ALD_Responses_to_Vendor_Questions.pdf

Army Leader Dashboard Responses to Vendor Questions Solicitation Number: W15QKN-18-X-01K6

Item # Government File Name or Attch #

Page # Para #/Line Question/Comment Rationale Change (new file) posted

Response

1 ALD_Attch_001_OT _Eligibility_2018_04 _24

1 Para 5 Does each partner need to sign and complete Attachment 001 in addition to the Prime? Can the table be expanded to accommodate multiple NTDC partners?

Need clarification to comply with Go/No-Go criteria.

No new file. To clarify, the "...information [in the table on Attachment 001] is required for each participating Nontraditional Defense Contractor." The table can be expanded as needed. The Government only requires one "Signature of authorized representative of proposing Prime Contractor"

2 ALD_Schedule_for_I ndustry_FINAL

N/A Milestone 4 The date for Oral Presentation/Software Demonstration #1 falls on May 28 which is Memorial Day. Will the Government move the schedule to the following day?

Need schedule clarity for Milestone 4 and the remaining milestones.

No new file. To clarify, "Days" on the Milestone Schedule are Calendar Days.

Under Column: "Date", the statements should be proceeded as "No earlier than..." (ex. No earlier than 10 days after...). The Ora Presentation / Software Demonstration will be scheduled no earlier than 30 May. When the Milestone falls on a Holiday or weekend, move it to the next work day.

3 ALD_Instructions_E val_Criteria_FINAL

21 3.1.3 Prototype Proposal Price

The instructions for the price proposal for Phase 1 and Phase 2 do not include a contract type. Will the Government confirm that the contract type will be Firm Fixed Price (FFP)?

Need clarification for accurate proposed pricing and supporting information.

No new file. The "contract type" for the Phase 1 and Phase 2 is Firm Fixed Price.

4 ALD_Instructions_E val_Criteria_FINAL

6 Table 2 Will the data used for Demo 2 and Demo 3 be representative of the data sources and have the same structure as the data used in Phase 1?

Will need for scoping the

ROM

No new file. To clarify, the Government data issued will be used for demo 2 &

3. This data set will be representative of the Phase one data sources, but it may not have the same structure (for all data sets).

5 ALD_Instructions_E val_Criteria_FINAL

2 A.1.6 When will we receive a SOW for Phase 2? Will need for scoping the

ROM

No new file. To clarify, the published SOW represents Phase 1 and 2.

Please refer to SOW para 2.2, Phase 2 for more information.

6 ALD_Instructions_E val_Criteria_FINAL

2 A.1.6 Will the government allow license costs in Phase 2?

Will need for scoping the

ROM

No new file. The Offeror should propose their best approach and price for Phase 2.

7 ALD_Instructions_E val_Criteria_FINAL

6 Table 2 Will using notional Army data comply with "Corporate/Public" specification for Demo 1? Will the government define what they require for public data?

Demo 1 architecture and build

No new file. The terms "Corporate/Public" relate to the common dictionary terms of "corporate" and "public". To clarify, corporate data would be any data the corporation created/generated and owns.

Public data would be data that is available to the public. The questioned term "notional Army data" is not used or defined by the Government.

8 ALD_Instructions_E val_Criteria_FINAL

11 1.4.4 b. Will using notional Army leaders and a dashboard tailored to them for decisions comply with the requirement?

Demo 1 architecture and build

No new file. The questioned term "notional Army leaders" is not used or defined by the Government. To clarify Instructions para 1.4.4, the term Corporate Executive Decisions relates to decisions that impact the organization. Offerors should propose their best solution to meet the SOW and the entire requirement.

9 ALD_Statement_Of_ Work_FINAL

6 2.1.1 Does Task 1 require the build-out of additional functionality or is it limited to development and integration of data interfaces and API?

Will need clarification for Phase 1scope and ROM

No new file. While the prototype delivered within 5 days is expected to be a function of the offerors capability using the static data, the offeror is also expected to use the additional SFTP data available during the Phase. The Government expects offerors to respond to the demands of the functional user using all available phase 1 data.

10 ALD_Statement_Of_ Work_FINAL

6 2.1.1 Could the government clarify "shall initiate the development of…"?

Required for proper scoping of Phase 1

ROM.

No new file. The offeror is expected to initiate their methodology to develop interfaces and/or APIs with partner systems, and complete tasks which are feasible within the duration of Phase 1.

11 ALD_Statement_Of_ Work_FINAL

6 2.2 Will the Production Phase start immediately after Phase 2 or will there be a lag between phases?

Needed to estimate staffing. If there is a lag between Phase 2 and Phase 3, it may be difficult to retain staff for Phase 3.

No new file. To clarify, please refer to the file ALD_Instructions_Eval_Criteria_FINAL, Section 7, Follow-on Production", "Upon successful completion of the prototype projects, the Government may enter into a contract or agreement of the follow-on production...". Thus any gap to the start of Production is dependent on the success of the Prototype(s).

12 FBO 1 3rd Para The ALD FBO announcement specified a $1M ceiling per vendor for Phase I. None of the authoritative KO documents in the ALD FBO announcement included any reference to the $1M ceiling. Will the government confirm the ceiling per vendor for Phase 1?

Required for proper scoping of Phase 2

ROM.

No new file. Yes. To clarify, the Government confirms that Phase 1 agreements will be limited to $1M (each).

13 FBO 1 3rd Para There is a $1M cap on Phase 1. Is there a funding cap to be imposed on Phase 2?

Required for proper scoping of Phase 2

ROM.

