RFQ_75D301-26-Q-79246 Questions and Answers.pdf

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

RFQ 75D301-26-Q-79246

Mobile SLAM LiDAR Scanning Systems

Question 1 Many commercial mobile SLAM LiDAR systems incorporate embedded SLAM algorithms, computer vision, and automated point-cloud processing. Does embedded functionality of a commercially available LiDAR system constitute contractor “AI use” requiring completion of Attachment 1 when the contractor does not independently use or introduce an AI tool during contract performance?

Government Response: Computer vision falls within the definition of AI use for the purpose of CDCH.10 and submission of Attachment 1. Please submit Attachment 1 as it relates to computer vision.

Question 2 If the proposed system includes optional cloud-based or AI-enabled features that will not be activated or used for this requirement, should those features still be disclosed in Attachment 1?

Government Response: No. Optional AI-enabled functionality that will not be activated or used in performance of the resulting purchase order does not need to be disclosed in Attachment 1. If the contractor later proposes to activate or use AI functionality in contract performance, the requirements of CDCH.10 apply and Contracting Officer approval must be obtained before such use.

Question 3 For Section 508 compliance, will a current manufacturer-issued VPAT or Accessibility Conformance Report (ACR) for the proposed software satisfy the quotation requirement? If a VPAT or ACR is not available, may the quoter instead submit the applicable completed HHS Section 508 Accessibility Conformance Checklist?

Government Response: Yes. A current manufacturer-issued VPAT or Accessibility Conformance Report (ACR) may be submitted for each applicable software product, platform, or ICT supply. If a VPAT or other ACR is not available, the quoter may submit the applicable completed HHS Section 508 Accessibility Conformance Checklist.

The submission must identify the product/version evaluated and any exceptions or limitations. HHS recognizes VPATs and HHS checklists as acceptable ACR formats.

Question 4 Section 3.6 refers to E57, LAS/LAZ, PTS/PTX, CSV/XYZ, “or equivalent formats,” while Attachment 2 lists these as required formats. Must the proposed solution support every listed format, or may equivalent commonly used point-cloud formats be proposed?

Government Response: The proposed solution should support the listed formats—E57, LAS/LAZ, PTS/PTX, and CSV/XYZ—or provide clearly documented equivalent formats that preserve the required point-cloud data and allow Government processing, analysis, and long-term reuse. Any proposed equivalent format must be identified in the quotation and supported by manufacturer documentation.

Question 5 Does the minimum 24-hour virtual instructor-led training requirement mean 24 total instructional hours for a group of three Government personnel, rather than 24 hours for each individual participant?

Government Response: The requirement is for a minimum of 24 total hours of virtual instructor-led training for a group of three Government personnel. It does not require 24 hours per individual participant. Training must cover operation, field data collection, processing, registration, analysis, and export.

Question 6 May the 24 hours of virtual instructor-led training be divided into multiple sessions, including sessions after equipment delivery, provided all required training is completed within 60 calendar days after award?

Government Response: Yes. The required 24 hours of virtual instructor-led training may be divided into multiple sessions, including sessions conducted after equipment delivery, provided the total training equals at least 24 instructional hours and all required training is completed within 60 calendar days after award. Training must cover operation, field data collection, processing, registration, analysis, and export.

Question 7 For the repeat-survey/cloud-to-cloud comparison requirement, is it acceptable for this capability to be provided through manufacturer-compatible desktop processing software included in the proposed complete system rather than performed directly within the handheld scanning device?

Government Response: Yes. Repeat-survey and cloud-to-cloud comparison may be performed through compatible desktop processing software included with the proposed complete system. The software and licenses must support the required data import, registration, comparison, analysis, and export functions for the Government’s intended use.

Question 8 For the requirement to support field data collection without continuous internet access, may software require an initial online activation or periodic license validation, provided scanning and field data capture remain fully operational offline?

Government Response: Yes. Initial online activation or periodic license validation is acceptable provided required field data collection and core field functionality remain operational without continuous internet access.

Quoters shall identify any material offline-use limitations, activation requirements, and applicable license/subscription terms in the quotation.

Question 9 What country-of-origin/domestic-preference requirements apply to the two LiDAR systems? In particular, may a technically compliant system manufactured outside the United States be offered, and if so under what applicable FAR/Trade Agreements treatment?

Government Response: Yes. Foreign-manufactured products may be quoted. Quoters shall provide the country-of-origin and other applicable representations/certifications required by Section I of the RFQ. The Government will apply the applicable domestic preference and trade agreement requirements identified in the solicitation when evaluating quotations.

Question 10 Does the requirement permit a U.S. reseller to quote an OEM system if the reseller provides the OEM warranty/support and all required training, or is a manufacturer authorization letter required?

Government Response: Yes. A U.S. reseller may quote an OEM system if the reseller is authorized to provide the proposed configuration and can provide the OEM warranty, support, software, accessories, and training required by the RFQ. A manufacturer authorization letter is not required unless specifically required elsewhere in the RFQ; however, the Government may request documentation confirming reseller authorization or the source of supply.

Question 11 For the required software, is local/offline processing mandatory for all point-cloud processing, or may optional cloud functionality exist provided that the system can perform the required field collection and core processing without internet access?

Government Response: Required field collection and core processing, registration, quality review, and export functions must be available without continuous internet access. Optional cloud-based functionality may be included, but it cannot be necessary to meet the minimum requirements. Any cloud dependency, subscription, data-storage limitation, or offline limitation must be disclosed.

Question 12 Please confirm whether the Government will accept equivalent mobile SLAM systems in either handheld or backpack configuration so long as every minimum requirement in Attachment 2 is met.

Government Response: No. A backpack-mounted configuration is required for safe operation in the underground mine environment. The proposed system must include a backpack-mounted configuration that allows the equipment to be securely carried and operated while personnel move through confined and irregular mine areas. The backpack-mounted configuration must satisfy all minimum requirements in Attachment 2.