SPECIAL NOTICE
99 -- Request for Information: New Modern Software Delivery Multiple Award IDIQ
- Notice Date
- 12/20/2024 1:25:42 PM
- Notice Type
- Special Notice
- NAICS
- 541511
— Custom Computer Programming Services
- Contracting Office
- ACC-APG
- ZIP Code
- 00000
- Solicitation Number
- 2024DCCOE005
- Response Due
- 1/8/2025 7:00:00 AM
- Archive Date
- 01/30/2025
- Point of Contact
- DC3OE MSD IDIQ Team, Kristin M. Height
- E-Mail Address
-
usarmy.apg.acc.mbx.dc3oe-msd-idiq-mailbox@army.mil, kristin.m.height.civ@army.mil
(usarmy.apg.acc.mbx.dc3oe-msd-idiq-mailbox@army.mil, kristin.m.height.civ@army.mil)
- Description
- ** Revised 20 December 2024 to provide answers to questions recevied at the DC3oE Event ** Questions and answers received at the 16 December 2024 DC3oE Unplugged event have now been posted to this announcement as well. Please note that there are further questions pending a response, and this annnouncement will be updated to reflect those answers once ready. ** Revised 17 December 2024 to upload RFP #3 Comment Matrix ** ** Revised 13 December 2024 to update Response Date to Third Draft RFP ** The Army acknowledges the delay in releasing the much anticipated third draft RFP of the MSD MAIDIQ and intended to afford our industry partners a quiet holiday season with family and friends. Based upon immediate feedback and to allow for ample time for review and responses, we have extended the response date to 08 January 2025. ** Revised 12 December 2024 to Publish the Third Draft RFP ** INTRODUCTION: Army Contracting Command � Aberdeen Proving Ground is releasing this Third Draft Request for Proposal (RFP). We have received valuable feedback from industry, including specific recommendations for improvements and considerations. Many of these insights have been integrated into this draft RFP for MSD. The Army does not plan on releasing future draft RFPs for this effort before the final RFP. The Government is requesting that interested respondents review the following documents and questions provided below. Please note the documents attached to this Draft RFP are drafts and are subject to change at the time of Request for Proposal (RFP) release. Performance Work Statement (PWS) � IDIQ Solicitation Attachment 0003- MSD IDIQ Labor Hour Worksheet MSD Ordering Guide RFP # 3 Comment Matrix (Pending) RESPONSE FORMAT AND DELIVERY: Responses to this Draft RFP shall be annotated in the Comment Matrix Excel File, which is attached to this posting. Responses to this Draft RFP shall be submitted via email to the following mailbox: usarmy.apg.acc.mbx.dc3oe-msd-idiq-mailbox@army.mil. Responses must be received via email prior to 10:00 AM, 08 January 2025. Email Subject line must read Draft RFP 3 MSD IDIQ - [Company Name]. Example: Draft RFP MSD IDIQ - ABC Inc. The Comment Matrix file name must read Company Name_MSD RFP 3 Comment Matrix. The Comment Matrix excel file includes a tab for each document and a general information tab with a space to respond to questions. ** Revised 29 October 2024 to provide a status update ** The MSD IDIQ Team is currently reviewing the responses submitted, and wanted to keep industry aware of a few changes already in process based on the feedback received: 1. Refinement of the Factor 5 Ultimate Technical Challenge requirement. 2. Updates to develop and refine the Performance Work Statement. 3. Development of the Ordering Guide that captures the process the Army will follow to execute orders off of MSD. 4. Clarification in the ordering guide that the Government contemplates both commercial and non-commercial solutions will meet requirements solicited under the MAIDIQ contracting vehicle. Commerciality determinations will be made at the order level based upon the market research performed for each order. The intention of MSD is not to replace available, mandatory vehicles such as the CHESS suite of contracts and CHS6. 5. Clarification on Governments intention for open software architecture solutions. Specifically, Section H.5 paragraph 2 has been revised to reflect, �To foster innovation and competition, contractors are encouraged to propose open software architecture solutions for MSD MAIDIQ Orders. Proprietary solutions that require exclusive processes, systems, maintenance, or support may not align with the Army's goals for future adaptability, modularity and competitiveness. By proposing open architectures that facilitate ease of adding, upgrading or swapping components, contractors will contribute to a more flexible, interoperable, and sustainable software ecosystem that promotes competition. Proposing proprietary solutions under Order RFPs may be considered an element of an Offeror's proposal that increases risk of unsuccessful contract performance.� 6. Processing a waiver to the evalution of Small Business Participation as a source selection factor for the IDIQ award, and instead evaluating Small Business Participation at the order level. Note, this is separate and distinct from the Small Business Reserve for MAIDIQ Contract holders as well as the Small Business Subcontracting Plan required for other than small businesses. 7. Clarification that teaming arrangements beyond formally recognized Joint Ventures are not being evaluated as part of the MA IDIQ source selection. 