No new file. Yes. Contractors invited to submit proposals for Phase 2 will be advised of the Phase 2 cap in that invitation.

14 ALD_Instructions_E val_Criteria_FINAL

23 3.1.3.2 Government requires a ROM for production. What is the projected data throughput of the system?

Certain product vendors license their product based on the amount of data. Required for scoping Phase 2 ROM.

No new file. The projected data throughput of the system is not yet known by the Government. It will be determined through the Prototype OTA. For purposes of the development of the Production ROM, the Government has notionally defined Production in the Instructions document.

15 ALD_Instructions_E val_Criteria_FINAL

23 3.1.3.2 Government requires a ROM for production. Is there a draft Statement of Work for the production requirements to base the ROM?

ROM can vary greatly from vendor to vendor depending on the assumption of support requirements.

No new file. There is no draft SOW for production to be released at this time.

For purposes of the development of the production ROM, the Government has notionally defined Production in the Instructions document.

16 ALD_Instructions_E val_Criteria_FINAL

12 5.6.1.1a Should the vendor choose the ALTESS option, would the developers be able to login remotely on the unclassified system?

Information required to provide Phase 1 ROM

No new file. Yes, through a Citrix Bastion host.

17 ALD_Instructions_E val_Criteria_FINAL

11 5.5.1 As the ALD will not be the authoritative data source for any of the information, will the federal and 5015.2 requirements apply?

Only add to the cost of the solution what is necessary. Clarify solution requirements.

No new file. The functional user has not yet determined if or how visualizations will be used in official records.

18 ALD_Instructions_E val_Criteria_FINAL

12 5.6.1.1.a This section indicates that the data will be received via SFTP for the initial load. Will the government provide direct access to data sources in Phase1 and Phase 2 so vendors can validate their data governance and ability to provide data for near real-time decision making?

Clarify solution requirements

No new file. The government will provide direct access to a select number of data sources so that vendors can validate their data governance and ability to provide data for near real-time decision making.

19 ALD_Instructions_E val_Criteria_FINAL

12 5.6.1.1a Will the vendor have direct access to the external sources (internet) through the cross domain solution?

Clarify solution requirements

No new file. No.

20 ALD_Instructions_E val_Criteria_FINAL

12 5.6.1 The section mentions a NIPR and SIPR hosting - is the vendor to create two solutions, one on the NIPRNet and one on the SIPRNet?

Clarify solution requirements

No new file. The SOW requires both a NIPR and SIPR Solution.

21 ALD_Instructions_E val_Criteria_FINAL

32 Para 2 (unnumbered) Data Display

The government Agreements Officer will make a Go/No-Go determination for each evaluation area (Eval Criteria para 1.4).

a. Is the government expecting actual industry corporate dashboards displaying revenue, client assessments, market segment analysis, and public trading metrics that are the foundation for Corporate Executive/senior Leader decision making? That is the letter of the task. b. Or is the government expecting the adaptation of those Corporate displays to Army Senior Leadership decision processes? c. What is the evaluation criteria that the Agreements Officer will use to make a Go/No-Go determination on this very broadly defined requirement?

The database frameworks, architectures, taxonomies for our corporate dashboards are products of years of taxonomy/ontology management and centralized configuration control - a very different environment that evident in the ALD database and application requirements

No new file. To clarify, Instructions para 1.4 Step 1 Go/No-Go Criteria Go refers to ONLY the items in Table 7 - Go / No Go Items and Criteria. The Go / No Go Criteria does not apply to para 1.4.4 or page 32 or to Appendix A pages numbered 30-32. See para

1.4.4 Offeror's Software Demonstration.

To clarify and respond to a. & b: Please see response to # 7 and add that the Government has not placed any limit on what a corporation defines as corporate data.

To clarify and respond to c: Please refer to para 1.4 for the Go/No-Go Criteria and Table 7 only.

Item # Government File Name or Attch #

Page # Para #/Line Question/Comment Rationale Change (new file) posted

Response

22 ALD_Instructions_E val_Criteria_FINAL

8 4 What is the government requirement to include Objective T metrics and assessments in the drill-down capability detailing unit readiness?

None of the provided references link to current evaluation metrics detailed in Army 7-0 Train to Win in a Complex World

No new file. Offerors are expected to incorporate current metrics which support Army strategic objectives.

23 ALD_Attch_002_Off eror_Software_Soluti on_2018_04_24

1 Instructions and Proposed Solution Tabs

The Instructions for Box G. are "Enter: Yes or leave blank. Do not enter any other information." In the proposed solution tab Column G is locked and there appears to be a discrepancy between the instructions and the information requested for completing the column. Please clarify that the details in Column G are required or not.

Clarify requirements to complete the Attachment to meet evaluation criteria

No new file. Please see response to #24 and #26.

24 ALD_Attch_002_Off eror_Software_Soluti on_2018_04_24

Instructions Tab

Row - 6; B. Company Certifying Official Name, Position and (Digital) Signature

The file provided is protected and the cell does not allow for a Signature Image or Digital Signature to be inserted;

Unable to sign the protected document

No new file. For TAB Instructions: The Government cannot duplicate this problem and is able to enter data in all of the fields, then create and apply a digital signature.

Under the top tool command "View", select the "Normal View".

Please complete all of the entries required, before entering the Signature as that can lock the file. When ready, place the cursor in the signature block. Using a mouse, go to the tool command "Insert" and select: "Signature Line", then "Microsoft Office Signature Line", then follow the instructions.

