QA_IDIQ_CONTRACT_AWARD_FOR_MOBILE_TELEPHONE_SERVICES.docx

U.S. Embassy Bern – Solicitation RFQ 19SZ2319Q0006 –

IDIQ CONTRACT AWARD FOR MOBILE TELEPHONE SERVICES

Questions & Answers Pre-Proposal Conference – May 24, 2019

The information contained within these questions and answers is provided for informational purposes and under no circumstances shall it be construed to change any terms and conditions or requirements within the solicitation.

Do the minimum and maximum amounts include variable costs?

Yes.

Please refer to page 10, 5. Contract minimum and maximum amounts of the solicitation.

What does technological refreshment stand for?

Does this also include 5G technology?

The Contractor may propose for the Government’s technological refreshment, substitutions or additions for any provided products or services that may become available as a result of technological improvements.

Please refer to page 19, 10. Technological refreshment of the solicitation.

Are cell phones towers meant by infrastructure?

The offeror’s strategic plan for mobile telephone services to include but not limited to:

Identify types and quantities of equipment, supplies and materials required for performance of services under this contract. Identify if the offeror already possesses the listed items and their condition for suitability and if not already possessed or inadequate for use how and when the items will be obtained.

Please refer to page 39, paragraph 6.b of the solicitation.

Questions & Answers Would you like:

- to test any provider’s network/receive a test SIM card?

- the bidder to attach a coverage map?

- the bidder to attach network plans?

A test SIM card is not required to sent back with the solicitation – it is supplemental.

(6) The offeror’s strategic plan for mobile telephone services to include but not limited to:

(7) Information on Connectivity within Switzerland.

Any other written information that will provide proof of the company’s technical and financial responsibility.

Please refer to page 39 of the solicitation.

Does the U.S. Embassy in Bern work with the U.S. Mission in Geneva regarding a new mobile telephone services contract?

The U.S. Mission in Geneva has a separate mobile telephone services contract.

Do you happen to have an output report?

We are not providing our current usage. This contract will be a supplement to our landlines contract.

Please refer to page 6 and subsequent pages of the solicitation for requirements.

Are you asking for a separate data only plan?

Would you like the bidder to add a price plan for data only?

No.

Please refer to page 6 and subsequent pages of the solicitation for requirements.

Questions & Answers What is the USG contract number?

Unfortunately, since PR numbers are internal in nature, an amendment to the solicitation will be made to the change on this language on page 16 of the solicitation to state “Purchase Order Number” instead of “Purchase Request Number”.

As a result, the due date for receipt of proposals will be extended from Friday, May 31, 2019 at 05:00 PM local time to Wednesday, June 5, 2019 at 05:00 PM local time.

What does services that have been satisfactorily performed stand for?

This plan provides an effective method to promote satisfactory contractor performance.

The QASP provides a method for the Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) to monitor Contractor performance, advise the Contractor of unsatisfactory performance, and notify the Contracting Officer of continued unsatisfactory performance.

All required services are performed and no more than two (2) customer complaints are received per week.

Please refer to page 21, 17. Quality assurance and surveillance plan (QASP) of the solicitation.

Will you review and accept the bidder’s terms and conditions?

This contract will be a United States Government (USG) contract.

We are therefore assuming that the future contractor will comply with all USG terms and conditions.

How much does the cost factor matter?

The Government intends to award a contract/purchase order resulting from this solicitation to the lowest priced, technically acceptable offeror/quoter who is a responsible contractor.

Please see page 42, section 4, evaluation factors of the solicitation.

Questions & Answers How much time and effort is required for NCAGE, DUNS and SAM registration?

Since this requirement is over $30,000, the U.S. Government requires the successful offeror to have a real DUNS number (www.dnb.com) and to be registered in the SAM database (System for Award Management; www.sam.gov) prior to the award. We highly recommend you begin this registration process early as it may take several weeks to complete.

Help sheets and instructions can be found on the U.S. Embassy Bern website.