Questions and AnswersRFQ #DCNR-38-11-02, Stratigraphic Information Data Management System

1. The RFQ states that the Bureau currently does not have tools in place to support collaborative work or intensive data querying across the varied research tracts coordinated by the Bureau.

a. Has the Bureau identified any specific tools for this collaboration or would it rely on the Vendor to recommend, in which case it may be Microsoft Sharepoint 2010?

ANSWER: Vendor is to recommend. In addition to the technologies listed on Page 40, IV-3.4 Work Skills, DCNR also maintains SQL Server, Sharepoint, On-Base, Oracle UCM, and MS CRM. But understand, “collaborative work” means data is to be centralized and available to multiple users in real time.

2. The RFQ states that the Bureau is facilitating data sharing amongst geologists, allowing the incorporation and manipulation of digital files obtained on the field and supporting specific data export functions to third party software for mapping and other applications. This module represents a template that the Bureau wants to extend and apply broadly to all geologic content.

a. Does the Bureau envisage or already utilize an OCR (Optical Character Recognition) solution for digitizing hard copies? ANSWER: No, not for this process.

3. The RFQ states the need to develop a comprehensive database that securely stores the geologic content currently designated for this purpose by the Bureau, as well as corresponding archive materials, such as paper files, image files, and various independent databases.

a. What are the specific data formats currently available and how many MS Access databases or any other additional heterogeneous databases that currently exist?

ANSWER: There are 12 STATEMAP MS Access Databases (each are based from the same template, but house annual sets of data), and 12 additional data files (MS Access DBs and MS Excel files). Samples of these will be posted via a URL on the eMarketPlace.

4. It appears that all of the components are currently from Microsoft stack of technologies. Given this scenario, is the Bureau open to using an MS SQL Server 2008 R2 database instead of Oracle 11g as stated?

ANSWER: No, Oracle is a required platform because of existing stratigraphic database and other systems (WIS/PAIRIS, GIS) are implemented on an Oracle platform. The vendor will need to abide by data requirements (naming conventions, etc.) outlined in the RFQ document.

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5. The RFQ states the new application should maintain a clear distinction between geological / stratigraphic interpretations and the raw data that support these. Does this mean Front End visualization and a Backend both being independent and Visualization performs on the fly algorithmic work while raw data is stored in the database?

ANSWER: The interpretations are created by the geologists using the raw data and saved in the database as data. There is no expectation to develop an algorithm to create the interpretations.

6. While the functional requirements for the supporting applications are exhaustive. Does that mean that the BRD (Business Requirement Document) is completely done or is there more discovery to be completed?

ANSWER: No further discovery is needed from a BRD perspective. Per the RFQ – IV-4.1, the successful vendor is to familiarize themselves and validate their understanding of the business requirements. As noted under IV-2, there were two rounds of requirements definition, and DCNR is in no need for a third. At best, the validation stage will be to ensure that no changes are required given the passage of time between the end of that analysis and the start of the ensuing contract. By example, vendors may notice some elements of the RockIT were modified/clarified for usage as part of the RFQ SOW. As a reminder – requirements within this response, then those of RFQ take precedence over requirements of the RockIT.

7. It also appears as if there is no algorithmic development involved for data visualization which has been completed tools. Is that assumption correct?

ANSWER: While the portion of this question stating “completed tools” is not understood by the committee, the assumption that there is no algorithmic development involved for data visualization is correct.

8. The RFQ states that it has cautioned geographIT from relying too much on it as a template on which to define the broader Bureau-wide data storage and application requirements. Does this imply a major re-design of database? Example, there would be a module for drill holes, a module for surficial geology, etc. Are these modules built by adding additional entities?

ANSWER: Page 28, IV-2. Nature and Scope of the project, second paragraph states, “During a previous contract, an overall framework of the data to be supported by this database was documented. For expediency and focus, a draft requirements document was developed with the outcrop information and a sample database was created. However, the science of stratigraphic usage has changed drastically because of new drilling practices, leaving this older design ineffective. While T&G are no longer interested in leveraging this design, the data will need to be ported into the new repository arena.” Later in the RFQ, Figure IV-1, displays the portion of the overall concept that is to be built via this RFQ. This also provides the clear indicator of the databases requirement to be extensible for the future.

