Amendment 0002 - IT Support to DABS_executed.pdf

5. PROJECT NO.

CODE

7. ADMINISTERED BY

2. AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION NO.

CODE

6. ISSUED BY

8. NAME AND ADDRESS OF CONTRACTOR

4. REQUISITION/PURCHASE REQ. NO. 3. EFFECTIVE DATE

9A. AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION NO.

9B. DATED

PAGE OF PAGES

10A. MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT/ORDER NO.

10B. DATED

1. CONTRACT ID CODE

FACILITY CODE CODE

Offers must acknowledge receipt of this amendment prior to the hour and date specified in the solicitation or as amended, by one of the following methods:

X The above numbered solicitation is amended as set forth in Item 14. The hour and date specified for receipt of Offers X

E. IMPORTANT:

is extended,

(a) By completing Items 8 and 15, and returning copies of the amendment; (b) By acknowledging receipt of this amendment on each copy of the offer submitted; or (c) By separate letter or telegram which includes a reference to the solicitation and amendment numbers. FAILURE OF YOUR AC- KNOWLEDGMENT TO BE RECEIVED AT THE PLACE DESIGNATED FOR THE RECEIPT OF OFFERS PRIOR TO THE HOUR AND DATE SPECIFIED MAY is not extended.

12. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA

(REV. 10-83)

is required to sign this document and return ___________ copies to the issuing office. is not, A. THIS CHANGE ORDER IS ISSUED PURSUANT TO: (Specify authority) THE CHANGES SET FORTH IN ITEM 14 ARE MADE IN THE CONTRACT ORDER NO. IN ITEM 10A.

15C. DATE SIGNED

B. THE ABOVE NUMBERED CONTRACT/ORDER IS MODIFIED TO REFLECT THE ADMINISTRATIVE CHANGES

SET FORTH IN ITEM 14

RESULT IN REJECTION OF YOUR OFFER. If by virtue of this amendment you desire to change an offer already submitted, such change may be made by telegram or letter, provided each telegram or letter makes reference to the solicitation and this amendment, and is received prior to the opening hour and date specified.

C. THIS SUPPLEMENTAL AGREEMENT IS ENTERED INTO PURSUANT TO AUTHORITY OF:

D. OTHER

BY

Contractor

16C. DATE SIGNED

14. DESCRIPTION OF AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION

16B. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

15A. NAME AND TITLE OF SIGNER 16A. NAME AND TITLE OF CONTRACTING OFFICER

15B. CONTRACTOR/OFFEROR

STANDARD FORM 30 STANDARD FORM 30

(Type or print) (Type or print)

(Organized by UCF section headings, including solicitation/contract subject matter where feasible.)

(No., street, county, State and ZIP Code)

(If other than Item 6)

(Specify type of modification and authority)

(such as changes in paying office, appropriation date, etc.)

(If required)

(If applicable)

(SEE ITEM 11)

(SEE ITEM 13)

13. THIS ITEM APPLIES ONLY TO MODIFICATIONS OF CONTRACTS/ORDERS,

IT MODIFIES THE CONTRACT/ORDER NO. AS DESCRIBED IN ITEM 14.

11. THIS ITEM ONLY APPLIES TO AMENDMENTS OF SOLICITATIONS

AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION/MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT

(Signature of person authorized to sign) (Signature of Contracting Officer)

1 23

0002 05/28/2020 REQ-306-20-000030

Office of Acquisition & Assistance (OAA) USAID/Afghanistan x 72030620R00009

08/20/2020

X 0

The purposes of this Amendment are to:

1. Update Section C, Deliverables under Sub-Task No. 2.3

2. Update Section E.3, Project Final Acceptance

3. Update Section F.8, Deliverables and Schedule

4. Update Section H.1 to replace the geographic code of 937 with 935.

5. Update Section M.3.A to insert the definition for “Major Subcontractor”

6. Provide answers to questions received in response to the solicitation priorto the issuance of Amendment No. 1.

For detail, please see the continuation page.

Except for the above, all other terms and conditions of the RFP remain the same.

Diego Marquez Contracting Officer

TO ALL OFFERORS

Solicitation No. 72030620R00009 Amendment 0002

CONTINUATION PAGE

The solicitation is amended as follows:

A. SECTION C, DELIVERABLES UNDER SUB-TASK NO.2.3: Delete the paragraph in its entirety and insert the following:

Deliverables under sub-Task No. 2.3:

Equipment configured and data migrated to new server

B. SECTION E.3, PROJECT FINAL ACCEPTANCE: Update the section to include the following:

The contractor is responsible to submit Warranty Report as well as Final Report.

C. SECTION F.8, DELIVERABLES AND SCHEDULE: Update the table to include “Warranty report.”

NO. DESCRIPTION DELIVERY DATE SUBMIT

TO

1 WORK PLAN 10 DAYS FROM

CONTRACT AWARD (CA)

COR

2 QUALITY CONTROL PLAN 14 DAYS FROM CA COR

3 HEALTH AND SAFETY PLAN 14 DAYS FROM CA COR

4 SECURITY PLAN 14 DAYS FROM CA COR

5 GENDER PLAN 14 DAYS FROM CA COR

6 ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING

AND MITIGATION/MANAGEMENT

PLAN (EMMP)

