Questions_and_Answers.pdf

Questions on solicitation number: 1332KP19RNEEG0001/DSCOVR Antenna Improvement (DAI) Hurricane Related HR FEED Upgrade

1. Per Section 1, paragraph 5, any mechanical upgrades/improvements are no longer part of this effort. Can you confirm, and also is this being procured through another solicitation?

The scope is as defined in the RFP. An external acquisition is planned for the referenced components no longer associated with this procurement. Information on that acquisition can be found at https://faaps.commerce.gov/aapviewer.asp using the FAAPS code 60348. No additional information regarding that acquisition can be provided at this time.

2. Likewise, all reference to an upgrade to the control system seems to have been removed. Can you confirm, and also is this being procured through another solicitation?

See response to #1.

3. Where can we obtain the various NESDIS references (section 1.1)? The copies we have found online are older versions than what is listed in the SOW.

All references listed in section 1.1 are now provided as attachments

4. How do we get access to Acellion (section 4.3)?

Acellion access for this project will be granted to the successful offeror after award.

5. What is the required design life of RF electronics (LNAs, down-converters, up-converters, and FO transceivers) as related to the table of Section 8.2?

The design life for the RF electronics is shown as Electronics in the Section 8.2 Table.

6. Is design life allowed to be met with the sparing support?

While spare parts could be applied to the design life, we would like product support for the term shown in the table.

7. Is it desired to keep current feed polarization drive in service even if it can be accomplished by other means?

The specified requirements shall be met. However, bidders are free to provide an alternate or more effective solution(s). In doing this all design, parameters/assumptions to the solution shall be clearly stated in their technical response.

8. For what does the acronym IFDS stand (section 8.12 et al.)?

https://faaps.commerce.gov/aapviewer.asp

IFDS is a Typo. It now reads RFDS or Receive Frequency Distribution Switch.

9. Is it the customer’s intent that G/T be demonstrated at the output of the LNA and at the operations center end (distant end viewed from antenna) of the IFL (in other words, where is the point of demarcation)?

The system G/T requirements are set forth in Section 8.12 of the solicitation.

10. Section 2.3 states that the Government may elect replace RF equipment on the recommendation of the contractor, where appendix Section 8.1 states all shall be replaced. Can you provide some clarity on the intent?

The SOW has been revised to be more consistent with appendix Section 8.1 requirement’s to replace.

11. Is it possible to provide a block diagram of the existing RF path?

A block diagram of the existing RF path is now provided as an attachment.

12. Section 8.1 references access to drawings and photos. If we provide a specific are of interest, can they be provided before the proposal is due?

The Government has provided diagrams with this amendment that should address most concerns. However, offerors are encouraged to request what they feel is necessary to submit a complete proposal. Requests may or may not be met depending on the type of request received and the availability of the information being requested.

13. Answers to previous RFI response noted that some meetings could be held by teleconference. We anticipate the kickoff meeting could be one of those. Do you agree and are there others?

Bidders are free to identify the Program Management methodology they view as most effective to convey the required documentation/ information to the Government. The Government will clarify the accepted locations based upon evaluation of proposals based upon the best interest to the Government.

14. Section 8.10 table and 8.11 table appear to be the same. Was there other information intended for this section?

Section 8.11 has been deleted. It was a typographical error.

15. RF SYSTEM: Para 3 section 8.1 requires an RF system replacement, while section 2.3 requires an assessment for suitability for reuse or in kind replacement. Which is correct for bidding purposes?

Per response to #10, RF system replacement. Section 2.3 has been updated.

16. Will NOAA provide the RF System Block Diagram for the uplink and downlink paths? This is needed to assess the design.

RF System Block Diagram has been provided in this amendment.

17. Will NOAA provide the manufacturer and model number for the RF components that are part of the RF System in order for bidders to evaluate the upgrade?

Specific manufacturer and/or model numbers for the RF components will be provided. The RF System Block Diagram provided in response to questions #16 should suffice for this upgrade.

18. What is the current transmit power out linear of the S-Band high power amplifier (HPA)?

The maximum Transmitter power is 1KW.

19. What is the intermediate frequency (IF) ranges for? o L-Band Receive System o S-Band Receive System o S-Band Transmit System

70MHz.

20. What are the EIRP(s) and G/T(s) per frequency band(s) of the satellite(s) and the distance from the satellite(s) to Wallops Island in order for bidders to provide the Link Budget from section

8.17 Antenna RF Systems Link Budget? Specification:

Uplink EIRP 109.6 dBm.

Downlink G/T = 29.4 S band G/T = 28.3 L band

Spacecraft GOES 35790 km distance Spacecraft DSCOVR 1,600,000 km distance

21. Section 2.4 references Appendix B, should that be section 8? Antenna Controls System: 8) Does the current scope include upgrade to control system to interface with the feed and RF system?

Correct. Appendix B should’ve been section 8 and has been updated in this SOW revision.