MOD | D | Electronic Database System

FBO DAILY ISSUE OF JULY 02, 2009 FBO #2775
MODIFICATION

D -- Electronic Database System

Notice Date: 6/30/2009
Notice Type: Modification/Amendment
NAICS: 541511 — Custom Computer Programming Services
Contracting Office: Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) - Headquarters FMCSA
ZIP Code: 00000
Solicitation Number: DTMC75-09-R-00028
Archive Date: 8/5/2009
Point of Contact: Vinton M. Grant, Phone: 202-385-2348
E-Mail Address: vinton.grant@dot.gov
(vinton.grant@dot.gov)
Small Business Set-Aside: N/A
Description: Responses to DTMC75-09-R-00028 Questions Question: Briefly describe the differences between the existing system and the planned system. Briefly describe the business or technical process that the new system will support. ANSWER: The system is a “standalone” desktop database application with capability of automatic updates via the web. It is an electronic system that our Federal and State partners can use to obtain information on Federal and State regulatory laws and statutes. This information is updated regularly and is accurate information. The business process is separate from the technical process. The Agency will not dictate the technology that is used, however, the technology platform selected must meet the Agency’s technological architecture and security requirements. While the basic system for providing information would be similar, the Agency is currently looking to expand the role of its information system by centralizing all enforcement related information and making this information more accessible to enforcement staff. This endeavor would potentially include the following: 1) adding more Agency rulemaking-related documents (i.e, exemption requests, petitions, etc.) and 2) creating a public version of MCREGIS (without documents designated as sensitive by FMCSA), that would be available to the public free of charge. Question: Indicate the planned overall lifetime of the new system. ANSWER: There is no “end point.” We are building a system for the “foreseeable future,” and this is not an interim solution. Question: Which database(s) are in use? ANSWER: Basic sources utilized to create the database will include Federal and State statutory and regulatory information include the U.S. Government Printing Office, U.S. Federal Register as well as individual State statutory and regulatory data. Additionally, various transportation-related information sources maybe utilized such as the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance’ (CVSA) Out-of-Service Criteria, etc. FMCSA will designate the information and documents to be included. Access to internally generated FMCSA documents such as enforcement interpretations, guidance and policy will be provided by FMCSA, either via hard copy or access to appropriate FMCSA electronic files. Question: On which platform existing application is running? ANSWER: The current software runs on the Windows 2000/XP/Vista operating system and the.NET Framework is Version 3.5 [required and included]. MCREGIS’ source content is XML and is a text-based system. Question: Is there any technological requirement to develop module? ANSWER: The technological requirements are spelled out in the Performance Work Statement (PWS). The software must be compliant with U.S. DOT and FMCSA policies and procedures regarding Enterprise Architecture, Security and Accessibility Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended (29 U.S.C. §794d). The vendor must develop, support, maintain, upgrade and enhance an electronic database software system that (1) is fully compatible with Microsoft Windows operating systems, (2) meets all USDOT and FMCSA technical and security standards for software, (3) complies with generally-accepted software industry professional standards, (4) is designed and tested for maximum ease of use, (5) contains enhanced search capabilities, and (6) provides access to multiple sections of the data simultaneously. In addition, the below technology requirements apply for the development of FMCSA IT Systems. 1.Presentation of the application’s content require the use of HTML 2.Identification and access of users requires the use of Sun Identity Manager 3.Communication among clients, servers, services and systems requires the use of the HTTP Protocol 4.FMCSA users require access to their applications via the FMCSA Portal that is supported by IBM WebSphere Portal 5.The database to be used for all data manipulation is Oracle 10g (Central Server Side) 6.Mobile, Field or Distributed application require the use of the Microsoft.NET Framework 3.5 or higher, including a SQL Server 2005/2008 database 7.Interoperation among components of the application requires the use of Web services 8.The use of XML is required for the encoding of data and messages Question: What level of normalization is implemented on the existing databases? ANSWER: The current transactional database is relatively large. Therefore, it is difficult, in the absence of data requirements, to objectively assess the level of normalization of the existing database. However, a cursory look at the database coupled with assumptions regarding key business rules leads us to believe the database is primarily designed to third normal form (3NF). There may have been some de-normalization