QA RFQ Answers.docx

Chalmers P. Wylie Ambulatory Care Center Patient Internet Services Connectivity RFQ 36C10A24Q0117 "WiFi VA COHS- New Requirement” Questions and Answers

1. Q: Each CLIN represents "24/7 streaming of wifi services, maintenance, and repair at [specified] locations. Will the Government generate a standalone CLIN for the Statement of Work (SOW) activities outside of services, maintenance, and repair, OR does the Government consider the SOW under "repair?" (In reference to B.1 Price Schedule)

A: Any activities outside of service, maintenance and repair should be priced separately.

2. Q: SOW Section 7.0 “Performance Requirements” states "contractor is responsible for providing new and/or additional access points as required". Since the determination of using the exisitng access points, relocating existing access points, adding additional access points will be based on the spectrum analysis of the campus which is being conducted post award, how would the VA like contractors to identify these potential costs and what CLIN should they be included in the proposal?

A: Existing access points are installed and operating per design. Timeframe for a spectrum analysis is at the discretion of the contractor.

3. Q: Should Contractor assume a 'takeover' of existing streaming/wifi services until spectrum analysis is conducted and completed?

A: Yes, WiFi infrastructure and service is already established and operating. Again, timeframe for a spectrum analysis is at the discretion on the contractor.

4. Q: The Mandatory Site Visit Requirements in SOW Section 8 “Timetable of Deliverables” -- is this requirement pre-RFP submission, or validating site survey (Spectrum Analysis) post award?

A: The RFQ has been amended as of 08/06/2024 to remove the “Mandatory Site Visit” deliverable and any mention of a Request for Proposal. Please see updated solicitation.

5. Q: System Installation is in the SOW 8 Timetable of Deliverables and refers to "equipment installed and fully functional." It is not clear what equipment needs to be installed if the current system is already installed. Is the Contractor to replace the system (multiple location networks) in entirety? What guidance can the Government provide here?

A: It’s the Government’s intent and dedication to taxpayers by utilizing to the greatest extent possible the existing infrastructure.

6. Q: SOW section 6 “Performance Assumptions” emphasizes performance assumptions focused on a blended solution for both wire and wireless solutions and uses the phrase "initial design." Does the Government anticipate a validating site survey at Kickoff that will result in a designed and engineered solution to replace equipment, that may in fact impact awarded pricing?

A: No, the Government doesn’t want to replace any equipment, we want to use existing as much as possible.

7. Q: To price and determine bandwidth for each site, we need the number of users at each site (RFP states 750-1000 at "this" site but there are multiple sites). Please provide the number of users per site. Is Spectrum the current ISP at all sites, what bandwidth is currently provided at each site and is the current speed adequate?

A: CBOC users are estimated at no more than 200. Yes, Spectrum is the current ISP for all sites. CBOCs are coax and main facility is fiber. Exact bandwidth is unknown by engineering. Current speed is adequate for CBOCs, main facility speed inadequate.

8. Q: The RFQ states "Contractor shall either use existing access points or provide new under the contract." And then in Section 8, expresses concerns over the duality of the WAPs. Offerors need to know the Government's expectations in order to price correctly and make assumptions. Should Offerors assume 100 percent replacement of WAPs? The Government should state this expectation or the Government will receive wildly varying pricing.

A: The Government does not want to replace WAP’s and will do so only if existing are non-functional.

9. Q: The Government states that facility diagrams (floor plans) will be provided upon request. We request facility diagrams.

A: Floor plans for facilities have been provided to Contracting Officer

10. Q: Can the Government provide a current network diagram showing all devices used to provide the services?

A: No, the Government cannot provide as builds. As-builds were not done when initial install occurred. We do have some diagrams but not all

11. Q: Can the Government provide the model number of the current Aruba access points, controller, and switches and confirm if they currently meet the requirements of the Government?

A: Model numbers can be identified during site visit.

12. Q: Can the government provide the AP and switch count for each location?

A: 135 access points main facility (1st fl = 48, 2nd fl = 48, 3rd fl = 25, 4th fl = 10, ENG BLDG = 4) CBOCs Grove City = 8, Marion = 5, Zanesville = 7, Newark = 9, and Airport = 5.

13. Q: Can the government advise on internet circuit speed for each location?

A: Not at the present time

14. Q: Can the government advise on who owns the network switches for the current Guest Wi-Fi system

A: The Department of Veterans Affairs owns the network switches for the current guest WiFi system.

15. Q: Can the government provide a list of the current equipment inventory for each location?

A: This can be identified during site visit

16. Q: Can the government provide the name and contract number of the Incumbent?

A: Brian Barnett with LUZ Technology is the incumbent with service provided by Spectrum

17. Q: Can the government provide site maps for each location with potential drop points?

A: As-builts with drop locations do not exist. All we have are PDF prints of the floor plans.

