S. so that a job analysis survey can be distributed on line.

Paragraph 1.3, Test Development and Scoring

82. Question: “’Develop a plan to conduct pilot testing.’ Will the IRS provide personnel to take the pilot test version?”

Answer: Please see Amendment 0003. Section I -Technical, 1.3(5) has been revised. IRS will provide SMEs in a limited capacity to participate in the pilot test version.

83. Question: “Please provide additional clarity on geographic coverage parameters, both domestically and internationally. How many sites would the IRS expect to be utilized? Is there a requirement on the maximum distance someone would travel to the site?”

Paragraphs 1.5(3) and 2.4(1) & (3)

Answer: Please see Amendment 0003. Section I - Technical, 1.5(3) and 2.4(1) & (3) has been revised. The word "adequate" relative to fingerprinting has been deleted. Locations of testing and fingerprinting venues must sufficiently enable access and maintain coverage within each Congressional district nationally. It will be necessary to test in foreign countries. The offeror will describe those locations in which they can perform this functionality. The distance will vary on the difficulty of the tax preparer commute. However, it should be acceptable and within the norms for travel in that location.

Paragraph 1.5, Items 3 and 4

84. Question: “Can the IRS provide an estimate of the number of international test takers anticipated?”

Answer: Please see Amendment 0003. Section IV Proposal Instructions, 6.3. Volume I, TAB 2 COST/PRICE, has been revised. The IRS estimates that for proposal purposes only, approximately 10,000 preparers will test internationally by December 31, 2013. Proposal estimates should include 20% variances upward and downward using this figure.

Paragraph 1.5, Paragraph 3

85. Question: “Does the IRS have a mileage range for what would be considered ‘reasonable traveling distance’?”

Answer: Please see Amendment 0003. Section I- Technical, 1.5(3) & 2.4(3) has been revised. The IRS does not have a mileage range for what would be considered a "reasonable traveling distance". The distance will vary on the difficulty of the tax preparer commute. However, it should be acceptable and within the norms for travel in that location.

Paragraph 1.5, Item 7

86. Question: “Section I, [Paragraph] 1.5, [Item] 7 describes controls to ensure that the applicant fingerprinted is the same applicant authenticated to take the test. How will this validation occur?”

Answer: Please see Amendment 0003. Section I - Technical, Paragraph 1.5(7) has been revised. Vendors must use secure methods with strict security guidelines, including applicant authentication and other established measures to protect individual integrity. Personal data to properly authenticate applicants may include full name, date of birth, Social Security Number, etc.

Paragraph 1.5, Item 8

87. Question: “Section I, [Paragraph] 1.5, Page 6, [Item] 8 describes reasonable accommodations. Does the vendor need to get approval from the IRS below before reasonable accommodations are made for test taker?”

Answer: IRS approval is not needed before reasonable accommodations are made for test takers, if the accommodations are in compliance with applicable law, including the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Paragraph 1.5, Item 9

88. Question: “Section I, [Paragraph] 1.5, Page 6, [Item] 9 describes the Testing/Fingerprinting vendor providing information about who has passed background investigations to the Registration Vendor. The process flow in Attachment 3 does not show this communication as a responsibility of the Testing/Fingerprinting Vendor. Can the IRS please clarify?”

Answer: Please see Amendment 0003. Section I- Technical, 1.5 (9) & 1.9 has been revised. The statement "and provide information about who has passed background investigations (after notification by IRS), to the Registration Vendor "has been corrected to read "Update test taker status, and transmit test results to the Registration Vendor for association with the preparers account".

Paragraph 1.10

89. Question: “What do tokens refer to in section 1.10? Assuming this is VPN access using something like RSA access keys.”

Answer: Please see Amendment 0003. Section I, Technical 1.10 & 2.5 has been revised to eliminate the word "token". IRS requires two-factor authentication for IRS employees accessing the data for review on the proposed system. The solution should be provided by the contractor. The reference to "token" was referring to authentication.

Paragraph 1.10

90. Question: “Is the term tokens being used generically or is it something specific the IRS seeks?”

Answer: Please see Amendment 0003 - Section I, Technical 1.10 & 2.5 that eliminates the word "token". IRS requires two-factor authentication for IRS employees accessing the data for review on the proposed system. The solution should be provided by the contractor. The reference to "token" was referring to authentication.

Paragraph 1.13

91. Question: “What is meant by “secure mailbox for the preparer” in section 1.13, number 9?”

Answer: There is a requirement for the vendor to send secure electronic information to a tax return preparer. To meet our standard security requirements we will require the vendor to create a "secure message repository" where an email for the applicant is sent and for which the applicant would then have to log in securely to retrieve the email.

