A13.7 FirstSource III - Amendment 13 Q and A.pdf

Questions and Answers FirstSource III Solicitation Number 70RTAC21R00000003 Amendment 000013

Q# Page Section Paragraph Question Answer 1 General We provided a Phase I proposal, but were found noncompliant and were not allowed to continue.

Since Phase I we have added partners and changed. I am inquiring if I can put forth phase 2 since I have participated in phase 1. Would you accept our phase 2 with a revised phase 1 or would you accept our phase II without a phase 1 and be considered for a chance in FirstSource III?

No. The Phase I evaluation is complete.

Only offerors who had their Phase I proposals evaluated under Phase I will be considered for

Phase II. Revised or new Phase I proposals will not be accepted from any offerors.

2 General The government stated in its response to questions that NAICS Code 513210 is not yet available for use in SAM.gov and that NAICS Code 511210 will be accepted in its place.

However, the size standard of 500 FTEs as listed in the RFP is not associated with NAICS Code 511210 as listed in SAM, and, consequently, SAM will not allow the code to be added to our profile. Is there an alternate NAICS code that can be used that aligns to the 500-employee size standard?

The government is providing a follow up to its response to this question provided in

Amendment 12.

SAM will not permit associating the 500 FTE size standard with NAICS code 511210 or

513210. Offerors shall still use the revenue based size standard for the Software

Publishers NAICS code and ensure their NAICS code is updated to 513210 before award. Alternate NAICS codes will not be accepted.

The offeror’s employee size standard in order to meet the Non Manufacturer Rule for 513210 will be validated prior to award.

3 Attachment

2 in 1 Notebook

The new requirement stating that a processor can be no older than 19 months prevents multiple OEMs from bidding the requirement.

The next generation devices will be releasing in the late spring and the current platforms that will be bid have been in the market for some time. Will the customer remove the processor age requirement to allow for current processors supported by the OEM?

No, this represents the Government’s requirement.

4 Attachment

The customers requirements specify “minimum two newest industry standard processor…” Does the customer require dual processors for this requirement or is the government referring to two different processor options?

The Government does not require two processors. The language in Attachment 8 has been updated to clarify this requirement.

5 Attachment

Will the government expand and clarify what is being referred to in the following, “that conforms with solicitation supply chain and information technology security requirements.”

This refers to the FirstSource III IDIQ terms and conditions. These include the Special

Contract Requirements in Section H, such as H.16, Supply Chain Risk Management and the Contract Terms and Conditions in Section I, such as HSAR 3052.204-70, Security

Requirements for Unclassified Information Technology Resources (JUN 2006).

6 Attachment

The HDR requirement is only available by one PC OEM approved by DHS for purchase. This specification is not a DHS standard, will increase costs and will prevent competition.

Please remove requirement to allow fair and open competition.

The specification has been clarified to state minimum resolution required is 1280 x 1024.

Please see revised Attachment 8.

7 Attachment

Resolution specified is not an industry standard and will prevent multiple bidders from responding to this requirement. Industry standards would require 16:9 or 16:10 aspect ratio.

Please see the response to question 6.

8 Attachment

Standard Notebook

The customers’ requirements specify “minimum two newest industry standard processor…” Does the customer require dual processors for this requirement or is the government referring to two different processor options?

Please see the response to question 4.

9 Attachment

Advanced Notebook

The customers’ requirements specify “minimum two newest industry standard processor…” Does the customer require dual processors for this requirement or is the

Please see the response to question 4.

government referring to two different processor options?

10 Attachment

Advanced Workstation

The customers’ requirements specify “minimum two newest industry standard processor…” Does the customer require dual processors for this requirement or is the government referring to two different processor options?

Will the customer specify the GPU requirement for this CLIN?

Does this device need the ability to allow for a 2nd GPU to be added?

The government does not have a particular GPU requirement. Vendor proposed GPUs and subsequent controllers are acceptable.

No.

11 Attachment

Standard Workstation

The customers’ requirements specify “minimum two newest industry standard processor…” Does the customer require dual processors for this requirement or is the government referring to two different processor

12 Attachment

Micro Workstation The customers’ requirements specify “minimum two newest industry standard processor…” Does the customer require dual processors for this requirement or is the government referring to two different processor

13 Attachment

Converged Infrastructure, Large Processor Storage Bullet

NVMe, Ultra Performance Express Flash, 2.5 SFF Drive, U.2, Optane with Carrier, Quantity 2 per node, Total 12 per cluster, 1.92TB SSD SAS Read Intensive 12Gbps 512 2.5in Hot-plug AG Drive, 1 DWPD, 3504 TBW, Quantity 10 per node, Total 60 per cluster

What is the capacity required for each of the 2.5” Optane drives requested?

Optane has been deleted. Please see revised Attachment 8.

14 Attachment

Server Systems, Small Server

Storage Bullet

Minimum Internal Storage 12 x 2.4TB 10K RPM, SAS SSD drive

What type of SSD is required – Read Intensive or Mixed Use?

Mixed use. Please see revised Attachment 8.

15 L.5.2 Proposal Format Instructions

Factor 3 - Question #1: This question is intended to address the margins and header/footer placements. Page 107 of the instructions to offerors mentions 1" margins but does not specify whether the 1" also applies the header/footer placements, or if it pertains exclusively to the body of the proposal. The Microsoft Word default position is one half-inch from the top and bottom edge of the paper, and one inch from the sides; however, the required position is not explicitly specified in the instructions to offerors. This matters most on our Factor 3 and Cover Letter documents, which include large bodies of narrative text.

Please confirm the margin requirement for the header and footer placements – from all sides and top/bottom edges.

