Q&As_04-09-2019.docx

Solicitation 19ER1019Q0001 – Satellite Internet Services Questions and Answers

Q1: In the Solicitation continuation to SF-1449, item I Scope of Work in the second sentence it states “The local Telecommunication’s Internet Service Provider (ISP) contracting firm…” Does this mean that only “local” Eritrea ISP’s licensed as an ISP in Eritrea are allowed to submit proposals regarding this Solicitation?

A1: This solicitation is open to all contractors capable of providing satellite internet services. There is no requirement that the contractor be a “local” Eritrean ISP.

Q2: In the Solicitation continuation to SF-1449, item I Scope of Work it states “Internet Service Provider (ISP) Round Trip Time (RTT) reports the total time in milliseconds (ms) time to send a small data packet and obtain a reply back; must be the faster than 700ms for the Round Trip Time (RTT) for internet service.” In order for this RTT to be agreed to and tested technically a termination point in the United States at the “US Hub” must be known. Can this information be provided?

A2: The endpoint you can use is 169.252.1.29.

Q3: In the Solicitation continuation to SF-1449, item I Scope of Work it states “Internet Service Provider (ISP) must provide detailed network topology map that shows all possible paths ISP use for the internet traffic between ISP hub in Asmara, Eritrea, and the ISP hub in United States of America (USA).” In order to provide this “detailed topology map” the ISP hub in the US must be identified. Can this information be provided?

A3: The endpoint you can use is 169.252.1.29.

Q4: Additionally in order to provide this “detailed topology map” an internet route other than just a normal internet VPN circuit is required so does the bidder need to provide a dedicated VPN route from the VSAT landing point to the ISP hub in the US in order to be compliant with the Solicitation requirements?

A4: The ISP will be required to provide a dedicated VPN route from the VSAT landing point to the endpoint hub in the USA.

Q5: In the Solicitation continuation to SF-1449, item I Scope of Work it states “The awarded ISP must have direct connection capability with major United States of America (U.S.A) telecommunication providers (ISPs) at Internet tier 1 level, having alternative line channels or backups in case of main Internet path malfunctioning.” Does this Solicitation requirement require the bidder to include in its technical solution a redundant dedicated internet backhaul from the VSAT hub with only major United States of America telecommunications providers (ISPs) at the Internet tier 1 level?

A5: The only requirement is that the ISP must have a direct connection to the U.S. ISPs at a tier 1 level. Having a direct connection to non-U.S. ISPs at a tier 1 level is not required.

Q6: In Addendum to 52.212.1of the Solicitation it states “The offeror shall address its plan to obtain all licenses and permits required by local law (see DOSAR 652.242-73 in Section 2). If offeror already possesses the locally required licenses and permits, a copy shall be provided.” Normally no VSAT license or building etc permits are required for the supply of VSAT services to United States or other diplomatic facilities in a Country. Does this Solicitation requirement mean that a bidder must obtain a Eritrean VSAT provider license and Asmara municipal building permits or the like to supply VSAT services and be compliant with the Solicitation terms and eligible for award?

A6: For non-Eritrean contractors, an Eritrean VSAT provider license is not required. No Asmara municipal building permits are required.

Q7: In the Solicitation response to Questions dated 3/25/19 it was stated that two awards are anticipated to provide redundancy for the Embassy telecommunication requirements. Will a bidder proposal that includes two totally equipment sets and diverse satellite and internet circuit routes that are compliant individually with the Solicitation requirements be included for evaluation on an individual and joint basis by the US Government if proposed and the US Government does decide to make two awards?

A7: If a bidder can provide two completely different sets of equipment and satellite routes and both are individually compliant with the Solicitation, then both sets will be considered.

Q8: Does State Department have a mandate requirement that the Teleport hub be located in the United States?

A8: There is no requirement that the ISP hub be located in the United States, only that a detailed network topology map be shown and that the ISP hub have direct connection to a Tier 1 U.S. ISP.