Questions_and_Answers_12-21-16.pdf

Question Answer 1 Both Who is the current provider(s) of Online

Web-Based Asset Locator Research?

LexisNexis Accurint

2 Contracting What is the current contract number or numbers?

This was provided on the FBO announcement.

3 Both What is the current annual value of the Online Web-Based Asset Locator Research contract(s)?

That has no bearing on this solicitation.

4 Both Who is the current provider(s) of Offline Recurring Batch Processing?

Dun & Bradstreet

5 Both What is the current annual value of the Offline Recurring Batch Processing contract(s)?

That has no bearing on this solicitation.

6 Technical Section 3.4 indicates that Microsoft’s Internet Explorer version 8.0 currently serves as the end-user interface for internet-based commercial services, but that the IRS is migrating to Internet Explorer 11. It is our understanding that Microsoft is no longer supporting Internet Explorer 8, 9, or 10.

Can you please clarify the time frame for when the IRS will be migrating to Internet Explorer 11?

We believe IT has completed the majority of migrations to

IE 11.

7 Technical Section 4.2 Highly Desirable Content – Online Images (page 13) – What is the estimated volume of searches for information related to online images of public documents?

We do not know. This is a highly desirable feature. Such requests will depend on IRS needs as well as the content that is being made available.

8 Technical Section 5.1 User Population (page 14) – The RFP provides a table of Asset Locator users by function as of December 2014. We note that the usage population could have changed dramatically in two years. In fact, TIRNO-10-R-0001 estimated a user population of 30,000 users. It places non-incumbent offerors at a competitive disadvantage not to have current information about the user population. As such, we respectfully request that the IRS provide a current version of the table reflecting the breakdown of Asset Locator users by function.

No. The usage is relatively unchanged. Offers should be based on the information provided in the RFP.

9 Section 5.2.2 – Highly Desirable Features

– Online Interactive Batch (page 16) – What is the estimated frequency of online

We do not know. This is a highly desirable feature. Such requests will depend on IRS batch requests? What types of information are required in online batch output?

needs as well as the content that is being made available.

10 Contracting FAR 52.204-7 System for Award Management (page 41) – Section III incorporates by reference FAR 52.204-7 System for Award Management (Jul 2013).

Under the current Federal Acquisition Regulation, FAR 52.204-7 has been updated (Oct 2016). Please clarify.

This will be updated by amendment.

11 Contracting FAR 52.212-1 Instructions to Offerors - (page 41) – Section III incorporates by reference FAR 52.212-1 Instructions to Offerors (Oct 2015). Under the current Federal Acquisition Regulation, FAR 52.212-1 has been updated (Oct 2016).

Please clarify.

This will be updated by amendment.

12 Contracting FAR 52.212-3 Offerors Representations and Certifications - (pages 42-60) – The solicitation includes the full-text of FAR 52.212-3 Offerors Representations and Certifications (July 2016). Under the current Federal Acquisition Regulation, FAR 52.212-3 has been updated (Dec 2016).

Please clarify.

This will be updated by amendment.

13 Both Evaluation Factors (page 64) – The RFP provides several evaluation factors. We note that while “Highly Desirable Content” and “Highly Desirable Features” are included, the evaluation factors do not include “Mandatory Content” (Section 4.1) and “Mandatory Features” (Section 5.2.1).

Please note that Online Web-Based Asset Locator Research is not a commodity like office supplies. There may be differences between vendors on their ability to meet the “Mandatory Content” and “Mandatory Features” (e.g., it may not be an “apples” to “apples” comparison as different providers do not have interchangeable Mandatory Content and Mandatory Features). As such, would the IRS be willing to consider Mandatory Content and Mandatory Features as part of the evaluation process to take into account that different vendors may provide different value and enhancements in Mandatory Content and Mandatory

No. The mandatory content and features are just that, mandatory items available for search. If the proposal does not have those mandatory content features as required by the Statement of Work, then the proposal would not be compliant with the Statement of Work.

Features?

14 Both Evaluation Factors (page 64) – The RFP provides several evaluation factors. It would appear that there are several factors listed for Online Research. But there do not appear to be any specific factors for Batch Processing. Can IRS please clarify how Award Group 2 will be evaluated?

Award Group 2 will be evaluated based on:

• Managing and Supporting the Contract - Implementation and Operational (I/O) Plan

• Highly Desirable Content

• Current Business Experience

• Past Performance Price will be considered as stated in the RFP.

