Question Responses 20250501.pdf

Local and Long-Distance Telecommunications Services

FA670325Q0001

Questions and Answers 1 May 2025

Question 1: The PWS Amendment 1 does not address any government-owned equipment to which we are to connect. For example, A solution whereby your calls are handed off (e.g.

Avaya Call Manager)/ Cisco Call Manager) to our CPE switch. Then calls via an SIP trunking from our CPE for inbound/outbound call traffic. In this way there would be minimal changes to your existing arrangement. Simply put, your calls would route to our platform for outbound termination. Please clarify.

Answer 1: CISCO CALL MANAGER

Question 2: A REAL Mobile provided CPE router connecting your existing Call Manager on one end and our SIP Trunk on the other.

Answer 2: C8300

Question 3: Is there a central DEMARC connecting the government owned CPE? Is this Bldg. 700

Answer 3: YES, and YES 700 is the DMARC

Question 4: 1356 Atlantic Ave., Dobbins ARB, GA 30069?

Answer 4: The address is 1538 Atlantic Ave. Bldg. 812, Dobbins ARB GA 30069-4900

Question 5: Amendment 1 request PRI lines. Would a SIP trunking be acceptable with the arrangement noted in 1 and 2 above

Answer 5: YES

Question 6: Are the Analog lines noted in 12.2 connecting to the government owned router? Is so what model?

Answer 6: YES / C4451

Question 7: Do you require e911

Answer 7: No - is because there is a separate entity supplying e911 as an enterprise solution.

Follow-Up Question 7. Response #7 states “NO” e911 service is required. Response #23 states

10,000 DIDs require 911 service. Response #24 states 3,200 DIDs require 911 service. Please clarify this point. If 911 service is required, how many building are involved? Specifically, how many buildings involved where phones are located?

Follow-Up Answer 7. #23 and #24 refer to 911 not E911. E911 is not a part of this contract.

Question 8: If yes to #5, how many of the 10,000 lines are active?

Answer 8: 3200 actives in call manager and 150 concurrent calls

Question 9: Will the Government need diversity (PWS 12.8)? If yes, would you need POP diversity or do you have two MPOE?

Answer 9: Yes, and we would need POP diversity

Question 10: PWS 12.2 CSL - Will the CSL port over to the SIP trunk? If no, will you allow an alternate solution? If yes, need to know use (fire, alarm, modem)

Answer 10: Numbers will not be used. Plan is to discontinue

Follow-Up 1 Question 10, which mentioned that the numbers associated with the Commercial Subscriber Lines (Section 12.2 of the PWS) “will not be used” and that the plan is to discontinue them. Could you please confirm:

Were those CSL lines originally used for end-user voice connectivity (e.g., desk phones)? These phones have been issued in another manner and were used for emergencies only. Other means have been made to accommodate the requirement.

Or were they strictly tied to legacy systems like fire alarms, modems, faxes, etc.? None of these

We're currently planning to deliver all required voice services via SIP trunks and DIDs, and I just want to ensure we’re not overlooking any user-level functionality that may need to be carried over.

Follow-Up 2 Question 10. Can the government provide latitude/longitude for the buildings with the

Commercial Subscriber Lines." Can the government additionally provide a map of the base? This would be helpful in providing a complete and accurate installation & cutover plan.

Answer Follow-Up 2 Question 10. A base map is provided, Dobbins Base Map.

Question 11: PWS 12.5 Data point to point, do you need to be separated, or can we provide one circuit to cover the bandwidth needed? Will you need equipment, or will you pro-vide?

Answer 11: Requirement for redundant circuits: hence the ask for diverse paths

Question 12: Att 5. Att 5, Past Performance Questionnaires

There is an error in Att. 5, Past Performance Questionnaire. The introductory paragraph includes an inaccurate description of the effort that will confuse the PPQ respondents.

The PPQ currently reads "The proposed effort requires the Contractor to provide all personnel, supervision, equipment, tools, materials, supplies, test equipment and other items and services necessary to accomplish Materiel Management, Ground Transportation and Vehicle Management, Traffic Management, Real Property Maintenance, and Fuels Management at Dobbins ARB, Georgia." Recommend the form be updated with an accurate explanation of the effort, and that it be reissued as soon as possible to allow sufficient time for respondents to process PPQ requests from offerors.

