Attachment 0007 - RFI Industry Q and A - NGT-II - OCT2024.pdf
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- Attached to
- Next Generation Transponder (NGT)-II RFP
- Solicitation number
- W519TC-25-R-0051
About this file
This document is an Industry Request for Information (RFI) Questions and Answers attachment for the Next Generation Transponder (NGT)-II solicitation. The document contains 28 detailed questions and corresponding government responses regarding technical specifications, performance requirements, and contract terms for a new transponder system. Key technical details include device requirements for cellular, satellite, and hybrid transponders with specifications for operating temperature ranges (-32°C to 70°C), power requirements, size constraints (maximum 86 cubic inches), and data rights provisions. The government seeks devices with USB-C or Micro-USB charging capabilities, three-year warranties, and compatibility with United States Space Force Enterprise Mobility Systems (EMSS) network.
The solicitation is a small business set-aside with a Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA) source selection approach. The government intends to award up to six Firm-Fixed-Price Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contracts lasting five years with five one-year ordering periods. The contract will support the Department of Defense, US Coast Guard, NATO, and other federal agencies, with a focus on standardizing tracking technologies and ensuring interoperability. Proposal submission is due by 4:00 PM Central Standard Time on 31 July 2025, with questions about the solicitation accepted until 24 July 2025. The NAICS code is 334111 (Electronic Computer Manufacturing), and the Product and Service Code is 7G22.
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Number Document - RFI / Attachment
Page # Paragraph Specific Text Question/Comment Answer
Performance Work Statement Version 1.0
14 3.6 Operating Environments.
The NGT-II equipment shall have a minimum operational temperature range of -40C to +85C and a minimum storage temperature range of -50C to +125C.
Why does the operating and storage temperature range need to exceed the existing active RFID based ITV system, which is -32C to +70C Operating and -40C to +85C storage?
Recommend the operating and storage temperature ranges match the existing active RFID based ITV system
PWS was updated to reflect -32℃ to 70℃ operating and -40℃ to 85℃ storage.
Performance Work Statement Version 1.0
14 3.6 Operating Environments.
The NGT-II equipment shall have a minimum operational temperature range of -40C to +85C and a minimum storage temperature range of -50C to +125C.
The storage temperature range exceeds commercial and industrial ranges, and also exceeds the storage range of the Iridium satellite modem and cellular modems. Recommend the storage temperature range be changed to -40C to +85C
PWS was updated to reflect -32℃ to 70℃ operating and -40℃ to 85℃ storage.
Performance Work Statement Version 1.0
16 4 Transponder and Data Requirements The Contractor shall provide a rechargeable cellular, satellite, and/or hybrid transponder as awarded by the Government, which includes a three-year warranty, a three-year airtime data service plan, and a charging cord and plug.
Are solar powered rechargeable devices acceptable?
PWS has been updated to reflect Solar Power devices are acceptable but as a secondary power supply only.
Performance Work Statement Version 1.0
16 4 Transponder and Data Requirements The Contractor shall provide a rechargeable cellular, satellite, and/or hybrid transponder as awarded by the Government, which includes a three-year warranty, a three-year airtime data service plan, and a charging cord and plug.
Solar powered rechargeable devices do not require a charging cord and cable. To avoid solar-powered rechargeable devices being deemed non-compliant with this requirement, we recommend the requirement is amended to read "…and a charging cord and plug if required. "
PWS has been updated to reflect Solar Power devices are acceptable but as a secondary power supply only.
Performance Work Statement Version 1.0
16 4 Transponder and Data Requirements The Contractor shall provide a rechargeable cellular, satellite, and/or hybrid transponder as awarded by the Government
Will the government allow more than one device option for each type of transponder (cellular, satellite, and/or hybrid)?
Vendors shall propose 1 device for CLIN/SLIN.
Performance Work Statement Version 1.0
19 4.1 Transponders with Cellular Capabilities The Contractor shall activate the cellular network for the devices but shall delay the start of airtime services until the end user requests initiation, ensuring that airtime services do not commence until explicitly requested by the user.
Recommendation: limit delay of start of airtime services to 6 months which is still longer than typical commercial/industry activation delays which are typically 60 days or less.
PWS had been updated to state data services plan shall start no later than 6 months from user receiving device.
Performance Work Statement Version 1.0
19 4.1 Transponders with Cellular Capabilities The Contractor shall activate the cellular network for the devices but shall delay the start of airtime services until the end user requests initiation, ensuring that airtime services do not commence until explicitly requested by the user.
