Questions and Answers_AMD 0005.pdf

Solicitation N6471026Q0009 AMD 0005 Questions and Answers

106. Basis of Award / Evaluation Methodology: Please confirm the basis of award and evaluation methodology for Solicitation No. N6471026Q0009. Will award be made on a lowest-price technically acceptable basis, best-value tradeoff basis, lowest-priced responsive/responsible quotation basis, or another evaluation methodology? Please identify all evaluation factors, subfactors, relative order of importance, weighting, scoring method, and whether price, technical approach, exceptions, past performance, schedule, and compliance will be evaluated on an acceptable/unacceptable, adjectival, numerical, or other basis.

Answer: Per Section K of Solicitation N6471026Q0009, “In accordance with FAR 13.106, the Government will select the most advantageous offer based on the following evaluation factors: technical acceptance, delivery date, price, and past performance in no order of relative importance.”

107. DD Form 254 / Facility Clearance / Unclassified Escorted Performance: Please clarify the basis for requiring a DD Form 254, prime-contractor Facility Clearance, and cleared contractor personnel for this procurement.

Answer: The WOC is a continuously operating classified processing area. Cleared contractor personnel are required to perform work in the classified processing space, therefore, the requirement for a DD Form 254 and cleared contractor personnel for this requirement.

108. Classified information trigger: Has the Government determined that contractor performance will require the contractor to receive, generate, possess, store, process, transmit, or independently access classified information?

Answer: Yes. The contractor will have access to video feeds that are classified that transfers the solicitations purposed solution in order to output to displays.

109. IP-based design issue: Does the Government’s IP-based AV-over-IP design require contractor access to SIPR network configuration information, including IP addressing, switch configuration, multicast/routing parameters, or other controlled/classified implementation details?

Answer: No access to SIPR network configuration information is required. The AV System shall be isolated and receive video feeds only into AV switches.

110. Alternate Layer 1 approach: If an offeror proposes a non-IP Layer 1 fiber transport approach for primary multiclassification source routing that does not require contractor access to SIPR IP addressing, switch configuration, multicast/routing parameters, or classified network implementation details, may the effort be performed as unclassified escorted installation/support work?

Answer: This scenario only works is the space is completely sanitized from all classified information and classified processing ceases while any uncleared contractors are in the space which is not practical since this area is an operations center that continuously operates 24/7.

111. DD254/FCL applicability: If performance can be structured so the contractor does not access, handle, store, process, transmit, or independently use classified information, and all on-site work is performed under Government escort, please confirm whether a DD Form 254, prime-contractor FCL, and cleared contractor personnel are required.

Answer: Please see Question & Answer #110 above. (This scenario only works is the space is completely sanitized from all classified information and classified processing ceases while any uncleared contractors are in the space which is not practical since this area is an operations center that continuously operates 24/7.)

112. Solicitation clarification or amendment: If the DD Form 254, prime-contractor FCL, and cleared-personnel requirements apply only when a proposed technical approach requires contractor access to classified information or classified network implementation details, please clarify or amend the solicitation accordingly so all offerors may compete on a common basis.

Because a mandatory prime-contractor FCL requirement may materially restrict competition, please confirm whether that requirement is reasonably necessary to meet the Government’s minimum needs for approaches that can be performed as unclassified escorted installation/support work.

Answer: The contractor will be exposed to classified processing simply by being in the room/WOC.

Answer: Please see Question & Answer #110 above. (This scenario only works is the space is completely sanitized from all classified information and classified processing ceases while any uncleared contractors are in the space which is not practical since this area is an operations center that continuously operates 24/7.)

113. Specific basis if still required: If the Government has determined that classified contract performance is required regardless of technical approach, please identify the specific SOW requirement, task, deliverable, system access requirement, or classified-information handling requirement that necessitates a DD Form 254.

Answer: Classified switches receive classified video feeds. These switches output to classified monitors which the contractor will have access to. The requirement that necessitates a DD Form 254 remains in place.

114. [REDACTED] would be the prime contractor, but we do not currently hold an active DCSA Facility Clearance (FCL). We are, however, working with a subcontractor that does hold an active FCL.

Could you please confirm whether the prime contractor itself must hold the required FCL, or whether the requirement can be satisfied through a cleared subcontractor that would perform the classified work?

Answer: The Prime vendor must be the one with an FCL or they must be in the process of receiving and FCL through sponsorship from a GCA. The Prime vendor is the overall entity responsible for the work including any work done associated with classified processing.

Solicitation N6471026Q0009 AMD 0004 Questions and Answers

92. Shared LAN control across classifications: To ensure offerors understand the intended cybersecurity boundary, please clarify whether the AV Control Display System, control switch, centralized control processor, touch panel, or any out-of-band management/control LAN is intended to concurrently connect to or control devices in both classified and unclassified video switching domains, since a common LAN-based control path may become a shared control plane across classification domains. If this is not the Government’s intent, please identify the proposed technical approach for separating control, management, and operator interaction between the classified and unclassified video switching domains.