25 ALD_Attch_002_Off eror_Software_Soluti on_2018_04_24

Proposed Solutions Tab

Header "Enter Text With Company Name"

The file provided is protected and the cell does not allow for a company name to be inserted;

Unable to provide company name due to cell protection

No new file. For TAB: "Proposed Solution", Row 1 is protected and instructions only. Enter the information required in the merged Rows 2 & 3 as typed text.

26 ALD_Attch_002_Off eror_Software_Soluti on_2018_04_24

Instructions Tab

Row 13 Phrasing of the Question in the instructions Tab for Column E is different from the phrasing of the question for Column E in the Proposed Solution Tab

No new file. For TAB "Proposed Solution", Answer all of the questions as written on this TAB in the Columns A - I (Row 5).

27 ALD_Attch_002_Off eror_Software_Soluti on_2018_04_24

Proposed Solutions Tab

Row 2 and 3 Protection of the File does not allow Digital Signature

No new file. For TAB: "Proposed Solution", the Government no longer requires a digital signature (See Response # 24 above). Please enter the information required as typed text.

28 ALD_Instructions_E val_Criteria_FINAL

Page 6 1.2.2 The instructions state that Offers Solution excel sheet has no Page Limit. BUT the instructions on Instructions Tab of Attachment 2 states "5 Page limit for TAB:

"Proposed Solution". Please clarify if there is any page limit for the Attachment 2

No new file. Follow the instructions within the Attachment 003, 5 Page Limit for TAB: "Proposed Solution"

29 ALD_Attch_001_OT _Eligibility_2018_04 _24

NA NA Is the expectation for the vendor to submit the signed OT eligibility attachment in PDF or in Government issued .docx format?

No new file. Submit file Attachment 001 OT Eligibility as a signed .pdf file.

Please note that Instructions, page 5, Table 2, # 2. Response File name should end in .pdf (.xlsx was a typo).

30 ALD_Statement_Of_ Work_FINAL

5.1.4

2.1.4

For Step 2b demonstration, can the Government confirm if Contractor will be provided any real PII/PHI data?

Understanding if real PII/PHI data will be provided is necessary for the Contractor to establish the appropriate protection of the hard drive provided for the demonstration.

No new file. Yes. Please review the DUA and comply with the protections described within.

31 ALD_Attch_001_OT _Eligibility_2018_04

_24

1 1 / 1 Please confirm that the authority to carry out prototype projects also extends to nonprofit research institutions as stated in Section 216 of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2018 and that the solicitation's OT Eligibility Statement (Attachment 001) will be updated to reflect this addition.

The OT Eligibility Statement attachment refers to Section 815 of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2016 and Title 10 United State Code, Section 2371b.

We wish to clarify that the updates made in Section 216 of the NDAA for Fiscal Year 2018 are applicable to this solicitation. Specifically, Section 216 of the NDAA for Fiscal Year 2018 states the following:

"Section 2371b(d)(1)(A) of title 10, United States code, is amended by inserting "or nonprofit research institution" after "defense contractor".

A new OT Eligibility Statement attachment has been uploaded to the FBO Notice for the Army Leader Dashboard

In accordance with the 2018 NDAA, Section 2371b(d)(1)(A) of title 10, United States Code, is amended by inserting "or nonprofit research institution" after "defense contractor". The Government confirms it will review offeror eligibility for an OTA in accordance with the amended statute.

32 Draft ALD Statement of Work, April 20, 4 Section 1.3 Scope We recommend that the Government clarify the ability to store aggregate ALD data within a secure, commercial cloud environment to enable predictive analysis, visualization, and real-time decision making by senior Army leadership.

DoD customers retain full control and ownership over their data and have the ability to choose the geographic location(s) in which to store their data, with CSP identity and access controls available to restrict access to infrastructure and data.

CSPs should provide customers with a choice as to how they store, manage, and encrypt their data and should have no required minimum commitments or required long-term contracts.

No new file. We acknowledge receipt of your question. Please refer to the Solicitation posted 10 May 2018 as that represents the Government requirement.

Item # Government File Name or Attch #

Page # Para #/Line Question/Comment Rationale Change (new file) posted

Response

33 Draft ALD Statement of Work, April 20, 13 Section 5.6.1.1 (c) We recommend modifying Section 5.6.1.1

(c) which covers Hosting for Phase 1 to state that the contractor can propose an accredited, commercial cloud-based solution that can run IL4 through IL6 NIPRNet and SIPRNet workloads in compliance with FedRAMP and DoD SRG guidelines.

Customers can leverage a CSP’s commercial cloud hosting facility and benefit from an ALD platform that is scalable and provides compliance across DoD SRG ILs 4 through 6, without being concerned about the underlying infrastructure.

No new file. Refer to # 32.

34 Draft ALD Statement of Work, April 20, General General Access to classified cloud capabilities is typically restricted and only available to contractors via Government sponsorship.

Will the Government provide sponsorship for contractors so that the commercial cloud provider can open accounts in order to demo their solutions during the respective Phases?

CSPs can provide direct responses to the Government to meet ALD requirements.

No new file. Refer to # 32.

35 ALD_Instructions_E val_Criteria_FINAL

5-6 1.1.1 and 1.1.4 Should the DUA be submitted as part of Step 1 on 5/21 or Step 2?

P1.1.1, Table 2 lists the DUA as part of the Step 1 submission. P1.1.4 states that the DUA should be submitted with the response for Step 2.

No new file. The Government confirms that the DUA shall be submitted as part of Step 1, IAW Paragraph 1.1.1, Table 2. Para 1.1.4 should state, "Submit this document with the response for Step 1" (Step 2 was a typo).

