FA8773-10-R-0056 Whiteman AFB OM - Solicitation QA 4 Nov 10

SOLICITATION NO. FA8773-10-R-0056

OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE (O&M) SERVICES OF THE

BASE TELECOMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM (BTS) AT WHITEMAN AFB, MO

SOLICITATION QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

1. How many contractors are currently working on site?

Answer: Our office doesn't track the number of contractors performing at Whiteman AFB nor the number of contracts issued by other offices. Only one contractor will be awarded this contract.

What are their job categories and how many hours do they work per month?

Answer: FAR clause 52.222-42 provides several classifications expected to be employed under this contract. There is not a set number of hours they have to work.

How many technicians are currently performing on-call duties?

Answer: This is a Performance based contract. The number of technicians necessary is a part of the offeror's technical solution to meet the Government requirements.

2. Will serial numbers for the switches be obtainable, and or, will dial in access be allowed to pull OPI data?

Answer: Serial numbers will not be provided nor will OPI data. See Appendix 5.2 for the list of equipment.

3. Are there currently PASS agreements in place with AVAYA? If so, what level?

Answer: Offerors should call the Voice Switching System (VSS) Sustainment numbers identified in Appendix 5.4 to identify what equipment has Tier 2 and 3 support.

4. Does the monthly maintenance cost include replacement of cards, telephones and all ancillary equipment

Answer: Offerors will need to review Appendix 5.2.2 (Contractor-Furnished

Equipment/Material) and 5.2.3 (Government Furnished Equipment/Material) to determine if cards, telephones, and ancillary equipment are included in the Operation and

Maintenance or monthly maintenance cost.

5. Are there inside plant and outside plant cable records?

Answer: Appendix 5.2 identifies the existing Base Distribution System.

6. On p. 141 of the solicitation it states that Part III Contracting Information is not to exceed 10 pages. If an offeror includes Section A, Section G, applicable pages for

Section I, and Section K from the solicitation in Part III of their proposal, it will exceed 10 pages. Will the Government consider removing the page limit requirement?

Answer: Concur, page limitation for Part III, Contract Information removed. See

Amendment 0002.

7. In Section L of the solicitation, the technical proposal factors (Factor 1 –

Maintenance and Workload Practices, Factor 2 – Work Orders, etc.) are identified as

Factors; however in Section L, they are referred to as Subfactors. Which identifier is preferred?

Answer: See Amendment 0002. Factors were changed to Subfactors.

8. APPENDIX 5.9 - SWITCHBOARD OPERATIONS, paragraph 5.9.1. Workload

Estimates. What are the workload estimates?

Answer: See Amendment 0002. PWS paragraph 5.9.1 has been changed to

RESERVED. Workload figure estimates are provided in paragraph 5.9.3.1. Per paragraph 5.9.3.1.1, the contractor is responsible for providing the number of switchboard operators to meet all PWS requirements.

9. On p. 129 of the solicitation for 52.204-8 Annual Representations and Certifications

(Feb 2009) part (a)(1) lists the NAICS code as 514110. Is the correct NAICS code

517110 for this opportunity?

Answer: The correct NAICS code is 517110. See amendment 0003.

10. On p. 149 of the solicitation the instructions for Section G references Block 7 on the

SF33. Is the Block 7 the intended reference or is it Block 15 on the SF33?

Answer: It should reference Block 15. See amendment 0003.

11. Does all fiber cable have tracer wire or a sheath for locating?

Answer: No

12. Section M 2.1.5, item (i) the Government requests “evidence of compliance with federal and OSHA citation(s) and resolution of disciplinary action(s) for the current and past two years.” Is this question addressing compliance with OSHA rules and regulations or is it seeking evidence of the resolution of an OSHA complaint? If not, what constitutes evidence?

Answer: Regarding Section M, paragraph 2.1.5 (i)-Safety and Security, offerors' discussion should address their company's safety and environmental practices as well as address any resolution of disciplinary action(s) or citation(s). Evidence is factual information supporting compliance or resolution of any federal or OSHA violation.

13. The price table sites 25-pair Cat6 cable. Since this does not exist, how would we address this item and any other like it?

Answer: See amendment 0003. Line 165, PID 3269, has been deleted.