18. Q: While we understand that bandwidth requirements will be based on users per site, (page 10 of the RFQ) with the Chalmers center averaging 750-1000 users per day, can the government identify bandwidth requirements for the other sites or will more detailed metrics become available?

A: The CBOC’s (other sites) will average approximately 150 users per day roughly.

19. Q: Will the Government please provide a Site Visit Attendee List?

A: Attached

20. Would the Government please provide the current Contract Holder's UEI and Contract Number?

A: Brian L Barnett, CEO, LUZ Technologies 202 Church St. SE, #517, Leesburg, VA 20175 Unique Entity Identifier: 186482647 703-269-8257

21. Is there one contract for install and services or does the ISP hold a separate contract? If the ISP is a separate contract number, what is that contract number?

A: ISP is a sub-contract of the prime which is LUZ Technologies

22. Instructions to Offers limits documentation that demonstrates the proposed quotes meets all requirements of the Product Description and any proposed exceptions and that this documentation 10 pages. Does the Government mean that only the technical product description is limited to 10 pages or that the entire response is limited to 10 pages? If the entire response is limited to 10 pages, can offerors exclude cover, transmittal letter, tables of contents, and any diagrams or tables?

A: Technical product description is limited to 10 pages

23. Would the Government consider extending the due date of the solicitation for at least 1 week after the Government posts final answers to questions to allow for proper pricing? We have not received the information requested to determine ISP pricing, and this takes several days (The last date for Questions to be submitted is August 14, at 10 am; and the proposal is due August 20 at 10 a.m.) If the Government responds Friday COB with the information requested, Offerors will need the week of 8/12-8/16 to finalize pricing.

A: The deadline to respond to the RFQ will be extended to 8/26/2024 5PM EST.

24. For hardware replacement due to failure, or for expansions requested, will the contractor submit a quote for approval and the government issue a Change Order PO or is the government expecting the contractor to include all these potential costs in the current proposal?

A: The Government is expecting the contractor to include all these potential costs in the current proposal.

25. The RFP states the facility currently has Wi-Fi provided by Spectrum internet and owns all 135 Aruba Networking brand access points and related devices. Please clarify all access points and related devices are owned by the Government (GFE) and can be used to provide the requried services.

A: All access points and related devices are owned by the Government (GFE) and can be used to provide the required services. However, the contractor is required to provide any and all licenses to use the equipment.

26. What is the current firewall manufacturer and model number?

A: Information unavailable

27. What is the current content filtering solution and when does the filter subscription service expire?

A: That’s part of the issue, there isn’t an effective filtering solution, service expires at completion of existing contract period.

28. Can the government please provide/update the maps/floor plans to show exact coverage areas desired? Are there any areas the government is requesting new coverage?

A: The entire main facility, Engineering building and all CBOCs require coverage. Layouts provided.

29. Per the site visit there are ~21 IDFs. Can the government identify the MDF and IDFs locations with Guest WiFi equipment on the floor plans for each site? Please include room numbers.

A: MDF is located on the 4th floor, in the data center, 16 of 21 IDFs have guest WiFi equipment

30. Per the site visit, please provide a map of the existing AP locations for each site and building

A: Please see attached building diagrams

31. What is the current interconnect (CAT6 or fiber) between the Guest WiFi MDF and the IDFs, and other buildings? If fiber what type is it?

A: Fiber comes into the MDF and CAT-6 to all IDF this is the same at the CBOCs

32. Q: The description of security services to be considered include live internet link to the AT&T Business Network contract. Is it the government's intent that the services be tied directly to AT&T Business to the exclusion of other providers of similar services?

A: No, exclusion of similar providers is not the governments intent

33. Q: The government makes several references to CISCO networks. Because these statements are attributable to a specific manufacturer, is it the government's expectation that offeror solutions be based on the CISCO Systems suite of products or is the government open to other Brand Names?

A: The CISCO brand is the current VA Patient Network which is not part of this system, however will be housed in the same closets. This was provided for reference only.

34. Q: The Timetable of Deliverables states that equipment will be installed and fully functional 21 days from contract award, however the paragraph preceding the table reads "Installation and full operational capability is to be completed within 120 days of award." Is the government making a distinction between "full operational capability" and "...installed and fully functional", and if so, what is the distinction and how does it impact the timetable.

A: Distinction is difference between providing new service only vs. installing new equipment, programming equipment and new service

35. Q: The Timetable of Deliverables states that Monthly reports detailing system up-time, system usage and responsiveness to customer problem calls will begin 30+ days from contract award -- forward; however this is well ahead of the 120 day full operational capability. Will the government please clarify and reconcile the timetable for monthly reporting?