What is the longest period of time this activation delay can be in order for the contractor to still be required to provide the airtime services? PWS had been updated to state data services plan shall start no later than 6 months from user receiving device.
Performance Work Statement Version 1.0
17 4.5 Size The NGT-II devices shall have a maximum of 86 cubic inches. To ensure secure shipment and prevent damage, the device's dimensions shall be limited to accommodate the corrugated ribs on the sides of shipping containers.
Specifically, for International Organization for Standardization (ISO) shipping container applications, the device shall fit outside the container between the ribs, with horizontal and vertical dimensions not exceeding 2.5 inches and a depth not exceeding 1.5 inches, including any mounting bracket. This design constraint will help prevent the device from being dislodged or damaged during shipment.
The dimension limitations stated = 9.375 cubic inches which is significantly less than the maximum volume listed of 86 cubic inches.
PWS was updated to address the size issue.
Performance Work Statement Version 1.0
17 4.5 Size The NGT-II devices shall have a maximum of 86 cubic inches. To ensure secure shipment and prevent damage, the device's dimensions shall be limited to accommodate the corrugated ribs on the sides of shipping containers.
Specifically, for International Organization for Standardization (ISO) shipping container applications, the device shall fit outside the container between the ribs, with horizontal and vertical dimensions not exceeding 2.5 inches and a depth not exceeding 1.5 inches, including any mounting bracket. This design constraint will help prevent the device from being dislodged or damaged during shipment.
What standard was used to determine the maximum horizontal, vertical, and depth dimensions?
PWS was updated to address the size issue.
Performance Work Statement Version 1.0
17 4.5 Size The NGT-II devices shall have a maximum of 86 cubic inches. To ensure secure shipment and prevent damage, the device's dimensions shall be limited to accommodate the corrugated ribs on the sides of shipping containers.
Specifically, for International Organization for Standardization (ISO) shipping container applications, the device shall fit outside the container between the ribs, with horizontal and vertical dimensions not exceeding 2.5 inches and a depth not exceeding 1.5 inches, including any mounting bracket. This design constraint will help prevent the device from being dislodged or damaged during shipment.
ISO shipping container corrugations dimensions can vary, and corrugations on the side panels of containers often have more restrictive dimensions than the doors or front of the container. For example, the width of a corrugation can be greater than 5". Recommendation: increase allowable width and depth dimensions and remove vertical dimension restriction. Recommendation: change language to state device must fit in container corrugation without dimensions listed unless a standard can be found and used in the requirement.
PWS was updated to address the size issue.
Performance Work Statement Version 1.0
17 4.7 Power Requirements The NGT-II devices shall be rechargeable using industry-standard connectors, such as USB-C or Micro-USB, allowing for convenient and universal charging. All transponders shall be rechargeable using either USB-C or Micro-USB.
When Alternating Current (AC) adapters are ordered, they shall be compatible with the local country power grid for the specified geographic area of operation.
Are solar powered rechargeable devices without an external charging port acceptable?
No. Solar power devices MUST have a secondary charging method.
Performance Work Statement Version 1.0
17 4.7 Power Requirements The NGT-II devices shall be rechargeable using industry-standard connectors, such as USB-C or Micro-USB, allowing for convenient and universal charging. All transponders shall be rechargeable using either USB-C or Micro-USB.
When Alternating Current (AC) adapters are ordered, they shall be compatible with the local country power grid for the specified geographic area of operation.
Solar-powered rechargeable devices do not require USB-C or Micro USB connectors and do not have a USB port on the devices. To avoid solar-powered rechargeable devices being deemed non-compliant with this requirement, we recommend the requirement is amended to read:
"The NGT-II devices shall be Solar-powered rechargeable devices, or shall be rechargeable using industry-standard connectors, such as USB-C or Micro-USB, allowing for convenient and universal charging. All transponders that are not solar-powered shall be rechargeable using either USB-C or Micro-USB. When Alternating Current (AC) adapters are ordered, they shall be compatible with the local country power grid for the specified geographic area of operation.
No. Solar power devices MUST have a secondary charging method.
Performance Work Statement Version 1.0
19 4.8.2 Data Rights All data created, collected, or generated by the Contractor in the performance of this contract shall be considered the property of the Government. The Government retains all rights, title, and interest in and to such data, including but not limited to, the right to use, modify, reproduce, release, and distribute the data. The Contractor shall not assert any claim of copyright, patent, or other intellectual property rights in such data, and shall not use such data for any purpose other than the performance of this contract. The Government shall have the right to use, disclose, and distribute the data as it sees fit, without restriction or limitation, and the Contractor shall not impose any restrictions or limitations on the Government's use of the data. The Contractor shall also ensure that all subcontractors and vendors used in the performance of this contract are aware of and comply with these data rights provisions.
