The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), wishes to conduct a Request for Information (RFI) that will serve as market research on establishing a solicitation for contractor support the USDA loan modernization effort to replace legacy systems with a unified, secure, and scalable platform that leverages commercial solution(s) to improve operational efficiency, enhance user experience, and ensure compliance with federal regulations.
The USDA intends to use Modular Contracting methods for this requirement:
Modular Contracting
Any resultant awards will have two phases via optional periods and CLINs. Phase 1 of each award will be funded. Phase 2 (optional periods) will not be funded at the time of award. The exercise of all Phase 2 CLINs and/or optional periods is dependent on the results of Phase 1 and at the Government’s sole discretion.
Phase 1 – Proof of Concept
Phase 1 consists of a short proof of concept effort. Phase 1 may consist of pilots, demonstrations, mock data conversions, integrations, and additional items dependent on agreement between the Government and the Contractor. Phase 1 is expected to last 60 days. Phase 1 is anticipated to be substantial enough to familiarize with product capabilities, but with a lightweight cost model, while Phase 2 will deploy full pricing and technical capability. Prior to the conclusion of Phase 1, the Government will determine if Phase 2 will be funded and exercised.
Phase 2 – Deployment (Optional)
Phase 2 consists of full implementation and deployment. All option periods fall under Phase 2. The initial award will specify CLINs and a price list for Phase 2, however the Government may renegotiate terms of Phase 2 with the Contractor based on results of Phase 1.
