T-0073_Q A_9-6-16.docx

Question 1: The notice on FedBizOps states that the deadline for questions is 4:00 p.m. ET on Tuesday, 6 September 2016. This is also the proposal due date and time. Please clarify.

Answer 1: The proposal due date will be changed to Friday, 9 September at 2:00 p.m. ET.

Question 2: The notice on FedBizOps states that the offeror’s submission must include “Completed and signed Standard Form (SF) 1449, page 1”. We cannot find an SF 1449 anywhere within the solicitation documents posted?

Answer 2: An SF 1449 was not posted. This requirement will be removed.

Question 3: The notice on FedBizOps states that the offeror must provide a “Completed pricing schedule”. We cannot locate a section B to the solicitation or any other pricing schedule. Can the government please clarify the pricing response requirements?

Answer 3: This reference will be removed. The government did not generate a pricing schedule. Refer to FBO announcement “Clause 252.204-7011 ALTERNATIVE LINE ITEM STRUCTURE - Contractor must submit their firm fixed priced proposal with an alternative line item structure that conforms to their practices to ensure the resulting contract structure is economically and administratively advantageous to the Government and the Contractor. The Virginia Army National Guard will not entertain a labor hour or time and material type contract except for specific line items for short-duration/quick reaction type requirements.” In other words, the government is not dictating the pricing schedule; the contractor is free to propose the line item structure that supports their proposal and is sustainable for payment through the life of the contract.

Question 4. Can you elaborate on the current interoperability (“incompatible with GEE”, Paragraph 1.5 Background) issues the current VANG COP has with external systems and data sources?

Answer 4: The VANG does not currently have an interactive COP that communicates with external systems. Previously, VDOT has attempted to share data with VANG to display on the VANG COP. However, VDOTs data was stored on a hard drive and due to DOD/VANG security policies external hard drives cannot be connected to DOD systems. Therefore, the data could not be uploaded. The VANG JOC is not using GEE due to the cost of the license. VANG JOC is using a free version of Google Earth.

Question 5: Are there translation issues with items such as location (e.g. problems with latitude and longitude), etc?

Answer 5: The VANG does not currently have an interactive COP. There are no known issues that would hinder translation. VANG JOC products are Microsoft Office based sent via NIPR email.

Question 6: What are the issues with trying to send data from the VANG COP to their federal and state partners?

Answer 6: The VANG does not currently have a shared COP. Data is pulled from various public sites and Powerpoint products are developed to merge/display the data. Currently, in order to share data from the VANG COP it must be transferred to disk and hand delivered to state partners to display via WebEOC (mapper). There is no seamless and efficient way to display VANG data (dynamic and static layers) to federal and state partners. Current constraints on sending and sharing data include Network Security, Network Access availability and various agency specific systems.

Question 7: Is there an incumbent contractor? If so can you please provide the name, contract number, award date, period of performance and award amount of the previous contract?

Answer 7: There is no incumbent contractor. The VANG has not previously had this service or capability.

Question 8: Does the VANG have a preference for a specific GIS viewer implementation?

Answer 8: The VANG does not have a preference for a specific GIS viewer implementation. Currently, Google Earth is being used.

Discussion (9): The solicitation specifies the contractor’s proposal discuss 1) Plan to ensure 99% uptime compliance (paragraph 2.2), 2) Capability limitations that will be experienced based on the network. Proposed INFRASTRUCTURE: Server systems will be hosted by VANG DOIM to run a virtual server that supports Keystone Exchange Core version 1.2 or greater, on Windows Server 2012V2. COP/SSA must be able to run across any network (3G/4G/LTE, WIFI, low bandwidth network, low data rate radios, etc.).

Question 9: Since knowledge of the VANG network specifics, physical architecture, historical availability, network bandwidth upload/download rates etc will provide a clear path for the most suitable solution, can the VANG provide detailed information, network topology diagram regarding the DOIM hosting facility virtualized XchangeCore environment; historical availability/downtime; network bandwidth/latency; I/O connections, load balancer; continuity of operations (COOP) etc in sufficient detail for the contractor to discuss plans to ensure 99% uptime compliance and address the requirement for COP/SSA to run across any network.

