RFQ_70RFP319QEH0000009_Questions_and_Answers_Final.pdf

Request for Quotation (RFQ) # 70RFP319QEH000009 -- Satellite Phones & Voice Services

Questions & Answers:

1. CLINS 0002 and 0004 – the ASE MC03 is a docking station only and does not use a SIM card so the description they have is misleading.

Answer: Noted. A revised Attachment #1 – Pricing Schedule, with the CLIN for SIM Cards for the Iridium Model ASE MC09 9505A Docking Stations removed, is posted with Amendment 0001.

2. CLIN 0007 – the 9505A is no longer available. Can they be specific?

Answer: As noted in the SOW, Section 2.1 Current Equipment, the Government currently owns 98 Iridium 9505A satellite phones and 4 Iridium ASE MC09 9505A docking stations. The Government will not accept outgoing technology. SOW, Section 2.3 Technology Refresh Requirements, specifically Sub-Section 2.3.2, details the minimum features and capabilities that the new equipment shall have. Any proposed equipment that does not meet the minimum requirements will be deemed not responsive to the requirements of the solicitation and will not be considered for award.

3. CLIN 0008 – the ASE MC03 is a docking station only and only works with the MC03.

Answer: Noted.

4. Is there any provision for price increases?

Similar/duplicate question: Iridium does not provide guaranteed pricing for outlying years. Is there a provision for re-pricing, adjustments for future year?

Answer: Offerors are responsible for determining the price increase(s), if any, that will be applied to their quotation.

5. With respect to Attachment 1 – Pricing Schedule, the NTE Not To Exceed amount of $10000 annually is to be used for the various airtime types described. Can you clarify if the intention is to pay the $10,000 when the services are activated and have usage apply against the amount or is the goal to be invoiced monthly for the usage with the understanding there is a $10000 cap unless approved by the CO?

Answer: Usage for the various airtime types will be invoiced monthly with the understanding that there is the $10,000 cap, unless the cap is changed via modification.

6. With respect to Attachment 1 – Pricing Schedule, the replacement of the 9505A handsets will begin with 10 PTT devices in the Base Year, 80 in OY1 and 80 more in OY2 for a total of 170 units. The line items for the service do not reflect these quantities in either of the tabs. It appears a line item for monthly PTT service should be added if these are to be activate. Can you clarify please?

Similar/duplicate question: The RFQ states that existing units will be replaced over the first three years.

(para 2.3.1). CLINs 0007 and 1007 account for 90 phones. CLIN 2007 requests another 80 units… is that correct, for year 3?

Similar/duplicate question: Section 2.3.1 on page 21 of the RFQ indicates 90 total new phones. Is there an error in the Pricing Schedule as it indicates 170 across the Base Year, OY1 and OY2 tabs?

Answer: The Government will order a total of ninety (90) new handheld satellite phones over the life of the contract. As noted on the Base Year tab of Attachment #1 – Pricing Schedule, the quantities shown represent the maximum amounts that may be ordered. These quantities may not represent the actual quantities ordered. The Government plans to utilize a tiered (lot) approach to replacing the current equipment, as discussed in the SOW. This means that the Government will order up to ten (10) handheld phones in the Base Year and reserves the right to order up to eighty (80) new phones in OY1, based on levels of funding. For example, the Government may order forty (40) new phones in OY1, with the remaining forty (40) new phones ordered in OY2.

Regarding the monthly PTT service, a revised Attachment #1 – Pricing Schedule, with new CLINS added for the monthly PTT service, is posted with Amendment 0001.

7. The Iridium PTT service has two components. One is the monthly service and the second is the Talk Group. The Talk Group is available in Small, Medium and Large sizes. The Small has a coverage area of 100000 square kilometers, the Medium covers 300000 square kilometers and the Large covers 750,000 square kilometers. The Talk Group is not reflected in the Pricing Schedule. Each device can be used in up to 15 Talk Groups. Has the Talk Group size required for your Department’s needs been determined? Can you add a line item for the Talk Group along with expected quantities?

Answer: Offerors shall quote the Small Talk Group size for five (5) Talk Groups for each device.

8. Is there an incumbent, current provider for this service?

Answer: Yes. The incumbent provider is MVS USA, Inc.

9. Regarding CLIN 0001 – is the request for the *Plus 1 service option, or for the base monthly service, as well as the Plus 1 as they can often be quoted and priced separately?

Answer: CLIN 0001 is for the base monthly service and the Plus 1.

10. Regarding CLIN 0002 – is the request for the *Plus 1 service option, or for the base monthly service, as well as the Plus 1 as they can often be quoted and priced separately?

Answer: CLIN 0002 is for the base monthly service and the Plus 1.

11. Are CLINS 0008 and 1008 solely for the Docking Station replacement, or to include new phone units as well? If only for the Docking Stations, then SIMs would not be applicable?

Answer: CLINS 0008 and 1008 are solely for the Docking Station replacement. A revised Attachment #1 – Pricing Schedule, which removes the SIM card language for the CLINS, is posted with Amendment 0001.

*Please note that CLINS may be re-numbered in the revised Pricing Schedule due to additions and/or deletions.