36 ALD_Instructions_E val_Criteria_FINAL

8 1.3.5.1 Do the topics listed in Table 5 need to be presented in the order of the outline?

We would like to understand any order requirements to better plan our presentation.

No new file. IAW with Para 1.3.6, "The allocation of time between the Oral Presentation and the Software Demonstration (and within the two) is at the discretion of the Offeror to cover the topics listed in Tables 5 and 6". To clarify, that discretion includes the order of the outline.

37 ALD_Instructions_E val_Criteria_FINAL

8 1.3.5.2 Can you please clarify, or provide an example of, “directly addressed and presented”?

We would like to understand the definition of addressed to better plan our time management and slide content.

No new file. Charts that are not directly addressed and presented in the Oral Presentation will not be considered by the Government. To clarify, any charts not presented and verbally addressed will not be considered in the evaluation.

38 ALD_Instructions_E val_Criteria_FINAL

12 2.1.2 Will GovCloud be an acceptable hosting solution for Demos #2 and #3 of the evaluation phase?

We would like to make sure we are adequately prepared to host Army data ahead of demonstrations.

No new file. Yes, however, the Government is not responsible for internet connectivity during Demos #2 and #3.

39 ALD_Statement_Of_ Work_FINAL

0 Cover sheet Can you please confirm the 20 April 2018 DRAFT Statement of Work is the final version?

The file name includes “FINAL” in the title and the cover page includes “DRAFT” in the title.

No new file. Confirmed. The 20 April 2018 SOW the file 'ALD_Statement_Of_Work_FINAL' is the 'final version'; The term 'DRAFT' in the title was a typo.

40 ALD_Statement_Of_ Work_FINAL

3 1.3 Can you please clarify, or provide examples of, “geospatial services”?

We want to ensure we adequately address any geospatial requirements.

No new file. The government anticipates the need to support geospatial analysis consistent with providing geospatial information (e.g., locations of Army, materiel, supply stocks, equipment, weapon systems, installations, units and personnel).

41 ALD_Statement_Of_ Work_FINAL

6 3.2.3 Can the Army please provide the mobile specifications, including make/model and operating system?

We want to ensure we adequately address the device support requirements.

No new file. https://disa.deps.mil/ext/cop/dod_mobility/SitePages/Home.aspx is the DoD Mobility User Corner that includes approved unclassified and classified mobile devices for iOS and Android

42 ALD_Statement_Of_ Work_FINAL

7 3.2.3 Per NIST800-30/37, will reciprocity with other DOD agencies be considered within the RMF process?

We are seeking to implement a commercial product that has been deployed, evaluated, and approved at other DOD entities.

No new file. Approval to Operate (ATO) documentation can be honored under reciprocity rules as long as the DoD agency who approved the ATO can provide sufficient supporting artifacts.

43 ALD_Statement_Of_ Work_FINAL

12-13 5.6.1.1 Please confirm whether there is a maximum capacity of virtual infrastructure (cores, memory, storage) that will be provided if we use the ALTESS virtual environment. If so, please provide the specifications for 1) cores, 2) memory, and

3) storage.

We would like to understand the capacity of the ALTESS virtual environment in order to decide between options

(a) and (b) of 5.6.1.1.

No new file. At upward invitation B, the Government will provide a form to capture the infrastructure requirements from the Offerors. This form is for information only and will not be evaluated.

44 ALD_Statement_Of_ Work_FINAL

12 5.6.1.1 Will the Army provide a contact from the ALTESS data center ahead of the vendor choosing a hosting option?

We would like to understand the ALTESS virtual environment in order to decide between options (a) and (b) of 5.6.1.1.

No new file. This information will be provided as part of the Upward Invitation B.

45 ALD_Schedule_for_I ndustry_FINAL

1 Column "Date" Do days represent calendar or business days?

We would like to ensure we are properly planning for each potential Step.

No new file. See response to #2

46 ALD_Schedule_for_I ndustry_FINAL

1 Column "Milestone Number" Please confirm that there is no planned Milestone 5.

We would like to ensure that we're properly preparing for the potential milestones.

No new file. The Government confirms that Milestone 5 was removed.

47 ALD_Schedule_for_I ndustry_FINAL ALD_Instructions_E val_Criteria_FINAL

Row "Milestone 9" 2.4

Please confirm whether offerors will be given 10 calendar days to work with Army data prior to Software Demonstration #2

Milestone 9 (Demonstration #2) is listed as 8 days after Milestone 6, which is 1 day before Milestone 7 when Offerors receive Army Data. This results in 7 days to work with Army data prior to Demonstration #2.

However, the Evaluation Criteria states “Offerors will be given at least 10 calendar days to work with the data prior to their scheduled Software Demonstration #2.”

No new file. See response to #2

48 ALD_SOW_App_00 2_VendorName_DU A_04_24

1 4(b) Can the Army please provide the Project Number we should use to complete paragraph B for Step 1?

We'd like to properly complete the DUA for submission.

No new file. The Project Number does not need to be filled in for Para 4b of the DUA.

49 ALD_SOW_App_00 2_VendorName_DU A_04_24

2 4(i) Can the Army please indicate which specific trainings individuals with access to Army data must complete online through this link:

https://www.rmda.army.mil/privacy/RMDA- PO-Training.html ?

We'd like to ensure we complete all necessary trainings.