Paragraph 1.13, Items 4-7

92. Question: “Can the IRS clarify if they wish for the applicant to be provided with test results immediately following the test session? Or, is the suggested time delay due to the fact that IRS wants to review scoring of the initial pilot before giving final results?”

Answer: Please refer to the Amendment 0003. Section I - Technical, Paragraph 1.13(4) (5) & (6) has been revised. The initial time delay for notifying applicants of their test scores is intended to accommodate the vendor with the implementation of the process. If the vendor is able to notify electronic test takers immediately after the conclusion of the test, then the vendor is not required to notify by mail. After the initial rollout, the requirement is immediate notification for electronic test takers, and 21 days for those who tested on paper.

Paragraph 2.0

93. Question: “As fingerprinting will be conducted at the option of the IRS, what factors will determine whether fingerprinting will be required?”

Answer: Please see the Amendment 0003. Section 1- Technical, 1.1, & 1.5(7) has been revised. The statement "at the option of the IRS" has been deleted.

Paragraph 2.0

94. Question: “Is there an estimate of how many tax preparers may require fingerprinting, but not testing?”

Answer: Please see Amendment 0003. Section IV Proposal Instructions, 6.3. Volume I, TAB 2 COST/PRICE has been revised. The IRS does not have a more specific estimate of the number of return preparers that will need to be tested and fingerprinted. For proposal purposes only, it should be assumed that 450,000 preparers will be required to fingerprint, and 350,000 to test by December 31, 2013. Proposal estimates should include 20% variances upward and downward using these figures.

Paragraph 2.1.1

95. Question: “Will the vendor be required to collect fingerprints in the Type 14 format or the Type 4 format?”

Answer: Please see Amendment 0003. Section I - Technical, 2.0, 2.1 and 2.3 has been revised.. Electronic scanning of fingerprints is not an absolute requirement when extending circumstances prohibit. It is understood that fingerprint cards can be electronically captured. If fingerprint cards are used, the cards still must be submitted in an acceptable electronic format to the FBI via an approved channeler.

Paragraph 2.4.5

96. Question: “The RFP states that testing/fingerprinting must commence six months from contract signing. Does this mean that the program must be fully implemented within six months or that a minimum number of sites (Initial Operational Capability) must be deployed with 6 months and then expanded upon in subsequent months (Full Operational Capability)?”

Answer: Please see the Amendment 0003. Section I -Technical, 1.5(3), Paragraph 2.4(1) & (3) is revised to delete the word "adequate" relative to fingerprinting. It is the intention of IRS to have fingerprinting fully functional both nationally and internationally, with coverage within 6 months of contract award.

Paragraph 2.4, Item 5

97. Question: “Commence fingerprinting on or before six months of contract award. Can you clarify the date this service should begin?”

Answer: Please see Amendment 0003. Section I -Technical, 1.5(3) and 2.4(1) & (3) has been revised. The word "adequate" relative to fingerprinting has been deleted. The service should begin no later than 6 months after award of the fingerprinting contract. However if able, the vendor may begin fingerprinting prior to this date.

Paragraph 2.4, Item 7

98. Question; “Does the IRS acknowledge that the collection of biometrics (digital fingerprints) at testing centers may not be possible under local jurisdictions in Canada, the European Union, and other localities? Will the IRS waive fingerprinting requirements for testing in those countries where data privacy laws do not permit? Or does the IRS plan to pay to file with those foreign governments for permission to collect biometric data from candidates? “

Answer: Applicant fingerprints will be collected within each state, district, territory, and foreign country as approved by the IRS. Should circumstances arise in a foreign location that would impede the collection of an applicant's fingerprints, the IRS will address such circumstances on a case-by-case basis.

Paragraph 2.5

99. Question: “Can the IRS please clarify the concept of tokens for remote access? Is a token a usable “voucher” for an authorized IRS employee to access the testing center and view or take an exam?”

Answer: Please see Amendment 0003. Section I, Technical 1.10 & 2.5 has been revised to eliminate the word "token". IRS requires two-factor authentication for IRS employees accessing the data for review on the proposed system. The solution should be provided by the contractor. The reference to "token" was referring to authentication.

Paragraph 2.8(5)

100. Question: “Does the IRS require that a second set of prints should be at no cost to the applicant?”

Answer: Please see Amendment 0003. Section I Technical, 2.8(5) has been revised.. The second sent of prints will be at no cost to the applicant.

Paragraph 5.10

101. Question: “Pursuant to sections 5.8(2) and (3) and section 5.10, what tax data will be processed, stored and transmitted by contractor pursuant to the services provided under the contract?”

