FA8773-10-R-0051 March ARB CA - Questions Answers.pdf

Pre-Proposal Conference

FA8773-10-R-0051

March ARB, CA O&M of the BTS

Questions and Answers

Attachment 1 – Pricing Table

1. Schedule B shows CLINS X004 – X012 as Lump Sum items, quantity 1, designated as FFP.

Is the contractor expected to invoice these CLINS in full one time?

ANSWER: No, the contractor will invoice monthly for the prior months services, In Accordance With (IAW) the Contract and SubContract Line Item Numbers (CLIN/SLIN) and Unit of Issue (U/I) established on the Task Order /Delivery Order.

If so, is this at contract start or end of the option period?

ANSWER: See answer above.

If not, please provide how the contractor is to recoup costs associated with these CLINS?

ANSWER: See answer above.

2. Attachment 1, Pricing Table, X003AA-AD & AF has no quantity listed in Column C, and therefore will not multiply out as needed. Request clarification.

ANSWER: Attachment 1, Pricing Table will be amended to include quantities.

3. With the Purchase of Equipment being quoted for all five years, will the winning contractor be allowed pricing adjustments in order to account for future market conditions? i.e. The cost of fiber/copper cable today may increase over the full five year period. Please explain how equipment price increases would be handled during the contract period.

ANSWER: There’s not an equitable adjustment clause in the contract to allow for future market fluctuations for the purchase of equipment items depicted at Worksheet 1 – A&B (CLIN’s X004 – X005) of Attachment 1 – Pricing Table.

4. Is it the Offeror’s responsibility to fill in the net amount for each clin or will that information be taken by the Contracting Officer from the X-Cel spreadsheet?

ANSWER: IAW Section L - Instructions, Conditions and Notices to Bidders, E. Part III – Price Proposal, paragraph 5, Pricing Table (included as Attachment 1 to the solicitation). The Offeror shall comply with the following requirements and instructions:

a. Price all Contract Line Item Numbers/Subcontract Line Item Numbers (CLINs/SLINs)/Product Identifications (PIDS). Limit unit prices and rates to two decimal places. The abbreviations Not Separately Priced (NSP) and No Charge (N/C) are not acceptable entries. If the Offeror is providing a CLIN/SLIN to the Government at no additional charge, ―$0.00‖ must be entered for that item.

Section B of the Solicitation establishes the CLIN/SLIN structure. Upon contract award this Section will be completed with the awardees pricing.

5. Clin 4008 GPS/CVC: At the site visit it was indicated that these services will not be required for this contract. Will there be a revised PWS?

ANSWER: That statement is true, GPS/CVC services will be insourced and are not a requirement for the instant acquisition. CLIN X008 depicted in Section B of the Solicitation will be changed via amendment to read “RESERVED”.

Attachment 1, Pricing Table will be corrected to include CLIN X008 “RESERVED”. In order to maintain the Integrity of the CLIN structure established in the Solicitation. The Solicitation and Pricing Table will be replaced via Amendment 0001.

Attachment 2 - Performance Work Statement (PWS)

6. 1.1 - Scope of Work - The paragraph hints at possible radio systems that may require maintenance.

a. Are there any radio systems/equipment that support or are supported by the existing BTS?

ANSWER: There is no radio equipment to be operated or maintained. However, the Offeror may be required to provide the connectivity to the radio equipment.

b. If so, will the contractor also be responsible for the towers and antennae as well?

ANSWER: N/A

7. 1.2.4 Base Civil Engineering Work Clearance Requests.

a. Who do we submit these to?

ANSWER: Work Clearance Requests (AF Form 103) are routed through various base agencies by the contractor and then submitted to Base CE for approval.

b. If this request requires an approval, what is the normal lead time for approval?

ANSWER: Work Clearance Requests may take 7 – 10 days for approval / clearance.

8. 1.3.1 Telephone Switch System O&M

a. Please explain in detail the contractors responsibility concerning VOIP?

