FA445223Q0016 - Questions-Responses - (rev 6-15-2023).pdf

FA445223Q0016

Computer Support Services

Questions and Responses (rev 6-15-2023) New Questions/Responses highlighted in yellow

Q1) Is there a current incumbent or contract number?

R1) Yes. The current incumbent is Anderson, Clinton Edward, d/b/a CEA Information Technology Services. Contract number is FA445220P0005.

Q2) Incumbent: Is the incumbent eligible to rebid?

R2) Yes, as long as they meet all the eligibility requirements outlined in the Combined Synopsis/Solicitation.

Q3) Clarification on Scope: Are there any specific tasks or responsibilities that need further clarification or detail?

R3) Additional information is required to provide a response for this question. Refer to the PWS for all specific tasks and responsibilities that the awarded Vendor will be responsible for in the performance of the contract. If the Vendor that submitted this question requires further clarification and/or detail of any portion of the PWS, provide a question that references the specific PWS paragraph.

Q4) Evaluation Criteria: What are the key evaluation criteria that will be used to assess proposals? What is the relative importance of cost versus technical capability in the evaluation process?

R4) The evaluation criteria and basis of award are already stated in the Combined Synopsis/Solicitation document, refer to that document for the evaluation process. IAW FAR 13.106-1(a)(2)(iii) solicitations are not required to state the relative importance assigned to each evaluation factor, refer to the basis of award on the Government’s evaluation process.

Q5) Timeline: What is the expected timeline for the project? Are there any key milestones or deadlines that the contractor should be aware of?

R5) Refer to the Combined Synopsis/Solicitation paragraph (xv) for RFQ due dates, and paragraph (vi) for periods of performance. Contract award is anticipated on or about 6/30/2023.

Q6) Reporting Requirements: What are the reporting requirements? How often are reports expected and what should they include?

R6) Refer to the PWS for reporting requirements.

Q7) Performance Metrics: What performance metrics will be used to evaluate the success of the project?

R7) Refer to the PWS paragraph 6, Performance Requirements Summary for performance objectives/standards/thresholds.

Q8) Resources: What resources will be provided by the government, and what resources are expected to be provided by the contractor?

R8) This information is already in the PWS, refer to that document.

Q9) Security and Compliance: Are there any specific security or compliance requirements that the contractor should be aware of?

R9) Security/compliance requirements are already in the PWS, refer to that document.

Q10) Changes in Scope: What is the process for handling changes in scope or additional work that is not specified in the initial contract?

R10) There are various contract processes available. In-scope changes will likely be negotiated between both parties IAW FAR Clause 52.212-4(c) ‘Changes’, which will be in the contract. Additional work deemed out of scope will likely not be added to the contract.

Q11) Payment Terms: What are the payment terms? When can the contractor expect to receive payment for services rendered?

R11) FAR Clause 52.212-4(i)(2) states that the Government will make payment in accordance with the Prompt Payment Act ( 31 U.S.C.3903), which is usually 30-days after a proper invoice has been submitted. However, for small businesses the Prompt Payment Act requires that the head of an agency establish an accelerated payment date with a goal of 15 days after a proper invoice is submitted.

- NOTE: As the CLIN structure is based on a Unit of Issue of ‘Sessions’ as defined in the PWS, and the RFQ does not expressly provide specific billing/invoicing guidance, expect an Amendment to this RFQ to be provided in the near future with billing terms/conditions that allow for only 1 monthly invoice for the sessions performed that month.

Q12) Past Performance: How much weight is given to past performance in the evaluation process?

R12) Refer to R4) above.

Q13) Is this a new requirement? If not does it have an incumbent/current contract number?

R13) It is not a new requirement, refer to R1) above.

Q14) Response instructions request 3-pages for relevant experience, PWS relevancy, contract and POC info; is pricing to be included as part of the 3-page response or in addition to the 3-page response?

R14) Pricing is not included as part of the 3-page Relevant Experience document submission. The pricing quote is a separate submission.

Q15) Can you clarify the government’s hardware need for the subject Request for Quote? Does this requirement involve only maintenance/servicing/training support for hardware and software? If hardware/equipment is to be provided by the contractor, could you provide a list of those items?