Answer 12: Correct. This was an error and Attachment 5 has been revised.

Question 13: RFP Subfactor 4 , page 8

Would addressing the elements of DFAR 252.237-7024 Notice of Continuation of Essential Contract be appropriate for a Mission Essential Services Continuation Plan?

Answer 13: Follow the elements of DFAS 252.237-7023, Continuation of Essential Contractor Services, and 252.237-7024, Notice of Continuation of Essential Contract

Question 14: RFP Instructions to Offerors - Past Performance, page 9

How many Past Performance Evaluation Surveys are acceptable? We recognize one is required, but is it acceptable to submit additional surveys?

Answer 14: At least 1 but no more than five (5) Past Performance Evaluation Surveys are acceptable. Yes, it is acceptable to submit no more than five (5) additional surveys.

Question 15: RFP Instructions to Offerors - Past Performance, page 9

Is there an expectation for the offeror to provide a written Past Performance section of our proposal in addition to the Past Performance Evaluation Surveys submitted directly to the government?

Answer 15: Yes. Offerors are to submit a list of vendors the questionnaire was sent to. This should include the vendor’s name, and contract information (e.g. email, phone number, and address). The RFQ has been updated.

Question 16: PWS Appendix 1

What is the average long distance call volume in minutes per month?

Answer 16: Total number of long distance calls 4 month period = 15,168 Avg number of long distance calls per month = 3,792 Avg number of long distance call minutes per month = 9,320

Question 17: Is there a current incumbent for this contract? If so, could you provide their name and the contract number?

Answer 17: Yes, Southwestern Bell Telephone Company (aka AT&T) is currently providing

Local Telecommunications Contract. The contract number is FA877320P0004.

Question 18: What is the total number of local minutes used on average over a four-month period?

Answer 18: We have unlimited local minutes

Question 19: What is the total number of long-distance minutes used on average over a four-month period?

Answer 19: Total number of long-distance call minutes over 4 month period = 37,280 Avg number of long-distance call minutes per month = 9,320

Question 20: What is the total number of international minutes used on average over a four-month period?

Answer 20: Total number of international calls over 4-month period = 77 Total number of international minutes over 4-month period = 676 mins Average number of international minutes over 4-month period = 169 mins

Question 21: Please confirm the required number of SIP trunk ports/channels are 150.

Answer 21: 2 SIP trunks, 150 Concurrent calls

Question 22: Please confirm the total number of DIDs is 10000.

Answer 22: Confirmed, the total number of DIDs is 10000

Question 23: What is the estimated number of DIDs that will require 911 provisioning on average?

Answer 23: 10,000 numbers are blocked for Dobbins ARB and tenants. Direct Inward Dialing

(DID)

Question 24: What is the total number of endpoints provisioned on the system that require 911 provisioning?

Answer 24: 3200 – Current usage of the numbers allocated to Dobbins (these are items tied to the DIDs mentioned above)

Question 25. Technical Scope & Implementation

Question 25a. Could you confirm whether the Government intends for the contractor to provide SIP trunking to the Cisco Integrated Services Routers mentioned in the PWS (Section 12.9), or will another contractor or agency handle SIP configuration?

Answer 25a. Contractor will provide connection to router; Governments responsibility will be to provide said port that contractor will connect to.

Question 25b. Are there any specific security compliance requirements for the SIP trunk interface (e.g., encryption protocols, SRTP, TLS)?

Answer 25b. SRTP, TLS 1.2 and higher, HTTPS TLS, FIPS mode – Min must be 2048 bit or higher

Question 25c. Will the Government be responsible for decommissioning the 7 legacy LSTDM circuits after cutover, or is this the contractor’s responsibility?

Answer 25c. – Government will decommission legacy circuits

Question 25d. Can you clarify the requirements around link diversity (Section 3.8)? Is there a preferred physical entrance path or specification for the redundant circuits?

Answer 25d. - SIP trunk diversity, often referred to as diverse routing, is a business continuity strategy that involves using multiple SIP trunks from different providers and/or over different physical paths to ensure uninterrupted voice communication even if one connection fails. It's like having backup power generators for your phone system.

Diversity: In this context, diversity means having multiple, independent paths for your voice traffic.

This independence can be achieved in several ways:

Geographic Diversity: Routing SIP trunks over physically separate paths. This protects against issues like cut cables or local network outages. Even if one physical connection is severed, calls can still be routed through another path.