for performance reasons. Question: Briefly describe contractual relationships with and between all entities that will contribute to the project − Relationships between different organizations − Relationships between different components of the same organizations ANSWER: FMCSA will consider the vendor, who is awarded the contract, as the prime contractor. The vendor will be responsible for all subcontracts initiated in support of this award. The FMCSA will not be responsible for ensuring the appropriate legal rights are obtained for using outside materials used as part of the systems information database. As explained in the PWS, the vendor will be responsible for and must have the capability to obtain, monitor and routinely update Federal and State transportation motor carrier safety-related legislative and regulatory information and enforcement documents that apply to commercial motor vehicle safety. The vendor must demonstrate that it has the expertise, resources and capability to perform the aforementioned function. Additionally, the vendor will be responsible for obtaining the appropriate rights to use other regulatory or enforcement related information obtained from other transportation related organizations such as the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) and/or National or State transportation associations, when necessary. FMCSA will designate a primary contact for this contract. FMCSA will facilitate and coordinate with FMCSA internal program offices and or other USDOT Agencies, when necessary, to obtain information and/or assistance in developing information used as part of this software. Question: Nature of any other contributions (i.e., non-contractual contributions) that are expected. ANSWER: None. Question: Briefly describe provisions in the contract that provide flexibility (e.g., with respect to changed costs, extensions of vendor services, increased requirements, etc.). ANSWER: This is a firm fixed price contract with options, in accordance with the PWS. Question: Briefly describe the Schedule for the system in terms of major milestones, interim deliverables, major decision points. ANSWER: This information is all included in the PWS. The vendor must develop, acceptance test and deploy the software within six months after the award of this contract. Question: Please provide the following information on the services currently provided: a. Who is the incumbent? b. What is the period of performance? c. What is the total contract value? d. Was the contract awarded as result of an open competition? If not, what was the nature of the proposal? ANSWER: a. J.J. Keller and Associates, Inc., Neenah, WI 54957 b. 2003 - 2008 c. Estimated $1M/5 Years d. The contract was not awarded as a result of an open competition. The nature of the proposal was Sole Source. Question: Is there a complete set of Software Requirements Specifications (SRS), containing functional requirements definition, use cases, etc.? If so, will the government post these requirements for analysis? (Note that PWS Section 10.1 is not adequate as an SRS.) ANSWER: No, there are no SRS functional requirements. They will be developed during the project planning and design phases. Question: In Section 6, the PWS calls for delivery of design document within 30 days of award. If an SRS and/or functional specification is not available for review prior to award, does the government anticipate requirements will be captured over the first 30 days, while in parallel a detailed system design is being developed? If an SRS is not provided, will the government add 30 days prior to design delivery to produce and deliver an SRS? ANSWER: Yes, extension options would be considered, and would be discussed at the “kickoff” meeting (when discussing the overall project in detail) with the vendor. Question: Given this is firm fixed price award and prospective bidders don’t have the detailed requirements, only the incumbent would be positioned to reasonably estimate the level of effort. Will the government consider changing this to a time and material award? ANSWER: The government anticipates awarding a firm fixed price contract and provided sufficient available information. Question: Is it possible to receive a copy of the current MCREGIS public software version for review? ANSWER: No, there is currently no publicly available version of the MCREGIS software due to licensing and contractual restrictions. Question: Are the regulation texts available in digital form, and if so, which format is common (plain text, HTML, PDF, etc.) ANSWER: Per the PWS, documents are obtained from various sources including States, Government Printing Office (GPO), etc., and will be available in various formats. The FMCSA will provide internally generated documents, such as guidance and policy documents, in text or pdf format. Question: Will we need to rephrase or summarize legal texts or is the MCREGIS software there only to reproduce the exact legal text without rephrasing it? ANSWER: There will be no requirement for “rephrasing” or summarizing of legal texts. The software will only be used for the reproduction [and storing] of exact legal text and related documents. Question: The PWS mentions that MCREGIS currently uses XML. Are we free to change the underlying technology if necessary? ANSWER: Yes, however, it must meet the architecture standards of FMCSA. The contractor will not be forced to re-develop the application in MS Access like the current product. The development/runtime environment should be in.NET 3.0/3.5 platform with C#. Question: Place of performance: can the work be performed at our location? Obviously deliveries and meetings will be held at the Department of Transportation. ANSWER: The vendor will furnish all management, labor, tools, supplies and materials necessary to perform the requirements contained in the agreement. Additionally, the Agency will not provide any office space. Question: Is travel required to locations other than Washington, DC? ANSWER: Yes, travel may be required to locations other than Washington, DC. For example, travel may be required to various FMCSA field offices and/or FMCSA IT related seminars to provide the software training designated in the PWS. Travel will be in accordance with Federal Travel Regulations and approved by designated COTR. Question: Payment schedule. Can we arrange quarterly payments after each milestone is accepted? ANSWER: Payments will be in accordance with FAR 52.212-4 Contract Terms and Conditions – Commercial Items. Question: Would the Department be interested in any additional product/service options we may suggest? ANSWER: Yes, however, there would be no obligations or commitments on the FMCSA’s part to purchase any of these product/service options. Question: The RFP seems to be defining a stand-alone Windows-based closed system. It also alludes to a web-based system. Or is the system a combination of both? ANSWER: The system is a stand-alone system. The web is used only to provide installation and update files for download (via an existing FMCSA website). Question: Does DOT want our response to assess the cost of re-designing the paper documents to be read electronically either via a web-based application or a Windows-based application? ANSWER: Proposals should contain the offeror’s best terms from a technical and price standpoint based on the overall requirement. Question: What is the sizing of the paper documents? Are they text dense or image dense? How interlinked are they? ANSWER: The majority of the documents are image-based (8 ½ x 11). However, they may be in other sizes and formats as stated in the PWS (#4 – Page 8). They are “text dense.” Question: If DOT is looking for a web-based application, how many users will be accessing it? What is the retention requirement for user notes, etc? ANSWER: This is not a web-based application. Question: Page 8, # 22 states. “Support network and single user installation and operation“. This is ambiguous, please explain. ANSWER: The system is a combination of both a stand-alone desktop application and a web-based download (updating) system. The software is installed on individual staff personal computers and laptops and the updates are done using the web. Question: The RFP expresses reticence on the part of DOT using 3rd party software. What about using open source and shareware software? ANSWER: The proposed solution shall consider the overall requirement and security concerns in this solicitation. Question: Paragraph 12 of the combined synopsis/solicitation encourages submission of proposals electronically. If a response is submitted electronically, will you also require a hard copy? ANSWER: Hard copies of proposals are not required. An electronic copy in accordance with paragraph 12 of the RFP is desired. Question: The PWS speaks to the requirement for the storage of information and documents including regulations, interpretations, guidance, etc. Will all content be provided by the FMCSA or is the contractor expected to develop certain documents, such as guidance materials. ANSWER: The contractor will not develop any documents, however, the contractor will be required to obtain certain documents and information as specified in the PWS, in addition to documents and content that is provided by the FMCSA. Question: Paragraph 10.4 of the PWS outlines the support requirements. Are you able to provide an estimate of the number of users and expected call volume? What is your current call volume wit the existing system? ANSWER: There are approximately 10,000 users, and the approximate call volume is 20-25 phone calls per month. Question: The “Topical Index” (page 2 of the SOW) is it defined by FMCSA or the contractor? ANSWER: The Topical Index is defined by the FMCSA. Question: Will the vendor be responsible for duplicating required CD/ DVDs? ANSWER: The vendor is responsible for duplicating the required CD/DVDs. Question: How many copies of the CD/DVDs will be produced? ANSWER: This will have to be determined because an online installation and update process is being proposed. Use of CD/DVD’s will be limited and should not exceed 100-200, annually. Question: Will the vendor be responsible for fulfillment and shipping of produced CD/DVDs? ANSWER: The vendor is responsible for fulfillment and shipping of the produced CD/DVDs to a single location. Question: Will the vendor be responsible for adding the online downloadable install package to the designated web site? ANSWER: Yes. This is done through a web service to USDOT secure servers. Question: Will the designated web site only be a government owned and managed site? ANSWER: Yes, the designated web site is only to be a government-owned and managed site. The website exists and is only used for downloading software to authorized users. Question: How many users will be licensed to access the content on the CD/DVD? ANSWER: There are currently around 10,000 users of MCREGIS. Question: In clause (6)(1) General Requirements bullet point (3), “…independent general public version…” Will this version be given to any person or entity which requests access to the product? ANSWER: Yes, FMCSA’s current plan is to make a version of MCREGIS publicly available. Question: Will the “public version” be provided free of charge by the government, or will a charge apply? ANSWER: Yes, this will be provided free of charge. Question: Can bidders be granted access to a copy of the most current MCREGIS CD/DVD; and if so can it be downloaded for review by bidders prior to the bid due date? ANSWER: No, there is currently no publicly available version of MCREGIS software due to licensing and contractual restrictions. Question: How many documents are expected to be provided by the government for addition to the CD/DVD beyond Federal and State Regulations and Statutes? ANSWER: This figure is not determinable because of the inconsistency with which regulatory and enforcement rules and regulations are issued, as well as related interpretation, policy and guidance documents. Question: Under clause 22 Intellectual Property (page 21) all content generated in support of the task order is considered federal government property; does this apply to State information for which a state asserts copyright or other legal rights? ANSWER: The government will exercise its rights as permissible pursuant to the applicable FAR clauses. Question: Under clause 22 (page 21) does electronic data include source code and documentation? ANSWER: Yes. Question: Under clause 22 (page 21) please define “other forms of intellectual property” ANSWER: Intellectual property as permitted pursuant to applicable FAR clauses. Question: [Regarding Desktop and Web Based/Internet Applications] Please elaborate if requirement is to develop a standalone application? If it’s going to be intranet based application how [are] onsite reviews and roadside inspections going to happen? Do we need to implement offline synchronization? ANSWER: The system is a “stand-alone” desktop application. This is not an intranet application that is directly related to onsite reviews and inspections. No offline synchronization is required. Question: Please elaborate on Search Engine compliance standards used by USDOT and FMCSA. ANSWER: Standard industry dynamic search capabilities including advanced Boolean capabilities would be acceptable. Question: What are the Security and 508 compliance requirements? ANSWER: See the PWS. The Contractor shall comply with all Federal requirements for personnel security in accordance with DOT Order 1630.2B, Personnel Security Management which can be obtained from FMCSA’s ISSO. The Contractor shall ensure that all deliverables developed as part of this contract are compliant with 508 of the Rehabilitation Act, as amended by the Workforce Investment Act of 1998. For additional information, refer to FAR 39.2 or www.section508.gov. Question: Where are user’s notes going to come into [the] picture? Is it getting search results user should be able to insert/edit/updates some specific notes. Are we supposed to maintain those notes when user logs in again? ANSWER: The user should be able to add “user notes” to any regulatory or other text (not images, pdf documents, etc.) that will be retained during future log-ins unless deleted by the user. Question: [Reference bookmarks] What is the user supposed to bookmark and highlight? ANSWER: The user should be able to bookmark any of the content. Question: [On support network and single user installation and operation (page 8/Point 22)] Please elaborate? ANSWER: The system is a combination of both a stand-alone desktop application and a web-based download system. The software is installed on individual staff personal computers and laptops and the installation and updates are done using the web. There is no typical network involvement. Question: Please elaborate on HTML Management program? Are all documents like PDF, MS-Word etc. supposed to be converted into html and displayed to end users? ANSWER: The content is to be managed via HTML, but documents (pdf, Word, etc.) do not have to be converted. FMCSA-provided documents may need modification by the vendor for Section 508 compliance. Question: Are there any existing secured standards which need to be used with this application for restricted version of content? ANSWER: NIST standards will apply; specific determinations will be made in planning and design phase. Question: Non Functional Requirements not defined: •Number of users who will be using this system; •Number of concurrent users; •Response time expectations etc.; •Browser compatibility (if decided to go for web based application); •Volume of contents, type of documents (PDF, MS-Word, etc.) ANSWER(S): •There are approximately 10,000 users of this system; •There are a minimal number of concurrent users, as only update downloads are web-based; •Section 10.1.2 Minimum specs Item 6 for query results – the query results must be returned within 