ANSWER: The main switching system is an Avaya S8700, Version

CM2 software and VoIP capable. However, currently there is no VoIP trunk or lines assigned. The Offeror shall be required to provide administrative and maintenance support at the same level of the TDM technology IAW the contract specification if there are any VoIP requirements.

b. Does the contractor perform VOIP programming?

ANSWER: Yes.

c. Is the contractor responsible for the VOIP equipment all the way to the customer?

ANSWER: Yes, if there are any.

d. Does incumbent employees perform VOIP operations?

ANSWER: No.

9. 1.3.3.2 Spare Conductor Test

a. There seems to be a contradiction in this task. Will the contractor be responsible for testing all spare conductors quarterly or 2 out of every 25 pair count quarterly?

ANSWER: 2 out of every 25 pair quarterly

10. 1.3.3.3 Manholes/Handholes

a. What does the statement QAP Accepted manholes mean?

ANSWER: QAP accepted manholes: The contractor shall coordinated with Quality Assurance Personnel of which 20 MHs are required to be inspected. (Clarify with PK)

b. Are there other manholes not QAP accepted that will need inspected?

ANSWER: See answer in Question 10.a.

c. Were manhole inspections completed under the previous contract?

ANSWER: Yes

11. Were pedestals, terminals and cable analysis completed under the previous contract?

ANSWER: Yes

12. 1.3.3.4 - Terminals

How many terminals are there that support the BTS?

ANSWER: Correct quantity is currently not available. However, there are approximately of 269 buildings and each building has at least 1 Comm room.

13. 1.3.3.5 - Pedestals How many pedestals are there that support the BTS?

ANSWER: Correct quantity is currently not available. However, we estimated approximately 10 pedestals around the base.

14. 1.3.4 Emergency Call Outs, how many have they had in the last year and on what product?

ANSWER: Approximately 5 emergency calls per year, mostly for switch system trouble calls.

15. 1.3.5 expressly forbids remote access to the switching system. Paragraph 1.3.12.16 requires the contractor to log remote logins and attempts. Request clarification.

ANSWER: The remote log-in is allowable only when the access line/port is under local personnel monitoring and control with an on/off switch. The contractor shall maintain the system security audit record IAW EIPS Para 1.3.12.16

16. 1.3.5-Alarms, states cannot be continuous direct line, can they better define?

ANSWER: Continuous direct line means the circuit cannot be connected at all times but it could be used to trigger an alarm notification purpose only.

a. Also no modem connects allowed, will they allow VPN to the main switch?

ANSWER: The contractor could provide and establish an alarm notification method as the contractor prefers but it must comply with telephone switching security standards IAW Air Force Instruction (AFI) 33-111, Section G and be approved by the Government.

17. 1.3.6 Alarm Notification (should be 1.3.5)

a. Were the monitoring of alarms required under the previous contract?

ANSWER: Yes

b. If so how are the alarms monitored and how are contractors notified?

ANSWER: It is the responsibility of the Offeror to obtain the necessary experience of the incumbents.

c. Is this system acceptable under the new contract?

ANSWER: Yes

18. 1.3.6 - Cable Locations, Staking, and Marking Approximately how many separate requests for cable locating are handled on a monthly (or annual) basis?

ANSWER: Approximately 3 to 4 per month.

19. 1.3.12.6.1 New Developments for Maintaining CSIR Drawing Records

a. Can we get copies of the documents listed in this paragraph?

ANSWER: Yes, the copies could be provided to the awarded Offeror.

b. Is drawing maintenance a new requirement under this contract?

ANSWER: No

20. 1.3.12.6.2 What software is being used for this requirement?

ANSWER: The Government could provide a Hardcopy, Microsoft application format, Visio format, or .pdf format. And vice versa, the Government would also accept inputs in the same above formats.

21. 1.3.12.6.3 Inside Plant Drawing Records

a. Is drawing software provided by the government or the contractor?

ANSWER: The contractor shall be responsible for their own software.

22. What is the difference between 1.3.12.9 and 1.3.12.11?

ANSWER: Equipment specified in Para 1.3.12.9 is for spare parts and equipment in Para 1.3.12.11 is for BTS system equipment inventory.