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9. The RFQ states that the role of data design will be to support the correct description of content while it will be the role of the applications to support workflows. Does it mean that we need to simplify making the DB as a storage device and all business logic/work-flows are implemented via front end or middle tier application?

ANSWER: The primary purpose of this effort is to produce a single data repository for well data and that should remain the priority of any technical proposal. However architecture outlined in any proposal is free to enforce business logic at the database or application level (or a combination of both), as deemed most logical and efficient by the vendor.

10. What is meant by “implementing asynchronous communication with the server back end”. Is there a simple business scenario?ANSWER: It appears this question may be based on architectural recommendations in the RockIT requirements document. It should be noted that the RockIT document is to be considered an authority for data elements and database construction only. Please be advised that any architectural information in the RockIT requirement document is not considered a mandate if it is not specifically mentioned in the RFP document as well. That said – any logic contributing to the decision to recommend asynchronous communication is in the RockIT requirement document.

11. The RFQ states that web technology also offers flexible paths for future integration with existing and planned public-facing web applications hosted by the Bureau, such as WIS, PAGWIS, Geologic Hazards (Sinkholes, Landslides), etc. Does it mean creating database entities for newer/future system OR webservices need to be created and exposed for integration?

ANSWER: The later statement is accurate – the creation of artifacts such as webs services that will ultimately be utilized in future applications is what is intended in this section.

12. The RFQ states that if a feature / event / sample is confidential, meaning neither it nor its corresponding subject matter details / test results will be visible to the “public viewer”. Does that indicate an on the fly row level security to be implemented?

ANSWER: Implementation of row level security is not considered outside the scope of any technical solution; however it is not a requirement for any proposed security model.

13. The RFQ states that each type of geologic feature / event / sample shall have its own table. These are supported by lookup and reference tables. This would mean multiple tables for each bedrock type and how many such types are there?

ANSWER: The table requirements are identified under 4.2.2 of the RockIT.

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14. The RFQ states that a simple “recursive” table structure is proposed where every unit is referenced to its parent unit. In this setup a unit’s “parent” and / or “child” lineage can be obtained by means of a recursive procedure, capable of looping through the database structure until all “parents” and “parents’ parents” as well as all “children’s children” have been found. The search interface shown below allow a user to manually step “up” or “down” through such a lineage if desired.Is this a desired approach and what about performance?

ANSWER: Yes, this is a capability DCNR requires.

15. The RFQ states that in addition to an automatic primary key all samples shall have a user defined number or code which shall be used as a cross reference to any cataloguing systems that the Bureau may have for samples. Does it refer to creating of a composite PK (Primary Key)?

ANSWER: No (an example being. “station ID”).

16. How are the XRD analysis results & SEM analysis results stored?ANSWER: The results will be stored in external proprietary software.

17. The RFQ states that all other information stored at the Bureau will need to be assembled into “projects” as data are migrated into the database. The data migration scripts and workflow will need to account for the decision about whether data are to be entered into the “General” project, or whether data need to be grouped into a specific project category. Does it imply that the mapping is unstructured and loosely available data in the bureau to a project as SME task or there are any set rules linked to this task?

ANSWER: Post the development of this requirements specification, DCNR did make the decision that specific project names will be applied.

18. The RFQ states that the XRD analysis results are stored in Jade software application. Will the Jade Software continue to exist post the development of this database and application?

ANSWER: Yes.

19. Will the Bureau expose the site to external users immediately, in which case the table design on table partitioning and also the OLAP approach both need to be considered early on?

ANSWER: No.

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20. Does the Bureau plan to expose web/search to general public and is it a part of initial release?ANSWER: Initially (as part of the RFQ) the response is “No”. It will be a feature DCNR will be interested in for the future.

21. In the resource example list in the RFQ, 'geoligic' is a required skill. What we understand is that a domain expert in this space. Is that a correct assumption?. What is the required depth in this space. Will there be SME support from the Bureau?

