Web Quality Assurance and Accessibility Tool

Amendment 0002 - July 20, 2023:  Below, the Department has provided responses to questions received from interested parties.  Additionally, the quote due date is changed to 2pm EST on Tuesday, July 25, 2023.

Questions from Interested Parties

1.  Does the Buy America Act apply to this solicitation?

The Department’s expectation is that this acquisition will be for a commercial information technology item and, therefore, the Exception at FAR 25.103 (e) Information technology that is a commercial product, will apply.  The restriction on purchasing foreign end products does not apply to the acquisition of information technology that is a commercial product, when using fiscal year 2004 or subsequent fiscal year funds (section 535(a) of Division F, Title V, Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2004, and similar sections in subsequent appropriations acts).

2.  The opportunity does not appear to be set aside for small firms.  Please confirm.

Pursuant to the FedRAMP Authorization Act (released on January 11, 2023) within the FY23 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) Subtitle C, Sec. 5921 Subtitle C, § 3613, agencies are directed to promote the use of cloud computing products and services that meet FedRAMP security requirements.  ED anticipates acquiring a cloud computing product to meet this requirement. Based on market research conducted, we did not identify any small business firms that could meet the requirements in the FedRAMP Marketplace.  Therefore, we did not set this opportunity aside for small firms. 

3.  Was there previous market research for this opportunity?

Yes, market research was conducted for this opportunity.

4.  How many total websites would be included in the DOE's subscription?  Approximately how many total webpages in total are there for all those sites combined?  Total number of users?  Ballpark estimates are fine.

One domain, approximately 20,000 html pages and “TBD number” of *.pdf documents.   There will be five (5) users to start, but we would like optional pricing on more users so we can begin letting content editors use the tool.

5.  Will the DOE be considering vendors not FedRAMP approved?

If a cloud solution will be used, then an ED-issued, FedRAMP- Compliant ATO is a Federal and a Departmental requirement, and one “shall be obtained.” 

6.  Will the Department extend the due date for quotes?

The due date for quotes is extended to 2pm EST on Tuesday, July 25, 2023.

Amendment 0001 - July 14, 2023:  The quote due date is changed to Friday, July 21, 2023 at 11:00am EST.   Interested parties should continue to monitor this notice for a Q&A document providing the Department's responses to questions received.

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items prepared in accordance with the format in Subpart 12.6, as supplemented with additional information included in this notice. The solicitation for commercial services is being conducted under FAR Part 12 in conjunction with FAR Part 13. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; quotes are being requested and a written solicitation will not be issued. The solicitation document and incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect through FAC Number/Effective Date:    2023-02/ 03/16/2023. The NAICS Code is 513210, Software Publishers, and the size standard is $47M.

The U.S. Department of Education (ED), Office of Communications and Outreach (OCO), has a need to obtain a Web Quality Assurance and Accessibility Tool.  ED requires a software program or online service that shall support web content quality assurance and improve website user experience by identifying and fixing common errors like broken links, outdated content, and typos.  In addition, the tool shall conduct a web accessibility evaluation to help ED determine if its web content meets accessibility guidelines.  To be considered, quoted products must meet ALL the requirements identified below.  The anticipated period of performance is a 12-month Base Year and one 12-month Option Year.

The attached RFQ, uploaded as a separate document, contains the complete requirements, quote instructions, basis for award, and other information necessary to submit a quote.

Quotes are due by 2pm EST on July 17, 2023.