Why this is important: This determines whether offerors must treat the control path as a potential cross-classification boundary and price, document, and accredit the solution accordingly.

Answer: Traffic shall feed one-way into a control switch via a fiber isolator. The unclassified and classified video switch, if required for solution, will not have connectivity to the LAN, and will be isolated.

93. Cross-domain control authorization: If a single AV Control Display System, centralized control processor, or management/control LAN is intended to administer both classified and unclassified video switching systems, please identify whether the Government has determined that this control architecture requires cross-domain authorization, boundary protection, or additional cybersecurity accreditation controls, since the management/control plane may become the effective cross-domain path even when media links are physically isolated. If this is not the intended control architecture, please identify the proposed technical approach for preventing any shared control-plane path between classification domains.

Why this is important: Offerors need this determination to avoid proposing an architecture that later requires unplanned cross-domain review, added boundary protection, or additional approval actions.

Answer: Desired Single AV Control Display System. Feeds should be aggregated on a unclassified video switch and fed to a AV Control Display Switch for outputting video to monitors. The System will not connect to LAN but be an isolated LAN that accepts video input feeds only.

94. Bidirectional control behavior: For purposes of cybersecurity review and acceptance testing, please confirm whether LAN-based AV control is intended to be command-only or whether it includes bidirectional functions such as device discovery, status polling, acknowledgements, route confirmation, source labeling, endpoint health monitoring, logging, or firmware/configuration management, since these functions may affect the validity of any one-way isolation assumption. If bidirectional control is not intended, please identify the proposed technical approach for source selection, route confirmation, endpoint status, and operator feedback without creating a return path across the isolation boundary.

Why this is important: Bidirectional control behavior can change the cybersecurity risk profile and may require different isolation, testing, and documentation than a command-only control path.

Answer: No Bi-directional control. No Endpoint status needed, besides receiving the one-way video feeds from sources indicated on SOW Attachment 1.

95. Fiber isolator basis of design: Please identify the specific make, model, firmware/software version, and approval status of the fiber isolators used in the Government’s basis of design, including whether they are intended to function as physical media isolators or data-diode-style one-way devices, since their directionality, supported traffic behavior, cybersecurity function, and accreditation suitability cannot be evaluated from the current specification alone. If a specific isolator is not prescribed, please identify the proposed technical approach and required performance/security characteristics offerors must satisfy for isolation between the relevant AV components.

Why this is important: The isolator type and approval status determine whether the device merely changes physical media or provides enforceable one-way separation acceptable for the intended security boundary.

Answer: Fiber isolator must be TAA compliant and provide enforceable one-way separation acceptable for the intended security boundary. SWFPAC IA Team will validate purposed fiber isolator solution.

96. Basis-of-design component details: Please identify the make, model, firmware/software version, and approval status for the two video switching systems, control switch, fiber isolators, and any IP-video encoders/decoders shown or described in Attachment 1 and Section 2.5, since cybersecurity behavior, multicast/control requirements, management interfaces, performance, and SWFPAC IA/TAA approval status may vary significantly by manufacturer, model, firmware version, and configuration. If exact components are not mandated, please identify the proposed technical approach, minimum required capabilities, and approval criteria the Government will use to evaluate equivalent components.

Why this is important: Without specific component details, offerors cannot accurately assess equivalency, IA/TAA compliance, pricing, lifecycle support, or technical risk.

Answer: We are unable to provide requested information due to sole sourcing justification.

As indicated in SOW, Cisco is preferred; however, solicitation is not limited to Cisco. Other companies’ hardware, can be leveraged. The solicitor will need to provide a solution.

97. IP video and isolator behavior: If IP video traffic is expected to traverse through, terminate at, or interact with the fiber isolators, please identify how IP-video functions such as multicast group management, IGMP behavior, device discovery, stream negotiation, routing acknowledgements, endpoint status, and management traffic will be supported while maintaining separation between classified and unclassified domains. If IP video is not intended to traverse or interact with the isolators in this manner, please identify the proposed technical approach for maintaining required video routing and display functionality while preserving separation.

Why this is important: IP-video systems often depend on control and discovery functions that may not operate through strict isolation, so this clarification affects technical feasibility, security separation, and acceptance testing.

Answer: No End point discovery functions required.

98. Control switch role: Please clarify whether the control switch identified in Section 2.5 is intended only for AV control/management, or whether it also carries, proxies, monitors, or has visibility into media traffic, source-selection traffic, multicast traffic, endpoint status, or routing information from both classified and unclassified video switching domains, since this determines whether the control switch is part of the AV cybersecurity boundary. If the control switch is not intended to perform these functions, please identify the proposed technical approach for control, monitoring, and source-selection coordination among the AV components.

Why this is important: The control switch’s role determines whether it is a simple control component or a security-relevant boundary device requiring additional hardening, monitoring, documentation, and test evidence.

Answer: The Control switch is a Simple Control Component. The Control Switch is not connected to the Classified LAN.