Answer 9: G6 will provide the virtual server to support Keystone Exchange core on a Windows Server 2012v2 or greater. VaARNG network maintains a 99.99% uptime. Network topology, COOP, bandwidth etc.are CIL and cannot be provided to the public. The contractor shall ensure 99% uptime of the system they develop outside the government architecture. The contractor would not be held liable for latency issues resulting from network/infrastructure issues outside the contractor’s control.

Discussion (10): Para 2.1.4 COP/SSA must be accessible from within the VANG enclave, as well as externally for those entities not located within the enclave (such as traditional soldiers or soldiers who are traveling on temporary duty). Software and data will be hosted within the VANG enclave or central office Question 10: Can the VANG provide details of the architecture and compute, storage, and network resources available within the VANG enclave or central office?

Answer 10: Network topology, COOP, bandwidth etc.. are CIL and cannot be provided to the public.

Question 11: Can the VANG describe the virtualized environment? Is it employing VMWare, vCenter and vSphere ESXi hypervisor or hyperV? Is it a nested hypervisor install or bare metal?

Answer 11: The VANG does not currently have the benefit of a virtualized environment.

Question 12: Will the VANG consider caching strategies and/or pre-load of GIS data to devices to mitigate low bandwidth latency issues?

Answer 12: The VANG will consider caching strategies and/or pre-load of GIS data.

Question 13: Does the VANG require HSIP LIMDIS to be securely wiped from any remote device after use for security purposes?

Answer 13: The VANG does require HSIP LIMDIS to be securely wiped from any remote device after use for security purposes.

Question 14: Can the VANG provide detailed information regarding the current status/architecture of the XchangeCore implementation? How many active sharing agreements / connections are in place? Is it a single XchangeCore configuration or a multiple XchangeCore configuration? Can the VANG provide a system level view graphic of the architecture?

Answer 14: There is no existing system in place.

Question 15: Did the VANG transition from the OpenDL LDAP authentication to a Microsoft Active Directory implementation?

Answer 15: Yes Question 16: For compatibility and usability does the VANG envision or prefer a 2D map, or 3D globe viewer?

Answer 16: The VANG prefers a 2D map.

Question 17: With which current government agencies does the VANG COP currently interface?

Answer 17: The VANG does not have an existing COP. Data is currently gathered and manipulated manually. The VANG is responsible for establishing the sharing agreements with other government agencies; the contractor will not be held accountable for pulling the data otherwise. The VANG feels there is sufficient public information available on the internet to still generate a viable product, e.g. weather, VDOT 511 etc.

Question 18: What is the GIS that "partners have migrated their COPs to an industry standard GIS based system which cannot be easily integrated with the VANG’s current COP"?

Answer 18: Refer to Answer 17.

Discussion: Federal Business Opportunities (FBO) states:

RESPONSE DEADLINES:

a. Questions shall be submitted in writing to susan.e.swanson5.civ@mail.mil not later than 4:00 p.m. ET, Tuesday, 6 September 2016.

b. Offer packages shall be submitted electronically to susan.e.swanson5.civ@mail.mil not later than the date and time specified in block 8 on page 1 of the SF1449 unless otherwise amended via a solicitation amendment (SF30) or directly on the Federal Business Opportunities (https://www.fbo.gov) webpage. Contractor is responsible for monitoring fbo.gov for any changes to the solicitation.

Question 19: Since the only date reference in FBO relates to when Questions are due, do you have a ballpark estimate of when the offer packages will be due?

Answer 19: The proposal due date will be changed to Friday, 9 September at 2:00 p.m. ET.

Question 20: When will the SF1449 be posted on FBO?

Answer 20: An SF 1449 was not posted. This requirement will be removed.

Question 21: Will you entertain any vendor demos to show existing capabilities that align with the requirements?

Answer 21: The VANG knows of no existing systems that are capable of providing a 100% solution for the VANG specific requirements. Other systems may serve as a solid platform a vendor can build upon/expand to incorporate the layers the VANG is requesting. The intent of this contract is to develop a customized Virginia National Guard solution.

Question 23: Can you elaborate on the current interoperability (“incompatible with GEE”) issues the current VANG COP has with external systems and data sources?

Answer 23: The VANG does not currently have a COP.

Question 24: Are there translation issues with items such as location (e.g. problems with latitude and longitude), etc?

Answer 24: The VANG does not currently have a COP.