6 seconds. •It is not a web-based application; •Volume of contents will vary and is yet to be determined. Question: Since Microsoft is only offering "paid extended" support for Windows 2000 until June 30, 2010, and free security hot fixes ended March 31, 2007, must the new software run on Windows 2000? ANSWER: Yes, it must run on Windows 2000. Question: Must state information beyond what is provided in the current MCREGIS software be included in the new software? If so, please describe. ANSWER: The State information that is currently provided in MCREGIS should suffice. Question: Are "codified" transport regulations any different from "transport rules and regulations"? ANSWER: These are one in the same. Question: Define commercial motor vehicle inspection documents. Are these documents in the current MCREGIS software? If so, please provide the document titles. ANSWER: Examples of commercial motor vehicle inspection documents that would be included are CVSA’s Out-of-Service (OOS) criteria and FMCSA’s Enforcement Policies. These documents are currently included in the current MCREGIS software. Question: This section only describes the Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Alliance's North American Standard Out-Of-Service Criteria, not the Quick Start Guide. Please describe the requirements of the Quick Start Guide. Is the quick start guide required? ANSWER: The reference to the Quick Start Guide in the PWS is incorrect. It is not required. Question: What is the scope of “all enforcement related information” outside of what’s now in the current MCREGIS software? Will data be fed to the vendor regularly? If so, how much and how often? How many new content types will be introduced? What format will the content be in? ANSWER: There is no new format or content types. The volume of documents cannot be determined at this time; however, it is expected to be larger than the current MCREGIS application. Documents will be provided on a periodic basis. Question: Would FMCSA entertain a contract modification to allow for the addition centralizing al enforcement related information? ANSWER: No. Question: Define scope of “information and documents related to…State commercial motor vehicle safety and transportation.” Does FMCSA want full-text transportation regulations for all states? What other documents? ANSWER: Examples of State program documents from the current MCREGIS include: OMC Condensed State Programs Guide; State Information MCSAP Data; and State CMV Inspection Programs information. It also includes all State statutes and regulations relating directly to commercial motor vehicle safety. Question: What are all of the DOT and FMCSA information technology policies and requirements? ANSWER: These will be reviewed with the vendor during the planning and design phase. FMCSA follows DOT IT Policies and Guidelines. DOT IT Policies and Guidelines are developed to meet Federal Mandates and Guidelines including OMB, FIPS and NIST Special Publications. Please see the following link for related DOT IT Directives: http://one.dot.gov/ost/s80/S81/IT_Directives/default.aspx Question: What are all of the FMCSA standards and specifications? ANSWER: These will be reviewed with the vendor during the planning and design phase. The application must provide secure access to information contained in its database and allow comprehensive search capabilities coupled with user bookmarking and private note-keeping capabilities. The following standards are currently approved: 1.JSR 168: Java Portlet Standard 2.Web Services Description Language (WSDL) 3.Universal Discovery, Description, and Integration (UDDI) 4.eXtensible Markup Language (XML) 5.JSR 914: Java Message Service (JMS) 6.Business Process Engineering Language (BPEL) 7.Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) 8.Hypertext Markup Language (HTML) 9.Simple Object Access Protocol (SOAP) Question: Please define secure access to information. ANSWER: NIST standards will apply. “Personalized” bookmarks and user notes must be provided for multiple-user Windows logon. Question: Please define comprehensive search capabilities. Is the requirement that there will be varied levels of access? ANSWER: There are no varied levels of access. Industry-standard dynamic search capabilities, including Boolean conditions for advanced searches, will be required. Question: How often is the vendor expected to send quarterly updates via CD-ROM? Who will maintain the address list for the quarterly updates delivered via CD-ROM? How many users will receive CD-ROM updates? Or, would it be sufficient if users have access to a FMCSA web site for a quarterly installation? Similarly, would it be sufficient to allow users the ability to copy the update from a FMCSA web site to a CD-ROM (their own media) for installation on another PC? ANSWER: The vendor will provide no more than 100-200 CD’s to FMCSA for further distribution, no more often than quarterly. Question: Describe FMCSA’s expectations of a "regular basis when more modern technology is made available and when agreed to by FMCSA” with a fixed bid contract? ANSWER: Bids submitted should allow for any upgrades, or the system should be designed to be upgradeable at a minimal cost to the vendor. Typically these types of technological changes would occur no more often than