**REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL NUMBER AHRQ-06-000033**

**AMENDMENT NUMBER 01**

+---+--------------+---------------------------------------------------+
|   | *            | **Questions/Answers**                             |
|   | *Reference** |                                                   |
+===+==============+===================================================+
| 1 | General      | Is it correct to assume that all references to    |
| . |              | web pages are referring to \"forward-facing\" web |
|   |              | pages?                                            |
|   |              |                                                   |
|   |              | [Answer: No reference of "forward-facing" is made |
|   |              | in the PWS, and we are unsure of its meaning. Web |
|   |              | pages include Intranet, Extranet, and public Web  |
|   |              | sites. However, they do not include back-end      |
|   |              | applications.]{.underline}                        |
+---+--------------+---------------------------------------------------+
| 2 | General      | Is it correct to assume the SP will be            |
| . |              | responsible for collaborating, contributing to,   |
|   |              | and taking part in web redesign efforts led by    |
|   |              | other contractors and federal staff?              |
|   |              |                                                   |
|   |              | [Answer: Yes.]{.underline}                        |
+---+--------------+---------------------------------------------------+
| 3 | General      | Will a primary role of the SP be to provide       |
| . |              | guidance and advice of web dissemination          |
|   |              | strategies?                                       |
|   |              |                                                   |
|   |              | [Answer: Yes.]{.underline}                        |
+---+--------------+---------------------------------------------------+
| 4 | General      | Will a primary role of the SP be to serve as a    |
| . |              | conduit for web-based tools?                      |
|   |              |                                                   |
|   |              | [Answer: Yes.]{.underline}                        |
|   |              |                                                   |
|   |              | Will the SP be responsible for providing guidance |
|   |              | and acting as a liaison with appropriate          |
|   |              | Government or Contractor resources for Web-based  |
|   |              | tool development?                                 |
|   |              |                                                   |
|   |              | [Answer: Yes.]{.underline}                        |
+---+--------------+---------------------------------------------------+
| 5 | General      | Will project manager responsibilities for web     |
| . |              | design and improvement strategies reside in an    |
|   |              | organization outside of the SP?                   |
|   |              |                                                   |
|   |              | [Answer: The SP will have project manager         |
|   |              | responsibility for those projects within the      |
|   |              | scope of the PWS.]{.underline}                    |
+---+--------------+---------------------------------------------------+
| 6 | General      | The number of contractors and the tasks they are  |
| . |              | supposed to perform will dictate the level of     |
|   |              | resources in the proposal dedicated to SP         |
|   |              | coordination activities. Understanding the roles  |
|   |              | of all of the participants in communications\'    |
|   |              | service delivery would make resource estimation   |
|   |              | more accurate.                                    |
|   |              |                                                   |
|   |              | Answer: [It is not possible to provide a list of  |
|   |              | all of the existing AHRQ contractors and the      |
|   |              | potential interactions that the SP might have     |
|   |              | with each of them, or all of the contractors\'    |
|   |              | specific activities. However, bidders should      |
|   |              | consider that many tasks that contractors are     |
|   |              | currently performing are included in the PWS.     |
|   |              | Further, bidders should also take note wherever   |
|   |              | workload data are provided that detail            |
|   |              | consultations, meetings, and e-mails with staff   |
|   |              | in AHRQ\'s offices and centers, and use that as   |
|   |              | the basis for determining the level of effort     |
|   |              | needed to meet this requirement.]{.underline}     |
+---+--------------+---------------------------------------------------+
| 7 | 1.4.5        | It would be useful to have a list of the          |
| . |              | contractors and the potential interactions that   |
|   |              | the SP would have with each. This is vital to     |
|   |              | determine the amount of staffing needed to        |
|   |              | successfully perform liaison and coordinating     |
|   |              | tasks and perform PWS functional tasks. In order  |
|   |              | to determine the dividing line of tasks with the  |
|   |              | many existing contractors, it would be very       |
|   |              | beneficial to have information on their specific  |
|   |              | activities                                        |
|   |              |                                                   |
|   |              | [Answer: The workload data provides adequate      |
|   |              | information to address this issue. For example,   |
|   |              | see the workload data indicating the "number of   |
|   |              | interface actions, meetings, etc."]{.underline}   |
+---+--------------+---------------------------------------------------+
| 8 | 5.2.1.1      | Will the SP be required to obtain a specific type |
| . |              | of software and hardware for the workload         |
|   |              | management system?                                |
|   |              |                                                   |
|   |              | [Answer: No.]{.underline}                         |
|   |              |                                                   |
|   |              | Will the SP have internal AHRQ/Government         |
|   |              | assistance in the development of the workload     |
|   |              | management system?                                |
|   |              |                                                   |
|   |              | [Answer: No.]{.underline}                         |
+---+--------------+---------------------------------------------------+
| 9 | 5.2.1.2      | Does Government approval for a task or project    |
| . |              | occur [before or after]{.underline} a request is  |
|   |              | entered in the system?                            |
|   |              |                                                   |
|   |              | [Answer: After.]{.underline}                      |