Routing: This refers to the process of directing calls over the available SIP trunks. A Session Border Controller (SBC) is often used to intelligently manage this routing, automatically switching to a backup trunk in case of a failure.

Increased Reliability: The primary benefit is improved uptime for your phone system. If one connection fails, calls can still be made and received.

Cost Savings (Potentially): While having multiple trunks might seem more expensive, it can lead to savings in the long run by avoiding downtime and lost productivity. Negotiating with multiple providers can also lead to more competitive pricing.

Implementation Considerations:

Question 25e. Regarding the three point-to-point DS1 circuits, should these be delivered over traditional T1 infrastructure, or is delivery via IP/MPLS or equivalent acceptable?

Answer 25e. IP/MPLS

Question 26. Cutover Plan

Question 26a. Does the Government have a preferred cutover date or blackout periods the contractor should avoid?

Answer 26a. Company that procures this bid will have to work with 94 CS to determine those dates in the future that would be considered “Black out” dates

Question 26b. Will the legacy service provider be available to support coordination during the cutover phase?

Answer 26b. No. The Awardee will take over the responsibility of the legacy equipment IAW 3.1.1 in the PWS.

Question 26c. Is access to Building 700 limited to standard business hours (Mon–Fri, 7:00 AM–4:00 PM), or can cutover work be scheduled during off-hours if required?

Answer 26c. Scheduling can be worked out with 94 CS depending on the need and urgency of the installation and what will need to take place.

Question 27. Incumbent Contractor

Question 27a. Is there a current incumbent providing telecommunications services at Dobbins ARB?

Answer 27a.Yes

Question 27b. If so, could you please share the incumbent contractor’s name and contract number?

Answer 27b. No. See response in 17.

Question 27c. Will the incumbent be required to support the transition or cutover period? If yes, will their cooperation be contractually mandated?

Answer 27c. No. See response in 26b.

Question 27d. Are the 10,000 telephone numbers currently controlled by the incumbent, and will they need to be ported to the new contractor?

Answer 27d. The DIDs will need to be ported to the new contract

Question 27e. Will the Government facilitate coordination with the incumbent during site surveys and implementation?

Answer 27e. After contract award, the awardee will work with identified base POCs for surveys and implementation.

Question 28. Number Portability

Question 28a. Are the 10,000 telephone numbers listed in the solicitation already assigned to the Government, or would it be acceptable to propose a new contiguous block if full porting is not feasible?

Answer 28e. No - You may not change the numbers – 655-0000 to 655-9999 are to remain at Dobbins ARB

Question 29. Financial References & SAM.gov

Question 29a. If the Financial Institution Reference Sheet (Attachment 6) cannot be returned in time, will a current bank statement or recent credit report be accepted as a substitute?

Answer 29a. No, Financial Report and/or Bank Statements may be provided in addition to a completed Financial Institution Reference Sheet. The Financial Institution Reference Sheet has been corrected. Offeror may submit the original Financial Institution Reference Sheet; however, bank statements and/or financial reports are no longer “in lieu of” rather “in addition to.”

Question 29b. If our SAM.gov registration is current with all representations and certifications up to date, do we still need to fill out Attachment 4 in full, or is it sufficient to indicate “NONE” under the exception clause?

Answer 29b. Yes not all provisions are identified on SAM.gov.

Question 30. Pricing Clarification

Question 30a. Will pricing be evaluated solely based on the total evaluated price in

Attachment 2, or will the Government also consider pricing structure (e.g., separation of one-time charges and monthly recurring costs)?

Answer 30a. Pricing will be based solely on Total Evaluated Price.

Question 30b. Should all applicable telecom fees, taxes, and surcharges (e.g., USF, E911, regulatory fees) be included in the unit rates on the price schedule?

Answer 30b. Pricing shall be based on all pricing requirements as determined by the Offerors quote

Question 31. Past Performance

Question 31a. Is one completed Past Performance Questionnaire (Attachment 5) sufficient, or would the Government prefer multiple references for different service components (e.g., VoIP, SIP, long-distance)?

Answer 31a. Offerors may submit one but no more than five past performance questionnaires.

The Request for Quote has been updated.

Question 31b. Can we submit past performance examples where we served as a subcontractor, provided our role and responsibilities are clearly outlined?

