RFP Attachment 2 - Question and Responses - Amendment 02.pdf

Attachment 2

Questions Template

Item Page No.

Paragraph Ref/Sentence

Question/Comment Government Response RFP Change

1 75 6.3 PROPOSAL

CONTENTS,

FORMAT, AND

SUBMISSION

INSTRUCTIONS

Can multiple companies partner/collaborate to submit a joint proposal?

Yes. However, the primary offeror must meet required experience as specified in the RFP.

No change.

2 2 The objective of the Drive Test Data Program (DTDP) specifically is to gather, process, analyze and report network coverage and performance data for the

NPSBN

Would FirstNet Authority consider methods other than classical Drive Testing as meeting minimum technical requirements if it could be demonstrated that the alternative method would provide all of the following:

1. 100’s of tests covering the minimum route mileages.

2. Tests over all states where active FirstNet end users are active

3. Test samples 365 days per year.

4. A larger number of route-miles, including a minimum of 2X the number of routes (both urban and rural) outlined in the Table 1 on page 2.

5. Several 1000’s of in-building tests – which is several multiples of the minimums listed in Table 1 on page 2.

6. Data comparisons demonstrating seasonality (foliage-induced) as well as atmospheric conditions (weather-induced) impacts on coverage.

7. Collect real-time data during an Incidents, including, for example, data

The RFP requires drive testing to be completed. As part of evaluation process, FirstNet will evaluate the offerors’ demonstration of the proposed approach to meet the requirements as well as to provide drive test data services that aligns with the work environment and illustrates a clear understanding of the requirements.

No change.

Paragraph Ref/Sentence

Question/Comment Government Response RFP Change demonstrating RF coverage and KPIs during an event similar to the explosion in Nashville on Christmas day 2020.

8. Provide shorter interval for time-to-value (measurements to data visualization)

3 2 Table 1: Drive Test Data Program

(DTDP) phases and scope.

The RFP defines timing and duration milestones for three Phases and five Option Periods with the Base period starting in 6/1/21 and the completion of Option period 5 in 5/31/26.

Would a solution where all real-time network experience and performance data as specified in the RFP would be available to the FirstNet Authority covering all the specified States by 8/31/21 be considered a feasible solution response to the RFP?

It is expected the offerors’ proposal should align with the phases and period of performance specified in the RFP.

No change.

4 3 On-Going Breadth and Quality of

Data: the ability to understand coverage, performance and the end-to-end user experience is paramount, both in terms of current and future network deployment and technologies.

Drive testing is not necessarily a good predictor of actual in-service end-to-end user performance, and cannot always predict a user’s ability to use services on an end-to-end basis, particularly for emerging technologies. Drive Testing also does not “collect more data than originally planned” without supplemental expense.

Would an approach based on FirstNet Subscribers’ actual usage experience of the network and its services be considered a valid approach to test data collection?

The RFP requires drive testing to be completed. As part of evaluation process, FirstNet will evaluate the offerors’ demonstration of the proposed approach to meet the requirements as well as to provide drive test data services that aligns with the work environment and illustrates a clear understanding of the requirements.

No change.

5 4 The Contractor shall use commercially

Many drive test surveys rely in-part on 3rd party apps on Android devices used by drive testers to gather their data.

The RFP requires drive testing to be completed. As part of evaluation process, FirstNet will

Paragraph Ref/Sentence

Question/Comment Government Response RFP Change available handsets and RF scanners for testing; 7. The Contractor and the FirstNet Authority shall review data collection processes;

methodologies and tools to be used.

1. Would FirstNet Authority consider proposals that gather their test data solely through unobtrusive, always-on software Mobile Apps and/or SIM applets on First Responder devices and SIM cards?

2. (If so, which methods would be allowed for data gathering purposes?

a. SIM Applets on FirstNet Mobile devices

b. Android Mobile Apps on FirstNet Mobile devices

c. SIM Applets on FirstNet connected-car vehicles evaluate the offerors’ demonstration of the proposed approach to meet the requirements as well as to provide drive test data services that aligns with the work environment and illustrates a clear understanding of the requirements.

6 4,5 Voice: i.

Reliability, Retainability, Accessibility ii.

Voice Quality (MOS score) -

. Quality video mean opinion score

(V-MOS)

Would Audio MOS and Video MOS be considered strict requirements for the RFP if it was demonstrated that - without these measurements – contractor could pursue a broadly superior test program through the use of mobile applications?