ANSWER: Yes, vendors need to provide an expert with geologic experience on a team to aid in requirements interpretation. There will be a Topogeo SME team involved during the project life cycle.

22. Data types such as XRD, SEM and thin-sections, sinkhole descriptions, landslide descriptions, field and sample pictures, etc. are all allowable within Oracle 11g DB. Is that a correct assumption or there is more scientific programming involved here?

ANSWER: That is a correct assumption.

23. The RFQ states the use of Oracle discoverer for reporting. Can the Vendor use SSRS from a front end perspective while using Oracle at the backend?. A general question would however be to understand the dependency on Oracle 11g as the anticipated solution by Prime works well with a Microsoft stack (Ex: FAST, Share Point, SSRS, .NET etc…)

ANSWER: SSRS would certainly be acceptable and any vendor should feel free to consider it a valid possibility when constructing their technical proposal. Oracle IIG is a required platform. See response to question 4.

24. Does the older system deal with spatial data (Outcrop Prototype)?ANSWER: Yes.

25. Does the Bureau have any time line (go live deadline) of having this new application go into production?ANSWER: DCNR estimates the effort should be t completed within a year and a half from contract execution. Vendors may also consider options for shortening this timeline.

26. Appendix E to this solicitation contains a document : System Requirements Specification (SRS), RockIT Stratigraphic Information Data Management System authored by GeographIT wherein approximately fourteen recommendations are advanced to the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources relevant to this procurement.

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As stated on Page 2 of this solicitation: “Since this is a restricted solicitation, only those contractors qualified in one (1) or more of the following service category(ies) under the Commonwealth’s Information Technology (IT) Services Invitation to Qualify (ITQ) Contract, 4400004480, prior to the bid opening date may respond.”

SOFTWARE, DEVELOPMENT,SERVICES,IT,ITQ SOFTWARE, DEVELOPMENT, TIME & MATERIALS

As GeographIT is not listed as a qualified vendor under contract 4400004480 Categories SOFTWARE, DEVELOPMENT,SERVICES,IT,ITQ

SOFTWARE, DEVELOPMENT, TIME & MATERIALSMay we conclude that GeographIT is not eligible to bid on this contract?ANSWER: GeographIT and Advance Technology Solutions Inc. are tied together. The actual qualified supplier name under the Master IT Services ITQ Contract 4400004480 is Advanced Technology Solutions, Inc. Vendor No./SAP Business Partner No. 130766 includes both supplier names (Advanced Technology Solutions, Inc. and GeographIT) tied to the same Vendor No./SAP Partner No.

27. It appears that GeographIT and a qualified ITQ vendor meeting the criteria referenced in question #1, specifically, Advanced Technology Solutions, Inc. Contract #4400004778 share the same address, website and key personnel.  Therefore it appears the companies enjoy a close relationship or are the same company. See exhibits below:

ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS INC1525 Oregon Pike, Suite 202Lancaster, PA 17601United States

Telephone: 717-399-7007Fax: 717-399-7015Website: http://www.geographIT.com

SAP Business Partner No: 130766Figure 1 From PA IT ITQ Website Figure 2 From GeographIT website

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www.geographIT.com Headquarters 1525 Oregon Pike, Suite 202 Lancaster, Pennsylvania 17601-7300 Tel: (717) 399-7007 Fax: (717) 399-7015

Therefore our question is simply this, since GeographIT and Advanced Technology Solutions are the same company, that provided the recommendations to the DCNR as contained in Appendix E to this RFQ, can we assume that Advanced Technology Solutions is precluded from bidding on this RFQ under the guidelines set forth with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s Adverse Interest Act?

