SBA Amendment of Solicitation/Modification of Contract 0001, Questions and Answers (09/24/2018)
Summary
This is Amendment 0001, effective 09/24/2018, to SBA solicitation 73351018R0010 for Data Analysis and Loan Recommendation Services, issued by the Denver Acquisition Office for SBA. It posts questions and answers and says proposals are due by email no later than October 4, 2018 at 1:00 pm ET, with a period of performance of 11/01/2018 to 10/31/2023. The total page limit for the IDIQ proposal is increased from 30 to 35 pages. It says SBA expects the data analysis and loan recommendation within 10 minutes, and a recommendation later than 24 hours may result in reduced payment by 50% of the full rate per application. The answers state there is no incumbent and that only one IDIQ contract will be issued.
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1. CONTRACT D CODE PAGE OF PAGES
AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION/MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT
1 29
2. AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION NO. 3. EFFECTIVE DATE 4. REQUISITION/PURCHASE REQ. NO. 5. PROJECT NO. (If applicable)
0001 09/24/2018
6. ISSUED BY 208050 CODE 7. ADMINISTERED BY (If other than Item 6) CODE
DENVER ACQUISITION OFFICE FOR SBA
DENVER FINANCE CENTER
721 19TH STREET
SUITE 301
DENVER CO 80202
8. NAME AND ADDRESS OF CONTRACTOR (No., street, county, State and ZIP Code) 9A. AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION NO.
(x)
73351018R0010
x 9B. DATED (SEE ITEM 11)
09/07/2018
10A. MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT/ORDER NO.
10B. DATED (SEE ITEM 13)
CODE FAC LITY CODE
11. THIS ITEM ONLY APPLIES TO AMENDMENTS OF SOLICITATIONS
x The above numbered solicitation is amended as set forth in Item 14. The hour and date specified for receipt of Offers is extended x is not extended.
Offers must acknowledge receipt of this amendment prior to the hour and date specified in the solicitation or as amended , by one of the following methods: (a) By completing
tems 8 and 15, and returning 1
___________ copies of the amendment; (b) By acknowledging receipt of this amendment on each copy of the offer submitted ; or (c) By
separate letter or telegram which includes a reference to the solicitation and amendment numbers. FA LURE OF YOUR ACKNOWLEDGEMENT TO BE RECEIVED AT
THE PLACE DESIGNATED FOR THE RECEIPT OF OFFERS PRIOR TO THE HOUR AND DATE SPECIFIED MAY RESULT IN REJECTION OF YOUR OFFER. If by
virtue of this amendment you desire to change an offer already submitted , such change may be made by telegram or letter, provided each telegram or letter makes
reference to the solicitation and this amendment, and is received prior to the opening hour and date specified.
12. ACCOUNT NG AND APPROPRIATION DATA (If required)
13. THIS ITEM ONLY APPLIES TO MODIFICATION OF CONTRACTS/ORDERS. IT MODIFIES THE CONTRACT/ORDER NO. AS DESCRIBED IN ITEM 14.
CHECK ONE A. THIS CHANGE ORDER IS ISSUED PURSUANT TO: (Specify authority) THE CHANGES SET FORTH IN ITEM 14 ARE MADE IN THE CONTRACT
ORDER NO. IN ITEM 10A.
B. THE ABOVE NUMBERED CONTRACT/ORDER IS MODIF ED TO REFLECT THE ADM NISTRATIVE CHANGES (such as changes in paying office,
appropriation date, etc.) SET FORTH N ITEM 14, PURSUANT TO THE AUTHORITY OF FAR 43.103(b).
C. THIS SUPPLEMENTAL AGREEMENT IS ENTERED INTO PURSUANT TO AUTHORITY OF:
D. OTHER (Specify type of modification and authority)
E. IMPORTANT Contractor is not, is required to sign this document and return __________________ copies to the issuing office.
14. DESCRIPTION OF AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION (Organized by UCF section headings, including solicitation/contract subject matter where feasible.)
SBA-ODA Data Analysis and Loan Recommendation Services
The purpose of this amendment 0001 is to post the questions and answers.
Proposals are due via email no later than October 4, 2018 at 1:00 pm ET
All other terms and conditions remain the same.
Period of Performance: 11/01/2018 to 10/31/2023
Please contact the Contract Specialist with any questions.
Contract Specialist:
Except as provided herein, all terms and conditions of the document referenced in Item 9 A or 10A, as heretofore changed, remains unchanged and in full force and effect .
15A. NAME AND TITLE OF SIGNER (Type or print) 16A. NAME AND TITLE OF CONTRACT NG OFFICER (Type or print)
15B. CONTRACTOR/OFFEROR 15C. DATE SIGNED 16B. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 16C. DATE SIGNED
(Signature of person authorized to sign) (Signature of Contracting Officer)
NSN 7540-01-152-8070 STANDARD FORM 30 (REV. 10-83)
Previous edition unusable Prescribed by GSA
FAR (48 CFR) 53.243
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Questions and Answers
Important Clarification to Note:
SBA’s expectation is to have the data analysis and loan recommendation within 10
minutes. If they are not processed within the 10 minutes you must provide a
recommendation no later than 24 hours on any given application. Any recommendation
later than 24 hours may result in reduced payment by 50% of the full rate per application.
Any recommendation received later than 1 week may result in the payment reduced to
25% of the full rate per application. If a continuous issue occurs termination may be done
in accordance with FAR Part 12.403 and FAR Part 49.
The total page limit for the IDIQ proposal is increased from 30 to 35 pages and it
includes the IT security plan. The PROPOSAL PREPARATION INSTRUCTIONS
now read as follows: There is a 35 page limit on your technical proposal for the IDIQ
contract and a 30 page limit on the technical proposal for the Task Order.
Proposals are due via email no later than October 4, 2018 at 1:00 pm ET
Questions and Answers:
1. Is there an incumbent for this contract?
Answer 1: There is no incumbent. This is a new requirement.
2. Can you tell me please if there is another RFP coming for augmenting the SBA disaster
loan program processing – or – has the SBA decided to make it entirely electronic?
Answer 2: SBA does not have an additional RFP in the works. The RFP posted for loan
recommendation services is the only RFP expected for “processing” services.
3. Is Professional past performance acceptable and counted for the scoring for this contract.
Answer 3: Past Performance is one of the factors that will be used to score the RFP
responses, as well as technical proposal and price proposal. SBA is assuming that
“Professional” Past performance means that the company has not performed these
services but individuals in the company have performed these services. Past
Performance/Prior Experience Information Required has 2 parts to it; One (1) is past
performance questionnaires and two (2) is information that is required as part of your the
technical proposal. Past performance questionnaires are required as part of this
requirement if none can be provided then you past performance will be a neutral rating.
4. What is justifiable documentation for Professional Past Performance?
Answer 4: As part of this requirement each offeror must a submit (as part of the technical
proposal) Past Performance/Prior Experience Information on at least three (3) contracts
performed for services comparable to the government's requirement in the similarity in
topic, dollar value, workload and duration to demonstrating your ability to perform the
proposed effort. For each reference, include the following information in the proposal:
• Project title,
• Description of the project,
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Questions and Answers
• Contract number,
• Contract amount,
• Government Agency/Organization,
• COR’s name, address, and phone number,
• Contracting Officer’s name, address, and phone number,
• Contract and, if applicable, task order number,
• Current status, e.g., completed and/or if in progress, start and estimated
completion dates,
• Dollar value and type of contract,
• Name of company being referenced, and,
• A brief narrative of why you deem the reference to be relevant to this effort
• A discussion of any problems encountered on the identified contract and the
corrective action taken by the Offeror.
5. How many vendors will be awarded on this IDIQ?
Answer 5: There will only be one (1) IDIQ contract issued. This requirement is for a
single award IDIQ Contract.
6. The minimum task order is $10K, approximately how many loan recommendations are
on each task order.
Answer 6: It is difficult to know the exact amount of recommendations that will be
needed per year. The tasks orders will be for the amount of applications received per
year. The RFP contains the amount of applications received over the past ten years along
with a per year estimate of files. Utilize those numbers as a baseline of the task order
request.
7. The email refers to quote but the Sol is identified as RFP. Which is it?
Answer 7: RFP
8. Besides the contractor awarded this contract, is the SBA also performing data analysis
and recommendations? Will contractor be doing all SBA disaster loan applications
submitted, or will only be called upon when the SBA is overburdened with applications
or performing a % of the applications received by the SBA?
Answer 8: The contractor is expected to provide data and recommendations for all
applications received per year. The final loan decision resides with SBA – ODA.
