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Request for Information: The Defense Contract Services Office Philadelphia would like to obtain Market Research information to help determine the way forward for a potentially NEW requirement that wil... Request for Information: The Defense Contract Services Office Philadelphia would like to obtain Market Research information to help determine the way forward for a potentially NEW requirement that will support the Defense Standardization Program (DSP). The DLA may have a requirement for an eXtnsible Markup Language (XML) conversion and editing software tool (solution) to manage the development and updates to DSP documents prepared IAW DOD manual 4120.24, Defense Standardization Program Procedures. A copy of 4120.24 can be found at: http://www.esd.whs.mil/Portals/54/Documents/DD/issuances/dodm/412024m.pdf. The scope of work for this potential requirement is as follows: The Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) Document Services has a requirement to procure a scalable eXtensible Markup Language (XML) software tool solution to express DSP documents that come in typically as MS Word Documents in a variety of styles and formatting into a human and machine-readable medium that software can manipulate and automatically process and render as data, PDF and other file formats, e.g., Standards Tag Suite (STS) creating standardized templated documents for publication. The XML software solution will be easy for a beginner to operate and customizable to ensure DSP documents are compliant with DoDM 4120.24, MIL-STD-961, Defense and Program-Unique Specifications Format and Content; MIL-STD-962, Defense Standards Format and Content. A copy of MIL-STD-961 and 962 is located at visit ASSIST at https://assist.dla.mil The RFI will address recommendations on software that will facilitate the conversion of DSP documents to XML. The recommendation will customization, aintenance/software updates, installation/technical support, and initial on-site training to provide: Maintenance (Server) CLIN The basic objective of this task is to obtain a software solution and related installation, testing, changes, patches, updates and maintenance of the server licenses to support the ASSIST Program and DSPO’s initiative to convert specifications and standards to XML. Technical Support Services CLIN The scope of this task is to provide technical support package related to the installation, application, and use of the software solution. Training (Beginner User Level) CLIN The basic objective of this task is to provide onsite, instructor-led training in Philadelphia, PA for up to ten (10) beginner users on how to use the software solution. Training (Advanced/Administrator Level) CLIN The basic objective of this task is to provide onsite, instructor-led training in no greater than two contiguous United States locations for up to eight (8) system administrators and advance users at a time that is convenient to the Government, including training materials. SOFTWARE SOLUTION The Government is looking for a software solution for the conversion of DSP documents to XML that meets the following minimum requirements: 1. The software solution shall provide ten (10) desktop licenses and one (1) server licenses 14 days after contract award. 2. The software shall include a server-based and latest version Microsoft Word plug-in software solution to convert specifications and standards formatted in Microsoft Word to a human-legible and machine-readable XML format that is precise, clear, and editable. 3. The software shall be capable of validating external references, citations and URLs automatically, and have the capacity and capability to interface with external systems. 4. The software shall generate XML files using a plug-in and the ASSIST server to auto-generate XML outputs in less than one (1) hour at a 100% accuracy rate. . The software shall convert the resultant XML file to Portable Document Format (PDF) and other file formats using automation and customized and tailored schemas, e.g., STS, within 5 minutes, while maintaining data and information integrity. 5. The software shall allow user to view formatted xml markups, and edit the resultant output during xml conversion process prior to final pdf. publication. 6. The Contractor shall coordinate with the Government to test the software solution on the ASSIST server and desktops within 90 days of contract award. CUSTOMIZATION A. The Contractor shall provide software customization for the conversion of DSP documents to XML that meets the following minimum requirements: 1. The software shall convert all types of DSP documents, in formats ranging in complexity. Document complexity is defined as may having an array of tables, figures, images, engineering drawings, index, table of contents, etc. that should remain intact through conversion process to PDF publication. 