+---+--------------+---------------------------------------------------+
|   |              |                                                   |
+---+--------------+---------------------------------------------------+
| 1 | 5.3.         | Do the requirements Coordination and Integration  |
| 0 |              | of Health Communications and Implementation       |
| . |              | Services section include ALL such activities      |
|   |              | across the Agency, including those now conducted  |
|   |              | through contractors in other Offices and Centers? |
|   |              | The bidder assumes that integration speaks to     |
|   |              | both internal to the SP and externally to the     |
|   |              | entire AHRQ environment.                          |
|   |              |                                                   |
|   |              | [Answer: Yes, your assumption is                  |
|   |              | correct.]{.underline}                             |
+---+--------------+---------------------------------------------------+
|   |              |                                                   |
+---+--------------+---------------------------------------------------+
| 1 | 5.4          | The SP shall convey to the Web Manager completed  |
| 1 | .3.1.5.4.2.4 | PO-approved products for posting to the Web site. |
| . |              | Does this mean the web manager will be a Federal  |
|   |              | employee?                                         |
|   |              |                                                   |
|   |              | [Answer: Yes. Routine Web management tasks that   |
|   |              | may be performed in the course of reviewing,      |
|   |              | uploading, and/or conveying content or products   |
|   |              | for the AHRQ Web site that have already been      |
|   |              | approved by the PO are not inherently             |
|   |              | governmental and within the scope of the study as |
|   |              | described here and elsewhere in section C.5.4 and |
|   |              | section C.5.6. The AHRQ Web guidance and          |
|   |              | governance functions are intended to ensure final |
|   |              | responsibility for AHRQ\'s Web site reside with   |
|   |              | Federal-government staff.]{.underline}            |
+---+--------------+---------------------------------------------------+
| 1 | 5.4.4.1.2.2  | Section C.5.4.4.1.2.2 refers to \"Develop other   |
| 2 |              | products describing program initiatives\.....\"   |
| . |              | and so forth and gives examples. This immediately |
|   |              | follows the section C.5.4.4.1.2.1 that states     |
|   |              | \"Develop reports, program briefs, fact sheets,   |
|   |              | research findings, conference summaries.\" There  |
|   |              | is a workload indicator for all item categories   |
|   |              | in this first section but there are no workload   |
|   |              | indicators for the \"other\" products in          |
|   |              | C.5.4.4.1.2.2. It is the bidder\'s understanding  |
|   |              | that these \"other products\" range from simple   |
|   |              | and quickly developed products to very            |
|   |              | comprehensive products. This other workload needs |
|   |              | to be resourced. Can workload indicators be       |
|   |              | provided to avoid major assumptions?              |
|   |              |                                                   |
|   |              | [Answer: It is not always possible to anticipate  |
|   |              | the demands of the Agency or the amount of        |
|   |              | research necessary to write these other products. |
|   |              | However, the Government estimates the following   |
|   |              | (assume all page lengths are for the final        |
|   |              | typeset pages):]{.underline}                      |
|   |              |                                                   |
|   |              | -   [12, two-to-four page documents\--six of      |
|   |              |     which require research to write the entire    |
|   |              |     text, and six of which will build on existing |
|   |              |     material;]{.underline}                        |
|   |              |                                                   |
|   |              | -   [12, two-page highlight documents---all of    |
|   |              |     which require extraction of information from  |
|   |              |     other sources; and]{.underline}               |
|   |              |                                                   |
|   |              | -   [Four, eight-to-ten page quarterly highlights |
|   |              |     of Agency research\-\--all of which require   |
|   |              |     research and review of existing               |
|   |              |     materials.]{.underline}                       |
+---+--------------+---------------------------------------------------+
| 1 | 5.4.4.3.2    | The language in the section \"Evaluate contract   |
| 3 |              | deliverables (at peer review stage) to verify     |
| . |              | compliance with product submission requirements,  |
|   |              | including editorial/formatting style and          |
|   |              | conformance to programmatic standards\" raises    |
|   |              | questions. Is the PWS asking for the SP to review |
|   |              | its own contractors or other Program contractors  |
|   |              | performing communications work? Or both. Does the |
|   |              | SP have monitoring responsibility of              |
|   |              | outside/program/portfolio contractors?            |
|   |              |                                                   |
|   |              | [Answer: This particular section refers to the    |
|   |              | deliverables from other contractors. However, the |
|   |              | SP shall also be responsible for reviewing all of |
|   |              | the products it develops.]{.underline}            |
+---+--------------+---------------------------------------------------+
| 1 | 5.4.5.2.3.3  | \"Provide ongoing consultation and technical      |
| 4 |              | assistance to Agency staff and contractors on     |
| . |              | design-related features of Agency design          |
|   |              | identity\" is a very vague statement that does    |
|   |              | not describe the resources needed for the task.   |
|   |              | Please clarify.                                   |
|   |              |                                                   |
|   |              | [Answer: Review Sections C.5.4.5.2.3.3.1-4 of the |
|   |              | PWS for clarification and detail.]{.underline}    |
+---+--------------+---------------------------------------------------+
| 1 | 5.4.6.1.1    | The planning and coordination roles need workload |
| 5 |              | to properly resource the requirement.             |
| . |              |                                                   |
|   |              | [Answer: Bidders should determine staffing and    |
|   |              | other resources required to address the planning  |
|   |              | and coordination roles outlined in this           |
