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Request For Information – Questions and Responses for solicitation 12905B25Q0034
| 1 |
| The SOW notes lengths/distances but states these are estimates and that contractors are responsible for actual measurement. Will the government consider granting a site visit prior to proposal submission to allow the contractor the opportunity to collect accurate measurements and gather information for other unknown/unforeseen obstacles as this is a FFP contract? |
| A site visit has been tentatively scheduled for Tuesday, September 23, 2025at 11a.m. PDT. |
| 2 |
| If a site visit is not granted can the government provide room/floor/path layout drawings and clarify if there are any existing sleeves, conduits, or cable trays between IDFs that contractors may reuse, or should proposals assume new penetrations/pathways? |
| A site visit is tentatively scheduled for Tuesday, September 23, 2025, at 11 a.m. PDT. |
There are no drawings to provide. The contractor is allowed to use pre-existing if it meets or exceeds previously stated standards.
| 3 |
| Does the Government anticipate asbestos, lead paint, or other hazardous materials in any penetrations? |
| Unknown |
| 4 |
| Can the government clarify if the requirements are in one single building? |
| Yes, this requirement is within a single building. |
| 5 |
| Does the government require either armored or plenum rated fiber? |
| The contractor shall decide which is appropriate for their quote. |
| 6 |
| For fiber test reports, is the Government requiring Tier 1 (OLTS) only, or both Tier 1 and Tier 2 (OTDR) testing? |
| Technically, we require Tier 1 OLTS only. |
| 7 |
| The SOW requires drawings in Microsoft VISIO or PDF. Will the government provide existing drawns (sic) for the contractor to update, and are there USDA-specific templates for labeling fibers, IDFs, and patch panels, or should the contractor use industry-standard labeling conventions? |
| There are no site drawings. There are no USDA specific templates for labeling. Industry Standard Labeling Conventions are acceptable https://www.usda.gov/directives/dr-3300-001-k |
| 8 |
| Can the government clarify what is entailed in the Safety and Infection Control review? |
| The vendor may need to access active laboratory spaces to complete their work and therefore must be aware of their surroundings in order to keep themselves safe and prevent potential experiment damage/contamination. When working in laboratory spaces, the vendor may be required to install a temporary plastic barrier from floor to ceiling. |
| 9 |
| The SOW requires contractors to “start immediately upon award”, and to indicate starting date in the proposal. Can the Government confirm the anticipated award date, or a target start window to allow proper workforce planning |
| The period of performance will start as stated in the contract award document. We will award this on or before September 30, 2025. Work is to be completed within 90 after receipt of the award. |
| 10 |
| The SOW requires the Project Manager/Leader to be licensed, certified, insured, and bonded. It also requires the contractor to provide their certification for fiber installation in the proposal. Can USDA clarify which certifications are considered acceptable - does a business license meet the "certified" criteria? |
| Industry standard certifications for doing business required by this fiber installation project is acceptable. |
| 11 |
| The SOW states that the Safety policy will be presented at the pre-start meeting. Can this policy be made available in advance of proposal submission to assess compliance costs and safety planning? |
| No, because this information is the laboratories sensitive material. It will be sufficient for the contractor to follow all industry standard applicable laws and regulations for safety. |
| 12 |
| The SOW states that the Safety policy will be presented at the pre-start meeting. What is the frequency and duration of the safety meeting(s) (i.e., once, daily, etc. / 1 hour, 15 min, etc.)? |
| We will have one safety meeting, duration 90 minutes or less. |
| 13 |
| The solicitation requires the contractor to identify all USDA-designated biobased products to be acquired, used, and installed in the performance of this requirement. Can the Government provide a of acceptable product categories relevant to fiber optic installations |
| No, we don’t have a list of USDA-designated biobased products specific to fiber optic installation. However, if there is a biobased product available, it should be used to the maximum extent practicable. |
| 14 |
| Will the fiber travel outside or is it all internal? |
| All fiber installation will be done inside a single building. |
| 15 |
| I the fiber required to travel thru an existing conduit? If not, will there be a new conduit in place? |
| Contractor is allowed to use pre-existing if it meets or exceeds previously stated standards. If conduit is required, vendor needs to install. |
| 16 |
| Will there be a need to core floors? |
| Unknown. Contractor is allowed to use pre-existing accesses if it meets or exceeds previously stated standards. If coring is required, the contractor will need to perform it as needed. |
| 17 |
| Since the destination is vertically one floor away, why is the estimated linear(750ft) so long? |
| Measurement was made from perceived approximation on the floor above the lower IDF to the upper IDF. Technical staff stood on the first floor above the lower IDF and walked to the rack of the upper IDF and measured with a wheel tape. |
| 18 |
| Will there be a need to install a new Data Rack or Wall Rack in either IDF? |
| No. |
| 19 |
| Is this a normal ceiling height or will there be a need for a Manlift? |
| Ceiling height on upper IDF floor is 9ft to the ceiling tile; lower IDF ceiling height is 12 foot 3 inches to poured concrete. |