9. Is there any other vendor providing these services now? If yes, who? What is the
contract number? Will the SBA make available a copy of the current contract, along with
all the contract invoices or should I submit a request under the Freedom of Information
Act for these documents?
Answer 9: There is no other vendor(s) providing these services. This is a new
requirement.
10. Will the SBA, as part of its evaluation, be asking for a demonstration of the contractor's
system?
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Questions and Answers
Answer 10: As a part of the evaluation, a demonstration could be request by SBA-ODA
to determine final award.
11. What type of data/information will the SBA provide to determine the "character of an
applicant"? Does the SBA consider an applicant's character based on his/her credit
score? How does the SBA determine if the applicant is of "good character" or other then
"good character" and how does the SBA define each category?
Answer 11: A character determination is a requirement of all SBA loans. The contractor
will be provided a completed standard loan application. The contractor should be
prepared to provide information regarding the applicants’ criminal history, debarment or
suspension from SBA programs, ongoing judgments, liens, or lawsuits. The contractor
will work with SBA – ODA to confirm satisfactory data is sourced.
12. Under "Applicant Specific Characteristics", for each characteristic requested, what
information/data will the SBA be providing for the contractor to analyze?
Answer 12: SBA – ODA will provide the contractor with a standard loan application. It is
up to the contractor to source and provide data to SBA – ODA regarding each specific
characteristic.
13. Can ODA give us the distribution of requests from homeowners, renters, businesses by
size, and nonprofits?
Answer 13: Numbers are as of March 31, 2018:
87.80% home applications
4.30% rental applications
.86% non-profit
7.04% business (non rental)
14. Under applicant specific characteristics, is “character of applicant” determined
a. by information collected by SBA as part of the application process, or
b. by the contractor through third-party sources to supplement the information?
Answer 14: A character determination is a requirement of all SBA loans. The contractor
will be provided a completed standard loan application. The contractor should be
prepared to provide information regarding the applicants’ criminal history, debarment or
suspension from SBA programs, ongoing judgments, liens, or lawsuits. The contractor
will work with SBA – ODA to confirm satisfactory data is sourced.
15. If in question 2 above, the answer is “b”, by the contractor, then some requests from third
parties may take a longer period of time than is available for the 10 minute turnaround.
Which is the determining factor:
a. ten minute turnaround or
b. response on applicant character?
Answer 15: The contractor is expected to provide the information within the timeframe
given. If the information is not provided in the timeframe given, it will count against the
performance objective in the service delivery section.
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Questions and Answers
16. Does SBA control the application filing deadlines (the typically 60 day limit after a
disaster), or is this the responsibility of the contractor.
Answer 16: SBA – ODA will set the application filing deadline date in concert with
FEMA.
17. If a business is destroyed (or an agricultural cooperative, etc.), the cash flow is also
destroyed. A loan might be granted to reinstate the business for future cash flow to be
reinstated. Is this part of the overall consideration that is part of the first six months
working with the SBA on protocols?
Answer 17: Business loans are part of the RFP. Information about the business is
expected to be sourced and a recommendation given in the 10 minute timeframe
referenced in the RFP.
18. To meet the ten minute requirement, if an application is incomplete, would it just be
treated as a rejection with a notation to collect more information, or would we expect that
the application would not be submitted until it is guaranteed complete?
Answer 18: The information provided to the contractor is expected to be complete when
submitted to the contractor.
19. Can the SBA give us counts of the number of emergency calls placed by year during:
a. Monday – Friday
i. 8:00 am – 9:00 pm
ii. 9:00 pm – 8:00 am
b. Saturday – Sunday
i. 8:00 am – 9:00 pm
ii. 9:00 pm – 8:00 am
c. Holidays
i. 8:00 am – 9:00 pm
ii. 9:00 pm – 8:00 am
Answer 19: SBA – ODA has a customer service center that continuously answers calls.
The system must be available 24 X 7. The only types of emergency calls that will be
happening between ODA and the contractor are for the reports that are not being
completed in a timely manner or if the system goes down. This is a new requirement.
SBA does not have any insight as to how many emergency calls will be needed.
20. In Section 2 SOW 1.0 "Background", ODA notes that it is "NOT seeking a contractor to
build or customize a system or the purchase of hardware/software," seeking instead the
provision of services. However, 3.13.5, "Data, Data Rights and Computer Software"
specifies that "all data and source code produced, recorded, transferred, delivered or
manipulated under this contract will remain the exclusive property of the Government..."
(emphasis ours.) If the vendor contemplates modifying an existing, proprietary loan
review platform for the purpose of this project, will that software be
considered Government property?
Answer 20: SBA does not require ownership of the source code and has removed those
words from this section as shown here. 3.13.5DATA, DATA RIGHTS AND COMPUTER
SOFTWARE Notwithstanding any other clause concerning data, data rights and
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Questions and Answers
computer software and hardware under this contract, all data and source code produced,
recorded, transferred, delivered or manipulated under this contract will remain the
exclusive property of the Government, irrespective of the manner or method of recording
or storage and no matter what form of computer mechanism is used in the processing of
said information or data. The Government will retain exclusive rights and domain over
any by-product produced under this contract, or any other use of the data produced
under this contract by either plan or accident. SBA notes that all other language remains
and that 52.227-17 applies to this procurement.
21. Will monetary amounts need to be suggested when recommending approval or rejection
of the loan request?
Answer 21: SBA – ODA determines the estimated loan amount. The loan
recommendation and data analysis response should include a dollar range that is
affordable for the applicant.
22. Does the ODA expect its business rules or requirements to change during the process of
development?
Answer 22: SBA – ODA updates business rules periodically (most likely annually). It is
expected that the contractor will update their business rules to coincide the SBA – ODA
change(s). At this time there are no immediate changes expected.
23. The following fields are not included in the loan request documents (both home loans and
small business loans) that we found on the SBA website. However, they are included in
the “”Property Specific Characteristics” and “Applicant Specific Characteristics” that
will be considered as part of the analysis.
a. Square footage of disaster damaged property
b. Flood zone determination of disaster damaged property
c. Whether disaster damaged property is located over a body of water
d. Character of the applicant
e. Creditworthiness of the applicant (assuming this is not calculated from income and
debt information submitted by the applicant)
f. Fraud detection on applicant
Does the ODA maintain these in an internal dataset, or will the Contractor be expected to
source the information themselves within the 10-minute response timeframe?
Answer 23: The contractor is expected to source the characteristics mentioned in the
RFP. The contractor will then be expected to provide a recommendation within the 10
minute timeframe noted in the RFP.
24. What version(s) and product(s) of Salesforce is the ODA using?
Answer 24: SBA – ODA is using the Summer 2018 version of the Salesforce
Government Cloud.
25. Would supporting information for the recommendations be stored in DCMS fields
populated by a push from our server or will it be contained in individual digital files to be
attached to the relevant Salesforce Object?
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Questions and Answers
Answer 25: SBA - ODA looking for the vendor to recommend a technical approach and
conduct a change impact analysis that will assist in those types of decisions.
26. RFP Document, page 8, Section 2 – Statement of Work, Part 1.0 Background, pp5. “It is
important to note that ODA is NOT seeking a contractor to build or customize a system
or the purchase of software/hardware. The service provider awarded this contract will
analyze data and provide recommendations on loan actions utilizing the service
provider’s system(s)/methods in accordance with ODA policies and procedures. The
contractor will begin providing recommendations after the documenting and
implementing business rules, system integration, system testing is completed and ready to
go live. This should take no more than six months from the date of contract award.”
Given the 10 minute return SLA, will you please confirm that all work (including
collection and analysis of property and applicant characteristics) needs to occur in an
automated fashion without human involvement?
Answer 26: Yes. SBA – ODA does not believe it is possible to provide manual loan
recommendations in the timeframe required. However, SBA – ODA will review the
technical feasibility of all respondents.
27. RFP Document, page 9, Section 2 – Statement of Work, Part 2.1 Specific Requirements,
pp1. “The contractor must provide a loan recommendation as “approve” or “decline”
along with a copy of all information (in an electronic documentation format) that the
contractor used to make its recommendation, submitted to ODA for technical/final
review.”
What is the definition of the referenced “electronic documentation format”? Does this
mean data file (i.e. flat file), or electronic document (i.e. PDF, Word)? Please clarify.
Answer 27: SBA is looking for the contractor to provide us with a solution on what and
how the documentation will be submitted in an electronic format. This information will
be determined based on what your solution is to this requirement. The information must
be able to integrate with DCMS 2.