The solicitation formatting requirements with respect to margins in Section L.5.2 do not apply to the header and footer.

16 L.7.2.5.1 Factor 3:

Demonstrated

Prior Experience (Volume II)

Factor 3 – Question #2: On the tables with our reference summaries – Cross referencing the instructions to offerors (p. 117) and all amendments, there is no mention of ".a" or ".b"

– are offerors allowed use “a” and “b” to denote that a particular contract met multiple aspects of a single requirement (Demonstrated Past Experience), for Functional Category 1, ITVAR?

Are offerors permitted to use denote that a particular contract in our Demonstrated Past Experience met multiple aspects of a requirement for Functional Category 1 using

The offeror may use its discretion to denote how a particular contract it provides as a reference for Factor 3, Demonstrated Prior Experience meets the R1and R2 requirements as long as the offeror follows the solicitation instructions.

“.a” and “.b” as suffixes to the R-1 and R-2 column?

17 L.5.2 Proposal Format Instructions

Factor 4 – Question #1: Same question as Factor 3 – Question 1. The Microsoft Word default position for headers and footers is one half-inch from the top and bottom edge of the paper, and one inch from the sides; however, the required position is not explicitly specified in the instructions to offerors. This matters most on our Factor 3 and Cover Letter documents, which include large bodies of narrative text.

Please confirm the margin requirement for the header and footer placements.

Please see the response to question 15.

18 L.5.2 Proposal Format Instructions

Cover Letter – Question #1: Same question as Factor 3 – Question 1. Please confirm the margin requirements for headers and footers, from top and bottom, and sides.

Please see the response to question 15.

20 Attachment

1.1.1 2 in 1 Notebook

Will the government expand and clarify what is being referred to in the following, “that conforms with solicitation supply chain and information technology security requirements.”?

Please see the response to question 5.

21 Attachment

1.1.1, 1.1.2, 1.1.3 and 1.1.4

For 1.1.1, 1.1.2, 1.1.3 and the new 1.1.4 Requirements, DHS is requiring “minimum two newest industry processor...”. Notebooks and Tablets are not typically configured with two ‘physical’ processors due to a variety of reasons. Is it DHS’ intent and understanding that a single processor is acceptable for these offerings as long as it has at least two-cores?

Please see the response to question 4.

22 Attachment

2.1.1 Advanced

Workstation

Does DHS require at least two ‘physical’ processors, or is a single processor with dual cores acceptable?

Please see the response to question 4.

23 Attachment

4.2 USB

Encrypted

Memory Drives

DHS requires that not only these products be FIPS 140-2 certified encryption, but that they also must be IP68 waterproof rated. Together, these are very stringent and hard to find

No, IP68 is the minimum requirement for

DHS.

requirements – which will severely limit memory and disk drive manufacturers from participating in fair and open competition.

Because of the required FIPS 140-2 requirement primarily, can the waterproofing IP68 requirement be changed to at a minimum IP64 (or even IP67) for more viable options to be considered and better product competitiveness? Has DHS certified a viable solution for this requirement and, if so, can it be shared?

The FIPS encryption requirement has been updated to supports FIPS 140-2 certified encryption. Please see revised Attachment 8.

Multiple devices meet the updated requirement.

24 Attachment

4.2 USB

Encrypted

Memory Drives

From your Q&A Doc Page 9 / Line 44, it’s implied that DHS only wants hard drives to be offered in this section as opposed to flash drives. Are Flash drives not to be quoted, if available and meet requirements?

DHS requires both USB Encrypted Memory Drives and External Hard Drives. Both will use the specifications in Section 4.2 of Attachment 8. Please see revised Attachment

8.

For pricing purposes, offerors shall propose the USB Flash Drives and External Hard

Drives listed in Attachment 1, ITVAR Pricing Schedule in accordance with the specifications provided in Attachment 8.

These include the following:

Encrypted USB Flash Drive 128GB Encrypted USB Flash Drive 512GB Encrypted External Hard Drive 1TB Encrypted External Hard Drive 2TB

25 Attachment

Sec 4.2/Amendment

12 Q&A Q#4

We do not believe there is a hard drive product on the market that meets the Waterproof spec of IP68, is FIPS validated to current Federal Standard (FIPS 140-2 L3) and is TAA compliant. Considering each of these 3 spec requirements, why are IP64 (hard drive) and IP67 (flash drive) standards not sufficient? We have a wide variety of Federal customers (DoD and Civilian) that use these devices on as daily

Please see response to question 24. Products are not required to be TAA compliant, however, they must IP68 and support FIPS 140-2 encryption. These are DHS’s minimum requirements.

basis under a range of conditions and use cases with these waterproof spec certifications.

Contracting Officer Note: For reference, Q&A

#4 from Amendment 12 is provided below:

Q: Item 4.2 USB Encrypted Memory Drives & External Hard Drives requests “Waterproof” can you be more specific about the rating requested (E.g., IP rating 6 or higher)?

Waterproof doesn’t say to what level of water exposure.

A: The specification has been clarified. The waterproof rating required is a minimum IP rating 68 or better. See Attachment 8, Item 4.2.

26 Attachment

Sec 4.2 What is the justification behind the requirement for “Magnet proof up to 15,000 Gauss?

This requirement has been removed. Please see revised Attachment 8.

27 Attachment

Sec 4.2 What is the justification behind the requirement for “X-Ray proof up to 50 Roe?

This requirement has been removed. Please see revised Attachment 8.

28 Attachment

Sec 4.2/

Amendment 12 Q&A Q#44

The Q&A around spec “4.2” conflicts with the stated specs. The title of this section is, “External memory Drives & External Hard Drives” yet in the Q&A it states that only external hard drives are needed. Can you please clarify this contradiction?

