36C25619Q1162-A0001002.pdf

Questions to RFQ 36C25619Q1162

1. Has equipment been purchased for this requirement?

No, this is a new requirement; therefore, no equipment has been purchased.

2. Has a Wireless Site Survey been accomplished for any of the locations?

Yes, one vendor has previously accomplished a wireless site survey.

3. Can you provide a building plan or building layout for the wireless coverage?

Is there a reason you are unable to provide a building plan or building layout for wireless coverage?

Yes, floor plans will be provided for each facility (see attached).

4. Do you expect the proposal to include the Internet Circuit or any other Circuits as part of the solution?

Yes, it is expected that proposals should include the Internet Circuit or any other Circuits as part of the solution.

5. Can a Cloud Managed Solution be used (Meraki, Ruckus, Aruba, etc.)?

No, a Cloud Managed Solution may not be used.

6. Will the routers mentioned in the documentation be provided by the customer?

The awardee (vendor) shall provide all hardware to include routers.

7. Will we need to maintain the mentioned routers or monitor them?

Yes, the awardee (contractor) will need to maintain the mentioned routers and monitor them as well.

8. Can Site Visits to the locations be arranged?

Yes, site visits may be arranged for each of the locations, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and must be scheduled through the COR.

9. In section B.3 of document 36C25619Q1162-002, Cisco is specified as the router vendor. Is Cisco the required vendor for access points and routers or may we use a different vendor in our solution?

Cisco is not the required vendor. A different vendor may be used for this requirement.

10. Will floor plans of each facility be provided so that we can perform a predictive survey prior to bidding to ensure design accuracy that will allow us to provide the highest quality solution?

Yes, floor plans will be provided for each facility (see attached).

11. Also, in the R Jackson Behavioral Health Clinic, are there any areas of the facility (e.g., acute mental health) where special considerations will need to be taken in our installation methodology?

There are currently no areas of the facility where special considerations need to be taken. However, room availability might need to be considered. If necessary, the work will need to be completed after hours and approved by the COR prior to work commencing.

Questions to RFQ 36C25619Q1162 (Cont’d)

12. Do you have building diagrams for each of the locations?

Yes, building diagrams will be provided for each of the locations. (Please refer to questions #3 and #10.)

13. Since you have specific numbers of WAP for each location, is there a Heat Map for coverage of the buildings?

No, there is not a heat map for coverage of the buildings.

14. What about a list of WAP equipment already on hand?

No, there is not a current list of WAP equipment on hand.

15. How many clients is assumed would connect? Because 50Mbps is small for the 2 largest buildings.

There are approximately 150 clients for the Panama City Magnolia Drive location;

approximately 50 clients for the Panama City R Jackson Clinic, and approximately 200 clients for the Eglin CBOC clinic.

16. Is there room on the Comms closet Racks to install the routers?

Yes, there is room on the Comms closet racks to install the routers. If there is not enough room, the VA can provide additional room.

17. Is cabling already in place? CAT5 or CAT6?

No cabling is in place.

18. What is the Government's required debrief timeline, for example, after award, how many days does a Contractor have to request a debrief?

This requirement is being issued under FAR Part 13; therefore, debriefs may be requested within three (3) days after the date of contract award. FAR 13.106- 3(c) Notification. For acquisitions that do not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold and for which automatic notification is not provided through an electronic commerce method that employs widespread electronic public notice, notification to unsuccessful suppliers shall be given only if requested or required by 5.301; and (d) Request for information. If a supplier requests information on an award that was based on factors other than price alone, a brief explanation of the basis for the contract award decision shall be provided (see 15.503(b)(2)).

FAR 15.503(b)(2) (b) Postaward notices. (2) Upon request, the contracting officer shall furnish the information described in paragraph (b)(1) of this section to unsuccessful offerors in solicitations using simplified acquisition procedures in Part 13.

19. What is the Telecom DEMARC location (physical address, building #, and room number) for each facility?

Addresses are provided in the Scope of Work, page 1. The main computer room for Eglin is Room 185 and 249. The main computer room for Panama City Magnolia Drive is Room 1D114 and for Panama City R Jackson is Room 152.

20. Are there any other hardware requirements, for example FIPS 140-2?

No, there are no hardware requirements.

http://farsite.hill.af.mil/reghtml/regs/far2afmcfars/fardfars/far/13.htm#TopOfPage

21. The solicitation mentions Cisco Managed Router. Can the contractor provide comparable equipment?

Yes, the awardee (vendor) will maintain the system and must be able to support the equipment used. VA prefers Cisco equipment based on local knowledge and support.