Answer: Using the disclosure clauses and definitions of Internal Revenue Code 6103 as a guide, the contractor will not be processing tax data or return information "with respect to a [tax] return ... filed with, or furnished to [the IRS. However, the contractor still might process sensitive personally identifiable information (PII), such as applicant name, address, fingerprints and identifying numbers, so the contractor must still adhere to the most current National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) security guidelines as specified in several sections of the RFP.

Paragraph 8.0, Survey of Public

102. Question: “Would a job analysis survey distributed to tax preparers constitute a collection of information from members of the public, and therefore require vendors to prepare an OMB package, as detailed in Attachment 2? If so, certain clearance materials (such as the proposed questionnaire) may be difficult to develop and provide prior to the proposal due date.”

Answer: Please see Amendment 0003. Section I Technical, 8.0 and Section IV Proposal Instructions, 11.3.The Paperwork Reduction Act of 1980 (Pub. L. 96-511) imposes a requirement on Federal agencies to obtain approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) before collecting information from more than 10 members of the public. In the pre-award stage the offeror must explain how they will timely meet the government's requirements found in Section I, 8.0. In the pre-award stage the offeror must notify the IRS as to what activity will be subject to the requirements of 8.0 necessitating OMB approval. In the post award stage the offeror must ensure that they compile and submit the appropriate documentation and that the documentation submitted satisfies IRS and OMB guidelines. The vendor must also ensure that documentation is submitted timely to implement the IRS and OMB requirements. There is a 5 week approval process for surveys and a 4 1/2 month approval process for applications. The IRS will review and will forward for OMB approval. Attachment 2 is a sample of information that may be required for OMB approval. A job analysis survey may require vendors to prepare an OMB package.

RFP SECTION II – PRICING

Section II, Paragraph 1.2

103. Question: “The Pricing Table includes a “Base Period and an “Option Period 5”. However, other parts of the proposal (such as Section II, 3.0) state that the contract’s terms include “four, one (1) year options. Can the IRS please clarify the contract’s terms?

Answer: The Option 5 period was inadvertently included. The RFP at Section II, 1.2 has been amended to include a base year and 4 consecutive 12-months option periods.

RFP SECTION III – CONTRACT CLAUSES

Paragraph 3.0

104. Question: “As per RFP Section I, 1.2, “individuals who have a PTIN before the test is available will have until December 31, 2013 to pass the test”, meaning most tax preparers are not anticipated to test until the second or third option year. Would the IRS be amenable to increasing the base contract term? For example, a three-year contract with two one-year optional renewal periods would give bidders more stability and allow for a more equitable price proposal.”

Answer: Please see Amendment 0003. Section III Contract Clauses, 3.0 has been revised. The IRS has amended the base contract term to 2 years from the date of award, and 4 one year option periods. The total possible performance period is now 6 years.

Section III, Paragraph 24.0

105. Question: “Can the IRS please clarify whether or not the services furnished under this contract shall comply with the Electronic and Information Technology Accessibility Standards at 36 CFR 1194? This requirement ends with the phrase ‘Not applicable’.”

Answer: Please see Amendment 0003. Section III, Paragraph 24.0, entitled “IR1052.239-9011, Section 508 – Accessibility of Electronic and Information Technology” has been revised. The text "not applicable” has been replaced with "refer to the technical provisions detailed in Paragraph 23.0”. Services furnished under this contract must comply with 36 CFR 1194. Section III, Paragraph 23.0 lists the technical standards compliance. Section III, Paragraph 24.0 deals with specific technical standards and provisions for determining compliance with 36 CFR 1194.

RFP SECTION IV – PROPOSAL INSTRUCTIONS

Paragraph 1.5, Test Administration

106. Question: “Can IRS provide a more specific estimate of the number of return preparers that will need to be tested and fingerprinted? Please provide estimates for the initial one-year term of the contract, and the four subsequent optional years.”

Answer: Please see Amendment 0003 to Section IV Proposal Instructions, 6.3. Volume I, TAB 2 COST/PRICE. The IRS does not have a more specific estimate of the number of return preparers that will need to be tested and fingerprinted. For proposal purposes only, it should be assumed that 450,000 preparers will be required to fingerprint, and 350,000 to test by December 31, 2013. Proposal estimates should include 20% variances upward and downward using these figures.

Paragraph 3.0

107. Question: “Would the IRS accept preliminary questions and provide answers on a rolling basis to provide bidders with additional time to analyze the IRS’s responses? Note that the established December 17th deadline to submit questions is only nine business days prior to the proposal closing date.”

Answer: IRS will provide answers to questions that require the offeror to take immediate action, or questions that are time sensitive as soon as possible. The question and answer period will not be extended beyond 12/17/2010. All responses will be posted by no later than January 14, 2011. The proposal submission date has been extended. The due date for proposals is now January 25, 2011, at 12:00 PM EST.

108. Question: “The tabbed sections for Volume I have been clearly described; however, not all of the tabbed sections for Volume II have been described. Can the IRS please confirm tabs for Volume II and provide a detailed description of each required tab similar to the descriptions provided for Volume I?”

Answer: Please see Amendment 0003 Section IV - Proposal Instructions, 6.5 through 6.10 that includes descriptions of the Tabs.

109. Question: “Tab 1: Technical – This section references the Compliance Matrix but does not clearly identify what the Technical tab should include.”

Answer: Please see Amendment 0003 Section IV -Proposal Instructions, 6.0 through 6.10 that include the Tabs matrix. The technical tab should include the Performance Work Statement detailing how the Offeror addresses the technical requirements as specified in the SOO, as well as the Compliance Matrix. Also refer to Section IV, 11.1, Factor One - Technical Expertise/Approach.

110. Question: “Tab 2: Vendor Experience –Can the IRS provide specific details as to what bidders should submit in this section?”

Answer: Please see Amendment 0003 Section IV - Proposal Instruction, 6.7 that includes instructions for addressing Vendor Profile and Experience and also refer to Section IV, 11.2, Factor Two - Vendor Profile and Experience.

111. Question: “Tab 3: Business Requirement –Can the IRS provide specific details as to what bidders should submit in this section?”

Answer: Please see Amendment 0003. Section IV - Proposal Instructions 6.8 has been revised to include instructions for addressing Business Requirements - Tab 3, Also, refer to Section IV, 11.3, Factor Three- Business Requirements. This Tab should also include:CMMI® -DEV Certification; OMB -In the pre-award stage the offeror must notify the IRS as to what activity will be subject to OMB approval. In the post award stage the offeror must ensure that they compile and submit the appropriate documentation and that the documentation submitted satisfies IRS and OMB guidelines. The vendor must also ensure that documentation is submitted timely to implement the IRS and OMB requirements. There is a 5 week approval process for surveys and a 4 1/2 month approval process for applications. The IRS will review and will forward for OMB approval. Attachment 2 is a sample of information that may be required for OMB approval (for additional information on OMB requirements, please refer to Amendment 0003, Section I Technical, 8.0 and Section IV Proposal Instructions); and Section 508 -completed Test Plan Template-Attachment #5.

112. Question: “Tab 4: SOO/PWS Compliance Matrix – Does the IRS envision that the SOO/PWS Compliance Matrix will address each and every RFP item in Section 1.0 (starting with 1.3?)? Or should the matrix only include certain sections of the RFP? Please clarify.”

Answer: The Performance Work Statement (PWS) should address all technical requirements in the contract. The Compliance Matrix should reference which applicable sections PWS address the requirements.

Tab 5

113. Question: “Section IV, Tab 5: Technical Reference Materials – Identified as tab 8. Please clarify.”

Answer: Please see Amendment 0003 Section IV Proposal Instructions 6.0, 6.5 & 6.9 that refer to the Tabs matrix, and the technical reference material. The correct Tab for Technical Reference Materials is Tab 4.

Paragraph 5.0

114. Question: “[S]tates that at a minimum the offer must show a technical proposal addressing the technical evaluation criteria set forth in Section IV paragraph 11. Price is one the factors listed in paragraph 11, but the general instructions for Volume II in paragraph 6.5 state that no pricing should be included in the technical proposal. Where should we include pricing outside Volume I tab 2?”

Answer: Section IV, paragraph 5.0 states that at a minimum the offer must show a technical proposal addressing the technical evaluation criteria set forth in Section IV paragraph 11.0. Price is one the factors listed in paragraph 11.0, but the general instructions for Volume II in paragraph 6.5 state that no pricing should be included in the technical proposal. Pricing information should be included solely within Volume I.

Paragraph 6.0

115. Question: “This section references the Tabs that are to be included in Volume II. Can the IRS clarify what information needs to be provided in TAB 6?”

Answer: Please see Amendment 0003. Section IV - Proposal Instructions, has been revised. Tab 6 has been changed to Tab 5 and is to include subcontracting information.

Paragraph 6.0

116. Question: “[T]he three tabs under Volume I are explained, however only 2 of the 6 tabs in Volume II are explained. Tab 4 is detailed in paragraph 6.6 and tab 5 seems to be detailed in 6.7 although it is labeled as tab 8, which does not exist. Our question, where do we go to find the explanation of the material to be included in the other tabs for Volume II?”

Answer: Please see Amendment 0003 Section IV -Proposal Instructions, 6.0 through 6.10 that include descriptions of the Tabs.

Paragraph 6.5

117. Question: “This section instructs bidders to respond to the Performance Work Statement; however, this term is not defined in the proposal. Further, there are scope of work-related requirements listed in both Section I and Section IV, 11.0. Can the IRS please clearly identify each of the specific RFP requirements under the Statement of Objectives for the Testing and Fingerprinting Services and the Fingerprinting Services contracts to which bidders should respond?”

Answer: Please see Amendment 0003 Section IV -Proposal Instructions, 6.0 through 6.10 that include descriptions of the Tabs. Offerors should refer to the Tabs Matrix and the Tab descriptions for requirements that must be responded to in Section IV- Proposal Instructions 6.1 through 6.10.

Paragraph 11.1.2.1

118. Question: “This section (fingerprinting account management) references requirements in Section 2.10. Can the IRS please clarify as there are only topics 2.0-2.9 on pages 10-13.”

Answer: Please see Amendment 0003 for Section IV - Proposal Instructions, 11.1.2.1. The reference to 2.10 has been corrected to 2.9.

RFP SECTION V - ATTACHMENTS

Attachment 1, "Background Investigation Requirements

119. Question: “Attachment 1, "Background Investigation Requirements," indicates that it is a post-award requirement. Are we correct that no action or response is required with proposal submission?”

Answer: Please see Amendment 0003. Attachment #1, background investigations are not required with the proposal submission. .

Attachment 2, "OMB Package Requirements,”

120. Question: “Regarding attachment 2, "OMB Package Requirements,” is this also a post-award requirement? If not, can you provide guidance on what type of information is being requested? For example, to what "data collection" are you referring?”

Answer: Please refer to Amendment 0003, Section I Technical, 8.0 and Section IV Proposal Instructions, 11.3, for further information. The Paperwork Reduction Act of 1980 (Pub. L. 96-511) imposes a requirement on Federal agencies to obtain approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) before collecting information from more than 10 members of the public. In the pre-award stage the offeror must explain how they will timely meet the government's requirements found in Section I, 8.0. In the pre-award stage the offeror must notify the IRS as to what activity will be subject to the requirements of 8.0 necessitating OMB approval. In the post award stage the offeror must ensure that they compile and submit the appropriate documentation and that the documentation submitted satisfies IRS and OMB guidelines. The vendor must also ensure that documentation is submitted timely to implement the IRS and OMB requirements. There is a 5 week approval process for surveys and a 4 1/2 month approval process for applications. The IRS will review and will forward for OMB approval. Attachment 2 is a sample of information that may be required for OMB approval. Examples of data collection which may require OMB approval would include a job analysis or an application by a test candidate to take the examination.

Attachment 5

121. Question: “On the Past Performance Survey Questionnaire, it states that the forms are due back to the IRS from our references by December 27, 2010, at 12:00 p.m. Now that the RFP due date has changed, has the due date for the Past Performance Survey Questionnaires changed, as well? We want to ensure that our references return the forms to you in a timely manner and will update them regarding any deadline changes.”

Answers: The past performance survey questionnaire submission due date was extended to January 18, 2011 under Amendment 0002 dated December 22, 2010.

Attachment 5

122. Question: “As the Proposal Due Date has been extended to January 25, 2011, can it be assumed that due date for the submission of Past Performance Survey Questionnaires has been extended as well? If so, can you provide the new deadline?”

Answers: The past performance survey questionnaire submission due date was extended to January 18, 2011 under Amendment 0002 dated December 22, 2010.

Attachment 5

123. Question: “Is it the IRS’s expectation that bidders will submit the Section 508 Test Plan Template to the IRS as part of the proposal submission? Or, does it need to be filled out and submitted to another entity prior to contract award? Can the IRS please specify any additional instructions?”

Answer: IRS will be using the completed test plan template to help assess the conformance level of the vendor's offering. The product should be tested using the recommended test plan language and methodologies.

Attachment 5

124. Question: “The Offeror is unclear if this attachment is to be completed. If so, please clarify which Volume & tab the information is to be submitted with.”

Answer: Please refer to Section III, Paragraph 6.4, Item 3, last paragraph. Attachment 5 is to be completed by the offeror's references. The due date for submission of the survey has been extended to January 18, 2011, per Amendment 0002 to the RFP dated December 22, 2010.