every 6 months. Question: All desktop software requires someone to have administrative rights on the computer to install software. Describe the FMCSA process for software installation by a user without administrative rights. ANSWER: Although users will bb required to have administrative rights for new installations, the intent is for admin rights not to be required for “automatic” web-based updates once the product is installed. Question: Does the current MCREGIS software allow for unlimited access and use of all source code? ANSWER: No. Question: Are multiple vendors using the current MCREGIS software source code? ANSWER: This is unknown to FMCSA. Question: How does FMCSA intend to “access” and “use” source code beyond the immediately stated purposes? ANSWER: FMCSA is asserting the data rights clauses contained in the FAR. Question: How does FMCSA define “unrestricted and unlimited use?” ANSWER: As permitted by the FAR clauses included in the solicitation. Question: Is FMCSA looking to build a new platform as a work-for-hire? Or, is FMCSA looking for a vendor to migrate an existing platform for the immediately stated purposes? ANSWER: The FMCSA is not expressing a preference for migration of an existing platform versus a new platform. There are contractual and licensing restrictions on the existing application. Question: Would FMCSA entertain a contract modification to allow for the addition of new content and enhancements? ANSWER: No. Question: See the comment at the top of this page, “The vendor shall develop; acceptance test and deploy the software within six months after the award of this contract.” It appears the first release is expected in January 2010. July 2013 appears to be incorrect and short by six months. Should the end date be January 2014? ANSWER: No – July, 2013 is correct for the end date of the proposed contract. Question: What are the DOT and FMCSA policies regarding enterprise architecture, security and accessibility? ANSWER: Any in addition to those already specified in the PWS will be provided to and reviewed with the vendor during the planning and design phase. Per OMB guidelines, FMCSA and DOT require that all IT Programs and Initiatives align with the FMCSA EA Target State. FMCSA works with individual IT Programs and Initiatives during the Systems Development Life Cycle to make sure that the alignment is maintained and aligned across the process. As with any Federal Agency, any IT System shall comply with Section 508. Question: In addition to a pre-determined update schedule, to what extent is the vendor required to upgrade and enhance the software functionality? ANSWER: The content would be normally be updated no more than quarterly, and the application no more than twice per year. (81) Would FMCSA entertain a contract modification to allow for enhancements? ANSWER: No. Question: Discrepancy with Page 17, #19 which states that a draft plan is due within 15 days and final version within 15 days of receiving comments from the COTR. Which time frame is correct? ANSWER: There is no discrepancy – the draft plan is due in 15 days, and the final version is due 15 days after receiving comments from the COTR. Question: What is the definition of an independent general public version? ANSWER: We believe that an independent general public version is already adequately described in the PWS. Question: If we create an independent general public version, would it be available to market and sell to the general public? ANSWER: Yes. Question: Where would this general public version be stored? ANSWER: It would be downloadable from the FMCSA’s website. Question: If the “public version will only include changes to the database documents and not the software coding,” how does FMCSA contemplate it will be delivered? ANSWER: It would be downloadable from the FMCSA’s website. Question: Must the vendor provide telephone technical support to the generalpublic? ANSWER: No. Question: There is no line item in the CLIN template for technical support. How should its cost be recorded? ANSWER: Price proposals should include all CLINs necessary to capture the requirement. Question: Define the number of users that will require technical support. ANSWER: The estimated maximum number of users is 10,000, however the number requiring technical support is likely much less than this. Question: How many training sessions should be planned for the Base Year? In how many locations will the training sessions takes place? ANSWER: From Item 10.4, Task 4 of the PWS, “Training requests shall be made in writing and shall not include more than four training sessions per calendar year.” Question: In the CLIN template, the Base Year is the only one with a line item for training (CLIN 1006 Orientation and Training – Lot). Yet this section and 10.4 do not suggest that it would be limited to the first year. Will training be expected in Option Years, and if so, how should its cost be recorded? ANSWER: FMCSA anticipates that most, if not all training will occur in the base year. Question: “…as described in item 10.5, Travel.” There is no item 10.5. Should this be item 15 (page 17)? ANSWER: Yes. Question: Please explain this definition further. Can the vendor have a similar product for sale to the general public? ANSWER: Yes, the vendor may have a similar product available for