14 DAYS FROM CA COR

7 DELIVERY SCHEDULE FOR THE

SUPPLY OF IT EQUIPMENT

30 DAYS FROM CA COR

8 TRAINING PLAN 60 DAYS FROM CA COR

9 SYSTEM O&M PLAN 200 DAYS FROM CA COR

10 ACTIVITY MONITORING,

EVALUATION, AND LEARNING

PLAN

60 DAYS FROM CA COR

11 PROGRESS REPORT BI-WEEKLY AFTER CA COR

12 DEMOBILIZATION AND CLOSEOUT

PLAN

30 DAYS FROM CA COR

13 WARRANTY REPORT WITHINK 15 DAYS

AFTER FINAL

INSPECTION

COR

14 FINAL REPORT 30 DAYS AFTER FINAL

ACCEPTANCE BY USAID

COR

D. SECTION H.1 AUTHORIZEDGEOGRAPHIC CODE: Delete the geographic code of 937 and replace it with 935.

The authorized geographic code for procurement of goods and services under this contract is 935.

E. SECTION M.3.A, CONTRACTOR PAST PERFORMANCE: Insert the following paragraph:

“A subcontractor that performs more than 20% of the IT Services, stipulated in Section C of the solicitation, is considered a major sub-contractor”.

F. Answers to questions received in response to the solicitation prior to the issuance of Amendment No.1.

Question No. 1: I am kindly requesting if you could inform DABS to allow us to visit the Data Recovery (DR) site as well.

USAID’s response: Please refer to Amendment No. 1 of the solicitation.

Question No. 2: I would like to let you know that our technical team would also require a survey of the disaster recovery site at Tarakhil Power Plant in order to do an accurate estimation. Therefore, I kindly request you to let us know when and how the site survey for the disaster recovery site would be possible.

USAID’s response: Please see the response to Question No.1.

Question No. 3: In the RFP, a parallel UPS is requested. However, the required quantity is mentioned as one (1), meaning that you already have one (1) UPS (which was not in the DABS main site). If that’s the case, we would need to analyze the specs, technical capability and compatibility of the existing UPS for the purpose of integration and installation.

USAID’s response: The quantity for UPS as in Schedule No.1 of the solicitation is one (1).

Question No. 4: In the RFP, nearly 60 pieces of UPS has been requested for the recovery site along with the accessories. In order to identify the exact amount of accessories (e.g. cables, trays, pipes, etc.), our technical team would require the measurements of the site. Therefore, I kindly request you to let us know when and how the site survey for the disaster recovery site would be possible.

USAID response: Please see the response to Question No.1.

Question No. 5: Will there be a potential survey of the second site? If so, could you please verify the date and location.

USAID response: Please see the response to Question No.1.

Question No. 6: When are you expecting to see our; As-is Study Report, as well as, our System Documentation and Network Diagram together with our proposed list of required repairs, and associated hardware & software?

USAID Response: Offerors are expected to propose a timeline in their proposals that fits within the estimated Period of Performance of the activity.

Question No. 7: Under Sub-Task No.2.1: Assessment, Design and Configuration of IT infrastructure.

b. Network Environment Setup, Point ii Network security is to be configured in the Disaster recovery Center through Sophos Cyberoam, ASA or similar device provided by the DABS.

Will the Sophos Cyberoam, ASA or similar device be provided by the DABS?

USAID response: Yes.

Question No.8: Under CLIN 1.16 Redhat Enterprise Linux with 3 Years Subscription or Equivalent Qty 10

Can you please provide the relevant Red Hat Network Login ID or Account Number?

USAID response: The Contractor can create a new Network Login ID for DABS or DABS will share existing network Login ID with the Contractor.

Question No. 9: Under CLIN 8 – Core Network Switches for DC (Qty 2), Uplink ports -2 QSFP+ ports with Splitter cables to split each’ Fiber splitter cables (40G to 4 x 10G)?

Single Mode Fiber splitter or Multi-mode Fiber splitter?

USAID response: Multi-mode Fiber splitter with the necessary suitable cables & accessories along with the switches to ensure compatibility across the network.

Question No. 10: Under CLIN 9 – Network Switches for Edge Connectivity (Qty 4), ’24 Port – 10Gig 100/1000/10Gig autosensing ports’ (Line 202). Then on another line it states ’48 port layer 2 switch should support’

Do we need a 24-port switch or 48-port switch for Edge Connectivity?

USAID response: 24 Port network Switch.

Question No.11: Should these switches be 1G switches with 10G uplinks or should these switches have 24 (or 48) 10G ports that also support 1G?

USAID response: Switches should have 24 port 10G ports that also support 1G/100Mb.

Question No. 12: Should these switches be BaseT (Copper, RJ45, CAT6/5) or SFP/SFP+ based switches?

USAID response: Uplink should be SFP based and other ports BaseT(copper, RJ45).

Question No. 13: If 1G BaseT switches, is PoE/PoE+ required?

USAID response: Non PoE switches.

Question No.14: Under C.4.2 Schedule No. 2 A: Load Center Mobile Equipment Bluetooth Portable Thermal Printers 3" Qty 366.

The 2.2 Ahr battery is extremely specific; are you open to slight differences or do you need these exact specs?

USAID response: Please see Section L.7 ALTERNATIVE LINE ITEM PROPOSAL of the solicitation.