See response to question 24. Both Encrypted USB Memory Drives and Encrypted External Hard Drives are required under this contract.

29 Attachment

Sec 4.2 Currently the specs for section 4.2 (“External Memory Drives & External Hard Drives”) are conflating two different technologies, which is causing the confusion here. Can you separate these into two specs, one for Secure External Memory Drives (Flash Drives) and the second for Secure External Hard Drives? We are confused as to what capacities are for Memory/Flash Drives (is it 128GB and 512GB?) and what capacities are for Hard Drives (is it 1TB and 2TB)?

See response to question 24. To clarify, for pricing purposes the Government requires 4 different storage capacities as stated in Attachment 1 ITVAR pricing table. These include the following:

Encrypted USB Flash Drive 128GB Encrypted USB Flash Drive 512GB Encrypted External Hard Drive 1TB Encrypted External Hard Drive 2TB

30 Attachment

Salient Characteristics (1, 2, 3)

Government asks for "Minimum two newest (Maximum of 19 months old from date of proposal) industry standard processor." Salient characteristic verbiage can be interpreted to suggest that dual processors are required.

Please clarify which solutions should be single processor systems.

31 Attachment

Salient Characteristics (1, 2, 3)

Government asks for "Minimum two newest (Maximum of 19 months old from date of proposal) industry standard processor." Salient characteristic verbiage can be interpreted to suggest that dual processors are required.

Please clarify which solutions should be dual processor systems.

32 Attachment

Salient Characteristics (1, 2, 3)

Government asks for "Minimum two newest (Maximum of 19 months old from date of proposal) industry standard processor." Please clarify whether you are looking for SINGLE processor systems, or if you are seeking DUAL processor solutions.

33 Attachment

Salient Characteristics (1, 2, 3)

Government asks for "Minimum two newest (Maximum of 19 months old from date of proposal). Is the "Date of Proposal" condsidered to be the date of proposal submission?

Please see the response to question 35 and revised Attachment 8.

The below refers to “date of proposal” in the introductory text in italics on page 1 of

For purposes of this solicitation, the date of proposal is referring to the date that proposals are due for the FirstSource III IDIQ. At the time of Amendment 13, that date is January

18, 2023.

Since Attachment 8 will be incorporated into the resulting IDIQ contracts, the date of proposal can also be for future dates.

Examples of future dates would be the date of

Delivery Order proposals and the date of technical refreshes for the IDIQ option exercises as stated in Section M.3.2 34 Attachment

Government asks for "Minimum two newest

(Maximum of 19 months old from date of proposal). Is the "Date of Proposal" condsidered to be the date of proposal submission?

Please see the response to question 33.

35 Attachment

Salient Characteristics (1, 2, 3)

Government salient characteristics state "Minimum two newest (Maximum of 19 months old from date of proposal) industry standard processor that conforms with solicitation supply chain and information technology security requirements." Are 19 months measured from the date of processor launch/availabilty?

19 months from the date of production. See revised Attachment 8.

36 Attachment

Salient Characteristics (1, 2, 3)

Government asks for "Minimum two newest (Maximum of 19 months old from date of proposal). First Source 3 has had its schedule shifted multiple times. Is there a specific cut-off date that can be provided?

Please see the response to question 35.

37 Attachment

Salient Characteristics (3.1.X , 3.2.X)

Government salient characteristics state "Minimum two newest (Maximum of 19 months old from date of proposal) industry standard processor that conforms with solicitation supply chain and information technology security requirements." Industry standard 3rd Generation AMD EPYC processors were launched on March 15, 2021.

Industry standard 3rd Generation Intel Xeon Scalable processors were launched on April 6th, 2021. Given that the launch date for the latest generation of industry standard processors from both AMD and Intel exceeds the 19 month old limit, will government amend the salient characteristics to allow industry to propose compliant solutions?

Please see the response to question 3.

38 Attachment

Salient Characteristics

(1.1.1, 1.1.2, 1.1.3)

Government salient characteristics state "Minimum two newest (Maximum of 19 months old from date of proposal) industry standard processor that conforms with solicitation supply chain and information technology security requirements." Given that 11th generation industry standard Intel processors for mobile devices were launched in September, 2020; are offerors proposing solutions with Intel processors restricted to bidding 12th generation processors?

Please see the response to question 3.

39 Attachment

Salient Characteristics (1, 2, 3)

Offeror has noted several concerns and questions around the new requirement of 19 months release timeframe. We recommend removing the timeframe requirement of 19 months and replacing it with most recent generation or most recent two generations.

Please see the response to question 3.

40 Attachment

Salient Characteristics (1.1.1, 1.1.4 )

Are optional requirements required to be quoted? If so, please remove the term "optional".

Please see revised Attachment 8.

41 Attachment

Salient Characteristics

(1.1.1, 1.1.2, 1.1.3)

Industry does not have a compliant product meeting all requirements for due to memory requirements, integrated smartcard reader, battery minimum hours of operation and 19 month processor timeframe requirement. Will the government review their requirements to confirm these specifications are compatible with industry offerings?

Please see the response to question 3.

42 Attachment

Salient Characteristics

(1.1.2)

Salient characteristics state "Minimum 32GB (2x16GB) 2133 DDR4, expandable". Industry standard laptops have only two memory slots.

By specifying that both slots must be populated, there is no opportunity to expand, only to replace memory. Will government consider amending this requirement?

Please see revised Attachment 8.