R15) There is not a requirement for the contractor to provide hardware (computers, etc.), the requirement is strictly a service contract as outlined in the PWS.

Q16) Is there a page limit on the proposal beyond the relevant experience document?

R16) No, however any other pages provided such as for example Capability Statements, will not be evaluated. Only the 3-page Relevant Experience document and quoted price are part of the evaluation criteria. Interested Vendors that provide additional pages are cautioned to ensure that their relevant experience submission is clearly identifiable.

Q17) How many personnel are supporting the current opportunity?

R17) The current contractor has one (1) person performing on the active contract which has a performance requirement of 3-days a week, 4-hours each day.

Q18) Who is the current incumbent? Are they eligible for rebid?

R18) Refer to R1) and R2) above.

Q19) Is an economic price adjustment permitted?

R19) No, the awarded contract will be a Firm Fixed Price (FFP) structure.

Q20) Are there any restrictions on the coordination of a vendor or subcontractor?

R20) Additional information is required to provide a response for this question, it is unclear what type of coordination is in question. However, interested Vendors that are contemplating utilizing a subcontractor are reminded that FAR Clause 52.219-14 Limitations on Subcontracting (Oct 2022) is applicable to this RFQ and the resultant contract.

Q21) Can the government elaborate more on the requirement to attend conferences, meetings, and training. i.e., potential frequency, duration. (Ref. PWS para. 2.2.1) R21) When the contractor is required to attend these events, they will occur during normally scheduled weekly sessions (PWS 2.1). Frequency would depend on any requirement of Education and Training services that needs the expertise of the computer support IT contractor to interpret and give our team answers that will best fit our needs in getting the IT related mission accomplished and supported (as indicated in PWS para 2.2.1). Frequency and Duration cannot be determined until we are handed taskings to attend throughout the year and it depends on what is being requested. For example: It's a requirement for all personnel, to include contractors, to attend Cyber Awareness training or Force Protection training, which will be virtual, but it's usually an annual requirement that all personnel must accomplish (ref PWS para 3.6). Another example: When tasked to make changes to our computer programs, it's possible that the computer support IT contractor has to be present in our meetings to give input and provide us with the best possible route to take in accomplishing the task at hand (ref PWS para 5.2.6), whether meeting with Higher Headquarters virtually or face-to-face with local leadership.

Q22) Can the government clarify the performance requirement to have "No more than 2 valid customer complaints per Fiscal Year (FY)." (Ref. PWS para. 6. performance summary table.)

R22) A Military Fiscal Year is 1 Oct-30 Sep (each year). Just as with Federal employees/Civil servants, in carrying out their duties, the computer support IT contractor must not have more than 2 valid complaints annually from customers. Example: The computers go down and a customer has arrived to test. If the computer support IT contractor does not work on getting the computer system up and running within a reasonable timeframe for the customer to test, then a complaint may be submitted by the customer. Another example: if the computer support IT contractor was due in and does not arrive on time for the scheduled session, we may get a complaint from the customer that was ready to test.

Another example: if the computer support IT contractor received electronic exams (e-exams) to update and a customer arrives in after the updates should have occurred, is ready to test, but his/her updated exam is not present, then there's a possible complaint. The contractor should inform the Flight Chief or their Representative when exams have been updated, to alleviate scheduling issues.

Q23) Can the government confirm what IT credentials and security levels are required?

R23) The IT credentials required are those that would be necessary to complete PWS requirements.

Specifically, read PWS daily job requirements of the computer support IT contractor is required to provide, it should indicate to anyone with an IT background what specific licenses and certifications are required. For example: PWS para 3.1, working with government networks, Info Technology Systems, updated software programs, software applications, servers, devices etc.). These examples reflect credentials needed, whether CompTIA Network + Security, CCNA, Microsoft fundamentals, Cloud Practioner, GISF. Security clearance requirements are stated at PWS 2.3.

