D--Amendment 0001 is issued to answer all questions and to extend the RFI due date

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document contains responses to vendor questions regarding a Request for Information (RFI) about Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools and applications for the Integrated Benefits Center (IBC) Human Resources Directorate (HRD).

• Incumbent Contracts: There are currently no contracts or contractors performing the tasks related to this RFI.
• Mainframe Environment: The primary mainframe platforms are ADABAS/Natural, with JCL used for batch orchestration. Control M and Control O are the enterprise schedulers. The government is considering converting and migrating mainframe applications to cloud platforms.
• AI Capabilities & Data: AI-enabled capabilities may participate in controlled execution workflows under defined safeguards, provided security and privacy standards are honored. Data may contain Personally Identifiable Information (PII), requiring adherence to FISMA, NIST 800-53, and Privacy Act of 1974 standards. Data residency requirements beyond FedRAMP alignment may apply.
• Integrations: External integrations are primarily file-based, with some batch-driven capabilities. Real-time capabilities may be required in certain domains.
• FedRAMP: If applications are cloud-based, FedRAMP authorization will be required. Alignment with FedRAMP controls is necessary, and solutions must be FedRAMP authorized or in the process of authorization.
• Data & Database: Database platforms include ADABAS 8.6. Database size is approximately 35 TB, with daily transactions around 1.2 million. Data formats are primarily EBCDIC.
• Code Analysis: The AI tool should assist in identifying specific areas in the code, particularly for legacy codebases. The intent is for both scanning HRD's codebase using LLMs and evaluating LLM outputs for accuracy, bias, and security.
• Deployment: Solutions must not be multi-tenant environments for users outside IBC HRD. Logically isolated single-tenant environments within a FedRAMP authorized boundary are acceptable.
• Testing: Currently, there is no automated testing. Sample artifacts may be provided during the Technical Evaluation period.
• RTO/RPO: A 24-hour Recovery Time Objective (RTO) and Recovery Point Objective (RPO) threshold must be met for AI-enabled systems operating in payroll-supporting environments.
• Customer Service: AI-enabled customer service capabilities will initially support HRD staff but could support customer service processes for IBC customers. Integration with existing systems like ServiceNow is anticipated.
• Documentation: New documentation may be generated for code, system technical designs, and business processes, with formats to be determined.

This document provides critical clarifications and details that will inform vendor responses to the RFI, particularly regarding technical requirements, security, data handling, and operational environments. It helps vendors understand the scope and constraints for potential AI solutions.

Request for Information (RFI)

This RFI is issued by the Department of the Interior (DOI), Interior Business Center (IBC) – Human Resources Directorate (HRD) to gather information on AI tools and applications. The goal is to identify viable industry solutions and vendors capable of supporting HRD's mission needs, which include enhancing an integrated personnel and payroll system for over 300,000 employees across multiple agencies. This RFI is for planning purposes only and does not constitute an invitation for bids or an obligation to issue a future solicitation.

The government is interested in AI solutions that can:

• Automate testing (script, unit, regression, load, performance)
• Strengthen batch processing and JCL scripting
• Support comprehensive database management (configuration, capacity, security, forecasting, patching, migrations, integrity)
• Automate payroll operations (calculations, retroactive processing, W-2, ACA, annual pay adjustments, file generation/transmission)
• Perform AI-enabled code and infrastructure analysis/refactoring (mainframe assessment, call-routine mapping, bug identification, historical analysis, LLM scanning)
• Automate generation of system documentation, training materials, and analytical reports
• Automate customer service workflows (ticket creation/routing, self-service tools, guidance)
• Support cross-platform integration with Federal partners (OPM, IRS, shared service providers)
• Operate in a non-multi-tenant environment
• Align with FedRAMP controls and meet Section 508 requirements
• Provide governance, auditability, scalability, and deployment options

This RFI does not constitute an invitation for bid, RFQ, or RFP. No contract will be awarded as a result of this RFI. The government will not pay for any information or administrative costs incurred in response to this RFI.

Vendors are requested to submit:

1. Corporate Information (template provided)
2. Narrative capability statements (max 7 pages total, 2 pages per business requirement) addressing objectives and essentials, including technical, security, and operational standards.
3. Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM) for pricing approach.

Responses must be received by 5:00pm EST, April 17th, 2026. Written questions are due by March 17th, 2026, 3:00pm EST.

Not applicable for this RFI. Vendors should indicate their business categories (Large Business, Small Business, SDB, 8(a), WOSB, EDWOSB, HUBZone, VOSB, SDVOSB).

• Proprietary information must be clearly marked.
• Submissions become Government property and will not be returned.
• Marketing brochures or generic company literature will not be considered.
• The government may conduct one-on-one sessions with vendors after reviewing RFI submissions.

Request for Information (RFI)

This RFI is issued by the Department of the Interior (DOI), Interior Business Center (IBC) – Human Resources Directorate (HRD) to gather information on AI tools and applications. The goal is to understand industry capabilities for securely supporting a mainframe-centric, payroll-focused, PII-regulated environment. HRD manages an integrated personnel and payroll system serving over 300,000 employees across multiple agencies.

HRD is seeking AI solutions to automate:

• Testing (script, unit, regression, load, performance)
• Batch processing and JCL scripting
• Comprehensive database management (configuration, capacity, security, forecasting, patching, migrations, integrity)
• Payroll operations (calculations, retroactive processing, W-2, ACA, annual adjustments, file generation)
• AI-enabled code and infrastructure analysis/refactoring (mainframe assessment, call-routine mapping, bug identification, historical analysis, LLM scanning)
• Automated generation of system documentation, training materials, and analytical reports
• Customer service workflow automation (ticket creation, routing, self-service tools, legal/payroll guidance)

Solutions must support cross-platform integration with Federal partners (OPM, IRS), operate in a non-multi-tenant environment, align with FedRAMP controls, meet Section 508 requirements, and provide governance, auditability, scalability, and deployment options.

This RFI is for information and planning purposes only and does not constitute an invitation for bid, RFQ, or RFP. The government is not seeking proposals and will not accept unsolicited proposals. Responding to this RFI does not preclude future participation in a solicitation. The government will not pay for any information or administrative costs incurred in response to this RFI.

Responses are due by 5:00pm EST, April 17th, 2026. Written questions are due by March 17th, 2026, 3:00pm EST. Submissions should include:

1. Corporate Information (template provided)
2. Narrative capability statements (max 7 pages) addressing business requirements.
3. Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM) in Section 3.

Vendors must clearly mark proprietary information. The government will not notify respondents of results or return submittals.

Not applicable for this RFI. Vendors should indicate their business category (Large Business, SB, SDB, WOSB, EDWOSB, HUBZone, VOSB, SDVOSB).

• The RFI aims to inform future procurement strategies.
• One-on-one sessions may be conducted in mid-2026.
• Responses must be submitted electronically via email.