28. RFP Document, page 10, Section 2 – Statement of Work, Part 2.1 Specific Requirements,
pp9-11. “In addition to data analysis and loan recommendations, the contractor shall
provide the following information when its recommendation is transmitted to ODA
through DCMS, as well as identifying in its offer, all specific sources of the information
analyzed and used to support its recommendation and a copy of the information analyzed.
The following is a list of the general types of information that the contractor must analyze
in making a loan recommendation:
Property specific characteristics such as: location of disaster damaged property;
ownership of disaster damaged property; square footage of disaster damaged property;
value of disaster damaged property; flood zone determination of disaster damaged
property; whether disaster damaged property is located over a body of water; whether
property is owner-occupied or rented.
Applicant specific characteristics such as: primary residency of applicant; character of
applicant; creditworthiness of applicant; income of applicant; business activity of
applicant; size standard of applicant based on SBA size determination; fraud detection on
applicant.”
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Questions and Answers
1. Please clarify whether SBA will be providing the Property specific
characteristics and Applicant specific characteristics referenced or whether it is
required for the contractor to provide/procure these.
2. If some will be provided and others need to be provided by the contractor,
please specify which ones will be provided.
3. If it is required for contractors to provide these characteristics, should
contractors input these costs into the transactional loan recommendation line item
or as miscellaneous line items?
Answer 28: The contractor will provide the property and applicant specific characteristics
to SBA – ODA, sourcing the information themselves. The contractor will be provided a
standard loan application from SBA - ODA. Any pricing model should include costs
associated with obtaining this data.
29. RFP Document, page 10, Section 2 – Statement of Work, Part 2.1 Specific Requirements,
pp11. “Applicant specific characteristics such as: primary residency of applicant;
character of applicant; creditworthiness of applicant; income of applicant; business
activity of applicant; size standard of applicant based on SBA size determination; fraud
detection on applicant.”
1. Will SBA be providing a credit report on the borrower(s) or is the expectation that the
Contractor will supply the credit data for loan recommendation? If the contractor must
provide, is the SBA interested in single, dual or a tri-merge? Would the SBA require
more than the credit report, i.e. reaccess/reissue, dynamic access (changing borrowers)?
What else in addition to the tri-merge would SBA require?
2. Does SBA require the Contractor to perform verification services (income) within the
loan recommendation process? Or just utilize income from the application within the
loan recommendation process? If the former, does SBA prefer Verification of Income?
Verification of Employment and/or 4506T?
3. If provided by the contractor, how does the SBA want the credit information to be
delivered? Due to the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), this would need to be delivered
by an FCRA compliant entity.
4. If the Credit Reporting features of the Applicant Specific Characteristics are required
to be provided by the contractor, only 1 year of pricing can be provided due to price
variability from the bureaus and FICO. Therefore these items cannot be priced in the
IDIQ pricing form but will be priced in the Task Order Pricing (year 1). If the
government prefers an alternative structure, please advise.
Answer 29: The contractor will be provided a standard loan application from SBA –
ODA. The expectation that the Contractor will supply the credit data for loan
recommendation based on that standard practices that they use for this type of service.
The contractor will provide the property and applicant specific characteristics to SBA –
ODA, sourcing the information themselves. Any pricing model should include costs
associated with obtaining this data.
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30. RFP Document, page 10, Section 2 – Statement of Work, Part 2.1 Specific Requirements,
pp12 “The Contractor shall return or destroy and permanently eliminate from its
possession all data provided by SBA and used in its analysis and generation of the loan
recommendation. This data must be returned or destroyed immediately by the Contractor
after the loan recommendation is provided. This contract does not contemplate that the
Contractor will store or maintain any SBA data or records. The offer must detail how the
Contractor will return or destroy this data and how quickly this information can be
removed from its possession.”
What is SBA’s definition for destroying data immediately? Is there any latency required
for questions from SBA on data/decision for a loan recommendation? Any requirement
for support of the recommendation? If immediately destroyed then there is no ability to
troubleshoot/review.
Answer 30: SBA – ODA is looking for the contractor to ensure industry best practices
and proper protocols are followed. SBA does not want the data stored on any networks
for future use.
31. RFP Document, page 4, Section 1 – Statement of Work, Part 1.3
“Proposals must be submitted via electronic copy directly to the Contracting Specialist at
Tracy.Lambert@sba.gov no later than 1:00 PM ET October 04, 2018.”
Will the Government extend the proposal due date to 30 days after questions are
answered and posted on FBO? Uncertainty around data provided by SBA versus sourced
by the contractor, the level of human interaction in decisioning, and the type of decision
engine, all impact the response approach and corresponding proposal.
Answer 31: The date of final submission will not be changed.
32. RFP Document page 8, Section 2 – Statement of Work, Part 2.1 Specific Requirements
“The contractor must provide a loan recommendation as ‘approve’ or ‘decline’”
Is the contractor expected to build a credit loss model that is statistically based? Or, is the
loan recommendation pass/fail on a rules-based engine?
Answer 32: SBA – ODA follows SOP 50 30 9 (attached to RFP). The contractor is
expected to provide a recommendation based on SOP 50 30 9. SBA – ODA will provide
all calculations and acceptable levels.
33. RFP Document page 8, Section 2 – Statement of Work, Part 2.1 Specific Requirements
“The contractor must provide a loan recommendation as ‘approve’ or ‘decline’”
Will the SBA provide historical loan level loss data to the contractor for the development
of a statistically based credit loss model?
Answer 33: SBA – ODA follows SOP 50 30 9 (attached to RFP). The contractor is
expected to provide a recommendation based on SOP 50 30 9. SBA – ODA will provide
all calculations and acceptable levels.
34. RFP Document page 9, Section 2 – Statement of Work, Part 2.1 Specific Requirements
“The interface will include select fields from an industry standard loan application.”
Would you provide more detail about the “select fields from an industry standard loan
application”?
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Questions and Answers
1. What are the specific fields to be provided?
2. Are the fields currently on SBA’s Disaster Home/Sole Proprietor Loan
Application OMB No. 3245-0018?
3. Is credit considered part of the application and is it provided by the SBA?
Answer 34: The application is attached to the RFP (See Attachment 6 SBA FORM 5C
Loan Application). The contractor will be provided the application. The application is
current. The contractor will obtain all applicant and property specific characteristics
mentioned in the RFP.
35. RFP Document, page 42 of 44, Section 5.3 part 1. Technical Approach item 6.
“The contractor and/or subcontractor must include all key personnel resumes and contract
responsibilities. Offerors are require to: (1) identify all proposed subcontractors; (2)
identify whether each subcontractor is similarly situated or not; (3) describe the tasks to
be performed by each subcontractor; (4) the number of the subcontractor’s personnel and
the prime’s personnel who will perform each task; and (5) the amount of the proposed
price that will be spent on non-similarly situated subcontractors.”
For item (2), what does the Government mean by “similarly situated”? Is the government
referring to business size, geographic location, or something else? Please clarify.
Answer 35: The term similarly situated entity is defined at 13 C.F.R. § 125.1 as follows:
Similarly situated entity is a subcontractor that has the same small business program
status as the prime contractor. This means that: For a HUBZone requirement, a
subcontractor that is a qualified HUBZone small business concern; for a small business
set-aside, partial set-aside, or reserve a subcontractor that is a small business concern; for
a SDVO small business requirement, a subcontractor that is a self-certified SDVO SBC;
for an 8(a) requirement, a subcontractor that is an 8(a) certified Program Participant; for a
WOSB or EDWOSB contract, a subcontractor that has complied with the requirements of
part 127. In addition to sharing the same small business program status as the prime
contractor, a similarly situated entity must also be small for the NAICS code that the
prime contractor assigned to the subcontract the subcontractor will perform.
36. Will personal property collateral be a factor in decisioning?
Answer 36: SBA – ODA follows SOP 50 30 9 to determine collateral requirements. SBA
– ODA rarely takes Personal Property as collateral for a loan.
37. Is the FEMA registration and federal contracts list validations included in scope of
services?
Answer 37: SBA – ODA currently receives information from FEMA separate of this
RFP. It is expected that this process will continue.
38. We can find no loan amount on the application form, is it ODA's intent to secure a
qualified loan amount as part of the vendor's recommendation?
Answer 38: SBA – ODA will determine estimated disaster related losses. The contractor
will provide SBA – ODA a maximum affordable loan amount for each application.
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Questions and Answers
39. Will contractor be required to order credit reports to determine borrower credit
worthiness and confirm debt obligations?