8. Removal of the Qualified Sub-Contractor Pool (QSP), section H.10, at the MA IDIQ level for award. ** Revised 22 October 2024 to add Attachment 003- MSD IDIQ Labor Hour Model Worksheet ** ** Revised 16 October 2024 to update email address for comments and submission** ** Revised 11 October 2024 to Publish the Second Draft RFP ** INTRODUCTION: Army Contracting Command � Aberdeen Proving Ground is releasing this Second Draft Request for Proposal (RFP). We have received valuable feedback from industry, including specific recommendations for improvements and considerations. Many of these insights have been integrated into the second draft RFP for MSD. For example some of the changes that have been made to the RFP are below: Clarification of Digital Engineering. We revised the PWS to address Digital Engineering and specifically the use of models for creation of software, the use of digital engineering artifacts for requirements traceability, and the use of digital engineering for test planning and evaluation. Streamline Price Factor. We streamlined our process to focus the IDIQ review on the reasonableness of proposed Labor Hour Rates for the base IDIQ, and are no longer establishing rates on the base contract. We will publish floor and ceiling rates with each request for a new order proposal based on feedback from the IDIQ holders and other sources of information such as actuals. Decision on Tech Challenge Format and Environment. Changes made to the format of the ultimate tech challenge and hosting decisions. Introduce Pivot Challenge as a New Factor. Developed a new technical factor to ensure we are bringing the best suited contractors to Phase 3 and participation in the Ultimate Tech Challenge. The Pivot challenge will require offerors participating in phase 2 to provide a video response based on a scenario provided by the Government that will serve as the gate for participation in Phase 3. Removed the requirement for a Security Facility Clerance. In recognition of the wide variety of requirements covered by MSD we have removed the Secret Facility Clerance as a requirement of the Base IDIQ contract. Clearance requirements will be established at the order level depending on the work. Revised Technical Corporate Experience. Revised the RFP to allow experience performed as a subcontractor to be submitted as a reference. Note: This is not to be construed as a commitment by the US Government to form a binding contract or agreement. The Government will not reimburse or pay for information submitted in response to this Draft RFP. All submissions become Government property and will not be returned. This Draft RFP is open to all business types. This Draft RFP is issued for the purpose of developing a viable solicitation that will best communicate the Government's requirements to industry through this exchange of information. Responses to this Draft RFP are voluntary and will not affect any contractor's ability to submit a proposal if, or when, a solicitation is released. This Draft RFP is for planning purposes only and does NOT constitute a commitment, implied or otherwise, that a procurement action will be issued. No entitlement to payment by the Government of direct costs or charges will arise because of the submission of information in response to this Draft RFP. Proprietary information shall NOT be submitted in response to this Draft RFP, nor will the Government be liable for or suffer any consequential damages for any improperly identified proprietary information. No award will be made as a result of this Draft RFP. This Draft RFP is for informational purposes only to promote exchanges of information with industry. The Government will not pay for any information and/or materials received in response to this Draft RFP and is not obligated by the information received. The Government is requesting that interested respondents review the following documents and questions provided below. Please note the documents attached to this Draft RFP are drafts and are subject to change at the time of Request for Proposal (RFP) release. Performance Work Statement (PWS) � IDIQ Solicitation Comment Matrix RESPONSE FORMAT AND DELIVERY: Responses to this Draft RFP shall be annotated in the Comment Matrix Excel File, which is attached to this posting. Responses to this Draft RFP shall be submitted via email to the following mailbox: usarmy.apg.acc.mbx.dc3oe-msd-idiq-mailbox@army.mil. Responses must be received via email prior to 10:00AM, 25 October 2024. Email Subject line must read Draft RFP MSD IDIQ - [Company Name]. Example: Draft RFP MSD IDIQ - ABC Inc. The Comment Matrix file name must read Company Name_MSD RFP Comment Matrix. The Comment Matrix excel file includes a tab for each document and a general information tab with a space to respond to the questions related to capability. *** Revised 07 October 2024 to provide information on Industry Event *** Please note that a new Virtual Industry Event for 07 November 2024 has been posted to SAM under Notice ID- DC3oE_Unplugged_FY25Q1 ** Revised 17 August 2024 to Update Attachments **** This update removes the Draft Labor Category List initially published. Please be on the lookout for future requests for industry feedback on the best way to employ LCATs on the MSD IDIQ. As a reminder, this is the first in a series of Draft RFP releases, and your feedback is crucial to our process. We will also hold an Industry day in the next two months to engage further. Please utilize the