Will any non-government organization/entity monetize data created/collected/generated or create any derivative products?
No, all data is for government usage only, no non-government organizations or passive entity shall use the data.
Performance Work Statement Version 1.0
22 5.6 Warranty The Contractor shall provide a three-year warranty and a two-year extended warranty for all equipment supplied under this contract, commencing from the date of product acceptance by the user. This comprehensive warranty will cover all parts, labor, and transportation costs associated with the repair or replacement of NGT-II equipment.
Is the PWS language requesting a 5 year warranty as standard (3 years plus 2 years extended warranty)?
Warranty requirement for the transponder is 3 years but there is also an option to add a 2 year extended warranty if the procuring groups prefers to have a 5 year warranty vs 3 year warranty. This extended warranty must be procured at initial purchase of the material.
15 Sections L and M N/A N/A (Documents not provided with Draft RFI)
The PWS is only partial information to the entire RFP, Offerors will need the entire Draft RFP to make meaningful suggestions for the Government's suggestion.
Will the Government please release the full draft RFP including sections B, L, and M so that Offerors might review and provide appropriate feedback?
Sections B, L, and M are pending. Please check SAM for updates.
16 Draft PWS 12 PWS 3.3
The NGT-II devices must undergo rigorous Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) and Hazards of Electromagnetic Radiation to Ordnance (HERO) testing prior to product delivery to users, with the Contractor providing full support for Government compliance verification, security certification, and accreditation.
Will the Government please detail who is conducting the HERO and EMI testing?
HERO testing is done by the Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division test lab. The EMI testing is done by the US Army Electronic Proving Ground.
17 Draft PWS 12 PWS 3.3
The Government will cover the initial testing costs for HERO and EMI, but the Contractor will be responsible for any subsequent testing costs due to late delivery, item failure, or product substitution/replacement. This means that if a transponder fails testing or needs to be replaced, the Contractor will be responsible for covering the costs of any additional testing required.
Will the Government please provide the cost to conduct HERO and EMI tests on each device type?
Pricing for HERO and EMI tests vary depending on multiple factors and the government is unable to provide a cost.
18 Draft PWS 14 PWS 3.5
The Contractor shall ensure their products are listed on the DOD Unified Capabilities (UC) Approved Product List (APL) prior to delivery. If a product is not listed, the Contractor shall complete documentation and submit it to the governing body within 21 calendar days to conform to Unified Capabilities Requirement (UCR) policies including DODI 8100.04: Unified Capabilities, 9 December 2010 and DoD UC APL Process Guide V2.4, dated December 2016. The Government shall reserve the right to place non-compliant products on CONTRACT RESERVE until they obtain Information Operations (IO) and Information Assurance (IA) certification and are posted on the UC APL. The Contractor shall provide email updates to the COR regarding the product's status on the UC APL until it is listed.
The USSF EMSS Program Office has its own Approved Products List (APL) for devices allowed into the EMSS network. Devices must be in the EMSS APL before being provisioned with EMSS services including airtime and data transport. This is separate from the DOD UC APL, which is for devices within the DODIN.
The EMSS PMO does not require EMSS devices to be in the DOD
UC APL.
Will the Government please clarify that the intent is for devices to be certified by the EMSS PMO on its APL instead of the DOD
US APL?
Satelitte and Hybrid Transponders are required to use the DOD EMSS Iridium Satelitle system. USSF EMSS are the gatekeepers for the EMSS Gateway and therefore if the product is not on their APL then it will not meet the requirements of this contract.
Draft PWS
20-23 PWS 5 (and subsections) N/A
It is unclear how requirements under PWS 5 are to be priced.
Will the government please release a draft full RFP so that industry can provide comments on the cost structure?
Sections B, L, and M are pending. Please check SAM for updates.
Draft PWS
21 PWS 5.4
The Contractor shall provide Technical Assistance through a Service Desk, offering support for:
• Troubleshooting and correcting equipment problems, including firmware updates and equipment issues
• Adjusting NGT-II device reporting data communication
• Processing warranty service issues, such as assigning RMA numbers
• Activating and de-activating transponders
Does the government explicitly require Offeror to conduct all “activations and deactivations of transponders” with Offeror’s service desk, or will the Government allow the Offeror’s service desk to interface with another helpdesk (e.g. EMSS Help Desk) to conduct activations and deactivations?