15 Contracting FAR 52.204-7 System for Award Management (page 70) – The Contract Clauses section incorporates by reference FAR 52.204-7 System for Award Management (Jul 2013). Under the current Federal Acquisition Regulation, FAR 52.204-7 has been updated (Oct 2016).

Please clarify.

This will be updated by amendment.

16 Contracting 1052.222-70 Minority and Women Inclusion (page 70) – The Contract Clauses section incorporates by reference FAR 52.204-7 System for Award Management (Jul 2013). Under the current Federal Acquisition Regulation, FAR 52.204-7 has been updated (Oct 2016). Please clarify.

We are verifying the clause with IRS policy, if required it will be updated via amendment.

17 Contracting FAR 52.212-5 Contract Terms and Conditions Required to Implement Statutes or Executive Orders – Commercial Items (pages 71-78) – The solicitation includes the full-text of FAR 52.212-5 Contract Terms and Conditions Required to Implement Statutes or Executive Orders – Commercial Items (Jun 2016). Under the current Federal Acquisition Regulation, FAR 52.212-5 has been updated (Dec 2016). Please clarify.

This will be updated by amendment.

18 Technical Proposal Preparation Instructions – Technical Proposal (page 128) and Submission Summary (page 129-130) –

The IRS requires offerors to address mandatory content and mandatory features in

The proposal preparation instructions indicate that the Technical Proposal should include responses to the Technical Factors, including Highly Desirable Content and Highly Desirable Features. However, it does not appear that the IRS is seeking offerors to provide information about Mandatory Content and Mandatory Features. Please note that Online Web-Based Asset Locator Research is not a commodity like office supplies. There may be differences between vendors on their ability to meet the “Mandatory Content” and “Mandatory Features” (e.g., it may not be an “apples” to “apples” comparison as different providers do not have interchangeable Mandatory Content and Mandatory Features). As such, does IRS want offerors to provide information about their Mandatory Content and Mandatory Features so that the IRS Evaluation Committee may evaluate the differences between offerors?

their proposal, to be evaluated against the RFP requirements.

19 Contracting Proposal Preparation Instructions – Administrative Proposal (page 129) – The proposal preparation instructions require the contract to include the signed SF1449, reps and certs, signed amendments, and other information. We note, however, that the proposal preparation instructions also provide that the proposals should be readable by MS Word 2007 and MS Excel 2007 (see page 127) and that “Proposals submitted in PDF format will not be accepted” (see page 129). Since offerors can only provide a signed SF1449 and amendments in PDF format, would it be a correct understanding that the Administrative Proposal can be sent as a PDF? Please clarify.

This will be corrected to allow for the PDF format as well.

20 Contracting Past Performance (page 132) – The RFP instructs offerors to send a Past Peformance Questionnaire to “most recent customers”, but does not specify how many customers.

Will it be sufficient to provide 3 references (and Past Performance Questionnaires)?

Please clarify.

This section will be updated to reflect 3 references.

21 Both Past Performance Questionnaire (page

138) – The RFP requires references to return the Past Performance Questionnaire directly to the Contract Specialist by January 5, 2016. Given the holiday season (with Christmas, Hanukkah, and the New Year), many federal government personnel are on leave or holiday break. In fact, it is our understanding that both December 26 and January 2 are federal government holidays.

As such, it may be a challenge to have references submit the Past Performance Questionnaire on or before January 5. As such, would the IRS please consider extending the deadline for submitting Past Performance Questionnaires to allow potential customers that may be on leave during the holidays to return to the office and respond to the questionnaire.

The IRS will extend the receipt date of Past Performance questionnaire responses to January 9, 2017.

22 Contracting Price Schedule Example (Excel file) – The summary sheet is populated with pricing templates, but the sheets for the respective contract years are not populated. Please clarify how you’d like for Vendors to fill out the price schedule.

The excel spreadsheet provided is an example of the data we’d like to see. It is not required to use the sheet, it was only to serve as an example.

23 Contracting Oral Presentations – Does the Government intend to conduct oral demonstrations and/or hands-on product evaluations?

The Government reserves the right to conduct oral demonstrations. Hands on product evaluations will be conducted.

24 Both Extension Request – The current RFP deadline gives offerors three weeks to prepare their proposals. It is important to note that many people are out of the office at this time of year (due to the Christmas, Hanukkah, and the New Year holidays).