43 Attachment

Salient Characteristics

(1.1.3)

Salient characteristics state "Minimum 64GB (2x32GB) 2133 DDR4, expandable". Industry standard laptops have only two memory slots.

By specifying that both slots must be populated, there is no opportunity to expand, only to replace memory. Will government consider amending this requirement?

44 Attachment

Sailent Characteristics

(1.1.5)

Section 1.1.5 refers to both Thin Client and Zero Client. These are technically different solutions, where Zero Clients do not perform client-side computing, while Thin Clients do minimal client side computing. Is Government requiring a Thin Client?

The Government does not require a Zero Client. Please see revised Attachment 8.

45 Attachment

Salient Characteristics

(1.1.5)

Section 1.1.5 refers to both Thin Client and Zero Client. These are technically different solutions, where Zero Clients do not perform client-side computing, while Thin Clients do minimal client side computing. Is Government requiring a Zero Client?

Please see the response to question 44.

46 Attachment

Salient Characteristics

(1.1.5)

There are conflicting minimum requirements (Minimally Installed RAM (thin client) 8 GB and Minimally Installed RAM (zero client) 512 MB). These requirements would require quoting two different part numbers. Will the government update the pricing spreadsheet (Attachment 1) to include one line item for each product?

Please see the response to question 44.

47 Attachment

Salient Characteristics

(3.1)

Some references of Intel Optane have been removed, while other references still remain.

Will Government remove all references to Intel Optane memory requirements?

All references to “Optane” have been removed. Please see revised Attachment 8.

48 Attachment

Salient Characteristics

(3.1.1)

Amendment 12 modified the Memory Minimum requirement for the Large Processor, removing the verbiage (12x128GB Intel Optane DC Persistent Memory, 2666MT/s). The new requirement line reads: "Memory Minimum:

384GB (12 x 32GB RDIMM, Dual Rank) per

Specification updated. Please see revised node and 1536GB for combined 1920GB per node and a total of 11,520GB per cluster".

Bidder suggests that additional verbiage "and 1536GB for combined 1920GB per node" which referenced the now removed Intel Optane memory capacity be removed and the total Memory per cluster updated to reflect the correct quantities of memory.

49 Attachment

Salient Characteristics

(4.2)

Reference A12.9 Q&A #44. Offeror asks "Can the specs for Flash Drives and Hard Drives be separated out as they are distinctly different devices?" Government answers "No. These are external hard drives, per the specification." This answer contradicts Attachment 1 ITVAR Pricing Schedule which differentiates USB Flash drives on lines 28 and 29 from External Hard drives on lines 30 and 31 in section 4.2.

Can government provide additional clarification?

Please see the response to question 24.

50 Attachment

Salient Characteristics

(4.2)

In Amendment 0012, Government recently added requirements of Magnet-proof up to 15,000 Gauss and X-ray proof up to 50 Roentgen.

There do not appear to be multiple compliant solutions for this requirement given that OEMs do not typically provide these specifications.

Given limited time between Amendment release to Q&A deadline, industry review has determined there is not an available product which meets all specifications to include these new requirements at the sizes and certifications required.

Offeror recommends removing these requirements.

This requirement has been removed. Please see revised Attachment 8.

51 Attachment

Salient Characteristics

(4.2)

Will the government specify the form factor requested for section 4.2? Common options are thumb drive, low-profile thumb drive, 2.5" (Traditional SSD), 3.5" (Traditional Spinning Hard Disk).

The government does not have a required form factor.

52 Attachment

Salient Characteristics

(3.1.1)

Bidder requests that government modify salient characteristics for Dimensions/Chassis to remove requirement for "Riser Config 6" as this is an OEM proprietary specification that can only be met by a single OEM, limiting competition and potentially raising prices to the government.

Specification updated. Please see revised Attachment 8.

53 Attachment

3.1.1 CI - Large

Processor

Listed requirement is "• Networking & PCIe:

NIC: Minimum Quad Port 10GbE SFP+ Adapter, Quantity 1 per node, Total 6 per cluster, 5 x PCie x 8 Slots and 3 x PCIe x 16 Slots per node". Will the customer change the riser requirement to a riser with 6 slots rather than 8, if a non-riser slot is being used for the required networking adapter and the motherboard also supplies network ports?

Please see the response to question 52.

54 Attachment

3.1.1 CI - Large

Processor

Listed requirement is "Additional Requirements: Remote access controller.

Newest version, Quantity 1, Total 6 per cluster, RAID Controller, Quantity 1, Total 6 per cluster…....". As the virtualization software will be handing data protection on the drives in the cluster, rather than a hardware adapter, will the customer change the requirement to be "Storage Controller" from "RAID Controller"?

No.

55 Attachment

3.1.2 CI - Medium

Processor

Listed requirement is "• Networking & PCIe:

NIC: Minimum Quad Port 10GbE SFP+ Adapter, Quantity 1 per node, Total 8 per cluster, 5 x PCie x 8 Slots and 3 x PCIe x 16 Slots per node". Will the customer change the riser requirement to a riser with 6 slots rather than 8, if a non-riser slot is being used for the

Please see the response to question 52.

required networking adapter and the motherboard also supplies network ports?

56 Attachment

3.1.2 CI - Medium

Processor

Listed requirement is "Additional Requirements: Remote access controller.

Newest version, Quantity 1, Total 8 per cluster, RAID Controller, Quantity 1, Total 8 per cluster…....". As the virtualization software will be handing data protection on the drives in the cluster, rather than a hardware adapter, will the customer change the requirement to be "Storage Controller" from "RAID Controller"?

No.

