19GE5021R0053-0001_Questions_Answers.pdf

Body Worn Cameras, Servers Combined Synopsis/ and Storage Systems Solicitation No.: 19GE5021R0053

U.S. Embassy, INL/Skopje, North Macedonia Amendment 0001 dated March 24, 2021

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS (Q&A)

RPSO received the following nine (9) questions (Q) and is hereby providing the following answers (A):

1)

(Q) Is this an Axon Brand Name Only requirement or can we propose a different brand that is equivalent (meets) and/or exceeds the given specifications? We would like to propose a different

Tier 1 American brand to fulfil the requirements and Federal Acquisition Regulations.

(A) This is Brand-Name or Equal requirement. The proposed products shall be in compliance with the brand-name or equal specifications set forth in paragraph 4 Descriptions/Specifications of the requested products of the solicitation.

2)

(Q) The requirement mentions that the installation will be required in five (5) police jurisdictions. However, looking at the Bill of Quantities, you have:

a. Body Worn Cameras – 364

b. 6-Port Docking Stations – 68

c. Server/Storage Systems – 5

d. Local Storage – 19

e. Laptop Computer – 2

a) How will these be split and installed between the 5 jurisdictions?

(A) The number of jurisdictions and quantities of each separate item (a,b,c,d,e) is correct. The split inside the five (5) police jurisdictions is at the discretion of the Beneficiary and this information will be disclosed to the successor offeror after contract award.

b) Considering 5 locations, shouldn’t the Laptops also be at least 5 or do some locations already have Laptops?

(A) The quantities stated in the pricing data table under paragraph 2.1 are correct.

c) Why are the local storage 19 in total yet you have five (5) locations?

(A) The Beneficiary has identified that they have nineteen (19) locations within the five (5) jurisdictions where they need local storage.

3)

(Q) You have requested for 364 Body Worn Cameras but also need sixty-eight (68) 6-Port

Docking Stations. This would be able to accommodate a maximum of 408 Cameras (68 x 6).

What is the reason behind this excessive quantity? (A) Various types of documents as well as pictures and photos.

(A) This estimation is based on an analysis of the Beneficiary needs.

4)

(Q) Regarding the Docking Stations, our units come in 14-Port and 1-Port configurations. Can we then provide twenty-six (26) 14-Port Docking Stations (to cater to 364 cameras) OR twenty-nine (29) 14-Port Docking Stations plus two (2) 1-Port Docking Stations to cater to 408 Cameras

(also dependent on the response to be received from Q.2 above).

(A) We require 6-port docks as 14-port docking stations do not offer the same flexibility as less ports’ docks, and single docks are not in line with the Brand-name or Equal specification.

5)

(Q) Do these five (5) locations already have Network Infrastructure, Equipment Racks and UPS on location, considering these requirements are not stated?

(A) All locations have network infrastructure, Equipment Racks and UPS.

6)

(Q) Since it is not specified in the solicitation, we would like to ask and confirm that if companies outside of North Macedonia can apply for this solicitation. We are based in Kosovo, specifically Ferizaj.

(A) Companies can participate from any location on the globe as long as they can provide the services in the required manner and meet the requirements of the solicitation.

7)

(Q) Page 13 paragraph 7. After Sales Services states that the company should have local dealer

/distributor representative in North Macedonia, since we are a company based in Kosovo, can we assume that a dealer /distributor representative can be based in Kosovo?

“7. AFTER SALES SERVICES: The offered products shall have a local dealer/distributor representative in North Macedonia to cover the warranty, maintenance of the systems throughout the duration of the warranty, support, parts and onsite implementation of the offered items. The offeror shall provide complete contact details. “(A) The Contractor is responsible for both hardware and software support, mainly software support is mainly associated to licenses for

Operating Systems and Office (such as Windows 10 and Microsoft office...).”

(A) As stated in paragraph 7, Local dealer/ distributor representative in North Macedonia is required. Which local dealer/distributor you select is entirely your prerogative based on the equipment offered.

8)

(Q) We kindly request for a closing date extension depending on when we shall receive responses to our clarifications.

(A) The proposal due date is hereby extended to April 6, 2021, 15:00 hours C.E.T. No proposals will be accepted after the time specified. Delay due internet connection issues/failure, delay on electronic correspondence transmission or processing will not be an acceptable excuse for late delivery of a proposal.

9)

(Q) Below paragraph 12 of the solicitation describes, but we are wondering what this assistance looks like. Will marking the cargo “DIPLOMATIC CARGO” waive VAT or taxes?

“12. CUSTOMS CLEARANCE AND TAX EXEMPTION

The U.S. Embassy, Skopje will assist the Contractor in obtaining customs clearance certificates and tax forms from the Government of North Macedonia in accordance with paragraph 13, Marking and Submission of Documents, of this contract. “

(A) Based on the pro-forma invoice and shipping documents (draft Airway Bill, etc..) provided by the selected offeror, U.S. Embassy Skopje shall draft protocols for customs and VAT exemption and submit them to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) of the Republic of North

Macedonia for approval and signature. Once MFA signs the protocols, the Embassy shall give the signed protocols to the supplier and the supplier can then proceed with shipment.

The cargo needs to be labelled "Diplomatic Cargo" but this in itself is not sufficient for customs duties and VAT exemption. The official MFA-signed protocols are required for this purpose.