Attachment J4 - Pre-Proposal QA.pdf

SOLICITATION # 030ADV25R0008

NLS BLUETOOTH REMOTE CONTROL FOR DIGITAL TALKING BOOK MACHINES

AMENDMENT -0002

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

Question #1: Is it ok to change the position of the SHELL/MARK/MODE and POWER buttons on the keypad of the DA-2 remote control. In addition, is it possible to arrange the other buttons as well?

Answer #1: Per Attachment J1 - DA-2 Bluetooth Remote Control Specifications, 5.10(a) The shape of the keys for the keypad shall match the shape and proportionality of the keys for the NLS digital talking book machine (DTBM) model DA-2. An image of the DA-2 keypad is in the attachment. The provided keyboard layout image provides the various keys, their shapes and proportionality, it does not specifically represent how the keys should be positioned. Contractors are encouraged to provide layout design as they see fit in order to ensure all the buttons fit within the parameters. The proposed button layout designs shall be evaluated.

Question #2: What is the make/model of the Bluetooth receiver in the DTBM Model DA-2?

Answer #2: The DA-2 contains a combined BT WIFI module that integrates the RTL8821 BT chipset from Realtek

Question #3: Is there any preference for the unpairing process between the remote control and the DTBM DA-2? What is the unpairing process and should this be emulated with the remote control?

Answer #3: Per Attachment J1 - DA-2 Bluetooth Remote Control Specifications, 3.5. Bluetooth Pairing, The remote control shall support Secure Simple Pairing (SSP) mode with “Just Works” requiring no input from the end user. And 3.6. Bluetooth Unpairing, The remote control shall support unpairing of any paired Bluetooth device. The pairing and unpairing of the Bluetooth remote control from the DA-2 shall be initiated from the DA-2 through the DA-2 settings menu. The DA-2 Bluetooth settings have the option to pair new devices and delete Paired device. It lists the paired devices that need to be unpaired using voice prompt. The menu is controlled by the keypad and the user can scroll through the paired devices to delete the one he/she chooses. Once a device is chosen to be deleted from the paired device list, it is disconnected and removed from the paired list.

Question #4: Should a lanyard be included with the DA-2 remote control?

Answer #4: A 2-foot lanyard that can connect to the unit shall be provided and built into each unit’s firm’s fixed price.

Question #5: Is there any preference for sound on the DA-2 remote control when a button is pressed? Any preference for the device that makes the sound, like piezo buzzer, speaker, or other device?

Answer #5: A beep sound is preferred when a button is pressed, and a buzzer sound is preferred for the device to that makes the sound. Sounds are required, but the specific sounds are up to the Contractor, with the Library’s preferences listed above.

Question #6: What is the preferred method to enable/disable the audible feedback? Should the audible feedback be enabled/disabled as the default state?

Answer #6: A sliding switch. Regarding whether the audible feedback be enabled or disabled as the default state will depend on the position of the sliding switch.

Question #7: Can test samples be 3D printed solid models, or should they be injected molded plastic parts with a functional keypad?

Answer #7: We would prefer a functional keypad for the test samples. However, initial versions could be 3D printed solid models.

Question #8: Is STP or IGES file format acceptable for submitting 3D part and assembly drawings?

Answer #8: Per C.3.1.1.1.b. Mechanical Design Drawings, 3D CAD models (OnShape) format of system components. The Library uses OnShape file format, and we believe that STP or IGES are supported.

Question #9: Please confirm the proposals should include the costs for EMC certifications for the USA, Canada, Mexico, Isreal, UK, New Zealand, Australia and Germany?

Answer #9: Yes, C.3.3.1. Non-recurring engineering phase includes product certifications and the costs shall be included in CLIN 0001. However, the COR will direct at a later time if certification is needed for a specific country. Per C.3.3.1.3.5. International Certificates, the contractor shall ensure the product complies with all equivalent international certificates in foreign countries where the handheld Bluetooth wireless remote-control devices will be used by Library patrons to ensure compliance with any and all international laws and/or regulations. Equivalency includes Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC), FCC Certification for electromagnetic compatibility and radio frequency compliance, Bluetooth SIG Certification, UL Certification, ADA standards and any other compliance requirements for the purpose of this requirement to ensure products meet regulatory standards. C.3.3.1.3.6. Foreign countries where the remote-control devices will operate and serve NLS patrons include Mexico, Canada, Israel, UK, New Zeeland, Australia and Germany.