Question No. 15: Under Deliverables under Sub-Task No.1.3:

DC and DR Replication setup

Migrating the Application and Databases

Under Task No.2: Disaster Recovery Data Center at Tarakhil Power Plant in Kabul

Sub-Task No.2.3: Equipment Configuration and Data Migration

Deliverables under Sub-Task No.2.3:

Data successfully configured and migrated to new servers

Kindly confirm that the deliverables under Sub-Task No.1.3 and Sub-Task No.2.3 are the same

USAID Response: Yes, the tasks are the same but in two different locations to ensure the DC and DR sites sync with each other.

Question No. 16: Under Sub-Task No.1.4: Supply of Minor Equipment: No assessment has been done on equipment that may be needed. Based on the contractor’s assessment, supply of minor equipment may be necessary in order to facilitate the transfer of data to the Disaster Recovery Data Center.

As detailed assessment can be only performed after award, can the Government provide additional details to assist the contractor for pricing? Or suggest a Plug-in-Figure.

USAID Response: The plug in value of the minor equipment is $2000.

Question No. 17: Under Sub-Task No.1.5: Update all the Systems and Applications

All the software applications – including the operating system, application and database components

– must be updated with the latest patches.

SAN, networks, servers and other related hardware equipment must be updated with the latest firmware and bios components.

The RFP and the site visit do not provide exact details of all the software applications – including the operating system, application and database components together with SAN, networks, servers and other related hardware equipment. Can the Government provide additional details to assist the contractor for pricing? Or suggest a Plug-in-Figure.

USAID response: The contractor is expected to furnish the details to USAID as part of the As-is Study.

Question No. 18: Warehousing: Does the government has a warehouse to receive the “Load Centers Equipment”

USAID response: Information about the existence of a warehouse is not required to provide a responsive proposal. In accordance with Section C - Task No.3, Paragraph 1, the contractor shall supply the equipment at one central location and DABS will be responsible for distribution and installation at the load centers.

DABS Central Datacenter Location: Chaman Houzori, Kabul, Afghanistan.

Question No. 19: DR Site: Would it be possible to have a site visit to the DR Site?

USAID response: Please see the response to Question No. 1.

Question No. 20: Local Taxes and VAT: Would any Local Taxes and VAT incurred by the contractor or the subcontractor be reimbursed by the government?

USAID response: USAID procurements are exempt from Taxes. Please see Attachment J.10 of the solicitation for more information.

Question No. 21: Custom Duties: Kindly confirm that all shipment will be exempt from Customs Duties and local taxes.

USAID response: Confirmed. Please see Attachment J.10 of the solicitation for more information.

Question No. 22: Clearance of Equipment: Kindly confirm if the Contractor is responsible for the clearance of equipment of the Port of Entry.

USAID response: Confirmed.

Question No. 23: Do subcontractors need to have a SAM registration?

USAID response: Sub-contractors are not required to register in SAM.

Question No.24: Do subcontractors need to have an AISA license?

USAID response: Please see Attachment J.10 to the solicitation.

Question No. 25: What is the page limit for the Management Approach, Key Personnel and Past Performance sections?

USAID response: The total page limit is 15 pages for the Technical Proposal. Please see Section L.5 of the solicitation.

Question No. 26: Can the Technical Approach section be longer than 3 pages?

USAID response: Please see the response to Question #25.

Question No. 27: What is the page limit for CVs?

USAID response: There is no page limit for CVs. Please see the last paragraph in Section L.5 of the solicitation.

Question No. 28: Do the Project Manager and Quality Control Manager positions need to be based in Kabul?

USAID response: Yes

Question No. 29: Can the Network Diagram Annex have narrative included? What is the page limit?

USAID response: Yes. There is no page limit for Annexes. Please see the last paragraph in Section L5 for specific instructions.

Question No. 30: What is the page limit for each of the Annexes?

USAID response: Please see the response to Question #29.

Question No. 31: Will equipment being imported into Afghanistan be duty free? Or, does this cost need to be included in the price proposal?

USAID response: Please see the response to Question #20.

Scope of Work Comments:

1. DABS HQ Data Center in Kabul:

Question No. 32: Sub-Task No. 1.1: As is study – Can we be furnished with information on the size of the data center (i.e. drawings and diagrams of existing locations)?

USAID response: The Contractor is expected to furnish this information to USAID as part of the As-is Study.

Question No. 33: Sub-Task No. 1.2: Surveying and documentation of the existing network connectivity

- Can we be furnished with a list of the current equipment installed in the DABS HQ Data Center in Kabul?

USAID response: Please see the response to Question No. 32.

Question No. 34: Sub-Task No. 1.3: Re-configuration of existing data center, as applicable - Can we be furnished with a list of the current equipment installed in the DABS HQ Data Center in Kabul?

USAID response: Please see the response to Question No.32.

Question No. 35: Sub-Task No. 1.5: Update of all systems and applications – will it be possible to get information on existing systems to understand the impact on new equipment/configuration.

USAID response: Please see the response to Question No.32.

Question No. 36: Sub-Task No. 1.6: System Operation and Maintenance (O&M) – apart from delivering manuals, would there be a requirement for us to extend the engagement to include SLA management?

USAID response: Yes. Please consider the SLA’s RPO=0 & RTO=2 Hours.D

2. Disaster Recovery Data Center at Tarakhil Power Plant in Kabul:

Question No. 37: Sub-Task No. 2.1a/b/c/d/e/f/g: Assessment, Design and Configuration of IT infrastructure – Can we be furnished with information on the size of the Disaster Recovery Data Center (i.e. footprint in SQM)?

USAID response: Please see the response to Question No. 32.

Question No. 38: Sub-Task No. 2.3: Equipment Configuration and Data Migration - Can we be furnished with an estimated amount of data required for migration?