14. Reference Section L, Part II paragraph 7.g.(3) of Amendment 2 (FA8773-10-R-

0056-0002): “ For each of the applicable factors under the Technical Proposal in

Section M, illustrate how your experience on this program applies.” and reference

Section M, paragraph 2.1: “Factor 1 –Technical.” The technical proposal is Factor

1. Should the reference above be changed to read, “For each of the applicable subfactors under the Technical Proposal in Section M, illustrate how your experience on this program applies”?

Answer: This has been changed to read “Subfactors.” See Amendment 0003.

15. Reference Section B, Item #’s 0001AA-0001AF: each of these item #’s show a quantity of 12 months but Section F, Delivery Information ( pp78-9) shows a POP of only 6 months (1 Apr 2011 to 30 Sep 2011).

Which section is correct?

Answer: The correct quantity is six months. See amendment 0003.

Should we price only 6 months in Section B?

Answer: Yes, CLINs 0001AA – 0001AF are for six months, fill out the appropriate section of Attachment 1 – Pricing Table with your pricing.

Is the POP incorrect in Section F?

Answer: Yes, the POP in Section F is correct, 1 April 2011 to 30 September 2011.

16. Reference Section K, Clause 52.204-8, Annual Representations and Certifications

(a)(1): “The NAICS code for this acquisition is 514110”. We assume this is a typo.

Please confirm the correct NAICS code for this solicitation.

Answer: The correct NAICS code is 517110. See amendment 0003.

17. Reference Section B, Item #’s X003AB-X003AD: “The Contractor shall conduct

Inspections IAW the terms and conditions of the contract. See PWS Section 1.4.”

However, Item # X003AA references PWS Section 1.3.

What is the correct PWS Section?

Answer: X003AB – X003AD reference the correct PWS section 1.4. The correct section for X003AA should read “See PWS Section 1.4.” See amendment 0003.

18. Reference amendment 2, Section L, Part II, para 7c(4): “Period of Performance

(within the last five years)”. This conflicts with paragraphs 4 and 5 of the same Part I that limit recency to the “past three years”. What is the correct number of years for recency?

Answer: Past Performance should be within the past three years. See amendment 0003.

19. We are a SDVOSB Company and are wondering if our SDVOSB status will have a preference for this solicitation?

Answer: No.

20. On the new schedule B, dated 25 Oct 10 (A0003), on the summary page CLIN

X00AD Option 2 is for 11 months instead of 12 months.

Answer: Corrected. See amendment 0005

21. Para 5.9.3.1-The Government would like to see 4 full time operators 5 days a week during business hours, 0800 to 1600, but there are only two consoles. How does that work?

Answer: PWS paragraph 5.9.3.1 should read 2 operators, 5 days a week 0800 to 1600 or requisite personnel to handle estimated incoming call volumes as stated in same paragraph.

22. Para 5.2.2.1-Under this paragraph, if a phone fails and needs replaced-Is it accomplished via a PID?

Answer: No, it will be accomplished via Operations and Maintenance. See PWS paragraph 5.2.2.

23. Percentage wise, how many pairs on the outside copper currently are free from fault?

or have faults?

Answer: Less than 10% currently have faults.

24. Is there a requirement of the type of splice case, (Better Buried or Stainless Steel), on repair of wet splices?

Answer: See EIPS paragraph 3.7.3.

25. What is the age of the existing copper plant?

Answer: Cable has been installed at various times. It is impossible to estimate the age of the system.

26. The Meridian 1 Option C release 25.47 switch is an older version, and version provided in the Appendix 5.2 s not compliant with the Joint Interoperability Test

Command (JITC) standards. For example a JITC complaint switch is 1000E/M series. Are there plans to update via replacement to modernize the switch to be JITC complaint?

Answer: Requirement to be revised by amendment. See amendment 0005.

27. As a result, the current version of the Meridian 1 option 11 C release 25.47 is no longer supported by AVAYA/Nortel. Avaya/Nortel offers “pass support” maintenance when the switch is complaint with current versions to obtain highest level vendor maintenance for custom fixes. How is it being handled today, does the

Government or incumbent current have any “pass” or other maintenance support agreement with the vendor (Avaya/Nortel)?

Answer: See answer to question 26.