sale to the general public. Question: What elements does FMCSA expect in the QCP? ANSWER: Please refer to Item 9.1, Quality Assurance in the PWS. The details will be worked out during the “kickoff” meeting with the vendor. FMCSA would expect to see the following sections as a minimum: 1.Objectives 2.Scope 3.Organization 4.Approach and Processes 5.Tools 6.Measurements Question: How does FMCSA intend to use a “non-revocable, perpetual and unlimited usage license for the lifetime of each deliverable”? ANSWER: FMCSA is asserting the rights as permitted under the applicable FAR clauses. Question: Define “lifetime of each deliverable.” ANSWER: Until the deliverable has been deemed obsolete by Agency officials or is superseded in format or content. Question: Please clarify. Is this the regulations or something more? The application is content, not process-driven. ANSWER: It includes all of the specified content. Question: Please clarify HTML management program. MCREGIS III used HTML; the current MCREGIS software is based on XML and stored in a compact SQL database. Style sheet renders it as HTML on-screen because the current MCREGIS software is using the browser. ANSWER: The current software management program is acceptable, as well as any other deemed acceptable by FMCSA during the planning and development phase. Question: Is FMCSA asking for the tutorial to be placed on their website for viewing? Or, within the user application? ANSWER: Within the user application. Question: Please confirm that Symbols, Hazardous Materials Descriptions and Proper Shipping Names, Hazard Class or Division, Identification Numbers, and PG should be the headings listed in the horizontal tabular format and the hypertext link will link to a vertical listing of relevant regulatory text and illustrations. ANSWER: The assumption is correct. Question: What should happen to notes, bookmarks, and highlights for an update when documents are replaced, edited, or deleted? ANSWER: Notes, bookmarks, and highlights may be deleted when documents are replaced, edited or deleted. Question: Is this simply printing a displayed document which could be a form or something more? ANSWER: It is simply viewing or printing included documents. Question: What is the scope of graphics to be provided? ANSWER: Black and white illustrations as demonstrated in the CFR, tables, some logo applications, etc. Graphics will be minimal. Question: What content does FMCSA have in mind that will contain video, animation, and/or audio? Where will such content come from? How much of such content will be included? How often will new or updated content be added? ANSWER: At this time, FMCSA does not have any specific video, animation, or audio content in mind, but the application should support future use of such. The overall program must comply with requirements of the Section 508 Rehabilitation Act of USC 794d and the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 P.L. 105-220 (paragraph 23 of the PWS). Question: Certain content, such as PDFs and images aren’t normally available in HTML format. Is this acceptable to FMCSA? ANSWER: The only exporting will be via Windows-standard clipboarding of standard text, tables, and graphics. Question: What are the FMCSA specific requirements for a network version? ANSWER: There is no network application. The system is a combination of both a stand-alone desktop application and a web-based download system. Question: What other content or information must be monitored and updated? ANSWER: This will have to be determined during the planning and design phase; the information will be minimal. Question: Are these new laws or regulations (titles, parts and etc.) DOT related? Or, do they encompass other areas such as OSHA, EPA, etc.? ANSWER: These will be laws and regulations related to commercial vehicle operations and safety. This is all inclusive as new laws, regulations are enacted or promulgated. The capability must exist irrespective of where the new law or regulation emanates. Question: Would FMCSA entertain a contract modification to allow for the addition of new laws or regulations? ANSWER: No. Question: Is the site a secure site that is not accessible to the public? ANSWER: There will be two sites for downloads: (1) a secure site, “FMCSA version”; and (2) and a site accessible to the public (for the public version of MCREGIS). The vendor will use a web-service for transmission of new files to secure USDOT servers. Question: Define “enhanced search capabilities.” ANSWER: Industry-standard advanced dynamic search capabilities using Boolean operations, etc. Question: Explain “provides access to multiple sections of the data simultaneously.” ANSWER: From a dynamic search, present a list of possibilities, with access available to each possibility and then return to the search results without “losing” the search results. Question: How will the annual update be deployed to new users? Approximately how many new users will there be annually? ANSWER: Both CD and web-downloads. 