99. Management access separation: Please clarify how management access to the classified switch, unclassified switch, and control switch will be separated, including whether each switch will use separate management interfaces, administrator credentials, management workstations, configuration baselines, and approval boundaries, since shared administration or shared management access may create a management-plane bridge between classifications. If separate management paths are not required, please identify the proposed technical approach for preventing management-plane exposure between classifications.

Why this is important: Clear management separation is needed to prevent shared administrative paths from undermining the intended separation between classified and unclassified AV domains.

Answer: Access to the AV Switches will be local only. No remote access since this is an isolated LAN separate from the classified and unclassified network.

100. Segmentation and multicast controls: Does the Government’s basis of design rely on VLANs, multicast controls, switch ACLs, routing policies, or other logical configurations to preserve separation between classified and unclassified AV traffic? If so, please identify the required segmentation, multicast, access-control, and configuration-validation requirements so offerors can accurately address performance, IA, sustainment, and acceptance-test requirements.

If this is not the intended separation method, please identify the proposed technical approach for preserving separation between classified and unclassified AV traffic.

Why this is important: If separation depends on logical configuration, offerors must understand the required controls so they can propose proper hardening, validation, sustainment, and fault-recovery procedures.

Answer: AV System is isolated from SWFPAC Classified and Unclassified network.

101. Isolation and failure-mode testing: Please identify the required SOVT or acceptance-test criteria for verifying that the classified and unclassified video switching systems, fiber isolators, control switch, decoders, and AV Control Display System maintain proper separation during source selection, route changes, power cycling, component failure, control-LAN failure, multicast fault, incorrect configuration, and recovery operations, since security separation should be validated during testing rather than assumed from the architecture diagram. If these are not the intended test conditions, please identify the proposed technical approach and acceptance criteria the Government will use to verify isolation and failure-mode behavior.

Why this is important: Defined failure-mode testing gives the Government and offerors a common acceptance standard for proving separation under normal, degraded, and recovery conditions.

Answer: SWFPAC does not have a standard SOVT criteria for AV System. Solicitor will recommend and demonstrate isolation.

102. Alternate Layer 1 secure routing architecture: Will the Government accept an alternate technical approach that satisfies the operational requirement for secure multiclassification source routing and eight-display visualization but replaces the specified Ethernet/IP-video switching, fiber-isolator-between-switches, control-switch, and IP-decoder topology with a non-IP Layer 1 fiber matrix architecture, since this approach may reduce management-plane exposure, multicast/configuration risk, and lifecycle cybersecurity burden while preserving the required operational capability? If not, please identify the proposed technical approach the Government requires for achieving secure multiclassification source routing and eight-display visualization using the specified topology.

Why this is important: This clarification allows offerors to determine whether a lower-complexity secure routing approach can be evaluated as technically acceptable rather than rejected for not matching the depicted topology.

Answer: Yes a lower-complex secure routing approach that allows multiple selectable sources to be displayed on 8 monitors would be acceptable.

103. Cybersecurity and sustainment responsibility: Please confirm that cybersecurity-specific artifacts and activities for the specified three-switch IP-video architecture, including network diagrams, data-flow diagrams, port/protocol lists, firmware baselines, configuration files, administrator access procedures, switch-hardening documentation, isolation test evidence, IA review support, cybersecurity accreditation support, and lifecycle cybersecurity sustainment, are the Government’s responsibility unless expressly identified as contractor deliverables in the solicitation. If this is not the Government’s intent, please identify the specific cybersecurity artifacts, validation activities, accreditation-support tasks, and sustainment responsibilities that the contractor is required to provide as part of the proposed AV system.

Why this is important: This clarification affects proposal scope, engineering labor, documentation deliverables, acceptance criteria, cybersecurity responsibility allocation, and long-term Government sustainment responsibilities.

Answer: Diagrams, data-flow diagrams, port/protocol lists, firmware baselines, configuration files, administrator access procedures, switch-hardening documentation STIGs.

104. Pathways, spaces, and cable access: Please confirm whether adequate pathways, ceiling access, conduit, cable tray capacity, wall penetrations, rack access, floor/wall box pathways, and associated spaces are available to extend required cabling between the rack location, operator desks, source locations, control locations, and display monitors, since pathway limitations or restricted ceiling/access conditions may affect cable routing, installation labor, schedule, pricing, firestopping, restoration requirements, and the final system architecture. If existing pathways and spaces are not available or are not yet verified, please identify the proposed technical approach and Government direction for pathway development, access coordination, wall/ceiling penetrations, restoration, and any required construction support.

Why this is important: Existing pathway and access conditions directly affect installation feasibility, labor assumptions, schedule risk, restoration requirements, and whether additional Government coordination or construction support will be needed.

Answer: There is more than a foot above ceiling. There are cable pathways inside of room and to room 101; however, there is no documentations readily available to supply besides the additional information that was provided in SOW Attachments 1 and 2.

105. Your attached floor plans / drawings seem to be missing the height of the wall where the displays will be going. When trying to fit the displays using the provided 40" from floor and 18" from ceiling, it seems that only 55" displays will fit with the assumption that the wall is 10' tall.