“No State advisor or State consultant having recommended to the State agency which he serves, either the making of a contract or a course of action of which the making of a contract is an express or implied part, shall, at any time thereafter, have an adverse interest in such contract.”ANSWER: Advanced Technology Solutions and GeographIT are the same company. Throughout the course of the previous contracts, it was understood that the vendor responsibility was to be solely focused on inventorying and organizing the business requirements of T&G. The vendors statement within the RockIT document, “The Commonwealth’s protocol for application / database acquisition stipulates a clear contractual process that separates system requirements from any system design or implementation” is the vendor’s confirmation to that understanding. Also, while there are references to technology-based options, proposing vendors will note there are no technology requirements listed in this RFQ beyond providing a list of DCNR supportable tools. At no point was the vendor entitled to make a recommendation “to the State agency which he serves (DCNR), either the making of a contract or a course of action of which the making of a contract is an express or implied part”. DCNR alone determined if a contract or on-board staff would be used, to what extent DCNR and / or contracted resources would be used, and what modules of the overall repository would be incorporated in this RFQ. As such, no vendor that is qualified under the appropriate Master ITQ categories is precluded from bidding on this contract.

28. Page 5 of 57 Part 1 –GENERAL INFORMATION, Section I-4 Problem Statement: The notation paragraph states that “Currently, there are a number of initiatives which are running in parallel, and others that will need to leverage the outcome of this RFQ”. Please clarify this statement. Will these initiatives need to be taken into account for this RFQ, and if so, can these initiatives be itemized?

ANSWER: They are defined later in that same paragraph “One is a data cleanup effort for all well data. Some of that data is being positioned for compliance with this repository. There will also be a series of Request for Quotes (RFQs) for wells systems, which will contain some Stratigraphic data.” The statement is to notify vendors that as this initiative will need to be well communicated, so that these outside initiatives can obtain compliance with this scheme’s standards.

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Question # Page Section Question29. 2 2nd Bullet The second bullet references a service category of “Software,

Development, Time & Materials”. Does this mean that a portion of this contract is Time & Materials? If so, please identify which deliverables should be bid as time and materials and which should be bid as fixed price?

ANSWER: Per the Master IT ITQ Statement of Work:Time and Materials (T&M) type services may be included as part of a deliverables-based project under the following circumstances:

o The project involves updating and maintaining software,o The project involves a portion of work that has no definitive timeline or deliverable that can be

realistically projected, ando The project involves the use of alternative maintenance or development that is not amenable to a

deliverable-based format.T&M type services cannot be greater than 40% of the original Purchase Order value.

Vendors are to use best judgment and provide a Cost Proposal that fits within the constraints of these terms.

30. 12 I-20 How many workstations will be provided to the vendor?

ANSWER: DCNR can house a team of up to 5 members in size.

31. 12 I-20 Please provide a list of the software that will be provided to the vendor for use during this project?

ANSWER: Software will be provided to development staff as necessary to fulfill duties outlined in section IV.3.4 {page 40} of the RFQ. Administrative staff will be provided with software to fulfill their duties as well {Microsoft Office, Visio, etc.}. Please note that licensed software will only be provided for Commonwealth machines and is therefore limited to individuals working at Commonwealth locations (licensed software will not be provided to off-site personnel).

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32. 14 I-29 Please confirm that the Commonwealth’s intent of this proposal requirement is to only identify where the Contractor’s approach and/or statement of work will not be in compliance with the ITB’s and not to identify all ITB’s that have no functional applicability to this effort such as those in the Business Domain or IT Procurement Domain.

ANSWER: The Commonwealth’s intent of this proposal requirement is to only identify where the Contractor’s approach and/or statement of work will not be in compliance with the ITB’s.

33. 16 II-6 Will DCNR accept a proposed team where the key personnel are on-site at DCNR and supporting development personnel are not on-site?

ANSWER: Given the intricacies involved in the development of this database, DCNR is not interested in an off-site team. To clarify – primary staff are to be on-site, such as a project manager when working on this effort, or the primary technical developer or technical lead, any key staff per project phase must on-site. Ancillary or highly part-time staff, do not need to be on-site.

34. 16 II-5 Please clarify the difference between “database design” and “repository development” for which the vendor must provide prior experience.

ANSWER: Database design speaks to the broad skill-set necessary to build back-end databases to support documented business processes. Repository development speaks to the more specific experience relevant to the creation of central data stores whose general purpose is the sharing of data with multiple sources (for example: the creation of a data warehouse).