|   |              | requirement based on the workload data listed for |
|   |              | Section C.5.4.6.1.1, beginning on page TE 5-001-4 |
|   |              | and continuing on page TE 5-001-05, especially    |
|   |              | data that summarize the total number of Web pages |
|   |              | uploaded annually. Bidders should also see        |
|   |              | Technical Exhibit 5-028 on Criteria for           |
|   |              | Determining Development Priorities that is        |
|   |              | referenced in the narrative for                   |
|   |              | C.5.4.6.1.1.]{.underline}                         |
+---+--------------+---------------------------------------------------+
| 1 | 5.4.6.1.2.2  | Workload is needed to determine the coding and    |
| 6 |              | directions volume of activity.                    |
| . |              |                                                   |
|   |              | [Answer: Bidders should determine staffing and    |
|   |              | other resources required to provide directions    |
|   |              | and instruction on coding specifications and      |
|   |              | placement on AHRQ\'s main Web site based on the   |
|   |              | workload data listed for Section C.5.4.6.1.3.6 on |
|   |              | page TE 5-001-05, as well as the data that        |
|   |              | summarizes the total number of Web pages uploaded |
|   |              | annually.]{.underline}                            |
+---+--------------+---------------------------------------------------+
| 1 | 5.4.6.1.3.1  | Please further explain \"maintain\" and the level |
| 7 |              | of effort to maintain the websites.               |
| . |              |                                                   |
|   |              | [Answer: Maintaining means to review and update   |
|   |              | the main Agency Web site, on a daily basis, to    |
|   |              | ensure that it is current.]{.underline}           |
+---+--------------+---------------------------------------------------+
| 1 | 5.4.6.1.3.4  | In C.5.4.6.1.3.4 contains the instruction to      |
| 8 |              | develop, maintain and continuously update         |
| . |              | \"various\" specialty pages and gives three       |
|   |              | examples. The workload indicator is for \"1,000\" |
|   |              | the first year; it rises each year afterward.     |
|   |              | There is a technical exhibit (#5-028) referenced  |
|   |              | two sub-paragraphs earlier in C.5.4.6.1.3.2 that  |
|   |              | apparently lists \"development priorities\"; but  |
|   |              | this appears to be for separate Web development   |
|   |              | pages associated with that sub-paragraph. There   |
|   |              | is no process expressed for determining which Web |
|   |              | pages apply to the C.5.4.6.1.3.4 group.           |
|   |              |                                                   |
|   |              | ##### [Answer: Section C.5.4.6.1.3.4 of the       |
|   |              | PWS has been edited for clarity to read "Develop, |
|   |              |  maintain, and continuously update various specia |
|   |              | lty pages: A-Z menus, site maps, information in S |
|   |              | panish, pathfinder pages, splash pages, web-tools |
|   |              | , and multi-medial interface pages."]{.underline} |
+---+--------------+---------------------------------------------------+
| 1 | 5.4.6.1.4.1  | Monitor quality of work performed by the Web team |
| 9 |              | to ensure that all standards are met. Is the PWS  |
| . |              | referring to an internal Government web team or   |
|   |              | the SP's web team?                                |
|   |              |                                                   |
|   |              | [Answer: Primarily the SP web team, but           |
|   |              | monitoring of the quality of the work performed   |
|   |              | by others for uploads to the main Web site is     |
|   |              | required.]{.underline}                            |
+---+--------------+---------------------------------------------------+
| 2 | 5.4.6.1.4.6  | Maintain electronic archive of Web pages. There   |
| 0 |              | is no workload listed. Please provide.            |
| . |              |                                                   |
|   |              | [Answer: There are an estimated 5,760 files       |
|   |              | uploaded annually. Each upload results in an      |
|   |              | archive action.]{.underline}                      |
+---+--------------+---------------------------------------------------+
| 2 | 5.4.6.1.4.7  | Review content on an ongoing basis to ensure that |
| 1 |              | information is current and correct, and update    |
| . |              | documents and files accordingly. There is no      |
|   |              | workload listed. Please provide.                  |
|   |              |                                                   |
|   |              | [Answer: Approximately 1,200 corrections are made |
|   |              | to files annually. This workload is in addition   |
|   |              | to the 5,760 files that are updated annually as   |
|   |              | described in the answer to question               |
|   |              | 20.]{.underline}                                  |
+---+--------------+---------------------------------------------------+
| 2 | 5.4.7.2.4    | Serve as interface between public affairs staff.  |
| 2 |              | This section seems to reference non-SP Public     |
| . |              | Affairs staff. Is that correct? Please explain    |
|   |              | who these staff are.                              |
| [ |              |                                                   |
| ] |              | [Answer: No. The SP Public Affairs staff will     |
| { |              | interface with the SP Publishing Staff, who will  |
| . |              | then interface with non-SP Desktop Publishing     |
| m |              | Staff.]{.underline}                               |
| a |              |                                                   |
| r |              |                                                   |
| k |              |                                                   |
| } |              |                                                   |
+---+--------------+---------------------------------------------------+
| 2 | 5.4.7.4      | Is it the intent of the PWS for the PWS bidder to |
| 3 |              | perform QA on another existing SP?                |
| . |              |                                                   |
|   |              | [Answer: Yes. However, any information is         |
|   |              | provided to the Project Officer for review and    |
|   |              | action.]{.underline}                              |
+---+--------------+---------------------------------------------------+
|   |              |                                                   |
+---+--------------+---------------------------------------------------+
| 2 | 5.5.2.1.2.6  | The language "Work with OCKT Exhibit and          |
| 4 |              | Conference Support Services" makes it appear that |
| . |              | the SP shall have to coordinate with a            |