comment matrix spreadsheet with constructive recommendations and feedback on ways to improve the Modern Software Development IDIQ. Additionally, please keep in mind that the MSD IDIQ contract will utilize a hybrid approach to contract type, to include CPFF, FFP, and T&M/LH, to best allow for flexible execution of task orders with the intent of getting best-of-breed traditional and non-traditional contractors. ** Revised 16 August 2024 to Publish the Draft RFP ** INTRODUCTION: Army Contracting Command � Aberdeen Proving Ground is releasing this Draft Request for Proposal (RFP). This is not to be construed as a commitment by the US Government to form a binding contract or agreement. The Government will not reimburse or pay for information submitted in response to this Draft RFP. All submissions become Government property and will not be returned. This Draft RFP is open to all business types. This Draft RFP is issued for the purpose of developing a viable solicitation that will best communicate the Government's requirements to industry through this exchange of information. Responses to this Draft RFP are voluntary and will not affect any contractor's ability to submit a proposal if, or when, a solicitation is released. This Draft RFP is for planning purposes only and does NOT constitute a commitment, implied or otherwise, that a procurement action will be issued. No entitlement to payment by the Government of direct costs or charges will arise because of the submission of information in response to this Draft RFP. Proprietary information shall NOT be submitted in response to this Draft RFP, nor will the Government be liable for or suffer any consequential damages for any improperly identified proprietary information. No award will be made as a result of this Draft RFP. This Draft RFP is for informational purposes only to promote exchanges of information with industry. The Government will not pay for any information and/or materials received in response to this Draft RFP and is not obligated by the information received. The Government is requesting that interested respondents review the following documents and questions provided below. Please note the documents attached to this Draft RFP are drafts and are subject to change at the time of Request for Proposal (RFP) release. Performance Work Statement (PWS) � IDIQ Solicitation Labor Category List Comment Matrix RESPONSE FORMAT AND DELIVERY: Responses to this Draft RFP shall be annotated in the Comment Matrix Excel File, which is attached to this posting. Responses to this Draft RFP shall be submitted via email to the following mailbox: usarmy.apg.acc.mbx.dc3oe-msd-idiq-mailbox@army.mil. Responses must be received via email prior to 10:00AM, 06 September 2024. Email Subject line must read Draft RFP MSD IDIQ - [Company Name]. Example: Draft RFP MSD IDIQ - ABC Inc. The Comment Matrix file name must read Company Name_MSD Comment Matrix. The Comment Matrix excel file includes a tab for each document and a general information tab with a space to respond to the questions listed below. QUESTIONS FOR VENDORS: The Government is seeking additional feedback concerning Offeror's hosting their own environment for the Technical Challenge Factor. Question 1. What are some positive aspects of this approach? Question 2. What are some negatives of this approach? Question 3. Would you prefer this approach or using a government provided environment in IL-2? Question 4. What specific requirements (e.g. software, labor, time, delivery methodology, IDEs, platforms, hosting technologies, etc.) would you recommend to ensure both fairness to all offerors and for the government to adjudicate effectively and efficiently? --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ** Revised 06 August 2024 to provide a status update ** The Army greatly appreciates all the feedback received. The team is working diligently to publish the draft RFP to include the draft PWS as soon as possible. Given the large amount of interest, we anticipate this will be no later than 16 August and we will be posted as an update to this Sam.gov announcement. We appreciate everyone's patience and look forward to your continued meaningful feedback. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Army greatly appreciates the thorough responses and innovative approaches recommended by industry and is actively working to incorporate your feedback. The MSD IDIQ contract will utilize a hybrid approach to contract type, to include CPFF, FFP, and T&M/LH, to best allow for flexible execution of task orders with the intent of getting best-of-breed traditional and non-traditional contractors. The Army is considering piloting different methods of competition within the IDIQ such as not identifying contract type at time of solicitation of a task order to allow all vendors the ability to bring forth the best solution and contract type as part of the task order selection process. Contract types will be flexible to allow for all scenarios such as when there is and isn�t known requirements. This innovative vehicle will give the Army the ability for the Army to move fast and agile along with the ability to on-ramp vendors early and often as more requirements come to the IDIQ, while also off-ramping vendors who are under performing and/or unaffordable. Please also be on the look out for a future RFI concerning defining Software