23. 1.3.12.15 System Capacity Records

They reference the contractor is to keep these, can we get a copy to determine port counts and configurations of the systems to include remote sites?

ANSWER: Yes, the copies could be provided to the awarded Offeror

24. 1.3.12.16 What release is the CAS system currently?

ANSWER: Microcall, Version 5.10

25. 1.3.12.18 requires the contractor’s QCP reflect remote monitoring from the I-NOSC.

a. What is the I-NOSC?

ANSWER: Integrated-Network Operation Security Center

b. What is to be remotely monitored?

ANSWER: I-NOSC remotely monitors the Telephone Switch.

26. 1.4.1 Work Orders

a. How are work order received?

ANSWER: Work Orders are prepared by and submitted to the

Contractor by the 452 CS/SCX personnel. Usually via fax.

b. Are they received directly by the contractor or the government for generation?

ANSWER: Work Orders are received directly by the government for generation.

27. 1.6 Special Projects

a. 5 days seem like a quick turnaround for special project quotes considering some of these may require a third party quote. Would you change this to a more manageable 10 days?

ANSWER: No, the Government has the latitude to relax the suspense, if warranted.

28. 1.6.1-Training, we are to provide training to up to 4 AFB personnel per class, how many classes a year do they require?

ANSWER: Approximately 2 to 4 per year.

29. 1.6.3- Traffic Studies, how many per year required?

ANSWER: No more than one per year.

30. SDS’s 2.0 – 1.3.1/1.3.2 states no more than 5 minute downtime. Is this correct?

This doesn’t not align with request response times in section 1.3. (example Emergency /2 hour, Priority / 6 hour) ANSWER: Yes, 5 minute downtime.

31. 3.1 Air Force-Provided Spares/Contractors Logistic Support

a. If no remote access is allowed on the switching equipment, how does Hill Air Force Base provide remote tier 2 or 3 technical support?

ANSWER: Hill Air Force Base provides remote tier 2 or 3 technical support via government controlled modem.

32. 4.4 Overtime

a. can you provide a historical count of hours worked outside of normal duty hours to allow us to build in OT in our pricing?

ANSWER: We do not have access to this information since it is not reimbursable by the Government under the terms of the contract.

PWS – APPENDIX 5.1-Workload Estimates

33. Ticket Log 5.1.1 is a breakdown by location and type, do they have this list by product. I am looking to see which product had the most activity.

ANSWER: No

34. 5.1.3 Work Orders

a. Do these numbers reflect all work orders associated with the BTS (switch, inside plant, and outside plant) or are these numbers simply a reflection of work orders concerning switch work?

ANSWER: These estimates apply to all types of work orders.

b. If these are reflective of the switch only, please provide a complete workload history to include inside and outside plant so we can adequately put together our estimate?

PWS- Appendix 5.2-Items to be Maintained by the Contractor

35. 5.2.2.7 Please provide manufacturer part numbers for all items listed in section 5.2.2.7.

ANSWER: Manufacture part numbers are not available.

36. 5.2.2.8 Are all 50 TN793 (24 port analog line circuit pack) straight and not TN793B? Or combination of both?

ANSWER: The system has a combination of both types of line cards.

37. 5.2.2.10 What is the release and serial number of the Option 11C?

ANSWER: It is Succession 4.5. The serial number is not available.

38. 5.2.5.1 lists aerial cable. Are there any telephone poles for which the contractor is responsible for maintenance, inspection, replacing, or moving aerial cable?

ANSWER: No, the Offeror does not maintain the telephone poles. Telephone poles will be maintained by the Base Civil Engineer.

a. If so, how many?

39. 5.2.5.2 - Manholes

a. Are all of the 234 manholes mentioned in paragraph 5.2.5.2 "QAP-accepted"?

ANSWER: The Government is responsible for inspecting and accepting services.

b. If not, how many are?

ANSWER: N/A

c. If not, what procedures are required for these that are NOT "QAP-accepted" to become accepted?

ANSWER: N/A

d. Who makes the decision as to what manholes are/are not "QAP-accepted"?

40. 5.2.5.2.1 What does Cable Type/Size letters stand for? I.e. P3600-26FF?

