FMC - Multi-System Requirements Development - MRAS

The Federal Maritime Commission (FMC), in collaboration with the General Services Administration (GSA), is undertaking a significant initiative to modernize its information technology systems. This effort is aimed at developing comprehensive, RFQ-ready procurement requirements for several mission-critical IT systems. The primary goal of this initiative is to enhance the FMC's adjudicative operations, improve records transparency, and increase public access to Commission services. By transitioning from manual, paper-based processes to advanced electronic systems, the FMC seeks to improve its operational efficiency and comply with federal mandates.

Currently, the FMC relies on outdated manual processes for essential functions such as case filings and handling Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests. To address these inefficiencies and align with federal requirements, the Commission plans to implement new IT systems that introduce electronic capabilities for adjudication-related filings and FOIA request management. These new systems represent a significant shift from the current practices and are not merely upgrades to existing platforms but entirely new capabilities designed to streamline operations.

The scope of work involves developing well-defined and validated requirements that are acquisition-ready before competitive solicitations are issued for these new systems. This strategic approach aims to ensure effective acquisition planning, foster fair competition among vendors, and mitigate program and procurement risks. The contractor will be provided with Government-Furnished Information (GFI), including descriptions of current workflows, statutory obligations, and relevant policy references, which will aid in crafting precise procurement requirements.

In executing this project, compliance with various laws and regulations is mandatory. These include adherence to Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) guidelines, addressing organizational conflicts of interest as per FAR Subpart 9.5, ensuring accessibility according to Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act, maintaining cybersecurity standards under FISMA guidelines, as well as following applicable Office of Management and Budget (OMB) memoranda and National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) cybersecurity guidance. The contractor will also need to align with specific FMC policies and IT governance documentation provided during contract initiation.