Atch 12 - Questions and Answers_BTS FA441826Q0053.pdf

ATTACHMENT 12

Questions and Answers

Base Telecommunications Systems Operation and Maintenance

FA441826Q0053

ALL ANSWERS TO DUPLICATE QUESTIONS WILL INSTRUCT OFFERORS TO

“PLEASE SEE ANSWER #_” AT THE BOTTOM OF THE DOCUMENT

Question 1 – We request that the Government amend the solicitation and PWS to replace references to “Avaya Government Solutions Inc” with the current entity name, “Avaya Federal Solutions”.

Answer 1– All references of Avaya Government Solutions have been changed to Avaya Federal Solutions.

Question 2 – PWS Section 5.10 states that “The contractor must be or must subcontract an Authorized Federal Avaya Partner.” The solicitation further requires the contractor to be an “Authorized Business Partner” of Avaya Government Solutions Inc. (now Avaya Federal Solutions) and qualified to provide “Switch Maintenance Support Services.” It also designates the On-Site Certified Call Manager Technician as one of only two required Key Personnel positions.

We request the Government confirm that both of the following must be held by the prime contractor (and not a subcontractor):

1. The Avaya Authorized Business Partner / Switch Maintenance Support Services authorization, and

2. The On-Site Certified Call Manager Technician Key Personnel position.

Answer 2 – The Government confirms that neither requirements must be held exclusively by the prime contractor. In accordance with RFO Clause 52.219-14, Limitations on Subcontracting, the prime contractor must perform at least 50% of the cost of contract performance with its own personnel, unless the subcontractor qualifies as a "similarly situated entity” which qualified the prime for award.

Question 3 – Can the Government confirm the primary reason(s) for the repeated large de-obligations of funds originally associated with the estimated PID / work order quantities on CLIN X002, “All Other Services” under the current contract?

Answer 3 – Funds were de-obligated from CLIN X002 as a result of identifying excess funds in comparison to known contractual agreements. This CLIN is used as Government need arises.

Question 4 – When actual requirements for the types of services and materials listed on the PID List arose (e.g., cable locates, additional inspections, equipment purchase and install, GPS/CVC data collection, etc.), what procurement method did the Government primarily use?

o Were they ordered against the existing contract’s “All Other Services” / work order CLIN?

o Were they procured through separate purchase orders, other contracts, or organic Government capability?

Answer 4 – The prices that offerors input on the PID List (Atch 03) will be the firm prices for those services/items. When Work Orders, Dig Permits, etc. arise, the price of the services/items required will be based on the PID List prices. Contractors will invoice against CLIN X002 for the items/services on the PID List.

Question 5 – What was the approximate annual dollar value of actual PID-type / work order / special project work that was ultimately ordered and performed under the current contract?

Answer 5 – Under the current contract CLIN X002, the average amount spent on CLIN X002 is $200,000. This CLIN is used as Government need arises. The purpose of requesting the PID List pricing is to establish fair and reasonable prices up front to avoid having to modify and negotiate the contract every time work arises. Please note that the Government has planned projects that will likely exceed historical estimates for this

CLIN.

Question 4 – We request that the Government amend the solicitation to replace the outdated references to ISO 9001:2000 / ISO 9001:2008 with the current standard, ISO 9001:2015.

Answer 4 – The ISO standards in the PWS and solicitation have been updated to reflect the active standard, ISO 9001:2015.

Question 5 – How many people does the current contractor have on staff and what are their roles?

Answer 5 – Four people. (Site Manager, Switch Technician, and two Telecommunication Mechanics)

Question 6 – Will the Government allow surge staffing?

Answer 6 – The Government does not intend to stipulate how the offeror chooses to staff other than for the required personnel IAW PWS Section 5.10.2 (On-site Site Manager and On-site Call Manager Technician).

Question 7 – Who should be on the Key Personnel List?

Answer 7 – PWS Section 5.10.2 has been updated to clarify which individuals should be listed on the Key Personnel List. Per the updated PWS Section 5.10.2, all employees assigned to the contract and will be performing work on a regular basis should be listed AND the list should identify specific employees that will support any after-hours work required. As a reminder, the only required personnel are the Site Manager and the Call Manager Technician.

Question 8 – Are a Call Manager Technician and a Switch Technician the same thing?

Answer 8 – Yes, these titles are used interchangeably.

Question 9 – Is there storage available for contractors to use?

Answer 9 – Yes. There multiple are storage areas (inside and outside) located on the Air Base (AB) and Naval Weapons Station (NWS) that contractors may utilize for secure storage.

Question 10 – Is there office space at the Air Base (AB), Naval Weapons Station (NWS), and the North Auxiliary Air Field (NAAF) for the contractor to use?

Answer 10 – There are offices for the contractor to use on the NWS and AB. However, there is not one for NAAF. The current contractor has the Switch Technician at Bldg. 129 on the Air Base. The Site Manager and other employees are at NWS Bldg. 302. The location and number of staff designated to report to either location is not stipulated by the Government.

Question 11 – How far away is the NAAF and how often will the contractor have to go out there?

Answer 11 – It is located approx. 2 hours north of JB CHS. The contractor will most likely have to go at least once a month.