A: Monthly reporting to commence after new service is operational

36. Q: The Timetable of Deliverables provides for a Mandatory Site Visit. Item 4 of the performance assumptions states "A spectrum analysis may be required before design, placement and implementation of Internet access can begin.", and item 2 of the Performance Requirements states "Perform spectrum analysis of the campus (as needed/required)". Is it the government's intent to afford all potential offerors the opportunity to conduct spectrum analysis prior to the offerors engaging in system design?

A: As of the Amendment to the Solicitation Posted on 08/6/2024, the Mandatory Site Visit Deliverable has been removed. Spectrum analysis is a recommendation to ensure adequate coverage of required areas and may be done prior to commencement of work after award.

37. Q: The price schedule is designed to accept monthly pricing. Should an offeror elect not to use existing access points but rather provide new under the contract, offeror's will most likely represent new equipment as a non-recurring charge. Will the government please modify the Price/Cost Schedule to accommodate non-recurring cost line item for each contract period in addition to the monthly cost line item?

A: The contractors may utilize the existing equipment or provide new equipment. The contractor is required to provide any and all licenses required for the system for both new and old equipment. The contractor is responsible for any modifications to the current system to meet the user requirements in the solicitation. The price is required to be given in the format the solicitation calls for.

38. Q: Will the government please provide an inventory report the model numbers for all 169 Aruba Networking brand access points and related devices, switches, firewalls, and other wireless infrastructure related devices?

A: Please see attached Aruba data sheets

39. Q: Will the government please provide details of any maintenance agreements currently in place for the 135 Aruba Networking brand access points and related devices located at the main campus and the 34 Aruba Networking brand access points and related devices located at the CBOCs?

A: There are no known maintenance agreements/details other than what is mentioned on the attached Aruba device data sheets. If contractor continues use of Aruba access points, contractor is responsible for any and all maintenance and licensing agreements for equipment.

40. Q: Will the government please provide details of any service level agreements already in place for the existing Spectrum Internet and describe specifics of any service levels required for any new service or extension of the existing service?

A: Any agreements with Spectrum are held with the current contractor

41. Q: The price schedule is designed to accept monthly pricing. Is it the government's intent to own and secure title to the networking hardware of the proposed replacement Wi-Fi network, or is it the government's intent to lease the hardware from the offeror as part of a monthly managed services offered?

A: The governments intent is to own

42. Q: Will the government be managing the proposed replacement Wi-Fi network, or will network management be provided by the contractor as part of a managed services offered?

A: Network management will be provided by the contractor

43. Q: Are there areas at any of the sites that would be considered out-of-scope? If so, will the government identify these areas on the provided floor plans?

A: The main facility, engineering building and all CBOCs as listed in the solicitation require coverage.

44. Q: Is outdoor coverage required at any of the sites? If so, will the government identify these areas on the provided floor plans or site maps?

A: Outdoor coverage is not required

45. Q: In reference to SOW (SOW) ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS, Page 15- This paragraph states "A site visit and floor plans will be provided for interested proposers." This offeror is an interested proposer, participated in the mandatory site visit. Will the government please provide floor plans/as builts for the main campus (with AP locations if available) for each building and floor?

A: Formal as builds don’t exist some diagrams do and are attached

46. Q: This paragraph (SOW ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS - Page 15) states "Existing cable trays and/or raceways shall be used to distribution. Will the floor plans/as builts include details of the existing cable trays and/or raceways?

A: No, they will not.

47. Q: Will the government please provide a network topology diagram of the Aruba LAN/WLAN as it is today, including router/firewall, switches, and access points?

A: Formal as builds don’t exist some diagrams do and are attached

48. Q: The timetable describes a Detailed System Architecture to be submitted 5 business days from contract award. The Deliverable Definitions however, include a Detailed description of equipment locations and requirements. This definition, unlike the other definitions in the table does not align with the deliverable in the timetable. Will the government please clarify the relationship of this particular definition with the timetable?

A: Unsure what this question is asking.

49. Q: SOW Section PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS Item 4.2 states "Based on requirements # 4, 5 with successful results proceed with facility wide implementation." This item references itself. Was it the government's intention that this be based on requirements #5 and 6 with successful results?

A: Yes, this should reference requirements # 5 and 6

50. Q: SOW ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS - Page 15 states "The following Security Services should be considered and provided by the Internet Service Provider or the vendor installing the public Internet access; Managed Firewall / Intrusion Detection and Prevention, Managed E-Authentication, Vulnerability Scanning /Anti-Virus Management , Incident Response / Event Management Processing, Managed Tiered Security, Metrics and Operations Reporting." Will the government please specify if any or all of the services to be considered and provided are currently being provided by the current Internet Service provider or the or the vendor who installed the public Internet access?

A: Yes, these are currently being provided for the current system.

51. Q: In reference to SF1449 Block 8- Answers to several of the questions posed will impact this offeror's design and provision of service. Given that the deadline for submission of questions is a mere six (6) days prior to the deadline for submission of responses to the solicitation, will the government please grant an extension of time for submission of responses of not less than 14 calendar days?