USAID response: Please see the response to Question No. 32.

Question No. 39: Sub-Task No. 2.5: System O&M - apart from delivering manuals, would there be a requirement for us to extend the engagement to include SLA management?

USAID response: Please see the response to Question 36.

3. Load Centers:

Question No. 40: Task No. 3: Load Centers – Please confirm that the scope in load centers are supply only and unboxing, racking, installation, and configuration will be the responsibility of DABS?

USAID response: Yes, this is the correct understanding of Task No. 3 in the RFP.

4. Technical queries:

Question No. 41: Will there be any CIVIL/MEP/HVAC work required or will this be handled by a separate contractor?

USAID response: No, there is no CIVIL/MEP/HVAC work under this solicitation.

Question No. 42: Will some of the IT professionals appointed by us need to have mPower application knowledge?

USAID response: There is no prescription. Offerors shall propose appropriate qualified staff to carry out the work.

Question No. 43: Who will sign off on milestones/completion?

USAID response: USAID’s Contracting Officer’s Representative.

Question No. 44: Is warranty only for hardware?

USAID response: No. The Contractor shall provide Warranty for all the hardware, software and applications, which require warranty has to be provided.

Question No. 45: The USAID/Afghanistan mission may consider embedding outsourced resources involved with the project for a minimum 12-month post contract, ensuring continuity and successful operations. Should we factor this in as part of the proposal?

USAID response: Offerors should consider the most effective approach to Operation and Maintenance (O&M) that will be required by DABS.

Question No. 46: Who will manage subscription-based software?

USAID response: The Contractor is expected to manage the subscription throughout the implementation and Warranty Period. Afterwards, DABS will manage.

Question No. 47: Can we access resources locally with knowledge of the firewall: Cyberoam CR500iNG – XP?

USAID response: Offerors should conduct appropriate market research.

Question No. 48: Can mPower system information be shared (including diagrams and O&M manuals)?

USAID response: Offerors can publically access information on mPower. Offerors are expected to develop O&M manuals.

Question No. 49: As we were not allowed take photos during site visit, can some be shared. We want to avoid too many variables.

USAID response: Photos are not required to provide a responsive proposal.

Question No. 50: Will the ATS – Automatic Transfer Switch be fixed prior to project start.

USAID response: DABS has already fixed the ATS.

Question No. 51: What is the process for getting access to the existing data center during the project?

USAID response: USAID and DABS will arrange for the contractor to get access. Specific instructions will be provided during post-award phase.

Question No. 52: Will the FM200 system be re-commissioned prior to project start.

USAID response: Please see the response to Question 32.

Question No. 53: Will the CCTV system be re-commissioned prior to project start?

USAID response: USAID response: Please see the response to Question 32.

Question No. 54: Can USAID arrange a site visit to DR Data Center site at Tarakhail Power Plant?

USAID response: Please see the response to Question No. 1.

Question No.55: Sub-Task No.1.2: Surveying and documentation of existing network connectivity.

If contractor’s proposed solution requires more/less equipment than the equipment listed in schedule No.1 for DR site, will be there any amendments to the final agreement?

USAID response: Yes.

Question No. 56: Sub-Task No.1.6 & Sub-Task No. 2.5: System Operation and Management (O&M)

In which Language (s) should the O&M Manuals be prepared?

USAID response: English.

Question No. 57: We request the list of Network Services that DABS currently uses and want to make it redundant at the DR site.

USAID response: DABS already has the redundant Network connectivity through it’s own OFC, Aftel and other connectivity. Contractor is expected to document details of the Network services as part of the As-is Study.

Software and Hardware

Question No. 58: What type of DR site is required for the database and data replication purpose, the type need to be defined?

USAID response: DR with continuous data replication.

Question No. 59: Do you want to configure cluster in Production Site? If yes, what type of clustering is required? Clustering in which level (Database, application)?

USAID response: Different cluster level may be required for different application and databases. The Contractor is expected to propose the best solution after their as-is study.

Question No. 60: Will database, application and system team from DABS be available during the installation and configuration because they will have the insights into the current running systems along with their operational manuals and documents?

USAID response: Yes, DABS IT team will be available as needed.

Question No. 61: Will data be copied by the DABS team due the privacy issue? Or if the contractor is responsible for data migration, then the DABS technical team presence (database, application, system and network) and DABS team support will be required for it. Please confirm?

USAID response: Contractor is expected to provide required resources and qualified staff to carry out all activities of the SoW. DABS IT team, in consultation with USAID COR, will provide support as deemed appropriate.

Question No. 62: Any available documents, structures, diagrams of the existing system will be required? Please confirm that DABS will provide it for easiness of the operation and project completion?

USAID response: DABS will provide to the Contractor the available information as necessary. For the detail as-is study, which will be very helpful for this activity.

Question No. 63: As a result of analysis and to fulfil the requirements, if the BOQ considered in the RFP is not enough or requires additional items, how will DABS provide support to contractor to make sure all newly required items are available? What’s the approach for this issue? can items be swapped or replaced in case required?

USAID response: If need for additional items arises during the implementation, the Contractor should notify USAID’s Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR).

Question No. 64: Considering the time and duration of project, some of the plans and approach requires approval? How the time passing for approvals will be compensated?

USAID response: Offerors should assume DABS/US Government response time of 14 days.

Question No. 65: Few items are still not EOL, but advanced/next generation model is released. Kindly confirm whether we need to quote with same as RFQ or latest proposal will be acceptable?