Question 25: What are the issues with trying to send data from the VANG COP to their federal and state partners?

Answer 25: The VANG does not currently have a COP. Data is pulled from various public sites and Powerpoints are developed to merge/display the data.

Question 26: With which current government agencies does the VANG COP currently interface?

Answer 26: The VANG does not currently have a COP. The desired agencies are listed in the statement of work.

Question 27: Is there an incumbent contractor and if so, who is the contractor and how long have they been supporting the VANG COP initiative?

Answer 27: There is no incumbent contractor. The VANG has not previously had this service or capability.

Question 28: There are a number of IA baseline certifications that fulfill the 8570 requirements. However, the specific certification requirements are not included in the RFP. Can you please provide the position category or specialty and level required for this contract?

Answer 28: Contractor employees sponsored for a CAC will maintain the minimum certification:

1. CISSP or Sec+

2. MSCA or the specific cert for the system that they are working (WINServer 2012v2) Question 29: According to this http://iase.disa.mil/iawip/Pages/iabaseline.aspx there are about a dozen different certifications for 8570 depending on position. Would you please clarify the position for which 8570 certification is required?

Answer 29: Refer to response for Question 24.

Question 30: May I also suggest that the requirement be changed from having 8570 prior to submitting a proposal to having 8570 prior to engaging on work on the contract?

Answer 30: The submission package instructions were revised to read “A statement acknowledging the requirement for personnel assigned to this project to meet DoD 8570 certification. The contractor shall comply with the requirement and provide certifications of those employees at the Pre-performance meeting prior to the contractor personnel gaining access to the VANG network.”

Question 31: Question 1. Section D under SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS in the notice on FedBizOps states, “A statement acknowledging the requirement for personnel assigned to this project to meet DoD 8570 certification.” During the Pre-Bid meeting, it was said that laptops, CACs, and network access will be provided to two (2) contractor personnel. Are the referenced two (2) personnel the only personnel that require the DoD 8570 certification?

Answer 31: At this time, the VANG believes that to be correct – only the two personnel assigned CACs who are actually accessing the VANG network are required to meet the DoD 8570 certification requirements. For clarification, the VANG has defined the 8570 certification as:

1. CISSP or Sec+

2. MSCA or the specific cert for the system that they are working (WINServer 2012v2)

Question 32: Would the government entertain a cloud hosted solution (on Azure or Amazon Fed Ramp)?

Answer 32: At this time, a cloud hosted solution would not be considered. The VANG will provide a server Questions 33: If the government will entertain a cloud hosted solution, would the integrated data feeds be available outside of the VANG network?

Answer 33: NA based on response to question 32.

Question 34: In response to Question 4 of the Q&A dated August 31, 2016, does the government desire an interactive COP that communicates with external systems?

Answer 34: Yes, the desired outcome is an interactive COP with external systems.

Question 35: If an existing solution is used and further customized, would the government expect to retain IP rights to the full solution or to just the customized portion?

Answer 35: The VANG’s intent is to use Keystone as the “backbone” as DoD already owns a license. The contractor is required to provide all coding etc to the government so the VANG will own the customized portion.

Question 36: The PWS states that Phase 1 Implementation shall be no more than 8 months, VNG_Common_Operating_Picture Slide 12 states “Phase I is anticipated to take 8 months for completion”. Can the government please clarify if the 8-month period is a strict requirement or a suggestion?

Answer 36: The 8-month period of performance is the anticipated amount of time the government identified considering coordination meetings both internal to the Guard and with external partners. It is not “strict” but it cannot exceed 12 months.

Question 37: VNG_Common_Operating_Picture Slide 13 states that the government won’t entertain labor hour or time and material contracts. Does that preclude cost plus contracts?

Answer 37: Firm fixed price is the only contract type the VANG will award.

Question 38: What is the anticipated start date of Phase 1?

Answer 38: The VANG anticipates holding a pre-performance meeting no later than 29 September. At this time, if the contractor has provided all necessary documentation etc, the KO anticipates issuing a Notice to Proceed.

Question 39: Will the government consider entertaining in person or virtual demonstrations of existing products that are proposed as a base on which to build the custom solution?

Answer 39: If an existing product is proposed, the vendor should describe the product in sufficient detail as part of its offer submittal package. As the government does not intend to hold discussion, in person demonstrations will not be conducted however if a link is available for a virtual demonstration, the VANG will review this during its source selection process.

