1.0 INTRODUCTION

This Request for Information (RFI) is a mechanism for obtaining feedback from industry in regard to the requirements stated below, for information and planning purposes. Parties with products and technologies that can address some or all of the requirements addressed herein are encouraged to respond, and to provide as much of the information requested below as possible.

This is not a synopsis preceding the issuance of a solicitation. Rather, it is market research issued solely for information purposes. It does not constitute a Request for Proposal (RFP) or a promise to issue an RFP or Broad Area Announcement (BAA). Some of the information received may be used to establish requirements. DHS S&T is not at this time seeking proposals. While it is likely that this RFI may result in a solicitation within 90 days, it does not commit the Government to acquire any supplies or services. Not responding to this RFI does not preclude participation in any future RFP or BAA.

The information provided in this RFI is subject to change and is not binding on the Government. Submitters are advised that the U.S. Government will not pay any costs incurred in a response to this RFI. All costs associated with responding to this RFI will be solely at the interested parties' expense.

2.0 FUNCTIONAL DESCRIPTION/REQUIREMENTS
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology (S&T) Directorate is exploring best practices related to implementing a comprehensive, global research service to effectively and efficiently answer both general and detailed questions related to gaining all practically-obtainable knowledge related to fielding capabilities for the Homeland Security Enterprise (HSE). Research services are needed to gain a greater understanding of any given technology, scientific area, branch of science, high-technology, emerging technology, process, procedure, or industry. Research services shall capture information including, but not limited to patent activity, published articles, market information, conference proceedings, research reports, etc. on a global basis including both US federally-funded and non-federally funded sources of information as well as all other practically-obtainable global sources of information. Essentially, this service will answer the question "What is being done in the area provide unbiased analysis and recommendations on viable technologies, products, and services that can advance security capabilities.

The information gained from these services will play a vital role in deploying new capabilities. The information can contribute to evaluating the significance of beginning new projects, considering potential partnership opportunities for technology/product/system development, conducting analyses of alternatives and other selective activities that can streamline and improve Science & Technology (S&T) Directorate 's portfolio. S&T has the potential to gain useful and actionable information on activities relevant to HSE needs that may be underway in other federal agencies, the national laboratories, the private sector, and educational institutions that can be leveraged through technology transfer, MOUs, MOAs, CRADAs, or other forms that openly and freely share information and knowledge and enhance the security capabilities offered to the HSE.

3.0 INFORMATION SOUGHT
DHS desires to learn more related to search capabilities available commercially now, and in the near term. The service envisioned by this RFI will assist DHS S&T in more effectively scanning the technology environment for existing solutions across federal agencies, private sector entities, national labs and the university community, as well as collating internal DHS S&T data/information. This RFI solicits information relative to your search capabilities, including the following points:

1. Does your company provide a search service or a software tool accessible to S&T employees? If a service, what is the interface between service users and service providers? If a tool, is it based on a COTS product, or is it custom software? If custom software, is the tool accredited and in use on any government networks?
2. We recognize that there may be relatively non-complex inquiries, and those that are more complex, for the purposes of this RFI, we are terming these as "standard", and "specialized/ custom" searches. Please advise if you categorize your services in this or a similar way, and explain the characteristics of each kind of search.
3. Please provide a detailed list of all resource materials the service/tool can and will access for both "standard" and "specialized/custom" research requests including but not limited to the following:
a. Potential Sources of Information: International, Domestic, Government, Non-Government, National Laboratories, Universities, Interagency Partners, Private Sector, Investment Community, etc.
b. Internal (S&T provided) Information: Trip Reports, Company Capability Repository, Direct Contacts, Knowledge Management Office, S&T Programs/Projects, etc.
c. Potential Categories of Information: Patents, Government Reports, Legislation/Regulations, Investment Activities, Technology Applications, Grant Programs, Mergers and Acquisitions, Emerging Technologies, Programs/Projects/Efforts, Conference Proceedings, Published Articles/Books/Reports, etc.
4. How are your organizations' services offered? Do you offer a site/group license with a simple, monthly flat fee to include all current and future members of DHS S&T authorized to use the service? Note: It is anticipated that over 80% of the DHS S&T research service requests will be handled in a menu-driven, standard format by the solution provider (SP) with a standard output format while approximately 20% could involve specialized research requests that would require technical personnel from the SP.
5. On what schedule are search services accessible? Can the service be accessed from remote locations while on business travel?
6. What turn-around time (from initiation of requirement to delivery of data) is associated with search services?
7. What processes are used to reduce the cost of searches and improve the performance of the search engine over time?
8. How will data be provided in a standard ergonomic format that includes an executive summary as well as a detailed listing of information with a summary/review for each item listed. Can useable links and references be provided next to each item for a user to immediately access? Results shall be archived and searchable for future usage.
9. What restrictions are placed on the distribution / use of search results?
10. Are the services you provide currently in use by a Federal Government customer? Please provide contact information.
11. Are the services you provide available under an existing contract vehicle (i.e., GSA schedule, etc.)?
12. What are the cost and technical drivers that affect the cost, scope, and value of your services? We solicit your suggestions to DHS S&T with respect to how our requirement for search services can best be accomplished, providing more value and less cost to DHS S&T.

4.0 EVALUATION

Responses to this RFI may be evaluated by Government technical experts drawn from staff within DHS S&T and other Federal agencies. The Government may use selected support contractor personnel to assist in the evaluation. These support contractors will be bound by appropriate non-disclosure agreements to protect proprietary and source-selection information. All submissions under the RFI become the property of the Federal Government, and will not be returned. Respondents will not be notified of the results of the information submitted. Parties who submit information under this RFI may be contacted for additional information, and may be asked to provide a demonstration of their technology. DHS will not pay for any costs related to preparation, delivery, or participation in the demonstration.

4.1 SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS

4.1.1 Page Limitation
Please limit your submission to a maximum of 5 (five) pages in length (including a cover sheet as described below). Marketing brochures, fliers, published presentations or papers, and other materials that summarize the technology and provide more about your company may be submitted in addition to the page limitation. However, it should not be provided as a replacement for the information sought. The information exceeding the page limit may not be reviewed.

Cover Page (Page 1)
• Contact and company information
o Company name & Facility Location/Address
o Name of the technology addressed in the response
o Company size: Number of employees, annual revenues
o Customer base and deployed solutions
o Number of years in business
o Point of Contact (name, title, phone, e-mail)

4.1.2 Response Date
To be most useful, the information requested should be submitted by 5:00 pm ET on Tuesday, February 8, 2011. DHS reserves the right to review late submissions, but can make no guarantee that information submitted after the response date will be reviewed.

4.1.3 Electronic Format
The information sought should be submitted in a single Portable Document Format (pdf) or Microsoft Word file (compatible with Microsoft Office 2003); not to exceed 10 megabytes.

4.1.4 Security
Classified submissions are not being accepted under this RFI. Any company proprietary information, performance capabilities and/or future modification plans should be clearly identified and marked.

4.1.5 Submission Address
Please submit responses to this request for information electronically to: [email protected]. All inquiries shall be submitted to this mailbox.

4.1.6 Points of Contact
Program Office POC:
Pete Ladowicz
U. S. Department of Homeland Security
Science and Technology Directorate
E-mail: [email protected]
Phone: 202-254-5689