PWS has been updated to specify Cellular capability for activation and deactivation. Users will be responsible for satleittle activiation w/ the EMSS Helpdesk.
Draft PWS
21 PWS 5.4
The Service Desk shall also accept and process user requests for purchasing additional airtime, acting on them within 24 hours of receipt
There are multiple references to “purchasing airtime”. The EMSS airtime is provided as “flat fee” contract through US Space Force’s EMSS PMO, at no additional costs to end users.
Will the government please provide additional detail as to the expectations for the service desk supporting air time purchases?
PWS has been updated to remove airtime, uses data services.
Therefore when a device is procured it comes with 3 years of data services with additonal SLINS for additional years of data services.
Draft PWS
21/22 PWS 5.5
At a minimum, the web site shall include the following:
• Products o Methods to track the status of orders using the Government’s order number;
o Ability to determine available airtime remaining on a particular transponder;
The Government requires the Offeror's website to provide "Ability to determine available airtime remaining on a particular transponder.” Most cellular plans are post-paid, so it is unclear what data would be tracked here for “time remaining.”
Will the Government please clarify if this requirement is solely for satellite airtime, or also cellular?
PWS has been updated to remove airtime. "Time remaining" is in reference to a user procuring a device with 3 years of data services and half way through that period someone could call and ask the service desk how much longer until the data services end.
Draft PWS
21/22 PWS 5.5
The Contractor shall establish and maintain a worldwide website for Government users no later than 60 calendar days after the contract award date, as per CDRL A0010.
Will the Government please confirm if the Offeror’s website needs to be in compliance with DFARS 252.204-7012 and DFARS 252.204-7021 for Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification Level 2?
PWS has been updated so identify website shall be in compliance w/ DFARS 252.204-7012 and 252.204-7021.
24 Draft PWS 24 PWS 6.1
The Government has established specific definitions for the different levels of labor categories, including Junior, Journeyman, and Senior levels. The Junior level labor categories require a minimum of one year of experience and a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree, or at least five years of experience with no degree.
PWS 6.1 references "Junior" level labor categories, however none of the PWS 6.1 subsections (6.1.1 - 6.1.4) have Junior level labor categories.
Will the Government please clarify if there are other labor categories anticipated on the contract vehicle which are not currently listed in the PWS? If other labor categories are anticipated on the contract vehicle, will the Government please provide a complete list of labor categories and descriptions for Offeror review?
Labor levels are standard and even if not provided on this contract we are explaining the difference between the levels.
25 Draft PWS 26-17 PWS 7.2.1
The Contractor shall include a current organizational chart in each review that includes the names and telephone numbers of all key personnel proposed and included with the NGT contract, as well as any key personnel who may be proposed and used in securing subsequent Task Orders
PWS 7.2.1 makes several reference to "Key Personnel," but none of the labor categories in PWS 6.1 are listed as Key Personnel.
Will the Government please clarify which labor categories in PWS 6.1 are considered Key Personnel or if this is up to the Offeror to decide for each task order?
PWS was updated to remove the reference to key personnel.
26 Sections L and M N/A N/A (Documents not provided with Draft RFI)
Given the inclusion of services such as engineering services and helpdesk support for solutions bound for contingency operations environments, will the government please confirm that this will be a "Best Value Tradeoff" solicitaiton in accordance with DFARS clauses 215.101-2-70(a)(2)(i) and (iii)?
LPTA source selection criteria will apply. "Best Value Tradeoff" will not be considered.
27 Sections L and M N/A N/A (Documents not provided with Draft RFI)
Since EMSS technologies and support are unique, will the government please confirm there will be a Past Performance section for Offerors to show corporate experience with all of the required elements of the PWS?
LPTA source selection criteria will apply. Past performance is not an evaluation factor for this acquisition to award a base IDIQ contract. This information would be attained through CPARS in the Past Performance Information Retrieval System during the determination of contractor responsibility, prior to awarding any orders.
28 Sections L and M N/A N/A (Documents not provided with Draft RFI)
Since the EMSS Program Office requires that any vendor selling hardware to be used on the EMSS network is certified as both an Iridium Value Added Reseller (VAR) as well as an EMSS VAR, will the government please confirm that all Offerors will need to produce documentation demonstrating their status as both an Iridium VAR and an EMSS VAR to be compliant with EMSS PMO's requirements for selling hardware to be used on the EMSS network?
All vendors will be required to provide end point services to the users therefore vendors would be a VAR. This contract is not a vehcile just for devices, services will be acquired with them.
RFI W519TC-25-R-ADP2 Q&A 01OCT
File details come from the government source that posted it. Updated .