DESCRIPTION This is not a notice for a solicitation. This is only a Request for Information (RFI). The government does not intend to award a contract or any type of agreement on the basis of this RFI or to otherwise pay for the information solicitated under this RFI. This is NOT a request for proposal or an invitation to bid but merely a request for information. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) is considering the feasibility of using a private sector application service provider (ASP) to host a centralized, secure, web-based utility that would selectively connect all USGS Water Science Centers (WSC) to any number of cooperating analytical laboratories. There are approximately 50 WSCs located nationwide, typically one/state. Such connectivity would permit WSCs to enter sample event information and simultaneously request required analytical services from cooperating laboratories. During this initial, streamlined process, the application would assign a unique identifier to each sample that would be used by the USGS, its WSCs, and cooperating laboratories to track and manage all future activity related to the sample. The general functionality of the process is summarized as follows. Initial session: 1a. A USGS WSC logs into the ASP web site and is immediately provided with records specific to its location. 2a. WSC personnel enter sample identification (ID) information using a short series of pull-down menus. 3a. WSC next uses a pull-down menu to select a cooperating laboratory where analytical tests will be performed. 4a. Tests and services available from the selected laboratory also are selected from pull-down menus. WSCs can group laboratory tests together as "panels" or "schedules" and save them to streamline future analytical service request sessions. 5a. After laboratory test selection is complete, the application displays corresponding sample bottle type and sample preservative requirements. 6a. After the request has been completed, the ASP utility assigns a unique identification number (UID) that is used by the USGS, its WSCs, and cooperating laboratories to track and manage all future activity related to the sample. 7a. This UID is included on various printed forms and barcode labels that are affixed to sample containers at the USGS WSC. Later session: 1b. The WSC logs into the application. UIDs for all 'in process' requests are listed and provide access previously entered records. 2b. Sampling-event information entry is completed-collection date and time, typically-and requested laboratory test requirements are compared with event samples collected; laboratory test requests can be revised if necessary. 3b. Once complete, the ASP utility sends a record of completed requests to the WSC and cooperating laboratory to be used in future sample management and data processing operations. Supporting information: a. A resident database for each USGS WSC (currently 50 WSC each having < 50 users) that contains user-specific records such as contact information, user code, account numbers, station identification numbers, and station names (currently <50 different fields, with most fields having <50 possible entries, and some fields having 100-1,000 possible entries). The application would allow a USGS office to update and modify these records when necessary. b. A resident database that contains laboratory tests (< 1,000 different laboratory tests), bottle requirements (< 25 different bottle types), and preservation requirements (< 25 different preservation requirements). There are < 200 possible laboratories to select. c. There are typically 40,000 requests per year. ASPs that believe they have the expertise and experience to meet this requirement with a Commercial Off-the-Shelf (COTS) or turnkey product, may submit a response to this RFI. A response should also include the following information: 1. A listing of any current or past federal government clients for the COTS including a technical and/or contracting officer point of contact. 2. An explanation of the basic fee assessment used by the ASP, i.e., a cost/transaction, etc. 3. A statement regarding the capability and ease of tailoring the ASP service to specific customer requirements 4. A statement identifying capability to provide services 24 hours a day, seven days a week, as well as, the capability to automatically switch over to an alternate site in case of unplanned interruptions in service. 5. A statement regarding compliance with the basic security measures, guidelines, or regulations the vendor's application meets or exceeds (for example, HIPAA for medical records and FISMA requirements associated with properly safeguarding USGS sensitive information). The response format should not exceed 10 pages inclusive of tables and figures. Questions and all responses should be submitted to Diana Romero, the Contracting Officer, at
[email protected]. Responses are due on or before March 7, 2006. Any subsequent solicitation will be synopsized prior to its release.