No new file. Within the provided website, designated offeror personnel must complete the: Safeguarding Personally Identifiable Information (PII) Training Course

Item # Government File Name or Attch #

Page # Para #/Line Question/Comment Rationale Change (new file) posted

Response

50 ALD_Attch_002_Off eror_Software_Soluti on_2018_04_24

Tab “Proposed Solution”

Column A Please clarify whether the offeror is supposed to use the 4 capabilities already listed in column A. Specifically, they are:

* User Interface / Presentation Layer:

Visualization Software (Business Information & Analytics)

* Analytics Layer

* Data Layer / Data Management Core Software

* Administrative Layer

We want to ensure we complete the column properly and succinctly.

No new file. The categories listed are examples. Offerors may add categories as required for their proposed solution.

51 ALD_Attch_002_Off eror_Software_Soluti on_2018_04_24

Tab “Proposed Solution”

Column A If the offeror uses a single product to meet all SOW requirements, can the offer list the complete ALD capability as a single item in Column A?

We want to ensure we complete the column properly and succinctly.

No new file. See response to #50.

52 ALD_Attch_002_Off eror_Software_Soluti on_2018_04_24

Tab “Proposed Solution”

Column G Please clarify whether listing 5 customers of the product is sufficient to establish the software product is a commercial item for purposes of Column G.

We want to ensure we complete the column properly and succinctly.

No new file. To clarify, listing 5 customers meets the definition under TAB:

Definition - Commercial Item, 1i and ii.

53 ALD_Instructions_E val_Criteria_FINAL

Table 20 ALD Cost Element Summary

Please confirm that a Nontraditional Defense Contractor without Federally approved indirect rates does not need to provide a breakdown of indirect costs, profit/fee or Proposed cost share as shown in Table 20- ALD Cost Elements Summary if the Nontraditional Defense Contractor is providing fully burdened Commercial Items labor rates in their pricing response.”

Pricing Clarification No new file. Refer to Para 3.1.3.1 g (3).

54 Draft Statement of Work - 20 April 2018

Please clarity the inconsistency in the SOW Page 6 Section 3.2.9 where it identifies 4000 data sources to 1600+ data sources reflected on Page of the SOW Attachment 4 OV1?

Solution Capacity Planning

No new file. Refer to Question #32.

55 ALD_Schedule_for_I ndustry_FINAL

Please confirm that days are Government business working days or calendar days

Schedule No new file. Refer to Question #2.

56 ALD_Instructions_E val_Criteria_FINAL

1 A.1.1 Is it acceptable to use notional data? No new file. Refer to Question #7. The questioned term "notional data" is not used or defined by the Government.

57 ALD_Instructions_E val_Criteria_FINAL

7 1.3.2 Will size and resolution of conference room monitors be provided in the forthcoming facility details?

No new file. Yes. This information will be provided with the Scheduled Oral Presentation Date & Time.

58 ALD_Instructions_E val_Criteria_FINAL

10 1.4.4 a Is the intent of the Government to have Offerors provide a demonstration of software capability using a mobile device?

No new file. Offerors will be evaluated IAW the instructions.

59 ALD_Instructions_E val_Criteria_FINAL

14 Table 12, Item 2. What is the Government's definition of Interfaces?

No new file. Interface as defined in a standard dictionary is: a place at which independent and often unrelated systems meet and act on or communicate with each other.

60 ALD_Statement_Of_ Work_FINAL

3.1.1 A.2.1

The technical requirements in the Statement of Work state that the prototype solution acquires data from both unclassified and classified ADS, whereas the Instructions & Evaluation Criteria state that no Secret or Top Secret information shall be submitted or included. What is the Government's intent for classified data for the prototype?

No new file. Paragraph A.2.1 of the instructions evaluation criteria is specific to proposals/presentations.

SOW paragraph 3.1.1 applies to the prototype delivery.

Prototypes will need to process unclassified data on NIPRNet and classified data on SIPRNet.

61 ALD_Statement_Of_ Work_FINAL

7 3.3.4 Is it the Government's intent that, regardless of hosting environment, the system can be accessed from NIPRNet and SIPRNet?

No new file. Yes, the system must be accessible through NIPRNet and SIPRNet

62 ALD_Attch_001_OT _Eligibility_2018_04 _24

1 Does the Government consider all businesses who are classified as Small (in regards to Business Size Classification) to be Non Traditional Defense Contractors?

No new file. Non Traditional Defense Contractor status is defined with respect to full CAS Coverage and the determination will be made in accordance with this statutory definition..

63 ALD_Statement_Of_ Work_FINAL

3 Para 2 / Line 3 1.3 Scope: States that the contractor will authenticate by system and user. The assumption is that all systems are authenticated via EAMS-A. If not, how will non-EAMS-A systems provide authentication?

Clarification required. No new file. All systems will require Two-Factor Authentication via an EAMS- A solution.

64 ALD_Statement_Of_ Work_FINAL

3 Para 2 / Line 6 1.3 Scope: cleansing. Will (or how) will each system provide rules on how to cleanse their data?

Clarification required. No new file. IAW 5.4, "The Government intends to establish working groups with the various functional data owners".

65 ALD_Statement_Of_ Work_FINAL

3 Para 6 / Line 1-2 Is the demo about our full production solution or our phase 1 solution?

Clarification required. No new file. The term referenced should have stated 'demonstrable' and refers to the scope of the entire effort, IAW Para 1.3.

