B08_140G0219R0009-2_Attch_3_Q&A_4-7.docx

140G0219R0009 Amendment 0002 Attachment 1 Questions and Answers 04, 05, 06, and 07 regarding USGS Solicitation 140G0219R0009 for ANSS Satellite Network Questions/Comment 04.

Regarding the two ‘Optional Equipment’ sections in the RFP Price Schedule, please clarify the meaning of the first section, “Optional Equipment (Goods, Installed & Made Operational)”, which is noted as being “separate from the proposed equipment needed for the transition” and the second section, “Optional Equipment (Annual Service after Installation)”.

Is the first section “Optional Equipment (Goods, Installed & Made Operational)” intended to be new equipment that would replace existing ANSS equipment during the transition and the second section “Optional Equipment (Annual Service after Installation)” meant for any equipment that might be ordered after the completion of the transition during the period of performance?

Answer 04. “Optional Equipment (Goods, Installed & Made Operational)” is equipment that is required to make the new system operations. For example, if the vendor is proposing to replace all modems and dishes to move to a new system, those items would be listed in this table. “Optional Equipment (Annual Service after Installation)” refers to equipment to be purchased for routine maintenance after the system is operational.

Question/Comment 05.

If USGS resources are responsible for all installations – including any equipment that might be installed during the transition as well as any ongoing installations during the period of performance – what cost would be associated with any optional equipment over and above simply the cost of the equipment? The first section, “Optional Equipment (Goods, Installed & Made Operational)”, implies that there are costs (i.e. for installation, setup, configuration?) that are in addition to the base cost of the equipment (i.e. a single modem that costs $xx.xx).

Answer 05. An example of costs over and above the cost of the equipment would be if the vendor needs to acquire licenses to operate in any of the areas where coverage is required. Another example would be if the vendor does not have coverage in the areas required and must purchase space on other satellites to meet the requirements.

Question/Comment 06.

If the first section, “Optional Equipment (Goods, Installed & Made Operational)”, is intended only for any equipment that would replace existing ANSS equipment during the transition and the bidder proposes that existing ANSS will not be replaced, should this section be left blank if there is a no cost transition?

Answer 06. If no equipment is needed for the transition, then this table could be left blank (or populated with zeros). However, two of the sites in attachment 2 are not a part of the current system, so at least enough equipment will be needed to transition these two sites (sites 87 and 88).

Question/Comment 07.

In PWS Section 1.2, reference is made to “requirements that exceed the capabilities of the existing network”. What specific PWS requirements exceed the capabilities of the existing network?

Answer 07. The requirements that exceed the existing capabilities are the two additional sites as listed in Attachment 2. This is more of an expanded requirement relative to the exiting network, rather than a new capability.