ITES-4H Industry Day Q and A FINAL JUL2020v2.pdf

JUL 2020

ITES-4H Industry Day Questions & Answers

Question 1: Section 3.1 ITES Catalog Items “UNIX and Non-UNIX based platforms with current generation multiple core Intel/AMD or equivalent processors.” Are ARM processors acceptable as equivalent processors?

Answer 1: ARM processors are acceptable for servers.

Question 2: Section 5.2 (e) Supply Chain Risk Management (SCRM) Does the TAA compliancy of the products and subcomponents are sufficient to meet the SCRM criteria?

Answer 2: No, TAA compliance does not meet SCRM requirement. The vendor’s proposal narrative should describe their SCRM efforts. Reference NIST’s ICT SCRM information at (https://csrc.nist.gov/CSRC/media/Projects/Supply-Chain-Risk-Managements/documents/nist_ict-scrm_fact-sheet.pdf)

Question 3: Section 4.2 (b) Unified Capabilities and Internet Protocol version 6 (IPv6): Will CHESS consider allowing products which are not on the UC APL to be added to the catalog? As with ITES-3H, we anticipate that customers will frequently request products which would be in scope of 4H, but which are not on the UC APL.

Answer 3: DoDIN (formerly known as UC) APL registration is required for connection to the DoDIN. All major end items listed in catalogs must be identified for DoDIN APL registration. Acquisition of non DoDIN APL items can be coordinated at the delivery order level for authorization to non DoDIN application.

Question 4: Section 4.2 (c) Energy Star and EPEAT: Contract holders who are not manufacturers cannot initiate the Energy Star or EPEAT qualification process. Rather than excluding products that are not EPEAT or Energy Star, would CHESS consider allowing all products to be placed in the catalog if there is clear notation regarding product compliance with Energy Star or EPEAT mandates?

Answer 4: All major end items require Energy Star registration. Some product categories require both Energy Star and EPEAT registration. Energy Star registration is mandated by Executive Order 13834:

Efficient Federal Operations, purchasing environmentally preferable products.

Question 5: Appendix A, Section 2 Order Transaction (OT) Report Will the CLIN number be required in the OT Report as it is on ITES-3H?

Answer 5: CLIN number was changed to SKU to better coincide with Best In Class criteria.

Question 6: Appendix A, Section 2 Order Transaction (OT) Report Since monthly consolidated data is provided in the small business report, would CHESS consider removing the requirement for socioeconomic status at the order line level (Column AP, Subcontracted Socioeconomic Category)? The OT report contains orders that have been placed during the previous month. Depending on when the order was placed and the customer’s timeline for product receipt, it is possible that orders will not have been placed with vendors prior to the end of the month. Though orders would typically go to the same vendor that provided a quote, products may need to be sourced from a different vendor due to stocking or delivery constraints. As such, we may not know whether a socioeconomic category applies at the time of reporting.

Answer 6: No, per the draft SOW for ITES-4H Small Business reports are no longer a separate requirement. Small business data will be reported through the Order Transaction (OT) reports. It is advised vendors should only be reporting orders once they've shipped. This ensures that the correct vendor and socioeconomic class are captured.

Question 7: As mentioned in slide 9 of the industry day presentation, is there a timeframe for the release of the draft/final RFQ and sections L&M?

https://csrc.nist.gov/CSRC/media/Projects/Supply-Chain-Risk-Managements/documents/nist_ict-scrm_fact-sheet.pdf https://csrc.nist.gov/CSRC/media/Projects/Supply-Chain-Risk-Managements/documents/nist_ict-scrm_fact-sheet.pdf

Answer 7: This is still to be determined. Please continue to monitor beta.Sam.gov for any updates.

Question 8: We are an 8(a) company is there is category for that? We are the manufacturer a computing product (IA/ML, Servers, laptops) that currently is widely used by the PEO office and other DoD. Many agencies asked us if we are part of CHESS. Can this added part of contract? Any letter needed from agencies will be helpful? Does the company need to have prime contract as past performance or sub sufficient? What is the past performance requirement?

Answer 8: A company can compete for ITES-4H if they are able to fulfill all the catalogs identified in the final RFP. At this point in time the catalogs listed in the draft SOW are what will be in the final RFP.

Servers and laptops are within the scope of ITES-4H. Specialty vendors could participate through teaming agreements to present the full scope of IT solutions. Past performance evaluation criteria will be published with the draft and final RFP.

Question 9: Will cloud be purchased as a part of ITES-4H?

Answer 9: No, cloud will not be within the scope of ITES-4H. The CHESS ITES-3S contract includes cloud within the scope.

Question 10: We understand CMMC will not be required but will be favorably scored. If there is no formal certifying body in place what information will the Army need from bidders to show they are compliant with

CMMC?

Answer 10: The vendor’s proposal narrative should describe their CMMC efforts.

Question 11: In regards to SCRM may proof of ISO 20243 certification be submitted in place of a formal SCRM plan?