Given the complexity of the RFP, the questions posed, and the corresponding need of offerors to have a reasonable and adequate time to respond to the RFP, we respectfully request an extension to the proposal deadline of fifteen (15) business days after the answers to all questions submitted are provided to offerors. Such an extension will allow offerors an opportunity to thoroughly review the answers to all

No extensions will be granted.

questions posed and prepare their most comprehensive and competitive offers in response to this RFP. We note that with the previous RFP (TIRNO-10-R-0001), offerors were given over 6 weeks to prepare their proposals.

25 Technical Can IRS provide a timeline for when they intend to migrate to Internet Explorer 11?

Page 11; 3.4 Technical Requirements

We believe IT has completed the majority of migrations to

IE 11.

26 Technical Will IRS provide a summary of annual historical usage detail of those approximately 25,000 users? Page 14; 5.1 User Population

No.

27 Technical Would the IRS permit the contractor or administrator to issue user groups by geography in lieu of City and State? Page 16; 5.3 User Access

The offeror shall propose how IDs will be administered as part of their Implementation and Operation plan.

28 Technical Since external services such as Webex are not currently supported, does IRS have a preferred online delivery method to conduct training? Page 16; 5.4 Training

IRS' preferred delivery method for online training is SABA Meeting, which is an internal online training tool.

The offeror shall propose how training will be administered as part of their Implementation and Operation plan.

29 Both Will IRS provide an extension on the proposal due date to January 20th? Page 128; Section 1.2.1 Reserved

No extensions will be granted.

30 Contracting Will the past performance questionnaire be sent out directly by the vendor to their customer or will the IRS send out the questionnaire based on contact information provided in the RFP response for Factor 5 Past Performance?

This should be sent by the vendor directly to their customer(s). This will be updated by amendment.

31 Technical What does IRS consider “public record” information? For the offline batch portion of the solicitation, IRS indicates that the Contractor shall conduct research of “public records” to obtain necessary information (address, telephone, etc.). Experian does not consider its information public records, and therefore cannot provide information from public records research, but rather from its proprietary database. Could you please

IRS considers the types of information available through public records to be public records. The offeror shall explain the content to be made available through this contract.

clarify?

32 Technical Regarding the Address Research (ADR)

Batch, IRS requires “Vendor Source” as part of its Response Record layout. Such information is proprietary to Experian, and Experian will likely not get permission from our partners to disclose from which vendor the information comes from. Is the “Vendor Source” a mandatory field that must be disclosed and returned on output?

Yes. The response must meet the standards set forth in the Response Record Layout.

33 Technical Regarding Telephone Number Research (TNR) Batch, the input layout indicates that IRS will only by supplying an individual’s Last Name – will IRS be providing First Name as well in the input? Supplying solely an individual’s last name will likely not be sufficient information for Experian (or any vendor) to provide an accurate match to our database.

No.

34 Technical Can naming conventions of File Names be mutually agreed upon between IRS and the vendor?

No. Naming conventions must match requirements set forth in the RFP.

35 Technical Is IRS flexible on the response file output layout for ADR and TNR, specifically as it relates to the corresponding comments of the “enhanced-match-cd” field?

No.

36 Technical Are comment fields of the response file output layout flexible in terms of what response codes the Vendor returns? For example, if the layout indicates “1, 2, 3”, could the response codes instead be returned as “0, 1, 2”?

No.

37 Technical Section IV, Font Size (1.3.2) and Proposal Preparation Instructions, 1.3.3 (pp. 128-

129) – We note the font limitation of 10 point and will comply with that for the verbiage, but would it be acceptable to use a smaller font for captions and graphics?

No.

38 Technical Also, we note that there is a page limitation of 75 pages for the technical proposal volume, excluding the PPQ responses.

Would you consider expanding the page limit? We want to ensure that we have ample space to best relate the benefits to IRS of our capabilities in relation to the requirements.

38 Contracting Regarding Factor 5 – Past Performance, is there a minimum number of Past Performance Questionnaires required for submission in either award group or both?

This section will be updated to reflect 3 references.

39 Contracting Are vendors required to submit pricing in both the SF1449 Continuation Sheet Schedule of Supplies/Services and in the Excel Price Schedule Example?

Yes, please insert your price(s) on the SF1449 and provide an excel spreadsheet with the detailed pricing.

40 Contracting Since it is named the Price Schedule Example, does this mean there is still a formal one still to be provided or are vendors asked to complete the one posted with the RFP? If the latter, are vendors permitted to modify or include any additional information?