Q24) The SOW outlines a contract work timeframe of 3, 4-hour blocks of required time Monday- Wednesday weekly during the contract period. Is this window of time solely for the execution of the recruitment and training sessions?

R24) The time outlined is for the contractor to conduct the work required by the PWS.

Q25) What are the core office work hours of the agency and do they apply to the contracting time to execute the responsibilities and tasks outlined in the solicitation for preparation?

R25) The place of performance where the contractor will be performing is open from 0800-1700, the contractor will perform only the 3, 4-hour sessions each week as stated in the PWS.

Q26) What level of IAT certification is required for contracting personnel?

R26) Unknown, contacting SME for answer.

Q27) The Synopsis states: Award will be made on a best value basis considering price and relevant experience. Question: Which element, price or relevant experience will be evaluated as most important?

R27) Refer to R4) above.

Q28) The Synopsis states: FAR Provision 52.212-1, Instructions to Offerors – Commercial Products and Commercial Services (Mar 2023) applies to this acquisition. The following questions are based on the information provided in this provision of the FAR

- Q28.1) The FAR States: Offers may be submitted on the SF 1449, letterhead stationery, or as otherwise specified in the solicitation. Question: Since no SF 1449 is provided for this Synopsis, are offerors required to submit on letterhead stationery?

R28.1) Yes, company letterhead is required.

- Q28.2) The FAR States: Price and any discount terms. Questions:

1. Does the Government have a specified format to submit the Price Proposal?

R28.2.1) No. The Vendor can submit the quoted price on company letterhead, or they can document their quoted price using the CLIN structure of the Combined Synopsis/Solicitation and submit that page 1.

2. Since this solicitation is not based upon a BPA or IDIQ with established labor rates, what is the basis for determining discount terms?

R28.2.2) Discount terms in this instance relates to payment of invoices, not labor rates. Usually, the Government is required to pay properly submitted invoices within 30-days, however, refer to R11) above. Vendors may provide discount terms for quicker payment of invoices if they choose to as part of their price quote.

- Q28.3) The FAR states: A completed copy of the representations and certifications at Federal

Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 52.212-3 Questions:

1. Are the offerors required to submit Reps and Certs for this proposal? If so, which clauses are offerors required to provide?

R28.3.1) Vendor’s reps and certs applicable to the Provisions in the RFQ will be reviewed and verified in SAM.gov, refer to the Combined Synopsis/Solicitation paragraph (x). Vendors are only required to submit provision reps and certs applicable to the RFQ that are not updated in SAM.gov.

2. If required, in what volume of the proposal should reps and certs be provided?

R28.3.2) If required, they should be provided as a separate document.

- Q28.4) The FAR states: If the offer is not submitted on the SF 1449, include a statement specifying the extent of agreement with all terms, conditions, and provisions included in the solicitation. Question: Are offerors required to provide this statement? If so, what volume of the proposal should contain this information?

R28.4) If no exceptions to the terms, conditions, and provisions of the RFQ are noted in the Vendor’s quote, then it is assumed there are none and they are in agreement to all terms, conditions, and provisions included in the solicitation. Any exceptions should be provided in the Vendor’s quote, either as part of their price proposal or as a separate submission document.

Q29) PWS, Section 2.1, Hours of Operation. The PWS states: The contractor shall provide 3 sessions each week. A session is defined as a 4-hour continuous work unit session. Questions:

- Q29.1) What type of training is provided during these sessions?

R29.1) Sessions as defined above is working PWS requirements, the Vendor does not conduct training.

- Q29.2) Is each session a stand-alone course or are multiple sessions provided for a single course?

R29.2) Sessions are not training or courses, they are a work session, carrying out the daily work of the contract requirements.

- Q29.3) Is the training during sessions instructor led or on-line training provided via a computer?

R29.3) Refer to R29.2)

- Q29.4) If on-line training, what software is used to provide the training?

R29.4) Various training software as used by the Air Force organization requiring the training.

- Q29.5) If on-line training, is the software used by students to take courses located on the local LAN or elsewhere?

R29.5) All training required of contractors, as required by Government staff too, are for required mandatory annual trainings that the AF requires, example such as “Cyber Awareness Training.”