Per section 2.2.1 Phase 1 bullet 11 of the RFP, Voice Quality (MOS), and Video Quality (V-MOS) measurements are required.

The RFP requires drive testing to be completed. As part of evaluation process, FirstNet will evaluate the offerors’ demonstration of the proposed approach to meet the requirements as well as to provide drive test data services that aligns with the work environment and illustrates a clear understanding of the requirements.

No change.

7 6 The Contractor shall collect, process and analyze

Will FirstNet Authority consider proposals that measure and report FirstNet actual subscriber usage experience that do not rely on analysis of

The RFP requires drive testing to be completed. As part of evaluation process, FirstNet will

Paragraph Ref/Sentence

Question/Comment Government Response RFP Change layer 1 and layer 3 data, as well as SIB messages layer 1 and layer 3 data if it was demonstrated that - without these measurements – contractor could pursue a broadly superior test program through the use of mobile applications?

evaluate the offerors’ demonstration of the proposed approach to meet the requirements as well as to provide drive test data services that aligns with the work environment and illustrates a clear understanding of the requirements.

8 77, 78 6.5.1 …The contractor shall demonstrate they have three (3) years’ experience as a prime contractor conducting nationwide drive test analysis and reporting for a Tier 1 operator.

And

7.6 For contractors

with no relevant past experience - A Contractor without any past performance will receive a Neutral rating.

There is contradictory information in the RFP about the evaluator’s requirement that the offeror has 3 years experience in Drive Testing.

Questions:

1. Will offerors with less than 3 years Drive Test experience be disqualified?

2. Would 3 years of telecommunications practice with expertise in RF engineering, Service Assurance, and Customer Experience solutions be considered an acceptable substitution for drive test experience?

1. Yes. Offerors with less than 3 years of past experience will be removed from further consideration for award and notified prior to commencement of the second step in evaluation.

2. No. As stated in the RFP the offeror must have at least 3 years of drive test past experience.

Section 6.5.1. and section

7.6 are not contradictory as past experience is the type of work performed; past performance is how well the offerors has performed those services.

Paragraph Ref/Sentence

Question/Comment Government Response RFP Change

82 7.3, 2nd paragraph… The first step will be an evaluation of past experience, which will be on a pass/fail basis.

Successful Contractors must demonstrate they have a minimum of three (3) years’ experience managing and analyzing nationwide drive test data for a Tier 1 operator, as defined at para.

6.5.1 of this RFP.

….. If a Contractor fails to demonstrate all of the required past experience, its offer will be removed from further consideration and notified prior to commencement of

Questions:

3. Will offerors with less than 3 years Drive

Test experience be disqualified?

4. Would 3 years of telecommunications practice with expertise in RF engineering, Service Assurance, and Customer Experience solutions be considered an acceptable substitution for drive test experience

3. 3.Yes. Offerors with less than 3 years of past experience will be removed from further consideration for award and notified prior to commencement of the second step in evaluation.

4. No. As stated in the RFP the offeror must have at least 3 years of drive test past experience.

Section 6.5.1. and section

7.6 are not contradictory as past experience is the type of work performed; past performance is how well the offeror has performed those services

No change

Paragraph Ref/Sentence

Question/Comment Government Response RFP Change second step in evaluation.

10 26 Section 3.6 In the event a more advantageous pricing offer can be presented, would FirstNet consider allowing contractor to resell / syndicate any of the test data and/or analysis developed in the course of this engagement versus keeping all data/analysis exclusive to FirstNet?

No. Please follow the requirements stated in the RFP.

No change.

11 26 Section 3.6 In the event a more advantageous pricing offer can be presented, would FirstNet consider allowing contractor to resell / syndicate test data and/or analysis ONLY for the AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon commercial networks (and not to include Band 14) developed in the course of this engagement versus keeping all data/analysis exclusive to FirstNet?

No. The requirement for competitive benchmarking has been removed from the RFP.

In section

2.2.2 for Phase 2 and Phase 3 bullet 4 has been removed.

12 6 Section 2.2.1 Aside from “commercially available handsets” are there are stipulations / preferences with regard to handsets?

No. There are no further details on handsets. However, section 2.2.1.

base year bullet 7 and option year bullet 10 indicate that proposed solution will be agreed upon between parties.

No change.

13 6 Section 2.2.1 What is the primary output key takeaways desired from the RF scanner portion of the performance work statement?

Signal strength measurements, and band availability.