35. 28 IV-1 b. Please confirm that geographIT is precluded from bidding on this opportunity given their work on the Requirements Specifications and the many detailed design choices and recommendations in that document that have either explicitly or by reference influenced and/or were incorporated into the RFQ and thereby provide them with a competitive advantage.

ANSWER: Refer to Question 27. In addition, DCNR deliberately provided an extensive response period, to allow proposing vendors ample opportunity to thoroughly review and understand the business needs of DCNR, as presented in the RFQ.

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36. 44 IV-4.1 Bullet Number 2 references the following “to obtain a walkthrough of the current database architecture”. Can you please clarify which DCNR system represents the “current database architecture”?

ANSWER: Page 28, IV-2. Nature and Scope of the Project, second paragraph states, “During a previous contract, an overall framework of the data to be supported by this database was documented. For expediency and focus, a draft requirements document was developed with the outcrop information and a sample database was created.” This is the database architecture being referred to. In addition, page 43, IV-3.4 Work Skills lists the technologies currently used by DCNR.

37. 44 IV-4.2 Bullet Number 4 refers to “Section IV-3.3.3”. Can you please provide the page number of where that section is located in the RFQ?

ANSWER: Sorry – Numbering error. The actual Section # is IV-4.2.6.a (Page 45)

38. 45 IV-4.2.5.f. This bullet states that this will be an internal system. Please clarify where the system will be hosted when it goes into production and also whether this system will be subject to CA² security processes.

ANSWER: It is not anticipated that the end product of this development effort will be exposed to the public or housed on servers outside the DCNR firewall. Therefore it is not expected that any deliverable from this effort will be subjected to the CA2 review process.

39. 45 IV-4.2.6.a Would DCNR accept a proposal that offers a GOTS/MOTS (government off the shelf/modifiable off the shelf) solution that meets DCNR’s technical and development standards and business requirements, and for which code would be provided to DCNR for this development project and for implementation purposes of this stratigraphic repository?

ANSWER: No. Per the ITQ mandates, “Unless specifically provided for in the PO, the Contractor shall not offer for sale or provide Commonwealth agencies with any hardware or software (i.e., personal computers, file servers, laptops, personal computer packaged software, etc.). If the PO does not specifically include the provision of software, Contractors may recommend the use of hardware and software, without requiring agencies to purchase the recommended hardware and software. Software and hardware that is NOT on statewide contract will be acquired through separately procured purchase agreements, and the Contractor shall not be considered for award of such agreements.”

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40. 46 IV-4.2.6.b. Please provide information on what the “collector’s databases” are and the “pilot database”.

ANSWER: “Pilot database” is outcrop pilot project oracle database. The “collector’s databases” are the databases created by users.

41. 46 IV-4.2.6.b.iii. The only records specifically mentioned in SRS 3.3.2 to be migrated is an inventory of 80,000 drill hole images. Can DCNR clarify what other sources are to be imported? Also whether they can be imported given that the scope of the system is limited to those modules highlighted in Figure IV-1 on page 32?

ANSWER: Refer to the question 3. Data sources referenced in question 3 are compatible with the data structures build under this contract.

42. 46 IV-4.2.6.d. Can DCNR provide information on how much time the BITS DBA will be available to this project to assist with these import utilities? Additional, can DCNR provide information related to the delineation or responsibilities on this project between the Vendor’s DBA and the DCNR BITS’ DBA?

ANSWER: The BITS DBA will be instructed to treat coordination with any team on this project as a high priority task and DCNR is prepared to dedicate such a resource for 1-2 days each week, as needed to assist the team (with the understanding that some weeks may require more time and others less). First and foremost the BITS DBA will serve as a knowledge expert on DCNR infrastructure and environments and will assist the team with the creation of necessary development and testing environments. Additionally they will serve as an ongoing information source and interface as needed with other elements of the Department. Finally - the BITS DBA should be considered the final authority on any database implementations for the Department and will be tasked with reviewing and approving any implementations.