A: The deadline to respond to the RFQ will be extended to 08/26/2024 5PM EST. The deadline will not be extended any further.

52. Q: In reference to B.1 PRICE/COST SCHEDULE, The answers to questions indicate an ENG BLDG location with four (4) WAPs. Is ENG BLDG location unaccounted for as an element requiring pricing in Section B.1?

A: ENG BLDG is located 50 yrds to the NE of the main facility and is considered for pricing

53. Q: SOW ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS states "All medical center fiber terminations will use SC/ST connections as appropriate. Contractor is to provide all required labor and material. Contractor will be responsible for installation and maintenance of router, switches, wireless access points, and Category 6 wiring with connections (as required) to provide these capabilities." Does the existing wiring plant consist of Category 6 wiring with SC/ST terminations, and if not, what is the wiring rating of the existing cable plant?

A: Existing plant is using CAT-6 A with SC terminations

54. Q: SOW ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS - Page 15 states "Contractor will be responsible for installation and maintenance of router, switches, wireless access points, and Category 6 wiring with connections (as required) to provide these capabilities." Is it the government's expectation that new Category 6 wiring will be required in some or all of the locations?

A: The governments intent is to provide access for up to 1,000 users at the main facility and approximately 150 users at the CBOCs. The contractor shall review the existing equipment and locations and determine the capabilities. If any new equipment and/or wiring is required to meet the user needs, the contractor is required to provide it. If the contractor elects to, or is required to, install new equipment they are responsible for the installation, wiring, programing etc.

55. Q: In reference to SOW SECTION 7 PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS- Will the government provide adequate secure onsite staging locations to house equipment shipped to VA locations?

A: Some arrangements can be made with prior coordination, but to ensure equipment security contractor should provide their own storage.

56. Q: The timetable requires that Equipment be installed and fully functional 21 days from contract award. For new equipment, depending upon manufacturer allocation, receipt of materials can take, in the best of cases, 30 days after receipt of order (ARO) from the contractor. Given that the system architecture is submitted to the government no more that five (5) days from contract award, this leaves, at a maximum, 16 days for install. 21 days from contract award is not a realistic expectation for equipment to be installed and fully functional. Will the government please modify this requirement to reflect that Equipment be installed and fully functional 60 days from contract award?

A: Contractor to communicate exact dates with COR and Contracting after award. If there is a valid, acceptable reason that certain dates can’t be met due to circumstances outside of contractors control, revised dates may be accepted.

57. Q: The timetable requires that a Detailed list of results including coverage areas and wireless capability (HEAT map) be delivered 30 days from contract award. Will the government please modify this requirement to reflect that Detailed list of results including coverage areas and wireless capability (HEAT map) be delivered 75 days from contract award?

A: Contractor to communicate exact dates with COR and Contracting after award. If there is a valid, acceptable reason that certain dates can’t be met due to circumstances outside of contractors control, revised dates may be accepted.

58. Q: Performance Assumption 11 requires that the contractor Utilize a content filtering solution for monitoring all VA-provided public internet access. Performance Requirement 2.6 requires that the contractor Develop security controls to monitor and provide intrusion detection as well as intrusion protection from rogue, alien and malware/spyware protocols. Additional Requirement Page 15 requires that security services include Managed Firewall and Metrics and Operations Reporting. Taken together is it the government's intent that the contractor provide a fully managed network service?

A: Yes, contractor to manage network service

59. Q: In reference to SOW SECTION 6 PERFORMANCE ASSUMPTIONS/PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS- These sections require that the contractor Provide a toll-free telephone support function for users to report problems with the service. Will the government please describe the current level of support provided by the incumbent contractor as well as the government current tier-1 and escalation support?

A: Contact contractor directly, and receive from contractor verification of service provider escalation

60. Q: In reference to SOW SECTION 6 PERFORMANCE ASSUMPTIONS- Will the government please provide more information or context on the requirement for the provision of full time, redundant, fault-tolerant service? Performance Assumption 8 states "The Chalmers P. Wylie VAACC desires this service be available 24 hours a day, 7 days per week (24X7); however, we are neither requiring nor expecting the supplier to provide total fault tolerance." Is this an unevaluated desireable, a separately priced option, a service that is currently being provided?

A: Available service 24X7 is desired, the government understands that there will be disruptions/faults, but they should not be a result of failure on the contractors behalf.

61. Q: In reference to SOW SECTION 5 Objectives-This paragraph states "The Chalmers P. Wylie VAACC has requested to maintain public Internet service for the main building as well as the engineering building and CBOCs." Will the government please provide an address or some geographic context identifyint the location of the engineering building?

A: Engineering building is roughly 50 yards to the NE of the main campus building

62. Q: In reference to SOW SECTION 8 ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS- This states that all contractors and subcontractors "must be identified and complete/pass security requirements for working in a VHA Medical Center." Is this requirement limited to individuals who will work on site? If not, how should contractors identify the individuals subject to this requirement?