66 ALD_Statement_Of_ Work_FINAL

3 and 11 Para 4 / Lines 1-10; and Para 6 / Lines 1-4

Scope 1.3 and Data storage – 5.5.3:

o Dashboard Support Data. The Contractor shall document and store in a data repository the data needed to support the provisioning process (i.e. preparing and equipping the dashboard to allow it to provide (new) services to its users). The Contractor shall document and store in a data repository the data needed to support transition of the prototype to production.

o The solution must be able to collect, catalogue, manage, integrate, aggregate, analyze and visualize data from these disparate systems and other external data sources.

What data is expected to be stored vs direct connected to the dashboard at each phase vs production?

Clarification required. No new file. Question is out of context as Section 5.5.3 references the data to be stored.

67 ALD_Statement_Of_ Work_FINAL

13 Para 4 / Lines 1-5 o 5.6.3 -- System Application Program Interfaces (API(s)) and Interface Development. The ALD baseline shall interface with Authoritative Data Source systems using Application Program Interfaces (APIs) and standards-compliant open interfaces. The Contractor shall develop any designated system interfaces needed including to/from authoritative data sources as required by their ALD Solution.

• Negotiating implementation of firewall changes to allow data acquisition can be a lengthy process. Is this something that the team has to handle internally, or will an outside entity be provided?

Feasibility of completing on schedule

No new file. The ALD will be facilitating the necessary Firewall rules in order to accommodate open ports necessary for the prototype. As well as coordinating with the provider system to open the firewall on their side.

Item # Government File Name or Attch #

Page # Para #/Line Question/Comment Rationale Change (new file) posted

Response

68 ALD_Statement_Of_ Work_FINAL

5 Table 2 / Item #2 Response File Name indicates the OT Eligibility document, which is provided in MS Word, is required in xlsx format. Will the Government please confirm what file format is required?

Seems like MS Word is the correct format for this document, not Excel.

No new file. See response to #29.

69 ALD_Schedule_for_I ndustry_FINAL

1 Milestone 3 The Proposal was released on 11 May, therefore milestone #3 (due 15 days after release) falls on Saturday, May 26th. Will the Government please confirm this is accurate?

Government offices are typically closed on weekends.

No new file. See response to #2

70 ALD_Schedule_for_I ndustry_FINAL

1 Milestone 4 The Proposal was released on 11 May, therefore milestone #4 falls on May 28th, a Federal Holiday. Will the Government please confirm this is accurate?

Government offices are typically closed on Federal Holidays.

No new file. See response to #2

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1 Milestone 8 The Proposal was released on 11 May, therefore milestone #8 falls on Saturday, June 16th. Will the Government please confirm this is accurate?

Government offices are typically closed on weekends.

No new file. See response to #2

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1 Milestone 10 The Proposal was released on 11 May, therefore milestone #10 falls on Sunday, June 24th. Will the Government please confirm this is accurate?

Government offices are typically closed on weekends.

No new file. See response to #2

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Instructions tab

Sections F, G, and I Instructions tab, Sections F, G, and I state that future releases are acceptable, but the definition of Commercially Available does not include future availability. Can an offeror propose a component that is not commercially available today, but will be in the future?

Conflicting requirements between SOW and Attachment 2 (software solution).

No new file. Yes, an offeror can propose a component that is not commercially available today, but will be in the future IAW 'ALD_Attch_002_Offeror_Software_Solution_2018_04_24' ,TAB - Proposed Solution.

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3 Section 1.3, Scope Is it the Government's intent to leverage existing enterprise license agreements for any software required beyond the Government's current software investment?

Leveraging existing enterprise agreements for all software will comply with Army policy and provide price benefits via consolidated buying power. This will also impact pricing and terms.

No new file. The Government may leverage existing enterprise license agreements if applicable and appropriate.

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6 Section 3.1.1, Data IntegratioCan you provide the technical specifications for the cross-domain solution that will be used for data transfer from NIPR to SIPR enclaves?

Specific solution capabilities will inform architecture design.

No new file. Cross Domain Solution (CDS) specifications have not been fully defined. For SOW Phase 1, the CDS will be a manual process.

Any automated CDS solution implemented will conform to commercial standards to ensure maximum interoperability.

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8 Section 3.3.4, Security and I Will the Army program of record be completing all required forms for IATT?

IATT bottle necks, specifically without full Government sponsorship, are typically delayed significantly.

No new file. The competing vendors will provide all Interim Approval to Test (IATT) artifacts, and supporting documents, in eMASS for the Government to approve any IATT request. The Government will approve Vendor created request that are compliant with NIST Guidelines.

77 ALD_SOW_App_00 3_Phase_1_and_2_ Data_Source

Tabs 1 and 2 N/A Can a brief description, row count, size, and if the data is structured or unstructured be provided for each source?

Volume, velocity and variety of data sources can have a notable impact on preferred tooling, approach/methodology and staffing

No new file. For demos 2 & 3 the Government issued data will be structured data. The description, row count, and size of each data source will be provided when the physical data is provided. For SOW Phase 1, the data sets may be both structured and unstructured.

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4 Section A.3.1.3, Questions/C Is it the Government's intent to answer contractor questions prior to May 21, 2018?

A response by May 21st will help contractors further evaluate terms of the RFP prior to the first response date.

No new file. Yes, it is the Government's intent to provided responses to Contractor Questions prior to May 21, 2018.

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21 Section 3.1.3, Prototype PropWill the Government permit commercial contractors to provide evaluation software under their customary/standard commercial evaluation licensing terms during Phases 1 and 2?

This will define licensing terms.

No new file. The Contractor must comply with the terms and conditions published with the solicitation.