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43. 46 IV-4.2.6.d.i. Can DCNR provide information related to the STATEMAP database such as description, the technology of the database and the record volume?

ANSWER: Yes, we can provide STATEMAP database template which is in MS Access. The STATEMAP database contains couple of thousands records. See response to Question #3.

44. 46 IV-4.2.6.d.ii. As stated on Figure IV-1 on page 32, the Coal module and Coalbed Methane module are not included in this RFQ. Given that, will the data from the U.S. Geological Survey’s National Coal Database be able to be imported to the new RockIT data repository?

ANSWER: Yes, NCRDS is first and foremost a stratigraphic database.

45. 47 IV-5.c. Please provide more definition around what is meant by “development is to be conducted on a utility component-by-component” basis. What does DCNR mean by the word “utility”? How do you define “component”?

ANSWER: Please strike the term “utility” from that paragraph. “Components” are those items listed under IV-4.2.6 (starting on page 45). (The term “Component” covers the utilities listed under that section, such as the export and import utilities.)

46. Appendix C The instructions on Appendix C read as follows: “Hence, you will note in Part IV, Statement of Work, is broken down into modular sections.  Contractors are encouraged to break down their Cost Submittal into sub-deliverables, which can be approved and invoiced on a regular basis.)”

Can you please provide further information on whether you mean the modules as listed in the Appendix C such as Users/Projects/Stations, Survey Information and Subject Matter/Details/Test Results and the components underneath each of these?

Or are you referring to the development tasks such as Integration and System Testing, User and IT Support Training, User Acceptance Testing, Implementation and Go-Live, and

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Documentation/Knowledge Transfer that are listed in IV-4.2.5b-h? ANSWER: Actually, all of the above. Each of the components (modules) will need to go through the development tasks listed in IV-4.2.5b-h. Example – Overall design is projected to take months. Hence it is broken down into sub-deliverables (a-c of the Cost Matrix). This will allow for incremental approvals and payment, which will have the added advantage of ensuring the project stays on schedule and within budget.

47. Appendix C There are two instances of Data Export and Data Import Utilities pricing line items. Please clarify the difference between the work done within each of these line items.

ANSWER: The first is under “Design/Storyboard”, the second is under “Build”. Hence, the first is the cost to design, the second is the cost to build.

48. Page 9, I-14. Proposals. The RFQ states “The Cost submittal must be in Microsoft Excel”. But, the file format downloaded from the ITQ portal is in Microsoft Word document (Appendix C_Cost Matrix for services.docx). Are respondents supposed to convert the Word document into an Excel format file in order to complete it?

ANSWER: Yes.

49. Page 12, I-20. Resources. How many contractors can be accommodated at the project location in terms of available desks/workspaces, computers, and software licenses?

ANSWER: Refer to Question 30.

50. Is DCNR prepared to allow some project activity such as system design and software development performed off-site with on-site coordination, integration and testing or must all design and development activity be performed on-site?

ANSWER: Refer to Question 36.

51. Page 15, II-1. General Requirements, Item a Technical Submittal. Which section should be used to introduce the firm, subcontractors, and corporate overview of firms and firm’s capabilities?

ANSWER: II-5 – Prior Experience.

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52. Page 19, II-10 Disadvantaged business submittal, Item a.iii. If an MBE firm submits a proposal as a prime contractor, is there any benefit to adding an MBE firm as a subcontractor in order to achieve maximum consideration for MBE participation?

ANSWER: Yes, each Disadvantaged Business (DB) submittal will be rated for its approach to enhancing the utilization of Small Disadvantaged Businesses within each level. So if a DB Prime submits a proposal with Small Disadvantaged Business subcontractor/s then that Offeror would receive the highest score. The remaining DB prime contractors disadvantaged business submittals will receive scores proportional to the highest Offeror for that level.

53. Page 46, IV-4.2 Phase 2- Design and Build, Item b Data Migration. In order to prepare a budget for this task, please provide a listing of database tables and the approximate number of records in each table that will need to be migrated (summarize per the databases/systems identified in the RFQ).