|   |              | Government-provided contractor for logistics. We  |
|   |              | assumed that all logistical services were part of |
|   |              | the services to be provided by the SP as part of  |
|   |              | this PWS. Which interpretation is correct?        |
|   |              |                                                   |
|   |              | [Answer: The intent of this paragraph is to       |
|   |              | describe the coordination needed between SP staff |
|   |              | carrying out public affairs tasks and with the SP |
|   |              | staff directly responsible for exhibit and        |
|   |              | conference support services. Thus, the latter     |
|   |              | interpretation is correct.]{.underline}           |
|   |              |                                                   |
|   |              | [The language in that paragraph is changed as     |
|   |              | follows:]{.underline}                             |
|   |              |                                                   |
|   |              | ["Maintain responsibility for exhibit and         |
|   |              | conference support services and for art direction |
|   |              | and presentation support to coordinate exhibit    |
|   |              | staffing, posters, slides, or other materials     |
|   |              | necessary for meetings, conferences, or other     |
|   |              | forums. (See C.5.4.10 and                         |
|   |              | C.5.4.5.2)"]{.underline}                          |
+---+--------------+---------------------------------------------------+
| 2 | 5.5.         | The language "The SP shall pay for all vendor     |
| 5 | 6.2.3.1.1.12 | services related to technical assistance and      |
| . |              | posting or blasting on external servers or other  |
|   |              | resources for Podcasts, ANRs, and VNRs" creates a |
|   |              | problem. Will the SP need to submit all planned   |
|   |              | vendor services for PO approval? How does the SP  |
|   |              | project these additional costs?                   |
|   |              |                                                   |
|   |              | [Answer: Yes. Bidders should calculate the costs  |
|   |              | for these vendor services based on the average    |
|   |              | market rate for the services described,           |
|   |              | multiplied by the annual number of ANRs,          |
|   |              | Podcasts, and VNRs that are listed in the work    |
|   |              | load data on page TE 5-001-8.]{.underline}        |
+---+--------------+---------------------------------------------------+
| 2 | 5.5.6.5.3.2  | The language for this subsection is confusing.    |
| 6 |              | "Working with the AHRQ IRC, compile a weekly      |
| . |              | collection of news clippings relevant to AHRQ     |
|   |              | research activities and topics of direct          |
|   |              | relevance to AHRQ's mission and goals." This      |
|   |              | bidder is under the impression that the AHRQ      |
|   |              | IRC's tasks are included in the PWS. Is the SP    |
|   |              | working with a group within the SP or some        |
|   |              | outside contractor not part of the SP?            |
|   |              |                                                   |
|   |              | [Answer: The requirement is deleted. See          |
|   |              | paragraph C.5.7.4.4.3.2.]{.underline}             |
+---+--------------+---------------------------------------------------+
|   |              |                                                   |
+---+--------------+---------------------------------------------------+
| 2 | 5.6.2.3      | The language presents questions. "Provide         |
| 7 |              | Management for AHRQ Main Web Site Development     |
| . |              | Activities" The SP shall provide project          |
|   |              | management for all AHRQ main Web site-related     |
|   |              | development projects" seems to assume that the SP |
|   |              | will coordinate and be central to all of the      |
|   |              | contractors and Government staff dealing with the |
|   |              | technical aspects of web development. Is this the |
|   |              | intent of the section?                            |
|   |              |                                                   |
|   |              | [Answer: This paragraph is intended to describe   |
|   |              | the activities needed to support the development  |
|   |              | of content and Web-based products (1) on AHRQ's   |
|   |              | main site,]{.underline}                           |
|   |              | [www.ahrq.gov](http://www.ahrq.gov/)[; and (2)    |
|   |              | for the third-level AHRQ domains currently        |
|   |              | managed by OCKT (see Technical Exhibit 5-069).    |
|   |              | This paragraph is not intended to address the     |
|   |              | tasks related to sites created and maintained     |
|   |              | through programs in other AHRQ offices or centers |
|   |              | (for a description of those tasks, see paragraph  |
|   |              | C.5.6.3). The SP's responsibilities for content   |
|   |              | and Web-based products on AHRQ's main site and    |
|   |              | the third-level AHRQ domains currently managed by |
|   |              | OCKT is more comprehensive and stands in contrast |
|   |              | to the responsibilities outlined in paragraph     |
|   |              | C.5.6.3, which are more consultative in           |
|   |              | nature.]{.underline}                              |
|   |              |                                                   |
|   |              | [Further, the project management tasks described  |
|   |              | in this paragraph (and elsewhere in Section 5.6)  |
|   |              | do not relate to Web-based tool deliverables from |
|   |              | the other offices and centers. Rather, these      |
|   |              | tasks pertain to the interface to the tools and   |
|   |              | their accessibility if deployed on AHRQ\'s main   |
|   |              | Web site.]{.underline}                            |
+---+--------------+---------------------------------------------------+
| 2 | 5.6.2.3.2    | Should the SP develop a master project management |
| 8 |              | plan considering the SP will not be the technical |
| . |              | lead? Will the SP be the technical lead?          |
|   |              |                                                   |
|   |              | [Answer: The SP shall provide project management  |
|   |              | for projects related to the AHRQ Web site         |
|   |              | (ahrq.gov), and any third-level domains currently |
|   |              | managed by the OCKT web development team          |
|   |              | (currently the main plus five third-level         |
|   |              | domains). The SP shall also be responsible for    |
|   |              | developing a plan and providing a Task Lead for   |
|   |              | each project.]{.underline}                        |
+---+--------------+---------------------------------------------------+
| 2 | 5.6.2.3.2.12 | The section refers to "Implement(ing) or          |