There is no other training, all sessions are the actual daily work of the contractor.

- Q29.6) How do students access workstations in the computer lab? Are they using their normal work login credentials or is a separate training login credential provided for each student for each session?

R29.6) All labs are overseen by a test examiner. Active-duty members who arrive to test are guided with instructions by the Test examiner.

- Q29.7) Do students have the capability of accessing on-line courses externally from their own computer at times outside of the three sessions per week.

R29.7) Students do access military courses online outside of the testing lab, they learn their courses and course requirements, then arrive at our Flight/Section to be tested on what they have learned.

- Q29.8) Does the system supported by the contractor have a way of tracking student progress (i.e., a Learning Management System or LMS)?

R29.8) The Education Flight nor Contractor tracks a member’s progress in a military course. The Government only administers the test when members are scheduled to test on what they have learned, the contractor is not involved in the actual administer of tests.

Q30) PWS Section 2.2. Primary Place of Performance. The PWS states: In limited circumstances, the contractor may be required to provide remote contract support to Government employees that are for instance, teleworking or TDY. Questions:

- Q30.1) What type of user support is provided to remote users?

R30.1) Remote users are Education Flight users who are working from home (teleworking). The same type of IT computer support listed in the PWS is required, when the contractor can do so remotely while in the office.

- Q30.2) How many concurrent users are envisioned?

R30.2) The number of Education Flight remote users the contractor would be required to support would be infrequent, as Education Flight personnel only telework on a situational basis.

- Q30.3) Is the training system accessed remotely as well as in the classroom?

R30.3) Staff members and the contractor (when required) train in the office. Staff members may take required training remotely if they are teleworking, the contractor would always take required training on base, during a normally scheduled session.

- Q30.4) If so, how frequently are the training computer resources used remotely in addition to the three weekly training events?

R30.4) Refer to R30.2) above. PWS sessions are not training events.

- Q30.5) How many users use this system externally outside of training sessions?

R30.5) All Education Flight staff use their computer systems daily. There are currently 6 staff members and 1 vacant position. The contractor has to give support to all 6-7 staff as required by PWS requirements.

- Q30.6) Is the system accessed by users who are not students? If so, for what purpose?

R30.6) Refer to R30.5) above. Students who are testing access the lab computers only.

Q31) PWS Section 2.3.1. Professional Certification Training. The PWS states: Contractor personnel must maintain the required IT credentials. Question: What credentials are required of contractor personnel?

R31) Refer to R23) above.

Q32) PWS Section 2.5 Contractor Primary Representative. The PWS States: The Contractor shall provide an individual, and alternate, who is responsible for the performance of the work. Questions:

- Q32.1) Is the Contractor Primary Representative expected to be on-site or can they work remotely?

R32.1) On-site

- Q32.2) If remote, at what days and times are they expected to be available?

R32.2) Not applicable.

Q33) PWS Section 2.7, Phase In/Phase Out period. The PWS States: To minimize any decreases in productivity and to prevent possible negative impacts on services, the Contractor shall participate in any phase in period of an incoming contractor. Questions:

- Q33.1) Is there an incumbent contractor currently performing this work? If so, please provide the name of the contractor and the contract number.

R33.1) Refer to R1) above

- Q33.2) If there is no incumbent contractor, how is the work currently being performed?

R33.2) Not applicable.

- Q33.3) What is the length of the Phase In period?

R33.3) Contractors (with the required IT certifications/credentials) are expected to learn operations, especially office programs within 2 weeks of contract performance (6-sessions).

- Q33.4) How many FTE are being currently utilized to perform this work?

R33.4) Refer to R17) above

Q34) PWS Section 5.1.1, Task Area i. The PWS states: 5.1.1 The contractor shall install and maintain the network architecture of the computer labs, including complete classroom configuration. Question:

Is this computer lab currently set up and running, or will the contractor be required to set it up from scratch?

R34) It’s currently set up. There is a requirement to set up the computers for electronic WAPS testing (e- WAPS), meaning Weighted Airmen Promotion testing, going from paper/pencil to electronic testing.