2. The software shall structure DSP documents, specifically but not limited to Military Specifications (MIL-SPECs) and Standards (MIL-STDs) in XML in accordance with MIL-STD-961 and 962, and other formatting documents and schemas (e.g., Standards Tag Suite (STS)), as needed. B. The Contractor shall coordinate with DLA J62 POC and ASSIST Application Owner (Defense Standardization Program Office (DSPO)) to identify, evaluate, develop and realize customization and tailoring requirements. C. The Contractor shall coordinate with DSPO to test and deliver the resultant output of software customization and tailoring. USABILITY A. The Contractor shall provide a software solution that meets the following usability minimum requirements: 1. The software solution shall be easy for non-technical, beginner users (with no prior technical experience) to operate and convert a specification or standard of medium complexity from Microsoft Office to XML within 60 minutes (one (1) hour). 2. The software solution shall include features that allow user to overcome errors, restore work prior to system time-outs, and save completed and uncompleted work. 3. The software solution shall provide user interaction that is easy, intuitive, and low-level effort to convert Microsoft Office Documents to XML. 4. The software solution shall provide user interaction that is easy, intuitive, and low-level to convert XML to PDF. MAINTENANCE A. The Contractor shall recommend a software solution that meets the following maintenance minimum requirements: 1. The Contractor shall notify DSPO in writing when tasks are scheduled and completed, and software requires updating. The Contractor shall provide DSPO with maintenance status reports or documentation, as required and at DSPO’s request. 2. The Contractor shall provide seamless software updates as needed without causing work stoppages. 3. The Contractor will notify the Government 90 days before licenses are due for optional term extension, per contract provisions. TECHNICAL SUPPORT PACKAGE 1) The Contractor shall provide a software technical support package that meets the following minimum requirements: 1. The Contractor’s service package shall include unlimited technical support during Government business hours, excluding holidays. Resultant fixes and changes must be installed with no unscheduled downtime for installation or problem resolution. The service package shall include: (a) Resolution of work stoppages within 24 hours and (b) Resolution of non-urgent issues within five (5) business days. TRAINING A. The Contractor shall recommend training that meets the following minimum requirements: 1. The Contractor shall provide onsite, not to exceed two locations, instructor-led training for beginners and system administrators and advanced users within six (6) months of contract award. 2. The Contractor shall provide a user's manual or other educational resources, as necessary (paper or electronic). The user’s manual or other educational resources shall include clear, thorough, and easy-to-follow training aids on how to use the software. SECURITY A. The Contractor shall recommend a software solution that meets the following minimum-security requirements: 1. The Contractor shall coordinate with the Government to test the software solution on the ASSIST server and desktops within 90 days of contract award. 2. The software solution must be capable of operating on DLA J6 furnished equipment (i.e., computers), including servers and the cloud (Azure). The software solution must meet DoD and DLA J6 requirements as specified by DoD Security Requirements Guides (SRGs) and DoD Security Technical Implementation Guides (STIGs) website: Security Technical Implementation Guides (STIGs) – DoD Cyber Exchange 3. The Contractor’s recommended software solution must NOT require macros to perform as required by this PWS. DLA J6 will disable all macros imbedded in the software solution. 4. The Contractor shall identify to the Government any macros built into the software and identify how its disabling will affect the performance of the software solution. REPORTING 1. The Contractor shall recommend their preferred methods and tools for written communication, reporting and documentation requirements as set forth herein. 2. The Contractor shall suggest an estimate for all contractor labor hours (including subcontractor labor hours) required for performance of services provided under this contract for the Defense Logistics Agency via a secure data collection site. 3. Reporting input will be for the labor executed during the period of performance during each Government fiscal year (FY), which runs October 1 through September 30. While inputs may be reported any time during the FY, all data shall be reported no later than October 31 of each calendar year, beginning with 2023. DEMONSTRATION Based on the information received in response to this RFQ, potential vendors may have the opportunity to provide a live demonstration to the DLA which highlights your ability to satisfy this potential requirement. Please note that the GOVERNMENT will not PAY FOR ANY INFORMATION OR DEMONSTRATION in regards to this Request for Information. A response to this RFI is requested to the attention of Joseph Tierney @DLA.Mil by no later than 6 April 2023.