If the wall is 12' or taller, then we can comfortably fit 65" or 75" displays.

Would you be able to provide a total height measurement of that wall floor to ceiling, or do you have a preference on the size of display that is used?

Answer: Room height is 10 feet.

Solicitation N6471026Q0009 AMD 0003 Questions and Answers

15. What Government-Furnished Equipment (if any) will remain in place and be reused under this project?

Answer: Equipment racks are the only Government Furnished Equipment (GFE). The equipment racks are listed on the SOW Attachment 1 and can be leveraged for your proposal.

16. The Statement of Work requires delivery of the AV system source code upon completion.

Could the Government clarify what is expected to be included in this deliverable (e.g., editable programming files, compiled files, configuration files, supporting documentation, etc.)?

Answer: Please see Question & Answer #10 below. (Proprietary Programming files are acceptable if explained what their function is and how to edit said files. All license information is required, along with their expiration dates and renewal requirements for said license. Editable files should be in Microsoft excel, word, pdf, or a txt file if not a proprietary programming file.)

17. Does the prime contractor require a Facility Clearance (FCL), or is it sufficient for personnel performing the work to possess the required individual security clearances?

Answer: Please see Question & Answer #5 below. (Yes. In order for personnel to hold a Secret clearance, their employer must have a Facility Clearance (FCL). The Prime contractor must be "cleared"(have an active FCL in good standing with the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA)) and any sub-contractors would also need to be "cleared" (hold their own FCL). A DD Form 254 will be created within 5 days of contract award.)

18. CLIN 0007 references Maintenance Support and Warranty. Could the Government clarify whether the base warranty period is 120 days or one full Year?

Answer: In accordance with the Solicitation, Section F (Deliveries or Performance) the warranty period specified in CLIN 0007 is for 120 days upon system installation.

19. Could the Government identify which existing equipment (such as codecs, workstations, displays, racks, switches, or cabling) will remain in place as Government-Furnished Equipment (GFE) or will be reused under this project?

Answer: Equipment racks are the only GFE and are shown on the SOW Attachment 1.

These items can be leveraged for your proposal. The previous CODECs have already been de-installed. The only GFE remaining for the current AV system are the media converters, which will be turned over to Government personnel if not leveraged for your proposal.

20. Could the Government provide room dimensions, or confirm whether they will be made available during or after the site visit?

Answer: Please see SOW Attachment 1 for estimated room dimensions. Those contractors attending the Site Visit will have the opportunity to confirm the room dimensions.

21. Will Government-approved photographs, rack elevations, equipment layouts, or field measurements be provided to site visit attendees following the site visit?

Answer: Due to security restrictions, photographs or photography equipment is not permitted in this space. No additional measurements will be provided to Site Visit attendees, however, Site Visit attendees are highly encouraged to validate space as shown on the SOW Attachment 1. SOW Attachment 1 provides estimated room dimensions.

Rack elevations can be taken at the time of the Site Visit.

22. Please confirm whether all eight hospitality monitors are intended to operate as a single 2×4 video wall, or whether only selected groups are required to support 2×2 display spanning.

Answer: 2x2 center most monitors are the minimum requirement.

23. Does SWFPAC maintain an approved Information Assurance (IA) product list for AV network equipment? If so, could the Government provide the list or identify the applicable approval requirements?

Answer: SWFPAC does not maintain a pre-approved IA product list for AV network equipment. SWFPAC will review purposed AV network products to determine their vulnerabilities and compliance. SOW paragraph 2.5.4 states “The three (3) switches shall be SWFPAC approved for Information Assurance (IA) and Trade Agreement Act (TAA) compliant, Customer preference is Cisco switches and are known compliant.

24. The Statement of Work states that contractor installation personnel requiring access at SWFPAC shall have a minimum of a Secret clearance. Please confirm whether offerors are required to have cleared personnel available at the time of proposal submission, or whether cleared personnel may be hired or assigned prior to contract performance.

Answer: Secret clearance is not required at the time of offeror submission. However, it is the Contractors responsibility to ensure that all contractor personnel can obtain facility access in accordance with Naval Base Kitsap – Bangor facility access requirements (see https://cnrnw.cnic.navy.mil/Installations/NAVBASE-Kitsap/About/Installation- Guide/Visitor-Information/ for further information). In the event that contractor personnel cannot obtain facility access and service(s) cannot be completed, the contract will be terminated in accordance with FAR Part 49.

25. What Government-Furnished Equipment (if any) will remain in place and be reused under this project?

Answer: Please see Question & Answer #15 above. (Equipment racks are the only Government Furnished Equipment (GFE). The equipment racks are listed on the SOW Attachment 1 and can be leveraged for your proposal.)

26. The Statement of Work requires delivery of the AV system source code upon completion.

Could the Government clarify what is expected to be included in this deliverable (e.g., editable programming files, compiled files, configuration files, supporting documentation, etc.)?