57 Attachment

3.1.2 CI - Small

Processor

Listed requirement is "• Networking & PCIe:

NIC: Minimum Quad Port 10GbE SFP+ Adapter, Quantity 1 per node, Total 4 per cluster, 5 x PCie x 8 Slots and 3 x PCIe x 16 Slots per node". Will the customer change the riser requirement to a riser with 6 slots rather than 8, if a non-riser slot is being used for the required networking adapter and the motherboard also supplies network ports?

58 Attachment

3.1.2 CI - Small

Processor

Listed requirement is "Additional Requirements: Remote access controller.

Newest version, Quantity 1, Total 4 per cluster, RAID Controller, Quantity 1, Total 4 per cluster…....". As the virtualization software will be handing data protection on the drives in the cluster, rather than a hardware adapter, will the customer change the requirement to be "Storage Controller" from "RAID Controller"?

No.

59 Attachment

3.2.1 - Small Server

Requirement is for "Minimum Internal Storage 12x 2.4TB 10K RPM SAS SSD Drive". What type of SSD is required - Mixed Use or Read Intensive?

Mixed use. Please see revised Attachment 8.

60 Attachment

3.2.2 - Medium Server

Requirement is for "3.5" chassis with up to 8 3.5" SAS/SATA drives with RAID controller with 8Gb cache". As the required hard drives are all 2.5" and would fill an 8-drive chassis, would the customer change the requirement to "2.5" chassis with up to 8 or more 2.5" SAS/SATA drives with RAID controller with 8Gb cache"? A 16-drive chassis would provide expansion options.

The specification has been updated. Please see revised Attachment 8.

61 Attachment

4.2 USB

Encrypted

Memory Drives & External Hard

Drives 12th bullet

Requirement: Magnet-proof up to 15,000 Gauss Manufacturers do not commonly test for or provide gauss ratings for memory or external hard drives making it difficult to provide a compliant product. Will the government please consider removing this requirement?

Please see the response to question 50.

62 Attachment

4.2 USB

Encrypted

Memory Drives & External Hard

Drives 13th bullet

Requirement: Magnet-proof up to 15,000 Gauss Manufacturers do not commonly test for or provide gauss ratings for memory or external hard drives making it difficult to provide a compliant product. Will the government please consider removing this requirement?

Please see the response to question 50.

63 Attachment

What is justification behind the need for “Magnet proof up to 15,000 Gauss?”

Please see the response to question 26.

64 Attachment

What is justification behind the need for “X- Ray proof up to 50 Roentgen?

Please see the response to question 27.

65 Attachment

Your Q&A around spec “4.2” conflicts with your stated specs. The title of this section is, “External memory Drives & External Hard Drives” yet in your Q&A you state that you are only looking for external hard drives…can you please clarify this contradiction?

Please see the response to question 29.

66 Attachment

There are many incorrect part numbers and incorrect manufactuers being used for Software pricing. Please see the attachment A corrections.

Please see revised Attachment 2. If an offeror believes a SKU is incorrect, offeror shall propose the correct SKU and provide an

Attachment 9 crosswalk.

A simple explanation in Attachment 9 that the SKU has changed from (solicitation SKU) to

(correct SKU) is acceptable.

67 Attachment

Could the Government please re-issue

Attachment 2? Some of the cells are blocked and disallows inputs. One example is found in Year 4.

Please see updated Attachment 2.

68 Attachment

1.1.1 2 in 1 Notebook

Are (2) CPUs required? Please see the response to question 4.

69 Attachment

1.1.2 Standard

Notebook

Are (2) CPUs required? Please see the response to question 4.

70 Attachment

1.1.3 Advanced

Notebook

Are (2) CPUs required? Please see the response to question 4.

71 Attachment

1.1.4 Tablet Are (2) CPUs required? Please see the response to question 4.

72 Attachment

1.1.4 Tablet Many requirements state "optional", but the

Pricing Schedule does not provide an ability to separately price these options. Is the requirement for the offered tablet to support these items, but not include them as part of the base configuration?

The term “optional” has been removed from the specification. Please see revised

Attachment 8.

73 Attachment

1.1.5 Thin Client Requirements refer to both zero clients and thin clients. As such it is unclear which device is required to meet DHS' request.

Please see the response to question 44.

74 Attachment

1.1.5 Thin Client Requirement to optionally support 128GB

SSD. Is the requirement to support an optional 128GB SSD or to include the 128GB SSD in the proposed and priced configuration?

75 Attachment

2.1.2 Standard

Workstation

Are (2) CPUs required?

76 Attachment

2.1.2 Standard

Workstation

Is there form-factor preference for the system case (i.e., Small Form Factor)?

See the response to question 51.

77 Attachment

2.1.3 Micro

Workstation

Are (2) CPUs required?

78 Attachment

2.1.3 Micro

Workstation

Is there form-factor preference for the system case (i.e., Mini Form Factor, Micro Form Factor)?

Please see the response to question 51.

79 Attachment

3.1.1 Large

Processor

Is the requirement for 1536GB of RDIMM memory or was the Optane memory requirement removed accidentally?

Specification updated. Please see revised Attachment 8.

80 Attachment

3.1.1 Large

Processor

PCIe Riser Config 6 aligns with systems delivered with second generation Intel Xeon Scalable Processors which were released prior to 19 months ago. Systems designed for third generation Intel Xeon CPUs (released Q221) provide different combinations of x8/x16 slots than requested. As this is a request for a baseline configuration and few PCIe cards are required to meet specifications, would DHS consider altering the requirements to specify minimum quantities of free PCIe slots?

Please see the response to question 52.

