D -- WEB-BASED EXAM

Notice Date

March 2, 2001

Contracting Office

U.S. Postal Service, Headquarters Purchasing, Room 4541, 475 L'Enfant Plaza, SW., Washington, DC 20260-6230

ZIP Code

20260-6230

Response Due

March 5, 2001

Point of Contact

Jim Schank; jschank@email.usps.gov NO PHONE CALLS

E-Mail Address

contact Jim Schank, IT Purchasing Specialist (jschank@email.usps.gov)

Description

This is the fourth CBD posting in reference to Web-Based Examination Tool Pre-qualification. The first posting was on 2/14/2001; the second posting was on 2/27/2001; the third posting was on 2/28. No more questions will be answered. Question #1: Are there any RFI or requirements document available? If so, could you forward a copy? Answer #1: There is no requirements document. Question #2: How is the postal exam administered today? How do the applicants take the exam today? At how many locations are the tests administered? Answer #2: The Postal Service administers examinations using different methods. Examinations are given at many different locations. Specifics are not relevant in order to respond to this RFI. The Postal Service is looking for an existing web-based examination tool to use as an alternative to the tools it uses today to conduct examinations. Question # 3: Is the present exam used computer based? If so, what software package is presently used, or is this a customized application? What platform is this application currently hosted? How are the results compiled into the Oracle database presently? Answer #3: We do have custom-developed computer-based exams. We currently use NT running Oracle Application Server (OAS). We are not locked into only this setup. We can provide access to an Oracle database to store exams, responses, and results. Question #4: How is it envisioned that a postal exam be administered using this web-based tool? The response to Question #3 & #23, states that a prospective applicant would be taking the test in a controlled environment with the test administered by an authorized administrator in remote locations. It also states that the applicant would be connecting to an intranet location to take the exam or there should be the ability to upload the completed exam. What are the security requirements, that drive the need for applicants to physically be at a US Postal Service facility to take the test? Should the necessary security requirements be satisfied, would access to the exam using a secure Internet access be considered? Is this a plausible criteria? Answer #4: We believe our requirements have been stated in enough detail to solicit responses from this RFI. We will not answer this set of questions except to stress that the tool we are seeking must be used on postal premises. Question #5: We are unable to reach the web site mentioned for reference to the Postal infrastructure requirements in the US Postal Service Infrastructure Tool. The URL referenced is http://itk.usps.gov/ Is there another link to this document or can a copy of this document be forwarded? Answer #5: There is no link available at this time Question # 6: In reference to the US Postal Service Infrastructure Tool Kit, does this make reference to the details of the system platform? Answer #6: Yes Question # 7: Where will this application be hosted? Will it be a location located on US Postal Service's intranet? Answer #7: It will be located in Virginia on the postal intranet. Question # 8: How many simultaneous sessions will be required of this application? What is the estimated growth of this requirement? Answer #8: We may have up to 100 simultaneous sessions. We do not have an estimated growth of simultaneous sessions at this time.

Record

Loren Data Corp. 20010306/DSOL009.HTM (W-061 SN50F198)