Question 12 - Attachment 1, PWS, Section 3.1.1.4 requires the contractor to provide all labor associated with patch and upgrade management, including preparing execution plans for each software release. Since the timing, frequency, and scope of software patches and upgrades are outside the contractor's control and unpredictable, can the Government provide historical patch/upgrade activity (e.g., number of releases per year) or clarify the assumptions vendors should use when estimating the required labor?

Answer 12 - Please see Answer 86.

Question 13 - Attachment 1, PWS, Section 3.1.1.4 - Because the frequency and scope of Avaya, hypervisor, and operating system patches and upgrades are determined by the OEM and security requirements, can the Government clarify whether proposal pricing should assume a specific annual volume of patch and upgrade events? If not, how will the Government evaluate differing vendor assumptions?

Answer 13 - Please see Answer 86.

Question 14 - Attachment 1, PWS, Section 3.5 - To ensure cost-effective and balanced pricing, would the Government consider identifying advanced switch upgrade support and other complex tasks as special project work under Section 3.5 of the PWS? This would allow routine Tier 1 switch support (moves/adds/changes, basic troubleshooting) to be staffed with appropriately skilled (and lower cost) technicians, while enabling the Government to request support for senior Avaya technical support only when needed for special projects (e.g., patches, upgrades, MUDG, migrations, or complex troubleshooting). This is in line with the Government requirement to have "Authorized Business Partner" of Avaya Government Solutions, Inc. on their team.

Answer 14 - Please see Answer 86.

Question 15 - Attachment 1, PWS, Section 5.10.2 - Would the government delete or relax the requirement for offerors to identify key personnel with the stated BICSI Technician certification or cable installation experience and security clearance level in their proposal submittal? For new bidders, it is extremely challenging if not unrealistic to source, vet, and secure commitments from fully qualified key personnel—especially those with advanced certifications and required clearances—within the relatively short proposal response timeframe (~three weeks). For example:

• BICSI Installer Technician is the top tier advanced certification level. The BICSI Cabling Installation Program recommends prerequisite installer certifications (Installer 1, Installer 2 [Copper/Fiber]) as part of a progressive career path or several years of experience in advanced structured cabling before obtaining the Technician level. These credentials are not typical for a qualified Site Manager.

• In addition, the Govt requires the On-Site Certified Call Manager Technician (identified as key) to also obtain BICSI Technician level certification. This certification is non-typical for O&M duties of the switch technician; very few candidates will possess both the Avaya training certs and BICSI Technician level cert.

The requirement can limit competition by favoring the incumbent contractor and may not result in the best value for the government. As an alternative, we recommend that the government give the successful offeror the end period from contract award through actual operational start-up/takeover to complete their staffing of proposed positions. In addition, we further recommend that the government allow a reasonable period (e.g., 90 days after award) for the successful bidder’s staff to acquire all desired certifications. This approach is consistent with industry best practices and ensures that all bidders have a fair opportunity to capture qualified, high-performing incumbent personnel as well as to recruit and onboard new candidates who meet advanced requirements.

Answer 15 - Please see Answer 87.

Question 16 - PWS 5.10.3.3 (second citation, likely should be 5.10.3.4) states that “In lieu of BICSI certification, key personnel assigned to the installation of this system or any of its components shall have a minimum of three (3) years’ experience in the installation of the specified copper and fiber optic cable and components. They shall have factory or factory approved certification from each equipment manufacturer indicating that they are qualified to install and test the provided products.”

The PWS and PID list does not identify vendor specific equipment/products (i.e. Leviton, Panduit, CommScope, Belden, Siemons). In order to get factory certifications, major networking brands require installers to pass proprietary courses to receive and maintain factory approved installer status and often require full field product line verification. Request that the Government remove the factory approved certification requirement or identify all installed infrastructure by equipment manufacturer. Also, please state whether or not the solutioning/installation for the local area network was completed using one vendors product line.

Answer 16 - Please see Answer 87. The citation has been corrected in the PWS.

Question 17 - Attachment 1, PWS, Section 5.8 - “Given that Section 5.8 of the PWS states that overtime premiums are not reimbursed by the Government and must be included within the proposed prices, but there is no historical metric or data provided for past overtime usage, what methodology or assumptions should contractors use to estimate and include potential overtime costs in their pricing proposals? Additionally, would the Government consider providing any guidance or workload scenarios to assist contractors in developing a reasonable overtime cost estimate in the absence of historical data?"

Answer 17 - Per PWS Section 5.8 (Overtime), overtime premiums are not reimbursed by the Government under the terms of this Firm-Fixed-Price (FFP) contract and must be factored into the offeror's proposed prices. While the Government will not provide additional workload scenarios or prescribe a specific estimating methodology, offerors should utilize the historical metrics available in PWS Appendix A (Workload Estimates)—which outlines the average yearly totals for Emergency, Priority, and Routine Trouble Tickets and Work Orders for both the Air Base (AB) and Weapons Station (WS) sites—in conjunction with the response and restoration timelines defined in PWS Sections 3.3.3 and 3.4.2. By analyzing these emergency response requirements against the core hours established in PWS Section 5.3 (Normal Hours of Operation), offerors are expected to develop their own independent pricing strategies and assumptions to account for any potential overtime costs required to meet the PWS requirements.