Answer: Please see Question & Answer #10 below. (Proprietary Programming files are acceptable if explained what their function is and how to edit said files. All license information is required, along with their expiration dates and renewal requirements for said license. Editable files should be in Microsoft excel, word, pdf, or a txt file if not a proprietary programming file.)

27. Does the prime contractor require a Facility Clearance (FCL), or is it sufficient for personnel performing the work to possess the required individual security clearances?

Answer: Please see Question & Answer #5 below. (Yes. In order for personnel to hold a Secret clearance, their employer must have a Facility Clearance (FCL). The Prime contractor must be "cleared"(have an active FCL in good standing with the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA)) and any sub-contractors would also need to be "cleared" (hold their own FCL). A DD Form 254 will be created within 5 days of contract award.)

For additional information, please see Question & Answer #24 above. (Secret clearance is not required at the time of offeror submission. However, it is the Contractors responsibility to ensure that all contractor personnel can obtain facility access in accordance with Naval Base Kitsap – Bangor facility access requirements (see https://cnrnw.cnic.navy.mil/Installations/NAVBASE-Kitsap/About/Installation-Guide/Visitor- Information/ for further information). In the event that contractor personnel cannot obtain facility access and service(s) cannot be completed, the contract will be terminated in accordance with FAR Part 49.)

28. CLIN 0007 references Maintenance Support and Warranty. Could the Government clarify whether the base warranty period is 120 days or one full year?

Answer: Please see Question & Answer #18 above. (In accordance with the Solicitation, Section F (Deliveries or Performance) the warranty period specified in CLIN 0007 is for 120 days upon system installation.)

29. Could the Government identify which existing equipment (such as codecs, workstations, displays, racks, switches, or cabling) will remain in place as Government-Furnished Equipment (GFE) or will be reused under this Project?

Answer: Please see Question & Answer #15 above. (Equipment racks are the only Government Furnished Equipment (GFE). The equipment racks are listed on the SOW Attachment 1 and can be leveraged for your proposal.)

30. Could the Government provide room dimensions, or confirm whether they will be made available during or after the site visit?

Answer: Please see Question & Answer #21 above. (Answer: Due to security restrictions, photographs or photography equipment is not permitted in this space. No additional measurements will be provided to Site Visit attendees, however, Site Visit attendees are highly encouraged to validate space as shown on the SOW Attachment 1. SOW Attachment 1 provides estimated room dimensions. Rack elevations can be taken at the time of the Site Visit.)

31. Will Government-approved photographs, rack elevations, equipment layouts, or field measurements be provided to site visit attendees following the site visit?

Answer: Please see Question & Answer #21 above. (Answer: Due to security restrictions, photographs or photography equipment is not permitted in this space. No additional measurements will be provided to Site Visit attendees, however, Site Visit attendees are highly encouraged to validate space as shown on the SOW Attachment 1. SOW Attachment 1 provides estimated room dimensions. Rack elevations can be taken at the time of the Site Visit.)

32. Please confirm whether all eight hospitality monitors are intended to operate as a single 2×4 video wall, or whether only selected groups are required to support 2×2 display spanning.

Answer: Please see SOW 2.3.1.2.4. (Monitors ends shall be flushed end to end to allow cohesion image for monitor spanning for a 2x2 grid or quad-screen display.)

33. Does SWFPAC maintain an approved Information Assurance (IA) product list for AV network equipment? If so, could the Government provide the list or identify the applicable approval requirements?

Answer: See Question & Answer #23 above. (SWFPAC does not maintain a pre-approved IA product list for AV network equipment. SWFPAC will review purposed AV network products to determine their vulnerabilities and compliance. SOW paragraph 2.5.4 states “The three (3) switches shall be SWFPAC approved for Information Assurance (IA) and Trade Agreement Act (TAA) compliant, Customer preference is Cisco switches and are known compliant.)

34. The Statement of Work states that contractor installation personnel requiring access at SWFPAC shall have a minimum of a Secret clearance. Please confirm whether offerors are required to have cleared personnel available at the time of proposal submission, or whether cleared personnel may be hired or assigned prior to contract performance.

Answer: Please see Question & Answer #5 below. (Yes. In order for personnel to hold a Secret clearance, their employer must have a Facility Clearance (FCL). The Prime contractor must be "cleared"(have an active FCL in good standing with the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA)) and any sub-contractors would also need to be "cleared" (hold their own FCL). A DD Form 254 will be created within 5 days of contract award.)

For additional information, please see Question & Answer #24 above. (Secret clearance is not required at the time of offeror submission. However, it is the Contractors responsibility to ensure that all contractor personnel can obtain facility access in accordance with Naval Base Kitsap – Bangor facility access requirements (see https://cnrnw.cnic.navy.mil/Installations/NAVBASE-Kitsap/About/Installation-Guide/Visitor- Information/ for further information). In the event that contractor personnel cannot obtain facility access and service(s) cannot be completed, the contract will be terminated in accordance with FAR Part 49.)