81 Attachment

3.1.1 Large

Processor – Warranty

Can DHS provide more details on the Government's expectations related to "full replacement for current configuration"? Is the intent for a full system replacement for any component failure? Or is the intent that all the components within the current configuration be covered by a component replacement program?

Yes, full replacement for current configuration means full system replacement for any component failure.

82 Attachment

3.1.2 Medium

Processor – Warranty

Can DHS provide more details on the Government's expectations related to "full replacement for current configuration"? Is the intent for a full system replacement for any component failure? Or is the intent that all the

Yes, full replacement for current configuration means full system replacement for any component failure.

components within the current configuration be covered by a component replacement program?

83 Attachment

3.1.2 Medium

Processor

PCIe Riser Config 6 aligns with systems delivered with second generation Intel Xeon Scalable Processors which were released prior to 19 months ago. Systems designed for third generation Intel Xeon CPUs (released Q221) provide different combinations of x8/x16 slots than requested. As this is a request for a baseline configuration and few PCIe cards are required to meet specifications, would DHS consider altering the requirements to specify minimum quantities of free PCIe slots?

The requirements for PCIe have been updated to specify a minimum. Please see revised

84 Attachment

3.1.3 Small

Processor – Warranty

Can DHS provide more details on the Government's expectations related to "full replacement for current configuration"? Is the intent for a full system replacement for any component failure? Or is the intent that all the components within the current configuration be covered by a component replacement program?

Yes, full replacement for current configuration means full system replacement for any component failure.

85 Attachment

3.1.3 Small

Processor

PCIe Riser Config 6 aligns with systems delivered with second generation Intel Xeon Scalable Processors which were released prior to 19 months ago. Systems designed for third generation Intel Xeon CPUs (released Q221) provide different combinations of x8/x16 slots than requested. As this is a request for a baseline configuration and few PCIe cards are required to meet specifications, would DHS consider altering the requirements to specify

86 Attachment

3.2.2 Medium

Server – Warranty

Can DHS provide more details on the Government's expectations related to "full replacement for current configuration"? Is the intent for a full system replacement for any component failure? Or is the intent that all the components within the current configuration be covered by a component replacement program?

Yes, full replacement for current configuration means full system replacement for any component failure.

87 Attachment

3.2.2 Medium

Server

PCIe riser configuration aligns with systems delivered with second generation Intel Xeon Scalable Processors which were released prior to 19 months ago. Systems designed for third generation Intel Xeon CPUs (released Q221) provide different combinations of x8/x16 slots than requested. As this is a request for a baseline configuration and few PCIe cards are required to meet specifications, would DHS consider altering the requirements to specify

88 Attachment

3.2.2 Medium

Server

What is meant by "Standard for 3.5" Chassis"? Specification updated. Please see revised Attachment 8.

89 Attachment

3.2.3 Large Server

– Warranty

Can DHS provide more details on the Government's expectations related to "full replacement for current configuration"? Is the intent for a full system replacement for any component failure? Or is the intent that all the components within the current configuration be covered by a component replacement program?

Yes, full replacement for current configuration means full system replacement for any component failure.

90 Attachment

3.2.3 Large Server Most OEMs, including Dell, no longer provide options for internal DVDs with systems containing CPUs released within the last 19 months. Is an internal DVD required or is an external DVD acceptable?

The requirement for an internal DVD has been removed. The requirement has been updated to include an external DVD. Please

91 Attachment

3.2.3 Large Server PCIe riser configuration aligns with systems delivered with second generation Intel Xeon Scalable Processors which were released prior to 19 months ago. Systems designed for third generation Intel Xeon CPUs (released Q221) provide different combinations of x8/x16 slots than requested. As this is a request for a baseline configuration and few PCIe cards are required to meet specifications, would DHS consider altering the requirements to specify

92 Attachment

3.2.3 Large Server What is meant by "Standard for 2.5" Chassis"? Specification updated. Please see revised Attachment 8.

93 Attachment

4.3.2 Docking

Station Bundle

Current TAA-compliant surge suppressors do not include 7-ports and USB ports. Are USB ports required for the surge suppressor?

The Government requires 7 outlets. Please refer to Attachment 8, 4.3.2. Please also see the response to question 99 regarding the applicability of TAA. TAA does not apply to

FirstSource III.

94 RFP C.3.1 and C.3.2 Would the Government consider splitting the timelines for ITVAR and Software Functional Category evaluations and awards? There are significantly more technical questions related to ITVAR - it may be more expedient to evaluate and award the SW category first.

No, but thank you for the recommendation.

95 Attachment

Software Pricing Attachment, Rows

17-21

The following items contain an estimated quantity of "0" in Base Ordering Period - Sample Year Five:

● ServiceNow® Customer Service Management Professional

● ServiceNow® IT Business Management Professional

● ServiceNow® Application Portfolio Management

Please see revised Attachment 2.

● ServiceNow® HR Service Delivery Enterprise

● ServiceNow® Integrated Risk Management Professional

● ServiceNow® IT Service Management Pro Please confirm that the estimated quantity in Sample Year Five should be 1,000 per year, similar to the rest of the years.

96 Attachment

Software Pricing Schedule, Row 24 and Row 25

Description: CISCO ANYCONNECT APEX

TERM LICENSE, TOTAL AUTHORIZED

USERS

Item Number: L-AC-APX-LIC Description: CISCO ANYCONNECT APEX

LICENSE, 3YR, 100K+ USERS

Item Number: L-AC-APX-3Y-11 Cisco has updated the descriptions for these items, stating that Cisco Secure Client is the next generation of AnyConnect. Would the Government update the descriptions to the following to reference the most up-to-date solution offering:

Row 24: Secure Client Premier – 3-Year License.