Q35) PWS Section 5.1.2. The PWS states: 5.1.2 The contractor shall administer the Windows based classroom and testing room servers, personal computer, smart-boards, all multi-media components and peripherals. Question: Please identify the number and type of equipment other than servers and workstations in the computer lab for which the contractor is responsible.

R35) There are 2 computer labs (PME and WAPS/Military testing). There will be 22 computers in the WAPS/Mil testing lab and 5 computers in the PME testing lab. All equipment in these labs (Used for testing personnel), will be required to be maintained by the contractor.

Q36) PWS Section 5.1.3. The PWS states: 5.1.3 The contractor shall troubleshoot Ethernet LAN networking and protocols. Provide technical support for system security, user account management.

Questions:

- Q36.1) What type of user accounts are set up by the contactor?

R36.1) The contractor will have administrator rights to most IT set ups.

- Q36.2) Do students and other personnel use their normal work accounts to access the system, or are special accounts provided by the contractor?

R36.2) The contractor does not provide a special account for students. All staff and students use their own access card.

- Q36.3) If specialized user accounts are created, are they created for each session, or on some other basis?”

R36.3) Not applicable.

Q37) PWS Section 5/1/4. The PWS states: 5.1.4 The contractor shall prepare and maintain up to date education client requirements prior to scheduled test sessions. Questions:

- Q37.1) Please describe the “education client requirements” identified in this section which must be set up prior to scheduled test sessions.

R37.1) Test sessions directly before testing does not require anything, unless the computers are not working. The test examiner sets up before testing, when computers are operational.

- Q37.2) How frequently are test sessions held?

R37.2) For PME testing, 2-3 days per week, when the contractor is in. For WAPS/Mil testing, everyday but Fridays.

Q38) PWS Section 5.1.6. The PWS states: 5.1.7 The contractor shall formulate, develop, and document procedures for the solution of application and computer lab network problems. Question: What applications are currently in use in the computer lab.

R38) Primarily, all military applications, no outside types of applications, other than Microsoft, the programs that comes with (or already installed) in order to use the computers.

Q39) PWS Section 5.1.8. The PWS states: The contractor shall update e-Exams and keep communication lines/phones updated and inform the FSD once completed. Questions:

- Q39.1) What software is used to provide e Exams?

R39.1) Software from Prometric for e-WAPS and Military software for PME and other military testing.

- Q39.2) How frequently are e-Exams performed?

R39.2) Refer to R37.2) above.

- Q39.3) What specific tasks are required of the contractor to “keep communication lines open”?

R39.3) Keep the Flight Chief or designated reps aware of all actions being done, and problems with the equipment which will hinder testing. In addition, the contractor should inform/explain other instances the Flight Chief of any other issues encountered in performing PWS requirements.

Q40) PWS Section 5.2.2. The PWS states: 5.2.2 The contractor shall install, maintain, and administer education software programs. Implement and maintain ghosting software for classroom and end user programs. Questions:

- Q40.1) What education software programs are used in the computer lab?

R40.1) Currently we use MyLearning, Person Vue along with other testing programs. Contractor must be able to remove, install and update all software programs associated with the day-to-day operations of the Education Flight.

- Q40.2) What ghosting software is used for this system?

R40.2) Unknown. Not sure what ghosting software programs are used, because these programs are remotely installed and managed by the Pope AAF 43d Communications Squadron.

Contractor would need to coordinate with them to insure the proper application/operation of the ghosting programs.

- Q40.3) Is “ghosting” the function of backing up and restoring data on servers and workstations?

R40.3) Refer to R40.2) above.

- Q40.4) If not, what does ghosting entail?

R40.4) Refer to R40.2) above.

Q41) PWS Section 5.2.4. The PWS states. 5.2.4 The contractor shall provide hardware and software support to systems and end users. The contractor shall respond to end user requests for assistance.

Interface with systems vendors and the Enterprise Service Desk (ESD) regarding identified issues.

Questions:

- Q41.1) During what hours and days is the contractor required to be available to respond to service requests for assistance?