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26, 28 Section 3.3, Basis for Phase 1 Prototype Other Transaction Agreement Award (Step 4), Section 6, Steph 6 and Statement of Work Phase 2

Will the Government permit commercial contractors to perform services under their customary/standard commercial terms and conditions for all awarded Phases under the solicitation?

Non-traditional Defense Contractors providing commercial items falling under FAR Part 12 use their standard commercial terms and conditions to contract with the Government.

Several terms in the OTA are either not applicable to, or do not adequately address the terms required to provide commercial items to the Government.

No new file. See response to #79.

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5 & 6 1.1.1 Table & 1.1.4 Army Usage Data Agreement is listed as Response Item #5 in Table 2 - Offeror Response for Step 1 – Oral Presentation / Software Demonstration. However, paragraph 1.1.4 states, offerors shall sign and submit the Army Data Usage Agreement document "with the response for Step 2." Should offeror submit the signed Army Data Usage Agreement with the response for Step 1 or with the response for Step 2?

No new file. See response to Question #35.

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N/A N/A Step 5 – Upward Invitation – C is not listed as a milestone in the Schedule for Industry.

Will the Government please update the Schedule to Industry to include the Step 5 milestone and associated milestone date(s)?

No new file. See response to Question #45.

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5 2.1.1 In accordance with Phase 1, Task 1, after award there is a five (5) business day turnaround. Will the Government provide any pre-defined requirements or scenario(s)?

No new file. Yes, this will be provided with the award.

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1 All lines Please advise if number of days is calendar days or business days

No new file. See response to #2.

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1 All lines Please confirm start of day counts.

Example: "10 days after Milestone1, PPON Released via FBO.gov" Does the time begin on May 10, 2018 or May 11, 2018?

No new file. See response to #2.

Item # Government File Name or Attch #

Page # Para #/Line Question/Comment Rationale Change (new file) posted

Response

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1 All lines Are all milestones due at the end of business day, EST time zone?

No new file. See response to #2. The specific time zones will be ET and will be provided as part of the upward invitation(s). Use 3PM ET as a planning factor.

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7 Section 3.3.2 Multi factor (Two-Factor) Authentication

Does the proposed solution need to have the ability to Multi Factor Authentication or only have the ability to pull authentication data from the Army's current Two Factor Authentication system?

No new file. The EAMS-A system standards will meet Two-Factor Authentication requirements. Vendor solutions must meet EAMS-A connection requirements.

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13 Section 5.7 Phase 1 and Phase 2 Authoritative Data Sources

Please confirm "dat" reference. Does this abbreviation mean "data" or file ".dat"?

No new file. This abbreviation refers to a .dat file type

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5&6 Section 1.1 Instructions Step 1 Table 2

Section 1.1.4 Army Data Usage Agreement

Section 1.1.4 Army Data Usage Agreement states “Offerors shall sign and return this Government documents with no edits, comments or exceptions. Submit this document with the response for Step 2.”

However, Section 1.1 Instructions Step 1 Table 2, states that the Army Usage Data Agreement should be submitted with Step

1. Will the Government please clarify which step Offeror’s should submit the Army Data Usage Agreement?

It is unclear what step this document should be submitted.

No new file. See response to #35.

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1 Milestone 5 is missing from table. Is that intentional?

Need to know if there is an additional milestone to plan for.

No new file. See response to #45

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1 Does the Army plan to conduct oral presentations/software demonstration #1 on Memorial Day?

Need to know for schedule and planning purposes.

No new file. See response to #2

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4 4.0 Notice of Advisor Support, third

“ The firms identified below, as well as their parents, subsidiaries and affiliates may be prohibited from competing on this solicitation and/or providing any services or support to the contract(s) resulting from this solicitation” The information presented during the Orals Presentation is confidential commercial company information that is vital to the offerors’ commercial success. To ensure protection of the information offeror provided to the government, we request the government revise the above sentence as follows:

“The firms identified below, as well as their parents, subsidiaries and affiliates shall be prohibited from competing on this solicitation and/or providing any services or support to the contract(s) resulting from this solicitation”

To ensure protection of the information offeror provided to the government.

No new file. The Statement will not be revised.

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5 2.1.1 Task 1. Within thirty

(30) days after award, the Solution shall be on the Army NIPR and SPR Network(s) and available to the Senior Leader and up to twenty (20) designated alternates at Headquarters, Department of the Army

(HQDA).

Does the Government require a dashboard deployments/version of ALD on SIPRNet and a separate dashboard deployment/version of ALD on NIPRNet?

This answer is required for Task 1 scoping to understand if the duplication is required.

No new file. The NIPRNet and SIPRNet are separate. The versions of software can be the same.

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6 Section 1.3.1 / 1 Would the Government allow 5 personnel to attend the Orals / SW Demonstration rather than four?

Requesting an additional seat for one person ("driver") to execute the presentation enabling a more diverse skilled set of individuals to conduct the briefing / demonstration.

The "driver" would be a non-speaking attendee.

No new file. The Government will only allow 4 personnel to attend the Orals/ Software Demos. Please comply with Section 1.3.1 of the 'ALD_Instructions_Eval_Criteria_FINAL' doc.

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8 Section 1.3.5.2 / b Would the Government allow bidders to include a slide build (MS PowerPoint "animation") in the Orals briefing?

This would enable bidders to "build" upon concepts during the Orals presentation to make certain aspects easier to follow for the audience.

The result would still all be contained in one slide.

No new file. No. IAW Para 1.3.5.2 (b), "The Offeror shall not use gimmicks, embedded videos, embedded apps, animation / motion or music in the Oral Presentation file".

