Solicitation QA - 56 CS Responses-final.pdf

FOC to Flightline and Weather Equipment

Questions and Answers

1. Set-aside: block 10 of the SF1449 shows a 100% Women-Owned Small Business set-aside, but the SAM notice and clause 52.219-6 show a Total Small Business set-aside.

Which one applies? Does the Nonmanufacturer Rule apply under NAICS 335921?

This is a 100% Woman Owned Small Business set-aside as notated on the SF1449 and SAM.gov posting. Clause 52.219-30 has been added and 52.219-6 has been removed.

Yes, the non-manufacture rule applies.

2. SOW version: the attachment list references a corrected SOW dated September 24, 2026, but the attached SOW is dated May 5, 2026. Which version governs?

The statement of work attached is the most accurate version. The contract writing system attaches a date according to when it is uploaded.

3. SOW pages 62 to 79 appear to describe a different requirement (TC Communications equipment replacement, UPS and training). Are they part of this scope?

The pages pertaining to TC Communications equipment, UPS and training are part of the scope of work for this project.

4. Quantities: section 2.2 gives approximate footages that differ from the route tables (for example 12-strand: 30,000 ft vs about 23,660 ft in the tables). Which governs? Please also confirm the number of FODPs (15) and the required depth for direct-buried cable and the method for taxiway/runway crossings.

Distances are estimates and must be confirmed by the installer during survey. The reason the approximate footage differs from the route tables is that the tables don’t include maintenance loops and use estimated distances based on drawings. Per SOW

2.2.3.2 Measurements. Any distances provided in this SOW are approximations and should NOT be used for ordering materials or determining duct lengths.

5. Subfactor A asks for a cross-reference to the SOO. Should we cross-reference the SOW?

Yes please cross reference the attached SOW for Subfactor A.

6. Submission: how should quotes be submitted (email address) and are there page limits or a required format?

The proposal submitted should accurately cover all aspects of the requirements and information outlined in the subfactors to be addressed. Please limit proposals to 25 pages total.

7. Is there a site visit, and what is the deadline for questions?

A site visit has been scheduled for 0900L 4 Nov 2026. Q&A Deadline is 19 October 2026 at 1500 Arizona Time.

8. Is a wage determination (Davis-Bacon) applicable to this work? Since this is a commodity with incidental construction, please confirm whether Davis-Bacon wage rates apply to the installation portion.

This work is being completed as a commodity with incidental construction. DBA would apply to the installation.

9. What burial depth is required for the direct-buried armored cable (SOW 2.2.4.2), and are surface route markers required?

Required depth for direct buried is per manufacturers listed burial depth, or 36” below grade, whichever is greater. As part of the digging permit process, locations of existing underground utilities/infrastructure will be marked. It is the contractor’s responsibility to maintain the markings until completion of digging.

10. Between MH-B and MH-E, two 24-strand cables (the RAPCON route and the Base Ops to FMQ-19 route) use the 1-inch smooth-wall innerducts, and two cables share the 1.5-inch duct from HH-204-1 to MH-E. Please confirm that a separate vacant innerduct is available for each cable.

There are 2 innerducts available from MH-B to MH-E. There are also 2 pipes from HH- 204-1 to MH-E.

11. At the FMQ-19 primary and backup sites, should the new FODPs be mounted in an existing cabinet or a new enclosure, and is a backboard required?

Per SOW sketches 20 and 21, a new NEMA enclosure will need to be installed at each location to house the FODP. A backboard is required inside the new NEMA enclosure at both locations.

12. Please confirm the intended allocation of the 15 FODPs in SOW 2.2, and whether the ATCT (B998) ground-floor transition splice should end in a FODP or a splice enclosure.

FODP quantity is 13. B979 (one 144-port), B453 (one 24-port, and one 12-port), remaining locations all receive one 12-port each (B998, B1049, B1040, B1056, B1375, B11, B1081, B1059, FMQ-19(primary), FMQ-19(backup)). B998 shall end in the FODP.

13. What warranty period is the "Luke AFB standard" referenced in SOW 2.1.9?

Manufacturer’s warranty or one year from the date of final acceptance by the government, whichever is longer.

14. If award is made after early January 2027, which governs: the 180-day period of performance (SOW 3.1) or the 01 July 2027 delivery date on the SF1449?

Official period of performance will be determined at time of award and included in the official award document.