Answer 39: Yes, the contractor will be required to order credit reports to determine
borrower credit worthiness and confirm debt obligations
40. Will contractor be receiving loan requests from corporations under this engagement and
if so, will the credit decision be based on the owner of the company?
Answer 40: Yes. Credit decisions are based on the owner(s) of the company and in some
cases on the creditworthiness of the business.
41. Cost: Given that no one can predict the volume of loan applications that could occur at
any given time and the fact that vendors will incur considerable fixed costs each month,
will SBA guarantee a minimum number of applications or incorporate a monthly
minimum fee?
Answer 41: SBA – ODA provided a ten year history of loan applications as well as an
estimated per-year average. SBA – ODA is unable to guarantee a minimum number of
applications.
42. Source Data: What information other than the application data is to be provided by SBA
to the contractor?
Answer 42: The contractor will be provided the loan application from SBA - ODA. No
other information will be provided. The contractor is expected to source data based on the
application.
43. Is there an incumbent for these services? And if not, who is currently performing this
work?
Answer 43: There is no incumbent for this work. SBA – ODA personnel are currently
performing this function.
44. It is presumed that the SBA already has a decisioning algorithm built, but would the SBA
be open to implementing a Business Process Management (BPM) solution recommended
by the offeror?
Answer 44: The RFP is for the contractor to provide the recommendation as well as
sourcing the accompanying data.
45. Would the offeror be responsible for the maintenance and enhancements within the
DCMS Salesforce environment?
Answer 45: The contractor will provide a recommendation and the data accompanying
the recommendation utilizing the contractor’s system. This information will then be
provided to SBA – ODA for final decisioning. The contractor will not be working in the
SBA – ODA system.
46. Many of the data elements specified in the Property Specific Characteristics and
Applicant Specific Characteristics are not included as fields in the sample Disaster Home
Loan Application provided, is the service provider expected to secure this data through
outside sources or will this data be provided by the SBA?
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Answer 46: The RFP is for the contractor to provide a recommendation and source the
data utilizing the loan application.
47. Will we be able to determine and examine the current methodology utilized for approval
of SBA loans?
a. Does it include an economic analysis of the area impacted and applicant utilizing
Department of Commerce Census Data?
b. Does it include Chamber of Commerce Data?
c. Does it include information from Dunn and Bradstreet?
Answer 47: SBA – ODA follows SOP 50 30 9 (attached to RFP). The contractor is
expected to provide a recommendation based on SOP 50 30 9. SBA – ODA will provide
all calculations and acceptable levels. A. No, B. No, C. SBA – ODA utilize D&B on a
case by case basis.
48. Are there any current and/or unique SBA data sources would be made available as part of
the decisioning process?
Answer 48: SBA – ODA will provide the loan application. Sourcing the data is up to the
contractor.
49. Does the current approval process consider the fact that many small businesses do not
have the capability to repay a loan after a disaster? Is SBA looking to ability to repay as
part of the decisioning process?
Answer 49: The RFP is for the contractor to provide a recommendation (Approve or
Decline) utilizing information sourced by the contractor. SBA – ODA will provide the
calculations and acceptable levels used at this time. SOP 50 30 9 (attached to RFP)
provides how SBA currently decisions loans.
50. The SOW indicates that the first six months of the first Task Order will include
documenting and implementing business processes. Does SBA anticipate that these tasks
go beyond the first six months?
Answer 50: No. The first task order is to allow the contractor time to learn SBA – ODA
acceptable levels of income, DTI, creditworthiness, character, etc. Six months is a
reasonable timeframe based on market research.
51. If a POC such as the Contracting Officer has retired but the contractor has their contact
information, can the contractor still use that person in the Past Performance?
Answer 51: It is up to you to identify who is going to fill out the past performance
questionnaires. In my experience, most of the time Contracting Officers have to go back
to the program office for technical input to finalize the report.
52. Will this platform be integrated into any existing SBA technology?
Answer 52: The contractor will provide a recommendation and source data. The
contractor will then initiate an API which will send the information to SBA – ODA. The
contractor will not be provided access to SBA – ODA systems other than the API
mentioned previously.
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53. Can the loan application form be amended to authorize collection of records from credit
bureaus? The loan application does not specifically authorize these consumer records.
Answer 53: The loan application will not be amended. The contractor is expected to
provide credit bureau(s) information to the SBA – ODA.
54. Does SBA have the ability to set different loan terms, such as interest rate or loan limit,
to reflect a credit risk determination made using financial services industry models?
Answer 54: SBA – ODA will provide the contractor with the interest rate, loan term, and
loan amount to be used when decisioning.
55. Does the DCMS system utilize entity resolution to determine whether the applicant has
previously submitted one or more applications, whether or not approved or declined?
Answer 55: Yes, the DCMS system utilizes entity resolution to determine whether the
applicant has previously submitted one or more applications and whether or not approved
or declined
56. Will SBA consider a third determination of eligibility that requires manual review
because of a discrepancy in verification of required information without an indication of
fraud?
Answer 56: SBA – ODA requires 90% of recommendations to be provided within the 10
minute timeframe noted in the RFP (see: Service Delivery Summary and Performance
Requirements). The process of providing recommendations is up to the contractor.
57. What are the DCMS touch points and integrations required.
Answer 57: The contractor will be provided a loan application via API from SBA - ODA.
The contractor will provide a recommendation and the sourced data to SBA – ODA via
API. No other touchpoints are expected.
58. What are the business rules currently in use and what is the criteria used for loan
decisioning? How are the property specific and applicant specific criteria used for loan
decisioning? Are these to be extracted from Chapter 6 of SOP or is there another
document that outlines this information?
Answer 58: SBA – ODA follows SOP 50 30 9 (attached to RFP). The contractor is
expected to provide a recommendation based on SOP 50 30 9. SBA – ODA will provide
all calculations and acceptable levels.
59. There are some exceptions identified in Chapter 6 of the SOP. Is there a more
comprehensive list of exceptions available that can be used in decisioning process? For
example, exceptions like how to treat missing data, and what is and is not mandatory
criteria?
Answer 59: SBA – ODA follows SOP 50 30 9 (attached to RFP). The contractor is
expected to provide a recommendation based on SOP 50 30 9. SBA – ODA will provide
all calculations and acceptable levels.
60. Is there a scoring or other evaluation method for non-mandatory criteria, and associated
scoring thresholds?
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Answer 60: SBA – ODA follows SOP 50 30 9 (attached to RFP). The contractor is
expected to provide a recommendation based on SOP 50 30 9. SBA – ODA will provide
all calculations and acceptable levels.
61. If a batch process is requested for a backlog, does SBA agree that the 10-minute time
requirement is not applicable
Answer 61: SAB-ODA will not be sending over backlog application in a batch process
format. SBA – ODA will provide loan applications as received. This includes all hours of
the day and all days of the week. The contractor is expected to provide a recommendation
within 10 minutes of receipt of the loan application from SBA - ODA.
62. The SOW clearly states that data is to be removed and deleted immediately. Federal data
retention laws require that data be retained for regulatory purposes. Can you please
clarify.
Answer 62: SBA – ODA is looking for the contractor to ensure industry best practices
and proper protocols are followed. SBA does not want the data stored on any networks
for future use.
63. It is assumed that the workflow described in Chapter 7 of the SOP is encoded in DCMS
and is not a part of the scope of this RFP.
Answer 63: Chapter 7 of SOP 50 30 9 is titled “Loan Decision.” The contractor will not
be decisioning loans. The contractor will provide a recommendation and the sourced data
behind the recommendation. SBA – ODA will decision all loans. This includes
determining the final loan amount, the interest rate, the loan term, collateral requirements,
guarantee/guarantor requirements, and insurance requirements.
64. Is this a follow-on to a current contract and if so, who is the incumbent?
Answer 64: This is a new requirement. There is no incumbent and this is not a follow-on
to an existing contract.
65. How many firms indicated intent to bid on the RFP?
Answer 65: There have been 31 companies that have shown interest in this requirement
since the initial RFI was released in May.
66. On page 40 of 44 – Evaluation Factors – IT Security Plan. Is this included in the 30-page
limit of the Technical Proposal, or can it be an addendum?
Answer 66: The total page limit for the IDIQ proposal is increased from 30 to 35 pages
and it includes the IT security plan. There is a 35 page limit on your technical proposal
for the IDIQ contract and a 30 page limit on the technical proposal for the Task Order.