A: This requirement is limited to individuals who will work on site.

63. Q: In reference to Addendum A - Section A1.0 - Cyber and Information Security Requirements for VA IT Services- “The Contractor shall ensure adequate LAN/Internet, data, information, and system security in accordance with VA standard operating procedures and standard PWS language, conditions, laws, and regulations.” – Please identify the applicable VA standard operating procedures and standard PWS language, conditions, laws, and regulations.

A: VA Directive 6500 and VA Handbook 6500

64. Q: Addendum A - Section A1.0 - Cyber and Information Security Requirements for VA IT Services States that “Contractor shall follow all applicable VA policies and procedures governing information security.” -- Please identify/provide all the applicable policies and procedures.

65. Q: Addendum A - Section A1.0 - Cyber and Information Security Requirements for VA IT Services States that “The Contractor’s firewall and web server shall meet or exceed VA minimum requirements for security.” -- Please identify/provide the applicable VA minimum requirements for firewalls and web servers.

A: VA Directive 6500 and VA Handbook 6500

66. Q: Addendum A - Section A1.0 - Cyber and Information Security Requirements for VA IT Services States that Contractor supplied equipment must meet “all security requirements that apply to Government Furnished Equipment (GFE) and Government Owned Equipment (GOE),” followed by a list of requirements. -- Does this list identify all the applicable requirements? If not, please identify/provide any other applicable requirements for GFE and GOE.

A: All requirements should be listed, no new known requirements listed

67. Q: Addendum A - Section A1.0 - Cyber and Information Security Requirements for VA IT Services States that “the Contractor shall complete all mandatory training courses on the current VA training site.” -- Is this requirement limited to individuals who work on site? If not, how should contractors identify the individuals subject to this requirement.

A: limited to individuals working on site

68. Q: In reference to Section C - VAAR 852.239-70 SECURITY REQUIREMENTS FOR INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY RESOURCES- Does the Government expect the awardee to submit the Information System Security Plan and proof of accreditation referenced in VAAR 852.239-70? They are not listed as deliverables in the solicitation.

A: Contractor is responsible to provide if requested

69. Q: Addendum B - VA Information and Information System Security/Privacy Language Are the portions of VA Handbook 6500.6 quoted in Addendum B the only portions that are applicable to this contract?

A: All portions of VA Handbook 6500 are applicable

70. Q: Addendum B - VA Information and Information System Security/Privacy Language states that contractors will be subject to “the same federal laws, regulations, standards, VA directives and handbooks, as the VA personnel regarding information and information system security and privacy.” Please identify the applicable laws, regulations, standards, VA directives and handbooks, under this section.

71. Q: In reference to SOW SECTION 7 PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENT 8- Will all existing cabling and wiring remain in place or will new wiring be required?

A: The governments intent is to provide access for up to 1,000 users at the main facility and approximately 150 users at the CBOCs. The contractor shall review the existing equipment and locations and determine the capabilities. If any new equipment and/or wiring is required to meet the user needs, the contractor is required to provide it. If the contractor elects to, or is required to, install new equipment they are responsible for the installation, wiring, programing etc.

72. Q: In reference to SOW SECTION 7 PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENT 6- Will all of the existing cabling wiring need to be tested prior to access point replacement?

A: The governments intent is to provide access for up to 1,000 users at the main facility and approximately 150 users at the CBOCs. The contractor shall review the existing equipment and locations and determine the capabilities. If any new equipment and/or wiring is required to meet the user needs, the contractor is required to provide it. If the contractor elects to, or is required to, install new equipment they are responsible for the installation, wiring, programing etc.

73. Q: In reference to SOW SECTION 7 PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENT 8- What quality of experience is expected?

A: Question unclear, nothing like this is mentioned in referenced section.

74. Q: In reference to SOW SECTION 7 PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENT 8- Will onsite maintenance visits for proactive inspections be required?

A: No

75. Q: In reference to SOW SECTION 7 PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENT 8- Will break/fix site visits be initiated by a service call or will the monitoring entity be expected to proactively send technicians onsite when a problems is detected?

A: The contractor shall notify the COR of any known issue to coordinate the repair. The COR will contact the contractor for any issues the VA notices.

76. Q: In reference to SOW SECTION 7 PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENT 8- Are all of the existing access points operating normally today?

A: Yes

77. Q: In reference to SOW SECTION 7 PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENT 5- Does the VA have a specific contractor to perform the wiring work in each building?

A: The governments intent is to provide access for up to 1,000 users at the main facility and approximately 150 users at the CBOCs. The contractor shall review the existing equipment and locations and determine the capabilities. If any new equipment and/or wiring is required to meet the user needs, the contractor is required to provide it. If the contractor elects to, or is required to, install new equipment they are responsible for the installation, wiring, programing etc.

