Giant Voice List of Questions and Answers.pdf

1. Cabinet Height. When the current system was being installed the requirement was to install them at ground level when someone in CE forced the vendor to move the cabinets above a certain height. My question is. Are we sure we can install at Hill AFB the cabinets on the poles less than 12’?

The overall objective for the new system is to maximize maintenance ability from a walk-up height (as defined in the SoO). The new cabinets will be at ground level/walk up height. We confirmed that CE would have no objection to cabinets being installed per requirements stated in SoO.

2. New Utility poles are extremely costly to install and purchase. Why are we installing new poles when funds can be used for more hardware? Makes no sense unless additional height is being required.

The issue was brought up during the site walk that the existing poles were of varying questionable integrity. A decision was made that new poles would need to be utilized as most were not structurally sound enough to handle the new equipment loads, meet OSHA standards under the extreme weather conditions defined in the SoO and to be of sufficient height to provide required sound coverage. The government is aware of the additional costs for new poles, but it will provide the best overall product for the Government. The Government’s intent of the SoO is in reducing the total number of stacks while maintaining coverage area requirements which should reduce the cost as not as many poles would be needed for the project.

3. Removing a pole within 50’ of new. Why? It can be utilized at a future time or need. Better question is why not use it?

During the site walk, the issue was brought up concerning the varying degrees of serviceability for the current poles. We want to avoid the issue of an old pole falling on one of the new poles and damaging the new system. In that situation, the old pole would need to be removed as it would not be able to be utilized in the future and would pose a harm to the new system.

4. The RFP Statement of Objectives states that the Software/Firmware will be provided by the same company that provides the equipment solution. The software vendor and hardware vendor that we use, while technically not the same company, have been working together for over 20 years and the same setup has been used in hundreds of installations around the world.

Is this statement meant to mean the integrator is responsible to make everything work together, or does it mean the same manufacturer who makes the siren equipment also produces the software? If the latter, then is it acceptable for the hardware manufacturer to certify that the software solution is endorsed and tested for their system? Otherwise, a valid solution for this site, that is used all over the world, will be deemed non-compliant for no additional value to the government.

The Software/Firmware will need to be provided by the vender that performs the installation.

Additionally, the Installation vender will be responsible for ensuring everything works together. It is acceptable for the hardware manufacture to certify that the Software/Firmware provided will be endorsed to fully integrate functional performance.

5. What Net-Centric Alerting System (NAS) is currently in use? What are the interface requirements (i.e. CAP protocol, relay contact closure, etc.)?

NCAS is BlackBerry AtHoc Crisis Communications Suite release 7.9 TN 1708901.

6. The SOO requires a primary Giant Voice Controller unit. Does the government require an alternate Giant Voice Controller unit for backup/alternate system control?

Yes, three controllers will be required. One in Bld 133, one in alt bld 593 and one in bld 1294.

7. Can the government confirm if new Motorola 6500 VHF radios will be required for communications to all towers in accordance with the J/F 12 requirements?

Vender is required to provide an operational solution that will operate in the narrow band of RF that also meets Federal Emergency Management requirements.

8. We would like to question the location of the solar panel being mounted on the ground level.

We have had great success mounting the solar panels on the pole, above the NEMA enclosure, facing South. To place solar panels on the ground creates a situation where the panel is more easily damaged, and certainly will get dirty, dusty, and covered more quickly. Is this something that you would consider changing?

Solar Pannels may be placed above the cabinet and south facing on the pole.

9. What kind of power is at each pole and breaker or bypass locations?

120 volts (60htz) single phase power is at all poles.

10. Can we get a site map with scale?

Map provided.

11. You are leaving the type (wood or metal) of pole to the bidder’s discretion?

Yes

12. Are there any specifications around the type of radio used for this project?

Operate in narrow band and meet all Federal requirements. If radios provided are not Motorola or L3 Harris, programing software must be provided.

13. The RFP references UFC 4-021-1 compliance.

a. UFC compliance includes interoperability with the fire alarm system. Are vendors that are bidding expected to implement fire alarm interoperability by the close of this project? If so, what is the make and model numbers of the FACP and all related equipment?

No

b. The UFC standard referenced recommends the installation of more (not less) speakers.

Using “Giant Voice” HPSA speaker arrays is discouraged, with the intent of providing more, low wattage speakers throughout the installation. Although this technique may have benefits in maximizing fidelity, it is a huge cost concern. Does the RFP require strict UFC adherence, or are fewer HPSAs with more power (at a much lower cost) warranted, knowing that full UFC compliance may be reached at a future date?

No. We require less stacks than the current configuration, that still meets coverage requirements.

c. The UFC standard requires all speaker arrays to have a minimum frequency range of 200Hz to 10,000Hz. This allows for higher fidelity music. Although this can be accomplished, our standard installations rely on speakers that have a frequency rating of 350 – 9,000 Hz (- 10 dB). Is this acceptable, or will we be required to quote higher fidelity speakers?

350 – 9,000 Hz (- 10 dB) is technically acceptable.

d. In order to comply with the UFC standard, will text notification be required? If so, where? Additionally, is there an existing text controller system? If so, what is the make and model of the text controller? Also is SMS notification in the scope of this request?

No

e. The following radio requirements are outlined in the UFC, are any or all of them required for this bid, or are you waving these for compliance at a later date? Radios must:

i. be NTIA compliant

Yes

ii. designed to minimalize interference, jamming, eves dropping and spoofing

Yes

iii. radios APCO Standard 25 compliant

Yes

iv. adhere to FCC 47 CFR 15

Yes

v. provide spread spectrum and frequency hopping, etc., if non-licensed low power.

No

f. Is the HPSA structural load governed by UFC 3-310-0?

Vender will provide an acceptable technical solution.

Assume they are referencing UFC 3-310-01

Per SoO, Installation will be in compliance with UFC 4-021-01.

UFC 4-021-01 para 3-6.13.2 states: “The supporting structure shall be designed for the structural loads listed in UFC 3-310-01, except that the design wind speed shall be not less than 100 miles per hour (mph) (161 kilometers per hour (km/h), 86.8 knots). The supporting structure shall be sized to accommodate the static and dynamic loads produced by the sound systems and all attachments.”

g. To summarize, is this bid looking for full UFC compliance certification within the scope of this bid, or alternatively, are they looking for a PA system upgrade to enable voice and tone notification, that is compatible with UFC requirements as the base moves further towards full UFC-04-021-1 compliance?

No. Public address is not required within facilities. Command Post will need the ability to push live/prerecorded voice and tone notifications to the stacks.

14. Does the Government want AC power backup, in addition to the solar panel trickle charger, for all sites? Even if new sites are selected, with the possibility of no AC power in the vicinity or present.

AC power will be the primary source for all locations. Solar will be back-up for all locations.

15. Can the Government provide a list of the radio system, radio brand (i.e. Harris) that the existing siren system is used on and the new proposed siren will be used on? Tower locations? Frequency band? Any other details about the radio system, is requested. P25, digital or analog.

See answers above

16. During the job walk, it was discussed that approximately 5 poles have power coming from buildings and not from the power company utility. We are requesting a list of these sites.

Buildings 891, 133, 593, 850 and Stacks #3 & #19