13 Section 2.2.2 In the list of Phase 2 and Phase 3 requirements, paragraph 4 states “The contractor could collect, process and analyze drive test data for

The requirement for competitive benchmarking has been removed from the RFP.

In section

2.2.2 for Phase 2 and

Paragraph Ref/Sentence

Question/Comment Government Response RFP Change competitive networks …” Given the use of the word “could,” is this requirement to collect competitive commercial network data optional?

Phase 3 bullet 4 has been removed.

15 19 Section 2.4, Deliverables Table for Phase 1:, Item 7

The RFP cites 2.3.10 Monthly Status Report of Contract Spend and upcoming forecast.

However there is no Section 2.3.10. Section

2.3.8 is labeled Monthly Status Report of Contract Spend and upcoming forecast – is Item 7 referring to section 2.3.8?

Yes, it refers to section 2.3.8. In section 2.3, the monthly status report in the deliverables table (for all phases) has been updated from 2.3.10 to 2.3.8.

16 20 Section 2.4, Deliverables Table for Phase 2, Item 6

The RFP cites 2.3.10 Monthly Status Report of Contract Spend and upcoming forecast.

However there is no Section 2.3.10. Section

2.3.8 is labeled Monthly Status Report of Contract Spend and upcoming forecast – is Item 6 referring to section 2.3.8?

Yes, it refers to section 2.3.8. In section 2.3, the monthly status report in the deliverables table (for all phases) has been updated from 2.3.10 to 2.3.8.

17 22 Section 2.5 Following Section 2.5 section, the RFP jumps to

2.5.9 - Are Section 2.5.1 through 2.5.8 (inclusive) omitted intentionally?

No, addressed formatting issue. Revised number to

2.5.1 and 2.5.2

18 24 Section 2.9 Following Section 2.9, the RFP jumps to Section

2.9.9 - are section 2.9.1 through 2.9.8 omitted intentionally?

No, addressed formatting issue. Revised number to 2.9.1

Paragraph Ref/Sentence

Question/Comment Government Response RFP Change

19 3 Section 2.2 bullet 3 What “raw” data (specific level of granularity) is required?

The raw data requirement has been removed from the RFP.

Deleted the word raw in sections: 2.2 bullet 3, 2.2.3 bullet 1, 2.3.1, the deliverables table for Phase 1.

20 3 Section 2.2 bullet 4 “Emerging technologies” could imply the collection of 5G data. Are there any requirements or preferences for 5G test data?

No requirement for 5G testing. No change.

21 4 Section 2.2.1 bullet point 10

With regard to the reference to “trend the data” -

- is there interest in temporal analysis beyond the period-over-period analysis?

Yes, we are interested in any additional value that can be provided.

No change.

22 General question In the event two contractors choose to join forces to provide FirstNet with a more complete solution than possible as a solo entity to address all requirements, is there a preference with regard to how to represent the proposing entity?

(For example: joint partnership, prime and sub-contractor, etc.)

It is the responsibility of the offeror to determine the arrangement that best suit their needs. However, there must be a prime offeror with the required experience as identified in the

RFP.

23 76 Section 6.5 Regarding the preferred format for the response, is a narrative response following the outline in section 6.5 the preferred format of the core response? And/or do you prefer a line item-by-line item chart to respond to each of the bullet

The Government does not have a preference on the format for technical response. However, pricing shall be provided in accordance with attachment 5.

Paragraph Ref/Sentence

Question/Comment Government Response RFP Change point requirements and statements in section 2 (performance work statement) of the RFP?

24 4 Section 2.2.1 bullet point 12

Says “The Contractor shall use AT&T’s test servers in addition to their own Capability". Testing with our own servers allows us to measure end to end performance. Is it critical to use AT&T servers as well? If so, in what capacity?

No, the vendor selected is not required to use AT&T test servers.

The RFP has been revised to reflect this change.

Revised section 2.2.1 Phase 1 bullet 12, Phase 2 bullet 14, Phase 2 Option Services bullet 14, Phase 3 bullet 12 and Phase 3 Optional Services bullet 14.

25 4 Section 2.2.1 bullet point 11

We currently use industry accepted 7.5 min test cycle that runs through various types of tests that replicate typical smart phone user behavior. This means some of the performance metrics are only available at the locations those specific tests are run. Is there a FirstNet specified Test Cycle?

What level of granularity is needed in reporting the voice, 4G data, Video and SMS KPIs?

Coverage KPIs will be reported from scanner continuously.

As stated in the RFP, the offeror should define testing scripts and cycles.

