ESBD_File_334859_Addendum 2.pdf

ADDENDUM # 2

RFQ-23-150-149th FW MISSION READINESS FIBER OPTIC CABLE CONSTRUCTION

Proposals whether mailed, shipped, or personally delivered must be officially received by the Alamo Area Council of Governments (AACOG) by 4:00 p.m. on September 25, 2023 in order to be considered.

Proposals received after the deadline, regardless of circumstance, will be disqualified. ABSOLUTELY

NO EXCEPTIONS WILL BE MADE.

All solicitation documents are posted here: http://www.aacog.com/bids.aspx https://www.txsmartbuy.com

This addendum is to address two points: site visit Q&A and the answers to the questions submitted.

All parties shall be responsible for reading this entire addendum. The failure to list an item or items of this addendum does not relieve any party affected from performing as per instructions, provided that the information is set forth one time any place in this addendum. The addendum will form a part of the contract document. All other conditions of this RFQ remain unchanged.

The following questions were received according to submission instructions in the RFQ.

Format:

# Question: (Question)

ANSWER: (Answer)

McMullen Range Site Visit Q&A:

1. Have you identified the right-of-way access and pole access?

The contractor will need to work with local utilities. The design plan attached to the addendum was proposed, but due to funding, it was not acted upon. As far as easements, we are not sure.

2. Will the project need to be engineered?

Yes, that is correct.

3. How long is the pathway?

The pathway is approximately 4 miles. There is existing fiber at the highway (FM 624).

4. The RFQ stated some of the criteria we are being graded on will be based on pricing, so do you want us to provide pricing on our proposals?

http://www.aacog.com/bids.aspx https://www.txsmartbuy.com/

Yes, we want an estimated budget for the project.

5. Is that going to include monthly costs or just upfront costs for installation and construction?

We will negotiate that out when the proposer is selected.

6. For clarification, you will want the price to include engineering?

Yes, that is correct.

7. Whose fiber is out here already?

Local ISP that will need to be tied into later. There will be a subsequent (separate) contract for solicitation for the service that will be with the Air Force. VTX1 owns the current fiber at the highway.

8. Do we need to go underground, or can we use the existing power polls?

After discussing with military engineers, we will require subterrain construction for the project.

9. Do you know if these are AEP power?

Yes

10. Do we need an escort when we start to put the fiber in?

Yes, once the contract is awarded, we will work with the vendor to ensure continued access, which may include an escort.

11. It was noticed that there is a tail cut line running buried along the first row?

Currently, the copper comes in and terminates. The DMARC is at the tower at the top of the hill.

The current fiber will DMARC where the existing buildings are located, which will be decommissioned in the future. We are planning to build a new facility where this one currently stands.

12. Do you want the new fiber dropped in the box?

Yes, as close as possible, creating a pedestal.

13. Does the cabinet need to have access on both sides so it can be patched across?

Correct. The service provider should take care of the rest of the tie-in.

14. Do you have a problem cutting the cable somewhere in between to be able to pull?

We will leave that up to the experts.

15. Does this land belong to JBSA?

This is privately owned land. The endpoint is located on privately owned land leased by the US Navy as part of Naval Air Station-Kingsville.

16. Are there any Geo reports on the ground conditions?

We believe it is mainly Shale Rock; however, to our knowledge, there is no report.

17. What are the depth requirements?

We leave that to the experts. 36” deep minimum

18. Do we have access to a water source? Can we bring some in?

There is no utility well or water supply; suggest the contractor bring water to the site.

19. Can we pull out of the ponds?

The stock tank in front of the range compound is available for use but is not a reliable source. I suggest looking into bringing in the water needed.

20. What is the project timeline?

We need to have the project done by the end of February.

21. Is there any contingency for your budget?

No

22. Is there a workaround for the budget and the increase in labor and materials?

We must balance the cost of this project and a tower at Lackland AFB. We will monitor the budgets closely.