| 9 |              | maintain(ing) quality assurance processes,        |
| . |              | according to Agency-established protocols and     |
|   |              | review requirements. What are these protocols?    |
|   |              |                                                   |
|   |              | ##### [Answer: Section C.5.6.2.3.2.12 of the P    |
|   |              | WS has been edited for clarity to read: "Implemen |
|   |              | t or maintain quality assurance according to Agen |
|   |              | cy established review requirements."]{.underline} |
|   |              |                                                   |
|   |              | [Also, see Technical Exhibit 5-012 for additional |
|   |              | information.]{.underline}                         |
+---+--------------+---------------------------------------------------+
| 3 | 5.6.2.3.2.14 | Should the IT contractor performing the web       |
| 0 |              | development be required to conform to all         |
| . |              | development requirements?                         |
|   |              |                                                   |
|   |              | [Answer: Yes.]{.underline}                        |
+---+--------------+---------------------------------------------------+
| 3 | 5.6.2.3.2.15 | The requirements of developing documentation and  |
| 1 |              | user help are virtually unlimited requirements    |
| . |              | without boundaries. Clarification on this         |
|   |              | requirement is needed.                            |
|   |              |                                                   |
|   |              | ##### [Answer: Section C.5.6.2.3.2.15 of th       |
|   |              | e PWS has been edited for clarity to read: "Provi |
|   |              | de full documentation for each Web version of a t |
|   |              | ool or product developed by the SP."]{.underline} |
|   |              |                                                   |
|   |              | [Also, review the guidance on web-based           |
|   |              | tools.]{.underline}                               |
+---+--------------+---------------------------------------------------+
| 3 | 5.6.2.3.2.6  | Please clarify what \"Administer project          |
| 2 |              | resources and report on the status at weekly to   |
| . |              | the Web Management Team\" means? What does        |
|   |              | administer mean?                                  |
|   |              |                                                   |
|   |              | [Answer: Administer means to assign and monitor   |
|   |              | the use of resources associated with SP           |
|   |              | projects.]{.underline}                            |
+---+--------------+---------------------------------------------------+
| 3 | 5.6.3        | There are few boundaries on the limits of SP      |
| 3 |              | responsibility in regards to providing assistance |
| . |              | on a variety of simultaneous web projects. This   |
|   |              | directly impacts the ability to estimate          |
|   |              | resources. Will the SP play an assistance role    |
|   |              | primarily in web development?                     |
|   |              |                                                   |
|   |              | [Answer: This paragraph is intended to address    |
|   |              | the role of the SP in providing advice and review |
|   |              | in the development of third-level domains and     |
|   |              | Web-based tools that are hosted on sites created  |
|   |              | or maintained through AHRQ offices and centers.   |
|   |              | The SP\'s role is primarily consultative and      |
|   |              | intended to ensure that these resources are       |
|   |              | consistent with e-Gov Act requirements and HHS    |
|   |              | Web governance procedures, policies, and          |
|   |              | directives.]{.underline}                          |
|   |              |                                                   |
|   |              | [Further, as indicated in the answer to Question  |
|   |              | #27, just as with any tools that are to be hosted |
|   |              | on AHRQ's main site or the third-level domains    |
|   |              | currently managed by OCKT, the tasks described in |
|   |              | this paragraph do not pertain to the actual       |
|   |              | creation of the tools themselves but rather the   |
|   |              | interfaces.]{.underline}                          |
|   |              |                                                   |
|   |              | [Sections C.5.6.3.1.1, C.5.6.3.1.2, and           |
|   |              | C.5.6.3.1.2.4 of the PWS have been edited for     |
|   |              | clarity to read:]{.underline}                     |
|   |              |                                                   |
|   |              | ["**C.5.6.3.1.1** The SP shall provide            |
|   |              | consultation to AHRQ Offices and Centers on the   |
|   |              | development of Web-based projects to determine    |
|   |              | requirements in order to interface the projects   |
|   |              | with the AHRQ Web site. The SP shall submit to    |
|   |              | the PO estimated costs for the resources needed   |
|   |              | to create the appropriate interfaces to the AHRQ  |
|   |              | Web site for these products."]{.underline}        |
|   |              |                                                   |
|   |              | #### ["**C.5.6.3.1.2** Within the scope of this   |
|   |              | PWS, the SP shall provide technical assistance, a |
|   |              | s requested, to AHRQ Offices/Centers on the devel |
|   |              | opment of Web-based projects and maintain related |
|   |              |  project information. The SP shall:"]{.underline} |
|   |              |                                                   |
|   |              | [**C.5.6.3.1.2.4** Meet monthly with Office and   |
|   |              | Center representatives on the I-NET Work Group.   |
|   |              | Develop a proposed agenda for the PO's review and |
|   |              | approval and relevant handout materials to        |
|   |              | discuss content issues; HHS requirements; and     |
|   |              | support for Internet, Extranet, and Intranet      |
|   |              | information needs and offerings and other         |
|   |              | electronic resource services.]{.underline}        |
+---+--------------+---------------------------------------------------+
| 3 | 5.6.3.1.1/2  | The requirement for technical assistance is broad |
| 4 |              | and potentially a very resource intensive         |
| . |              | requirement without boundaries. The SP would      |
|   |              | benefit from understanding the boundaries of this |
|   |              | requirement. Proposed staffing may be impacted.   |
|   |              |                                                   |
|   |              | [Answer: Sections C.5.6.3.1.2.1 and C.5.6.3.1.2.2 |
|   |              | of the PWS have been edited for clarity to        |
|   |              | read:]{.underline}                                |