35. We would like to know if this is a brand new contract OR if there is (was) an incumbent performing these services.

If not brand new, could you please provide the current / previous contract number?

Answer: This is a new requirement, therefore, there is no incumbent contract or prior contract number.

36. Observation: NIPR and SIPR conferencing capabilities have been requested in the solicitation.

Please confirm if multi-domain conferencing requirements for other networks outside of NIPR/SIPR will be required for enclaves such as JWICS, FVEY, etc.?

Answer: No multi-domain conferencing requirements for other networks outside of NIPR/SIPR are required. Only SIPR VTC input is required. Please see SOW Attachment 1 for inputs list.

37. Please confirm if traditional Cisco VTC codecs should be utilized to meet conferencing requirements opposed to an AV bridge? Example: A secure AV bridge could allow an owner furnished computer to access the video camera, speakers, and microphone in the room and allow for Microsoft Teams conferencing on NIPR or SIPR if desired.

Answer: Yes, traditional Cisco VTC codec should be utilized to meet conferencing requirements.

38. Observation: Some systems may require specific AV components or systems remain online with unfettered access to end users during installations.

Please confirm if there is a desired minimum period of performance in which the installations will need to take place to minimize downtime in the facility.

Answer: Installation window will be coordinated with the Government point of contact which will be provided at time of contract award to ensure installation can occur within required contractual time frame as listed within the Solicitation Section F (Deliveries or Performance).

39. The Government mentions a requirement for “Hospitality Monitors”. Will the Government accept commercially rated 24/7 LCD displays?

Answer: Yes, the Government will accept commercially rated 24/7 LCD displays as long as they conform to the SOW requirements. See SOW paragraph 2 for further information (NOTE: No component in the AV system will have wireless and/or infrared capabilities.)

40. Regarding microphone choices- the government mentions ceiling or tabletop microphones. A ceiling microphone will likely pick up audio from all the workstations, whereas individual tabletop microphones will pick up from individual speakers. This has potential use implications for the room, Please advise.

Answer: Either a ceiling or a tabletop microphone will be accepted as long as it conforms to the SOW requirements. For further information, see SOW paragraph 2: (NOTE: No component in the AV system will have wireless and/or infrared capabilities.); SOW paragraph

3.1.5 (The AV system requires microphones for transmitting local audio to participants during video conferences.); and SOW paragraph 3.1.6 (the microphones need to be connected to an audio mixer, which provides routing, automatic gain control, noise suppression and adaptive echo cancellation for all microphones and sources.)

41. Regarding the stated Video Conferencing capabilities- will the desired VTC codec be connected to a classified or non-classified network?

Answer: The one video conferencing capability (VTC) will be on a classified network. See SOW Attachment 1 for inputs list.

42. As video conferencing is frequently mentioned, but web conferencing is not, should the system be capable of making web conference calls (Such as MS Teams calls)?

If so, which work stations will need to be enabled to make those calls?

Answer: No, the capability of making web conference calls is not required.

43. Is there a raised floor in the room?

Answer: Yes, there is a partial raised floor in the back half (west side) of the WOC room.

44. Does the government require LED status indicator signs (typically wall mounted in the room and outside the room in the hall) for indicating classification status?

Answer: No, the Government does not require LED status indicator signs.

45. Does the government require a multi time zone clock in the room?

Answer: The Government does not require a new multi-time zone clock. There is an existing multi-time zone clock in the room that will remain, however, it can be relocated within the room.

46. Does the government require white noise generation outside the room?

Answer: No, the Government does not require white noise generation.

47. Due to the existing GFE displays being various sizes, formats, and resolutions, would the government be interested in swapping all of the displays for new displays of the same size and resolution so that everything would be uniform and all sources would display the same?

Answer: Swapping of all displays for new displays is not a requirement in accordance with the SOW.

48. If some or all of the existing displays must be kept and not replaced, could the make, model, and description of which ones be listed?

Answer: There is no requirement in the SOW to replace the far (2) left most monitors and the (2) two far right most monitors.

49. Would the government be interested in a seamless DVLED video wall to replace the displays that allow multiview tiling and independent source routing to various sections as well as a full screen display of a single source?

Answer: If the DVLED video wall meets requirements listed in SOW, TAA compliance, paragraph 2 (NOTE: No component in the AV system will have wireless and/or infrared capabilities.) and 2.3.1.2.4. (Monitors ends shall be flushed end to end to allow cohesion image for monitor spanning for a 2x2 grid or quad-screen display.), then it will be considered an acceptable solution.

50. The released Attachment 1 seems to show a fully functional video routing system that did not exist during the site visit. Is this a drawing of what the old system used to do, or is this a drawing of what the government would like the new system to do?

Answer: Attachment one is a conceptual idea of what the new system needs to provide end user.

51. Is the intention of the new system to be able to display any source for a specific room mode onto any display during that given room mode? Or will specific sources only be mapped to specific displays?

Answer: In general the specific sources will be mapped to specific monitors; however, per SOW 2.1.2.3.13 the user will be able to manually change source inputs to output displays.

