Amendment___A004_to_RFP___19LE2019R0007_-_Mobile_Telecommunication_Services.pdf

RFP # 19LE2019R0007

Continuation to Block 14-

Attachment A

Here below the answers to the received questions:

Q.1: Section III. Pricing (Page 5 to 20): Would the US Embassy consider bundles including voice etc.; would the US Embassy consider shareable data bundles between its subscribers? If yes, we will provide our proposal in addition to your specific requirements.

A.1: Refer to RFP Section 1.

Q.2: Section III. Pricing (Page 5 to 20): Are minutes of calls within network considered as local calls only? Otherwise can the US Embassy advise what is the number of minutes (within network) for local calls and what is the number of minutes (within network) for International calls?

A.2: Minutes of calls within network are to be considered as local calls only.

Q.3: Section III. Pricing (page 5 to 20): Are minutes of calls for outside network considered as local and International calls? If yes, can the US Embassy advise what is the number of minutes (outside network) for local calls and what is the number of minutes (outside network) for International calls?

A.3: Minutes of calls for outside network are considered as local and International calls.

International calls: average is 850 minutes per month Local calls: refer to A.1.2 of RFP.

Q.4: Section 2. (Page 22) Invoicing: Is the U.S Embassy considering of dispatching the invoice by different agencies? (i.e.: different customers?) In addition to that, what kind of prompt payment discount might the US Embassy consider?

A.4: Refer to Section 2 – Invoicing.

Contractor has to specify the percentage of discount that it will grant the Embassy in case the Embassy makes invoice payment within 30 days of receipt.

Q.5: Section (b) invoice submission (page 35): Can you please provide us with a sample of the invoice compliant with FAR 32.905 (e)?

A.5: Invoice should include the following:

• Name and address of the Telecommunication Company

• Date of invoice

• Mathematical calculations

• Contract or order number

• Value added tax (VAT) number

• Embassy VAT number (to be provided later)

• Separate line item for the 11% VAT and equivalent VAT amount

• Description of services rendered to ensure they confirm to the contract or order

• Agreed upon unit price

Q.6: The laws, regulations and acts mentioned in section2 “Contract Terms and

Conditions” page 26 till 29 are specific for US companies and inapplicable in our subscription case. Most of the topics treated by this section are treated as well by the Lebanese local laws. Alfa is a Lebanese telecommunications operator acting on behalf of the Republic of Lebanon and abides by the Lebanese laws in dealing with the subscribers. Based on Alfa status it cannot abide by the US laws. Would it be feasible to amend this section in compliance with the Lebanese laws, which simultaneously cover you concerns?

A.6: The clauses and provision will continue to apply and are not restricted to just US Companies.

Q.7: There is no CLIN for international calling charges. How are these to be billed?

A.7: To be added to the detailed bill as per the Ministry of Telecommunications tariffs at the time of billing.

Q.8: There is no CLIN for roaming charges. How are these to be billed?

A.8: To be added to the detailed bill as per the Ministry of Telecommunications tariffs at the time of billing.

Q.9: Will lines with international calling and roaming be subject to limits?

A.9: Yes, $500 is the limit expected.

Q.10: International Calling and Roaming “subscriptions” are typically in the form of a deposit. Is there a plan in place for these deposits to be made at the initiation of the contract?

A.10: No deposit shall be made for the above subscriptions.

Q.11: Kindly note that we have created an account on SAM but we are facing a lot of difficulties to login the account and apply to the RFP (nothing appears after putting the one-time security code – blank pages).

A.11: Interested offerors are encouraged to participate in the RFP and submit their quotes.

However, the successful offeror should be registered in the SAM before the signature of the contract. It is the offeror’s responsibility to successfully register in SAM.

Q.12: Does this contract include the provision of handsets or SIM cards only?

A.12: Refer to Section 1 of the RFP.

Q.13: What would be the plan requirement(s) (voice, sms, data)?

A.13: Refer to Section 1 of the RFP.

Q.14: Will all lines be on the same plan or will they be grouped into different plans?

A.14: Grouped into different plans.

Q.15: Shall we supply the handsets and data dongles?

A.15: Refer to Section 1 of the RFP.

Q.16: We are a Lebanese SAM registered company so can we offer as a JV with a specialized company in such field of services?

A.16: Refer to RFP terms and conditions.

A.17: Being a Lebanese Offshore company, cooperating with local suppliers and service companies in the needed field, will our offer be considered if meeting the needed specifications?

A.17: Refer to Section 4 of the RFP.

Q.18: Being an Offshore company can we quote excluding VAT?

A.18: Refer to Section 1 of the RFP.

Q.19: In case the company has to include VAT: can the offer be submitted in the name of their local sister company.

A.19: Refer to RFP terms and conditions.

Q.20: Do you accept all origins for supplied goods?

A.20: Refer to Section 1 of the RFP.

Q.21: Would you accept Chinese product?

A.21: Refer to Section 1 of the RFP.

Q.22: Is there an incumbent contractor currently performing these services or if this is a new requirement. If there is an incumbent, could you please provide the contract number?

A.22: There is an incumbent contractor providing the services on monthly subscription basis.

Q.23: Are all existing lines from same operator?

A.23: Yes.

Q.24: Due the fact that number portability is not applied in Lebanon, there could be a change of number required. Would this be an issue? (If they are all from the same operator then the old numbers can be maintained)

A.24: Refer to Section 4 of the RFP.