Amendment 4 - questions previously omitted Additional Questions: 1) The current data files coming into FCA are in widely varying formats. ? Does the FCA have the statutory authority to dictate a common data format to its data supplying agencies? Yes, but we do not plan to dictate a common data format for this project. See also the answer to technical question 25. 2) Will the contractor be providing the data supplying agencies guidance and/or programming assistance in converting their existing data feeds from current methods to the new XML method? No. See also the answer to technical question 29. 3) Does FCA anticipate utilizing a commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) Extract-Transform-and-Load (ETL) tool such as Informatica or Oracle Warehouse Builder to perform the XML data receipt and database loading, or is a custom coded solution anticipated? ? Is there such a tool already purchased within FCA and/or is there budget to procure such COTS tools? No. See also the answers to technical questions 9 and 46. 4) The ?Data Collection and Storage? section states that a ?relational database design? is required, yet in other places the system is referred to as a ?data warehouse.? [The typical database design for data warehouse reporting solutions is vastly different from a relational/transactional design.] ? Which type of database design solution is anticipated here: a relational/transactional or a dimensional/reporting type database design? See answer to technical question 25. The current design is a relational database. FCA wants the contractor to determine the best future database design. 5) Reference is made to the need to remove Social Security Numbers and other sensitive data from the incoming feeds. Will an independent Certification & Accreditation (C&A) process be required before the system can be opened to the internet? Will the contractor be required to conduct and/or support this C&A process? What are the security requirements associated with deploying this system? FCA is responsible for the security requirements of this system. ? Will the contractor be responsible for conducting NIST or DoD level database security implementations to ensure the safety of data being handled within the system? No. 6) What does ?cost reimbursement? mean in terms of contract types? Cost reimbursement in the RFQ means that, for task 6, an hourly rate will be used for services not to exceed a certain dollar amount identified in each task order. 7) What is the level of Background check that will be required of contractors of FCA? a) Will the simple submission of an SF-85p be sufficient, or will additional background checks such as credit checks, NCIC checks and full background investigations led by Security investigators be required? b) Will these background checks be mandatory to be completed and accepted before work can commence on the project [problematic with the government?s current massive backlog of background investigations]. c) Can interim clearances be obtained while any full investigations are underway? See answer to Contract/Proposal Question 3. NACIs will be required of contractors. SF-85s are sufficient. Interim clearances can be obtained The Farm Credit Administration (FCA) has an immediate need for services from a qualified person(s) who is knowledgeable of and experienced in relational database management design and development, as well as data loading and mining operations. The Contractor will assist FCA in developing a database to accumulate and store the loan portfolio data submitted by FArm Credit System institutions to the FCA. The database will enhance the data interrogation capabilities of the FCA's examination and regulation and policy development staff by consolidating System data into a single database with comparable data fields. The data tables will facilitate macro analysis of oversight of the System. Interested parties should contact [email protected] for a complete Statement of Work. Questions will be received through November 30, 2007, at 2:00 PM EST. An amendment will be posted answering questions December 4, 2007. Proposals should be sent to [email protected] no later than 3:00 PM EST, Wednesday, December 12, 2007. CLAIMS FOR RELIEF The FCA is a nonappropriated fund activity not subject to GAO's bid protest provisions. Any claim for relief filed by an offeror shall be adjudicated by the FCA Contracting Officer. If the parties cannot reach an agreement mutually satisfactory after diligently pursuing a solution through discussions and negotiations, the FCA Contracting Officer shall make a final decision. The FCA Contracting Officer's decision shall prevail unless the offeror submits an appeal to the FCA Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Stephen G. Smith. The decision of the CFO shall be final and binding on the parties.

Bid Protests Not Available