ANSWER: Please refer to Question 3.

54. Page 47, IV-5 Reports and Project Control, Section c. implies that much of the work is to be carried out directly on T&G’s infrastructure (Oracle database, virtual server, etc.). What level of system support/administration, if any, is expected from the vendor?

ANSWER: It should be noted that the infrastructure utilized will be the technical infrastructure of DCNR, not T&G. The infrastructure will be supported/administered by the DCNR staff throughout the lifecycle of the project.

55. Is the vendor to provide ‘core level’ system administration takes such as creation of virtual machines and database instances, maintenance of table spaces, transaction log backups, failover setup, etc., or is it to be primarily focused on higher level tasks such as service implementations, shutdowns, restarts, instantiation/re-instantiation of schemas in support of design, etc.?

ANSWER: The vendor is expected to outline any needs and requirements necessary to complete development. Existing resources within DCNR will handle any tasks related to those requirements.

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Questions Posed at Conference

56. II-6. Personnel – RFQ seems to suggest usage of VB.net as a development language. Is there any preferred technologies/languages? Can C# be used instead of VB.Net?

ANSWER: If the question is referring to C#.Net, then yes, that would be acceptable.

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57. IV-2. While T&G are no longer interested in leveraging this design, the data will need to be ported into the new repository arena. How is the current data stored?

ANSWER: The ERD posted within Appendix F is the current data store for the pilot Outcrop.

58. IV-4.2 Phase 2-Design and Build, 6.d.iii, Import data collected in the field from hand-held devices directly into selected modules. Hand held device data is ported into an Access database. It is assumed that import/synchronization of data from hand-held devices into a PC based Access database is taken care of and is not part of the scope of this project. Import from the Access database to overall Stratigraphic repository is in scope. Is this assumption correct?

ANSWER: That is correct.

59. IV-4.2 Phase 2 Design and Build, 5.g. The successful Contractor is to provide the Database Administrator of the DCNR Bureau of Information Technology Services a representative ERD providing and overview of data tables developed. T&G and BITS will need a detailed implementation plan for the roll-out within T&G. Will BITS be responsible for the final rollout of tested and accepted application to the production environment, while the contractor provides the required support?

ANSWER: Yes – BITS will work in concert with the successful vendor. BITS will perform vendor-defined procedures for this roll-out.

60. When are the questions and answers going to be posted in the ITQ portal?ANSWER: As stated in the Calendar of Events, Questions and Responses are to be posted no later May 10, 4:00pm, but the Committee will attempt to post them sooner.

61. Is it possible to visit TopoGeo and investigate current software environment and databases during proposal preparation?ANSWER: DCNR will not be allowing tours for this RFQ.

62. Due to the complexity of questions and answers, will DCNR consider providing time for another round of questions and answers after vendors are able to digest the questions when posted on-line?

ANSWER: Individual questions may be submitted up until the 20th of May. Contractor questions must be submitted via email to the RFQ Issuing Officer, Michelle Flynn, at mflynn@pa.gov with the subject line of the email reading “IT ITQ RFQ DCNR-38-11-02 Question”.

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63. Due to the complexity of questions and answers ad potential impact on proposed solutions, will DCNR extend submission due date for two weeks? Questions will be posted May 10. This does not provide enough time to digest and reassess technical approaches and cost for a May 31 submittal.

ANSWER: DCNR will not be extending the submission date at this time.

64. We didn’t see in the RFQ where BMWBD explains how when DB prime subs to another DB, it gets more points than a DB prime subbing to a non-DB prime. Is this a new scoring methodology, and if so, when did it go into effect?

ANSWER: The awarding of more points to disadvantaged prime contractors who commit to subcontracting with disadvantaged business subcontractors than to disadvantaged prime contractors who do not commit to subcontracting with disadvantaged business subcontractors is not new. While the details of this aspect of disadvantaged business submittal scoring is not explicitly stated in the RFQ, this is a long-standing Bureau of Minority and Women Business Opportunities protocol used to distinguish among multiple DB prime contractors and reward those DB primes who further commit to additional DB businesses.

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