Questions and Answers- Wing VTC.pdf
PDF 87 KB Posted
- Attached to
- 355 Wing VTC Upgrade
- Solicitation number
- FA487726QA136
About this file
This is a Questions and Answers (Q&A) document for a federal audiovisual and collaboration systems procurement.
The government requires secure video teleconferencing (VTC) and collaboration capabilities across two rooms: a conference room and a communication room. The organization prefers Cisco codec platforms to build a homogenous Cisco environment, though the specific codec platform is not mandatory if alternative solutions can support NIPR and SIPR Teams meetings, as well as GVS connectivity with a simple user interface and good audio/visual setup. The procurement will not receive a DPAS rating despite manufacturer lead times. Two matching podiums are required, with one equipped with two monitors, docking stations, and KVM switches to toggle between NIPRnet and SIPRnet. A minimum of five positions at the conference table (head seat plus four side seats) must have NIPR ethernet drops and display push capabilities, with the ports designed to be aesthetically concealed. Equipment will be housed within the two rooms rather than adjoining closets, and new cable paths should be prepared if existing paths cannot be located. Installation personnel must hold Secret clearance due to both NIPRnet and SIPRnet system requirements. The government has flexibility regarding the on-site response time, accepting 24-hour response rather than the originally specified 8-hour requirement. Regarding Cisco GEMSS, the organization's guidance limits its use to network equipment and licenses such as routers, switches, and Catalyst Center, explicitly excluding VTC procurement and maintenance.
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Other files
| File | Type | Posted |
|---|---|---|
| Conference Room Pictures.pdf | ||
| 355 Wing VTC Q-A Set 1.pdf | ||
| A-V VTC Suite - Performance Work Statement_with 355CS inputs.pdf |
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1. Secure VTC Codec Platform:
For the secure VTC capability, the codec platform traditionally utilized in many government deployments has been the Cisco Codec Pro; however, that platform has recently reached End-of-Life status. Its replacement, the Cisco Codec Pro G2, is currently showing an estimated manufacturer lead time of approximately 140 days. Does your organization have any existing standards, operational preferences, or prior approvals regarding Cisco versus Poly codec platforms that would assist offerors in determining the preferred approach for this requirement?
A: Because we are working to build a homogenous Cisco environment whenever possible, our preference tends to be Cisco.
2. DPAS Rating:
Due to current manufacturer lead times affecting certain AV and collaboration hardware, will this requirement be issued with a DPAS rating to assist with procurement prioritization and schedule compliance?
A: No.
3. Lectern / Podium Quantity:
The RFQ appears to indicate a quantity of one (1) lectern/podium. During the site visit, two existing lecterns were observed within the conference room. Can the Government please confirm whether the requirement is for replacement of one lectern only, or whether both lecterns should be replaced to maintain a matching appearance within the room?
A: The requirement should be for two matching podiums. One will have the setup with 2 monitors, docking stations, and KVM to switch between NIPRnet and SIPRnet smoothly.
4. Cisco GEMSS:
If the proposed solution utilizes Cisco collaboration components, does your organization have an active DoD Cisco GEMSS agreement/contract available for use on this project? If so, providing the applicable GEMSS contract information (Available from you A6 / CIO), may allow offerors to leverage existing DoD enterprise licensing and support entitlements, potentially reducing duplicated software and maintenance costs within the proposal.
A: Our guidance for GEMSS use is solely for network equipment and licenses, such as routers, switches, and Catalyst Center. It is not meant to be leveraged for VTC procurement and maintenance.
5. How many rooms will be involved in this quote?
A: 2 rooms (conference room and communication room)
6. Are there any dimensions / drawings / photos available for the rooms? Seating capacity per space? Is the ceiling accessible in each space?
**The equipment selection and quote relies heavily on the dimensions of the spaces and intended usage.**
A: Please see the attached diagram and additional 3 pictures.
7. Are there any specs as far as number of inputs / outputs and displays for each space?
A: At least 5 spaces at the conference table (head seat, plus 4 side seats) should have NIPR ethernet drops and the ability to push their display if desired. The majority of the time, the display will be pushed from the podium or the head seat at the table. But if the other 4 spaces with drops can push their display, that would lend itself to a collaborative environment.
8. Are there any special concerns about any of the spaces that you would like addressed?
A: The 5 ethernet drops and display ports at the conference table should be easily hidden for increased aesthetic appeal.
9. Are there existing cable paths?
A: There must be, due to what equipment has existed there in the past, but we can only speculate where they are. Be prepared to create a new path if the old one can’t be determined.
10. Will equipment be housed in the spaces or in adjoining closets?
A: Equipment will be housed in the 2 rooms.
11. Will there be any clearance requirements for personnel performing the installation?
A: Secret clearance will be needed as we are asking for both NIPRnet & SIPRnet systems.
12. Most AF locations are moving away from codecs and adopting MS Teams for NIPR and SIPR. Do you still require the NIPR and SIPR codecs? I believe GVS ended support for NIPR Codecs a while back.
A: I don’t believe a CODEC was ever specifically requested by the govt in this tech solution. We want the ability to host NIPR and SIPR teams meetings, as well as GVS. Whether that’s through a CODEC or something else is not a sticking point.
A simple UI with a good audio/vis set-up is the goal.
13. Is there any flexibility on the 8-hour on-site response time? We estimate a 24-hour on-site response time for your location given current resources.
A: Yes, there’s flexibility.
File details come from the government source that posted it. Updated .