Answer 11: The vendor’s proposal narrative should describe their SCRM efforts. This contract and its associated delivery/task orders are subject to the Federal SCRM policies and regulations including the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) 252.239-7017 Notice of Supply Chain Risk, DFARS 252.239-7018 Supply Chain Risk, and internal Government SCRM Processes and Procedures. As requested, vendors shall submit a Supply Chain Risk Management plan. The SCRM plan shall include at a minimum a description of how hardware, software, firmware/embedded components, and system data/information will be protected from component substitution, functionality alteration, and malware insertion while in the supply chain. The supply chain shall span from the lowest sub-component producer or manufacturer to the delivery point of the prime contractor, or its designated agent, such as a distributor. The SCRM plan, implementation, and risk assessment methodology processes shall apply to the prime contractor and their suppliers, partners, distributors, and any other entity that is responsible for handling or managing the supply chain of the products offered under this contract. Vendors will use format of choice unless specified by the Government. Due dates will be established by the Government allowing vendors ample time to complete the requested report.

Question 12: Section 4.2 Products, Services, and Software (a) … "Products shall be delivered with commercial documentation, to include all required power and connection cables for both CONUS and OCONUS (both Named and Remote including hostile areas), and shall be ready for immediate use." Will the government be telling us what will be required for such cables in hostile areas since site visits may not be appropriate?

Answer 12: Each individual RFQ will specify what the customer is looking for in regards to the equipment. If needed, vendors can also ask clarifying questions within the RFQ tool on the CHESS IT E-mart.

Question 13: (k) Time to Repair: Equipment, including portable equipment, within CONUS and named OCONUS locations, shall be repaired or replaced and fully operational within two (2) Government working days following notification to the contractor's designated technical support personnel of the need for warranty service if the equipment has an on-site warranty. What if we as the contractor determine that the system is not faulty, and is a software integration issue?

Answer 13: Instances such as this will be handled on a case by case basis with the customer. If truly a software integration issue then the customer will look to resolve based off what is further needed to support their mission/requirement.

Question 14: Is it on the industry partner who provided the hardware to monitor the delivery of repair services to ensure they meet the Government’s 2 business day window?

Answer 14: The prime on ITES-4H is required to ensure all orders and issues are handled accordingly with their customers and teaming partners.

Question 15: Regarding paragraph, 4.7.d: What hours of operation are required for the telephonic support personnel?

Answer 15: Telephonic support services shall be available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Question 16: Will past performances be allowed from subcontractors or teaming partners being proposed as members of team?

Answer 16: Past performance evaluation criteria will be published with the draft and final RFP.

Question 17: How will past performance be evaluated?

Answer 17: Past performance evaluation criteria will be published with the draft and final RFP.

Question 18: Will offerors be required to submit past performance questionnaires? If so, will the Government accept CPARS or similar in lieu of questionnaires?

Answer 18: Past performance evaluation criteria will be published with the draft and final RFP.

Question 19: Can we use past performance from a Joint Venture?

Answer 19: Past performance evaluation criteria will be published with the draft and final RFP.

Question 20: How will the government define recency of past performance (i.e. within the last 3 years, 5 years)?

Answer 20: Past performance date requirements will be stated in the final RFP.

Question 21: Will the government provide the expected small business participation goal for ITES-4H including any required participation goals based on socio-economic status?

Answer 21: As stated in the RFI this response is subject to change, but as of right now the small business goals are defined as 22%Small Business, 5% Small Disadvantage Business, 5% Woman Owned Small Business, 3% Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business, 3% Hub-Zone Small Business.

Question 22: Are small business primes required to submit their own small business plans?

Answer 22: Yes, small business primes will still be required to have small business goals and report as necessary. *Clarification: Large and small businesses will have to verify they are performing and using small business subcontractors as they proposed in their Small Business Participation Plan. This will be reported via the monthly OT Report. Large businesses are required to submit a Small Business Subcontracting Plan per FAR 52.219-9. This is a separate document from the proposal and is reported through eSRS.

Question 23: How does the CHESS office plan to enforce small business participation?

Answer 23: Small business participation will be reported by the primes on a monthly basis. CHESS will review with each prime annually. If goals are not being met, appropriate corrective actions will be taken.

Question 24: Will the contract be evaluated as LPTA, best value, or based on depth and breadth of products across the catalogs?

Answer 24: ITES-4H will be evaluated as best value.

Question 25: Will offerors be required to submit a Supply Chain Risk Management (SCRM) plan as part of the proposal response? Or will this be required post-award?

Answer 25: Specific guidance on SCRM plan requirements will be included in the final RFP.

Question 26: Will the ITES-4H Ordering Guide be the same as the ITES-3H Guide dated June 2016, particularly Chapter 3, Ordering Guidance?

Answer 26: ITES-4H will have an Ordering Guide specifically developed for this contract. It is possible some of the information in the ITES-3H Ordering Guide will still apply and be used in the ITES-4H Ordering Guide.

Question 27: How many small business awards are anticipated?

Answer 27: Seven small business awards are anticipated.

Question 28: Regarding the small business evaluation factor, will the inclusion of small business manufacturers in the catalog be considered, in addition to small business subcontractors and teaming partners?

