Questions_and_Responses_for_W81XWH_-18-Q-0055.pdf

Questions in response to W81XWH-18-Q-0055

Q1: Can you tell me if these services are currently being performed by a contractor? If so, could you please provide the incumbent name as well as the contract number?

A1: These services are not currently being performed by a contractor.

Q2: Is having a SOC2 certification mandatory for a successful bidder?

A2: No, a SOC2 certification is not mandatory

Q3: I understand that you are looking for a COTS software product to meet your current need. I was wondering if you would be interested in hiring a contractor to work with your team to build a product that is customized to meet your needs. I understand that you are migrating off of an older product, and building a new product that leverages the best of your old platform with the technology and security that we have today might be just what you need. We would love the opportunity to discuss this contract with you whether you would like to build a custom application or stick with COTS.

A3: Per the RFP, the USAMRMC OJSA IP Group requires a Commercial-Off-The-Shelf (COTS) docketing and patent database software system that may include additional customized modules, if not included in a base system.

Q4: I am currently working with a vendor to be able to draft a complete and competent proposal to your solicitation, however there are a few questions that we would need answered in order to do so. I was wondering if it would be possible to schedule an in person meeting or set up a conference call to discuss. Please let me know if this is a possibility.

A4: Per the Instructions to Offerors, questions shall be submitted electronically. We cannot accept requests for individual meetings from interested Offerors.

Q5: The technology stated as running "on or in conjunction with" in 3.1(a) in the Performance Work Statement is incompatible with our software product and we are not sure what "in conjunction with" precisely means. However, 3.1(c) appears to allow for other software that is not Microsoft Windows Server and SQL server. I would like to clarify since it is a requirement. Hence, here are my specific questions:

Q5.1: 3.1(a) in the Performance Work Statement references Microsoft Windows Server and SQL server, yet 3.1(c) appears to allow for other software technology though does not have a specific list that is or is not allowed. Will USAMRMC allow for and support solutions operating on a Linux operating systems and MySQL database technology?

A5.1: Microsoft Windows Server and SQL Server are the most desired as that is the standard within the USAMRMC environment. To address the specific technologies in the question, Linux would be supported however the use of MySQL will not meet the standard security configuration.

Q5.2: 3.3.2(m) in the Performance Work Statement references download from PAIR, but given security restrictions data cannot be directly updated in the system. Would the USAMRMC consider downloading from PatView instead as the download and import would likely be lower cost to setup though may not have the complete set of all fields updated as Private PAIR does.

A5.2: After review if this question, the Government has revised 3.3.2.(m) within the PWS as follows:

USPTO Connection. System integrates with USPTO databases (PAIR) either directly or through the use of a PAIR approved third party application/system/software to electronically retrieve and download USPTO correspondence/documents. Due to Army IT security constraints, USAMRMC IT personnel may be involved in establishing a process for acceptance of the download. Direct download of USPTO data into the database system is not permitted. USPTO data will need to be downloaded into a temporary location so USAMRMC IT can review and then transmit into the database system.

Q6: In the Performance Work Statement document, under 3.3.2 (m), it is stated:

USPTO Connection. System integrates with USPTO databases (PAIR) to electronically retrieve and download USPTO correspondence/documents.

Please could you confirm if this is a compulsory requirement?

A6: As stated in FAR Provision 52.212-2 - EVALUATION--COMMERCIAL ITEMS, the Offeror’s Technical Solution will be evaluated to the degree to which the Offeror’s technical solution meets or exceeds all of the Operating Characteristics, Performance Characteristics, and Functional Characteristics/Capabilities detailed within the PWS.