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6-7 1.3.2 Will one more podiums or lecterns be provided? If not, may we bring in a portable lectern?

Seeking to understand the room configuration.

No new file. Room configuration information will be provided with the Scheduled Oral Presentation Date & Time. To clarify, there will be no podiums provided and you will not be permitted to bring one.

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General 1.3.2 We would like to see the room in advance.

This is critical to ensure we are aware of the technical and space constraints. We are aware that the Offeror is fully accountable for a successful demo.

Seeing the room in advance will ensure there are no technical challenges when we arrive. 10 minutes is all that is required and we can do this at the Government’s convenience anytime next week (i.e. the week of Feb 5 – 10). Thank you for your consideration

No new file. Offerors will not be able to see the room in advance. Refer to question #96.

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3 Section: 1.3 / Para: 3 The Government indicates the solution should leverage existing software investments to the greatest extent possible.

Will the Government provide a list of available Software?

Seeking to understand existing GFE.

No new file. The Government believes you have misunderstood the intention of this language. There is not a list of available software from which the Government expects offerors to choose.

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6 3.3 Will the Army provide a log management and SIEM solution or is this the Contractor's responsibility?

Seeking clarification on requirements.

No new file. Log management and the use of a SIEM solution is data center specific. Depending on where the vendor intends to host their solution those offerings can differ. ALTESS provides those services and any vendor who would choose to host there would be able to utilize those services.

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6 Section 3.1.2 / Para: 1 It's unclear if Section 3.1.2 is complete as it ends with a colon. Is the proceeding list (3.1.3,3.1.4,3.1.5) the associated list or is there text missing?

Seeking clarification on requirements.

No new file. Subparagraphs 3.1.3, 3.14, and 3.1.5 are all subordinate to Para 3.1.2.

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7 3.3.2 Can the Army provide details (version, vendor, etc.) on their Enterprise Access Management Service (EAMS-A)?

Enables the Contractor to determine compatibility and interoperability?

No new file. EAMS-A is based on DISA Identity and Access Management (IDAM), information will be provided at the Upward Invitation - B.

Item # Government File Name or Attch #

Page # Para #/Line Question/Comment Rationale Change (new file) posted

Response

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7 Section 3.3.4 The Government states, "Has the ability to achieve an Interim Authority to Test (IATT) on DOD NIPRNet and SIPRNet for the duration of the prototype effort." Will the Government clarify by what date the IATT must be achieved, and what the process is that will be applied to grant the IATT

Industry needs to understand the timeline and process to ensure the solution set being proposed is acceptable.

This is important as the Army is seeking an innovative solution.

No new file. The Government cannot predict a timeline. The offerors' approach and technical solution drive the timeline to achieve the IATT. However, it is unlikely that any solution unable to obtain IATT in Phase 1 would be leveraged in Phase 2.

103 General N/A N/A Are there going to be any additional evaluation criteria provided that will be used to assess which companies receive the Upward Invitation?

Seeking to clarify all evaluation criteria.

No new file. No.

104 General N/A N/A Will the Government be providing offerors with a DD254?

Seeking clarification on requirements.

This is a new file. Yes, the Solicitation DD 254 will be published.

105 ALD_Instructions_E val_Criteria_FINAL n/a n/a The document is locked (secured) and doesn't allow for text to be copied. Could the Government please provide an unlocked version of the instructions and evaluation criteria?

Being able to copy the words in the document makes it easier to produce a compliance matrix and to help us ensure we are providing a complete and compliant response.

No new file. No.

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1 n/a ALD_Schedule_for_Industry_FINAL.pdf seems to have number 5 omitted from the list, was this in error or intentional?

Clarification No new file. Refer to question # 46.

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5 2.1.1 After the award there is a 5 day turn around. Are there any pre-defined requirements or scenario(s)?

Planning purposes No new file. Refer to question # 83.

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9 1.3.5.2 Will we be able to submit an update to the Offeror's Oral Presentation at the time of the demo?

Given the short response time for the Step 1 delivery, allowing an update to the presentation document would allow for adjustments uncovered after submission and provide the government with the most current document at the time of the demo.

No new file. No.

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17 2.4 After the initial demo, will the Contractor have access to SME’s to develop the custom demo from the Army data for the 2nd demo, as well as for the prototype phase?

This would aid development and architecture design efforts.

No new file. No.

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Can you share details about the datasets?

Dataset details may include format, size, throughput, source, connection type, clearance level, etc.

This would aid development and architecture design efforts.

No new file. The offeror should be able to leverage both structured and unstructured data. The description, row count, and size of each data source will be provided when the physical data is provided.

The projected throughput of the system is not yet known.

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7 3.1.4 Should the application include an orchestration engine to aggregate and manage the pipelines of data?

This would aid development and architecture design efforts.

No new file. The offeror shall propose the solution and associated technologies to support the requirement.

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7 3.2.9 Should the application include metadata dashboards?

This would aid development and architecture design efforts.

No new file. Refer to question # 111.

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5 - 6 Table 2 – Offeror Response for Step 1 – Oral Presentation / Software Demonstration;

1.1.4 Army Data Usage

Agreement

“Table 2 reflects the signed Data Usage Agreement (ALD_SOW_App_002_VendorName_DU A_04_24.pdf) is to be returned signed to the Government in Step 1.”

“1.1.4 Army Data Usage Agreement reflects submit this document with the response for Step 2.”

Please clarify and confirm the Data Usage Agreement is to be returned signed to the Government in Step 1.

Deconflict contradiction No new file. Refer to question # 35.

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