Question 18 - Attachment 3, Product Identification Items - There are multiple versions of the Avaya SIP J179 TSG Certified IP Desktop Phone with a disparity in cost for features or removal of functions. Would the Government identify the Class A or B and whether speakerphone is disabled or microphone is removed or expand the PID list to account for accurate pricing? For example, these are the models we believe should be listed in the PID:

Avaya Model J179-TSG IP Phone (H.323) - Class A Speakerphone disabled

Avaya Model J179-TSG IP Phone (H.323) - Class A Microphone removed

Avaya Model J179 -TSG IP Phone (H.323) - Class B Standard

Avaya Model J179-TSG IP Phone (H.323) - Class B Speakerphone disabled

Avaya Model J179-TSG IP Phone (H.323) - Class B Microphone removed

Answer 18 - Please include pricing for both Class A variations and Class B Standard. The Government requests this as certain environments require Class A functions over Class B however, the requirements needed for J179’s that are to be used in unclassified areas are the Bluetooth/Wi-Fi module being removed and new in box/TAA compliance.

Question 19 - Would the Government please provide the manufacturer and software version/hardware version of the Call Accounting System?

Answer 19 - The current CAS is CAIRS/VoIP Discovery version 4.0 which will be upgraded to CAIRS7 over the duration of the new contract.

Question 20 - Other than the USAF CTS support contract, are there any additional support contracts in place for equipment listed in Section B of the PWS?

Answer 20 - There is a Local Telephone Service support contract for Commercially provided PSTN services to the base.

Question 21 - The Govt requires the contractor to be qualified to provide switch maintenance services and authorized as a reseller of Avaya Govt Solutions for maintenance, repair service, and repair parts. Will the Govt allow the contractor to submit (special project) pricing for upgrades, patches, redesigns, expansions and system removal prior to soliciting third parties to perform same work? We understand the authorized business partner requirement does not does not guarantee exclusivity but should allow for the opportunity to compete

Answer 21 - Special Project pricing for patches and upgrades will only be allowed if the work to be completed supersedes the already expected labor of the contractor for Patch and Upgrade Management per the PWS. Any additional Special Project pricing will be considered from the BTS contractor if the quote is requested by the COR/CO. Please see Section 3.5 of PWS.

Question 22 - Regarding section 3.1.1.9 Third Party Support in the PWS, page 6 - Can the Government further explain “the government reserves the right to leverage these services in lieu of the contractor’s provided services and any cost associated to those services? It is unclear what is the intent by “any cost associated to those services”?

Answer 22 - The Government may solicit Third Party Support parties to perform upgrades, patches, redesigns, expansions, system removal and all other aspects pertaining to the telephony and transport environment in place of the contractor’s provided services and the cost the Government pays for that contractor provided service.

Question 23 - What 3-digit DoD Cyber Workforce Framework (DCWF) Code is required for the switch technician?

Answer 23 - Historically the Switch Technician role has not been identified with the DCWF but rather the SCA Directory of Occupations (Fifth Edition) as a 23932.

Question 24 - The total DBA work orders depicted in Appendix A match the total number of (emergency, priority and routine) work orders. Is the Government stating there are a total of 1000 work orders annually and 500 are DBA? If not, could the Govt provide the actual number of work orders that were identified annually as DBA construction related work orders for emergency, priority, and routine?

Answer 24 - Please see Answer 69.

Question 25 - Appendix A identifies approximately 500 Air Base and 350 Weapons Station Davis-Bacon Work Orders. However, Wage Determination SC20260023 does not contain a Telecommunications Technician, Low Voltage Installer, Fiber Optic Technician, or similar communications classification. Please identify the labor classification(s) the Government expects offerors to utilize for pricing DBA work orders. If the required telecommunications classification is not contained within the applicable wage determination, please confirm the successful contractor may submit an SF-1444 Request for Authorization of Additional Classification and Rate (conformance) after award in accordance with FAR 22.406-3 and 29 CFR 5.5(a)(1)(iii)."

Answer 25 - Please see Answer 69. The labor classifications of Telecommunications are under the separate SCA Wage Determination. Any specific labor being completed on a Work Order that is listed under DBA is what applies to the labor classification (such as Operator: Excavator, Backhoe, Track hoe). The only DBA labor that would normally apply to this contract would be the mentioned “Operator”, “Construction”, and “Landscaper” an example is an instance that digging with such equipment listed above and re-seeding/sodding the area is required. Employers pay the higher applicable rate for each classification, but they are not required to pay both SCA and DBA rates unless the work is covered by both statutes. These will not both apply to every Work Order. The Government expresses that each offeror is versed with these wage determinations and the U.S. Department of Labor laws.

Question 26 – Can the solicitation close date be pushed back?

Answer 26 – See Answer 75.

Question 27 - PWS 5.10.3.3 permits "comparable documented systems engineering processes" in lieu of ISO certification or SEI appraisal, but RFQ para. 2.d(4) lists no such alternative. Which governs for the pass/fail technical evaluation, and if the comparable-processes route is available, what documentation will the Government accept?

Answer 27 – The PWS language has been updated to remove the “comparable documented system engineering processes.” All offerors must submit proof of ISO certification OR SEI appraisal at time of quote submittal.

Question 28 - PWS 5.10.3.3 references "small business companion contract awardees that elect to take advantage of the provisions outlined in clause H139." Clause H139 does not appear in this RFQ. Is this sentence applicable to this acquisition?