Answer 28: Small business evaluation criteria will be published with the draft and final RFP. Teaming arrangements are allowed under ITES-4H so the inclusion of their products in your catalog would be applicable.

Question 29: Our company specializes in a specific product catalog area. During ITES-3 we found many awardees did not bid on the specific area that we cover. Has there been any consideration about allowing vendors to bid only on particular ITES-4 Catalog number. For example, bidding only on ITES Catalog II only: Workstations, Thin Clients, desktops and notebooks only. This may bring greater may value to the contract. In other words, vendors will be able to provide greater expertise in their core area of interest/offerings.

Answer 29: CHESS has considered allowing awardees to bid only specific catalogs, but after much research and consideration it has been concluded that all catalogs must be proposed. All catalogs must be updated and maintained throughout the life of the contract. ITES-4H is crafted to be a Best In Class contract. As such it is designed to support the full scope of IT solutions. Specialty vendors could participate through teaming agreements to present the full scope of IT solutions.

Question 30: Like to know more about SB Plan & No of awardee details.

Answer 30: CHESS plans to award to 17 vendors with up to 7 awards reserved for small businesses.

Please submit clarifying questions you may have in regards to the small business plans.

Question 31: Will the government specify if Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) will be required for contractor qualification, and at what level? Will there be any on ramp period if CMMC is not released by the DOD in time for this procurement? Will the government clarify what the requirements are for certifications at time of submission?

Answer 31: CMMC is not planned to be required at the base level, but may be required at the delivery order level. Vendors with CMMC and other Quality Management Certifications will be considered favorably as this is evidence of mature management practices. Any certifications required will be detailed in the final RFP.

Question 32: Will there be any Ramp up period to meet if these requirements are not met at time of submission? Will there be any on ramp period if Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) is not released by the DOD in time for this procurement?

Answer 32: CMMC is not planned to be required at the base level, but may be required at the delivery order level. Vendors with CMMC and other Quality Management Certifications will be considered favorably as this is evidence of mature management practices. Any certifications required will be detailed in the final RFP.

Question 33: Is CTA environment allowed for this contract? If a CTA environment is allowed, will the reps and certifications from the Prime contractor be allowed to flow down to the CTA teaming partners?

Answer 33: Yes, CHESS allows teaming arrangements through ITES-4H. No, there is no general "flow-down" of representations and certifications to teaming partners. *Clarification: ITES-4H defines CTA as per FAR Part 9.6.

Question 34: Will the Government provide Attachment 0002 as a reference? Suggest changing the phrase under (a) "Unless otherwise specified in the order details, products shall be FCC Classes A or B (as applicable), Unified Capabilities, and IPv6 compliant, where applicable. Unless otherwise specified in the order details, products shall be in compliance with the Common Operating Environment (COE) and meet the approved standards and protocols developed in the Defense IT Standards Registry (DISR)."

Answer 34: All attachments will be provided with the final RFP. We appreciate the feedback regarding changing the content referenced in the question however because ITES-4H is seeking to become a Best In Class contract providing Total IT Solutions to Government and DoD customers, all applicable IT procurement policies apply.

Question 35: Will the Government clarify the SCRM report submission, will this be due as part of the RFP submission or as part of an ongoing report requirement? Will the government accept the contractor’s SCRM Plan as a good faith measure to be in compliance with DFARS 252.239-7017 Notice of Supply Chain Risk, DFARS 252.239-7018 Supply Chain Risk, and internal Government SCRM Processes and Procedures? If a CTA environment is allowed, will the prime contractor's SCRM Plan be applicable as flow down to the CTA partners? If a CTA environment is allowed, will a SCRM Plan need to be submitted by all CTA partners in order to be compliant? Or will the Prime contractor's SCRM be compliant for submission?

Answer 35: If a SCRM report is due as part of the final RFP that will be noted in the RFP. SCRM reports may be requested as needed by the Government allowing vendors ample time to complete. There is no specific flow-down in regards to the SCRM. Specific requirements on SCRM will be provided by the Government at a later date.

Question 36: Will the government provide Attachment 0003 as a reference prior to the release of the RFP? How will the government evaluate proposals and contractor capabilities? Will there be a self-scoring evaluation sheet? And what will the weights be for this Self Scoring Evaluation Sheet?

Answer 36: The final RFP will include all attachments and evaluation criteria as applicable. The Government will evaluate proposals based on technical, past performance, small business participation and price/cost.

Question 37: In Section 5.2 Reports (e) SCRM Plan, Will the Government clarify the SCRM report submission, will this be due as part of the RFP submission or as part of an ongoing report requirement?

Answer 37: The final RFP will state if the SCRM plan is required with proposal submission. As stated in the SOW, due dates of the SCRM plan will be established by the Government allowing vendors ample time to complete the requested report. SCRM plans will be on an as requested basis.

Question 38: Will task orders be set aside under the socioeconomic categories?

Answer 38: Depending on the size designations of the awarded companies, task orders may be set aside under the socioeconomic categories.