Data Modernization Section Support

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides clarifications and responses to vendor questions regarding the DMS Support Solicitation.

• Surge FTE Delineation: Offerors can create a separate tab in the pricing workbook to delineate Surge FTE line items, providing clear insights into surge pricing.
• Technical Acceptability Matrix (TAM): Offerors may submit written descriptions demonstrating capabilities for innovative solutions not typically outlined in a PWS/SOW/SOO, but must also submit proof outlined in the TAM to be compliant.
• Letters of Commitment (LOC): LOCs are required for each Key Personnel proposed.
• Form 3700-46 Submission: This form should be included in Volume 5 of the proposal.
• Background Investigation Forms: These forms may be sent in a separate, password-protected email to the Contracting Officer to protect PII.
• Page Count Limitations: Cover pages, table of contents, tabs, dividers, glossaries, blank pages, and compliance matrices will not be included in the page count, a change made due to offeror concerns.
• Technical Acceptability Matrix (Attachment 3) - Award Date: The requirement for the award date of a referenced contract to be on or after November 14, 2023, is strict. Work continuing beyond that date on a contract awarded prior will not satisfy this requirement.

These clarifications address vendor inquiries regarding proposal submission formats, required documentation, and specific requirement interpretations, ensuring offerors can submit compliant and accurate proposals.

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides clarifications and responses to questions submitted by potential offerors regarding the DMS Support Solicitation.

• Page Limits: The government clarified that the cover page, executive/cover letter, and table of contents are included in the 15-page limit for Volume I, excluding one additional page for the QASP. (Q#352)
• QASP Inclusion: The Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP) is a 1-page document and does not count against the 15-page limit for Volume I. (Q#91, Q#12)
• Reps & Certs Location: Representations and Certifications should be included in Volume 5 (Background Information), not Volume IV. (Q#119)
• FDIC Forms: The government will provide FDIC Forms 3700/04A, 3700/12, and 3700/46, which are required for submission. (Q#300)
• Technical Acceptability Matrix Evidence: For the Technical Acceptability Matrix, proof of contract award and successful completion is sufficient. Offerors should not include sensitive information from past work, and the FDIC will not initiate FOIA requests or sharing agreements on the vendor's behalf. (Multiple Qs related to Att. 3 and Matrix Items)
• Background Investigations: Background investigations are required for all personnel, not just Key Personnel, before accessing FDIC networks and systems. (Q#247)
• Attachment 3 Submission: Attachment 3 can be inserted as an appendix within Volume I or as a separate attachment in a Zip File within Volume I. (Att-3)
• Executive Order 14173 Compliance: Ignore Certification number 7(a) on the FDIC Forms 3700/04A if it does not comply with Executive Order 14173 and federal anti-discrimination law requirements. (f3700-04a)

These clarifications affect proposal page count limitations, the location of specific documents, the evidence required for the Technical Acceptability Matrix, and personnel requirements. Offerors must ensure their proposals adhere to these updated guidelines.

Amendment / Modification

This document is an amendment to a solicitation. It includes updated dates and information related to the solicitation.

• Solicitation Number: CORHQ-25-R-0450

• Solicitation Issue Date: 10/09/2025

• Offer Due Date/Local Time: 01/02/2026

• Contact Information for Solicitation: Mikel Wood

• Date Signed: 10/08/2025

• The Offer Due Date has been updated to 01/02/2026.

• Contact information for solicitation inquiries has been updated.

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides responses to vendor questions regarding the DMS Support Solicitation, clarifying various aspects of the RFP, requirements, and submission process.