67. Labor Categories: The pricing sample display 2 Labor Categories…are these examples
only, or does SBA have a description of the skills and experience for the Program/Project
Manager and the Quality Assurance Specialist?
Answer 67: SBA – ODA does not have examples of skills or experience. The contractor
will should this information in the RFP response.
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68. Where do the Conflict of Interest, Confidentiality/NDA documents belong (as addendum
to Technical Proposal or as part of Assumptions, Conditions, or Exceptions)?
Answer 68: These documents are not required at this time. They will be needed when the
award is issued. If you have a conflict of interest that must be stated in your response. If
you have any assumptions, conditions, or exceptions with any of these documents you
must state that in the Assumptions, Conditions, or Exceptions documents.
69. Should the SF1447 be included in the Pricing Proposal, or under separate cover?
Answer 69: The SF-1447 and Amendments can be submitted with the price proposal or
under a separate cover. Either way will be acceptable.
70. The standard operating procedure, "SOP 50 30 9," for loan decisioning (attachment 5)
references data that is not on the sample loan application, "SBA Form 5C Loan
Application" (attachment 6). Examples cited under Chapter 6 of the SOP include (a) the
credit report and (b) federal tax transcripts. Other data referenced as part of the SOP's
general loan eligibility include: (c) character determination, as disclosed on SBA Form
912; (d) pre-disaster fair market value (FMV); (e) Loss Verification Report; etc. Should
the contractor assume that this information will be provided as part of the integration with
the DCMS system? Or should the contractor assume that they will need to source this
data? If the latter, will that be required within the 10 minute window?
Answer 70: The contractor is expected to source this data. SBA – ODA will provide a
loan application to the contractor.
71. The SOP for loan decisioning references credit report data (Chapters 5 & 6). Will SBA
request the credit report for the application and provide the data electronically as part of
the integration with DCMS system?
Answer 71: The contractor is expected to source this data. SBA – ODA will provide a
loan application to the contractor.
72. If SBA is not providing the credit report data and the contractor must pull credit, many
agreements with credit reporting agencies' specify that "services are for your exclusive
one-time use". These types of agreements may prevent a contractor from transferring the
credit report back to the government. Will the government include the contractor as a
party to the government's existing agreement(s) with credit reporting agencies? This
would allow a contractor to pull credit on behalf of the government and include that when
its recommendation is transmitted to ODA through DCMS.
Answer 72: The contractor is to provide the credit report(s) to SBA-ODA and the
contractor will be responsible to pay for the credit reports. The price and logistics are part
of your proposed price and solution. The contractor is giving SBA-ODA the
recommendation based on the report(s) that they received and SBA-ODA will be making
the final decision backed on the contractors recommendation and backup documentation
ie: credit report(s).
73. The evaluation criteria indicate that SBA will evaluate past performance of the prime as
well as subcontractor(s) performance (p.43). However, the instructions for past
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performance limit past performance information to that of the prime (p.38). Will the SBA
allow 1 past performance information and questionnaire from a subcontractor?
Answer 73: SBA has revised the past performance evaluations information as follows:
The past performance should be based on the Prime contractor’s experience or
subcontractor experience. This can include the prime working as a subcontractor or the
subcontractor working as a Prime. If you are submitting information as the subcontractor
please make sure that the roles are clearly stated. Also make sure that that the
subcontractors past performance shows who the Prime contractor is going to be.
74. The 30 page limit for the Technical proposals appears to include the IT Security Plan. A
comprehensive IT Security Plan that meets NIST requirements is significantly longer
than 30 pages by itself. Will SBA exclude the IT Security Plan from the page limitation
for the Technical proposal?
Answer 74: The total page limit for the IDIQ proposal is increased from 30 to 35 pages
and it includes the IT security plan. There is a 35 page limit on your technical proposal
for the IDIQ contract and a 30 page limit on the technical proposal for the Task Order.
75. Sole Proprietor Loan App: Is a business credit report required to decision the loan or just
a consumer credit report? If business credit report is needed, which data sources are
required? (e.g. Dun&Bradstreet, Experian Business, etc.)
Answer 75: Business credit reports are only required on a case-by-case basis. SOP 50 30
9 provides for when a business credit report is required. SBA uses D&B.
76. Sole Proprietor Loan App: If a damaged property is associated with a business, will the
consumer also provide their current address
Answer 76: The loan application will generally include the damaged property address and
the mailing address of individuals associated with the Sole Proprietor Business.
77. Sole Proprietor Loan App: Is the expectation that all fields from the loan app will be
submitted real-time via an API to the Decisioning solution or just a portion? (e.g.
Disclosure responses).
Answer 77: The loan application will be provided to the contractor when received by the
SBA – ODA via Application Programming Interface (API).
78. Sole Proprietor Loan App: Is the only data being passed from ODA to the vendor the
application data or will the consumer credit bureau file also be passed?
Answer 78: The loan application will be provided to the contractor. The credit report is
expected to be sourced by the contractor. The contractor will also provide a
recommendation utilizing the credit report and other factors that are sourced by the
contractor.
79. SOW-Terms-Loan Recommendations Section 1/pg. 7: Regarding comment: "It is
important to note that ODA is NOT seeking a contractor to build or customize a system
or the purchase of software/hardware." Post recommendations, will SBA turn on the
service for real-time decisioning or is there a chance SBA will not proceed w/ running
transactions?
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Answer 79: The RFP is for the contractor to provide a recommendation and all contractor
sourced data to SBA – ODA via an Application Programming Interface (API). SBA –
ODA will then have final decisioning authority over the loan.
80. SOW-Terms-Loan Recommendations Section 2.1/ pg. 8: Regarding comment: "The
contractor must provide a loan recommendation as “approve” or “decline” along with a
copy of all information (in an electronic documentation format)". Can you provide an
example or describe the documentation format? Typically we provide "decisions" in a
real-time API along with credit attributes and 3rd party data reports that were accessed
and used during the decisioning process.
Answer 80: SBA – ODA and the winning bidder will discuss the file format. The
information will be provided via Application Programming Interface (API) to SBA –
ODA.
81. SOW-Terms-Loan Recommendations Section 2.1/ pg. 8: Regarding comment: "ODA
expects the contractor to fully incorporate any changes identified by ODA into its system
within 30 days of when notified by the COR or CO of the changes." Will the vendor be
able to negotiate this turn-time of 30 days based on size and scope of recommended
changes?
Answer 81: SBA – ODA does not anticipate major changes that will take more than 30
days to implement. Such changes will be discussed with the contractor to allow sufficient
enough time.
82. SOW-Terms-Loan Recommendations Section 2.1/ pg. 9: Regarding comment: "The
Contractor shall return or destroy and permanently eliminate from its possession all data
provided by SBA and used in its analysis and generation of the loan recommendation."
What is timeframe by which loan details/decisions should be destroyed and removed
from Contractor system?
Answer 82: SBA – ODA is looking for the contractor to ensure industry best practices
and proper protocols are followed. SBA does not want the data stored on any networks
for future use.
83. SOW-Terms-Loan Recommendations Section 2.1/ pg. 8: Can you define Data Analysis?
Does it include analyzing the loan perfomance data based on the decisioning criteria or is
it just analysis using all of the application data, appended data, and business rules?
Answer 83: Data Analysis includes reviewing the information sourced by the contractor
to ensure it is acceptable by SBA – ODA standards (see: SOP 50 30 9).
84. SOW-Terms-Loan Recommendations Section 2.1/ pg. 9: For flood zone determination,
does ODA also want the CBRA description?
Answer 84: Yes, for flood zone determination, ODA does want the CBRA description.
85. SOW-Terms-Loan Recommendations Section 2.1/ pg. 9: After a disaster is declared, will
ODA provide the vendor with the geographic area of the disaster? Will it be by FIPS? If
not FIPS, what will it be?
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Answer 85: SBA – ODA will provide the disaster declaration information as it is declared
by SBA – ODA. File format will be discussed with the winning bidder.
86. Page 8 of 44, the SOW states: To meet this critical business need, ODA is seeking a
contractor to analyze data and provide loan recommendations based on industry standard
loan making practices.
a. What specific data will come from the SBA/ODA in the form of data from specific
data fields in SBA/ODA systems?
Answer 86a: SBA – ODA will provide the loan application. The contract will source the
data and provide a recommendation based on the loan application. The information will
then by submitted to SBA – ODA by API.
b. Would the contractor have to input any data received from the SBA/ODA manually?
Answer 86b: The contractor will determine whether information is input manually.
c. Is all information required to make a loan recommendation received only from the
SBA/ODA or from third parties such as flood insurance companies?