USAID response: Please see Section L.7 ALTERNATIVE LINE ITEM PROPOSAL of the solicitation.

Question No. 66: Are product data sheet for accessories are required?

USAID response: Yes. The Contractor is expected to provide details of the items procured under this activity.

Electrical Items:

Question No. 67: UPS System 60-KVA: Site survey of the recovery site (Tarakhail) would be required in order to estimate the accessories. Please confirm.

USAID response: Please see the response to Question No. 1.

Question No. 68: UPS System 5-KVA: Please clarify that this UPS is input 3-phase and output single phase? A site survey would be needed for estimation of installation accessories.

USAID response: Single phase input and single phase output are conformed. Regarding the site survey, please see the response to Question No. 1.

Question No. 69: UPS System 20-KVA: please clarify configuration of the 20KVA UPS is 3-phase input and 3-phase phase output? Site survey would be needed for estimation of installation accessories.

USAID response: Input 3-phase and output single phase are confirmed. Regarding the site survey, please see the response to Question No. 1.

Proposal Related:

Question No. 70: Shall we submit the partner info form (attachment J.6) along with our proposal? In the ITB, it has been mentioned that “CO will notify contractors when to submit USAID Partner Information Form”.

USAID response: No. Partner Information Form should be submitted when notified by the CO.

Question No. 71: Do we need to fill and submit the “certifications in Section K” now or are these going to be submitted after the contract award?

USAID response: Certifications must be submitted with the offeror’s proposal.

Question No. 72: Is there a guideline for filling out the SF33 Form? As per our understanding, we need to fill section 13, 14 and 15 for this ITB? Please confirm if that’s correct.

USAID response: Offerors shall fill item #12, 13, 14, 15 and 16.

Question No. 73: Is it mandatory to submit the “Disclosure of Lobbying Activities” form for this

ITB?

USAID response: Yes, this form is mandatory.

Question No. 74:

As per our last site visit to the existing data center, DABS provided some information about their current 35 Servers and they promise that we will provide all information about our servers except IP Addresses, User and Passwords to provide solutions and consolidate their Servers in the proposal, therefore we are kindly requesting to share with us the necessary information with details as below for further process.

i. Need current DABS Existing IT Infrastructure topology and Applications Diagram.

ii. All servers information, specifications such as version of OS, version of Applications and etc.

iii. We need you to categorized all DABS AD (Primary and Secondary), in-house Databases (HR-

MIS, inventory and etc. ) and their applications in a table and prioritize the high availability and action plan for Disaster recovery and define the boundary of contractor for re-configuration and support which is needed for all services.

iv. Need more information specifically about their current mPower Application scenario and compatibilities.

USAID response: Contractor is expected to provide to USAID details of the above as part of the As-is study & Network survey stipulated in the SOW.

Question No. 75: As we are an Indian Company, can we participate independently to the Solicitation or are we mandatorily required to form a JV/ Consortium with a Local (Afghan) partner.

USAID response: The solicitation has no requirement to partner with Afghan companies.

Question No. 76: Is there any limitation on the number of JV/ Consortium partners, in participating to the Solicitation?

USAID response: No, there is no restriction on the number of JV/Consortium partners.

Question No. 77: Can the Schedule-1, 2, 3 of Items, be supplied based on project priorities/ planning?

Will the payments be made for those equipment supplied based on project priorities?

USAID response: Payment will be made based on items/service provided. Please see Section B.5 PAYMENT of the solicitation.

Question No. 78: Is there any provision for ‘Mobilization Advance’ for the Project?

USAID response: There is no advance payment. USAID may authorize payment for ordered equipment prior to shipping.

Question No. 79: How and Who will approve the equipment delivery / completion of a Task. Would it be DABS or USAID?

USAID response: USAID will approve in consultation with DABS.

Question No. 80: If the Local Afghan Nationals do not meet the requirement of some advanced skills for the Implementation services for the project, can the on-site / off-site support be obtained from expert consultants within the Region?

USAID response: Offerors should propose the most effective staffing structure for the project.

Question No. 81: For the third-party applications like GP and mPower – the Application, Database & Data - Migration activities would need specific services from the OEM at an additional cost which cannot be covered under the project budget. Would such costs be paid separately by DABS / USAID?

USAID response: Contractor is expected to develop an OEM as part of the SOW for which will cover those costs as accepted by USAID during pre-award stage.

Question No. 82: Upon handing over of equipment to DABS, if any damage /loss is caused due to Physical, Environmental conditions, Mishandling or theft, who would be responsible for that as the OEM’s standard warranty will not cover such damages/ losses.

USAID response: Contractor bears no responsibility for any damage/loss beyond the activity’s implementation and warranty period.

Question No. 83: i) Can the supply of equipment (Schedule-1, 2, 3) be sourced from China?

USAID response: Pursuant to ADS 310mac, there are currently no prohibited source countries.

ii) Is there any list of restricted Countries in Asia-Pacific, from where sourcing cannot be done for the project?

USAID response: Please see the response to Question No. 83 (i).

Question No. 84: As per the RFP under Sub-Task No.1.4: Supply of minor equipment. What is the definition of the Minor equipment or software. What is the price limit. What if required fix cost is above the threshold of Minor fix.

USAID response: Please see the response to Question No. 16.