• FPGs: 2026 FPGs are not yet defined. 2025 FPGs are related to implementing capabilities that support sound data management practices.
• Methodology & Tools: Agile methodology is currently utilized, and GitHub Enterprise is the technology for managing work and code.
• Security Assessments: The requirement is to support security assessments and findings; current outstanding POAMs are not detailed.
• Work Space: Workspace will be made available at the FDIC Virginia Square facility if required.
• Oral Presentations: All presentations will be virtual on Microsoft Teams; offerors will not view facilities.
• Incumbent: Harmonia Holdings LLC and Microsoft are the incumbents.
• Contract Value: Anticipated contract value will not be provided.
• Set-Asides: There are no set-aside considerations for this opportunity.
• LCAT Hours: The total hours for the base period are confirmed as 16,234; contractors may adjust hours and LCATs.
• Management Approach Areas: There are 4 areas requiring support, not 5; the solicitation will be updated.
• Subcontractor Markup: Markup of subcontractor rates is not permitted; all rates should be fully loaded.
• Past Performance: Past performance is required for all subcontractors.
• Oral Presentation Slides: Slides are not required for the Oral Presentation at submission; they may be provided anytime before the presentation.
• Pricing Workbook: Option Period 2 end date typo corrected to 12/31/2028.
• Cloud Environment: The CDMA Platform is in FDIC Azure and uses Azure cloud services; it is not a multi-cloud platform in itself, though FDIC has a multi-cloud environment.
• On-Premises Systems: Retirement of on-premises systems is out of scope.
• AI Solution Definition: The AI solution will be in place, and the scope is to provide operational support.
• Proposal Submission: Offerors can submit multiple documents in a zip file per Volume, or one file per Volume.
• Submission Due Date: The correct proposal due date is December 4, 2025.
• Work Location: Work must be performed in the Continental United States; remote work is permitted.
• Subcontractor Costs: Markup on subcontractor costs is not permitted.
• Financial Capability: Evaluated via a current Dun and Bradstreet report; no submission required from offeror.
• Background Investigations: Questionnaires should be submitted with proposals for all personnel requiring clearance.
• Oral Presentation Evaluation: Only evaluated for invited offerors; challenge questions provided 2 hours prior.

Several sections of the solicitation will be updated to reflect clarifications, including the number of work areas and specific dates. Offerors must adhere to the clarified requirements and submission instructions.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is an amended pricing workbook for the Data Modernization Section Support opportunity. It provides a template for bidders to submit their pricing details for various contract periods, including a transition period, base period, and three option periods.

• Structure: Bidders must not modify the Excel file's structure.
• 'Detailed Price' Tab: Requires bidder input for labor categories, hours, and hourly rates for each contract period (Transition, Base, Option Periods 1-3). Column G automatically calculates extended prices.
• 'Summary Price' Tab: This tab is for government use and displays summary charges per period. It does not require bidder input.
• Evaluation: The FDIC will use the proposed hourly rates to compute an Overall Evaluated Price (OEP) for evaluation purposes.

This amended pricing workbook is critical for bidders to accurately propose their costs. Bidders must carefully complete the 'Detailed Price' tab according to the provided instructions, ensuring all required fields are populated for each contract period. The accuracy of this submission directly impacts the overall evaluated price and the competitiveness of the bid.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, "NOTICE AND AUTHORIZATION PERTAINING TO CONSUMER REPORTS PURSUANT TO THE FAIR CREDIT REPORTING ACT OF 1970," is a form (FDIC 1600/10) that must be completed by applicants seeking employment or contractor personnel seeking positions with the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC).

• Privacy Act Statement: Explains that the FDIC is authorized to request consumer reports for background investigations to determine fitness and integrity for employment or contract performance.
• Instructions: Details that the form is for applicants/contractor personnel and requires an ink signature.
• Section I - Applicant/Contractor Personnel Information: Requires the applicant's Name and the Last 4 Digits of their Social Security Number (SSN).
• Section II - Authorization and Signature: The applicant authorizes the FDIC to obtain consumer reports for employment purposes and requires their signature and the date.

Bidders responding to an opportunity that requires personnel to undergo a background investigation or meet fitness standards will likely need to complete this form for their proposed personnel. It outlines the authorization for obtaining consumer reports and the required personal information.

Amendment / Modification

This document is an amendment to a solicitation. The specific changes or updates are not detailed in the provided text, but it is identified as Amendment 1 to the solicitation.

Not specified in the provided text.

Not specified in the provided text. Bidders should refer to the full amendment document for any changes to deadlines, requirements, or evaluation factors.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a Technical Acceptability Matrix designed to help bidders understand the specific technical requirements and criteria that will be used to evaluate their proposals. It outlines key areas of technical expertise and experience the government is seeking.