78. Q: In reference to SOW SECTION 7 PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENT 5- If AC power needs to be added, whose responsibility will it be, and If so, what contractor will the VA employ?

A: The governments intent is to provide access for up to 1,000 users at the main facility and approximately 150 users at the CBOCs. The contractor shall review the existing equipment and locations and determine the capabilities. If any new equipment and/or wiring is required to meet the user needs, the contractor is required to provide it. If the contractor elects to, or is required to, install new equipment they are responsible for the installation, wiring, programing etc.

79. Q: In reference to SOW SECTION 7 PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENT 5- If distribution cabinets need to be replaced, whose responsibility will it be, and if so, how will the replacement be identified and executed?

A: The governments intent is to provide access for up to 1,000 users at the main facility and approximately 150 users at the CBOCs. The contractor shall review the existing equipment and locations and determine the capabilities. If any new equipment and/or wiring is required to meet the user needs, the contractor is required to provide it. If the contractor elects to, or is required to, install new equipment they are responsible for the installation, wiring, programing etc.

80. Q: In reference to SOW SECTION 7 PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENT 5- If switch upgrades are required, what will the process be?

A: The governments intent is to provide access for up to 1,000 users at the main facility and approximately 150 users at the CBOCs. The contractor shall review the existing equipment and locations and determine the capabilities. If any new equipment and/or wiring is required to meet the user needs, the contractor is required to provide it. If the contractor elects to, or is required to, install new equipment they are responsible for the installation, wiring, programing etc.

81. Q: In reference to SOW SECTION 8 ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS- If required Internet access will be a minimum of three (3) synchronous Mbps at each location, what if AP connection has less than 3Mbps connection?

A: They shouldn’t and will be dealt with on a case-by-case need

82. Q: In reference to SOW SECTION 7 PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENT 8- Will the contractor be required to monitor both networks on site to validate interference?

A: On-site monitoring is not a requirement.

83. Q: In reference to SOW SECTION 7 PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENT 5How many IDF’s and Switches are located within the Main Hospital?

12/16/2019

12/30/2019

1/15/2020

1/2020

1/2020

1/31/2020

1/17/2020

A:

84. Q: In reference to SOW SECTION 7 PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENT 5- Are the existing Aruba AP’s cloud managed or controller managed?

A: Cloud managed.

85. Q: In reference to SOW SECTION 7 PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENT 5- Are any of the existing wireless access point locations installed on the exterior of any buildings?

A: No

86. Q: In reference to SOW SECTION 7 PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENT 5- Will the government please provide the VA requirements/protocols for accessing above ceiling spaces in the facilities?

A: Refer to VA Infection Control Risk Assessment (ICRA) requirements

87. Q: In reference to SECTION 7 PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENT 5-Will the government please describe the safety/exposure controls required in each facility?

A: Refer to VA Infection Control Risk Assessment (ICRA) requirements

88. Q: In reference to SOW SECTION 7 PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENT 5- Are there areas within these facilities with inaccessible ceiling spaces (hard ceilings, etc); and If so, what is the VA expectation of a finished installation for these spaces?

A: There will be minimal inaccessible areas if any at all, if encountered submit and RFI for guidance

89. Q: In reference to SOW SECTION 7 PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENT 5- Do any of these facilities have areas containing asbestos that will need to be accessed by the structured cabling efforts?

A: There are no known areas that contain asbestos.

90. Q: In reference to SOW SECTION 7 PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENT 4- Is it the government's expectation that a Pilot be performed at each location?

A: The governments intent is to provide access for up to 1,000 users at the main facility and approximately 150 users at the CBOCs. The contractor shall review the existing equipment and locations and determine the capabilities. If any new equipment and/or wiring is required to meet the user needs, the contractor is required to provide it. If the contractor elects to, or is required to, install new equipment they are responsible for the installation, wiring, programing etc.

91. Q: In reference to SOW SECTION 7 PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENT 2 and PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENT 3- The numbering for Performance Requirement 2 and Performance Requirement 3 are out of sequence. Will the government please realign the numbering sequences? Doing so will foster more accurate traceability within the required Project Plan.

A: No, proceed in the sequence that makes the most sense

92. Q: Which buildings are included in the RFP? (Main Hospital, Engineering Bldg and 5 CBOCs listed in RFP but floor plans were also provided for the Admin Building)

A: Minimal as builds exist and are/will be provided

93. Q: Is SDVOSB status a requirement to respond to this RFP?

A: Requirements are in the solicitation

94. Q: Will a physical survey of all locations be scheduled to complete section 7 1-3?

A: Request shall be submitted to the COR after award to be coordinated.

