RFI for Data Science Training Subscriptions

THIS IS A REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI) ONLY. This RFI is issued solely for information and planning purposes and does not constitute a Request for Proposal (RFP) or a promise to issue an RFP in the future. This RFI does not commit the Government to contract for any supply or service whatsoever. Further, NGA is not at this time seeking proposals and will not accept unsolicited proposals. Responders are advised that the U.S. Government will not pay for any information or administrative costs incurred in response to this RFI. All costs associated with responding to this RFI will be solely at the interested party’s expense. Not responding to this RFI does not preclude participation in any future RFP, if any is issued.

The purpose of this RFI is to determine those who can satisfy the requirements for the following requirement for training subscriptions. NGA is interested in training platforms that can meet the requirement without excessive courses. NGA has conducted extensive market research thus far and identified prospective vendors and is interested in industry’s feedback on its capabilities.

1. Requirement

       1.1. Data Science

NGA seeks an online training platform that provides self-paced, formalized data science training to enhance novice through expert competencies and enable data professionals to apply new methodologies across any mission space. Specific topic areas shall include Python (data analysis), Excel, SQL (data queries), Scala (machine learning), Tableau (data vis), R (data analysis), PowerBI (data vis), Oracle (data analysis), git (version controlling), >_shell (automation), and Spark (big data processing). NGA seeks a platform with automated dashboard reporting, customer independent learning path development, learning management system integration, and customer administrative management of licenses, assignments, competency development, assessments, and participant progression. Requirements listed above shall be available “out-of-the box” with no development requirement. NGA is seeking licenses for approximately 500 users.

2. Requested Information

2.1. Administrative

Information to include the following as a minimum: Name, mailing address, overnight delivery address (if different from mailing address), phone number, fax number, company website, and e-mail of designated point(s) of contact.

Business Type: Based upon North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 611420, Computer Training Services, applicable to this acquisition, the responder is to provide answers to the following questions:

To be considered for a Small Business set-aside, at least 50% of the cost of contract performance incurred for personnel shall be expended for employees of the responder. (FAR 52.219-14, Limitation of Subcontracting)

 Are you a Small Business? (FAR 19.102), If so, which type:

 Small Disadvantaged small business? (FAR 19.304)

 Service Disabled small business? (FAR 19.14)

 8(a) Small Disadvantaged small business? (FAR 19.8)

 HUBZone small business? (FAR 19.13)

 Woman-Owned Small Business? (FAR 19.15)

 Involved in a mentor and/or protégé program? (DFARS 219.71)

 Recommendation for another NAICS Code? Provide rationale for any NAICS Code applicable to the planned acquisition.

 Commercial and Government Entity (CAGE) Code:

3. Responses

Interested parties shall respond to this RFI with a white paper and include the following:

 Response to Sections 1 and 2 above.

 If a subscription can be customized to specific courses or subject matter areas that would eliminate excess courses not part of NGA’s requirement, please include this information in the response.

 Enterprise level pricing.

 Written responses shall not include proprietary information (excluding price information). Any responses that are marked proprietary will not be considered.

 To aid in the Government review, any response shall be in Microsoft Word for Office or compatible format and shall not exceed 10 pages.

 The first page of the submission must state the RFI title and provide the name, mailing address, phone number, fax number, company website, and e-mail of designated point(s) of contact. The first page shall also provide a short description of the company to include capabilities, company size and category (e.g. large, small, small disadvantaged).

4. Summary

This RFI is only intended for the Government to identify sources that can provide the needed services and determine the best way forward. The information provided in this RFI is subject to change and is not binding to the Government. The Government has not made a commitment to procure any of the RFI requirements discussed, and release of this RFI should not be construed as such a commitment or as authorization to incur cost for which reimbursement would be required or sought. All submissions become Government property and will not be returned.