22. Can the government confirm if the system needs to be air-gapped from VA Enterprise network?

No, the government cannot air-gap the VA network. The system must be stand-alone.

23. Can the government confirm if Content Filtering and Portal Page with Terms and

Conditions are required?

Yes, content filtering and portal page with Terms and Conditions are required.

24. Solicitation mentions that all buildings are connected and receiving satellite TV services. These buildings will need to be hard wired to connect to existing services. Can the government please indicate how many hardwire connections will be needed?

No, the government cannot indicate how many hardwire connections will be needed for each building. Site visits will need to be scheduled and this must be done through the

COR.

25. Can the government confirm if TV services will need to be supported as a part of this solicitation?

No, TV services are currently in place for each location.

26. Can the government please provide the maps/floor plans to show telco closets and AP locations?

Yes, maps/floor plans are attached. (Please see question #10.)

27. Can we co-locate our equipment in the main demarc facility (MDF), intermediate demarc facility (IDF), and telephone rooms (TRs)?

Yes, the awardee (contractor) may co-locate their equipment in the MDF, IDF and TR’s, as needed.

28. Is space available in all risers between floors in all buildings?

No, space is not available in risers, all buildings are single story.

29. Is sufficient space available in cable ways and trays for cable distribution (if needed) throughout the buildings and between floors?

Yes, space is available in cable ways and trays for cable distribution, if needed.

30. Will containment (HEPA) carts be required in any areas?

No, containment (HEPA) carts are not required.

31. Is there Government-provided fiber interconnect available from the intermediate demarc facility (IDF) to service buildings?

There is not a government-provided fiber interconnect available from the IDF to service buildings.

32. Is there Government-provided fiber or copper interconnectivity between the buildings?

There are no government-provided fiber or copper interconnectivity is between the buildings.

33. If no fiber or copper inter-building connectivity exists, is wireless connectivity between buildings acceptable?

Yes, fiber is available for interconnectivity of IDF’s and buildings is acceptable.

34. Where is the main computer room located (room number) in each building?

The main computer room for Eglin is Rooms 185 and 249. The main computer room for Panama City Magnolia Drive is Room 1D114 and for Panama City R Jackson is Room

152. Where is the main demarc facility (MDF) located (room number) in each building?

The MDF for Eglin is Room 249. The MDF for the two Panama City clinics are the same as above.

35. What are the room numbers of the intermediate demarc facilities (IDF) and telephone rooms (TRs) in each building and on each floor?

The room number for the IDF and TRs located at Eglin is Rooms 185 and 249. The room number for Panama City Magnolia Drive is Room 1D114 and for Panama City R Jackson is Room 152.

36. Is electrical power available in the main demarc facility (MDF), intermediate demarc facility (IDF), and telephone rooms (TRs)?

Yes, electrical power is available in the MDF, IDF and TRs.

37. Can Contractor perform uninterrupted work during normal business hours?

No, all work must be done during normal business hours.

38. Please confirm address for Panama City Outpatient Clinic? Solicitation has 2600 Magnolia Drive, Panama City, FL 32408 and ISP site survey comes back as 2600 Veterans Way, Panama City, Florida 32408.

There are two separate Panama City Outpatient Clinics: (1) Panama City Outpatient Clinic, 2600 Magnolia Drive, Panama City, FL 32408; and (2) Panama City Outpatient Clinic (R Jackson), 140 Richard Jackson Blvd., Panama City Beach, FL 32408.

39. B.3 Scope of Work, items 3, 4: Please confirm that the use of the terms “Any defective…” are references to items within the scope of this contract and does not extend to unrelated items.

The term “Any defective….” refers to any equipment that does not work will be required to be repaired/replaced, unless unnatural causes.

40. B.3 Scope of Work, item 6: The reference to Veterans Guest Internet Access suggest that this total solicitation concerns VGIA vs. the VA’s internal, enterprise, systems. Is that the case?

The veterans guest (VGIA) network is a standalone WIFI network and will be air-gapped from the VA enterprise network. No interconnectivity between the two will be permitted.

41. B.3 Scope of Work, general: If this solicitation only is, as seems to be the case, for VGIA, then please confirm the level of applicability of the requirements for compliance with FISMA, FIPS (including 140-2), and NIST standards related to the annual FISMA security controls assessment.

