Vendor Questions Update.docx

Vendor Questions Updated Vendor Questions and Answers are in Red text

1) Who is the incumbent?

Answer: There is currently an incumbent this is a new requirement. However, the incumbent is not relevant for this solicitation because they sub-contract the internet service to a local internet provider and just maintain the equipment in attachment Exhibit A.

2) What was the previous/current contract# for this requirement?

Answer: Currently there is no active service contract because it lapsed on 2/28/2023. The previous service contract is not relevant since this is a new requirement with all necessary details listed in the SOW and Exhibit A.

3) What is the budget for this requirement?

Answer: The VA does not disclose the funding/budgeted amount for the requirement since this is a simplified acquisition under FAR 13. Therefore, we highly recommend for vendors to provide their best offer that they believe is competitive.

4) Why is this solicitation open for only 4 days?

Answer: 4-days is more than enough time for a company to provide a competitive quote as long as they are not sub-contracting 50% or more of the work out and adding their pass-through cost to the VA. Also, the current coverage of the service is on an Emergency Government Purchase Card (GPC) for the Cheyenne VA Medical Center will end on 3/31/2023, so due to the short notice we do not want the Guest WIFI internet service to lapse for our Veteran Senior Care Facility that uses the internet to allow our Veterans to watch streaming services, connect with family, etc.

5) How old is the equipment and would you want it replaced?

Answer: No, currently the VA does not want to replace the existing WIFI equipment because it still works, and the VA owns it. The equipment is roughly 6-7 years old.

6) Why and how are you going to enforce the Limitations of Sub-Contracting?

Answer: As a responsible steward of tax payer funds, the CO has to exercise the right of the limitations of sub-contracting under FAR 52.219-14 and the CO will use any other pertinent VAAR, VHA Policies, and FAR to ensure that Limitations of Sub-Contracting for set-asides are met.

7) Does VA own the ISP circuit such that the vendor/bidder is only pricing the Guest Wireless infrastructure? If not, would VA consider doing a modification to award such that the services (ISP) can be transitioned in its entirety?

Answer: No, the VA does not own the ISP circuit. Therefore, the solicitation end datea is extended per the solicitation amendment along with the period of performance in the updated Statement of Work (SOW) and the Price/Cost Schedule in the RFQ Amendment document.

8) When pricing the FortiGate 100E, is VA taking into consideration that End of Support will expire in Option Year 2? Based on this aspect, are we able to price an upgrade in the option?

Answer: No, the solicitation is solely for internet services for the Guest WIFI along with maintenance and service support for existing equipment. However, if any WIFI equipment nearing end of support will occur, please reference updated SOW paragraph 4) subparagraph 5. Which addresses how to handle such a scenario.

9) When viewing the Extreme Network infrastructure, is VA taking into consideration that End of Support will expire in Option Year 1? Based on this aspect, are we able to price an upgrade in the option year?

Answer: No, the solicitation is solely for internet services for the Guest WIFI along with maintenance and service support for existing equipment. However, if any WIFI equipment nearing end of support will occur, please reference updated SOW paragraph 4) subparagraph 5. Which addresses how to handle such a scenario.