Row 25: Secure Client Premier – 3-Year License.

Please see the response to question 66.

97 Attachment

Software Pricing Schedule, Row 24

Description: CISCO ANYCONNECT APEX

TERM LICENSE, TOTAL AUTHORIZED

USERS

Item Number: L-AC-APX-LIC Answers to Questions 304 and 305 in Amendment 12 did not address that this term license item number has no cost associated, but is a required item number to be included when ordering any quantity of Item Number: L-AC- APX-3Y-11, listed in Question 5 below. Will the Government accept a zero-cost offering for this item number? If not, we recommend

Please see the response to question 66.

If the offeror is proposing this configuration, they may do so at no cost.

revising to list both item numbers on a single line, or removing this requirement with the assumption it will always be included with the unique-user license required below.

98 Attachment

Software Pricing Schedule, Row 25

Description: CISCO ANYCONNECT APEX

LICENSE, 3YR, 100K+ USERS

Item Number: L-AC-APX-3Y-11 While Amendment 12, Question 305 updated the item number for Cisco licensing to reflect the accurate item number for this software, this item number is still designated for use when ordering quantities of 100,000 or more. We recommend updating the quantity to 100,000 or greater, or updating the item number to L-AC- APX-3Y-S5to comply with the Cisco Ordering Guide for 1,000 licenses.

Please see the response to question 66.

The government requires the license SKU and quantity stated.

99 General Is this contract under the Buy American Act “BAA”, for Small Form Factor Devices and Static Devices?

FAR Clause 52.225-1, Buy American- Supplies is incorporated into this contract for all devices. Please see page 47 and Solicitation Section I.2, FAR Clause 52.212-5 Contract Terms and Conditions Required to

Implement Statutes or Executive Orders- Commercial Items.

Since FirstSource III is a small business set aside, the Trade Agreements Act, TAA does not apply. Conflicting references to TAA have been removed from Attachment 8.

100 Attachment

1.1.1. 2 in 1 Notebook

On “Minimum 2 newest industry processor that conforms with ….. Please clarify the 2 newest industry processors, does it mean the device must have at least 2 options for processor type?

1 base and 1 upgrade?

101 Attachment

1.1.1. 2 in 1

On 5G SIM, is eSIM acceptable?

Yes. Please see revised Attachment 8.

102 Attachment

1.1.1. 2 in 1

There are other battery technology that expand the life of battery, can government not limit it to the lithium, please add LI-polymer battery

Yes. Please see revised Attachment 8.

103 Attachment

Section 1.1.1 2 in 1 Notebook

HD or Full HD is a common resolution is most standard business class notebooks whereas HDR is more commonly offered in high end mobile workstations. In an effort to promote fair and open competition, will DHS please change the sprec requirement from HDR to HD or Full HD?

Please see responses to questions 6 and 7.

104 Attachment

Section 1.1.1 2 in 1 Notebook

Will DHS allow for a standard OEM warranty for any third party peripheral item offerings?

Yes, warranty includes all accessories in the device bundle (this specifically includes the device battery). Please see 2 in 1 Notebook specification.

105 Attachment

Section 1.1.1 2 in 1 Notebook

5G is a growing mobile network technological trend. However, it has not been adopted into the majority of business class notebook and is currently more common in larger mobile workstations that can accommodate larger internal antennas. In an effort to promote fair and open competition, will DHS please change the 5G requirement to optional support for 5G or newer technologies when available.

No. The specification remains unchanged.

106 Attachment

Section 1.1.3 Advanced Notebook

As the demand for thinner and lighter notebooks grows, 14" notebooks cannot accommodate more than 2 DIMM Slots and therefore will not allow for expandability beyond 64GB. In an effort to promote fair and open competition, will DHA remove the expandability spec requirement?

Please see the response to question 42.

107 Attachment

Section 1.1.4 Tablet

5G is a growing mobile network technological trend. However, it has not been adopted into the majority of business class notebook and is

No. The specification remains unchanged.

currently more common in larger mobile workstations that can accommodate larger internal antennas. In an effort to promote fair and open competition, will DHS please relax the 5G requirement and allow for either 4G or 5G mobile network?

108 Attachment

Section 1.1.1 2 in 1 Notebook

A standard 2-in-1 notebook can only accommodate a single processor. Will DHS confirm the "Minimum two newest industry standard processor" is in reference to the latest or previous version single processor allowed as long as the processors were released within 19 months from the date of proposal?

Please see the response to question 4.

109 Attachment

Section 1.1.2 Standard Notebook

A standard notebook can only accommodate a single processor. Will DHS confirm the "Minimum two newest industry standard processor" is in reference to the latest or previous version single processor allowed as long as the processors were released within 19 months from the date of proposal?

110 Attachment

Section 1.1.3 Advanced Notebook

A 14" business class notebook can only accommodate a single processor. Will DHS confirm the "Minimum two newest industry standard processor" is in reference to the latest or previous version single processor allowed as long as processors were released within 19 months from the date of proposal?

111 Attachment

Section 1.1.4 Tablet

DHS is requesting an optional 3 year warranty beyond the standard warranty but the standard warranty requirements have not been outlined.

Will DHS please confirm what the requirements are for the standard warranty?

All “optional” requirements have been removed. Please see the updated specification in the revised Attachment 8.

112 Attachment

Section 1.1.4 Tablet

If the standard warranty for the tablet is 3 years, does DHS need a 3 year battery warranty?

