Questions and Answers.pdf

Questions and Answers

ALL Questions: MUST be received by Thursday, March 14th by 10am (Mountain Standard/Daylight Time).

All questions must be submitted by email to amber.moore.15@us.af.mil and trisha.lamarr@us.af.mil

Solicitation Number #

FA461323

Question

Question/Comment/Clarification

Government Response

1) Will this contract be classified as a Specialty Trades Contract for the purposes of FAR 52.219-14?

This will fall under services IAW FAR 52.219- 14(e)(1)

2) Can you please advise what will be covered in the visit or the visit’s agenda?

It is anticipated the buildings on the initial task order will be visited during the site visit.

3) would the government consider a non-Disabled Vets Teaming partner to qualify the past work experience?

The Contractor shall utilize employees who have adequate training, skills, and knowledge to perform the requirements in this PWS. The prime contractor shall have past experience that meets our requirement.

4) In building 1240 there is wall jack that was missed will it be included?

The contractor will confirm jack locations with an initial survey of the building. What is on the floor plans are estimates.

5) Will cable be removed and new cables put into service right away?

If a user is using a port location, that port will stay active until such time a cut over can take place. Or the user will have an option to telework or VPN.

6) What is estimated start date?

The estimated award date is mid-April. Start date will be identified in the task order schedule of work

7)

For the quad and six plex faceplate outlets, are the voice and data cables evenly distributed? If not, how many voice and data are at each faceplate? Example: 4 gang faceplates would have 2 data, 2 voice and 6 gang faceplates would have 3 data, 3 voice.

Yes, per the PWS

8)

For the CLIN structure and duration of the project, is there a reason that this project needs to be spread out over 5 years? Given the amount of work and estimated value, it is reasonable to complete within 8 months to a single year at most. A structured pre-determined work schedule would also be cost effective to the small business and would provide less risk to the government, would the government accept a different CLIN structure that allows a shorter period of performance and different CLIN pricing?

The 5-year spread was due to funding.

At this time, it is anticipated all task orders will be made within 3 months of the initial task order.

9) For 2 buildings Is there any guarantee on total drops that will get approved in 5 year span?

Drops are only estimates and no guarantee may be made prior to task orders. A total not to exceed amount is provided within Attachment 2 – Contract Line Item Number Structure

10) Will the wiring installations at each building be installed back-to-back or in phases throughout the 5-year POP?

At this time, it is anticipated all task orders will be made within 3 months of the initial task order. This will allow a small gap in between task orders.

11)

If the project is NOT a back-to-back installation per building how much time should the contractor assume between task orders for each building phase?

At this time it is anticipated there will be a few months gap to phase the task orders.

12) Will the invoicing to the Government be per building as they are completed?

Invoicing is to be done at time work is complete

13)

Will the contractor be responsible for the cutover phase (installing patch cords, installing switches) at each building or just the old cable removal?

The contractor will use existing patch cords at both the user end and at the patch panels. Patch panels will mount at the same slot location as the one that was taken out.

14)

Will the contractor need to provide the patch cords for both ends (MDF/IDF and workstation)?

Contractor will use existing patch cords on both ends.

15)

Will the racks and wire management already be in place at the MDF/IDF in the buildings or should we assume new racks and wire management at each building?

Contractor will use existing racks.

Include but is not limited to install faceplates, patch panel(s), cable management, terminations, labeling, and any other work as identified in this PWS.

16)

Should the contractors assume that there is existing pathway in the buildings that we can re-use (j-hooks, tray)?

Yes. Contractor will bring it to the attention of the pathway to the COR during initial survey or on site during the installation process. Supporting Hardware associated with it is on the contractor.

17)

In section 4.7.5 Asbestos – If Asbestos or Lead is found and needs to be removed can the contractor provide a change order to the Government for the abatement cost?

CLINS should cover the entirety of the efforts performed IAW the PWS

18)

PWS/3/1.1- States “Analog cables terminated to 66 termination punch down Blocks shall be removed unless otherwise directed.” Please clarify abatement of analog cable will only pertain to Work Area Outlets (WAO) that are replaced as part of each Task Order issued. And the limits of the abatement only extend from the WAO to first termination point located in the Computer Equipment Room (CER) (IE: patch panel, 66/110 block) and not to the Building Entrance Terminal (BET)

Per the PWS, cables terminated to 66 blocks will be removed and disposed of. Contractor will install new cabling from the patch panel to user ports. The Building Entrance terminal will stay in place. This we will go over during initial walkthrough while moving from building to building with the COR. Per the PWS, the contractor will remove CAT 5 or older type cabling.

19)

PWS/3/1.1.1- Implies that contractor is to reuse existing pathways whenever possible where there are no defects and cable fill will not exceed 40%. It also states that all cable pathways existing and new will be secured per TIC standards. If the existing pathway is found to be out of compliance after award will the government amend/modify the Task Order so this cost can be accounted for?

