QandA_Sao_Tome2.docx

Questions and Answers

1. We assume shipping address is the station address referenced in the Solicitation No. BBG50-R-17-0006 Section L (b). Can you please confirm?

IBB Response: Yes, IBB transmitting station in Sao Tome.

2. Is IBB Sao Tome free from import duties?

IBB Response: IBB Sao Tome transmitting station can assist the Contractor by requesting Sao Tome government to exempt the official import taxes on new tower materials and the rigging equipment that will return to contractor’s base outside of Sao Tome. However, there are other fees, including but are not limited to unpredictable customary fees on new materials and equipment. These fees are charged by Sao Tome customs and port authority and are beyond the exemption of official import taxes on U.S. government work. The Contractor shall work directly with Sao Tome customs and port authority and be responsible for paying all such customary fees.

3. Can you confirm whether the existing tower had a base lighting transformer?

IBB Response: No base lighting transformer but a base insulator from Austin insulator. Please refer to original TCI antenna tower as-built dwgs.

4. Can we assume the ATU to tower feed connection is by others?

IBB Response: Yes.

5. We note that IBB requires a tower ‘identical’ to the one which has collapsed. Could we enquire what caused the collapse and what measures should be taken to eliminate a repetition of this failure.

IBB Response: Corrosion and strong wind caused the tower to failed. IBB has increased corrosion inspection, control, maintenance and repair for antennas.

6. Can IBB give further information regarding the capacity and condition of the construction plant available at site?

IBB Response: There is ample open space available around the tower for contractor’s use for staging of tower materials and rigging equipment and for tower erection use. Arrangement details of how to use such available space can be worked out with the station and shall be discussed during the pre-construction meeting onsite.

7. Can you please confirm the relevant data regarding tower design?

IBB Response: The original TCI antenna tower as-built design and dwgs are accurate.

8. Would IBB accept spun galvanized wire guy ropes as an alternative to Alumuweld guy ropes?

IBB Response: No.

9. Contract Clauses contradict with the solicitation clause where it says 120 days completion from date of award on Section I (c). Can you please confirm?

IBB Response: The Contractor shall complete the work within 365 days after the date of contract award.

10. Can you provide more detail than that given on the TCI parts list because it is difficult to ascertain the original manufacturer’s part numbers?

IBB Response: Please refer to SOW attachments or directly contact original tower manufactory to obtain any original part numbers.

11. We would like to request further information regarding Austin insulator part numbers as it is not clear from the information given.

IBB Response: Please refer to SOW attachments and TCI dwg No. 1215-ANT-00T or directly contract Austin insulator.

Questions and Answers

1. What was the total value of the previous contract?

IBB Response: This question is not related to this contract work.

2. The period of performance is for 9/5/2017 thru 9/4/2018 is this the installation and a monthly service or as needed?

IBB Response: The Contractor shall complete the work within 365 days after the date of contract award.

3. What does capitalized goods mean?

IBB Response: The Contractor shall supply and deliver all specified materials and erect the new MW (medium wave AM radio broadcasting) antenna tower at the IBB Sao Tome transmitting station in full accordance with the requirements of the work.

4. Upon receipt of the award what is the time frame given for materials to be shipped to the destination?

IBB Response: The Contractor shall complete the work as quickly as possible. It is estimated that shipping of materials from U.S. to Sao Tome will take about two months.

5. Will there be an amendment to answer all proposed offer's question?

IBB Response: Answers will be posted along with the solicitation on the FBO web site.

6. There is a minority and women goal of participation goal on this contract is this for U.S. and local companies?

IBB Response: This work is a full and open competition.

Questions and Answers

1 Should any import/export taxes or customs fees be anticipated when shipping the tower, related components and project equipment into or out of Sao Tome? If so, please describe such.

IBB Response: IBB Sao Tome transmitting station can assist the Contractor by requesting Sao Tome government to exempt the official import taxes on new tower materials and the rigging equipment that will return to contractor’s base outside of Sao Tome. However, there are other fees, including but are not limited to unpredictable customary fees on new materials and equipment. These fees are charged by Sao Tome customs and port authority and are beyond the exemption of official import taxes on U.S. government work. The Contractor shall work directly with Sao Tome customs and port authority and be responsible for paying all such customary fees.

2 Can you describe the length of time the IBB/BBG typically takes to evaluate project submittals; 15 days, 30 days IBB Response: IBB will coordinate the submittal review with Sao Tome transmitting station. We intend to complete the review for each submittal within two weeks.