Question 28 – This has been removed from the PWS as it is not applicable.

Question 29 - Will DFARS 252.204-7012, -7019, -7020, or -7021 apply, and is a specific CMMC level required at time of award or during performance?

Answer 29 – During performance.

Question 30 - PWS 5.10 states the contractor "must be or must subcontract an Authorized Federal Avaya Partner," and PWS 5.10.3.1 permits either prime or subcontractor to furnish the partner letter. RFQ paras. (vii)1.d and 2.d(3) are silent. Please confirm PWS 5.10 is the governing requirement to be met at proposal and performance stages.

Answer 30 – The Government has privy with the prime contractor. If you are subcontracting an Avaya partner, it is your responsibility as the prime to submit all the required documentation.

Question 31 - PWS 5.10.3.1 requires Certificates of Completion for Administration of Avaya Communication Manager, System Manager, Aura Session Manager, and Session Border Controller Enterprise. Is the requirement limited to personnel directly administering or maintaining the Avaya systems?

Answer 31 - Any personnel designated as a Site Manager and/or Switch Technician.

Question 32 - Given the limitations on subcontracting applicable to this small business set-aside, will the Government confirm that Avaya-authorized work performed by a subcontractor does not conflict with FAR 52.219-14, and whether the similarly situated entity exception applies?

Answer 32 – RFO Clause 52.219-14 applies to the entire contract. The prime contractor must perform at least 50% of the cost of contract performance with its own personnel, unless the subcontractor qualifies as a "similarly situated entity” which qualified the prime for award.

Question 33 – (RFQ) Para. (vii)1.g states "Offerors must demonstrate that they hold a valid U.S.

Tier 3 Security Clearance." Tier 3 is a personnel investigative tier. What documentation is acceptable at quote submission?

Answer 33 – Submit the DD254 with quote submission.

Question 34 - PWS 5.10.2 designates only two Government-required key personnel (On-Site Certified Call Manager Technician and Site Manager), yet RFQ para. 1.f and PWS 5.10.3.3 (second occurrence) require BICSI certification, or the three-year cable installation equivalent, for each key person.

Please confirm whether the BICSI requirement applies only to personnel performing copper and fiber installation activities, or to all designated key personnel including the Site Manager and Certified Call Manager Technician, whose duties are not cable installation.

Answer 34 - Please see Answer 87.

Question 35 - Please clarify the demarcation between work included in the firm-fixed-price O&M/sustainment CLIN and work issued under a Work Order or PID.

Specifically, please confirm whether new cable installation, new drops, equipment installation, relocation, system expansion, major configuration changes, and upgrades will be accomplished through separately funded Work Orders or PIDs.

Answer 35 – All services other than preventative maintenance will fall under CLIN X002. The cost of Work Orders, Dig Permits, etc., will be based on the PID List prices.

The PID List prices at award are firm.

Question 36 - PWS 3.1.1.4 assigns the contractor all labor associated with patch and upgrade management of the Avaya LSC, voicemail suite, SBCs, and underlying hypervisor and server operating systems.

Please clarify whether this labor is included in the firm-fixed-price O&M/sustainment CLIN or will be separately authorized and priced through a Work Order, PID, or Special Project. If included in the FFP CLIN, please provide the historical and anticipated annual quantity and level of effort.

Answer 36 – Please see Answer 86.

Question 37 - Please clarify whether "patch and upgrade management" under PWS 3.1.1.4 includes actual installation and implementation of patches and upgrades, or is limited to planning, coordination, testing, documentation, and support to the Government and its vendors.

If implementation is required, please confirm whether such work will be separately funded through a Work Order or PID.

Answer 37 – Please see Answer 86.

Question 38 - Please clarify the division of responsibility between the O&M contractor and third-party or OEM support for implementation of system patches and upgrades.

PWS 3.1.1.4 assigns patch and upgrade labor to the contractor, while PWS 3.1.1.9 reserves the Government’s right to solicit third parties to perform upgrades, patches, redesigns, expansions, and system removal.

Answer 38 – Please see Answer 86.

Question 39 - PWS 3.1 states that all equipment or services installed by the contractor automatically become part of the O&M services.

Please clarify whether the firm-fixed-price O&M CLIN will be equitably adjusted when newly installed equipment, systems, subscribers, cable plant, or facilities materially increase the O&M workload above the solicitation baseline.

Answer 39 - Per PWS Section 3.1 (Operation and Maintenance Requirements), while all newly installed equipment or services automatically become part of the O&M scope, this requirement must be read in conjunction with PWS Section 3.5 (Special Project Requirements), which governs significant, non-recurring efforts handled as separately negotiated, Firm-Fixed-Price (FFP) requirements. Accordingly, routine additions or minor changes that do not materially alter the scope of O&M services are considered within the baseline of the existing FFP CLIN; however, if newly installed equipment or systems resulting from a negotiated special project or external installation are determined to materially increase the recurring O&M workload beyond the baseline established in the solicitation, the Government may consider an equitable adjustment to the O&M CLIN. Any such adjustment under PWS Section 3.5 for sustained maintenance would be formally evaluated, negotiated, and processed via a contract modification executed by the Contracting Officer for the remaining period(s) of performance.