Answer 86c: SBA – ODA will provide the loan application. The contract will source the
data and provide a recommendation based on the loan application. The information will
then by submitted to SBA – ODA by API.
87. Are all of the ODA policies and procedures that are relevant to the Contractors duties:
a. Documented? Information that would be needed:
i. Loan characteristics,
ii. Eligibility characteristics and,
iii. Workflow metrics. For example of workflow metrics: A person contacts
you on day one, what is your turnaround time metric to them?
Answer 87a: SBA – ODA does not envision a contractor having contact with a loan
applicant. SBA – ODA will correspond with loan applicants. The contractor will provide
a recommendation and all sourced data within 10 minutes of receiving the loan
application.
b. Are policies and procedures current?
Answer 87b: Yes. See SOP 50 30 9 (attached to RFP). SBA – ODA will provide all
calculation and acceptable levels to winning bidder.
c. In what format are the policies and procedures available?
Answer 87c: See SOP 50 30 9 (attached to RFP). SBA – ODA will provide all
calculation and acceptable levels to winning bidder.
88. Are you able to provide a DCMS system sample output?
Answer 88: The DCMS output is the loan application which is attached to the RFP (see
attachment 6 SBA Form 5C Loan Application). The contractor will receive an
Application Programming Interface (API) based on information included in the loan
application.
89. Page 9 of 44, the RFP states: The contractor must provide data analysis and a loan
recommendation within 10 minutes of ODA’s request for such services. Are the
requests sent on a one off basis, bulk basis or both?
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Answer 89: Loan applications will be sent to the contractor as they are received. The
contractor will have 10 minutes from the time the application is received.
90. Page 9 of 44, the RFP states: Contractor will be provided information via Application
Programming Interface (API) interface. The interface will include select fields from an
industry standard loan application.
a. Will the offerror only use data obtained from these “select fields” when analyzing
the application for a loan recommendation or is there other information derived from
third parties that the Offeror will need to obtain and consider?
Answer 90a: SBA – ODA will provide a loan application. The contractor will source all
applicant and property specific characteristics noted in the RFP to analysis the data and
make a recommendation. The contractor will provide the data sources that they will be
using to perform these services.
b. If the offerror is required to obtain additional third party information/ data where
will that information/data be obtained or sourced?
Answer 90b: SBA – ODA will provide a loan application. The contractor will source all
applicant and property specific characteristics noted in the RFP to analysis the data and
make a recommendation. The contractor will provide the data sources that they will be
using to perform these services.
91. For the property and applicant characteristics, noted on page 10 of 44 on the SOW, about
and any other similar characteristics will this information also be obtained from the
SBA? Answer 91: The contractor will source all applicant and property specific
characteristics noted in the RFP. SBA – ODA will provide a loan application.
a. If this information is not obtained from the SBA is it obtained directly through third
party data providers such as insurance companies? Answer 91a: SBA – ODA will
provide a loan application. The contractor is responsible for gathering the information,
analyzing the data and to make the recommendation. SBA is looking for the contractor to
provide us with a solution on what and how the documentation will be submitted in an
electronic format. This information will be determined based on what your solution is to
this requirement.
b. If so what is the data format? Answer 91b: SBA is looking for the contractor to
provide us with a solution on what and how the documentation will be submitted in an
electronic format. This information will be determined based on what your solution is to
this requirement. The information must be able to integrate with DCMS 2.
c. What is the frequency of the data supplied? Answer 91c: The data will be supplied
based on when SAB-ODA receives and application.
d. Regarding the rules and policies for analyzing a loan are there loan tables that layout
the eligibility for each type of loan? Answer 91d: SBA – ODA follows SOP 50 30 9. All
specific calculation and acceptable levels will be provided to winning bidder.
i. We need to understand the workflow, validation and eligibility requirements.
ii. If not do the rules need to be determined by Attachment #5? Answer 91d i. ii:
The RFP is for the contractor to receive a loan application via API. The contractor will
source the data and provide a loan recommendation. The contractor will send this
information back to SBA – ODA for final decision.
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92. SOW Section 3.14.4, paragraph 6 states “Notwithstanding any other clause concerning
data, data rights and computer software and hardware under this contract, all data and
source code produced, recorded, transferred, delivered or manipulated under this contract
will remain the exclusive property of the Government…” This statement appears to
contradict SOW Section 1.0, paragraph 5, which states “…ODA is NOT seeking a
contractor to build or customize a system or the purchase of software/hardware.”
a. Will the Government own any software we use to make the Approve/Decline
recommendation?
Answer 92: This is under section 3.13.5 not Section 3.14.4, paragraph 6. The RFP is for
the contractor to utilize their system to provide a recommendation as well as the data
used to provide a recommendation. This is a contract for data analysis and loan
recommendations service. SBA does not require ownership of the source code and has
removed those words from this section as shown here. 3.13.5 DATA, DATA RIGHTS
AND COMPUTER SOFTWARE Notwithstanding any other clause concerning data, data
rights and computer software and hardware under this contract, all data and source code
produced, recorded, transferred, delivered or manipulated under this contract will remain
the exclusive property of the Government, irrespective of the manner or method of
recording or storage and no matter what form of computer mechanism is used in the
processing of said information or data. The Government will retain exclusive rights and
domain over any by-product produced under this contract, or any other use of the data
produced under this contract by either plan or accident. SBA notes that all other language
remains and that 52.227-17 applies to this procurement.
93. According to SOW Section 1.0, paragraph 3, “…ODA is seeking a contractor to analyze
data and provide loan recommendations…” Paragraph 5 states “…ODA is NOT seeking
a contractor to build or customize a system or the purchase of software/hardware.”
a. Since the contractor is to provide a service rather than a software/hardware system,
the question is, why do you believe Section 508 would apply?
b. Can you provide a scenario that illustrates its applicability?
Answer 93: This requirement is for sharing information and we do not invasion a
scenario where 508 will be needed other than if information is provided in electronic
documents then 508 complies.
94. It is stated, "The contractor must provide data analysis and a loan recommendation within
10 minutes of ODA’s request…"
a. Does this include exception processing?
Answer 94a: SBA – ODA requires 90% of recommendations to be provided within the 10
minute timeframe noted in the RFP (see: Service Delivery Summary and Performance
Requirements). The process of providing recommendations is up to the contractor.
b. Would there be data elements from DCMS that would require manual review that
could impact the 10-minute timeframe (e.g. photo review/confirmation of damages)?
Answer 94b: SBA – ODA requires 90% of recommendations to be provided within the
10 minute timeframe noted in the RFP (see: Service Delivery Summary and Performance
Requirements). The process of providing recommendations is up to the contractor.
c. Will all of the decision points be identified in DCMS before entering the contractor
loan decisioning via API?
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Answer 94c: SBA – ODA will provide all calculation and acceptable levels. SOP 50 30 9
should be used as a baseline as well.
95. Are flood assessments handled in the Salesforce Platform? Are there any other systems,
platforms, or manual information to consider when gathering decision points via APIs?
Answer 95: SBA – ODA requires the contractor to provide flood zone determinations as
part of this RFP.
96. Would SBA consider utilizing automation processing to substitute for personnel
resources? Are personnel resources a requirement for this processing?
Answer 96: SBA – ODA does not believe it is possible to provide manual loan
recommendations in the timeframe required. However, SBA – ODA will review the
technical feasibility of all respondents.
97. Will the contractor be subject to audits or will the audit be conducted on the final ODA
DCMS decisioning?
Answer 97: Yes. SBA – ODA will ensure contractor is following policy and procedures
outlined within SOP 50 30 9, as well as the RFP.
98. Is the expectation to decision the following correct/accurate; “Current agencies goals are
to decision 1,000,000 loans in 60 days”? This would equate to 12 loans per minute. The
ask on this RFP is to “provide data analysis and a loan recommendation within 10
minutes of ODA’s request.” Can you clarify?
Answer 98: SBA’s current goals are to decision 1,000,000 loans in 60 days which does
equate to 12 loans per minute. If SBA – ODA were to receive this workload, the
contractor would be expected to decision each loan within 10 minutes. In current
catastrophic events SBA has generated in excess of 300,000 recommendation requests in
a few months. In case a catastrophic event was to happen and SBA has to make a million
decisions in a short period of time the capability of these services have to be available.
99. In addition to the Loan Application Form shared with the bidders, what other
documentation should the contractor expect to receive from ODA? When and from what
source?
Answer 99: The contractor will receive the loan application via API. The contractor will
then source the data and provide a loan recommendation. The contractor will then
transfer this information back to SBA – ODA via API.