Question 40: Will the government consider an extension to the RFQ deadline?

Answer 40: Bids are due on Friday, 9 September at 2:00 p.m. E.T.

DISCUSSION: Given that the following are the deliverables for this Firm Fixed Price Effort (Phase 1):

A- Virtualization of server B - Migrate current GEE capabilities C - WebEOC incidents D - VDOT systems E - Coding of adaptors by Keystone F - Tie into VDEM's regions & NCR G- VSP "allowed systems" H - System is complete.

Question 41: Will the Firm Fixed Price ceiling of $120K need to deliver a minimum of the items for Phase 1 so that Items in other Phases would be out of scope for the Phase 1?

Answer 41: "Out of scope" references a change in work that is considered outside the statement of work on which the contract is based. Realigning tasks to other phases is not outside the scope, they may not line up with the deliverables as currently defined. But the line items are for the contractor to price according to his capabilities.

The deliverables identified in Phase 1 are the base requirements. Those have a budget limitation of $120k for this fiscal year. Phase 2 identifies the items the VANG would like to see expanded. Phase 3 identifies the final requirements needed to provide the VANG with a "complete COP". Phase 4 and 5 are basically the maintenance which will begin as soon as Phase 1 is complete and training throughout the period of performance. The term "upgrades" will be removed from the statement of work as it implies the contractor will continue developing the product, which is not accurate. The contractor should be able to provide pricing for maintenance and training.

Question 42: Is A part of Phase 1 but out of scope for the deliverable since the government will virtualize their own servers?

Answer 42: If the government virtualizes the servers, the vendor is responsible for maintaining ATOs, patches and updates on their software and the server.

Question 43: For B above, who will migrate current GEE capabilities? It states above "internal to VANG" so does that mean the government will migrate the capabilities and if so, would this then be out of scope for the contractor? If this is in scope, what is a listing of the current GEE capabilities needed for migration to satisfy this deliverable?

Answer 43: The vendor will be given access to all KML, KMZ and other dynamic and static layers currently on GEE. Vendor will automate the KML, KMZ files that are manually pulled from the public and government domain.

Question 44: For C above, what is the specific deliverable? What data will come from public data and what will come from non-public data? How does the relationship with VDEM influence the deliverables?

Answer 44: Currently DMA has user access to WEBEOC. Department of Military Affairs (DMA) requires that certain events be a filtered pull ie. all Hazmat incidents that require a Hazmat Coordinating Official to be present. Any deployment of UNK Chemical substance. These items will be displayed on the COP in some manner to draw attention using last time of value rules.

Question 45: For D above, there are a lot of VDOT systems and the VDOT systems have a lot of capabilities and data elements. As such what is the specific deliverable?

Answer 45: Using 511 or a VDOT internal system coding will pull all MSR/ASR (this is a layer in GEE) it should show any traffic delays greater than 10 minutes, any road closures.

Question 46: For E above, if Keystone is the middleware to be used, then coding of adaptors is in scope but in and of itself, and therefore, the coding of Keystone is not a specific deliverable, correct?

Answer 46: The adaptors/automation coding uses Keystone to translate from diverse systems. Coding will be required for the visual display of various documents as an overlay.

Question 47: For F above, how many interfaces, systems and data elements are we talking about to "tie in" to VDEMS regions and the NCR? The answer will answer the question of what specifically is the deliverable for this requirement.

Answer 47: The anticipated VDEM layers include:

1. ESF 1-17

2. Fairfax EM

3. Pentagon Police Department

4. FT Belvoir, FT Eustics, FT Lee, FT Myers, Quantico MCB, Langley AFB, Hampton Roads Naval systems EM community.

5. Northern Virginia Hospital Alliance

6. Central Virginia Hospital Alliance

7. Virginia Port Authority

8. Coding for pulling MARSEC

9. CDC/VDH Alerts coded for pull on flu, Zika, SARS, Ebola etc.

10. FAA-ATC Alert system and NOTAM’s as a layer pulled for VA every 6 hours.

Question 48: For G, the Virginia State Police (VSP) "allowed systems" will be a layer to refresh shared information that is in view mode on a set VSP time table. What is the specific deliverable -- what data will be in this layer, what VSP systems will need to be interfaced with and/or subsumed?