R41.1) The contractor is required to respond to end user requests for assistance only during PWS 2.1 Hours of Operation

- Q41.2) What Tier 2 and Tier 3 hardware and software support is available to the contractor for serious issues or Is the contractor expected to provide Tier 2 and Tier 3 support assistance?

- R41.2) Pope AAF has a Communications Squadron that may provide higher level support if required.

Q42) PWS Section 5.3.2. The PWS states: 5.3.2 The contractor shall prepare and maintain certification and accreditation packages for all computers and servers. Question: What certification and accreditation packages are required for the servers and computers in the computer lab?

R42) Reference para 3.1, working with government networks, Info Technology Systems, updated software programs, software applications, servers, devices etc.). These examples reflect possible credentials needed, whether CompTIA Network + Security, CCNA, Microsoft fundamentals, Cloud Prac, GISF.

Q43) Synopsis, (v) CLIN Structure Page 1. The Synopsis states. Qty – 156, Unit Sessions, Price, Extended amount Question: Since the UNIT for pricing each CLIN is a “SESSION,” is it the government’s intent that the Price of each “Session” include all costs to perform the work stated in the PWS based on normal contractor work week of 40 hours?

R43) There is no specific Government intent for the price quoted by the Vendors, as it is their quote to perform the requirements of the PWS. The contractor is not required for 40-hours each week, the weekly requirement is for three 4-hour sessions each week, a 12-hour weekly total.

Q44) Synopsis, (ix), page 3. The Synopsis states: (ix) Pursuant to FAR 12.602, contract award will be made using Simplified Acquisition Procedures in accordance with FAR 13.106. Vendor’s submissions will be evaluated based upon the following: (1) Price (2) Relevant Experience. Question: Since the Contracting Officer included price as an evaluation factor in this RFQ, will the agency use the LPTA evaluation method?

R44) No. Refer to the Basis of Award in the combined Synopsis/Solicitation paragraph (ix) Award will be made on a best value basis considering price and relevant experience.

Q45) Synopsis, (xii) Page 3. The Synopsis includes the following reference: 52.222-41 Service Contract Labor Standards (Aug 2018). Question:

- Q45.1) Are the labor categories in this solicitation considered to be Exempt or Non-Exempt?

R45.1) Unclear, as the service is IT related which does have certain exemptions, requested SME assistance for answer.

- Q45.2) If non-exempt, please designate the currently effective Dept. of Labor Wage Determination applicable to this RFQ?

R45.2) Pending reply.

Q46) PWS, Section 2.2.2. The PWS states: 2.2.1 Other Place of Performance Requirements: In very limited circumstances, the contractor will be required to travel in the vicinity of Ft Bragg/Pope Army Airfield, NC during the performance of this contract to support meetings, conferences, and training events. Travel costs incurred for these limited events will not reimbursed under this contract. Question:

Why does the Contracting Officer disallow a cost which the contractor would incur upon the agency’s direction to support those events, and which is otherwise allowable under FAR Part 31?

R46) The not reimbursed language will be removed from the PWS.

Q47) PWS., Section 2.1. and PWS Section 5.1. The PWS states in Section 5.1: The contractor shall be responsible for implementing and maintaining the operation of the flight’s ISP LAN requirements.

The PWS states in Section 2.1. 2.1 Hours of Operation: The contractor shall provide three sessions each week. A session is defined as a 4-hour continuous work unit session. Regular scheduled sessions shall be provided Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday of each week from 0800-1200. Question: The Specific Tasks stated in PWS Part 5 will require the contractor to work well beyond the limited days and hours for sessions stated in PWS Part 2.1. Will the work week for contractor employees be Monday to Friday, 0800 to 1600?

R47) The specific tasks will not require the contractor to work beyond three 4-hour sessions per week.

This is a mature requirement; the current and previous contractors have performed satisfactorily at the levels stated in PWS 2.1.

Q48) PWS Section 3.4. The PWS states 3.4 Equipment: The Government will provide use of a computer system and authorized access to applications, systems, servers, appliances, devices, and other related equipment as needed. Question: Will the government furnish a laptop computer with Internet access to each contractor employee?