Question #10: Most countries will require a marking to be placed on the product label of the device and there could be a delay from the time the completion of the certification and the next production of DA-2 remote controls with the updated product label. Would the Library be interested in replacing the product labels of any stock in the NLS warehouse after new certification is added to the remote? Should the packaging of the DA-2 remote control include the various countries that the remote is certified?

Answer #10: Per C.3.1.3.5. International Certifications, the contractor shall ensure the product complies with all equivalent international certifications in foreign countries where the handheld Bluetooth wireless remote-control devices will be used by Library patrons to ensure compliance with any and all international laws and/or regulations. Per Attachment J1 - DA-2 Bluetooth Remote Control Specifications, 6.1 Shipping carton, b. the carton shall have markings indicating the material is eligible for shipping via USPS Free Matter for the Blind. The final dimensions and artwork of the shipping carton shall be submitted to NLS for approval. If the certifications change after delivery of the product for small batches of international units, NLS can change the labels at their warehouses.

Question #11: Is the Library a current member of the Bluetooth Special Information Group (SIG)? Will the Library apply for the listing of the DA-2 remote control with Bluetooth SIG, or shall the contractor apply on behalf of the Library? Will the Library plan to use Bluetooth logo and/or wordmark on the remote control or marketing materials?

Answer #11: Per C.3.1.3.3. Bluetooth SIG Certification: The contractor shall obtain Bluetooth SIG certification to be able to operate the device using Bluetooth technology. The Library is not a current member of the SIG. Bluetooth requirements for the handheld remote control are listed in Per Attachment J1 - DA-2 Bluetooth Remote Control Specification. The Library does not plan to use Bluetooth logo on the remote control.

Question #12: Are there any particular enhancements that the Library is interested in adding to the DA-2 remote control or is the Library interested in recommendations and suggestions from the contractor?

Answer #12: The Library does not have any enhancements required at this time. This section is intended to allow for future design changes or improvements later on in the lifespan of the contract, if needed.

Prices and scope of the enhancements shall be determined when needed.

Question #13: It may be preferred to issue a credit or refund for a very small quantity of rejected units, rather than replacing them, based on the level of effort required for producing a very small quantity of replacement units.

Answer #13: Per C.3.3.4.1.6. The contractor shall replace any rejected units at no additional cost to the Library.

Question #14: Would the Library prepay for the cost of returning the tooling after the contract has expired or should this be invoiced and paid for after the tooling has been delivered?

Answer #14: This is to be pre-priced as part of the tooling costs and built up-front into the pricing.

Question #15: Per section I.7, the minimum order dollar value is $2,000.00. After the 5,000-unit first order, there is no minimum order quantity defined. We would suggest a minimum order of at least 1,000 units for mass production of a custom remote control.

The minimum IDIQ obligation shall be the Non-Recurring Engineering Price as well as the first batch of 5,000 units. After that time, the Government is not obligated to purchase any further units. The $2,000 minimum order is established in the Order Limitations Clause, simply meaning the awarded business shall not receive future orders valued at less than $2,000. It is true that after the initial order is placed the Government is under no obligation to purchase further units. In addition, the Government is able to place an order for any number of units, even below 1,000 units. As of amendment 2, the Government has implemented a tiered ordering structure for certain quantities of units.

Question #16: Is the DTBM DA-2 configured to support Voice Control? If so, can you please provide more detailed information on the chipset, OS and software used?

Answer #16: Currently the DA-2 does not support the endpoint to terminate/process voice commands.

Currently there is no requirement for voice control. It’s mentioned solely for future potential enhancement. Bluetooth remotes shall be able to respond to possible future enhancements, however.

Question #17: Is the DTBM DA-2 configured to receive IR commands? If so, can you please provide more detailed information on the IR protocol and code table?

Answer #17: The DA-2 does not have a built-in IR receiver. However, if we do require an IR receiver, it will likely be a USB dongle that plugs into DA-2. This is currently not a requirement and may be for future enhancement based on the performance of the Bluetooth remote. It’s mentioned solely for future potential enhancement. Bluetooth remotes shall be able to respond to possible future enhancements, however.

Question #18: Does the Library have any visuals of the current internals of the device?

Answer #18: The Library does not have any visuals for the current internals of the device.