15. Will existing maintenance hole, hand-hole and duct drawings be provided after award (SOW 2.2.12.1), and in what format?

Yes, they will be provided in .pdf format.

16. Scope and Documentation Can you confirm that the scope is limited to what is specified in the attached SOW, and that pages 62–79 (related to TC Communications/UPS) are not part of this contract?

• Which version of the SOW is definitive for proposal preparation?

The pages pertaining to TC Communications equipment, UPS and training are part of the scope of work for this project. The statement of work attached is the most accurate version. The contract writing system attaches a date according to when it is uploaded.

17. Technical Requirements

• Will “as-built” drawings or detailed diagrams of the existing infrastructure be provided before construction starts?

• Are there any additional compatibility requirements with existing systems not reflected in the SOW?

• Are there specific brands/models required for cabling, ducting, panels, etc., or are equivalents acceptable?

Yes, as-builts will be provided in .pdf format before construction starts.

There are no additional compatibility requirements with existing systems beyond what is reflected in the SOW.

There is no base preference for cabling. Luke AFB prefers Corning fiber landing termination equipment and lockable Vertiv (aka Great Lakes) cabinets for standardization. No preference for remaining items; however material submittals are required to be approved by the government prior to ordering.

18. Logistics and Base Access

• What is the process and estimated timeline for obtaining personnel and vehicle access passes to the base?

• Will temporary storage areas for materials and equipment be provided on base?

• Are there any restrictions for work in sensitive or controlled areas?

Provide total space required and duration to enable the government to identify and approve a suitable area.

Temporary construction waiver will be required before work can be started on the airfield, as well as FAA 7460-1 submission NLT 45 days prior to the start of construction. Airfield flying hours are 0630-2230 M-Th & 0630-1830 on Fridays, however we highly encourage work to be completed outside of flying.

19. Permits and Environmental Compliance

• Will the government assist with obtaining excavation and environmental permits, or is this solely the contractor’s responsibility?

• Are there any areas with hazardous materials (asbestos, lead, etc.) that require special handling?

Excavation and environmental permits are contractor responsibility. Government assistance is limited to routing the permits to achieve base approval.

Per SOW sketch 11, note 2, Bldg 979 floor tile and mastic contain asbestos, and contractor shall follow OSHA guidance when drilling to anchor the new cabinet.

20. Certifications and Personnel Requirements

• Is TC Communications factory certification required for all technicians, or only for supervisors?

• Are there any base-specific safety or training requirements (e.g., OSHA, confined space entry, airfield driving)?

TC Communications factory certification is not required.

Per SOW 2.1.2.1, the contractor is responsible for their own permit space program as outlined in AFMAN 91-203. Per SOW 2.1.2.5, any person operating a motor vehicle inside the airfield fence on Luke AFB AZ shall coordinate with airfield management to obtain the required training/certifications IAW local procedures.

21. Schedule and Coordination

• Are there restricted time windows for work in critical areas (flightline, tower, etc.)?

• How soon after award is the physical start of work expected?

Temporary construction waiver will be required before work can be started on the airfield, as well as FAA 7460-1 submission NLT 45 days prior to the start of construction. Airfield flying hours are 0630-2230 M-Th & 0630-1830 on Fridays, however we highy encourage work to be completed outside of flying.

22. Testing and Deliverables

• Are acceptance tests required to be witnessed by government personnel, and how much advance notice is required?

• What format and level of detail are required for “as-built” and geospatial deliverables?

Acceptance tests are not required to be witnessed by government personnel. Test results will be provided IAW the SOW.

SOW provides specific information regarding as-built and geospatial deliverables.

23. Other Considerations

• Is there a process for managing scope changes during execution, and how will these be handled?

• Will a dedicated technical point of contact from the government be available during execution for immediate clarifications?

Yes, technical questions will be submitted to 56 CS/SCXP for immediate clarification;

however, the Contracting Officer is the only person that can obligate the government.

24. most single-mode fiber cable meeting the SOW is made by large manufacturers. Is there a class waiver for this item, or will the Government accept products from other than small business manufacturers?

There is no active SBA class waiver for fiber optic cable under NAICS code 335921. In accordance with FAR 19.505(c) and the Nonmanufacturer Rule (13 CFR § 121.406), any nonmanufacturer small business offeror submitting a proposal under this set-aside solicitation must furnish fiber optic cable manufactured or produced in the United States by a domestic small business concern.

