Description
1. PLEASE SEE: NOTE 22 SOLE SOURCE SYNOPSIS 2. Reason for sole source procurement: The current vendor has designed and developed a customized solution for the U.S. & Foreign Commercial Service (USFCS). Market Research Library (MRL) application developed by vendor is not available on the open market. MRL is a mission critical function of USFCS' service delivery to US SME (small-to-medium sized enterprises) exporters. Any break in service would cause a disruption of this service. USFCS overseas personnel would be unable to provide timely reports to the MRL which could adversely impact competitive position vis-?-vis market intelligence of US exporters in foreign markets. If there is an interruption in service or development of the MRL, USFCS would not be able to meet deadlines imposed by OMB to interface MRL data with USG export portal. 2. Summary of Required Services: Development and enhancement of existing USFCS Market Research Library, USFCS Trade Services Directory, USFCS internal Internet based web applications, USFCS trade lead and USFCS online single company promotion programs and online registration/logon interface with www.export.gov. Specifically: " Ability to maintain, further design & develop and enhance a web - based online database. To include: o Database search and sort capability, o Database record presentation to the public o Database field and record features o Ability to modify, change and enhance web-based database user interface o Continue development and enhancement of an internal upload process for USFCS domestic and international and market research. " Design and implementation of data syndication with selected USFCS external web sites. Continue development of vehicle to share/publish USFCS market research with USFCS internal and external partner web sites. " Design and implementation of statistical tracking tools for USFCS management. For example, statistics that provide feedback regarding amount of instances a specific record is accessed. " Ability to design an automated data dissemination service, using email, based on external and internal client profiles-e.g. "push" technology. " Ability to design and build email address books (for, individuals & groups) for the purpose of distributing market research via email. In addition, the capability to track/monitor the number and frequency of automated emails sent. " Ability to design and develop platform to query data from existing internal USFCS databases. " Site hosting. " Ability to design a user interface, including, building custom graphics & navigation that is consistent with USFCS branding. " Ability to troubleshoot internal USFCS user problems and questions. " Ability to program a database that can exchange data in a decentralized, distributed environment. Deliverables: " Completion of Section 2 tasks by December 31, 2003 " An internet - based database enabling: o USFCS internal users to populate the database via the internet from offices worldwide o USFCS clients to conduct intuitive searches for USFCS market research, trade leads & service provider data via an internet browser. " An internet-based database featuring an automated dissemination system, using email to "push" relevant data to clients based on client profile. " Registration and log-in interface with the USG's export portal www.export.gov " Internet-based administrative area enabling Market Research Program Manager to edit, approve, delete report. " Internet-based aggregated statistics area enabling USFCS senior management to track internet database activity. " Secure database hosting with redundant systems, 24/7 support and minimum T1 bandwidth. " High-end intuitive user interface design. Individual database records that can support picture/graphics/logos. 3. Uniqueness of Present Contractor: ASI has customized the database to fit the particular needs of USFCS. For example; " Specific field naming & structuring of database for USFCS market research reports, " Structuring of the data fields to support specific USFCS market research reports including charts, graphics, pictures & logos, " Routing of database report approvals to specific USFCS personnel dispersed worldwide, " Specific experience programming in the following combination of technologies: SQL, ColdFusion, HTML and JavaScript. With cooperation from department CIO, ASI developed interface between ASI development servers (database & web) and USFCS internal/production servers, and has been granted access to remotely maintain MRL server within USFCS network. Database structured with a combination of SQL, ColdFusion, HTML and JavaScript which, if re-created by another vendor, would require development period and thus cause unacceptable downtime. ASI developed authentication between internal USFCS servers and market research servers, approval granted to ASI by department CIO. Project development and enhancement would be adversely impacted, and USFCS/clients would to be served, if ASI were not able to complete work in progress. If project work stopped, or was required to begin anew with another vendor, client service delivery would be negatively impacted. Any break in service would cause a disruption of this service. USFCS overseas personnel would be unable to provide timely reports to the MRL which could adversely impact competitive position vis-?-vis market intelligence of US exporters in foreign markets.