Question No. 85: As per the RFP under Sub-Task No.1.5: Update all the Systems and Applications. Most of the Hardware/software in the DABS existing datacenter are end of support and warranty with Vendor, these hardware are not eligible for the upgrade. Can we quote separately for the software/hardware service and maintenance contract according to the OEM support policy if the equipment is eligible for service maintenance contract.

USAID response: Yes

Question No. 86: As per the RFP under C.4 List of Equipment. Most of the Servers, Storages, SAN Switches are End of Sale and End of Life, Can we quote the OEM replaced Model according to the RFP specification.

USAID response: Yes

Question No. 87: As per my analysis during the site visit, The IT team of DABS need advance OEM Certification training on DELL EMC Storage, VMware, Veeam Backup and Cisco. The training defined in the RFP is not enough for the team according to our past experience in other government entities. Can we quote for the OEM certification training?

USAID response: Offerors may propose trainings as necessary for successful implementation and maintenance of this activity.

Question No. 88: What is the SLA terms and condition of the support and maintenance period?

USAID response: Please see the response to Question No. 36.

Question No. 89: Existing hardware of DABS datacenter needs to be upgraded, such as Hard drive, RAM and etc., Can we quote for those upgrades? The list of correct equipment will help us to identify the right cost for the upgrade. Can we get the list.

USAID response: Contractor is expected to document the upgrades and create inventory list of existing equipment needed as part of the As-is study of the existing Data Center.

Question No. 90: As per our visit to the existing Datacenter of DABS, There are no physical professional datacenter setup and most of the datacenter infrastructure damaged including mechanical engineering, power engineering, environmental control system, Fire Suppression System, correct HVAC and etc.

USAID response: Contractor is expected to document all such findings in the As-is study and perform the upgrades as necessary.

Question No. 91: The Network Operation Center (NOC) is not identified in DABs, The software Nagios is asked in the RFP for monitoring system, Do we need to setup the NOC or DABS will provide the NOC setup.

USAID response: Contractor is expected to setup the NOC.

Question No. 92: Hope the mPower Application and Microsoft Great Plains Suppliers share Proper documentation and Support Adequately during the Implementation and Data Migration Stages.

USAID response: Information related to mPower & Microsoft GP applications is available publicly.

The Contractor is responsible to gather the required information and provide the necessary services for successful implementation of this activity.

Question No. 92: If Task 1.3 requires procuring additional software/hardware/licenses at the current DC, to enable the High Availability/Redundancy failover to the DR site, how would that be approached?

USAID response: USAID does not envision any additional software/hardware/licenses. If need arises for such during the implementation phase, the Contractor shall notify USAID’s Contracting Officer’s Representative.

Question No.93: Task No:3 – Line#15 & 16- Please clarify on the below

a. 5/6kVA is available with Single Phase input. The requirement mentions 3 Phase input whereas input voltage range (165 - 240V) is for single phase. Please let us know if single phase is acceptable here?

USAID response: Please refer to L.7 ALTERNATIVE LINE ITEM PROPOSAL of the solicitation.

b. ‘12 Socket Output Power strip’, this would be an external PDU as UPS outputs for >3kVA UPS are hardwired. Is it acceptable?

USAID response: Please refer to L.7 ALTERNATIVE LINE ITEM PROPOSAL of the solicitation.

c. 20kVA is available with Three Phase input. The requirement correctly mentions 3Phase input but input voltage range (165 - 240V) is for single phase.

USAID response: It is confirmed that for 3 phase input and Input voltage range 165 - 240V is for Static Bypass feature.

d. Is 45 – 65 Hz input frequency range acceptable for 20kVA?

USAID response: Please refer to L.7 ALTERNATIVE LINE ITEM PROPOSAL of the solicitation.

Question No. 94: Questions Related to Section C

i. Section C3, Scope of Work: Task No.1 Existing Data Center at DABS HQ in Kabul Sub-Task No.1.5: Update all the Systems and Applications Updating the legacy applications and systems will require the support from respective OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers). Who will provide assistance in directing the OEMs to provide support ?

USAID response: Contractor is expected to propose an acceptable approach in their O&M manuals.

Offerors shall propose the costs associated with OEM as related to this activity in their proposal.

ii. Section C.4, List of Equipment Some of the equipment items including both hardware and software specified are very specific to a particular OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer). Can we provide equipment with similar configuration from other OEMs?

USAID response: Please see the response to (i).

iii. Section C.4, List of Equipment C.4.1 Schedule No. 1: Servers and Back-End Infrastructure - Equipment for IT Disaster Recovery Data Center Item 2.24 SQL Server 2019 Enterprise edition supporting unlimited CPU, Quantity 2 For SQL Server 2019 Enterprise edition, licensing is based either Per Core or Server + CAL. An unlimited CPU licensing does not exist. Please specify the following: 3a) The preferred licensing method (either Per Core or Server + CAL)? 3b) The quantity for the preferred licensing method?

USAID response: DABS need SQL server license for at least 20 Physical core CPU.

Question No.95: Questions Related to Section F 4) Section F.2, Period of Performance The period of performance is tentatively set to be from August 1, 2020 – May 31, 2021. Due to logistical challenges in Afghanistan for equipment delivery, and the challenges due to on-going COVID-19 situation, would USAID consider extending the period of performance duration?

USAID response: Please see Amendment No. 1 of the solicitation.

Question No. 96: H. Questions Related to Section H 5) Section H.6, USAID/AFGHANISTAN VETTING REQUIREMENT (APRIL 2016): Our understanding from the solicitation is that US firms, US citizens and US permanent residents are excluded from the vetting process. Please confirm.