No change.

26 3-14 2.2.1 Inbuilding testing

Please confirm there is no inbuilding testing in Phase 1?

Correct, there is no in-building testing requirement for Phase 1.

Paragraph Ref/Sentence

Question/Comment Government Response RFP Change

27 3-14 2.2.1 Inbuilding Testing

The pricing sheet does not have inbuilding option for Phase 1. Does this mean that Phase 2 inbuilding locations will be only in the given 15+21 States or could they also be in Phase 1 states too?

There are no in-building requirements for Phase 1. For Phase 2, in-building testing should be performed in the same states as drive testing.

No change.

28 3-14 2.2.1 Adhoc testing Please confirm there will be no requests for Ad-hoc testing for Phase 1 and 2?

Correct. Ad-hoc testing starts in Phase 3.

No change.

29 7 2.2.1 List of the states (Phase 2 Option Period 1)

21 states/territories are provided in the given list.

Is the vendor expected to drive all 21 states or will FirstNet select some of them as per need?

If the Government decides to exercise the optional CLINs, FirstNet will work with the vendor selected to determine the states from the list of 21.

No change.

30 11 2.2.1 List of the states (Phase 3 Option Period 2-5)

36 states/territories are provided in the given list.

Is vendor expected to drive all 36 the states or will FirstNet select some of them as per need.

If the Government decides to exercise the optional CLINs, FirstNet will work with the vendor selected to determine the states from the list of 36.

No change.

31 3-14 2.2.1 Inbuilding Testing

What is required for the inbuilding test setup (Number of UEs/Test Scenario)? Is the same test setup required as the drive test or is it a lighter setup?

The offeror shall determine the drive test set-up configuration as part of their proposal.

No change.

32 13 2.2.1 Inbuilding Testing

What kind of venues will be tested? Can you give more information about the size of the venues?

No further details will be provided at this time.

No change.

33 13 2.2.2 The Contractor shall analyze and contrast network performance and user experience of Public Safety and

Does this mean that the vendor is required to have one device locked to B14 NPSBN and one device in floating mode on commercial AT&T Network? How many UEs require for Locked and Unlocked band data collection?

The offeror shall propose a test configuration that meets the requirements of the RFP.

FirstNet will identify any changes necessary as part of section 2.2.1 bullet 7.

Paragraph Ref/Sentence

Question/Comment Government Response RFP Change

Commercial users on AT&T’s network;

34 7 2.2.1 (11d.) Video testing Quality video mean opinion score (V-MOS)

Can you give more information about Video testing? Is it Video Call to Video Call between two devices or is it streaming/video on one device?

Video streaming is a viable proposed solution.

No change.

35 8 2.2.1 (10) The Contractor shall make recommendations to improve the data gathering methodology and ability to analyze and trend the data collected

We assume FirstNet will provide cell site information and parameter configurations of the network for the vendor to provide reliable recommendations. Please confirm.

No.

Limited data related to physical cell site locations may be provided if necessary.

No change.

36 4 2.2.1 (6) The Contractor shall use commercially available handsets and RF scanners for testing;

Will FirstNet provide black simcards and AT&T commercial simcards for testing?

No, FirstNet will not provide SIM cards. FirstNet may facilitate the justification required to procure the service.

No change.

37 4 2.2.1 (11) At a minimum, the Contractor shall provide the

Does FirstNet have preferred drive test configuration? Number of devices, call/data scenarios/UE configuration?

No, the Government does not have a preferred test configuration.

No change

Paragraph Ref/Sentence

Question/Comment Government Response RFP Change following measurements: /

2.2.1 (8) The Contractor shall collect, process, and analyze data for 4G technologies based on 3GPP standards;

No, the Government does not have preferred number of devices, call/data scenarios/UE configuration.

The offeror shall determine the drive test set-up configuration as part of their proposal.

38 13 2.2.2 (4) Public Safety Relevance

The RFP states for Phase 2 and Phase 3 (and not in Phase 1) that the Contractor could collect, process, and analyze drive test data for competitive networks including Verizon and T- Mobile or the local area rural telecommunications providers. Does this mean that FirstNet wants the vendor to also collect and report Verizon/TMO/other rural provider data and consider this in our response and pricing for these phases? What is FirstNet expecting from the vendor with this requirement? The RFP uses the word “could”, however, this requirement would add a significant scope if this is a true requirement. Please help to provide clarification on this.