|   |              |                                                   |
|   |              | ["**C.5.6.3.1.2.1** Consult with program staff in |
|   |              | AHRQ's Offices and Centers on key product         |
|   |              | concepts and HHS Web requirements for the Web     |
|   |              | development process, such as information          |
|   |              | architecture and site structure, interface        |
|   |              | design, beta testing, requirements management,    |
|   |              | domain names, and launch. (See attached new       |
|   |              | Technical Exhibit 5-066A for detailed information |
|   |              | on Web Development Phases and the Web Development |
|   |              | Brief that together outline the possible areas to |
|   |              | be addressed by the SP)"]{.underline}             |
|   |              |                                                   |
|   |              | ["**C.5.6.3.1.2.2** Provide expertise to system   |
|   |              | administrators and information resources staff on |
|   |              | technical support required for Web development    |
|   |              | process."]{.underline}                            |
+---+--------------+---------------------------------------------------+
| 3 | 5.6.3.2.2    | Develop and Manage Web Projects is dependent on   |
| 5 |              | the breadth and dept of project, the timeline,    |
| . |              | the specific web project, etc. Determining        |
|   |              | resources will be very speculative without more   |
|   |              | details, including the specific projects to       |
|   |              | manage. The workload indicators provide a partial |
|   |              | picture of effort.                                |
|   |              |                                                   |
|   |              | [Answer: Overall, the need for the development    |
|   |              | and management of Web projects is driven by the   |
|   |              | dissemination and implementation goals of the     |
|   |              | Agency. The SP should plan on providing a project |
|   |              | task leader for each project who is familiar with |
|   |              | the process and requirements assessment provided  |
|   |              | in the Web development phases and tasks in the    |
|   |              | Web Development Brief. (See attached Technical    |
|   |              | Exhibit 5-066A). The work load indicators shown   |
|   |              | on page TE 5-001-10 (the development of 30 public |
|   |              | Web resources, 15 extranet resources, and 20      |
|   |              | Web-based tools in year 1; higher totals in years |
|   |              | 2-5) should be the basis for how potential        |
|   |              | bidders calculate the staffing needed for this    |
|   |              | requirement.]{.underline}                         |
+---+--------------+---------------------------------------------------+
| 3 | 5.6.3.4.4    | The terms manage and upgrade leave the SP with    |
| 6 |              | little indication of the level of effort and      |
| . |              | involvement of the SP with system administration. |
|   |              |                                                   |
|   |              | [Answer: The SP is responsible for "system        |
|   |              | administration" defined as ensuring the           |
|   |              | day-to-day operations and functioning of the      |
|   |              | production and development environments for the   |
|   |              | AHRQ main Web site, third-level AHRQ domains and  |
|   |              | Extranet and Intranet resources for which OCKT is |
|   |              | currently responsible. The tasks listed in the    |
|   |              | sub-paragraphs in that paragraph (especially      |
|   |              | sub-paragraphs 1, 2, and 3) are intended to       |
|   |              | provide details on what is included in the        |
|   |              | activities for which the SP shall be responsible. |
|   |              | In addition, attached new]{.underline}            |
|   |              |                                                   |
|   |              | [Technical Exhibit 3-004A contains a list of the  |
|   |              | specific government-furnished systems not         |
|   |              | maintained by ITSC that are                       |
|   |              | involved.]{.underline}                            |
+---+--------------+---------------------------------------------------+
| 3 | 5.6.3.4.4    | The term \"manage\" is used. What does manage     |
| 7 |              | really mean in regard to upgrading the Google     |
| . |              | Search Appliance? The role of the SP needs to be  |
|   |              | clarified.                                        |
|   |              |                                                   |
|   |              | [Answer: The SP shall be responsible for          |
|   |              | monitoring the ongoing functionality of the       |
|   |              | Google Search Engine, communicating with ITSC     |
|   |              | about hosting, network connectivity and           |
|   |              | integration, hardware and other needs, as         |
|   |              | appropriate, so that the search capability across |
|   |              | all AHRQ Web sites is continuously maintained.    |
|   |              | This includes building and updating the index and |
|   |              | taxonomy.]{.underline}                            |
+---+--------------+---------------------------------------------------+
| 3 | 5.6.3.4.5    | Establish and administer extranet resources       |
| 8 |              | implies system development and daily              |
| . |              | administration? Is it the intent of the PWS for   |
|   |              | the SP to provide significant resources to        |
|   |              | administer the extranet?                          |
|   |              |                                                   |
|   |              | [Answer: See Question 39.]{.underline}            |
+---+--------------+---------------------------------------------------+
| 3 | 5.6.3.4.5    | What does \"administer\" mean within \"Establish  |
| 9 |              | and administer Extranet resources in a variety of |
| . |              | environments\"?                                   |
|   |              |                                                   |
|   |              | [Answer: (Questions 38 & 39): The SP shall be     |
|   |              | responsible for monitoring the functionality of   |
|   |              | the 17 existing AHRQ extranet sites and           |
|   |              | communicating with ITSC about hardware and other  |
|   |              | needs, as appropriate, whenever the functionality |
|   |              | of those extranet sites has been compromised or   |
|   |              | fails. In addition, the SP shall be responsible   |
|   |              | for working with AHRQ Office and Center program   |
|   |              | staff to provide advice and input on the creation |
|   |              | of any new extranet sites to ensure that those    |
|   |              | sites adhere to pertinent OMB and HHS Web         |
|   |              | policies and directives for these sites. See      |