USAID response: Your understanding of the vetting process is correct.

Question No. 97: Questions Related to Section L:

i. Section L.5 INSTRUCTION FOR PREPARATION OF TECHNICAL PROPOSALS: Is there a limitation on number of pages of information to be included in the Annex?

USAID response: No.

ii. Section L.6.2, PART 2 – PRICE PROPOSAL: The section states, “The offeror must provide explanation in sufficient detail/cost calculations, supporting the proposed unit prices for each line item to allow a complete analysis of price reasonableness and realism.” Could USAID provide guidance on type of additional details - such as labor rates, other directs costs, indirect costs, allowances etc., required to provide explanation?

USAID response: The instruction provided in the RFP is sufficient. Offeror’s explanation should adequately support the basis for the proposed price elements.

Question No. 98: Questions Related to Section M:

i. Section M.3.A, CONTRACTOR PAST PERFORMANCE: The section states “The Offeror and major sub-contractor performance information will be used for both responsibility determination and best value decision.” Could USAID please provide guidance as to what is determinant as to whether or not a subcontractor is considered “major”?

USAID response: A major subcontractor is one that performs more than 20% of the IT Services required under the solicitation. Section M.3.A of the solicitation has been revised to include the following:

“A subcontractor that performs more than 20% of the IT Services, stipulated in Section C of the solicitation, is considered a major sub-contractor”.

ii. Section M.3.A, CONTRACTOR PAST PERFORMANCE: For the projects included in past performance, please provide responses for the following:

a) Can on-going projects be included in the past performance?

USAID response: Please see Section L.5.1 PAST PERFORMANCE of the solicitation.

b) Is there any limitation on the number of years the projects included in the past performance should have started and/or completed?

USAID response: No. There is no limitation on the projects’ period of performance.

Question No. 99: Proposal Submission Closing Date: July 9th, 2020. Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic situation, there are several challenges to overcome in order to put forward a comprehensive response to the RFP. We kindly request USAID to extend the Proposal Submission date from July 9th to July 23rd.

USAID response: Please see the response to Question No. 95.

Question No. 100: Can a non-US firm submit a proposal as the prime contractor?

USAID response: There is no requirement in the solicitation that limits participation of non-US firm as the prime contractor.

Question No.101: Does USAID envision the contractor will register and establish a project office in Kabul Afghanistan?

USAID response: This is a business decision to be made by the contractor. For guidance on registration in Afghanistan, please see Attachment J.10 of the solicitation.

Question No. 102: We request you to extend the bid submission date for another 4 weeks

USAID response: Please see the response to Question No. 95.

Question No. 103: Re-configuration of existing datacenter, as applicable (Section C- Sub-Task No.1.3): Reconfiguration of some of the applications requires software developers. Will DABS provide those resources?

USAID response: No. Offerors shall propose appropriate qualified staff to carry out the work.

Question No. 104: Supply of minor equipment as needed: What are the equipment required? Will DABS / USAID reimburse the cost of that equipment?

USAID response: Please see the response to Question No. 16.

Question No. 105: Update of all the systems and applications (Section C- Sub-Task No.1.5):

Upgrading the applications requires software developers and implementation services from specific OEMs. Will DABS provide those resources and services on their expense ?

USAID response: No. Offerors shall propose appropriate qualified staff to carry out the work.

Question No. 106-107 are in regards to Task NO.2 Disaster recovery Datacenter at Tarakhil Power plant in Kabul

Question 106: SQL Server 2019 enterprise edition supporting unlimited CPU: Database license is based on number of physical cores. Please mention the number of cores.

USAID response: Please see the response to Question No. 94 (iii).

Question 107: Equipment configuration and Data Migration: Database upgradation, Data migration and replication between DC & DR requires DBA services from the OEM / Implementation partners.

Will DABS / USAID reimburse those costs?

USAID response: The tasks you have mentioned are integral elements of the SOW which USAID intends to procure under the referenced activity.

Question No. 108: Generic/Participation: Is this opportunity limited to Afghan local companies.

USAID response: No. There is no language in the solicitation that limits the opportunity to Afghan companies.

Question No. 109: Can we do a JV with any organizations outside Afghanistan.

USAID response: Yes. The solicitation has no limitation on doing a JV with organizations outside Afghanistan.

Question No. 110: L.5.1 PAST PERFORMANCE (SEE M.3.A): Request you to consider similar projects completed in the last 10 years under past performance

USAID response: Offerors may include list of project/s completed beyond 5 years. However, in accordance with Section L.5.1 and Section M.3.A of the solicitation, USAID reserves the right to evaluate only those projects completed within the past 5 years.

Question No. 111: Generic / BOQ: Some of the BoQ items configuration / models are obsolete, can we propose a similar or better configurations from different OEMs

USAID response: Please see the response to Question #65.

Question No. 112: Generic / Scope of Work: Since the Scope of work is complex, in case the required skills are not available locally, can we hire such resources or services from outside Afghanistan.

USAID response: Yes. Offerors shall propose appropriate qualified staff to carry out the work.

Question No. 113: Generic / Bid submission: K.3 – Signature - Does an Offeror needs to sign on all pages of the RFP, scan them and send them by mail while submitting the Offer by email? Or only Section K?

USAID response: Only Section K.3.

Question No. 114: Final report: E.3 – it is mentioned that USAID must receive the Final Report and Warranty Report – Who should furnish this report – Is it by the Contractor or DABS?