Yes. The warranty includes all accessories in the device bundle (this specifically includes the device battery). Please see revised

113 Attachment

Section 1.1.4

Tablet Most commercial grade tablets run on a Windows based operating system, while Android and iOS are tailored to the consumer market. In addition, a windows based OS will offer more central manageability and more security features. In an effort to ensure the government receives the most secure and most IT manageable products on the market while nurturing fair and open competition, will DHS please allow for Windows OS?

No.

114 Attachment

Section 1.1.4 Tablet

Is Trusted Platform Module (TPM) Version 2.0 a requirement for the Tablet?

No, this is not a requirement in the specification.

115 Attachment

Section 1.1.4 Tablet

For the minimally external keyboard accessory, is DHS requiring a keyboard that physically attaches magnetically to the tablet?

No, the external keyboard proposed is at the offeror’s discretion.

116 Attachment

Section 1.1.4 Tablet

DHS is requesting an optional 3 year warranty beyond the standard warranty but the standard warranty requirements have not been outlined.

Will DHS please provide spec requirements for the standard warranty?

The Government is requiring a 5 year extended warranty beyond what is offered standard from the OEM.

117 Attachment

Section 1.1.4 Tablet

Is Accidental Damage support a requirement for the Tablet?

No.

118 Attachment

Section 1.1.4 Tablet

Is there a TAA requirement for the Tablet? No. Since FirstSource III is a small business set aside, the Trade Agreements Act, TAA does not apply. References to TAA have been removed from Attachment 8.

Please also see the response to question 99.

119 Attachment

Section 2.1.1 Advanced

Workstation

Will DHS confirm the "Minimum two newest industry standard processor" is in reference to the latest or previous version single processor allowed as long as the processors were released within 19 months from the date of proposal?

Please see the response to question 4.

120 Attachment

Section 2.1.1 Advanced

Workstation

Most high end advanced workstations can accommodate a dual processor. For the "minimum two newest industry standard processor", is DHS requesting a single or dual processor that has been released within 19 months from the date of proposal?

121 Attachment

Section 2.1.2 Standard

Workstation

Dual processor capability is limited to high end Xeon workstations while business class workstations utilize single processor configurations. Will DHS confirm the "Minimum two newest industry standard processor" is in reference to the latest or previous version single processor allowed as long as processors were released within 19 months from the date of proposal?

Please see the response to question 4.

122 Attachment

Section 2.1.3 Micro Workstation

Dual processor capability is limited to high end Xeon workstations while business class workstations utilize single processor configurations. Will DHS confirm the "Minimum two newest industry standard processor" is in reference to the latest or previous version single processor allowed as long as processors were released within 19 months from the date of proposal?

Please see the response to question 4.

123 Attachment

Section 1.1.2 Standard Notebook

Does DHS need IEEE 802.11ax wireless capability?

Specification has been updated. Please see

124 Attachment

Section 1.1.3 Advanced Notebook

Does DHS need IEEE 802.11ax wireless capability?

Specification has been updated. Please see revised Attachment 8.

125 Attachment

Section 1.1.2 Standard Notebook

MobileMark is the battery life metric commonly used in the industry and the latest version of MobileMark tests are showing more realistic battery benchmarks on test configurations running on current generation processors. In an effort to promote fair an open competition, we request that the battery life requirement for the Standard Notebook be reduced from 11 hours to 10 hours.

126 Attachment

Section 1.1.3 Advanced Notebook

MobileMark is the battery life metric commonly used in the industry and the latest version of MobileMark tests are showing more realistic battery benchmarks on test configurations running on current generation processors. In an effort to promote fair an open competition, we request that the battery life requirement for the Advanced Notebook be reduced from 11 hours to 10 hours.

No.

127 Attachment

Section 1.1.1 2 in 1 Notebook

HD or Full HD is a common resolution in most standard business class notebooks whereas HDR is more commonly offered in high end mobile workstations. In an effort to promote fair and open competition, will DHS please change the sprec requirement from HDR to HD or Full HD?

Please see the response to questions 6 and 7.

128 Attachment

Section 2.1.1 Advanced

Workstation

Dual processor capability is limited to high end Xeon workstations while business class workstations utilize single processor configurations. Will DHS confirm the "Minimum two newest industry standard processor" is in reference to the latest or previous version single processor allowed as long as processors were released within 19 months from the date of proposal?

Please see the response to question 4.

129 Attachment

1.1.1 2 in 1 Notebook

1.1.2 Standard

Notebook

1.1.3 Advanced

Notebook

1.1.4 Tablet

Please confirm that the requirement for processor is maximum 19 months old from solicitation release date and not from the date of proposal. Also please confirm 11th generation Intel processors would fit this requirement.

Please see the response to question 33.

130 Attachment

1.1.1 2 in 1 Notebook

Would the DHS consider lowering the minimum memory (RAM) requirement to 16GB to increase competition?

131 Attachment

1.1.1 2 in 1 Notebook

How is the DHS defining "HDR Compatible"?

HDR is commonly understood as "High Dynamic Range" which is an ability to display a high range of colors on a display. DHS appears to define HDR as a "minimum resolution" instead, specifically 1280 x 1024. A minimum resolution does not appear to be a characteristic of HDR. Is it possible the DHS means "FHD (1920 x 1080 resolution)" instead?

Including a specification for HDR color range on a display will significantly decrease options for this requirement.

No.

132 Attachment

1.1.4 Tablet Would the DHS accept a tablet equipped with

Windows 11 instead of Android or iPadOS?

No.

133 Attachment

1.1.4 Tablet Would the DHS accept a tablet equipped with

Android or iPadOS that is not TAA compliant?

Please see the response to question 118.

134 Attachment

1.1.5 Thin Client Is the DHS requesting two separate items (a thin client AND zero client) for this section, or just one of…