No. The requirement for competitive benchmarking has been removed from the RFP

In section

2.2.2 for Phase 2 and Phase 3 bullet 4 has been removed.

39 17 2.3.1 Data Repository

Does FirstNet have any security requirement on using cloud servers vs physical servers in the

US?

No, FirstNet does not have any security requirements however if the vendor selected utilizes the cloud environment they must comply with FAR 52.227-14, Rights in Data – General. All

Paragraph Ref/Sentence

Question/Comment Government Response RFP Change servers supporting this RFP shall be located in the continental U.S.

40 17 2.3.1 Data Repository

What is the data retention policy?

How many years will we need to maintain the raw data? How many years of processed data needs to be be kept on the servers?

See data retention requirements in section 4.2. FAR 52.212-5 section (d).

No change.

41 4 2.2.1 (3) At a minimum, the Contractor shall collect 100,000 miles of drive test data which is a sum of all 15 States;

As per our calculation, total mileage for the listed Phase-1 States is more than 100k miles.

Should we assume that we will only drive up to 100k miles in our pricing? Does this mean that we will reduce the number of miles drive to 100k to match the Scope? These questions apply to all the other phases and the given mileage specified in those phases.

Yes, offeror will drive 100K miles for Phase 1 based period. For Phase 2 and Phase 3 there is the standard CLIN for 100K miles with optional CLINS for 50K miles per CLIN. Please see attachment 5 (pricing workbook) for CLIN structure.

42 6 2.2.1 (9) The Contractor shall drive test for RF propagation worse-case scenarios, e.g.

when foliage is on the trees;

With the given timeline (dates) for the phases, some states may not necessarily have foliage.

For example, phase 2 takes place primarily during Winter and Fall months. How firm is this foliage requirement as it pertains to the provided schedules?

The requirements apply if the conditions are present as it relates to RF propagation worse-case scenario.

No change.

43 Various General Resource Question

What are the security clearance requirements, if any, for the field staff, back-office RF engineers, project managers, and all other resources supporting this project?

There is no security for personnel.

All security requirements in the RFP are for protection of data.

No change.

44 3 2.2 Requirements - Operational Reliability

The RFP states that the implementation of quality assurance processes and best practices for data collection, post-processing and analysis are essential to ensure the integrity and accuracy

Offeror should use 3GPP standard per section 2.2.1 bullet 8.

Paragraph Ref/Sentence

Question/Comment Government Response RFP Change of the drive test data analysis and reports. Is FirstNet going to provide the standard KPI formulas to match the integrity and accuracy of the drive test analysis or should the vendor use standard 3GPP formulas? Does FirstNet have any reference formulas they have already been using for validation or accuracy checks?

No, FirstNet will not provide any reference formulas. The offeror shall determine the formulas necessary to complete the objective.

45 4 2.2.1 On-Going Breadth and Quality of Data

Are there any tools preferred by FirstNet such as Street n Trips/Google map/kml/MapInfo for route planning?

Offeror shall propose the most cost -effective solution within the requirements of the RFP.

No change.

46 4 2.2.1 On-Going Breadth and Quality of Data

Is MoS required to collect only for DL or for both DL and UL? Does the formula for Call setup time need to include both CSFB and VOLTE Call?

Yes, MOS requires both the downlink and uplink. The formula for call set-up should not measure

CSFB.

No change.

47 5 2.2.1 (11d) On- Going Breadth and Quality of Data

Is streaming YouTube based V-MOS data collection sufficient for calculating V-MOS?

Yes, any video streaming service is viable.

No change.

48 12 2.2.1 Phase 2. On- Going Breadth and Quality of Data (Option Period 1) Optional Services

The RFP states that the Contractor shall secure access to the buildings to be tested in each state/territory. Will supporting letters for building access be provided by FirstNet/ATT?

Will floor plan and drawings for in-building sites be provided by FirstNet/ATT?

FirstNet may provide letters that identify the program and its objectives for Public Safety when necessary.

The offeror should provide all necessary information required to meet the objective.

No change.

49 12 2.2.1 Phase 2. On- Going Breadth and Quality of Data (Option Period 1) Optional Services

The RFP states that the Contractor shall verify the performance of the NPSBN Z-axis solution whenever building access allows it; Can you provide more information on the NPSBN Z-Axis Solution?

The AT&T NPSBN solution for Z-axis is available from public sources.

Paragraph Ref/Sentence

Question/Comment Government Response RFP Change

50 15 2.3.1 Data Repository

For the database servers, will an AWS based data container and/or a MY SQL Database meet FirstNet’s repository requirements?