USAID response: Final Report and Warranty Report shall be submitted by the Contractor.

Question No. 115: Mobilization advance: Will there be any Mobilization Advance Payment?

USAID response: Please see the response to Question No. 78.

Question No. 116: Payments: Since the BOQ is large, lead time required to procure and supply those items will vary. Also, all the BoQ items are not required at the same time. In the above can the contractor supply equipment multiple batches as required & within the project timeline and claim the invoice for those supplies?

USAID response: Yes. In regards to payments, please see the response to Question No. 78.

Question No. 117: Tax Exemption: What is the process of tax exemption. What if we do not want to avail the tax exemption?

USAID Response: USAID procurements are exempt from Taxes. Please see Attachment J.10 - Registration and Tax Exemption in Afghanistan. If a contractor doesn’t want to avail from the tax exemption, they must do so at their own expense. USAID will not reimburse such costs.

Question No. 118: What is the expected SLA requirement for failover and failback between the DC and DR sites?

USAID response: Please see the response to Question no 36.

Question No.119: How many users are expected to be trained for task 4?

USAID response: 10

Question No. 120: Would client be open to including VM level backups using applications like Veeam for backing up all the VMs?

USAID response: Yes

Question No. 121: Does the Firewall configuration involved replicating the current configuration and building anew?

USAID response: Please see Section C of the solicitation.

Question No. 122: Is post-cut support expected for a certain time frame after the cutover of the solution is completed?

USAID response: Contractor is expected to provide services throughout the implementation and warranty period. Please see Section C for details.

Question No. 123: As per the Task 2. 26 - Data Migration - who will undertake knowledge transfer and Technical Support regarding the application Hosted and Database details.

USAID response: The Contractor shall undertake the knowledge transfer and provide technical support to DABS during the implementation phase to DABS IT department.

Question No. 124: If possible, we need pictures and video of current data center and IT infrastructure set up.

USAID response: No pictures/video required to submit a responsive proposal.

Question No. 125: How much square footage is available in nearby existing facilities (DATA

CENTRE)?

USAID response: Please see the response to Question No. 32.

Question No. 126: How many racks or cabinets initially will be installed?

USAID response: Offerors to propose sufficient number of racks required to accommodate all the equipment.

Question No. 127: Does the building currently have sufficient power?

USAID response: Please see the response to Question No. 32.

Question No. 128: Does this building have adequate heating and air conditioning?

USAID response: Please see the response to Question No. 32.

Question No. 129: Can the building obtain multiple high-speed network links?

USAID response: Please see the response to Question No. 32.

Question No. 130: Does the building ensure proper air passages throughout?

USAID response: Please see the response to Question No. 32.

Question No. 131: Are pathways such as doors, aisles, hallways and freight elevators large enough for equipment, racks and/or cabinets to be moved in and out?

USAID response: Please see the response to Question No. 32.

Question No. 132: Do regulations or internal rules require that the edge data center area be physically separated from the rest of the telecom space in for example an existing central office?

USAID response: No.

POWER:

Question No. 133: Can the utility company or multiple companies provide enough power now and in the future?

USAID response: Please see the response to Question No. 32.

Question No.134: Can the building be serviced by multiple utility grids?

USAID response: Please see the response to Question No. 32.

Question No. 135: Can power be supplied directly, or will conversion equipment be required?

USAID response: Please see the response to Question No. 32.

Question No. 136: Is there enough back-up power from the generators?

USAID response: Please see the response to Question No. 32.

Question No. 137: How many BTUs can the space/building support?

USAID response: Please see the response to Question No. 32.

Question No. 138: How is the data center’s temperature monitored and Any alert systems in place?

USAID response: Please see the response to Question No. 32.

Question No. 139: How will the data center be cooled?

USAID response: Please see the response to Question No. 32.

Question No. 140: Any walling off or utilizing curtains to better control the climate off the data center equipment?

USAID response: Please see the response to Question No. 32.

Question No. 141: Does the data center design account for lighting?

USAID response: Please see the response to Question No. 32.

Question No. 142: Is there a plan to secure the physical premises?

Question No. 143: Does the facility have enough fire alarms and escapes?

Question No. 144: What kind of fire suppression system is in place?

USAID response: Please see the response to Question No. 32.

Question No. 145: Current infrastructure drawing and schematic diagram

USAID response: Please see the response to Question No. 32.

Question No. 146: Current Infrastructure wiring diagram

USAID response: Please see the response to Question No. 32.

Question No. 147: Current infrastructure power load diagram and schedule (UPS)

USAID response: Please see the response to Question No. 32.

Question No. 148: Current infrastructure cable rising diagram.

USAID response: Please see the response to Question No. 32.

Question No. 149: If required any electrical and civil works support, how will that be carried Out?

USAID response: USAID doesn’t envision any need for civil work. If need arises, the Contractor shall notify USAID’s Contracting Officer’s representative. In regards to the electrical services, the Contractor is expected to provide only those services as it relates to Network Connectivity.

Question No.150: The backup software is used to backup how many hosts, in addition what are the host types: VMs, OS, Databases, Application (Please define the total quantity of each type).

USAID response: Please see the response to Question No. 32.

Except for the above, all other terms and conditions of the solicitation remain unchanged and in full effect.

Note: USAID will provide responses to questions received after the issuance of Amendment No.1 in a subsequent amendment.

[END OF AMENDMENT 0002]