52. We have installed similar systems in the past for multi-use classification rooms that allowed the room to be used only for unclassified video routing and then switched over for classified video routing. This would work by allowing the room user(s) to select the room mode from the touch panel, then the system would make available only those specific video sources that could route to any of the displays, or all if desired. Then if the other room mode was desired for a different meeting, the user(s) could select that mode from the touch panel, and the system would switch over and only allow those sources to be displayed on any of the screens, or the same source across all. Is this how the government is imagining this room to be used?

Answer: No. Individual monitors should have the capability to switch between NIPR/SIPR input sources.

53. How many touch panels are desired for control of the system? And what type / where would you like them to be? Tabletop vs wall mounted or a mix of both?

Answer: Two (2) touch panels are required. See SOW paragraph 2.1.1 for more information.

54. What types of video conferencing is desired for the room? BYOD for unclassified TEAMs and Zoom, Classified Cisco Codec for secure meetings, or both?

Answer: See Question and Answer #37 above. (Yes, traditional Cisco VTC codec should be utilized to meet conferencing requirements.)

55. Do we need to provide a codec for the SIPR VTC functionality or is that something that you will provide? If we provide it, do you have a preference for Cisco or Poly and what network (Cat / Fiber) handoff will be given for it? If you will provide it, can you list the make / model of it?

Answer: The contractor is required to provide a codec for the SIPR VTC functionality.

There is no preference for Cisco or Poly or likewise vendor and long as it meets CODEC 711ULAW. Copper/CAT 6 is what is currently utilized in space; however, proposal can have new wall drops that installed by proposal’s team if awarded.

56. How many computer locations need access to the video conferencing systems? And does each of the locations need access to both Unclassified BYOD and Classified Codec systems, or will there be a single dedicated computer station that has access to these?

Answer: No requirement for NIPR video conferencing integration. Classified Codec system will be a standalone system where the backend IP network for system will need to connect to classified network. The user requires control of PTZ camera, capable of muting or unmuting VTC, make calls, and other basic functions listed in SOW.

57. How many PTZ cameras are desired for use with video conferencing systems? And where would you like them positioned?

Answer: One (1) PTZ cameras are required to be positioned in the center of the room facing the upper/raised level of the WOC room. See SOW paragraph 3.1.8, The AV system shall feature a 10/20x Zoom 1080p HD camera compatible with SOW Attachment 1, which will be mounted on a thin profile wall-mount in the room based on a location approved by government. The thin profile wall-mount is to be provided by the Contractor.

58. Does all new equipment need to meet TAA compliancy?

Answer: Yes, all equipment must meet TAA compliancy.

59. Can the government provide vetted pictures of the room, current equipment, and AV racks since phones were not allowed during the site visit?

Answer: Please see Question & Answer #21 above. (Answer: Due to security restrictions, photographs or photography equipment is not permitted in this space. No additional measurements will be provided to Site Visit attendees, however, Site Visit attendees are highly encouraged to validate space as shown on the SOW Attachment 1. SOW Attachment 1 provides estimated room dimensions. Rack elevations can be taken at the time of the Site Visit.)

60. Are there any specific cabling requirements for the building? (Cat6, Cat6A, Shielded, Plenum, etc.)

Answer: All cabling is required to meet (Unified Facility Criteria) UFC 3580-01 requirements.

61. The site visit revealed monitors at the desks. Do these monitors need to be tied into the video distribution system as a routable destination for any video source during a given room mode? Or do they only need to show the local source for whoever sits in that position?

If we need to integrate those desk monitors, or replace them, could you list how many and what positions need to be integrated?

Answer: The local monitors are not required to be a routable destination for any video source. Only local source workstations that needs to duplicate their local screen on wall monitors is required per SOW attachment 1. Local desk monitors do not need to be replaced.

62. Does this room / system need to support VoIP for voice only teleconference calling?

Answer: No, VOIP for voice only teleconference calling is not required.

63. The statement of work and attachments indicate that (2) fiber isolators should be used between the video switching systems in order to turn off / on the signal path during the individual room modes. While this is a valid method to achieve this, a single fiber A/B switch can also achieve this as it acts as 2 isolators within the same box / unit. If you need a model number to look at, the Market Central Data DeadBolt D1000 Desktop Switches for fiber would achieve the same thing as the 2 individual fiber isolators. Would this be okay to use?

Answer: Yes, this a single fiber A/B switch as identified above would be accepted by the Government if TAA Compliant and meets SWFPAC IA review.

64. Bullet 4.1.3 on the statement of work indicates that the contractor should provide proper cooling for the installed equipment. The site visit revealed that WOC Room 206 was pretty warm with (2) portable A/Cs. Room A/C is a facility maintenance issue, although we can provide control of the thermostat if it is needed. The site visit also revealed that the server room was pretty cool and at a proper temperature for AV equipment. Do we still need to provide a dedicated portable A/C unit for the AV rack? If so, facilities will need to provide a place for the exhaust to vent to, such as the building’s return air duct.