28. If switch (or new system) upgrade and replacement is proposed and approved, who is responsible (i.e. is the contractor required) to complete all documentation required for Defense Information Assurance Certification and Accreditation Process

(DIACAP) package for designated approval authority to operate?

Answer: This is a Government responsibility.

29. The mail system call pilot is also currently not on the JITC. In Appendix 5.2 the

Telmod program is listed in OY2. In the interim, is the contractor responsible for

O&M of the current non-JITC complaint system? When the implementation of the new system is scheduled in OY2 what will be the scope of the contractors responsibilities to install, implement and provide DIACAP support?

Answer: The Operations and Maintenance Contractor is responsible for the

Operations and Maintenance of equipment identified in PWS Appendix 5.2.

30. At least 4 QAPs were introduced yesterday. After contract award, reporting and coordination of issues to the QAP(s) is there any hierarchy of reporting structure (for example, some contract require reports to a single COR) or are all QAPs considered equal in the review and approval during contractor performance?

Answer: There are Primary and Alternate QAP’s appointed by the Functional

Commander/Functional Director for the O&M of the BTS contract. All QAP’s receive the same training; however, if available the Primary QAP will be main point of contact. A delegation letter will be provided to awardee after contract award.

31. In Section L-1.D of the Proposal Preparation Instructions, related to Present/Past

Performance Information, paragraph 4 asks offerors to “Provide any information currently available (letters, metrics, customer surveys, independent surveys, etc.)

which demonstrates customer satisfaction …” Similarly, paragraph 7.l asks offerors to “Provide any contract discrepancy reports, corrective action reports or other non-compliance correspondence.” Must any customer correspondence or reports of this nature be included in their entirety, rather than being excerpted? If so, will that correspondence be included in the 30-page limit specified for the Present/Past

Performance?

Answer: No. The number of contract references is a maximum. Offerors are not required to submit 10 when they can show relevancy using less. Also, the offeror is not limited to three pages per reference. So, they may use more pages on an individual reference and less on another and still stay within the 30 page limit.

Based upon experience of previous proposal submissions 30 pages has been adequate space allowed to convey all information necessary to demonstrate ability to perform the proposed effort.

32. According to PWS Appendix 5.9 (Switchboard Operations), paragraph 5.9.3.1, Duty

Hours During the Week, “Contractor shall provide switchboard operators to operate the quantity of switchboards as described in the following table:”…a “Minimum of

4” operational switchboards is required Monday through Friday between the hours of

0800 to 1600. Observation: During the walkthrough, we walked into the switchboard area and there was only one switchboard operator present with two operational switchboards in the room and the time was approximately 1145.

Is the requirement to have 4 operational switchboards during 0800-1600 M-F a valid requirement? If yes, is there another switchboard location with two other operational switchboards that we weren’t shown?

Answer: See answer to question 21.

If no, what is the required number of minimum operators for this time period?

33. Is O&M of the fiber optic cable on Whiteman AFB a requirement of the current incumbent BTS contract?

Answer: Yes

34. Is the incumbent contractor providing O&M of the fiber optic cable on Whiteman

AFB?

Answer: Yes

35. Reference PWS paragraphs 1.3.14.6 (and subparagraphs), CVC. Since CVC is a new requirement, will CVC training be provided, at no cost, to the contractor?

Answer: See PWS Section 3.3 CVC Training.

36. Due to the proximity of the pre-proposal conference to the proposal due date

(historically, the pre-proposal conference for other BTS solicitations has occurred earlier than 12 days before the proposal due date) and the closing of questions regarding the RFP, we would like to request an extension of the proposal due date to two weeks following release of Q&A on FBO.

Answer: See amendment 0004. Proposal due date revised to 16 November 2010 at

1:00 PM CST.

37. On the Summary sheet in the Pricing Table Excel File, SLIN X001AD, Remote

Switch Bldg 4076, indicates an Estimated Quantity of "11 Mo" for OPT 2. Is this correct?

Answer: See answer to question 20.

38. Please breakout the Estimated Call Volume for the switchboard operations for the

Mon-Fri 0000 to 0700; 0700 to 0800; 0800 to 1600; and 1600 to 1700 time periods?

Grouping them together as is currently shown on the PWS makes it difficult to calculate staffing levels.

