Questions_and_Answers_4_11_March_2015.pdf

Questions and Answers #4 (11 March 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 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.

5. Demonstration Project SOW Section 2.1.4 - Says we are to provide and install one new wall-mounted call box, but does not provide a manufacturer, part number or sufficient detail for bidders to know what is expected. There are dozens of varieties of Call Boxes. Please provide Manufacturer and Part Number for what is required.

Answer: GAI-TRONICS 255-001 WP ENCL W/630A NAED: 3103-95136 (WALL MOUNT PHONE BOX)

6. Demonstration Project SOW Paragraph 1.1 says, "The contractor will test and receive passing results on 100% of all copper pairs from RSL back to Building 8874", is a simple continuity test all that is required, or is "certification testing" (we presume to the Cat3 Standard) required?

Answer: In accordance with the Eglin AFB Wiring Specification, section 2.10.2, testing will consist of, but will not be limited to, the following cable tests: Insulation resistance, Shorts/crosses, Grounds, Opens, Reversals, Splits, Transpositions, Shield continuity, Loop resistance.

7. Will there be a need for digging, trenching, or boring where we would be crossing any roads, parking lots, sidewalks etc…?

Answer: Yes. Cable run will be installed using mostly direct buried installation. Crossing roads will require boring.

8. Where does 96 CS.SCOW want the BEP installed in room 130.

Answer: Install new BEP directly under existing BEP in room 130. SCOW will relocate any obstruction located below current BEP.

9. Where is the nearest service ground? Is there one in room 130? If not in room 130, where is it located?

Answer: If TMGB is not located within room 130, please follow guidance of EIA/TIA 607 “Generic Telecommunications Bonding and Grounding (Earthing) for Customer Premises”.

10. Pedestal Block, which side of the building? Where do you want it located specifically?

Answer: Pedestal Block will be installed 6’ off of the Southside of the RSL.

11. Where is the junction located at the RSL?

Answer: The junction box is mounted to the left of the ADVANTOR box on the Southside of the RSL.

12. Is there existing conduit from 8874 to C-87J or do contractors have to install? Where is the existing 4” conduit located?

Answer: The existing 4” conduit is located in room 130 of Building 8874, on the floor to the left of the comm cabinets. As for the conduit, the cable will be installed using the direct bury method, thus not requiring conduit, other than when being installed under roadways via boring.

13. Are we pulling a 25 pair through an existing 4 in conduit? If so is there an existing pullstring? How long is the conduit? Are there any cables in the conduit?

Answer: The existing 4” conduit is believed to be a 90 degree sweep to the outside of the building. The length of the conduit is unknown, however, there is not pull string and the conduit is vacant.

14. What cat cable do you want 25 pair to be (Cat3 Cat5, Cat 5e)? What test results does Govt want for 25 pair?

Answer: The 25 pair cable will need to be solid untinned copper, 24 AWG, with a nominal characteristic impedance of 100 ohms.

15. Do we have to install an underground conduit? If so, how long will this be?

Answer: The only installation of conduit required will be conduit installed while boring under roadways.

16. In reference to the Addendum of Solicitation of Contract dated 24-Feb-2015, Section f), sub-bullet (4) Program Manager, will the Government consider changing the RCDD certification from the Program Manager to a technical position such as Senior Communications Engineer? From experience, our company requires RCDD certification from Lead Communications or Systems Engineer positions, and such persons don't typically have the proper skills to run an effective program. Our Program Managers, on the other hand, have the necessary qualifications and program management certifications to successfully deliver all client's requirements, on budget, on time, and with high quality.

Answer: This may be the case for your company but not for all. The requirement is to have a program manager that has all the necessary qualifications to ensure that all elements of a project are managed in accordance with the standards listed in the contract. From BICSI’s own website it states that, “Those awarded with the RCDD designation have demonstrated their knowledge in the design, implementation, integration and project management of telecommunications and data communications technology and related infrastructure.” This exactly the qualifications we are looking for in a program manager. Additionally, the BICSI RCDD certification is necessary as UFC 3-580-01 requires that Telecommunications design must be performed and stamped by a Registered Communications Distribution Designer (RCDD) for all projects.

17. In the Amended SOW, released under Amendment 1, Paragraph 4.1.3.1 still refers to a "Total Solutions Provider Certified Installer". Once again, we can find no such certification. Does certification from a connectivity manufacturer (such as Panduit, Leviton, Hubbell, AMP) satisfy this requirement?

