Solicitation Vendor Questions and Answers.docx

Solicitation No. 36C25926Q0715 Questions and Answers Question 1 Regarding the ELD-1 upgrade network requirements: is there existing, usable fiber between Building 1 closet 2D03 and closet 4D03? (SOW section 5.5; Attachment 4 single-line diagrams) The connection between 2D03 and 4D03 currently appears to be made via Category cable rather than fiber. Eight (8) switch ports are needed in 4D03 to support the ELD-1 installation, but only seven (7) are currently available; a fiber link between the closets would free the needed port in 4D03.

Answer: No, there is no usable fire between those two points.

Question 2 The single-line diagrams show ELD-1 devices already installed, while the system configuration shows PLD-1 devices. The diagrams also show a home run from the end of the speaker runs returning to the head end. Can the VA confirm whether this home-run wiring is actually in place? (Attachment 4 single-line diagrams; SOW section 5.5) Answer: No, there no home run wiring in place.

Question 3 Please confirm the intended ELD-1 process: the Contractor documents PLD-1/PLD-2 quantities during the Initial Assessment (Section 5.1), then submits a written upgrade quote for COR approval within 15 days of assessment acceptance, and installation proceeds only after COR written approval. Is this understanding correct? (SOW section 5.5) Additionally, how does the VA intend to proceed if the approved ELD-1 upgrade quote exceeds the base-year allowances of $30,000 in parts and 100 labor hours?

Answer: Yes, the Contractor shall follow SOW section 5.5. If the ELD-1 upgrade quote exceeds the base-year allowances, then SOW 7.2 shall be followed, see scenario walkthrough answer in Question 4.

Question 4 The one-time ELD-1 upgrade is funded from the base-year Parts Allowance ($30,000 NTE) and Labor Allowance (100 hours NTE), which must also fund all unscheduled corrective maintenance during the base year. If the approved upgrade quote, together with corrective maintenance needs, exceeds these allowances, will the VA (a) increase the allowances through a contract modification, (b) descope the upgrade, or (c) permit the upgrade to be phased across performance periods? (SOW sections 5.5, 7.2; CLINs 0005/0006) Answer: SOW sections 5.5, 7.2, and 8.0 shall be followed – Based on the scenario for Question 4: Within 15 calendar days of the initial assessment report provided to and accepted by the COR, the Contractor shall provide the ELD-1 upgrade quote (parts and labor) to the COR for review. In addition, the Contractor shall include a copy of their supplier’s quote with their ELD-1 upgrade quote; reason: to ensure the parts are not marked up to unreasonable prices. The COR shall review the quote for the Contractor’s ELD-1 upgrade for price reasonableness. If the COR determines the ELD-1 upgrade quote is price reasonable, but the ELD-1 upgrade quote exceeds the annual parts and annual labor allowance for unscheduled maintenance, then the COR may submit an increase request to the CO for review. If the CO reviews and approves the increase request, then a contract modification would be awarded by the CO to increase the parts and/or labor allowances in the Price/Cost Schedule. However, if the COR and/or the CO determines that ELD-1 upgrade is not price reasonable, then the ELD-1 upgrade may be subject to be descoped from the contract.