95. Q: Can the RFP response date be adjusted to allow for onsite surveys?

A: The deadline to respond to the RFQ is being extended to 08/26/2024 at 5PM EST. Comment by Deputy, Anna: Not sure about onsite surveys

96. Q: Will As-Built documentation be provided for all buildings identifying the locations and counts of all existing equipment and interconnect mediums?

a. Routers

b. Access Points

c. Switches

d. Equipment connection types (Single mode fiber, Multimode fiber, ethernet, wireless point to point radios)?

A: For the most part yes but limited. Please see attachement

97. Q: Is existing hospital fiber available for use between IDF closets and between buildings?

A: No

98. Q: Will use of existing network cabinets/racks be authorized or will new cabinets/racks be required?

A: The governments intent is to provide access for up to 1,000 users at the main facility and approximately 150 users at the CBOCs. The contractor shall review the existing equipment and locations and determine the capabilities. If any new equipment and/or wiring is required to meet the user needs, the contractor is required to provide it. If the contractor elects to, or is required to, install new equipment they are responsible for the installation, wiring, programing etc.

99. Q: Will floor plans be provided indicating required coverage areas?

A: For the most part yes but limited. Please see attachement

100. Q: What is the make/model of existing equipment?

A: See attached data-sheets

101. Q: Are current heat maps or coverage areas available?

A: To the best of my knowledge no, they aren’t available

102. Q: Is the current coverage sufficient in all locations or is additional coverage needed? If additional coverage is needed can those areas be provided?

A: Current coverage is sufficient for up to 350 users at the main facility and 100 users at the CBOCs. The governments intent is to provide access for up to 1,000 users at the main facility and approximately 150 users at the CBOCs. The contractor shall review the existing equipment and locations and determine the capabilities. If any new equipment and/or wiring is required to meet the user needs, the contractor is required to provide it. If the contractor elects to, or is required to, install new equipment they are responsible for the installation, wiring, programing etc.

103. Q: Are there areas of exclusion for Guest access coverage?

A: Not sure what this question is asking

104. Q: Will the installation of point-to-point radios on the outside of the buildings be authorized?

A: No

105. Q: Who is the current circuit provider, what type of service is provided (cable modem/DIA) and what is the current bandwidth provided at each location?

A: Our current internet provider is Spectrum

106. Q: Will HEPA filtering carts be required when installing new cabling?

A: Typically no, but may be needed to meet ICRA requirements in specific units

107. Q: Does new cabling (fiber/ethernet) need to be run in conduit?

A: Applicable code requirements apply

108. Q: Will work be required to be done after normal business hours or can work, such as installing new cables/APs, be complete during normal business hours?

A: work in main corridors can be completed during normal business hours. Work inside the departments will have to be completed after hours..

109. Q: RFP states that internet access will be a minimum of 3Mbps at each location. Is that per user at each location or minimum bandwidth per location?

A:

108. Q: How long does the awardee have to complete the takeover/installation? The RFP states that installation and full operational capability is to be completed within 120 days of award but the timetable of deliveries states System Installation will be completed 21 days from contract award.

A: Distinction is difference between providing new service only vs. installing new equipment, programming equipment and new service

109. Q: RFP states that both wire and wireless solutions will be required. Will the locations of wired connections be provided?

A: Wired connections refer to connections to switches and APs

110. Q: How many estimated users per location? RFP states 750-1000 but does not indicate user counts per location.

A: 750-1000 at the main facility CBOCs vary and maximum estimated users 150

111. Q: Will installation contractors be required to go through a background check for badging?

A: Any contractor onsite for more than 30 days will have to get a background check.

112. Q: Is a login page/walled garden required?

A: Yes

113. Q: Will floor plans for the Newark Location be provided?

A: Yes, please see attached

114. Q: Are interior walls sheetrock and stud construction?

A: Yes

115. Q: Are all ceilings suspended grid ceiling?

A: Most of the facility, yes. There are some hard ceilings in some rooms, however all of the corridors are suspended ceilings.

116. Q: Can the Government clarify if this opportunity, 36C10A24Q0117, is only to distribute a patient network at Chalmers or is it for the other four centers as well. The CLIN's suggest all, but the performance requirements and user study only references Chalmers?

A: All locations

117. Q: If the distribution is for all the centers, Chalmers as well as the other four, will be VA Technical center provide a user study or bandwidth requirements for the other locations to identify the number of concurrent wi-fi users users expected?

A: The governments intent is to provide access for up to 1,000 users at the main facility and approximately 150 users at the CBOCs. The contractor shall review the existing equipment and locations and determine the capabilities. If any new equipment and/or wiring is required to meet the user needs, the contractor is required to provide it. If the contractor elects to, or is required to, install new equipment they are responsible for the installation, wiring, programing etc.

118. Q: Spectrum understands that Chalmers will be the funding source as well as technical and business point of contact and reference; will Chalmers also be the source and location for engaging with VA Technical Center Engineers for trouble reporting and related fix actions?