Question 40 - Please clarify whether after-hours labor, overtime, call-back labor, and expedited shipping associated with Emergency or Priority Trouble Tickets and Work Orders are separately compensable under the applicable Work Order or PID pricing, or must be included in the firm-fixed-price O&M price.

PWS 3.3.3.1 and 3.4.2.1 require expedition of parts and labor at no additional charge, while PWS

5.8 states overtime premiums are not reimbursed.

Answer 40 - After-hours labor, overtime, and call-back labor must be included in the firm-fixed-price O&M price. Expedition of parts and labor is at no additional cost to the Government.

Question 41 - Please confirm that "Contractor Support" under PWS 3.6.1 is limited to technical coordination, information exchange, troubleshooting, and interface support, and that physical installation, migration, configuration, programming, testing, or implementation associated with new facilities, renovations, system transfers, hardware upgrades, or software upgrades will be accomplished under the applicable Work Order, PID, or Special Project when such effort exceeds routine O&M.

Answer 41 - PWS Section 3.6.1 is to note what is expected of the BTS contractor when providing any “Contractor Support”. Physical installation, migration, configuration, programming, or implementation associated with new facilities, renovations, system transfers, hardware upgrades, or software upgrades will be accomplished under the applicable Work Order, PID, or Special Project when such effort exceeds routine expectations of Patch and Upgrade management and any other instances that fall under routine expectations of O&M identified in the PWS. Any new install by the BTS contractor is expected to include test results at no additional cost to the Government.

Question 42 - The Equipment and Installation Performance Specification (EIPS) is referenced in PWS 3.4 and the Glossary but is not among the listed attachments.

Will the EIPS be provided?

Answer 42 – The EIPS will not be provided. All instances referencing EIPS have been removed from the PWS.

Question 43 - PWS 3.1 states that existing system configurations will be provided after contract award. Please provide the current high-level BTS system architecture and configuration prior to quote submission, including Avaya software versions, server and hypervisor versions, number of systems and instances, subscriber counts, trunk counts, gateway counts, and major supported components.

Answer 43 - This is all identified in the Appendices. Any additional configuration information will be provided at contract award.

Question 44 - Please provide the previous 24 months of actual workload data, including monthly quantities for Trouble Tickets, Work Orders and PIDs, line moves, adds, changes and disconnects, cable repairs, copper and fiber splicing, cable locates, PMIs, emergency call-outs, and Special Projects. Actual workload is necessary to validate staffing assumptions and determine whether proposed FTE levels can meet simultaneous performance requirements.

Answer 44 - Information regarding Emergency, Priority, and Routine Work Orders and Trouble Tickets is provided in Appendix A of the PWS. Specific information of add, moves, and changes over the two years will not be provided. The amount of cable the successful contractor is expected to mark annually before it is funded as a Work Order is notated in Section 3.8 of PWS. The successful contractor will have access to this additional information after contract award.

Question 45 - Please provide the historical number of after-hours, weekend, and holiday call-outs for the previous 24 months, broken down by Emergency, Priority, and Routine Trouble Tickets and Work Orders.

Answer 45 - The yearly average of this information is notated in Appendix A.

Question 46 - Appendix A provides workload estimates for the Air Base and Weapons Station but not for North Auxiliary Airfield. Please provide NAAF trouble tickets and work order estimates.

Answer 46 - The NAAF is included in the workload estimates for the Air Base. As referenced in Question/Answer 11, the contractor can anticipate to travel to NAAF once a month.

Question 47 - PWS 3.8 permits up to 200,000 feet of cable and conduit locating and marking annually. Please provide the actual annual quantity performed during each of the previous three contract years, including the number of AF Form 103 requests and total linear footage located annually.

Answer 47 - This information will not be provided as any additional footage that surpasses the 200,000 feet will be funded through the contract as a Work Order/PID.

Question 48 - Please provide the historical annual quantity of GPS/CFD collection and CVC updates, including approximate linear footage and number of communication features collected annually. Please also confirm whether GPS/CFD collection associated with new Work Order or PID installations is separately priced under the applicable Work Order or PID.

Answer 48 - This information will be gathered and input during new installations or with Manhole/Handhole and Building Entrance Terminal PMIs. The minimum requirement of the above-mentioned PMI’s to be completed is 10 (MH/HH) and 2 (BET) per month. The linear footage expected to be maintained is listed under B.2.16 in the PWS and any information that require input of GPS/CFD (CVC) data will be funded via Work Order/PID.

Question 49 - Emergency response is two hours on-site (PWS 3.3.3.1 and 3.4.2.1). NAAF is approximately 100 miles from JB CHS. Does the two-hour clock apply to NAAF emergencies, and does the Government expect dedicated staffing at NAAF?

Answer 49 - The Government does not expect dedicated staffing at NAAF. The COR/CO understands that NAAF is a long distance from the duty location and will work with the contractor on the response time. The expectation is that the contractor will respond once notified and begin travel within two hours to NAAF in the event of an emergency.

Question 50 - PWS 5.7 makes the contractor responsible for all travel, and RFQ para. 2.c(1) directs travel costs into CLIN X001. Please confirm NAAF travel is to be priced in X001 Monthly Maintenance.

Answer 50 - Yes, NAAF travel is to be priced into Monthly Maintenance. As referenced in Question/Answer 11, the contractor can anticipate travel to NAAF once a month.