Answer: Call volume is based on information available. Further breakdown is not possible.

39. What tracking system is currently being used for logging and tracking trouble tickets

(i.e. Remedy)?

Answer: Remedy

40. Does Whiteman AFB have a cable yard for BTS use?

Answer: No, see PWS section 3.2.4.1 for Government provided space.

41. Will there be a transition period between the award notification and the contract effective date? 30days?

Answer: There is no contractual requirement for a transition period between old and new contracts/contractors. The Government will make every effort to award the contract as soon as possible. However, the period of time between contract award and contract start is unknown. Offerors should not rely on a 30 day period between the two events. Also, see Performance Plan paragraph 2.5.2.1 for additional information.

42. Please verify that cost and pricing data is required? Clause 52.215-20 is on Pg 138 of the RFP.

Answer: The intent of this clause is for other than cost and pricing data. It is not the intent the Offeror provide this data with their proposals, only upon request to verify price reasonableness. See amendment 0005.

43. Is the incumbent eligible to re-compete?

Answer: This is a 100% Small Business set-aside for NAICS 517110 with a size standard of 1500 so all Small Businesses meeting these criteria may submit proposals.

44. How many employees are on the current contract?

Answer: See answer to question 1.

45. For PIDs 4371 & 4372 the description says, "Roll Pipe PVC". Roll Pipe is usually made from polyethylene and PVC is used for stick pipe. Could you clarify this specification.

Answer: The description for PID 4371 has been revised and PID 4372 was a duplicate of PID 2136 and has been deleted. See amendment 0005.

46. Please verify that X001AF T-Metrics will only be required for Option year 2-4?

Answer: See answer to question 20.

47. We have been told that the Air Force will be using the Nortel/Avaya AS5300 for

VoIP. Whiteman AFB has two Cisco MCS7800's. Is there a plan to switch

Whiteman to the Nortel/Avaya equipment?

Answer: This is not a requirement of the current PWS.

48. PWS Section 1.2.4 Base Civil Engineering Work Clearance Requests: The

Contractor shall prepare and coordinate an AF Form 332 prior to any work requiring facility modification. - Isn’t it the responsibility of the Building Custodian and/or customer to process AF Form 332 with Civil Engineering? The approved form

AF332 would then be provided with the Work Order when it is issued to the

Contractor to perform the requirements.

Answer: As stated above, see PWS Section 1.2.4.

49. PWS 1.3.2.3 Manhole and/or Handholes.: “The Contractor shall inspect five QAP-accepted manholes per month under the O&M portion of this contract.” Shouldn’t this sentence read “five QAP-accepted manholes/handholes per month”?

Answer: No, the sentence is correct as written. The Contractor is required to accomplish five QAP-accepted per month as part of the O&M efforts.

50. PWS 1.3.9 Automatic Call Distribution (ACD) System. Is the system currently installed? If not when will it be installed and how long will the warranty period be?

Answer: Yes, the TELMOD system is installed. The warranty period expires in early May 2012. See amendment 0005, pricing table revision for X001AG.

51. PWS 1.1.136 Technical Solutions. Are all Technical Solutions performed under the monthly maintenance?

Answer: Paragraph number does not exist. Technical solutions addressed in PWS paragraph 1.3.1.3 are performed under Operations and Maintenance.

52. PWS 1.3.14.12 Cable Database Management System (CDMS): “The Contractor shall perform daily record updates using the CDMS system used at the base. The base currently uses CAIRS and TMS. Some updates may require the Contractor to manually enter the data upon completion of individual work orders or record changes. Contractor shall also maintain cable pair assignment records using TMS.”

If Whiteman using both CAIRS and TMS systems, what is each system being used for?

Answer: TIMS is an Access Database used for daily record updates upon completion of work requests. CAIRS is used to track calls, update long distance PINS and our bill verification process.

How do they incorporate the database of both systems to have one complete database?

Answer: These are separate systems, not currently consolidated.

Is TMS or CAIRS being used to issue Work Orders?

Answer: A locally developed Access Database tracks work orders.

53. PWS 5.2.2.2 Meridian 1 Option 11C Release 25.5 Building 4001. This switch is in the “Items to be Maintained by the Contractor” which means the Air Force will not provide spares, replacement parts, or be responsible to repair defective items.