Answer 31b. Yes

Question 32. Site Access and Safety

Question 32a. Are there any special credentials, background checks, or training requirements for contractor personnel accessing Building 700 or working on base infrastructure?

Answer 32a. Personnel are required to pass a background check, for base access. If working in manholes, contractor is required to provide a manhole safety plan after contract award.

Question 32b. Who is the designated Government point of contact for coordinating digging permits, environmental assessments, and site-specific safety briefings?

Answer 32b. BCE – 678-655-4810

Question 33. Proposal Submission & Format

Question 33a. Are there any formatting requirements or limitations for the proposal submission (e.g., PDF only, file size limits)?

Answer 33a. No, there are no formatting requirement or limitations for the proposal. NOTE:

Government shall send a receipt of acknowledgement of proposal submission. Failure to receive the acknowledgement may be Gov’t did not receive your submission. Contact the CO for further discussion.

Question 33b. Is it acceptable to submit Gantt charts, network diagrams, and other visual materials as separate attachments, or must they be embedded within the technical volume?

Answer 33b. Yes, Gantt Charts and other network diagrams are acceptable. Place them in the volume that they represent as attachments.

Question 34. PWS Appendix 1 Is international calling allowed? If yes, what countries?

Answer 34. Yes, but will be controlled at CUCM - NATO has 32 member countries. These are Albania, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Montenegro, Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Türkiye (Turkey), United Kingdom, and United States.

Question 35. PWS 12.5 Will the government accept a single ethernet point-to-point at 10MB (or higher) to replace the three T-1 point-to-point circuits, or does the Government need individual ethernet circuits to replace each of the T-1 Circuits?

Answer 35. Provided after contract award.

Question 36. PWS Appendix 1 How many calls paths are required?

Answer 36. There are 63 call paths required

Question 37. PWS Appendix 1, 12.2

Are the individual Commercial Business Lines terminating on the government PBX? If the contractor is providing end-to-end service for those business lines, are they bypassing the government PBX?

Answer 37. – SCX should be addressing the 19 commercial lines, and they will not be part of this contract – the 3 ATCALS lines are answered in question 35

Question 38. PWS, Appendix 1, 12.2 Can the government provide latitude/longitude for the buildings with the 21 Commercial Subscriber Lines?

Answer 38. Provided after contract award.

Question 39. PWS, Appendix 1, 12.5 Please define & describe what Star 200 is, or please describe the application that will be using those circuits.

Answer 39. This is not “Star 200” it is called “Stars”. After contract award this information will be provided.

Question 40. PWS, PWS 9.4.1, 9.5 It appears that the language in 9.4.1 (references a non-existent "paragraph 3.0: Regional Media Analysts") and 9.5 Scope of Linguistic Quality Assurance (LQA) is a holdover from a previous PWS and should not have been included as part of this requirement. Recommend the Government delete this section of the PWS.

Answer 40. This is correct, the statement will be removed from the PWS

Question 41. Will the Government grant access for a site survey to better assess communication connectivity to Building 700?

Answer 41. Site Surveys will be granted after contract award during the post award conference.

Question 42. Does the Government provide base connectivity from the demarc in Building 700 to demarcs’ in Buildings 812 & 739?

Answer 42. There is only 1 demarc located at Bldg. 700. There is no demarc at Bldg. 729 or 812.

Question 43. Could the Government please provide latitude/longitude or a picture of the manhole outside the base for communication connectivity to Building 700?

Answer 43. See response to question 38. No pictures of the manhole will be provided.

Question 44. For connectivity between the manhole outside the base and Building 700, will the contractor be using Base conduits or fiber, or is the contractor responsible for the build from the manhole to Building 700?

Answer 44. Contractor is responsible for the build from the manhole to Bldg. 700

Question 45. Does the government have base connectivity between Clay National Guard Center Building 447 (1000 Halsey Ave, Marietta, GA 30060) and Building 700? If the government does have base connectivity between Buildings 447 and 700, can the contractor leverage the base connectivity for this solicitation?

Answer 45. Yes, there is base connectivity between Clay National Guard Center bldg. 447 and bldg. 700. No, the Offeror is not authorized to use the base connectivity between Bldg. 447 and 700. No the contractor cannot leverage the base connectivity for this solicitation.