Answer 48: System will pull data concerning closures, event planning that requires CST/Counter Drug support that are public in nature in addition to Governor’s Inauguration, Governor’s Association.

Question 49: If the above deliverables in addition to the submission of a lessons learned document are delivered, will the contractor have met the deliverables required by Phase 1?

Answer 49: Yes.

Question 50: In Phase 2 and Phase3, as per the questions above, are there specific deliverables from which a level of effort can be derived?

Answer 50: Phase 2 basically expands upon the system already developed. Phase 3 Question 51: Since the $ amount for Phase 1 is known without having defined the deliverables, it is most difficult to determine the level of effort to satisfy the unspecified deliverables. This then would support a T&M acquisition strategy. We realize time is and dollars are limited; hence, we recommend the following:

1. Amend the PWS to cover only Phase 1 since that is all the VaNG has funding.

2. Change the acquisition strategy to allow T&M.

3. Regardless of 1 or 2, specify the deliverables so that the bidder can best estimate a level of effort for pricing or accept the deliverable for Phase 1 as a Monthly Status Report which is a commonly used tactic in forcing firm fixed fee pricing strategies into that which more appropriately -- due to the issue of deliverables -- would be better suited into a T&M pricing model.

Answer 51: The contracting officer cannot establish that a T&M contract is in the best interest of the government considering the amount of oversight etc needed to ensure compliance etc. Per FAR 16.6 "Government surveillance. A time-and-materials contract provides no positive profit incentive to the contractor for cost control or labor efficiency. Therefore, appropriate Government surveillance of contractor performance is required to give reasonable assurance that efficient methods and effective cost controls are being used." This agency cannot provide the appropriate level of surveillance needed to ensure contractor progress, cost effectiveness etc.

Question 52: The notice on FedBizOps, letter d, states that the past performance be sent under separate cover on attached form. And letter f states the contractor’s experience has to be in the ten-page response. Is the past performance/experience to be submitted as a separate document or is it part of the 10-page response?

Answer 52: In accordance with FAR 15.304, “The quality of the product or service shall be addressed in every source selection through consideration of one or more non-cost evaluation factors such as past performance, compliance with solicitation requirements, technical excellence, management capability, personnel qualifications, and prior experience (10 U.S.C. 2305(a)(3)(A)(i) and 3306(c)(1)(A).” In this context, experience is not the same as past performance.

The 10-page response is to provide sufficient narrative to describe the vendor’s background, knowledge, technical capabilities, compliance with solicitation requirement etc. This information will be evaluated and used to determine the contractor’s ability to fulfill the requirement. The past performance questionnaire must be submitted to no less than three (3) agencies/companies the vendor has previously done business with for similar projects and returned to the contracting officer under separate cover. This questionnaire addresses specific topics such as a contractor’s quality control, management, etc.

Question 53: Since phase 1 is the only phase that’s fully funded and phases 4 & 5 are vaguely defined, What phases do we need to include in our cost summary.

Answer 53: Phases 4 and 5 are more clearly defined in Amendment 0002. At a minimum, Phases 1 (implementation), Phase 2 (FY17), Phase 4 (warranty), Phase 5 (sustainment) and Phase 6 (training) should be priced. Note: Vendors may consider warranty and sustainment as the same service/function.

** CLARIFICATIONS **

*Contractors should consider two scenarios that may impact pricing:

(1) travel costs for personnel attending coordination meetings etc. Travel expenses may either be considered “overhead” and included in the lump sum pricing for each phase or a not to exceed line item may be priced. If funding is provided for travel, authorizations and expenses will be in accordance with Joint Travel Regulations.

(2) upgrades such as a server change or migrating to a newer version of Windows after implementation (for example only). The VANG in no way intends to imply either scenario will be encountered during the period of performance but such a contingency may develop as a result of ever changing technology. The VANG will entertain this line item priced as a labor hour.

*The government is responsible for establishing the sharing agreements and the contractor will not be held accountable for pulling the data. If certain partners do not provide full data, the VANG feels there is still sufficient public data available to ensure a viable product is developed. If certain tasks are unachievable as a result of a lack of agency cooperation, in particular Phase 3, the VANG will work with the contractor to modify the deliverable requirement and the pricing.