into �buckets�. This RFI will be released through the DC3oE within the next week and will help inform strategies and guidance across the Army that will also help to inform the MSD IDIQ approach. This RFI is specifically looking into better definition of software to assign NAICS codes and provide contract type suggestions where it makes sense, for example: 1) Existing tool with no customization (FFP suggested) 2) Existing tool with minimal customization (FFP/LH/T&M suggested) 3) Existing tool with unknown or significant customization (FFP/LH/T&M/CPFF Completion) 4) Complete development with constant user feedback for changes (CPFF Completion) In case you missed it, on 10 July 2024, Army Leaders Mr. Leonel Garciga, Ms. Jennifer Swanson, and Ms. Danielle Moyer participated in the ACC-APG Quarterly Digital APBI event and discussed the Modern Software Development IDIQ contract. The slides from this event are now published on this posting as well. The Army is looking to transition its model to be more competitive than ever using this vehicle, the current model of picking one vendor for 5-20 years is decreasing competition, decreasing innovation and decreasing capabilities as well as driving up costs so here the Army will drive incremental requirements through more competition and more agile methods. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Original Post #ModernSoftwareDevelopment What ACC-APG is trying to accomplish: Software is essential to modern military operations. It is a key component in the Army's weapons, business, and training systems and is embedded into the enterprise processes that make the Department function. These systems enable the Army to detect and track adversaries, protect operations from cyber threats, and improve the accuracy and effectiveness of decisions and actions. Software drives improved outcomes and effectiveness in our missions and operations. Consequently, the Army's ability to rapidly develop, deliver, and adapt resilient software is critical to achieving a competitive advantage over adversaries. Army Contracting Command � Aberdeen Proving Ground (ACC-APG) is pursuing a new Multiple Award Indefinite Quanty Indefinite Delivery Contract for Modern Software Development for which task orders will be issued for software enablement efforts in support of Army systems. For the purposes of this action, a �software enablement effort� is defined as: (a) development of a custom software solution; (b) customization, integration, or modification of a software solution; (c) software as a service enablement; or (d) software security and hosting modernization. How you can help: ACC-APG seeks your input on the proposed contract strategy (Appendix 1), initial Statement of Objectives (Appendix 2), and answers to our targeted questions (Appendix 3). Specifically, we are seeking suggestions on how to establish a phased source selection that will enable the Army to award an effective and expedited Multiple Award contract to the most qualified contractors. How to Reply: To reply, email the mailbox below with the subject line MSD MA IDIQ RFI,, , by 10 June 2024. Responses to the follow up questions are due on 08 July 2024 at 10:00AM. Utilize the excel sheet attached to this announcement, MSD MA IDIQ RFI Responses (.xlsx), to record your responses to the questions. Please provide any other feedback you would like the Government Team to consider in either .docx or .pdf format. RFI Submission Points of Contact: usarmy.apg.acc.mbx.dc3oe-msd-idiq-mailbox@army.mil Disclaimer: This RFI is issued solely for information and planning purposes. This RFI is not a solicitation and is not to be construed as a commitment by the Government to issue a solicitation or ultimately award a contract. Responses will not be considered as proposals, nor will any award be made as a result of this request. Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) clause 52.215-3, �Request for Information or Solicitation for Planning Purposes�, is incorporated by reference. The Government does not intend to reimburse respondents for any costs associated with the submissions of their responses to this RFI; respondents to this RFI are solely responsible for all expenses associated with responding. Proprietary information and trade secrets, if any, must be clearly marked on all materials. All information received in response to this RFI that is marked �Proprietary� will be handled accordingly. Please be advised that all submissions become Government property and will not be returned nor will receipt be confirmed. In accordance with FAR 15.201(e), responses to this RFI are not offers and cannot be accepted by the Government to form a binding contract. 29 May Update- Admin change to RFI response excel file 26 June Update- Change to ask follow-up questions, see Attachment 2 28 June update- Extend response time to 08 July 2024 for follow up questions. 28 July Update- To provide a status update 16 August Update- To publish draft RFP
- Web Link
-
SAM.gov Permalink
(https://sam.gov/opp/f5d50d8fc7fa486eb0a972ed81c0bda5/view)
- Place of Performance
- Address: Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD, USA
- Country: USA
- Country: USA
- Record
- SN07298780-F 20241222/241220230112 (samdaily.us)
- Source
-
SAM.gov Link to This Notice
(may not be valid after Archive Date)
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