All costs associated with work performed under this contract shall be incorporated into the CLIN pricing

20)

(PWS/3/1.1.2)(TIC/11/Fig1)- Outlines the configuration of a Duplex WOA (1 white and 1 green). It does not outline the configuration for the quadplex & sixplex port drops indicated on the provided floorplans. Can the government provide the configuration details for these?

YES.

For quadplex and six plex Per each row:

The white is on the left and green on the right in that sequence while facing the cover plate.

21)

PWS/4/1.1.6)(TIC/13/Fig3)-The PWS states that all patch panels shall have a minimum of twelve

(12) ports of sparing after all cables are connected and that each jack from a WAO shall terminate on the same patch panel. The TIC states port density should be configured to allow 40% future expansion.

a. Is the twelve (12) port sparing requirment applicable to both 24 and 48 port patch panels?

This would result in 50% or 25% port sparing respectively.

b. On the 48 port patch panels this would be below the suggested 40% sparing.

c. Is the 40% sparing based on the total number of ports connected to the CER or should sparing be calculated at the patch panel level?

At a minimum, 12 ports per building.

22)

(PWS/4/1.1.7)-State the work space shall be clean and restored to the original condition. The Contractor will be responsible for moving furniture to access the work location in ~50% of the buildings. Will the Government/End User be responsible for the securing/removal of sensitive and/or delicate items?

PWS has been updated – Contractor is no longer responsible for moving furniture

23)

PWS/4/1.1.10- State the contractor shall secure pathway with fire stop/block material.

a. Can the government provide drawing/floorplans showing which walls are designated as fire/smoke barriers?

b. If drawing/floorplan cannot be provided, will the government agree that the contractor is only responsible for restoring fire/smoke barrier material for existing pathways that are re-used?

There are no drawings that will show fire/smoke barrier. This will be looked at during the initial survey with the contractor and the COR.

Contractor is responsible for fireproofing existing and new pathways used after installing cabling.

24)

PWS/5/1.1.11.2&3-States that prior to negotiating any individual TO, the contractor and government will conduct a pre-proposal site visit for each. And the response time for the contractor proposal will be typically 10 days for routine TOs vs 5 days for quick response TOs.

a. How far in advance will the pre-proposal site visits be scheduled?

b. How soon will formal Request For Information (RFIs) and Clarification need to submitted after the site visit, and will the proposal for the TO be extended till all RFIs/Clarifications are answered?

A. Site visits will be scheduled as soon as the Government has notice of funding.

B. Formal RFIs and Clarifications are not required as Simplified Acquisitions Procedures are being used to award. The Q&A will cover all questions presented by contractors.

C. Awardee, customer, and contracting can work through all details of TOs prior to the issuance of the

TO.

25)

PWS/11/4.7.5- States the contractor must test for asbestos/lead prior to drilling and the government will not provide and ACM report for buildings for which TOs are issued.

a. To what extent is the contractor responsible for the abatement of asbestos or lead containing materials? (Immediate area/surface disturbed, Immediate area/surface disturbed+12” radius)

Response from Civil Engineering:

In most cases they will only abate where new construction, ie: walls, windows, etc, are to be installed.

They won’t necessarily go much further outside of immediate areas needed for work. So I would think only a few inches to each side of an area.

26)

PWS/11/4.8.2- Can the government provide a map/list of building that have confined spaces, and provide parameter for what is confined space per the Base Safety Office?

A list does not exist. This will be looked at with the contractor and COR during initial survey prior to the task order. Contractor will use its own company policy when entering confined spaces.

27)

Is the “NTE Qty” for each CLIN going to release each year or is it the expected total to be released over the 5 period of the contract?

The not to exceed (NTE) amount is the maximum total number of drops for the entirety of the IDIQ

28) What is the expected release schedule for the remaining buildings/drops?

It is anticipated all task orders will be made within approximately 3 months of the initial task order

29)

Is the contractor utilizing the current rack or cabinet for installing the new Cat 6 cable and patch panel, or is it expected that the contractor will provide new racks and cabinets for each building's data room or communication room?

Contractor will used the same patch panel space on the existing racks where the old one was removed.

30)

Will the awarded contractor for this project be required to follow the licensing requirements for the state of Wyoming – Low Voltage Technician?

The Contractor shall utilize employees who have adequate training, skills, and knowledge to perform the requirements in this PWS.

31) Is it a requirement for the awarded contractor to hold a state of Wyoming business license?

The Contractor shall utilize employees who have adequate training, skills, and knowledge to perform the requirements in this PWS.

32)

Is there an approved equal product line that can be installed opposed to the OCC manufactures products in the bid documents?

Equal but liked products other than OCC parts will be reviewed and approved by the COR.

33)

If OCC is the only connectivity product that is approved for the jacks, faceplates, what brand of cable and patch panels is to be used.

Plenum cable will be used.

Patch panel will have 110 interfaces, punch down style with non-removal port modules. It will have non removal Identifying port numbers for the port recognition.

34)

It was stated in the job walk that this project is a “rip and replace” of the existing category 3/5 cabling, for pricing purposes, can we assume we will not need to provide any ceiling or vertical pathways for the replacement cat 6 cabling?