Yes, the FISMA/NIST controls will apply to the VGIA services being provided by the awardee (contractor). Since this is a Public type Wifi system, not all controls can be applied (these NIST families would not apply, PS, AT, CA, PM). All others would apply at a level to ensure the users of the Wifi VGIA system are protected within reason for a Public Wifi system.

42. Will contractors be allowed access to buildings for a site survey?

Yes, site visits may be arranged for each of the locations, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and must be scheduled through the COR. (Please see question #8.)

43. Are there blueprints or maps of the three sites/buildings? If yes, please provide for quoting purposes and indicate all areas where the patient/guest wireless network is needed.

Yes. (Please refer to questions #10 and #12.)

44. Is there an existing wireless network in place? If yes, please indicate the locations of the existing Intermediate Distribution Frames (locations of networks switches and controllers) and Access Points on maps and provide.

This is a new requirement. There are no existing wireless networks in place.

45. If there is an existing wireless network in place, will the contractor be required to remove and dispose of displaced equipment and systems?

Please refer to question #44.

46. Who is the incumbent contractor?

47. Who is the Internet Service Provider for these locations?

48. Will the contractor be required to fund the Internet Service Provider connections and services?

Yes, the awardee (contractor) will be required to fund the Internet Service Provide connections and services.

49. Are there multiple communications closets within each facility, including with sufficient available space, power, and cooling, to house switches and controllers?

Yes. (Please refer to question #16.)

50. What level of copper cabling would the Department of Veteran Affairs prefer to be used in the installation (Cat5E, Cat6, Cat6A, etc.)?

The VA would prefer CAT6 level of copper cabling to be used in installation.

51. What type of fiber optic cable is currently connecting the facilities (Single Mode

(OS2), Multimode (OM2, OM3, etc.)?

Fiber optic cable currently connecting the facilities is Single Mode technology and is being used for long distances.

52. What technology (required standards compliance and technical specifications) is required for the AP’s?

Wi-Fi standards802.11a/b/g/n/acW2.

53. Is sufficient rack space available or do we need to supply new equipment racks?

Yes. (Please refer to questions #16 and #49.)

54. What is the requirement for management of APs? Should they be managed by cloud or controller on-premise?

APs should be managed by controller on-premise.

55. What are the timelines to conduct active surveys of each facility?

The timeline to conduct active surveys of each facility is 30 days.

56. Are there in place Power over Ethernet equipped network switches at Intermediate Distribution Frames to provide power to Access points or that is part of scope of work?

No. (Please refer to question #44.)

57. Are there any real time and historical reporting requirements like client usage, bandwidth, and client application reports?

No. (Please refer to question #44.)

58. What level of Internet filtering is desired, will that be part of the contractor responsibilities, and is there equipment and software already in place for this function and available for contractor use?

This is a new requirement; therefore, nothing is in place. This will be part of the awardee (contractor) responsibility.

59. Is there a desired user experience that is requested for guests joining that network like portal page, disclaimer, legal notice, “I Agree” button, or backend authentication?

Yes, a desired user experience will be required.

60. Is Cisco equipment the only equipment that is allowed to be used, or can Ubiquiti and Mikrotik equipment be used?

The awardee (contractor) will maintain the system and must be able to support the equipment used. VA prefers Cisco equipment based on local knowledge and support.

61. Is it possible to get building floor plans?

Yes. (Please refer to question #10.)

62. Is a site survey required, and if so what are the dates and times that we would be allowed to walk the properties?

A site survey is not required; however, if the vendor would like a site visit, please refer to questions #8 and #42.

63. What are the VA’s minimum firewall and Web Services security control guidelines that need to be met?

A firewall is required to block any incoming threats and to isolate the users using the

VGIA.

64. Is this for guest wifi only, or will the system need to allow wireless devices to access VA servers on a wired network?

This requirement is for guest WiFi only. It does not connect to VA systems.

65. The RFQ states that Metro Ethernet or a comparable connection type should be used. If

50x50mbps can be delivered via fiber or coax, is this acceptable?

Yes, the 50 X 50 mpbs via fiber or coax is acceptable.

66. Will there be a site-visit scheduled?

Please refer to questions #8, #42 and #62.

67. Will we get coverage maps of the 3 sites prior to bid?

No, coverage maps will not be provided prior to bid.

68. Are there any known asbestos areas at any of the sites?

No, there are no asbestos areas at any of the sites.