Question 51 - Special projects are capped at 25% of total CLIN value (PWS 3.5), but the Fill-in Sheet contains only CLINs X001 and X002. How will special projects be funded and ordered?

Answer 51 – Special Projects will be ordered based on PID List prices. Special Projects will be invoiced against CLIN X002.

Question 52 - PWS 3.1.2 sets a 99.999% availability standard with no more than five minutes of downtime per month. How is availability measured, from what data source, and are Government-approved scheduled outages and Authorized Service Interruptions excluded from that calculation?

Answer 52 - That information is measured by historical data regarding the length of downtime of which the responsibility to return-to-service fell on the BTS contractor (ex:

An AT&T issue does not fall on the BTS contractor). Yes, ASI’s and Government approved outages are excluded.

Question 53 - PWS 3.1.1.3 requires use of the USAF or AMC Cyber Transport Systems contract for Avaya CM break/fix, and PWS 3.1.1.4 places procurement of upgrade hardware and software with the Government. Will downtime attributable to Government vehicles, third-party vendors (PWS 3.1.1.9), or GFE be excluded from the contractor’s availability and AQL measurement?

Answer 53 - Yes, unless the above-mentioned services are required due to the fault of the BTS contractor.

Question 54 - PWS 3.4.2 states that failure to obtain materials due to supplier delay is not an adequate reason for a time extension. Please clarify whether schedule extensions will be provided when required materials or OEM components are unavailable due to documented manufacturer discontinuance, backorder, supply-chain delay, or other circumstances beyond the contractor’s control.

Answer 54 - That decision will be made on a case-by-case basis by the COR/CO.

Question 55 - Please identify the Government and OEM support contracts currently available for Avaya and associated BTS systems — including hardware replacement, software support, patching and upgrades, technical assistance, and escalation support — that will be available to the O&M contractor, and clarify which technical and material risks those vehicles cover.

Answer 55 - This information is notated in B.2.17 and 3.1.1.3. Tyto (Break Fix/Tier 2 & 3 support), Unified Communications (CAIRS), and Charleston County E-911.

Question 56 - Please provide the current AF Logistics Support Spares inventory (PWS 3.10.6) with quantities on hand, confirm whether the listed spares are serviceable, and confirm that the inventory is Government-furnished property transferred to the contractor at award.

Answer 56 – Answer provided after contract award.

Question 57 - NAAF operates a Meridian 1 Option 11C on software release 25.40b. Please confirm the Government’s expectations for parts and OEM support of this end-of-life platform, and whether replacement is planned within the period of performance

Answer 57 – The PWS has been updated. NAAF runs on Avaya CM 10.2

Question 58 - Is a phase-in period contemplated, and does FAR 52.222-17 (Nondisplacement of Qualified Workers) apply? Given the MPAS/TASS processing timelines in PWS 6.9.1 and the 30-day base support provision in Appendix B.1.1, how will the Government accommodate CAC and base access processing for new personnel before 1 October?

Answer 58 – CAC and MPAS processing will begin after contract award, prior to the PoP start date. FAR 52.222-17 is reserved and not applicable to this acquisition.

Question 59 - Several PWS cross-references appear incorrect: PWS 3.1.2 cites "Section 5.10.4.1," which does not exist; two sections are numbered 5.10.3.3; PWS 2.0 cites Section 7 for mandatory guidance, which is the Deliverables section; and PWS 3.10.8.1 cites "Table A under Appendix E," which is the acronym list. Please confirm the intended references.

Answer 59 - PWS 3.1.2 cites "Section 5.10.4.1” and has been updated to Section 5.10.3.

The second instance of 5.10.3.3 has been corrected to 5.10.3.4. PWS 2.0 cites Section 7 and has been updated to Section 8.0. PWS 3.10.8.1 cites "Table A under Appendix E” and has been updated to Appendix C.

Question 60 - Prior to contractor assumption of responsibility for CAIRS, TMS, and CVC record accuracy, will the Government establish and mutually document the baseline accuracy and condition of existing records? PWS 3.10.9 requires accuracy not fall below 90%.

Please confirm the contractor will not be held responsible for pre-existing inaccuracies until validated through contract performance.

Answer 60 - The current accuracy varies between the records management systems however, the accuracy requirements of 90% is regarding any records/information upon the completions of WO’s, record changes, or PMI’s that are completed by the successful contractor from the PoP date of the new contract and any prior inaccuracies will not be held against the new contractor.

Question 61 - Please clarify the extent of corrective work included within the firm-fixed-price manhole and handhole PMI requirement under PWS 3.2.2.

Will significant corrective actions such as pumping and dewatering, cable reracking, duct sealing, structural repair, replacement of damaged hardware, or remediation of pre-existing deficiencies be separately funded through Work Orders or PIDs?

Please also provide the current manhole, handhole, and building entrance terminal inspection records, including open discrepancies.

Answer 61 - The corrective actions listed above are to be expected and all corrective actions besides structural repair of the Handholes and Manholes are the responsibility of the contractor (expectations are listed under PWS Section 3.2) and will not be funded through Work Orders or PIDs. Structural repair (including cable racking systems) and any additional inspections that surpass the yearly requirements may be funded through Work Orders or PIDs. Discrepancies are expected for all PMIs, and the contractor should expect to start from the beginning. Any information systems that provide records of PMI’s will be provided to the successful contractor.