100. Does the government intend to provide a single data file with all the necessary
data via API to the contractor? Or will be there be multiple files, if multiple what files
and formats will be provided?
Answer: The contractor will receive the loan application via API when received by SBA -
ODA. The contractor will then source the data and provide a loan recommendation. The
contractor will transfer this information back to SBA – ODA via API.
101. Can the government describe what a typical transmission will include (batches of
loans sent at the same time on a data file?)?
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Answer 101: The contractor will receive the loan application via API when it is received
by SBA – ODA.
102. Following the contractors’ analysis and recommendation, what information needs
to be provided, and in what format back to the DCMS? Does the government prefer a
single transfer for each loan, or multiple loans in batches?
Answer 102: The contractor will receive the loan application via API. The contractor will
then source the data listed in the applicant and property characteristics noted in the RFP.
The contractor will also provide a loan recommendation. The contractor will then transfer
this information back to SBA – ODA via API for final decision.
103. Does the government have any detail on how many loan applications will be sent
at the same time? (i.e., there needs to be concurrent reviews all occurring within 10
minutes?)
Answer 103: The loan applications will be sent as they are received.
104. Given the 10-minute turnaround, what is the estimate on the maximum number of
loan applications that will be sent to the contractor for review at the same time?
Answer 104: The RFP contains a ten year history of loan applications as well as a per
year average. Exact number of loan applications is impossible to predict.
105. Can the government describe if there are any differences expected for the
contractor if the loan application is a home loan vs a business loan?
Answer 105: No difference is expected.
a. What information will be shared if the loan is a home loan? Answer 105 a: The
contractors will be given the application applicable to either the home loan or the
business loan. (See attachment 6 SBA Form 5C Loan Application).
b. What information will be shared if the loan is for a business loan? Answer 105b: The
contractors will be given the application applicable to either the home loan or the
business loan. (See attachment 6 SBA Form 5C Loan Application).
106. The loan application shared as an example did not seem to include all the
information that the contractor must use to analyze the property specific characteristics as
specified in the RFP. For example, “Square footage of the damaged property, value of
the disaster damaged property, flood zone determination of disaster damaged property,
whether disaster damaged property is located over a body of water”. Can the
government share where this information should be found, if not in the loan application
itself?
Answer 106: The contractor will source the applicant and property specific characteristics
mentioned in the RFP utilizing the loan application.
107. The loan application shared as an example did not seem to include all the fields
required to complete the applicant specific characteristics analysis. For example, the
government is asking the contractor to analyze “character of the applicant,
creditworthiness of the applicant, business activity of the applicant, and fraud detection
on the applicant”.
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a. Is the government going to provide the data on these data elements?
Answer 107a: The contractor will source the applicant and property specific
characteristics mentioned in the RFP utilizing the loan application.
b. How will that information be shared?
Answer 107b: The contractor will source the applicant and property specific
characteristics mentioned in the RFP utilizing the loan application.
108. Does the government want the service provider to run any credit checks using
FICO or any other credit scoring services?
Answer 108: Yes. Applicant creditworthiness is a required data point the contractor will
obtain and utilize to provide a recommendation
109. Does the government want the service provider to run any Fraud detection
services via third party providers?
Answer 109: Yes. Fraud detection is a required data point the contractor will obtain and
utilize to provide a recommendation.
110. Are there any Citizenship requirements for personnel working on the contract?
Answer 110: Contractor must comply with all applicable laws and regulations.
111. Given the 10-minute turnaround, does the government expect that any manual
review is needed by the contractor?
Answer 111: SBA – ODA does not believe it is possible to provide manual loan
recommendations in the timeframe required. However, SBA – ODA will review the
technical feasibility of all respondents.
112. Can the government describe what control checks are in place to ensure that all
required data files (loan application, others) are transmitted to ensure a complete package
for each loan is submitted?
Answer 112: SBA – ODA will work with the winning contractor to ensure the loan
applications are submitted. As part of this requirement the contractor will be
documenting and implementing business rules, system integration and system testing to
ensure that the system/process works correctly.
a. Does the government expect that there are any exceptions? (i.e., some loans
transmitted to the contractor will have inaccurate data / incomplete data)
Answer 112a: SBA – ODA expects the contractor to scrub the application for
“bad/incorrect” data. SBA – ODA will only submit completed applications to the
contractor.
113. Does the government prefer a fixed price bid, or a T&M bid?
Answer 113: The government prefers firm fixed price proposals. As stated in the RFP the
IDIQ pricing will be fully loaded firm fixed price rates and task order 1 pricing will
consist of two section; with the first part being firm fixed price for the documenting and
implementing business rules, system integration, system testing and any other direct costs
and the second part is the prices for the data analysis and loan recommendation services.
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114. Does the government plan to audit the system for accuracy/completeness during
the Testing Phase before Go Live and signoff on readiness?
Answer 114: Yes. SBA – ODA will ensure contractor is following policy and procedures
outlined within SOP 50 30 9, as well as the RFP. Testing will take place prior to go live.
115. Does the government plan to audit the system annually (visit the contractors
datacenter)?
Answer 115: Yes. SBA – ODA will ensure contractor is following policy and procedures
outlined within SOP 50 30 9, as well as the RFP.
116. Could the Government please clarify whether the intent is for the loan decisioning
tool to be eventually owned and operated by the Government, or will it be operated by
the contractor external to SBA systems?
Answer 116: The RFP is for the contractor to provide a recommendation and source the
data outside of SBA – ODA systems (utilizing contractor system). The contractor will
then submit the recommendation and sourced data via Application Programming
Interface (API) to SBA – ODA.
The RFP is for the contractor to utilize their system to provide a recommendation as well
as the data used to provide a recommendation. This is a contract for data analysis and
loan recommendations service. SBA does not require ownership of the source code and
has removed those words from this section as shown here. 3.13.5 DATA, DATA
RIGHTS AND COMPUTER SOFTWARE Notwithstanding any other clause concerning
data, data rights and computer software and hardware under this contract, all data and
source code produced, recorded, transferred, delivered or manipulated under this contract
will remain the exclusive property of the Government, irrespective of the manner or
method of recording or storage and no matter what form of computer mechanism is used
in the processing of said information or data. The Government will retain exclusive rights
and domain over any by-product produced under this contract, or any other use of the
data produced under this contract by either plan or accident. SBA notes that all other
language remains and that 52.227-17 applies to this procurement.
117. Will the government please allow and accept the subcontractors past
performances to count towards the (3)?
Answer 117: SBA has revised the past performance evaluations information as follows:
The past performance should be based on the Prime contractor’s experience or
subcontractor experience. This can include the prime working as a subcontractor or the
subcontractor working as a Prime. If you are submitting information as the subcontractor
please make sure that the roles are clearly stated. Also make sure that that the
subcontractors past performance shows who the Prime contractor is going to be.
118. As there is no specified CLIN related to the first 6 months, how do we account for
the upfront system/technology costs?
Answer 118: The proposal for task order 1 has the first 6 months for the documenting and
implementing business rules, system integration, system testing and any other direct
costs. The cost will be based on the firm fixed price labor categories, labor rates and any
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other direct costs that are proposed in the IDIQ contract that will be needed to accomplish
the documenting and implementing business rules, system integration, system testing. It
is up to the contractor to tell SBA how and what will be done to perform these services
and be able to start the data analysis and loan recommendation services. Please see
attachment 2 pricing sample for the types of information that must be submitted.
119. Will a separate task order be issued for the first 6 month period?
Answer 119: SBA is planning on issuing the first task order for a period of 1 year from
the date of award. It will include the first 6 months to get everything in place and it will
include the data analysis and loaning recommendations up to 15,000 and optional CLINs
to cover additional quantities of loan recommendation based on the pricing in the IDIQ
pricing structure should there be a need for additional quantities the government will
exercise this option. Your price proposal for the first task order will consist of two
section; with the first part being firm fixed price for the documenting and implementing
business rules, system integration, system testing and any other direct costs and the
second part is the prices for the data analysis and loan recommendation services.
120. Does SBA’s existing platform perform background checks and is that a
requirement to validate character of borrower under the RFP?
Answer 120: The contractor is expected to source this information and provide it to SBA
– ODA via API
121. What is the fallout/exception rate for 1,000,000 in 60 days that SBA anticipates
will need manual review based on SBA’s historical experience?
Answer 121: SBA – ODA requires 90% of recommendations to be provided within the
10 minute timeframe noted in the RFP (see: Service Delivery Summary and Performance
Requirements). The process of providing recommendations is up to the contractor.