|   |              | Section C.6 and Technical Exhibit                 |
|   |              | 5-012.]{.underline}                               |
+---+--------------+---------------------------------------------------+
| 4 | 5.6.3.6      | The task appears to make web management           |
| 0 |              | responsibilities part of the SPs                  |
| . |              | responsibilities. Is this correct?                |
|   |              |                                                   |
|   |              | [Answer: The administrative support activities    |
|   |              | described in this paragraph pertain solely to the |
|   |              | OCKT Web team activities covered in the PWS,      |
|   |              | including Web communications oversight. The       |
|   |              | paragraph does not refer to any direct            |
|   |              | administrative support for Web projects carried   |
|   |              | out through separate contracts with other AHRQ    |
|   |              | offices and centers.]{.underline}                 |
|   |              |                                                   |
|   |              | [The heading of this paragraph is changed to      |
|   |              | read, "Administrative Support for Service         |
|   |              | Provider Web Development Projects and Electronic  |
|   |              | Dissemination Activities]{.underline}."           |
+---+--------------+---------------------------------------------------+
| 4 | 5.6.7.1.1    | In the PWS, C.5.6.7.1.1 says the SP will provide  |
| 1 |              | \"general support\" to the Intranet and section   |
| . |              | C.5.6.7.1.2 says the SP will provide \"assistance |
|   |              | to the AHRQ Intranet Coordinator.\" Please        |
|   |              | clarify these 2 inconsistent statements.          |
|   |              |                                                   |
|   |              | [Answer: The heading of paragraph C.5.6.7.1.1 is  |
|   |              | changed to read, "The SP shall provide support to |
|   |              | the Government Intranet Coordinator. The SP       |
|   |              | shall:..."]{.underline}                           |
+---+--------------+---------------------------------------------------+
| 4 | 5.6.7.1.1.2  | Is it the intent of the PWS for the SP to         |
| 2 |              | maintain software along with traditional          |
| . |              | communications activities?                        |
|   |              |                                                   |
|   |              | [Answer: Yes.]{.underline}                        |
+---+--------------+---------------------------------------------------+
| 4 | 5.6.7.1.2.3  | Administer "communities of practice" for          |
| 3 |              | collaboration, including establishment of         |
| . |              | Intranet work space, roles, and authorities for   |
|   |              | members. What does administer mean in this        |
|   |              | context?                                          |
|   |              |                                                   |
|   |              | [Answer: Administer in this context means to      |
|   |              | assist in the establishment of communities of the |
|   |              | practice by providing expert advice and input,    |
|   |              | especially regarding any HHS Web policies and     |
|   |              | directives that may apply, and monitoring the     |
|   |              | on-going system performance that the communities  |
|   |              | use.]{.underline}                                 |
+---+--------------+---------------------------------------------------+
| 4 | 5.6.7.1.2.4  | Provide technical assistance on operation and     |
| 4 |              | features to users as needed. What kind of         |
| . |              | workload could help us understand the true        |
|   |              | magnitude of the task?                            |
|   |              |                                                   |
|   |              | [Answer: Bidders should calculate the staffing    |
|   |              | needed for this requirement by planning on 250    |
|   |              | instances of assistance per year, with a 2.5%     |
|   |              | increase per year in years 2-5.]{.underline}      |
+---+--------------+---------------------------------------------------+
| 4 | 5.6.8.2.16   | \"Provide Web support in accordance with          |
| 5 |              | procedures and standards approved by AHRQ\" does  |
| . |              | not provide the SP with any boundaries in regards |
|   |              | to the level of effort needed to accomplish the   |
|   |              | task. What are these procedures?                  |
|   |              |                                                   |
|   |              | [Answer: Section C.5.6.8 and the sub-paragraphs   |
|   |              | that follow are all intended to describe the SP's |
|   |              | role in the development of the next iteration of  |
|   |              | AHRQ's main Web site. As such, the SP shall be    |
|   |              | required to follow the Web development procedures |
|   |              | that pertain to all HHS Web development           |
|   |              | activities, including upgrades to existing sites, |
|   |              | as outlined in the Web development phases and     |
|   |              | tasks in the Web Development Brief. (See attached |
|   |              | Technical Exhibit 5-066A)]{.underline}            |
+---+--------------+---------------------------------------------------+
| 4 | 5.6.8.2.2    | Develop, implement, and enhance leading edge      |
| 6 |              | capabilities to make the Web site content easier  |
| . |              | to mine and recombine, provide for multi-channel  |
|   |              | delivery, and apply best practices for an         |
|   |              | intuitive, transactional site. This is            |
|   |              | problematic because the language is open ended.   |
|   |              |                                                   |
|   |              | [Answer: The SP shall be required to provide      |
|   |              | expertise on the use of the latest Web            |
|   |              | technologies in facilitating the upgrade of       |
|   |              | AHRQ's main Web site. The SP shall be expected to |
|   |              | produce a project plan for the PO's approval that |
|   |              | will detail the steps involved in the upgrade and |
|   |              | how to incorporate those technologies. Bidders    |
|   |              | should demonstrate in their proposals the         |
|   |              | capacity to draw upon those technologies in       |
|   |              | achieving this task.]{.underline}                 |
+---+--------------+---------------------------------------------------+
|   |              |                                                   |
+---+--------------+---------------------------------------------------+
| 4 | 5.7.2.3.2    | Please define what is meant by \"maintain the     |
| 7 |              | computer system\". This would be useful in        |
| . |              | estimating proper resources to ensure IRC         |
|   |              | operations.                                       |
|   |              |                                                   |