Question 62 - Please confirm the Government-furnished workspace described in PWS Appendix B.1.1 — approximately 960 square feet, storage in Building 31 (WS) and Building 129 (AB) — reflects current availability and identify the number of workstations provided.

Answer 62 - It does reflect current availability and the number of workstations provided will reflect the number of staffed personnel determined by the successful contractor.

Question 63 - Reference file FY27-FY31_BTS_OM_Combined_Synopsis_Solicitation.pdf;

Technical Capability. Is a technical write-up/proposal required addressing each PWS paragraph and how the offerors approach to meeting each PWS requirement or is the offeror required to submit the items listed in RFO Provision 52.212-1, Instructions to Offerors? If a technical write-up/proposal is required is there a required format the offeror should follow (margins, font and font size, page limit, etc.)?

Answer 63 - No technical write up is required. The offeror shall submit required documentation to assess performance capability as notated in the Reference file FY27- FY31_BTS_OM_Combined_Synopsis_Solicitation.pdf.

Question 64 - Reference file FY27-FY31_BTS_OM_Combined_Synopsis_Solicitation.pdf;

Technical Capability (5) Submit proof of current BICSI certification for each key personnel OR, in lieu of BICSI certification, submit proof that each key personnel have three (3) years’ experience in the installation of the specified copper and fiber optic cable and components. They shall have factory or factory approved certification from each equipment manufacturer indicating that they are qualified to install and test the provided products. Would the Government provide the names and contact information so the offeror can reach out to the incumbent personnel?

Answer 64 – No.

Question 65 - Do the incumbent personnel have the certifications, training and capabilities required/identified in the PWS?

Answer 65 – The Government confirms that incumbent personnel possess the certifications and qualifications required under the PWS associated with the current contract. However, offerors are advised that the PWS for this new procurement of services contains updated certification and training requirements. All offerors are responsible for quoting personnel who meet the specific qualifications, training, and capabilities identified in this solicitation's PWS. Please note that, as detailed in PWS Section 5.10.3, Required Certifications, and its subsections, some revised certifications are permitted to be obtained up to 180 days after the PoP start date.

Question 66 - Is past performance information required for the prime contractor and subcontractor?

Answer 66 – Yes.

Question 67 - The Equipment and Installation Performance Specification (EIPS) is references multiple times in the PWS. The EIPS provides detailed descriptions of the material and labor effort (e.g. material, labor, and incidentals for installation, removal, and/or relocation) required for the pricing table and identified by PIDs. Please provide the EIPS so specific site requirements can be priced.

Answer 67 – The EIPS document has been deemed unnecessary for this acquisition. All references have been removed from the PWS.

Question 68 - Due to fluctuations in raw materials, tariffs and other global uncertainty will economic price adjustments (EPAs) be allowed if the contractor provides documentation from the manufacturer of significant increases?

Answer 68 – No.

Question 69 – PWS Workload Estimates: DB-500 DBA WO’s and WS-350 annually. “* The number of Davis Bacon Act (DBA) WO’s is included in this table to provide an estimate of how many of the total estimated number of WO’s which require DBA. These are included in the number of Routine, Priority, or Emergency WO’s as they could fall into any of those categories as well.” Question: Please confirm all WO’s listed in Section 3.4 of the PWS require DBA

Answer 69 - The Emergency, Priority, and Routine Work Order Averages for the AB and NWS add up to total 500 and 350 (respectively) and are listed under DBA Work Order Averages because any number of Work Orders that occur in a year COULD BE DBA Work Orders. This is not to be construed as 500/350 Work Orders all involving DBA each year.

Question 70 - What specific equipment is covered by the Voice Switching System (VSS) Sustainment (PWS Appendix B.2.17)?

Answer 70 – Appendix B lists the equipment. “B.2.17 Voice Switching System (VSS) Sustainment: For equipment specified in Appendix B, Tiers 2 and 3 support”

Question 71 - Does the Government provide workstations and computers on the AF network to accomplish O&M requirements? Please provide location and quantity?

Answer 71 - Yes, the Government will provide the necessary amount of workstations/computers on AFNET for the amount of personnel that are staffed by the successful contractor at NWS BLDG 302 and AB BLDG 129.

Question 72 - Appendix D, Cable Maintenance – Includes random testing, swapping pairs, tagging, identifying, pair/strand testing and repairing, and ensuring splice case enclosure integrity (when visible to inspect). When the CSO (in conjunction with the CO) determines that an excessive number of pairs are defective, the CSO may direct under O&M that repairs be undertaken. Replacement of an entire cable under O&M is not expected, only repairs of splices, bad cross-connections, etc. Question: If the contractor is directed under O&M repairs be undertaken, is the Government or the contractor responsible for the cost of materials?

Answer 72 - If troubleshooting identifies that no repairs can be made to resolve issues due to cable degradation a Work Order would be submitted for the BTS contractor to replace the cable and the cost associated would be paid for by the Government through the contract.

Question 73 - PID #1852, 1856, 1857, 1858 and 1861. There is a purchase and install PID for each of these PIDs, however, there is a note stating installation price includes all required material. Please clarify if there is a PID for the material purchase and a PID for the installation cost. What costs are to be included in each PID?