A: Yes

119. Q: Can the government clarify who will be using the toll free support #? Will it be any user (patient, empolyee, admin or medical staff) or only VA technical staff assigned to a CBOC?

A: VA technical staff

120. Q: Is a blended solution ("Wire and Wireless") a requirement only for Chalmers Wylee, or all locations?

A: All locations

121. Q: If a blended solution is only a requirement for Chalmers, where are the wired ports required?

A: Wired mainly refers to connections to switches and APs

122. Does a specific portion of the engineering building at Chalmers require this solution and if so is there an existing conduit between the main hospital and engineering building?

A: Infrastructure/service is already in place and active.

123. Q: Do the parking garages at each location require this solution? If so, it is the entire garage or a portion and is there a conduit between the main hospital and parking garage at that location

A: No, the parking garage does not need coverage.

124. Q: Do the admin buildings at each location require this solution? If so, it is the admin wing or a portion and is there a conduit between the main hospital and admin buildings at that location?

A: Infrastructure/service is already in place and active.

125. Q: Do the boiler rooms at each location require this solution? If so, it is the entire boiler room or a portion and is there a conduit between the main hospital and boiler rooms at that location?

A: No, the boiler plant does not need coverage.

126. Q: Marion CBOC: What room is the telcom/network room that can be used to support the solution?

A: Please see attached plan. Infrastructure/service is already in place and active.

127. Q: Newark CBOC: A diagram for Newark was not provided with the others sent, can one be provided?

A: Yes, please see attached

128. Q: Can the government clarify if a contractor can use Government Furnished Equipment (GFE), like an existing conduit, to complete a fiber run.

A: Yes, if there is conduit available or space in a conduit it can be used.

129. Q: Can the government clarify the locations required to support commercial minimum 802.11 connectivity?

A: All APs require 802.11 connectivity

130. Q: Where are the wired Internet connections required?

A: Mainly data closets at switches and APs

131. Q: What areas of each floor do NOT require wi-fi coverage?

A: The entire main facility and engineering building require coverage.

132. Q: What areas of each building do NOT require wi-fi coverage?

A: The entire main facility and engineering building require coverage.

133. Q: Can we get prints identifying the number and location of AP's at each site? ( We have the prints but do these have current AP Placements?)

A: Complete as-builds don’t exist, existing prints/plans we have will be available and are attached

134. Q: Can we schedule site visits before the RFQ is due? If not, are we still eligible to win the bid?

A: Site visit has happened and has no impact on eligibility

135. Q: Do you have information you can share regarding the model and age of the AP's currently in service?

A: Please see attached data-sheets

136. Q: If this solicitation is unrestricted as checked in the SF 1449, does the TAC have a preference for a large business?

A: There is no preference for large businesses. This requirement is being solicited under full and open competition and is being evaluated based on lowest price only.

137. Q: Is this opportunity restricted to HUBZone based on the checkoff found at C.7. FAR 52.212-5(16)?

A: No this opportunity is not restricted to HUBZone.

[X] (16) 52.219–4, Notice of Price Evaluation Preference for HUBZone Small Business Concerns (OCT 2022) (if the offeror elects to waive the preference, it shall so indicate in its offer) (15 U.S.C.

657a).

The prescription of clause FAR 52.219–4 can be found in FAR

19.31309 “Contract Clauses”:“(b)The contracting officer shall insert the clause at 52.219-4, Notice of Price Evaluation Preference for HUBZone Small Business Concerns, in solicitations and contracts for acquisitions conducted using full and open competition.”

The incorporation of this FAR clause by reference does not indicate any HUBZone restrictions.

138. Q: Why is 52.219–14, Limitations on Subcontracting (OCT 2022) (15 U.S.C. 657s) unchecked? Is this solicitation not an SDVOSB set aside? If it is an SDVOSB set aside, please check off FAR 52.219-14(f). FAR 852-215-70 is incorporated by reference.

A: This requirement is not an SDVOSB set-aside. There are no set-asides for this solicitation.

The prescription of VAAR clause 852.215-70 can be found in VAAR 815.304-71 “Solicitation provision and clause”:

“(a) The contracting officer shall insert the clause at 852.215-70, Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business and Veteran-Owned Small Business Evaluation Factors, in competitively negotiated solicitations and contracts that are not set aside for SDVOSBs or VOSBs.”

The incorporation of this VAAR clause by reference does not indicate any SDVOSB set-aside.

139. Q: The special notification and SAM.Gov cite a due date of August 2nd. The RFQ Draft cites a due date of August 26th. Can the Government clarify the correct date.

A: The due date of August 2nd is to RSVP to the site visit. The due date to submit quotes is August 26th.

140. Q: Can the Government clarify if the solution must offer full carrier or vendor diversity to meet Separation of Veterans patient Internet network (air-gap)?

A: Full carrier should suffice