25. Please confirm the number of FODPs (15), the required burial depth for direct-buried cable, and the required method for taxiway/runway crossings (bore, open cut or existing ducts).

B11, B1081, B1059, FMQ-19(primary), FMQ-19(backup)). Required depth for direct buried is per manufacturers listed burial depth, or 36” below grade, whichever is greater. Taxiway/runway crossings are installed in existing ducts.

26. The SAM.gov notice carries solicitation number F3YCFA6173AC01, and the SF 1449 carries FA488727Q0003. Please confirm which number the quote should reference, and that any award will be issued under FA488727Q0003.

Both numbers are associated with this requirement. An official contract number will be generated at the time of award, and both the Form 9 Number (F3YCFA6173AC01) and Solicitation Number (FA488727Q0003) will be referenced in the award.

27. The Statement of Work states the contractor OPSEC plan is provided with its proposal, and CDRL A007 also lists the OPSEC plan as a deliverable. Please confirm whether the OPSEC plan is due with the quote or after award.

OPSEC plan is required after award.

28. The work runs in part through existing manhole and handhole duct systems and existing vacant innerduct. Please advise who is responsible for rodding, cleaning, and proofing the existing pathways, and how blocked or damaged existing duct will be handled if found during installation. Please also advise whether drawings or records of the existing plant are available to the contractor before quoting, given that network drawings are on the Critical Information List.

Contractor is responsible for rodding, cleaning, and proofing the existing pathways.

Blocked or damaged duct will be identified as soon as possible to the Contracting Officer and 56 CS/SCXP for resolution. SOW sketches/drawings are provided to assist in the quoting process, detailed drawings or records of the existing plant will be provided after contract award.

29. The Statement of Work requires a warranty at minimum in accordance with the Luke AFB standard or equivalent. Please advise the standard warranty period that applies.

Manufacturer’s warranty or one year from the date of final acceptance by the government, whichever is longer.

30. SOW 2.2 calls for 15 FODPs, but the routes terminate at about 12 locations. Which buildings receive more than one FODP? At RAPCON, should all 144 strands be terminated, or only the 108 active strands?

B11, B1081, B1059, FMQ-19(primary), FMQ-19(backup)). 144-strands shall be terminated.

31. Several cables run through both duct and direct-buried sections in one length (e.g., 48SM HH-203 to HH-705-2 to New HH-1). Must the cable be armored for its full length, or are transition splices acceptable?

Transition splices are acceptable.

32. What is the required burial depth for direct-buried armored cable, and do the warning tape and tracer requirements apply to it?

Required depth for direct buried is per manufacturers listed burial depth, or 36” below grade, whichever is greater. Warning tape and tracer wire are required.

33. Do any direct-buried routes cross runways, taxiways, aprons, or roads? If so, must those crossings be bored and cased per 2.2.3.10.1? Please also confirm whether the HH- 705-2 to New HH-1 taxiway conduit is existing or new.

Shall be bored. New conduit between HH-1 and existing HH-705-2.

34. Has the Government verified that the existing ducts and innerducts to be reused are clear and sized for the specified cable? If any are found blocked or unusable, will remediation be handled as a change?

Yes, existing ducts and innerducts to be reused were determined to be clear and sized for the specified cable during the engineering site survey. Blocked or unusable duct will be identified as soon as possible to the Contracting Officer and 56 CS/SCXP for resolution.

35. RAPCON (B979): Is there spare breaker capacity for the new 20A circuit (SOW 2.2.4.1.4 reads "20V")? Is the B979 asbestos survey less than 5 years old, and does drilling to anchor the cabinet require abatement or a NESHAP notification?

There is space available to install the breaker required in B979 in the existing panel.

Per SOW sketch 11, note 2, Bldg 979 floor tile and mastic contain asbestos, and contractor shall follow OSHA guidance when drilling to anchor the new cabinet.

36. ATCT (B998): SOW Note 2 places the FODP in an existing 8th-floor cabinet, but Sketch 12 shows a new backboard and FODP. Please confirm the termination point and that the riser has space for the new cable.

Will be confirmed during walk-thru scheduled for 4 Nov 2026.

37. What work windows are available in the controlled movement area and ILS critical areas, and will escorts be available for the full workday? Should offerors price night or weekend work?

