Amendment 02 - Questions and Answers.docx

Questions and Answers Q: In the Performance Work Statement under section 1.8.14, "Special Qualifications," several certifications are listed as required. Are these mandatory to bid on the project, or are they preferred qualifications that are not strictly required for eligibility?

A: We want to ensure vendors/technicians are trained and certified (if applicable) for the solution that they present.

Q: In areas without drop ceilings or existing cable trays, must the cabling be run in conduit? If so, please specify the required conduit type (e.g., EMT, rigid).

A: Yes. Conduit is required when drop ceilings and cable trays are not used to protect against physical damage. The contractor can decide which conduit type is preferred.

Q: Can we run new low voltage cabling in the existing cable tray?

A: Yes. New low voltage cabling can be run in the existing cable tray.

Q: Would you consider a cloud-based solution instead of on-premises storage?

A: No. We must have complete control over all data for the system as well as the issues that arise when there is no connection to the system.

Q: Is the existing turnstile at the fence line currently operational?

A: Yes. The Turnstile hardware works and the badge system has power. The badge system that we want replaced is stopping the operation of the turnstile.

Q: Can you provide a floor plan or schematic showing all network switch locations designated for new camera connections?

A: Yes. A diagram with the location of the network switch located in the Operations area is attached along with a photo. The network switch is located approximately 9 ft off the ground.

Q: Is IP wiring to cameras illustrated in green + all existing card access wiring to remain or be replaced?

A: All the cameras have IP wiring to them, the green in the diagrams show the cameras that we know are operational. The wiring for the badge readers can be reused if serviceable.

Q: At the end of our tour, it was mentioned there was a switch that we were not shown. This could be where the camera cables are terminated. Could you please provide a photograph of that area\equipment?

A: Yes. A diagram with the location of the network switch located in the Operations area is attached along with a photo. The network switch is located approximately 9 ft off the ground.

Q: Will the company that is awarded Phase 1, automatically be awarded for Phases 2 & 3?

A: Yes. All phases will be included on a single contract. The prices provided during the solicitation will be included in the contract and remain valid for whenever Phase 2 and 3 are exercised.

Q: Can the existing conduit cameras be reused?

A: Yes. If there is anything existing that you can be reused, please do.

Q: Is it a requirement for the new camera's to be installed in the same fashion of the existing units (i.e. in conduit).

A: Yes. Conduit is required to protect against physical damage where drop ceilings and cable trays are not available. New cameras can be mounted/installed differently in a different fashion, however, ensuring they are protected with conduit is necessary.

Q: Is it a requirement for the cables installed above the drop ceiling be in conduit?

A: No. It is not a requirement; however, we want the vendors to be mindful of maintenance and futureproofing needs.

Q: Will the two NEC monitors in the Main Office be reused or replaced?

A: We would like to replace both monitors with one or two monitors based on visual needs. The current monitors are 42 inches and there is space for up to one 75 inch monitor.

Q: The specification\scope was labeled CUI (Controlled Unclassified Information), will the installing company be required to be CMMC 2.0 (Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification) certified?

A: See DFARS 252.204-7025 in the document “Solicitation – FA449726Q0024”.

Q: Can the integrity of the cables (power and releasing circuit) feeding the gate controllers be confirmed.

A: Main personnel gate – No. The gate has not been operational in 2 years.

Vehicle gate – Yes. This gate currently has power and can be opened/closed by pushing a bottom next to the motor.

Q: Will the contractor be responsible for providing a scissor lift for the high ceiling areas.

A: As stated in the Performance Work Statement, “The Contractor shall provide all personnel, equipment, supplies, facilities, transportation, tools, materials, supervision, and other items and non-personal services necessary to perform a security system upgrade”.

Q: Is the Video intercom excluded from scope?

A: No. The video intercom system for the vehicle gate and main personnel entrance gate is part of phase 3 to have replaced.

Q: Is the Access control system excluded from the scope?

A: No. The access control system is part of Phase 1 for this project and is not excluded from the scope.

Q: Based upon the potential delay of the RFI response, will the delivery date be adjusted?

A: No amendment has been made to the solicitation at this time adjusting delivery or response dates. Any amendments containing RFI responses or changes in the solicitation will be posted to SAM.gov.

Q: Will there be asset tag removal prior to disposing of equipment which is being removed?

A: For items that are on our equipment tracking list (such as switches, servers, storage Arrays) yes; we will coordinate the removal of those devices with our higher headquarters once the devices are identified as being replaced. All items that are not on an equipment tracking list (such as the cameras and badge readers) will not require the asset tag removal. All devices that have internal storage will be cleaned of all data prior to removal, coordinating with the JPED S6.

Q: It looks like the solicitation may be seeking a new visitor management system. However, one of the documents also appears to reference an existing visitor management system as part of the current security environment. Could you clarify whether the Government is looking to fully replace the existing visitor management system, modernize or upgrade the current system, or provide a solution that integrates with the existing security infrastructure?

A: We are looking to fully replace the existing access control system with a modern and supported solution that fits our operations.

