Section 1: Introduction This Request for Information (RFI) is being issued to help the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet Authority) better understand systems capabilities and features, best practices, as well as vendor demographics and contract structure related to procuring a Data Discovery and Virtualization system. Further, the purpose of this RFI is to obtain targeted industry input on the objectives listed below and described in the attached Statement of Work (SOW). Identify software solution to support the verification and validation (V&V) program to achieve audit readiness; support various outputs such as reporting, communications, and performance metrics; and enable faster access to disparate data sources. Determine the extent to which COTS products meet or exceed requirements. Understand the scope of modifications and/or development if required. Understand high risk requirements/use cases. This is not a request for proposal, request for quotation, or an invitation for bid, nor does its issuance obligate the Government to an eventual acquisition. All information received from this RFI will be used for market research purposes only. The Government does not intend to make any award based on responses to this RFI nor otherwise reimburse vendors for the preparation of any information submitted or Government use of such information. Acknowledgement of receipt of responses will not be made, nor will respondents be notified regarding the outcome of the information received. All submissions become Government property and will not be returned. Section 2: Background The FirstNet Authority is an independent authority within the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), within the Department of Commerce (DOC). The FirstNet Authority is a government bureau charged with the responsibility to ensure the building, deployment, and operation of a Nationwide Public Safety Broadband Network (NPSBN) is designed to meet the information and communications technology needs of first responders and public safety users. The FirstNet Authority’s NPSBN Program Management (NPM) Division Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) currently verify and validate information submitted by the Contractor through manual line of sight review. The FirstNet Authority as such, cannot guarantee the accuracy or integrity of the data and is considering the acceptance of these deliverables based on “best effort” and a manual sampling of the data during its SME reviews Currently, NPSBN data is scattered across various locations, including the Contractors Secure File Transfer platform, SharePoint, OneDrive, and emails. Additionally, the information is contained within numerous structured and unstructured data formats. Existing systems are not capable of or optimized to facilitate technical assisted reviews conducted by several teams to verify and validate requirements using thousands of large artifacts. The ability to verify the integrity of the data through the verification and validation process, this will allow to better support existing and/or be better prepared for future audit-related activities. Section 3: RFI Instructions 3.1 Questions - RFI related questions shall be submitted via e-mail to
[email protected] no later than May 24, 2023 at 11:00AM Eastern Standard Time (EST). 3.2 Responses - Responses to this RFI shall be self-contained (i.e., no web links to additional documents), submitted electronically follow the instructions as indicated below, and completely respond to the RFI Topic Areas in Section 4. Responses shall be tailored to the attached objectives and the requirements. Responses shall be submitted in Microsoft Word format and should not exceed ten (10) pages , with a font no smaller than 10 pt. In addition to the 10 pages, FirstNet Authority will accept attachments for comprehensive product/service offering sheets, and pricing. Responses shall be submitted via e-mail to
[email protected] no later than June 6, 2023 at 11:00AM EST. Any proprietary materials submitted in response to this announcement must be marked accordingly. The responses to this RFI will be used for informational purposes only. 3.3 Demonstration The FirstNet Authority anticipates conducting virtual one (1) hour meeting to provide an avenue for industry demonstrations. Accordingly, the FirstNet Authority encourages Respondents request a one-to-one session. Respondents shall include this request when submitting an RFI response. These meetings are not required or a prerequisite for future consideration. The FirstNet Authority has no obligation to meet with all Respondents requesting a meeting. Furthermore, if selected, the Contracting Officer will contact representatives to schedule. Section 4: RFI Topic Areas 4.1 Vendor Demographics The FirstNet Authority is interested in understanding the profile of the companies responding to this RFI. Responses shall include: Name and address of the company; Name, title, and telephone number of the primary point of contact; Number of years of Corporate Experience; Example(s) of federal government clients utilizing your Data Validation and Verification Management product(s)/service(s) implementations and the specific use case(s) for each; Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and primary NAICS code; Business classification / socioeconomic status (ex. Small, 8(a), HUBZone, etc.); Listing of any schedules / government wide acquisition contracts (GWACs) you hold for the requested services and associated contract numbers. 4.2 Vendor Product / Service Offering For each of the relevant Data Validation and Verification system service(s) you offer, please provide the following information: Product/service name Product/service information or general description Product/service specifications What is the level of effort (schedule, cost, and govt engagement) required to implement? Describe the FedRAMP status of your product(s) and include the marketplace designation (e.g., ready, in process, authorized, not authorized). How is this product/service sold to Government customers? Include a Rough Order of Magnitude and pricing structure. 4.2.1 Service Offering for non-COTS products If the FirstNet Authority use cases/capability requirements do not fit an off the shelf product, please describe how a customized solution would be created and implemented to address each individual use case? What is the level effort needed to accomplish a customized solution (e.g., schedule, cost, and govt engagement)? If not all use cases can be addressed by a customized solution offering, then a prioritized list should be provided with top met requirements. Which requirements/use cases require additional clarity? Section 5: References OMB Circular No. A-130, https://www.cio.gov/policies-and-priorities/circular-a-130/