ANSWER: Plastic, 3600 pair, 26AWG American Wire Gauge, Foam Filled

Attachment 3 - EIPS

41. 3.2.5 What manufacture of 24 inch relay racks are on site?

ANSWER: Manufacturer of relay racks is not available.

42. 3.2.8 Are Heavy duty relay racks required?

a. If so what type?

43. 3.3.9 Does fiber need to be run in inner-duct?

a. Is armored fiber ok?

MISCELLANENCE:

44. Is any of the cabling infrastructure pressurized? No.

a. If so, how much?

ANSWER: None

b. If so, what type of cable pressurization system is installed (Make/model)?

45. Is there any coaxial cable that is part of the BTS?

a. If so, how much?

ANSWER: None

46. Are there any requirements for contractor personnel to hold a security clearance?

ANSWER: That information is available in the RFP.

47. Are there any requirements for contractor personnel to have passed a national agency check (NAC or NACI) ANSWER: That information is available in the RFP.

a. If the answer to the either of the above is yes, do the incumbent personnel meet these standards?

ANSWER: IAW AFMC FAR Clause 5352.242-9001 COMMON ACCESS CARDS (CACs) FOR CONTRACTOR PERSONNEL. For installation(s)/location(s) cited in the contract, contractors shall ensure Common Access Cards (CACs) are obtained by all contract or subcontract personnel who meet one or both of the following criteria:

(1) Require logical access to Department of Defense computer networks and systems in either:

(i) the unclassified environment; or

(ii) the classified environment where authorized by governing security directives.

In order to obtain a CAC, contractor personnel must have a favorable National Agency Check (NAC).

48. Will the government provide an estimated staffing level?

ANSWER: No, IAW paragraph 1.2.5 of the PWS, it is the Contractor’s sole responsibility to ensure sufficient personnel are assigned to this contract, to include qualified and certified personnel to perform the requirements stated in the contract.

49. Will the government provide, by area of responsibility, the number of technicians currently working on this effort?

ANSWER: No, the Government no longer identifies Key Personnel, years of experience, specific certification(s) or require resumes. This is a Performance Based Service Contract (PBSC). IAW FAR SubPart 37.6, Performance Based Contracting and PWS paragraph 1.2.5, the Contractor is responsible to ensure sufficient personnel are assigned to this contract, to include qualified and certified personnel to perform the requirements stated in the contract.

50. Is it the government’s intent to have separate contractor teams performing Operation and Maintenance and Work Orders?

ANSWER: It is an Offerors Business Decision to accomplish the work as a single contractor, offer subcontracting opportunites/enter into a teaming arrangment to meet the requirements of the contract.

51. Are the Client Authorization Letters required of any government customers?

ANSWER: No, IAW paragraph D.10, Part II – Present/Past Performance Information paragraph of Section L - Instructions, Conditions and Notices to Bidders, Client Authorization Letters. Present/Past Performance Information (PPI) concerning private sector contractors, subcontractors and joint venture partners cannot be disclosed to the Government without their consent. Client authorization letters are required for each identified effort for a commercial customer. This letter will authorize release to the Government of requested information on the Offeror’s performance. The Government will need the consent before contacting commercial customers to assess the Offeror’s past performance. In an effort to assist the Source Selection Evaluation Team (SSET) in assessing Offeror’s past performance relevancy and confidence, the Government requests the following FA8773-10-R- 0051 Page 125 of 134 client authorization letter be completed by any commercial customers identified in Offeror’s proposal. Include the completed client authorization letter(s) within the Present/Past Performance Part II.

52. Do all incumbent employees meet the necessary experience and training needed to work under the new contract?

ANSWER: To my knowledge yes, however, it is the responsibility of the contractor/prospective contractor to ensure incumbent personnel possess the requisite experience and training necessary to meet the Governments requirement before offering employment opportunities to incumbent personnel for the new contract.

53. Do incumbent VOIP technicians hold security plus certification?

ANSWER: VoIP is not a requirement under the current contract.