Answer 73 - There is not a purchase cost listed as the material cost is included in the installation price listed for each of the above listed PIDs. There should only be an “Installation Cost” and “Estimated FY (Fiscal Year) Installation Cost” listed. The installation price covers the cost of all material/tools or equipment needed to complete the installation

Question 74 – Will the Government provide the site-visit attendees?

Answer 74 – No.

Question 75 - Request the submittal date be extended until August 21, 2025.

Answer 75 – No.

Question 76 - The RFQ requires the contractor/offeror to be certified as an “Authorized Business Partner” of Avaya Government Solutions Inc. To promote maximum small-business competition while preserving the Government’s requirement for OEM-qualified support, will the Government amend the solicitation to permit this requirement to be satisfied by a vendor performing the Avaya-specific portion of the requirement?

Answer 76 – No.

Question 77 - The RFQ separately requires the contractor/offeror to be qualified to provide Avaya “Switch Maintenance Support Services.” Please identify the specific Avaya credential, designation, authorization, or other documentation the Government will recognize as proof of this qualification and identify the specific PWS functions for which the qualification is required.

To avoid unnecessarily restricting competition based on a corporate designation rather than demonstrated technical capability, will the Government amend the solicitation to permit an offeror to satisfy this requirement through equivalent evidence of capability, including recent experience maintaining comparable Avaya switching and VoIP environments, documented access to OEM technical escalation and software support, and/or the qualification of a named subcontractor or contractor team member performing the applicable switch-maintenance work?

If equivalent evidence will be accepted, please identify the minimum documentation the offeror must submit for the Government to determine technical acceptability.

Answer 77 - The required Avaya certifications needed such as “Avaya Authorized Business Partner” and are listed in PWS Sections 3.1.2, 5.10.3.2, and 5.10.3.1. The PWS states that “Any personnel working with the most current Avaya CM software under this contract must maintain current approved qualification standards and requirements in accordance with DoDD 8140.01, CYBERSPACE WORKFORCE MANAGEMENT and DoDM 8140.03, CYBERSPACE WORKFORCE QUALIFICATION AND MANAGEMENT PROGRAM which include the following certificates: Certificate of Completions for Administration of Avaya's Communication Manger, System Manager, Aura Session Manager, and Session Border Controller Enterprise”. Avaya ASAC – 0037, and 0038 are alternatives to the above-mentioned required certifications for the Switch Technician besides the Avaya SBCE certification. The Government will not be amending the solicitation, however, please see the answers to question #2 and #30 on the Governments responses for Prime/Sub meeting the necessary requirements.

Question 78 - The RFQ requires the contractor/offeror to be authorized as a reseller of Avaya Government Solutions maintenance, repair services, repair parts, and spare parts. Because a contractor may obtain OEM-authorized maintenance coverage, repair services, and genuine Avaya parts through an authorized reseller or distribution channel without being a reseller itself, will the Government amend the solicitation to require documented access to an authorized Avaya supply and support channel rather than requiring the prime offeror to hold direct reseller authorization?

Answer 78 – No.

Question 79 - The RFQ requires submission of a Key Personnel List and proof of BICSI certification, or the stated experience and manufacturer-certification alternative, for each key person. Please clarify: (1) which labor categories or positions are designated as key personnel and subject to this requirement; and (2) whether offerors must submit named individuals, resumes, and individual certification documentation with their quotations, or whether offerors may submit a Key Personnel Qualification Matrix identifying the applicable labor categories, required qualifications, and a commitment to provide fully qualified personnel by the start of performance. If resumes are required, please identify the positions for which they are required, the required resume content, and whether letters of commitment must also be submitted.

Answer 79 - Please see Answer 87.

Question 80 - Can the Government provide the manufacturer part numbers (or other identifying information) for the items listed within the Product Identification (PID) workbook, where applicable? This information will help ensure accurate pricing and minimize the potential for quoting incorrect products.

Answer 80 – The Government will not be providing part numbers for all PID List items.

If the offeror has a list of PID items that need further clarification, contact the Contract Specialist.

Question 81 - Can the Government identify the current incumbent contractor, contract number, and current period of performance for this requirement?

Answer 81 – Leader Communication Inc, FA441822F0016, 01 Oct 2021 – 30 Sep 2026.

Question 82 - Will the Government provide all required Government-Furnished Equipment (GFE), Government-Furnished Information (GFI), software licenses, system documentation, and configuration information necessary to perform the required operations and maintenance services?

Answer 82 - Yes, however, the GFE is to not include equipment/tools such as fusion splicers, cable testers, or any equipment/tools that is necessary for BTS contractors to complete Work Orders or Repairs. The contractor is expected to provide those necessary tools, vehicles, etc. Any material that needs to be purchased to complete Work Orders (such as phones) will be from the PID list and funded through the contract.

Question 83 - Will the Government provide the successful contractor with existing system documentation, network diagrams, equipment inventories, maintenance records, and configuration backups during the transition period?

Answer 83 – Yes.

Question 84 - Will current Telecommunications Management System (TMS), CAIRS, and CIPS records be made available to the successful contractor during the transition period?

Answer 84 – Yes.

Question 85 - Will the Government provide the successful contractor with a current asset inventory during the transition period?

Answer 85 – Yes.

Answer 86 – (Questions 12, 13, 14, 36, 37, & 38). This section will provide answers to all the associated questions that are…