Temporary construction waiver will be required before work can be started on the airfield, as well as FAA 7460-1 submission NLT 45 days prior to the start of construction. Airfield flying hours are 0630-2230 M-Th & 0630-1830 on Fridays, however we highy encourage work to be completed outside of flying. Per SOW 2.1.2.5, any person operating a motor vehicle inside the airfield fence on Luke AFB AZ shall coordinate with airfield management to obtain the required training/certifications IAW local procedures. Escorts will not be provided.

38. What loss acceptance criteria apply (maximum dB per splice, per connector, and per km at 1310 and 1550 nm)?

SOW para 2.2.13.1.1 specifies fiber optic testing requirements.

39. Can the Government release existing manhole and duct drawings to offerors before quotes are due, under an NDA if needed for OPSEC?

SOW sketches/drawings are provided to assist in the quoting process, detailed drawings or records of the existing plant will be provided after contract award.

40. The Nonmanufacturer Rule applies under NAICS 335921. Is there an SBA class waiver for fiber optic cable, or must the offeror furnish cable from a small business manufacturer?

There is no active SBA class waiver for fiber optic cable under NAICS code 335921. In accordance with FAR 19.505(c) and the Nonmanufacturer Rule (13 CFR § 121.406), any nonmanufacturer small business offeror submitting a proposal under this set-aside solicitation must furnish fiber optic cable manufactured or produced in the United States by a domestic small business concern.

41. SOW Section 2.2 – Specific Requirements Pg. 10: Does the Government have a preferred manufacturer or specific material requirements for the fiber optic cable, conduit, innerduct, handholes, and associated equipment, or are equivalent products acceptable?

Equivalent products are acceptable; however, material submittals are required to be approved by the government prior to ordering.

42. Will the Government provide verified duct occupancy, condition, and pathway information before proposal submission?

Yes, existing ducts and innerducts to be reused were determined to be clear and sized for the specified cable during the engineering site survey. Blocked or unusable duct will be identified as soon as possible to the Contracting Officer and 56 CS/SCXP for resolution.

43. What work windows, escort requirements, and airfield closures will apply?

Temporary construction waiver will be required before work can be started on the airfield, as well as FAA 7460-1 submission NLT 45 days prior to the start of construction. Airfield flying hours are 0630-2230 M-Th & 0630-1830 on Fridays, however we highy encourage work to be completed outside of flying.

44. Are the listed cable quantities estimated procurement amounts or required installed quantities?

Per SOW 2.2.3.2 Measurements. Any distances provided in this SOW are approximations and should NOT be used for ordering materials or determining duct lengths.

45. Who assumes responsibility when designated existing conduits or innerducts are obstructed, damaged, or unavailable?

Notify the Contracting Officer and 56 CS/SCXP as soon as possible if designated existing conduits or innerducts are found to be obstructed, damaged, or unavailable.

46. Will we receive as built CAD files prior to any site walk through?

SOW sketches/drawings are provided to assist in the quoting process, detailed drawings or records of the existing plant will be provided after contract award.

47. SOW 2.2.3.9. – New Maintenance Holes/Hand Holes - Is there a specific HH/MH configuration required by the government?

SOW para 2.2.3.9 specifies new maintenance holes/hand holes requirements.

48. Will they DPAS rate the material procurement? DPAS rating is not anticipated.

49. Can the Contractor determine the most suitable trenching or boring route?

Yes, the contractor can determine a more suitable trenching or boring route but any deviation must be first approved by 56 CS/SCXP.

50. Will the Government be providing private utility locates?

Yes, the contractor is responsible to coordinate blue stake (commercial utilities on base) and submit an AF Form 103 (dig-permit) with the blue stake number to either 56 CES customer service or 56 CS/SCXP for private utility locates.

51. Will access to potable water be provided?

Yes, access to potable water is available.

52. Is this a buy American project?

Yes, the Buy American Act applies to this requirement.

53. Can the Contractor work extended hours if needed to meet the project schedule?

Yes, but work within occupied facilities will first have to be coordinated with 56 CS/SCXP for extended hours and advanced notice will be required. Work hours while on the flightline will be approved/determined on the Airfield Construction Waiver and must be adhered to.

54. A site visit has been set for November 4th. If the Contractor’s have additional questions after the visit, will the RFI deadline be extended to include these?

Yes, contractors who attend the site visit will have an extended Q&A period.