Answer: See response to Question #1

18. SOW Paragraph 4.3.6.1 refers to a Manufacturer Warranty, but there is nothing that identified which manufacturer is acceptable.

Answer: This is a general statement that will be applicable to all task orders awarded under the program.

19. In Attachment 3, Wiring Specifications, Section 2.4.1.1, Paragraph "a." (Page 23) says "the manufacturer and part number for jacks and faceplates are identified in the approved parts and equipment list section". We cannot locate this section. Please identify where this information is located or clarify which manufacturer's products are acceptable.

Answer: The Base Standard Parts and Materials listing is on page 102-104 of the Eglin AFB Cable Installation Specifications (Attachment 3).

20. Volume 2 Technical Proposal: Paragraph (4), page 50: The page limitation is two (2) for the intended Program Manager. Our intent is to submit a primary as well as backup PM from our teaming partner which both meet the experience and qualification requirements. Is it acceptable to submit a total of 2 pages for each individual, plus one

(1) page each for certifications for a total of 6 pages in this section?

Answer: No. Offerors shall only submit the qualifications for the intended primary Program Manager.

21. Volume 3 Past Performance Information: Paragraph (iv), item c., page 51: Is the Past Performance requirement limited to no more than two (2) which are current/recent and relevant as it relates to a proposed teaming agreement;

or the company’s abilities as stated in on page 50, paragraph (iii), with a limitation of five (5) in the past three years which are recent/relevant. Please clarify.

Answer: You may submit up to five (5) total references, but you cannot submit more than two (2) references for key personnel, major subcontractors, teaming and/or joint venture partners.

22. We are interested in providing a quote for this solicitation. We have a question concerning the pricing:

CLIN 0001 Base Year (13 May 2015-12 May 2016) CLIN 1001 Option Year 1 (13 May 2016-12 May 2017) CLIN 2001 Option Year 2 (13 May 2017-12 May 2018) CLIN 3001 Option Year 3 (13 May 2018-12 May 2019) CLIN 4001 Option Year 4 (13 May 2019-12 May 2020)

Are the CLIN’s based solely on the Demonstration Project (Attachment 7) for the Base Year with the option years for price increases in material etc.?

Answer: No. Offerors do not have to enter any amounts for the CLINs. As this is an Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract these amounts will be filled in at the time of award as specified in paragraph 2 (a) of the Basis for Award/Evaluation of Offers which states:

“The Maximum dollar amount of all task orders ordered under this IDIQ program shall not exceed $4,900,000.00. For administrative purposes the maximum dollar amount for each contract awarded under this solicitation will be the maximum program amount ($4,900,000.00) divided by the number of awardees.”

The Base Year CLIN and the Option Year CLINs will have a ceiling not-to-exceed amount entered by the Contracting Officer.

23. Since this appears to be a construction-based Contract, and construction typically requires a Bond, is a Bid Bond required for our Proposal or a Performance Bond required for the Demonstration Project?

Answer: We are not considering this to be a construction project but a service project. No bonds are required.

24. Since the demonstration project involves outside-plant construction, and this type of work typically required Davis-Bacon wages, are DBA or Service Contract Act (SCA) wages required, and if so, which Wage Determination is relevant? Also, which Labor Categories would you expect bidders to utilize?

Answer: The SCA wage determination for this effort is posted as Attachment 2 of the solicitation. Labor category decisions are left up to individual offerors. However, in accordance with FAR clause 52.222-42, Statement of Equivalent Rates for Federal Hires the following the below has been added to the clause as specified within FAR clause 52.212-5.

THIS STATEMENT IS FOR INFORMATION ONLY: IT IS NOT A WAGE DETERMINATION

EMPLOYEE CLASS MONETARY WAGE FRINGE BENEFITS

Cable Splicer WG-10/$26.17 $9.48 Electrician, Maintenance WG-10/$26.17 $9.48 General Maintenance Worker WG-8/$22.87 $8.29 Laborer WG-2/$12.85 $4.65 Maintenance Trades Helper WG-5/$17.85 $6.47 Telecommunications Mechanic I WG-10/$26.17 $9.48 Telecommunications Mechanic II WG-11/$27.54 $9.98

25. In light of the scope changes for the demonstration project, and the Questions and Answers generated today, do you expect to issue an Extension?

Answer: Yes, there is an extension to 2:00 p.m., 26 March 2015. See Amendment 0003.