• Requirement 1: Secure Generative AI with Retrieval Augmented Generation (RAG) in a Regulated Environment for 2+ years. Requires proof of deployment for a government or regulated client after Nov 14, 2023, with specific details on the contract cover page.
• Requirement 2: AI Integration with Measurable Outcome and Fed Compliance. Requires demonstration of AI integration with at least 15% efficiency/accuracy improvement and FedRAMP or NIST 800-53 compliance, supported by a client letter.
• Requirement 3: Production Natural Language Processing (NLP) Capabilities and Experience. Requires delivery of a production NLP system for a government client performing at least 3 specified NLP tasks on over 1000 documents, with proof in a task order or SOW.
• Requirement 4: Microsoft Cloud Partner – Specialist or Expert (Active) in Azure AI & Machine Learning or Data & AI. Requires a current designation with proof from Microsoft Partner Center.
• Requirement 5: 5 Consecutive Years in FedRAMP Azure. Requires continuous operation of solutions in FedRAMP Moderate or High Azure from 2021–2025, supported by a timeline table.
• Requirement 6: All 7 Azure Services in Government Use. Requires use of 7 specified Azure services in a government or regulated environment in the last 3 years, verified by a checklist.

Bidders must carefully review each requirement and prepare documentation to demonstrate how their firm meets these technical criteria. The matrix specifies the type of evidence required for each point, such as redacted contract pages, client letters, screenshots, or checklists. Failure to meet these technical requirements may impact proposal acceptability.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a Confidentiality Agreement (FDIC 3700/46) for contractors, subcontractors, and consultants working with the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC). It outlines the terms and conditions under which sensitive information received from or accessed by the FDIC must be protected.

• Definition of Sensitive Information: Refers to FDIC Directive 1360.09.
• Contractor Obligations: Includes protecting confidentiality, integrity, and availability of sensitive information; reporting any breaches; using information only as authorized; not disclosing information except as required or with prior written consent.
• Personnel Requirements: Contractor is responsible for ensuring its employees, subcontractors, and consultants also adhere to confidentiality terms and execute similar agreements.
• Information Return/Destruction: Mandates the return or destruction of sensitive information upon demand, contract conclusion, or when no longer needed.
• Legal Framework: Agreement is governed by Federal law and may be enforced by the FDIC. Violations can lead to administrative, civil, or criminal action.

This agreement must be executed by any contractor, subcontractor, or consultant who will be granted access to sensitive information during the performance of the contract. Bidders should review these terms carefully to understand their obligations regarding the handling and protection of FDIC data. Failure to comply can result in legal and financial penalties.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, "FDIC Contractor Representations and Certifications" (FDIC 3700/04A), is a form that potential offerors must complete and submit with their proposals for FDIC contract awards. It requires contractors to make various representations and certifications regarding their business practices, compliance, and eligibility.

The form covers a range of topics, including:

• System for Award Management (SAM) Registration: Certification of current SAM registration and accurate information.
• Price Determination: Assurance that prices were determined independently.
• Contingent Fees: Representation regarding the non-payment of fees to solicit or obtain contracts.
• Equal Opportunity: Certification of commitment to equal opportunity and affirmative action programs.
• Payments to Influence Federal Transactions: Disclosure regarding lobbying activities.
• Delinquent Federal Tax Liability: Representation concerning unpaid federal tax liabilities.
• Fair Inclusion of Minorities and Women: Commitment to equal opportunity in employment and contracting.
• Covered Telecommunications Equipment/Services: Representations regarding the use and provision of certain telecommunications equipment and services.
• Small Business Representation: Identification of NAICS code, size standard, and representation of small business status.
• Internal Confidentiality Agreements: Assurance that entities will not require employees or subcontractors to sign agreements that restrict reporting of waste, fraud, or abuse.
• Whistleblower Rights: Certification of commitment to protecting whistleblower rights.