122. What is the time allotted for exceptions that are not processed within 10 minutes?
Answer 122: SBA’s expectation is to have the data analysis and loan recommendation
within 10 minutes. If they are not processed within the 10 minutes you must provide a
recommendation no later than 24 hours on any given application. Any recommendation
later than 24 hours may result in reduced payment by 50% of the full rate per application.
Any recommendation received later than 1 week may result in the payment reduced to
25% of the full rate per application. If a continuous issue occurs termination may be done
in accordance with FAR Part 12.403 and FAR Part 49.
123. It appears that there will be one awardee. Please confirm. If not, how many does
SBA anticipate?
Answer 123: There will only be one (1) IDIQ contract issued (one awardee). This
requirement is for a single award IDIQ Contract.
124. Will the sought system be expected to receive data offline (such as in rural or
slow-bandwidth areas?)
Answer 124: SBA – ODA will send the API to the contractor as received. SBA – ODA
systems will not move.
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125. Are all responses provided to questions asked during the RFI period still accurate?
If not, will the government clarify changes?
Answer: The RFP is different than the RFI. The RFI was for SBA to gather information
and see what industry is doing. All information must be based on the information in the
RFP and responses should be based accordingly. All responses must be based on the RFP
and modifications to the RFP.
126. Page 8 of 44, 2.1 Specific Requirements: Will the government please clarify what
data will be provided with the loan application (e.g., appraisal, verification of previous
SBA loans, etc.)? Additionally, will the government clarify specific information required
from third-party vendors
Answer126: The contractor will source the applicant and property specific characteristics
mentioned in the RFP utilizing the loan application. The contractor will then provide a
recommendation via API to SBA – ODA with the accompanying sourced data.
127. Page 8 of 44, 2.1 Specific Requirements: Will the SBA provide any internal data
for the decisioning or will all data be from 3rd party data providers?
Answer 127: The contractor will source all data. SBA – ODA will provide the contractor
with the loan application.
128. Page 9 of 44, 2.1 Specific Requirements: Will the government please clarify who
is responsible for building APIs?
Answer 128: SBA – ODA and the contractor will work together to ensure transfer of
data.
129. Page 9 of 44, 2.1 Specific Requirements: Has the government executed a Sales
Force MOU with other vendors? Could the government provide a sample MOU?
Answer129: This RFP is separate from any current SBA – ODA contracts.
130. Page 10 of 44, 2.1 Specific Requirements: How long does it take to perform a
privacy impact assessment and system of record notice process?
Answer 130: If needed, the vendor will need to estimate how long the tasks of creating a
Privacy Impact Assessment and System of Records Notice will take.
131. Page 12 of 44, 5.0 Security: Can government please confirm if the IT Security
Plan counts towards the 30 page limit? IT Security Plans are detailed documents typically
longer than the page count would allow for. Can the plan be included as an appendix or
attachment to the Technical Approach?
Answer 131: The total page limit for the IDIQ proposal is increased from 30 to 35 pages
and it includes the IT security plan. There is a 35 page limit on your technical proposal
for the IDIQ contract and a 30 page limit on the technical proposal for the Task Order.
132. Page 5 of 44; 40 of 44, Section 1.4; Section 5.3: Will the government clarify that
each 30-page proposal (IDIQ and Task Order 1) are expected to be stand-alone
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Questions and Answers
documents? This will require us to repeat system and technical specifications to meet the
requirements of the evaluation criteria of the RFP.
Answer 132: The IDIQ and Task Order 1 are expected to be stand-alone documents. The
total page limit for the IDIQ proposal is increased from 30 to 35 pages and it includes the
IT security plan. There is a 35 page limit on your technical proposal for the IDIQ contract
and a 30 page limit on the technical proposal for the Task Order.
133. Page 5 of 44; 40 of 44, Section 1.4; Section 5.3: Will the government confirm that
references to the other technical approach are acceptable? (e.g., instead of writing two
team introduction sections can we put it in one proposal and reference it in the other?)
Answer 133: SBA will allow contractors to put information in one proposal and reference
it in the other. SBA will not assume that information is going to flow from one proposal
to the other if it is not stated clearly. If any information is left out then it will be
considered a deficiency.
134. Page 8 of 44, 2.1 Specific Requirements: If a decision of approved or declined
cannot be made based on insufficient information, how would SBA envision that
application being handled?
Answer 134: SBA – ODA will work with contractor to perform an impact assessment.
This type of process is exception based.
135. Page 8 of 44, 2.1 Specific Requirements: “The contractor must provide a loan
recommendation as “approve” or “decline” along with a copy of all information (in an
electronic documentation format) that the contractor used to make its recommendation,
submitted to ODA for technical/final review” Will SBA need the copy of all
“information” in real time?
Answer 135: The contractor will provide a recommendation and all accompanying data
via API to SBA – ODA within the 10 minute timeframe noted in the RFP.
136. Page 11 of 44, 4.0 Government Furnished Property and Services: Will the
government please confirm if the SBA needs the vendor to provide end user loan
application screens?
Answer 136: SBA – ODA does not need the contractor to provide application screens at
this time.
137. Page 11 of 44, 4.0 Government Furnished Property and Services: Will the
government please confirm how many channels will applications be coming in from?
Answer 137: The contractor and SBA – ODA will connect via API. SBA – ODA will
work out the technical aspect with the winning bidder.
138. Page 8 of 44, 2.1 Specific Requirements: Under the Change Impact analysis
portion of Task Order 1, does the Government expect training on the new processes and
system? If so, does the Government have a preference of type of training or approach?
Answer 138: SBA – ODA does not envision the need for training. The contractor will
only provide a recommendation and data related to the recommendation. SBA – ODA
end user should see negligible difference from current practice.
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139. Page 10 of 44, 2.1 Specific Requirements: The specific requirements include: “…
that ODA will submit information on disaster loan applicants to the contractor, as it is
received.” Will the government submit an entire loan application (i.e., a complete
application with all required information) or submit the information piecemeal?
Answer 139: SBA – ODA will submit a complete loan application to the contractor as it
is received.
140. Page 38 of 44, Section 4.2 – Proposal Preparation Instructions: Please confirm
that subcontractor past performance may be used to satisfy the past performance
requirements. Few small businesses will be able to fully address the requirements of this
RFP without subcontractor support, and rejecting subcontractor past performance will
unnecessarily limit competition.
Answer 140: SBA has revised the past performance evaluations information as follows:
The past performance should be based on the Prime contractor’s experience or
subcontractor experience. This can include the prime working as a subcontractor or the
subcontractor working as a Prime. If you are submitting information as the subcontractor
please make sure that the roles are clearly stated. Also make sure that that the
subcontractors past performance shows who the Prime contractor is going to be.
141. Page 43 of 44, 5.3 Evaluation Factors for Award: Past Performance (5) states
“The contractor and/or subcontractor’s past performance of managing contracts of at least
$5 million annually as well as the past performance on prior similar efforts specified
within this SOW.” Few small businesses of this size standard will have experience
managing contracts of this size. This requirement will unnecessarily limit competition.
Please confirm that subcontractor management will suffice.
Answer 141: SBA has revised the past performance evaluations information as follows:
The past performance should be based on the Prime contractor’s experience or
subcontractor experience. This can include the prime working as a subcontractor or the
subcontractor working as a Prime. If you are submitting information as the subcontractor
please make sure that the roles are clearly stated. Also make sure that that the
subcontractors past performance shows who the Prime contractor is going to be.
142. Page 4 of 44, Section 1.3 Proposal Due Date: Would the Government be willing
to extend the due date by 1 week to allow for responses to appropriately reflect answers
to the Q&A.
Answer 142: At this time no extension to the due date of the proposals will be given.
Proposals are due no later than 1:00 PM ET October 4, 2018.
143. Per the guidance in the RFP, Past Performance information is to be completed by
a “Government Agency /Organization". Our read is an Organization could be a
Commercial entity. Could confirm that is the correct read? Also, we would like to
clarify whether Government will consider receiving past performances from both the
Prime and Subcontractor?
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Answer 143: Organization is any commercial entity that these services have been
performed for. SBA has revised the past performance evaluations information as follows:
The past performance should be based on the Prime contractor’s experience or
subcontractor experience. This can include the prime working as a subcontractor or the
subcontractor working as a Prime. If you are submitting information as the subcontractor
please make sure that the roles are clearly stated. Also make sure that that the
subcontractors past performance shows who the Prime contractor is going to be.
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