The excel spreadsheet provided is an example of the data we’d like to see. It is not required to use the sheet, it was only to serve as an example.

41 Technical Regarding Award Group 2: Offline Recurring Batch Processing, can you provide average monthly or yearly volumes for Section 7. Exam Case Building (ECB) Batch?

42 Technical Regarding Award Group 2: Offline Recurring Batch Processing Section 7.

Exam Case Building (ECB) Batch, Section

7.3.1 Data File (p. 31), can you clarify what

is required in a. “…response file containing structured data”? Will the IRS expect a Full Comprehensive Report or just certain data elements? If the latter, can you please identify those data elements?

The IRS will work with the Contractor to identify the necessary response file layouts that are compatible with both IRS and Contractor platforms. The offeror shall explain the content to be made available through this contract.

43 Both Factor 6 – Section 508 (Pass/Fail), pg. 132:

Since recurring batch processing is an automated process that does not contain a user interface, are the 508 requirements applicable to Award Group 2: Offline Recurring Batch Processing?

Not for the batch processing itself, but 508 requirements still apply for any other deliverables (reports, etc.)

provided under this contract.

44 Technical What is the desired result of the Boolean search? Section 5.2.2

A response set meeting the search criteria. The offeror shall describe the content and features provided in their proposal.

45 Technical Please list the data sources needed by the Criminal Investigators. Section 4.3 Section 5.2

No. The offeror shall describe the content provided in their proposal.

46 Both When is the expected award date? No later than March 31, 2017 47 Technical Does training entail use of the system only or are best practices for skip tracing by search type required? Section 5.4

Training entails instructing users how to best use the system and information provided. The offeror shall describe the training to be provided under this contract.

48 Technical What type of data will be needed within the template? Section 5.2.1

Fields to enable users to use the template to search across the offerors system.

49 Technical Please describe the data types needed for Exam Case Building. Section 7

The Exam Case Building response file shall contain public record data related to the search criteria The offeror shall explain the content to be made available through this contract.

50 Technical Please confirm the electronic tutorial should be available within six months, rather than having all users trained using the tutorial in that timeframe. Section 5.4.2

The electronic tutorial shall be available within six months. The offeror shall propose how training will be administered as part of their Implementation and Operation plan.

51 Technical Please confirm the training required applies only to use of the software solution and not general skip tracing and asset location skills.

Section 5.4

Training entails instructing users how to best use the system and information provided. The offeror shall describe the training to be provided under this contract.

52 Technical Will the IRS have in-house trainers available to work with Offerors for initial and ongoing training? Section 5.4

Yes.

53 Technical What training platform does the IRS prefer?

Section 5.4.3

IRS' preferred delivery method for online training is SABA Meeting, which is an internal online training tool.

The offeror shall propose how training will be administered as part of their Implementation and

Operation plan.

54 Technical What has worked well for this training in the past? In what areas would the IRS like to see improvement? Section 5.4

IRS has conducted both online and classroom training for these services. The offeror shall propose how training will be administered as part of their Implementation and Operation plan.

55 Technical What software does the IRS have available for on-site webinars? Section 5.4.1

IRS' can use SABA Meeting, which is an internal online training tool, for this.

56 Technical Will the IRS require documentation that all users have completed the online training? If so, does the IRS have a tool they currently deploy for users to confirm completion of the training? Section 5.4.2

No.

57 Technical Will IRS make available to Offerors the Subject Matter Experts with in-depth knowledge of the user community? Section 5.4

Yes.

58 Technical What version of Adobe Flash do IRS users have? Section 5.4.2

59 Technical How many IRS locations will Offerors need to visit to perform in-person training?

Section 5.4

That depends on the classroom training requests received. The offeror shall propose how training will be administered as part of their Implementation and Operation plan.

60 Technical How does the IRS define successful training? Section 5.4

Our objective is to provide sufficient initial and ongoing training to enable users to achieve a level of comfort that allows efficient use of the system.

61 Technical What Section 508 standard does the IRS require? Section IV Factor 6

See clause IR1052.239-9010

SECTION 508 SERVICES

(SEP 2006), included in this

RFP.

62 Both Will a cover letter be allowed in addition to the cover sheet? If so, will it be included in the page count? Section IV, 1.3.4

No additional cover letters are needed.

63 Technical Do employees have the necessary tools to view video/hear audio on their desktops?

Section 5.5

Yes.

