Q&As_04-10-2019.docx

Solicitation 19ER1019Q0001 – Satellite Internet Services Questions and Answers

Q1: In the Solicitation continuation to SF-1449, item I Scope of Work it states “Internet Service Provider (ISP) must have redundancy in the Internet backbone between Eritrea and USA. For instance, if ISP backbone fails, other alternate backbone paths shall be available.” Does this Solicitation requirement require that bidders have a redundant VPN to the USA shown in its “detailed topology map” and in its pricing in order to be compliant with the Solicitation requirements?

A1: No. VPN routing by ISP is not required. The VPN will be established by Department of State networking hardware. The service provider shall ensure no firewall or restrictions are in place that would block IPSEC ports 50, 500, 4500 or other ports as requested. The redundant routing path is to ensure all traffic is not limited to one ISP MPLS pathway.

Q2: In the Solicitation continuation to SF-1449, item I Scope of Work it states “The awarded ISP must provide on line web access data traffic analysis graphs capabilities”. This type of required “on line web access data traffic analysis graph capabilities” requires monitoring devices at each end of the circuit. Is this access requested only for the VSAT circuit or for the total circuit? If applicable to just the VSAT circuit or the total circuit will the bidder be allowed access to install such a monitoring devise in the Embassy and termination point with the use of a portion of the contracted for bandwidth to be able to communicate with the monitoring devices?

A2: The bidder shall provide a screenshot and/or guest access of their web based monitoring platform where the Department of State can evaluate the capabilities offered. If secondary hardware is required, it should be included in the proposal.

Q3: The Department of State has a requirement for one full period, full duplex, clear channels, digital circuits and Internet leased lines capable of supporting synchronous traffic. For clear channel circuits, they shall be completely transparent, with no bits added to or deleted from the bit stream provided to the interface of the Department of State equipment. The circuit shall be supplied for the transmission of a multiplexed aggregate bit stream for telegraphic and data signals.

“clear channel circuits, they shall be completely transparent, with no bits added to or deleted from the bit stream”: that is like a dedicated link point-to-point, but not possible for a link to the Internet.

“transmission of a multiplexed aggregate bit stream for telegraphic and data signals”: This is not Internet traffic.

Could you please confirm that the request is just for Internet service based on VSAT technology and the above does not apply for this tender?

A3: The above requirements apply to this solicitation for satellite internet services.