Completing and submitting this form accurately is a prerequisite for contract award. Bidders must carefully review each section and provide truthful representations. Failure to do so, or making false statements, can result in penalties, including prosecution, suspension, or exclusion from contracting. The signed form will be incorporated by reference into any awarded contract. Offerors are also required to notify the FDIC in writing within 10 days of discovering any disqualifying conditions related to these representations and certifications.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a "Background Investigation Questionnaire for Contractor and Subcontractor Personnel" required by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC). Its purpose is to gather information to conduct a background investigation to determine if an individual meets the required fitness and integrity standards for employment or performance under a contract with the FDIC.

• Section I: General Information: Collects personal details including name, Social Security Number, sex, date of birth, place of birth, citizenship, other names used, residential address history, employer information, and title/position.
• Section II: Disclosure: Asks specific questions regarding past employment with the RTC/FDIC, felony convictions, removal from or prohibition from participating in affairs of FDIC-insured institutions, pattern or practice of defalcation, causing substantial loss to federal deposit insurance funds, defaults on material obligations, and employment by financial institutions.
• Section III: Eligibility Certification: Requires certification that the individual is not an FDIC employee, spouse, or minor child; does not have a delinquent obligation; has not been an officer or director of a failed financial institution involved in certain transactions causing substantial loss; and is not under investigation for conduct related to employment at a failed financial institution.
• Section IV: Authorization to Release Information: Authorizes the FDIC to conduct investigations to verify the provided information and discloses information to third parties as necessary.

This form is critical for any individual seeking to perform services for the FDIC as a contractor or subcontractor. Bidders must ensure that prospective personnel complete this questionnaire accurately and truthfully. Failure to provide the requested information may delay or prohibit consideration for employment or performance under a contract. The questions in Section II and III directly assess eligibility based on past financial conduct and employment history, which could impact a bidder's ability to be awarded a contract if their personnel do not meet these standards.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is the "Background Investigation Questionnaire for Contractors" (FDIC Form 1600/07) required by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC). Its purpose is to collect information necessary to conduct a background investigation to determine if a contractor meets the required fitness and integrity standards for employment or performance under a contract with the FDIC.

• Privacy Act Statement: Outlines the FDIC's authority to request information, the purpose of the collection, and how the information may be used or disclosed.
• Estimated Reporting Burden: Provides an estimate of the time required to complete the form (average 30 minutes per response).
• Section I - Contractor Information: Collects basic information about the contractor, including name, Federal Tax ID, trade name, type of business, address, email, contact name, and telephone number. It also includes a field for the Solicitation/Contract Number if applicable.
• Section II - Joint Venture Entities: Allows for the submission of information for any joint venture entities involved, including their name, Federal Tax ID, address, and contact information.
• Section III - Certification and Authorization: Requires the contractor to authorize the FDIC to conduct investigations and disclose information. It also defines "management official" and requires the name, title, signature, and date of the management official completing the form.

This form is essential for any company wishing to become a contractor with the FDIC. Bidders must complete this questionnaire accurately and thoroughly as part of the pre-contractual process to demonstrate their fitness and integrity. Failure to provide the requested information may delay or prohibit consideration for a contract. It is a mandatory requirement for potential contractors.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This Excel workbook provides the structure for bidders to submit their pricing for the Data Modernization Section Support opportunity. It includes instructions on how to complete the pricing details and outlines the different contract periods for which pricing is required.

• Instructions Tab: Details how to complete the workbook, emphasizing that only green-shaded cells on the "Detailed Price" tab should be modified by the offeror. It specifies which columns (A, B, D, E) require offeror input for labor category, hours, and rates.
• Detailed Price Tab: Organized by contract period (Transition, Base, Option Periods 1-3). Bidders must enter labor categories, proposed hours, and hourly rates in the designated cells. Calculated fields will determine extended prices and totals.
• Summary Price Tab: This tab displays a summary of charges for each period and the total charges. It does not require offeror input and is used for evaluation purposes.

This document is critical for bidders to accurately propose their pricing. Following the instructions is essential to ensure the pricing is evaluated correctly. Bidders must input their labor categories, hours, and rates for each contract period as specified. The FDIC will use this data to compute an Overall Evaluated Price (OEP).

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, "FDIC Integrity and Fitness Representations and Certifications" (FDIC 3700/12), is a form that potential contractors must complete and submit as part of their proposal for FDIC contract awards. It requires contractors to provide information and make certifications related to their integrity and fitness to do business with the FDIC.