100-200 CD’s to FMCSA, and web download to others. Question: Would previously installed users also receive a complete installation annually? ANSWER: No. Question: Is this a full build of the software made available for download on the FMCSA website? ANSWER: Yes. Question: How far in advance will training be scheduled? ANSWER: This will be determined at the “kickoff” meeting with the vendor. The vendor will be provided adequate preparation time. Page 19 Question: Please provide a copy of DOT Order 1630.2B, Personnel Security Management. ANSWER: A copy may be obtained by sending an e-mail request to Richard.clemente@dot.gov. Question: Please explain this requirement. Universal graphic formats such as.jpg or.png are more typical. ANSWER: The requirement is as stated in the PWS. Question: What are the FMCSA headquarters electronic system compatibility requirements? ANSWER: Will be discussed further with vendor during planning and design phase. These requirements are incorporated in the technology requirements and standards. Please see the answers to these questions on this document. Question: Files that are larger than 5 megabytes shall be transmitted via compact disc, secure FTP, or other method to be determined in consultation with the COTR. Is this requirement in reference to "project related" information or content within the "product?" ANSWER: Both. Question: Please define development, generation, configuration and management? ANSWER: Vendor shall propose prices in accordance with the requirements of this RFP and define work to be done under each CLIN to meet requirements of the PWS and in accordance with the industry. Question: What are the key shortcomings with the existing MCREGIS system that have motivated the request for a new solution? What data is not currently addressed by MCREGIS that the new system needs to address? ANSWER: This solicitation is a result of the contract expiration for use of existing software. No “key shortcomings” were identified. Question: What organizational roles (e.g., safety enforcement personnel at the federal and state levels, commercial carriers, emergency responders) are the primary users for the new system? ANSWER: This could be any – especially since a public version will be provided. Question: Will the FMCSA Web Style Guide be provided before the RFP response deadline? ANSWER: The FMCSA Web style guide can be provided upon request; however, the vendor will not be developing FMCSA web pages or content. Question: Does the user interface need to be fully functional on mobile devices (e.g., smart phones such as the Blackberry)? ANSWER: No. Question: Does “single user installation” mean offline access to the web site? ANSWER: We do not understand the question. Question: Which computers will be hosting the software solution and who is responsible for the system administration efforts? ANSWER: There is a “stand-alone” component as described in the PWS. The operation of the website for downloads will be the responsibility of the FMCSA. A web service will be utilized to transmit new files from the vendor to FMCSA secure servers. Question: Does the DOT receive all information for this site from internal DOT sources? How often do site changes occur? How are information changes on external and/or other non-MCREGIS application-based synchronized to change MCREGIS as well? ANSWER: The website is only used for downloading updates. This is not a web-based application. There is no synchronization of MCREGIS with external sources. Question: Based on the statement “The system must be designed so that users may install the software application and subsequent updates directly from CD-ROM/DVD and/or online.” Is the assumption correct that the application must exist as a smart client which can be used in a disconnected mode (i.e. offline)? ANSWER: Yes. Question: How many required training sessions can be assumed? Is there a specific method in which training is to be delivered (in person, virtual?) ANSWER: No more than four per calendar year, as stated in the PWS. The method will be determined in coordination with the vendor. Question: Under “Meet minimum system requirements”, what is meant by “Utilize an HTML management program?” ANSWER: The content is to be managed via HTML, but documents (pdf, Word, etc.) do not have to be converted. FMCSA-provided documents may need modification by the vendor for Section 508 compliance. Question: Does FMCSA want a redesigned web site as part of the solution or is FMCSA just seeking to redesign the database system behind the current web interface? ANSWER: This is a stand-alone client application. The website is only used to download updates. Question: What is the user interface page count for the current MCREGIS system which includes sensitive data? ANSWER: This information is not considered relevant to the proposal. The website will be housed and managed by FMCSA. Question: Who implemented the current MCREGIS system? ANSWER: J.J. Keller and Associates, Inc. Question: Can we propose an extension to the original response solicitation date? ANSWER: Solicitation has been extended to July 21, 2009.
Web Link: FBO.gov Permalink
(https://www.fbo.gov/spg/DOT/DTMC75/75/DTMC75-09-R-00028/listing.html)
Place of Performance: Address: Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, Suite W66-495, 1200 New Jersey Ave SE. Washington DC 20590, Washington, District of Columbia, 20590, United States; Zip Code: 20590
Record: SN01861521-W 20090702/090701001154-9ab2eca3c9ec8d59d991befd87381dd9 (fbodaily.com)
Source: FedBizOpps Link to This Notice
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