Questions_and_Answers_2_24_Feb_2015.pdf

Questions and Answers #2 (24 February 2015)

FA2823-15-R-3001

1. While reviewing the documents for this acquisition, in Section 4.1.3.1, we noticed the requirement for the Program Manager (PM) to be certified as a "Total Solutions Provider Certified Installer". We are unable to locate the organization that offers this particular "certification". This appears to be a manufacturer certification, rather than an industry-recognized telecommunications certification, such as BICSI's Registered Communications Distribution Designer (RCDD) Certification. According to BICSI, RCDDs have demonstrated the ability to design, integrate and implement Information Communications technology (ICT) and related infrastructure components across multiple disciplines and applications. We request that you consider removing the requirement for a loosely-defined, non-industry recognized manufacturer certification, and replace it with the almost universally recognized RCDD Designation.

Answer: The term Total Solutions Provider Certified Installer is a common term used in various industries and is not a certification that is specific to any one manufacturer. The term is meant to convey that we are looking for service providers that comprehensively handle the project needs of the Government through all phases of a project.

In regards to the BICSI RCDD certification, SOW paragraph 4.1.1.1. is changed as follows:

4.1.1.1. The Contractor shall appoint a Program Manager (PM) to provide daily supervision and quality control, and who shall represent the Contractor and be responsible for the performance of the work throughout the term of the contract. The name of this person, and an alternate(s) who shall act for the Contractor when the manager is absent, shall be designated in writing to the CO and the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR). The Program Manager (PM) shall be able to speak, read, write, and understand English. The PM shall be able to effectively communicate with Contractor employees.

Additionally, the Program Manager shall be a BICSI certified Registered Communications Distribution Designer (RCDD).

Paragraph f (i)(4) of the Addendum to 52.212-1 is changed as follows:

Program Manager: Submit resume(s) for the intended Program Manager that details the Program Manager’s work experience and qualifications. Additionally, submit evidence that the Program Manager has been certified by BICSI as a Registered Communications Distribution Designer (RCDD) as described in SOW paragraph 4.1.1.1.

Paragraph 4.1.3.1 will remain the same as this pertains to the overall contractor and its employees.

2. We believe that the focus of the above captioned Solicitation is wired telecommunications, thus it should be issued under a telecommunications NAICS code.

Based on the PWS the goal of this opportunity (Base Telecommunication Installation Services – BTIS) is to provide all aspects of Network/Telecom Services including communications equipment, information technology, LAN/WAN equipment, local / long distance telecom, mobile and wireless equipment, network management equipment, phone systems, satellite communications, video conferencing, video communications equipment, VOIP / Voice Data integration, wireless networks and wireless services.

Currently, this solicitation (FA282315R3001) is being procured under NAICS 238210 – Electrical Contractors and Other Wiring Installation Contractors. This NAICS code covers businesses primarily engaged in installing and servicing electrical wiring and equipment. While it does cover telecommunication and fiber optic installation, this NAICS is more for wiring and cabling generalist instead of companies that focus on telecommunications. Further, the SOW states that the contractor may be required to perform additional services to meet commercial standards. A telecommunications company would be better positioned to identify and provide these services.

Because the crux of this solicitation is for the installation of telecommunication infrastructure, we believe that the following NAICS Code would be more applicable to this opportunity:

517110 -- Wired Telecommunications Carriers, 1500 employees. This industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in operating and/or providing access to transmission facilities and infrastructure that they own and/or lease for the transmission of voice, data, text, sound, and video using wired telecommunications

Questions and Answers #2 (24 February 2015)

FA2823-15-R-3001

networks. transmission facilities may be based on a single technology or a combination of technologies.

establishments in this industry use the wired telecommunications network facilities that they operate to provide a variety of services, such as wired telephony services, including VOIP services; wired (cable) audio and video programming distribution; and wired broadband internet services. by exception, establishments providing satellite television distribution services using facilities and infrastructure that they operate are included in this industry.

Answer: Disagree. If you look at the very first sentence of NAICS code proposed it states:

This industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in operating and/or providing access to transmission facilities and infrastructure that they own and/or lease for the transmission of voice, data, text, sound, and video using wired telecommunications networks.

The key here is that this NAICS is for the operation of contractor owned facilities and infrastructure. Illustrative examples of the services under this NAICS are as follows:

Broadband Internet service providers, wired (e.g. cable, DSL) Local telephone carriers, wired Cable television distribution services Long-distance telephone carriers, wired Closed circuit television (CCTV) services VoIP service providers, using own operated wired telecommunications infrastructure Direct-to-home satellite system (DTH) services Telecommunications carriers, wired Satellite television distribution systems Multichannel multipoint distribution services (MMDS)

As the Government is not asking a contractor to provide us with any of these types of services the NAICS code will remain unchanged.

3. Can you please clarify whether or not NAICS Code “237130 - Power and communication line and related structures construction” could be added as an applicable/acceptable obtained NAICS code to qualify as a bidder for FA2823-15-R-3001? I only ask because solicitations similar to FA2823-15-R-3001, such as the one attached, have been offered and list 237130 as the applicable NAICS. If 237130 is not eligible to be added, can you clarify what parameters are given to a solicitation that dictate what NAICS Code the solicitation will be offered under?

Answer: NAICS 238210 was chosen as it is the most applicable to the work to be accomplished under this effort.

The referenced NAICS 237130, is comprised of establishments primarily engaged in the construction of power lines and towers, power plants, and radio, television, and telecommunications transmitting/receiving towers.

4. I have a question about the Combined Synopsis/Solicitation posted to FBO under solicitation number FA282315R3001. Is this a follow-on requirement? If so, could you please provide the incumbent contract number for this opportunity? If not, is this a new requirement?

Answer: A multiple award IDIQ was previously solicited and awarded. There were two (2) awardees under the previous program. The contract numbers were FA2823-10-D-0008 and FA2823-10-D-0009.