|   |              | [Answer: Details on what is meant by "maintain    |
|   |              | the computer system" can be found in the attached |
|   |              | new Technical Exhibit 3-003A.]{.underline}        |
+---+--------------+---------------------------------------------------+
|   |              |                                                   |
+---+--------------+---------------------------------------------------+
| 4 | 5.8.3.2.1    | Is \"Beginning 3 months after contract award\"    |
| 8 |              | referring to the phase-in period or the start of  |
| . |              | the first performance period?                     |
|   |              |                                                   |
|   |              | [Answer: The start of the first performance       |
|   |              | period.]{.underline}                              |
+---+--------------+---------------------------------------------------+
| 4 | 5.8.4.1.6    | C.5.8.4.1.6 through C.5.8.4.1.6.1.2. These        |
| 9 |              | sections indicate that the SP should collect fees |
| . |              | from program participants to pay for hotel        |
|   |              | facilities and meals, and to defray costs for     |
|   |              | printing notebooks and other materials. It is my  |
|   |              | understanding that this would be in violation of  |
|   |              | DHHS and OMB regulations. Can AHRQ clarify this?  |
|   |              |                                                   |
|   |              | [Answer: This section and its sub paragraphs are  |
|   |              | deleted.]{.underline}                             |
+---+--------------+---------------------------------------------------+
| 5 | 5.8.4.1.6.1  | Is this a legal activity for a non-governmental   |
| 0 |              | entity SP to perform?                             |
| . |              |                                                   |
|   |              | [Answer: This section and its sub paragraphs are  |
|   |              | deleted.]{.underline}                             |
+---+--------------+---------------------------------------------------+
|   |              |                                                   |
+---+--------------+---------------------------------------------------+
| 5 | L.2          | DATA UNIVERSAL NUMBERING (DUNS) (OCT 2003) (FAR   |
| 1 |              | 52.204-6)\                                        |
| . |              | Does the MEO need a DUNS number?                  |
|   |              |                                                   |
|   |              | [Answer: For the purpose of proposal submission,  |
|   |              | the MEO is not required to indicate a DUNS        |
|   |              | number.]{.underline}                              |
+---+--------------+---------------------------------------------------+
| 5 | L.9          | \"The technical proposal shall not contain        |
| 2 |              | reference to cost; however resources information, |
| . |              | such as data concerning labor hours and           |
|   |              | categories, labor mix, materials, subcontracts,   |
|   |              | etc.\" How should the description of the costs    |
|   |              | associated with the Case Studies be presented to  |
|   |              | meet this requirement? Should any costs be        |
|   |              | included in the Case Study descriptions?          |
|   |              |                                                   |
|   |              | [Answer: Costs should not be included in the Case |
|   |              | Study descriptions. The description of costs was  |
|   |              | included to provide potential offerors a          |
|   |              | framework in which to develop their Case Study    |
|   |              | descriptions.]{.underline}                        |
+---+--------------+---------------------------------------------------+
| 5 | L.9          | There appears to be conflicting language on       |
| 3 |              | whether single space is acceptable for the entire |
| . |              | proposal? Is single space acceptable for the      |
|   |              | entire proposal?                                  |
|   |              |                                                   |
|   |              | [Answer: Single spacing is acceptable for the     |
|   |              | entire proposal.]{.underline}                     |
+---+--------------+---------------------------------------------------+
|   |              |                                                   |
+---+--------------+---------------------------------------------------+
| 5 | Cover Letter | In paragraph three it states "For this            |
| 4 |              | acquisition, the AHRQ recommended goal (as a      |
| . |              | percentage of subcontracting dollars for the base |
|   |              | period) is 30% for Small Businesses". Does this   |
|   |              | mean that the other 70% can go to organizations   |
|   |              | other than small businesses? If so, are there     |
|   |              | limitations on what organizations?                |
|   |              |                                                   |
|   |              | [Answer: The other 70% may go to organizations    |
|   |              | other than small businesses. There are no         |
|   |              | limitation on type of organizations.]{.underline} |
+---+--------------+---------------------------------------------------+
| 5 | General      | Is the letter of intent required or optional?     |
| 5 |              |                                                   |
| . |              | [Answer: The letter of intent is                  |
|   |              | optional.]{.underline}                            |
+---+--------------+---------------------------------------------------+
| 5 | General      | Has the Agency appointed an Agency Tender Lead    |
| 6 |              | who may be contacted?                             |
| . |              |                                                   |
|   |              | [Answer: The Agency Tender Official is Kathleen   |
|   |              | Kendrick, Deputy Director of AHRQ.]{.underline}   |
+---+--------------+---------------------------------------------------+

In addition to the answers provided above, the PWS is further amended.
The following sentence is added to the end of the paragraph under C.5.7
INFORMATION RESOURCE CENTER "IRC library services are governed by the
policies, guidelines and regulations listed in Technical Exhibit 5-076A:
AHRQ-IRC Policies, Guidelines, Regulations"

New Technical Exhibit 5-076A: AHRQ-IRC Policies, Guidelines, Regulations
is attached.

The following organization has submitted a Proposal Intent Response and
Approval to Release Name for Subcontracting Opportunities Form:

PARIO, Inc.

2451 Cumberland Parkway

Atlanta, GA 30339

Section B. Estimated Cost -- is hereby amended to add the Phase-In
Period, which will be for the period 09/30/06-03/31/07. Year 1 is
changed to read 04/01/07-03/31/08; Year 2 is changed to read
04/01/08-03/31/09; Year 3 is changed to read 04/01/09-03/31/10; Year 4
is changed to read 04/01/10-03/31/11; and Year 5 is changed to read
04/01/11-03/31/12.

As a result of this amendment, the due date for receipt of proposals has
been extended to **August 21, 2006, 12:00 Noon EDT.**