FirstNet does not have specific requirements. The offeror shall determine the solution.

No change.

51 25 3.3 Program Management

Does the Project manager single point of contact for this Program or any other resource from the vendor have to be located premises? onsite at FirstNet

Per section 2.9 (key personnel) no FirstNet premises on-site requirements are identified.

No change.

52 Various General Resource Question

Can any resources supporting this program be located outside of the United States?

No, all the work for this project must be done in the US.

No change.

53 26 3.7 Limited use of data

Is FirstNet requiring Non-Disclosure Agreements to be signed by all the contractors and sub-contractors who will be assigned to this program? Are there any other specific onboarding or security type requirements for resources supporting this program?

Yes, Non-Disclosure agreements are required per attachment 3 –

NDA.

No, there are no specific onboarding requirements.

54 76 6.4 (2) Page Limitations

Please confirm that the double-sided requirement is not applicable since proposals are to be submitted electronically.

Yes, the double-sided requirement is not applicable.

In section 6.4 bullet 2 double-sided has been removed.

55 77-78 6.5.4 Past Performance

While we understand the Attachment 1 Form is to be used, please confirm these are to be under the same cover (Word or PDF file) as Volume I or provided as a separate document.

Yes, attachment 1 will be under volume I. However, it will not count towards your page count.

No change.

56 77-78 6.5.4 Past Performance

Is there a maximum number of past performance references beyond which review/consideration will not be made?

Offerors must provide three past performance references.

Removed “a minimum of” from first

Paragraph Ref/Sentence

Question/Comment Government Response RFP Change paragraph of section 6.5.4 past performance

57 78 6.5.4 Past Performance

Please clarify the intent of the bolded sentence “Past performance must be on work provided under past experience.”

Past experience is the type of work performed; past performance is how well the offeror has performed those services. The intent of the bolded section is to ensure that references are provided on the type of work that was performed as past experience.

No change.

58 79 6.6 Price Proposal Does Attachment 5 need to be provided in native Excel format as a separate document response or can this be under the same cover (PDF file) as Volume II?

Yes, attachment 5 will be under volume II.

No change.

59 79 6.6 Assumptions Does “under separate cover” mean a separate document (file) entirely for assumptions, or can this be an attachment to Volume I as mentioned in 6.4 (1)?

No, “under separate cover” does not mean a separate document (file).

No change.

60 80 6.7 Deadline for Submission of Proposals

Please confirm whether PDF format is acceptable for the entire submission, or whether certain volumes or attachments are to be submitted in a specific format (e.g., Word or Excel).

Yes, a PDF is acceptable. Offeror should choose appropriate format.

No change.

61 n/a General For in-building testing, what average size venue/building shall we assume (in square feet)?

No further details will be provided. No change.

62 n/a General Will the AT&T FirstNet tower locations (sector information & heights) be provided?

Paragraph Ref/Sentence

Question/Comment Government Response RFP Change

Limited data related to physical cell site locations may be provided if necessary.

63 80 6.7 Deadline for Submission of Proposals

Considering that Monday, February 15 is a Federal holiday, barring any amendments to extend the deadline for receipt of proposals, will the Government consider Tuesday, February 16 as the deadline?

Yes, the deadline will be extended to Monday February 22nd 2PM Eastern Time stated in section 6.7

Changed section 6.7 to reflect new deadline.

64 2

Table 1 Multiple Option Period Lines: "Drive test data collection, post-processing and analysis for 15 states"

Please clarify: the table specifies 15 states on every period but in the detailed sections, 36 states are specified for the later periods. Pricing table is not clear on this either.

The first 100K miles are represented by the table of 15 states. The optional CLINS of 50K miles could represent the same or additional states.

No change.

65 3-11 State/territory tables

State/territory tables include OCONUS (AK, HI, PR) locations, yet DC is not contemplated. Is this correct?

Correct, Washington, DC is not included.

No change.

66 4 11:b: "Voice:

i. Reliability, Retainability, Accessibility

ii. Voice Quality (MOS score)

iii. Call set-up time iv.

Handoff/Handover performance."

Commercial mobiles are used to execute voice calls. We expect to use the native Call application from the mobile to execute calls -correct? If not, which application is to be used?

Offeror shall provide the solution that meets the requirements and is most cost effective.

No change.

67 4 11:d: "Video:

i. Reliability

ii. Accessibility

Commercial mobiles are used to execute Video calls. We expect to use the native Call application from the mobile to execute Video

Offeror shall provide the solution that meets the requirements and is most cost effective.

Paragraph Ref/Sentence

Question/Comment Government Response RFP Change

iii. Retainability

iv. Quality video mean opinion score

(V-MOS)."

calls - correct? If not, which application is to be used?

68 6 9: "The Contractor shall drive test for RF propagation worse-case scenarios, e.g.

when foliage is on the trees;"

Does this mean that drive collection is paused during winter times when there is no foliage?

The requirements apply if the conditions are present as it relates to RF propagation worse-case scenario.

No change.

69 9 15: "The Contractor shall analyze network configurations, and parameters to identify possible gaps in measured data”

Will FirstNet provide network configuration information (CellList (Tower locations, cell/sector information, RF Design database, current parameter dumps etc.) or is the exercise only based on the collected measurement data?

No.

Limited data related to physical cell site locations may be provided if necessary.

No change.

70 12 17: "The Contractor shall perform in-building testing in each of the 36 state/territory. The number of buildings to be tested will be determined by the FirstNet Authority after input from the

Is there a minimum number of venues to be tested or should we assume the maximum?

Please assume the maximum. No change.

Paragraph Ref/Sentence

Question/Comment Government Response RFP Change vendor and prior to the commencement of the Phase drive testing campaign.

No more than 100/200 venues shall be tested in each option period."

71 12 18: "The Contractor shall secure access to the buildings to be tested in each state/territory."

What is the anticipated process to identify which venues to test? Who is to identify the contact information for a venue to arrange a test date/time and any security escort requirements?

The vendor selected will have the opportunity to propose venues that are in the area of interest for the drive test. Additionally, FirstNet may identify venues. These two sources of data will be rationalized and agreed upon.

The vendor selected shall be responsible for all the details to access the selected venues.

No change.

72 12-13 20: "The Contractor shall perform ad-hoc testing to investigate specific and localized public safety concerns related to network coverage, performance, or specific service or

Note: The line # in the RFP document shows 15 but it is located after 19 so we assume it is item #20. Q: Are these investigations expected to be at random and on-demand or pre-scheduled when we are testing in that given area?

Yes, you can assume it is item # 20.

Investigations are expected to be ad-hoc. Standard notice for travel accommodations will be provided.

Changed section 2.2.1 Phase 3 Optional Services last bullet number from 15 to 20.

Paragraph Ref/Sentence

Question/Comment Government Response RFP Change application during normal operation and public safety emergencies. The FirstNet Authority expects to test no more than 104 investigations nationally per year."

73 13 3: "The contractor shall collect, process and analyze drive test data for the NPBSN which includes but is not limited to Band 14, AT&T commercial bands and roaming partners that are part of the NPSBN solution offered by

AT&T"

Will FirstNet provide FirstNet & ATT frequencies in all locations to be scanned including deployment partners and Roaming partners?

No. The offeror will be expected to identify what frequencies to measure.

No change.

74 13 3: "The contractor shall collect, process and analyze drive test data for the NPBSN which includes

As part of the deliverable, is it required to provide coverage maps for all licensed LTE frequencies (All commercial PLMNs in U.S.)?

No. Coverage maps should be applicable to the NPSBN.

Paragraph Ref/Sentence

Question/Comment Government Response RFP Change but is not limited to Band 14, AT&T commercial bands and roaming partners that are part of the NPSBN solution offered by

AT&T"

75 13 3: "The contractor shall collect, process and analyze drive test data for the NPBSN which includes but is not limited to Band 14, AT&T commercial bands and roaming partners that are part of the NPSBN solution offered by

AT&T."

Would these areas be identified and band bands/frequencies provided from AT&T/roaming partners or would vendor be required to determine this?

For the purpose of this RFP, the areas to be driven can be identified through the use of AT&T public data.

No change.

76 13 2.2.2. point 4: The Contractor shall analyze and contrast the experience of Public Safety Users when in Band 14 and when on other commercial

Are FirstNet Subscriptions (SIM cards) & contracts provided by FirstNet with costs covered by FirstNet?

If not, how do we obtain SIM cards and contracts and what are the costs/rate plans?

Cost of subscription shall be included in the proposal. However, FirstNet may facilitate the justification required to procure the service. Extended primary rate plans are available on the market place.