54. Please list all new requirements in this statement of work that are not requirements under the current contract?

ANSWER: Offerors are directed to utilize the Solicitation for the instant acquisition and applicable attachments depicted at Section J - List of Documents, Exhibits and Other Attachments for the requirements definition.

55. For manholes air testing, can we use an explosive meter, or do we need to have a continuous gas tester when entering manholes?

ANSWER: The Offeror could use explosive meter. However, the Government recommends continuous monitoring.

56. Do all manholes require a “2-man concept”?

ANSWER: Yes.

57. How is water pumping handled for manholes?

ANSWER: The Offeror is responsible to pump manholes as needed with the Offeror preferred methods.

a. Is there a special procedure required for disposing water?

ANSWER: Yes. The Offerror shall follow the Base Environmental Control Office’s guidance. Usually disposing of the water onto grassy areas.

58. How is access provided to technicians to the base?

ANSWER: Contractor Badges. Badge requests are processed through the 452 CS/SCX office.

a. Are badges issued?

ANSWER: Yes

59. Are all Q&A going to be made public prior to bid submittal?

ANSWER: Yes, Q&A’s will be posted on www.fbo.gov.

60. They reference Voicemail backups but they do not state PBX switch backups, are they required?

ANSWER: Yes.

61. Can we get a sample copy of the logs and reports that they use today ANSWER: Yes, the copies could be provided to the awarded Offeror.

62. Would NAICS code 811213 be acceptable to meet this requirement.

ANSWER: No, the NAICS code for this procurement is 517110.

Past Performance:

63. Does the Offeror provide the Contracting Officer with the previous contract award information and the Contracting Officer will contact the past awardees?

ANSWER: Reference paragraph D. Part II – Present/Past Performance Information of Section L 1:

1. General. Present/Past Performance Information (PPI) is required on the Offeror and all subcontractors, teaming partners, and/or joint venture partners who are proposed to perform ten percent or more of the proposed effort based on the total proposed price or perform aspects of the effort the Offeror considers critical to overall successful performance. Offerors are cautioned that the Government will use data provided by each Offeror in this part and data obtained from other sources in the evaluation of past performance.

2. New Corporate Entities. New corporate entities may submit data on prior contracts involving its officers, employees, and key personnel who have relevant experience, and/or data of efforts that will perform major or critical aspects of the requirement. Discuss the roles and responsibilities of personnel involved in the prior contracts cited. FA8773-10-R-0051 Page 122 of 134

3. Reference Data. The Government reserves the right to contact and use information provided by the references and any other sources. The Government will also obtain and consider information about other contracts not mentioned in the Offeror’s proposal, but which the Government believes to be similar to the proposed effort. It is the Offeror’s responsibility to ensure all reference data is current and correct so that the Government can properly evaluate PPI.

4. Quality and Satisfaction Rating for Contracts Completed in the Past Three Years.

Provide any information currently available (letters, metrics, customer surveys, independent surveys, etc.) which demonstrates customer satisfaction with overall job performance and quality of completed product for recent and relevant contract information provided below. In addition, explain corrective actions taken in the past, if any, for substandard performance and any current performance problems such as cost overruns, extended performance periods, numerous warranty calls, etc.

5. Recency/Relevancy. Offeror shall submit PPI on no more than ten recent contracts that you consider most relevant in demonstrating Offeror’s ability to perform the proposed effort. The total includes any subcontractors or teaming partners; however, no more than five of the ten recent contracts shall be submitted on your teaming partners and/or significant subcontractors that you consider most relevant in demonstrating their ability to perform the proposed effort. Recent is defined as efforts that are ongoing or have been performed in the past three years from the date of issuance of the solicitation. Relevant is defined as experience with Switching Systems, Customer Premise Equipment (CPE), Inside Plant O&M, Outside Plant (Telephone) O&M, and outside Plant (Cable) O&M as defined in the PWS and IAW Appendix 5.2. Do not duplicate a contract reference for prime and subcontractor but rather explain the role each played within the contract reference itself. Include rationale supporting your assertion of relevance. For a description of the characteristics or aspects the Government will consider in determining how contracts are considered recent and relevant, see Section M-1, C, Performance Confidence Assessment.