Includes conduit, surface raceway, ceiling hangers, etc.

The Contractor shall be responsible to define the space and cable pathway (equipment rooms, telephone closets, conduits, and wire ways) at the sites and obtain COR approval prior to position in new pathway

35)

During the job walk we identified multiple 25 pair cables that are required to be removed in building 1501, do we need to provide a single allowance for this type of work for just the building 1501 installation?

The contractor will remove Category 5 (CAT 5) or older cables in every building. This will be pointed out during initial site survey with the awarded contractor.

36)

Considering the age of some of the buildings on the base, will the base be responsible for asbestos testing and abatement to ensure contractor safety?

Contractor is responsible for asbestos testing and abatement

37)

While running new cat 6 cabling, if access is required in an area above a “hard lid” ceiling, who will be responsible for installing a new access panel?

Per the PWS. The contractor.

38)

After installing the new cat 6 cabling in the existing pathways, will the contractor be responsible for sleeving and firestopping all pathways, even if they did not have this previously?

YES

The contractor will secure the pathway used with fire stop/block material.

39) Is this project tax exempt? The federal government does not pay taxes

40) Are restrooms available for contractor use? Yes.

41)

Is any asbestos testing required as part of the contractors scope?

IAW the PWS the contractor must test for asbestos and lead prior to drilling into the real property

42)

SOW 1.1.1 states new pathways may be required. How many LF of pathways should be priced, to ensure all proposals include the same quantities?

Pricing is broken down by outlet type: duplex, quadplex, and sixplex. All costs associated with work performed under this contract shall be incorporated into the CLIN pricing.

43)

Is a low voltage WY license required for this work?

a. If yes, what is the ratio of licensed installers to unlicensed?

Contractor will utilize employees who have adequate training, skills, and knowledge to perform the requirements in this PWS.

44)

Is traffic control required on base or are cones sufficient?

a. If yes, will we need to submit our plan to the base for approval?

There are no traffic control concerns or approvals for this project.

45)

If ceiling panels need replaced, is owner stock available for a maximum number of replacements?

The Contractor shall be responsible for replacing ceiling panels that are damaged by contractor.

46)

Please confirm “as-built” drawings can be provided in PDF red-lined format.

PDF format is acceptable.

47)

Please confirm attachment 7 is to be replaced by attachment 7a in our proposal. They appear to be the same format, with 7a providing quantities.

Attachment 7 is the format that will be used for task orders. Attachment 7a is specific for the two buildings specified that will be on the first task order

48)

Attachment 2 appears to have the same table as attachment 7 and 7a. Are we to fill out all 3 of the attachments and include in our proposal?

Please clarify which line item structure(s)are to be filled out and included in our proposal.

Attachment 7 is the format for future task orders – this does not need to be complete at this time.

Attachment 7a is for buildings 1501 and 1240 – this will be complete prior to the task order and does not need to be complete at this time.

Attachment 2 is the pricing and should be submitted with proposal.

49)

How many contractors will be awarded into this

IDIQ?

This is a single award IDIQ meaning that there is only one awardee

50)

What is the period of performance for this first task proposal we are pricing?

Period of performance will be determined at the task order level. Once task order is made the project must be complete no later than 365 days

51)

Are there any brand or model requirements for the replacement of all cabling and punch down blocks/panels?

Equal but liked products other than OCC parts will be reviewed and approved by the COR.

52)

Are there any specific required disposal procedures or regulations for all cabling and termination punch down blocks/patch panels?

It is the responsibility of the contractor dispose of all residues from this project off base IAW federal, and local environmental laws and regulations.

53)

Are there any special clearance or certification requirements for contractor personnel working on the military installation?

The contractor will pass a security background check before entering the base.

Some of this work will take place in secure areas where Contractor employees must be escorted at all times. This will be coordinated by the COR.

54)

Are there any timeline constraints for completing the cable replacement services in each of the specified buildings beyond Section

4.5 Location/Hours of Operation?

Extended time other than noted in 4.5 will be coordinated with the COR and building users ahead of time.

On family down days some building may be locked but coordination may be made in advance to continue working if escorts are available.

55)

Can you provide details about the expected quality standards for the cable replacement work, specifically testing requirements?

The Telecommunications Industry Standards (TIA)

56)

Will there be any coordination required with other contractors or personnel working on concurrent projects within the buildings?

Concurrent projects in buildings will be coordinated with the COR for performance issue resolution.

57)

Will we be allowed to place an office trailer and or material trailers. If so, where may they be placed.

Every work area location has parking lots for daily work and overnight parking/staging at Building 333.

58)

What is needed to get into the Secure rooms and what limitations will there be working in the room?

Some of this work may l take place in secure areas where Contractor employees must be escorted at all times. This will be coordinated by the COR.

59)

How do you want the first task order broken out from the overall bid?

Please complete and submit Attachment 2 and Attachment 9

60)

How many buildings will a task order typically have?

This will vary depending on money received. Offeror must confirm the ability to complete all buildings within 365 days.