64 Technical What contact information will the IRS The offeror shall coordinate provide for employees and other users (i.e.

small, medium and large businesses, tax exempt and government entities, etc.) for marketing purposes? Will the contractor be able to email all users? Will the contractor have access to post on an internal IRS intranet or other communication channel all users have access to? Section 5.5 directly with the contracting officer's representative (COR) to facilitate all employee contact.

65 Technical At IRS events, will the contractor have the opportunity to present to all users and/or have a time and place for round tables regarding the available tools, as well as updates, tips, new features, etc.? Section 5.5

Yes, subject to applicability of events and employee availability.

66 Technical Will the IRS allow the contractor to send periodic surveys to all users to rate satisfaction, and gather comments, ideas, etc.? Section 5.5

No. The offeror shall coordinate directly with the contracting officer's representative (COR) to facilitate all employee contact.

67 Technical Will the IRS allow the contractor to collect testimonials and success stories from users to use as part of the internal marketing messaging? Section 5.5

Yes. The offeror shall coordinate directly with the contracting officer's representative (COR) to facilitate all employee contact.

68 Technical Will all subcontractors be required to conform to CSOFT standards? IR1052.239-

Yes.

69 Both Under section 4.1 Data Requirements do the mandatory sources apply to only the online portion of the procurement?

70 Technical Under section 4.1 Data Requirements, can you explain what information the IRS is looking for with regard to Aircraft/Coast Guard data?

No. The offeror shall explain the content to be made available through this contract.

71 Technical Under section 6.2.3 Description of Work, is the batch file limited to one per IRS Office or multiple files per office?

7Under section 6.2.4 General Issues applying to both Individual/Business Records is the 300,000 record limit once per office/day or multiple transmission per office/day?

Files are consolidated for the IRS as a whole - they are not sent "by office".

The 300,000 record limit applies to each consolidated file request. Multiple files may be sent in a single day.

72 Technical Under section 6.2.4 (e) our results will be returned in uppercase so is that format

Publication 28 preferences for both individual and business acceptable? addresses such as capitalization and the use of Post Office standard abbreviations shall be followed as closely as possible.

73 Technical Under section 6.2.6 (a) Business Master File, can you explain what happens if multiple newer addresses are found different than what the IRS has on file?

The contractor shall supply the best match available, based on the search criteria.

The offeror shall explain the content to be made available through this contract.

74 Technical Under section 7.3 Description of Work, can you confirm how frequently the exam case building of batch files will be delivered?

How many campus locations will the contractor be responding to?

Generally, the IRS will submit at least one batch request file every week. Files are consolidated for the IRS as a whole - they are not sent "by campus".

75 Technical Under section 7.3.1 (a) Description of Deliverables, how does the IRS want the XML file formatted?

The IRS will work with the Contractor to identify the necessary response file layouts that are compatible with both IRS and Contractor platforms.

76 Technical Under section 8.5.1 Business Master File, is the contractor allowed to do fuzzy matching of names?

No.

77 Technical Because the data contained in the Contractor’s products/services is federally regulated, will it be acceptable to include our product specific terms and conditions in our response to the IRS solicitation? Please note that our product specific terms and conditions may include the Gramm-Leach- Bliley Act (GLB) and Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) ”)[15 U.S.C. §1681 et seq.], and other product specific requirements.

Additionally, there may be certain terms and conditions that Experian would be willing to also discuss/negotiate with IRS.

Yes. The offeror shall explain what limitations, if any, are imposed on the use of this contract.

78 have stated Technical

Does the IRS have permissible purpose to post a soft inquiry on a consumer? If yes, how do you view that in accordance to the

FCRA?

No. No information may be provided under this contract that is subject to the FCRA.

79 Technical With regard to past due accounts, how long are the accounts past due, before the IRS

That has no bearing on this solicitation.

reviews information on the phone number and address?

80 Technical Describe the process flow with regard to when the data is requested. Who has the ability to decide what data can be obtained?

Is this decided at an individual level?

That has no bearing on this solicitation.

81 Both In section, 1.3.7. Submission Summary, the summary table has a column that indicates that there are eight (8) volumes. Please confirm that you are requesting three separate volumes: Technical, Administrative and Price (see RFP section 1.3.3) with eight

(8) chapters within those volumes. For example, Technical Proposal will consist of Chapters 1-6; Price Proposal will consist of Chapter 7; and Administrative Proposal will consist of Chapter 8.

Yes, this is correct as you in your example.