Answer: Hardware/Equipment must meet the manufacturer recommendation for ambient temperature control requirements. If A/C or other cooling requirements are required for new equipment/hardware installed, it would be the Contractors responsibility to provide this. If ventilation is required for exhaust, this would be the Governments responsibility to provide building modification.

65. The attached drawings and statement of work indicate that the video system should be based on a matrix style video system. Is this a requirement or would an IP based video system be okay to use as long as it meets all of the security requirements indicated in the statement of work?

Answer: The Government would accept an IP based video system as outlined above as long as the hardware and software are TAA and SWFPAC IA compliant review.

66. [SITE VISIT QUESTION] Will the Government release photographs of the WOC space to prospective offerors?

Answer: Please see Question & Answer #21 above. (Answer: Due to security restrictions, photographs or photography equipment is not permitted in this space. No additional measurements will be provided to Site Visit attendees, however, Site Visit attendees are highly encouraged to validate space as shown on the SOW Attachment 1. SOW Attachment 1 provides estimated room dimensions. Rack elevations can be taken at the time of the Site Visit.)

67. [SITE VISIT QUESTION] Could the Government clarify if there is a multi-domain security requirement, or is the architecture strictly limited to separate NIPR and SIPR networks?

Answer: Physical separation of NIPR and SIPR are required per Unified Facility Criteria (UFC) 3-580-01, Black/Red Separation reference: CNSSAM_TEMPEST_01_13.

68. [SITE VISIT QUESTION] Does the Government utilize a specific control code standard or control system programming language (e.g., Crestron/AMX) for the NIPR and SIPR systems?

Answer: The Government utilizes DISA STIG standards.

69. [SITE VISIT QUESTION] Will the existing unclassified AV equipment remain in the room, or is the contractor responsible for its removal?

Answer: The two cabinets, patch panels, in the far back corner of the WOC can be repurposed or replaced. All legacy equipment has already been removed by the Government with the exception of monitors and media converters. Contractors will remove remaining equipment and turn the equipment over to Government for disposition.

70. [SITE VISIT QUESTION] Is the contractor responsible for the decommissioning, removal, and disposal (DRMO) of the legacy monitors currently installed?

Answer: Contractor personnel will remove any remaining equipment and turn the equipment over to Government for disposition.

71. [SITE VISIT QUESTION] Is the physical scope of work and installation strictly confined to the Watch Operations Center (WOC), or are there requirements in adjacent spaces?

Answer: The video and conferencing will strictly be within the WOC, but server/switches can be housed in the server room or WOC, and several inputs are located in adjacent rooms, as depicted in SOW Attachment 1.

72. [SITE VISIT QUESTION] Are all existing signal and network runs required to be fiber optic?

Answer: No, all existing signals are CAT6 to HDMI.

73. [SITE VISIT QUESTION] Could the Government identify which specific legacy monitors (if any) must remain in place and be integrated into the new AV design?

Answer: There are currently 9 monitors mounted in 5 columns, the 3 middle columns of monitors will be removed and replaced with the 8 depicted monitors or likewise solution in SOW Attachment 1. Measurements for the available space are approximately 22 feet width x 6 feet height area.

74. [SITE VISIT QUESTION] Can the Government confirm that all system source inputs and display drop points utilize native HDMI interfaces?

Answer: Currently, all inputs sources go to a HDMI media converter that communicates over IP network across CAT6 to another media converter that outputs HDMI to Monitors HDMI Input or a direct DP/HDMI input source to HDMI input on monitor; however, proposal can change output and provide different ways to communicate between source input to AV system to Monitor Output. Source Inputs from device are listed below with make and model of device providing input:

ASUS NUC-15 HDMI:

EWOC SENSEI-1 UNCLASS

EWOC SENSEI-2 UNCLASS

Dell Precision 3280 Display Port:

WOS WKS UNCLASS

DPO WKS UNCLASS

NET CDR WKS UNCLASS

Wyse Client 3040 Display Port:

WOS WKS CLASS

DPO WKS CLASS

NET CDR WKS CLASS

PELCO CLASS

HDMI source inputs:

SVR_RM SPARE UNCLASS

SVR_RM SPARE CLASS

EWOC SPARE UNCLASS

EWOC SPARE CLASS

Vendor Discretion for WOC-VTC CLASS

CORIAN UNCLASS HDMI input source

75. [SITE VISIT QUESTION] Is there a minimum of one (1) foot of clearance above the drop ceiling at least one foot.

Answer: Yes, there is 2 feet+ Clearance; however, there is electrical, cabling and HVAC vendor must work around if they prefer to leverage above ceiling area to route cabling to support their proposal.

76. [SITE VISIT QUESTION] Are alternative equipment mounting configurations permitted, such as mounting transmitters or workstations underneath operator desks?

Answer: Yes, as long as mounting configuration does not impede workstation accessibility, chair mobility, and conforms to NIPR/SIPR separation requirements per UFC (Unified Facility Criteria) 3-580-01.

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