Amd 01 Questions and Answers.pdf

Questions and Answers Optical Fiber Cable Installation Solicitation FA5570‐20‐Q‐0019 Amendment 01

Question 1. Is there existing empty duct installed between the buildings to be utilized? If so, who is the manufacturer so we can match the fiber solution?

Answer 1. We don’t have an exact count as to how many ducts are empty and how many are full.

British Telecom (BT) installed all of the fiber ducts and blown fiber across RAF Molesworth, so whatever their standard is, [the contractor must match] what is in place.

Q2. Do you have a base map which identifies the various buildings and pathways so we may determine distances to bid?

A2. We have maps and CVC drawings with manhole and handhole locations that we can provide to bidding contractors. [Added as Attachment 2]

Q3. We don’t see any mention of new pathways having to be bored or trenched. Can you confirm all fiber will be blown into existing pathways?

A3. All fiber paths will utilize current manhole/handhole system, and when available, tube space. If tube space is full, the contractor will utilize manual pulled cable or install tubes, space permitting.

Q4. Are the micro‐ducts already installed or do we need to provide this?

A4. Most blown fiber are installed, but we lack the eyes on presence to know if space is available in all blown fiber tubes.

Q5. Can we see a drawing/map of the area showing the distances between the facilities where fiber is being placed (noted in Table 1 on page 5 of the Performance Work Statement?

A5. (See answer to Q2)

Q6. Solicitation section Instructions to Offerors states offerors must provide “documentation proving the offeror’s qualifications” which is again stated in the Evaluation Criteria section. Please clarify what qualifications are required.

A6. Offerors must be able to prove they are qualified to perform the task. Contractor qualifications are listed in PWS paragraph 1.1. There is no specified format for qualifications, however refer to PWS paragraph 1.1.7 for examples.

Q7. Solicitation section Instructions to Offerors states offerors must provide “draft quality control plan/narrative of technical approach” which is stated in the Evaluation Criteria section. Please clarify what a draft QCP & technical approach narrative should include.

Questions and Answers Optical Fiber Cable Installation Solicitation FA5570‐20‐Q‐0019 Amendment 01

A7. Offerors must explain to the Government, in sufficient detail, how they will perform the task, in accordance with the PWS. For example, PWS para. 1.1.6 requires Offerors to be staffed to cover multiple locations at once. The QCP should explain how the Offeror proposes to cover multiple locations at once. PWS para. 1.2.5 requires the Offeror to conduct end‐to‐end testing of all fiber strands and installed components; the QCP should explain the testing procedure/list equipment being used.

Notwithstanding the above, the QCP should explain how the Government can ensure it receives a quality product.

Q8. Is the blown fiber tube cable (the cable that is required for blown fiber to pass through) already existing or does the PWS require a blown fiber tube cable to be installed? If the tube is existing do you know if there is room for additional fibers to be blown through the single or multiitube sets?

A8. We do not have 100% clear picture of tube availability. This would have to be determined on site.

Q9. Will the fiber route be through Maintenance holes, Hand holes or is it indoor installation through ceilings?

A9. The route will consist of travel through manholes, handholes, and termination in the comm rooms. This may include minimal inside plant work.

Q10. Can a site plan be provided to see the projected pathway so I can determine the estimated footage required for the fiber installation? Also if the pathway goes through maintenance holes/handholes I would like to know how many.

A10. (See answer to Q2)

Q11. [Referencing PWS para.] “1.2.2 Contractor will Install Patch Panels at all locations outlined in PWS (Table 1. Performance Objective)”, Will the panels need to be wall mount or rack mount?

A11. Rack mounted.