Paragraph Ref/Sentence

Question/Comment Government Response RFP Change network frequency bands mentioned in requirement 3 above;"

77 13 2.2.2 Point 4: The Contractor shall analyze and contrast the experience of Public Safety Users when in Band 14 and when on other commercial network frequency bands mentioned in requirement 3 above;"

Are Commercial Subscriptions (AT&T) (SIM cards) & contracts provided by FirstNet with the cost covered by FirstNet?

Cost of subscription shall be included in the proposal. However, FirstNet may facilitate the justification required to procure the service. Extended primary rate plans are available on the market place.

No change.

78 13 2.2.2 Point 4: The Contractor shall analyze and contrast the experience of Public Safety Users when in Band 14 and when on other commercial network frequency bands mentioned in requirement 3 above;"

Are Commercial Subscriptions (T-Mobile, Verizon and local area providers) (SIM cards) & contracts provided by FirstNet with the cost covered by FirstNet?

The requirement for competitive benchmarking has been removed from the RFP.

In section

2.2.2 for Phase 2 and Phase 3 bullet 4 has been removed.

Paragraph Ref/Sentence

Question/Comment Government Response RFP Change

79 5 13: "The Contractor shall analyze network configurations, and parameters to identify possible gaps in measured data."

Are we going to be provided the RF Design database and current parameter dumps to do this?

No.

Limited data related to physical cell site locations may be provided if necessary

No change.

80 21 5:2.3.5: Title: "Ad-hoc and Coverage Discrepancy Reports and Maps";

"In-depth analysis report and maps of the area or issue being investigated as well as possible solutions and improvements (ad-hoc report and map); or, coverage discrepancy statistics and maps showing areas where the measurements differ from the coverage map (Coverage Discrepancy report and maps). Ad-hoc

Is it anticipated that vendor perform this coverage discrepancy comparison using a prediction tool output (i.e., ATOLL or Planet), and if so, will that output be provided in digital format and/or would vendor be required to own the prediction tool for import & analysis?

The vendor selected shall provide the necessary RF tools to perform the analysis required.

Paragraph Ref/Sentence

Question/Comment Government Response RFP Change and Coverage Discrepancy reports and maps shall be provided when the FirstNet Authority engages the Contractor for either task."

81 24 &

2.9.9 Key

Personnel Requirements

Resumes for proposed key personnel shall be submitted as part of the response; however, it is not clear where in the proposal the resumes should be included. Further, can the resumes be excluded from the 35-page limit, if included with the Technical Proposal?

Resumes will be excluded from volume I count page limit

In section 6.4 bullet 1 added “exclude key personnel resume” to sentence.

82 31 4.1.1.2, FAR

52.217-9

There appears to be a potential conflict with the prior section (4.1.1.1, FAR 52.217-8) and this provision if the option to extend is exercised during the final option period. Should not the total duration therefore not exceed five (5) years, 6 months?

The Government is not factoring in the additional 6 months from FAR 52.217-8 into the overall period of performance.

No change.

83 1, NDA RFP Attachment 3

– NDA

The NDA mentions “access to Government procurement sensitive information or proprietary business information from contractors”. Under the scope of DTDP, is this statement accurate? If so, what type(s) of procurement sensitive information would the Contractor potentially be exposed to under the program and what, if any, might the restrictions entail regarding pursuing future acquisitions.

The procurement sensitive information is related to the NPSBN vendor and not any DTDP procurement information. This would not create any restrictions on future procurements.

No change.

84 4 2.2.1 Item 11.C Please confirm “test servers” are the point of demarcation for latency and throughput testing.

Test servers are a potential point of demarcation.

Paragraph Ref/Sentence

Question/Comment Government Response RFP Change

85 4 2.2.1: “Reliability, Retainability, Accessibility”

Can the government provide definitions of these measures?

Please refer to section 2.2.1 Phase 1 bullet 8.

No change.

86 4 2.2.1: “At a minimum, the Contractor shall collect 100,000 miles of drive test data which is a sum of all 15 states”

The government has provided a minimum number expected miles for drive testing. Can the government provide a range or an upper limit for miles expected to be driven, to ensure price reasonability?

No further information to be provided.

No change.

87 6 2.2.1 “The Contractor shall drive test for RF propagation worse-case scenarios, e.g.

when foliage is on the trees;”

Can the government specify exactly what variables constitute “worst-case scenarios” necessary for propagation testing?

No other scenario than foliage is contemplated.

No change.

88 NA NA Can the government confirm if the testing is limited to 4G, and does not include 5G?

Yes, this testing is limited to 4G. No change.