23. Is this project certified payroll?

Yes.

24. What size fiber (strand count) is needed?

48 strand would be ideal for future expansion.

25. Is there a designated time for this workspace?

We can provide designated personnel to be onsite during working hours. However, it will mainly be Tuesday through Friday, 9:00 A.M. to 2:30 P.M. We will coordinate that with the awarded contractor.

We can provide gate codes, but only on the military side, and you will need to be escorted.

26. Can we work when they are dropping bombs?

Yes, we will ensure your staff's safety. Range access will be coordinated with Range Staff.

27. How many hand holes do you need in between?

3800 Ft Minimum

28. Do you want a fiber handoff or ethernet handoff?

Fiber all the way with exterior weatherproof pedestal at the endpoints

29. Will it be single mode or multimode?

Single Mode for long haul (~4miles 26k ft)

30. What kind of connectors need to be on the end?

On the pedestals the patch panels need to be LC Duplex UPC (Blue Tipped); this is the AF standard. On the ISP end (Highway), the contractor must work with the ISP for proper compatibility.

31. Are we to provide the fiber interface?

The fiber interface subject to this contract would be the pedestals with patch panels at each endpoint.

Questions submitted via email:

1. Please confirm that the route is intended to be underground conduit/fiber install and not overhead. After discussing with military engineers, the project requires subterranean construction.

2. Is GC responsible for engineering/designing the fiber route and obtaining permits? If so, are there permits required for the on-USAF property portion? (Dig permit?)

GC is responsible for engineering and designing the fiber route and obtaining permits; no additional permits required for range property.

3. Assuming #1 to be accurate, please confirm:

a. Conduit size (1”, 2”, 4” conduit?)

Depends on the cable—72% maximum capacity of cable to conduit.

b. Conduit count/quantity as needed per cable being used.

c. GC is responsible for clearing/grubbing for conduit installation

GC is responsible for clearing pathways for construction.

d. Method of installation is ‘open’ to GC choice; i.e., trenching, plowing, boring

At the GC's discretion, granted within permits and right of ways and easements.

e. Handhole separation distance required

3800’ minimum

f. Handhole size/ specifications

W36”xL48”x 24-36” D

4. Please confirm the following relative to the fiber itself:

a. GC is responsible for splicing fiber.

Yes, GC is responsible for splicing.

b. Fiber count/size

48-count single-mode armored cable/depends on brand.

c. What do you desire/intend as far as installation at the existing underground meet point?

Is GC to provide any material at this location? Splicing?

Pedestals with patch panels on each end for future tie-in to demarcation and ISP fiber at the highway.

d. What is the desired NID installation design LC Duplex UPC (Blue Tipped) is the AF standard for endpoints. On the ISP end (Highway), vendors need to work with ISP for proper compatibility.

5. Who is responsible for easement acquisition?

General Contractor

6. What flexibility is there as far as working hours? Do hours limitations only apply on USAF property?

Standard business hours for outside range property. Inside-range property will need to be coordinated with USAF personnel after award. Tues-Friday 0900-1430 typical. Some

7. Does the pricing need to be itemized or one price?

Yes, all pricing needs to be itemized.

8. Will the customer be able to provide assistance with obtaining easements from the surrounding landowners? If the customer already has the easements, will the vendor be able to use it?

The contractor will be responsible for obtaining easements; we will not be able to provide assistance.

9. Does the customer want a fiber handoff or copper handoff? Is fiber handoff, single or multi-mode?

If fiber handoff, the customer will be required to purchase a specific SFP (model/type of SFP TBD, and price for the SFP is dependent on model/type).

No handoff is needed past the pedestal with patch panel on each end.

10. Does the customer want to use the router the vendor will supply, or will the customer use their own equipment? If the customer is using their own equipment, please provide the make/model.

The router is not part of this particular contract. Will be included in future service contract.

All other conditions of this RFQ remain unchanged.

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