69. Is there a color standard for the copper cabling to be used in this project?

The VA color standard for the copper cabling to be used is Blue CAT6 for data; White CAT6 for phone; and Green CAT6 will be acceptable for the WiFi. However, we would prefer the awardee (vendor) use a different color then we use now in order to distinguish this as a Veterans/Guest network, possibly yellow and must still be a CAT6.

70. Are escorts required to enter TR and closets? If so, will the team have a dedicated escort for the duration of the project?

Yes, escorts are required to enter TR and closets. A dedicated escort will be available for the duration of the project; however, it must be scheduled and/or requested in advance, and approved by the COR.

71. Where is the core network closet located at each site?

Addresses are provided in the Scope of Work, page 1. The core network closets located at each site are Eglin, Room 185 and 249; Panama City Magnolia Drive is Room 1D114;

and for Panama City R Jackson is Room 152.

72. Where are the DEMARC locations at each site?

Addresses are provided in the Scope of Work, page 1. The DEMARC locations at each site are Eglin, Room 185 and 249; Panama City Magnolia Drive is Room 1D114; and for Panama City R Jackson is Room 152.

73. Are any access points required to be secured in caged or tamper-proof enclosures? No.

74. Are their existing cabinets in the TR to be used for this VGIA or will new cabinets be required? No.

75. Does the site have space to stage and store the materials/gear for this project?

No, the sites do not have space to stage and store the materials/gear for this project.

76. Is content filtering required? If so, will guidelines be provided, or do we need to establish those?

Yes, content filtering is required, and guidelines will be provided.

77. For existing horizontal penetrations, is the contractor to be responsible for correcting existing or non-existent Fire Stop non-conformances?

Yes, the contractor will be responsible for correcting existing or non-existent Fire Stop nonconformances.

78. Are there any requirements for fiber termination? LC is typical.

No, there are no requirements for fiber termination.

79. Are HEPA filtration and barrier cubes required for all runs or only in specific areas? If specific, can those be marked in the building maps we look to receive?

No. This does not apply.

80. It's stated "Currently, all buildings are connected and receiving satellite TV services. These buildings will need to be hard wired to connect to existing services." What are the existing services? Does the VGIA need to be air-gapped from the other/existing network?

There are no existing WiFi services, this is a new requirement. This requirement is for stand-alone WiFi and will not be connected to VA systems.

(Please refer to question #64.)

81. Site 1 calls out a Cisco router, is there existing wireless infrastructure in-place?

The other sites do not state Cisco are they of a different vendor/make/model?

No, this is a new requirement. (Please refer to questions #44, #64, and #80.)

82. Are there any other requirements for support SLA's beyond the 48-hr repair item?

No, there are no other requirements beyond the 48-hour repair item.

83. Do the statements "Any defective WiFi cabling found inside the buildings shall be repaired or replaced by the Contractor." and "Any defective equipment; access points, routers, servers found within the buildings shall be repaired or replaced by the contractor." only refer to the cabling and equipment newly installed? Yes, only for new equipment installed. If it covers existing, can we get a list of equipment and number of cables run per site? Not applicable.

84. Do the sites operate 24/7/365?

No, all three sites operate Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

85. Will VA guests be connected to this network? If so, who receives those support requests.

Yes, VA guests will be connected to the network. The awardee (contractor) will receive the support requests.

86. Will any work be allowed outside of normal business hours (M-F 7am-4:30pm)?

Work may be allowed outside of normal business hours, if needed, but must be requested and scheduled with the COR.

87. How will coverage expansions be handled in the option years?

A new contract modification will be issued for each option year.

88. Is there a requirement for an RF survey pre/post?

No, there is not a requirement for an RF survey pre/post.

89. Are there any periodic reporting requirements?

Yes, there will be quarterly reporting requirements through CPARS.

90. Are all locations single building locations? Are there plans to have remote buildings added thru the period of performance or optional years?

All three locations for this requirement are single building locations. There is no plan to add buildings during the period of performance or option years.

91. Are all locations single story? If not, will core drilling be required or do existing pathways exist?

Yes, all locations are single story. (Please refer to question #90.)

92. Will remote access to the system be allowed to the contractor for monitoring and remote administration.

Remote access to the system will not be allowed to the contractor.

93. Are TB Screenings required for all on-site personnel?

No, TB screenings will not be required for on-site personnel.

94. Is union labor or prevailing wage required?

No, this does not apply.

95. Is there a training requirement? If so, to what audience?

There is not a training requirement.