R48) Yes.

Q49) PWS Section 2.1. The PWS states: 2.1 Hours of Operation: The contractor shall provide three sessions each week. A session is defined as a 4-hour continuous work unit session. Regular scheduled sessions shall be provided Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday of each week from 0800-1200.

Question: Is the contractor ONLY working during the “session times” and will there be contract work performed during “non-session” hours?

R49) The contractor will only be providing PWS requirements during the scheduled sessions, there is no ‘non-session’ performance requirements.

Q50) PWS Section 5.1.2. The PWS states: 5.1.2 The contractor shall administer the Windows based classroom and testing room servers, personal computer, smart-boards, all multi-media components and peripherals. Server use is subject to change to a web-based program. Questions:

- Q50.1) Does changing to a web based entail a new system or a legacy system R50.1) We currently use Web-based system, which is fairly new to the Education Flight.

- Q50.2) What web based system does the Government intend to use?

R50.2) Refer to R50.1) above.

- Q50.3) Is the contractor responsible for implementing the web based system?

R50.3) We have a web-based system in place, but the Contractor may have to implement a web-based system if requirements dictate.

- Q50.4) Do you foresee a migration occurring during the contract period; and if yes, when?

R50.4) Unsure, but we have had a migration not long ago.

- Q50.5) Will the “web-based program” require further experience and training, or will the migration be more of an upgrade than a move to a different program/software?

R50.5) It will be a migration upgrade.

Q51) PWS, Section 5.1.1. & 5.1.2. The PWS states: 5.1.1 The contractor shall install and maintain the network architecture of the computer labs, including complete classroom configuration. Questions:

- Q51.1) Are ghost images available for LAN components, servers, and workstations?

R51.1) Refer to R40.2) above.

- Q51.2) Can the offeror assume that the network environment is functioning correctly at contract start?

R51.2) Yes, however, on a daily basis, the computers could possibly go down/inoperable.

- Q51.3) Can offeror assume that all ancillary components such as smart boards etc. are functioning properly at contract start?

R51.3) Yes, but it’s unsure from day to day whether problems will occur.

Q52) The PWS states: 5.1.5 The contractor shall ensure labs are fully functional and prepared in accordance with educating client requirements prior to scheduled classes and testing. Question:

Is the computer lab used for other purposes when not in use for classes which would require reconfiguration of the room prior to each class?

R52) No.

Q53) PWS Section 5.1.8. The PWS states: The contractor shall update e-Exams and keep communication lines/phones updated and inform the FSD once completed. Question:

How often are e-Exams refreshed?

R53) Approximately quarterly.

Q54) PWS Section 5.2.3. The PWS States: 5.2.2 The contractor shall install, maintain, and administer education software programs. Implement and maintain ghosting software for classroom and end user programs. Question: Will up to date ghost images be available at contract start?

R54) Yes.

Q55) PWS Sections 5.2.3, and 5.2.4. The PWS states: 5.2.3 The contractor shall implement and maintain ghosting software for classroom and end user operating system and application replication.

Questions:

- Q55.1) How frequently are new workstation ghost images creating each year?

R55.1) Refer to R40.2) above.

- Q55.2) Currently, are ghost images created for servers? If so, how frequently are new images curated?

R55.2) Refer to R40.2) above.

Q56) PWS Section 5.2.5. The PWS states: The contractor shall be responsible for assisting education and training staff with escalated customer related issues trouble-shooting hardware and software while. Question: How many trouble tickets per week are escalated to a higher level (tier two or tier three support)?

R56) t’s hard to determine, but historically there have not been many instances.

Q57) PWS Section 5.2.6. The PWS states: Provides assistance to when Education and Training Flight is involved with briefings and/or meetings where contractor expertise is required. Questions:

- Q57.1) How frequently do these meetings occur?

R57.1) That’s hard to determine, we get last minute meeting requirements, and others in advance are hard to determine. Only once we receive them, do we then act on them.

- Q57.2) What role is the contractor expected to play in these meetings?

R57.1) Support dealing with IT questions and performance of the PWS requirements.

End of Questions and Responses