Q: The PWS requires an active certified Vindicator dealer with factory-trained technicians. The existing systems described in PWS 1.2 are the Brivo ACS5000-S, Nextiva 6.2 VMS, and legacy Axis and Arecont cameras. No Vindicator product appears in the scope, the CLIN descriptions, or the camera and badge placement diagrams. Vindicator dealership is an uncommon qualification among small businesses, and the number of small firms holding active certification is limited. Is a Vindicator IDS currently installed at the JPED facility? If so, is it within scope? If no Vindicator system is installed or in scope, will the Vindicator dealer and certification requirements be removed from the final solicitation? If an IDS is within scope, would the Government consider other brands with integrations that combine intrusion detection, access control, and video surveillance in a single system?

A: The Vindicator system is not within scope as that is part of a base wide contract, we require vendors to submit solutions that will not intervein in the Vindicator system’s operations.

Q: The PWS requires staff with active CSEIP and CSCIP/G, with at least two CSCIP/G-certified individuals on staff. Both credentials are issued by the Secure Technology Alliance, and both registries are small (based on the publicly listed registries). For a small business set-aside, requiring both certifications at these staffing levels will likely narrow the eligible offeror pool to a small number of firms. What specific tasks require CSEIP certification? What tasks require CSCIP/G specifically? Would the Government consider removing this requirement in favor of project experience and current manufacturer PACS training/certification?

A: While CSEIP and CSCIP/G certifications remain preferred certifications, they are not required to perform work on this contract and will not count against contractors if they do not have them. A minimum of the current PACS certification provided by the manufacturer remains mandatory to demonstrate ability and capability to install the requested systems. Our request is that the proposed solution will read Common Access Cards issued by the DoW to eliminate additional badges for employee access.

Q: The PWS requires a current ISO 9001:2015 certification. This standard is not commonly held by small security integrators at this contract scope. What quality management risks specific to this contract justify ISO 9001? Would the Government consider a detailed Quality Control Plan submitted with the proposal as an acceptable alternative?

A: Yes. The government will consider a detailed Quality Control Plan as an acceptable alternative to ISO 9001 certification.

Q: The PWS requires emergency maintenance to begin on-site within four hours. Would the Government allow for remote diagnostics first, with on-site work beginning within four hours after a remote assessment confirms it is needed?

A: The vendors will not have remote access directly to the systems. If by remote diagnostics they are meaning contacting the JPED Information Technology Specialists to do the physical troubleshooting while talking to them over a phone call, then yes remote diagnostics is possible.

Q: What is the make and model of the existing intercom system?

A: Make: AIPHONE, Model: JA-2MECD Q: Section 1.1, Pg 1 of the PWS states: Technically refresh and modernize computer hardware, software, and firmware and network infrastructure in accordance with (IAW) HSPD-12 and to perform maintenance on access control, video surveillance and visitor management systems as defined in this Performance Work Statement (PWS). The contractor shall meet the standards in this contract….Question: The summary indicates upgrade to access control, video surveillance and visitor management but references Vindicator qualifications in Section 1.8.14.5, Page 8. Vindicator is an intrusion detection system. Is this system part of the upgrade?

A: The Vindicator IDS system is part of a base wide contract and out of scope for this project. The access control system will need to operate without intervening with the Vindicator system’s operation.

Q: Section 1.8.14.2, Page 8 of the PWS states: The contractor shall have an enterprise level dealership for the manufacturer of purposed solution....Question: The Enterprise level only applies to a limited number of manufacturers, specifically Software House. Is that the intent or are you open to other qualified manufacturers?

A: We are open to all qualified manufacturers. The Enterprise level requirement is not intended to be limited to Software House; equivalent enterprise‑grade solutions from any qualified manufacturer will be accepted.

Q: Section 1.8.14.3, Page 8 of the PWS states: Contractor must be a pivCLASS certified reseller as issued by HID Global….Question: This requirement is only necessary if the proposed solution uses HID. Our products do not require HID PIV class. Can you remove this requirement?

A: The Contractor must provide a solution and be a certified reseller of a system that is fully FIPS-201 and HSPD-12 compliant for processing DoD Common Access Cards (CAC). Our request is that the proposed solution will read Common Access Cards issued by the DoW to eliminate additional badges for employee access.

Q: Section 1.8.14.1, Page 8 of the PWS states: The contractor shall have on its staff at least two CSCIP/G certified professionals:....Question: The CSEIP certification is the only requirement to service and install federal access control systems (https://www.idmanagement.gov/vendors/) and the CSCIP/G requirement is excessive, particularly for a SDVOSB. Can this requirement be removed?

A: While CSEIP and CSCIP/G certifications remain preferred certifications, they are not required to perform work on this contract and will not count against contractors if they do not have them. A minimum of the current PACS certification provided by the manufacturer remains mandatory to demonstrate ability and capability to install the requested systems. Our request is that the proposed solution will read Common Access Cards issued by the DoW to eliminate additional badges for employee access.

Q: Can this set aside be made just small business to allow for more competition?

A: No, the Contracting Officer has determined to set-aside this acquisition for Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses.