QA_BBG50-R-15-0028_041015.docx

Solicitation BBG50-Q-15-0028 Q & A

1. Is there any restriction to use another Coverage Analysis Program as the Voice of America Coverage Analysis Program (VOACAP)? If no, would it be possible to use the well-known REC 533 Coverage Analysis Program “WPLOT2000ex” developed by Mr. Norbert Schall (http://www.norbertschall.de/index.php)?

Vendors may use any coverage analysis program they choose for their own analysis. However, our evaluation of competing proposals will be performed with VOACAP as described in the solicitation.

2. How should the coverage be calculated? Does “…quality levels for 90% of the listeners…” mean 90% of the area of the CIRAF Zones have to be covered?

No. We were stating the rationale behind the desired coverage goal and the criteria used. Competing proposals will be evaluated on multiple evaluation criteria including “coverage”. Obviously, a vendor proposing greater coverage of the appropriate CIRAF zones will be deemed to have better “coverage”. Less than desired signal in a particular CIRAF zone does not mean that a contract for that area will not be awarded.

3. Which database should be the source for the Sunspot Number (SSN) value? ITU, NOAA or any other database?

For evaluation criteria, we will be using the current international smoothed sunspot numbers from NOAA/NGDC available here: ftp://ftp.ngdc.noaa.gov/STP/space-weather/solar-data/solar-indices/sunspot-numbers/predicted/table_international-sunspot-numbers_monthly-predicted.txt

4. The transmission schedules in the attachment of the Addendum already list specific frequencies. Are those frequencies fixed or will it be possible to change the frequency to achieve a better coverage for the desired targets if possible?

The frequencies in the proposed schedule are what’s requested but can be modified if required.

5. In the transmission schedules in the attachment of the Addendum are two identical entries on the frequency 12080.0 from 1800-1900 UTC. Is this correct?

That is a typo, second one should read 15630.0 from 1800-1900 UTC.

6. The summer transmission schedules in the attachment of the Addendum is in many cases corresponding to the currently active A15 schedule which is already in operation by IBB. Nevertheless there are some entries using a different frequency as they are currently on air with. Is IBB intending to change those frequencies starting June 1st or is it just a mistake in the schedule?

The frequencies listed are the actual schedule but are continually adjusted as requirements and conditions change.

7. To find the optimum parameters to cover a specific area it will be useful to get more detailed information about the desired target areas which should be covered. In some cases the CIRAF Zones are too large to get a qualified statement regarding the coverage of an area. For example CIRAF Zone 46 includes a large area of the Atlantic Ocean which probably isn’t the area which should be covered.

Proposals should demonstrate the Offerors capabilities for the regions as specified in the solicitation. In the specific case of CIRAF Zone 46, clearly we are not intending to serve open areas of ocean, but any populated area in that zone is a high priority intended target area.

8. It appears that you will be performing your own coverage analysis of the proposals so you will not require coverage maps to be submitted – is this assumption correct?

Coverage maps would be very helpful in our review, the more technical information, the better.

9. You require the hourly rate and price to be submitted for each transmission that we bid for. Do you also require us to name a designated antenna and bearing or will you select your preferred antenna/bearing from the site technical specifications that we will submit?

Designated antennas and bearing would be required for this process.

10. Is your aim that you will maintain the frequencies shown in the schedule tables or will you adjust frequencies to match your preferred site/antenna selection?

Frequencies in the proposed schedule are what’s requested but can be modified if required.

11. Do you require indicative maps for each season and if so what parameters would you like us to use (month, SSN etc)?

Maps of each Season would be helpful, no preference on parameters.

12. Do you have a preference for the coverage software to be used to produce the maps? We would typically use either RECArea or WPlot.

No preference on coverage software.

13. Has a contractor performed similar work to this for the government in the past?

Yes.

14. If available, please provide the incumbent contract number. If you are unable to provide a contract number, is it safe to assume this is a new requirement for the government?

This is a new requirement.