75H70926BAO-069-RFQ Question and Answers - IT.pdf

75H70926BAO-069-RFQ Billings Area Server Refresh

Questions & Answers

1. For the Technical and Past Performance evaluation factors, may an ISBEE offeror rely on and submit the relevant technical capabilities, qualifications, and past performance of a proposed first-tier subcontractor that would perform a material portion of the requirement? If so, how will that subcontractor’s experience and past performance be evaluated?

Consistent with the Revolutionary FAR Overhaul (RFO) evaluation framework, the Government may consider relevant technical capabilities, qualifications, experience, and past performance of a proposed first-tier subcontractor, supplier, or other team member to the extent permitted by the RFQ's stated evaluation criteria. For past performance, relevant information concerning entities that will perform major or critical aspects of the requirement may be considered. Such information will be evaluated in the context of the entity's proposed role and the portion of the requirement for which it is responsible, including the recency, relevance, source, context, and performance trends of the information.

Subcontractor or supplier experience, qualifications, or capabilities will not be treated as experience of the ISBEE prime where the RFQ expressly requires a qualification, capability, or experience to be possessed by the prime contractor itself.

2. For purposes of HHSAR 352.226-6, how should payments to a non-IEE authorized IT value-added reseller (VAR) or distributor supplying the required commercial IT equipment be treated in calculating the applicable subcontracting limitation?

For purposes of HHSAR 352.226-6, a supplier, distributor, or vendor furnishing supplies for performance of the prime contract falls within the clause’s definition of “subcontractor.” However, HHSAR 352.226-6 does not establish a separate percentage limitation on subcontracting; rather, paragraph (b) requires compliance with the applicable limitations set forth in FAR 52.219-14, Limitations on Subcontracting.

Because this RFQ is for commercial products and contemplates that the ISBEE contractor may perform as a nonmanufacturer/reseller, the 50-percent supply limitation in FAR 52.219-14(e)(2) does not apply to the procurement of those supplies from a nonmanufacturer. Accordingly, amounts paid by the ISBEE reseller to a non-IEE authorized VAR, distributor, or other supplier for the commercial IT equipment are not treated as payments subject to a 50-percent limitation under FAR 52.219-14(e)(2) solely because the VAR, distributor, or supplier is not an IEE.

The ISBEE remains responsible for complying with all other applicable requirements, including the Small Business Administration’s nonmanufacturer rule, where applicable, and any applicable waiver or exception. Reliance on a non-IEE VAR, distributor, or supplier does not independently excuse compliance with those requirements or with the ISBEE eligibility and Buy Indian Act requirements of the solicitation.

3. The RFQ states a 60-day delivery period from award, while Section 9 of the SOW states a 30-calendar-day period of performance. Please confirm the applicable performance/delivery period.

60 Days

4. Each compute server includes two dual-port 25GbE adapters. Configuration 1 specifies 12 25GbE AOCs for four servers, while Configuration 2 specifies 12 25GbE AOCs for three servers. Please confirm the required number of 25GbE connections per server for each configuration.

Configuration 1 compute node shall include:

4x Standard low-profile 4-port 10G RJ45 Intel XL710 + X557 adapter or equivalent -one 4-port 10GbE RJ45 adapter per server.

And 8x Standard low-profile 2-port 25G SFP28 Mellanox ConnectX-4 LX EN adapter or equivalent - two dual-port 25GbE SFP28 adapters per server.

Configuration 2 compute node shall include:

3x Standard low-profile 4-port 10G RJ45 Intel XL710 + X557 adapter or equivalent -one 4-port 10GbE RJ45 adapter per server.

And 6x Standard low-profile 2-port 25G SFP28 Mellanox ConnectX-4 LX EN adapter or equivalent - two dual-port 25GbE SFP28 adapters per server.

5. The RFQ and SOW Section 6 establish a 60-calendar-day delivery period after award; however, SOW Section 9 establishes a 30-calendar-day period of performance after award. Please clarify the applicable period of performance and delivery deadline.

60 Days

6. FAR 52.219-33 – Nonmanufacturer Rule is not included in the RFQ. Since this requirement is a 100% ISBEE set-aside under NAICS 334111 and includes brand-name OEM products manufactured by large businesses, could you please confirm whether an SBA Nonmanufacturer Rule waiver applies to this RFQ? If not, does the Government intend to obtain a waiver permitting an ISBEE prime reseller to furnish the specified OEM products?

No individual SBA Nonmanufacturer Rule waiver has been requested or obtained for this RFQ.

The RFQ is issued on a brand name or equal basis. Accordingly, offerors may propose the identified brand-name products or equal products that satisfy the salient physical, functional, and performance characteristics specified in the RFQ.