• Identifying Information: Contractor's organization type, parent company information, joint venture details, and subcontractor information.
• Integrity and Fitness Representations: Questions regarding felony convictions, removal from or prohibition from participating in FDIC-insured institutions, pattern or practice of defalcation, and responsibility for substantial losses to federal deposit insurance funds.
• Conflicts of Interest: Representations concerning personal, business, or financial interests related to the contract services, litigation against the FDIC, offers to acquire FDIC assets, and potential competitive advantages from contract performance.
• Defaults: Information on any defaults on material obligations within the past five years.
• Employees and Subcontractors: Agreement to employ only individuals meeting FDIC requirements.
• Retention of Information: Requirement to retain information used for these certifications for the contract term plus three years.
• Signature: A section for authorized personnel to sign, certifying the accuracy of the provided information and granting the FDIC authorization to release information for eligibility examinations.

Completing this form accurately and truthfully is a mandatory requirement for bidding on FDIC opportunities. Failure to provide requested information may delay or prohibit a contract award. The information provided will be used by the FDIC to assess a contractor's eligibility and suitability for contract awards, ensuring integrity and fitness in its business dealings.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This solicitation seeks proposals for modern, cloud-based, secure, and operational advanced data analytic, enterprise data management, and artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities and services to facilitate the FDIC's data-driven mission delivery modernization objectives. The services are intended to support the FDIC's Chief Data Officer Staff (CDOS) in establishing a data-driven culture and modernizing data capabilities across the enterprise.

• CDMA Platform Support: Ongoing full lifecycle support for the Cloud Data Management and Analytics (CDMA) Platform, including business adoption, continuous modernization, advanced data security, multi-cloud architecture, and automated infrastructure management. Key technologies include Azure Databricks, Azure Synapse, Azure Data Lake, Azure Machine Learning, and others.

• AlphaRex Support: Full lifecycle support for the on-premises AlphaRex solution and development/implementation of a modernized solution leveraging the CDMA Platform. This includes rebuilding and maintaining the AlphaRex solution, migrating it to Azure native tools, and providing operational, maintenance, and enhancement activities.

• AI Enterprise Capability Operations: Operational support for AI capabilities created by the FDIC AI Program Innovation team, including onboarding, troubleshooting, and managing configurations for enterprise AI solutions in FDIC Azure.

• New DMS Initiatives: Full lifecycle support for new initiatives starting January 2027, focusing on creating data, AI, and advanced data security solutions to support modernization objectives.

• Contract Type: Time-and-Materials (T&M).

• Period of Performance: Base Period of 12 months, with three 12-month Option Periods.

• Place of Performance: Predominantly at a Contractor Service Location, with potential for highly interactive roles at the FDIC Virginia Square Facility in Arlington, VA.

• Proposal Due Date: October 30, 2025, by 12:00 p.m. local time.

• Submission Method: Electronic submission to the Contracting Officer at mikwood@fdic.gov.

• Evaluation Factors: Proposals will be evaluated based on Mission Capability (including Oral Presentation, Technical Approach and Management Approach, Key Personnel, and Past Performance) and Price. Award will be made to the offeror whose proposal represents the best value to the FDIC.

• Questions Deadline: October 14, 2025, by 12:00 p.m.

• This acquisition is not a Small-Business Set-Aside.

• Offerors must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM).

• The solicitation includes detailed requirements for technical approach, management approach, key personnel, past performance, pricing, and security. Offerors must adhere to specific formatting and submission instructions.

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document contains questions submitted by offerors and responses provided by the FDIC regarding the DMS Support Solicitation. It serves to clarify requirements and provide additional information to potential bidders.

This document is a template for submitting questions and responses. The provided text indicates that there are sections for 'RFP Section', 'RFP Page #', 'Question', and 'FDIC Response'. However, no specific questions or answers have been populated in the provided text. The sheet is titled 'Questions' and includes a header 'Offeror Questions and FDIC Responses'.

As this document is a template and does not contain actual Q&A, it does not directly impact the solicitation's requirements, due dates, or submission rules at this time. It is intended to facilitate the clarification process.