Should this switch be under 5.2.3?

Will this switch be covered under the Voice Switch Sustainment (VSS) Program

PWS 5.4 for Tier II & III support?

If not under VSS, does the Contractor need to include Tier II & III support in their pricing for their responsibilities of this switch?

Answer: Yes, this switch is included under Contractor Furnished

Equipment/Contractor Furnished Maintenance. See PWS 5.2.2.2 as stated above.

54. PWS 5.2.3.4 Customer Premise Equipment for Meridian Opt 11 C Bldg 4001: There are 2 each of 2M2616 Central Answering Position Consoles listed. What are they being used for?

Answer: They are used for hot/direct lines running to hardened shelters.

55. PWS 5.2 does not list any equipment associated with Building 149 that pertains to the Switch Operator requirements listed in PWS 5.9. Is the contractor to assume they are not responsible for any of the equipment for Switch Board Operations?

Answer: Switchboard Operator Consoles are listed in PWS paragraph 3.2.4.12.1.

These consoles types have been revised to Meridian 2250 Attendant Consoles from

SL1-10 button 2 line capable phones. See amendment 0005.

56. PWS 5.2.3.5 list VOIP equipment to be maintained and the Pricing Table lists VOIP equipment to be purchased, however, the PWS 1.3 and 1.4 do not clearly define any

VOIP requirements. Please clarify the contractors’ VOIP requirements for installation and administration. Will the contractor be required to program and make administrative changes in VOIP equipment and for VOIP telephones?

Answer: See PWS paragraphs 1.1, 1.3, 1.3.1, and Appendix 5.3. Also see EIPS paragraph 3.1.1.4.

57. PWS 5.2.5 manhole handhole numbers – “5.2.5.2.1 Copper filled cable: The site(s) contains approximately 36 manholes and 44 handholes of various conduit capacities.

5.2.5.2.2 Fiber Optic Cable: The site(s) contains approximately 76 manholes and 102 handholes of various conduit capacities.” What is the total number of manholes and handholes overall? These numbers listed for manholes and handholes containing copper and fiber optic cable could be inclusive of each other.

Answer: 76 Manholes and 102 Handholes.

58. Pricing Table page 10 & 11 includes Fiber Optic Cable Direct Buried Purchase PIDS

3705 through 3727 however, we could find any corresponding installation PIDS.

Did we overlook those installation PID numbers or was it an oversight that they were not included?

Answer: Pricing Table is correct as there are multiple installation situations/methods that can be used for installation. Each situation will be determined on a case by case basis for this cable. For example, see PIDs beginning with 3851 through 3882.

59. Pricing Table page 13 includes Fiber Optic Cable Installation in Existing Innerduct

PIDs 3851 & 3852. We could not find any Purchase PIDs for any OSP unamored

Fiber Optic cable for installation in duct/innerduct. Did we overlook these PIDs or was it an oversight that they were not included?

Answer: No, this was not an oversight. This is correct; the base does not have a requirement for unarmored cable.

60. Pricing Table page 14 includes PID 3890 Furnish and Install 3 ft L x 3 ft H x 3 ft W

Manhole. Shouldn’t this PID be for a Handhole with those measurements instead of a manhole?

Answer: PID 3890 description has been revised. See amendment 0005.

61. Solicitation page 148, E. Part III – Pricing Proposal, Item 5 b. (3) ”It is each

Offeror’s responsibility to evaluate work effort and propose the appropriate labor mix for the level of effort required to perform the services described in the PWS and associated appendixes for the work-order services (CLINs X003 – X009) and price allocations for installation of SLINs/PIDs in the Pricing Table based upon their knowledge and experiences.” Is this statement is intended to include CLIN X-009 labor rates? Does this reference to CLIN X-009 indicate that the solicitation requests labor rates for CLIN X009 Special Projects to be established in our proposal for this solicitation?

Answer: CLIN X009, Special Projects, as identified in PWS section 1.5 are negotiated efforts. CLIN X009 on the Pricing Table will be a capped (fixed amount) at contract award. See amendment 0005.

Aren’t CLIN X-009 Special Projects to be negotiated on a case by case basis? Will the appropriate SCA and/or DBA loaded (with G & A costs and profit) hourly labor rates be negotiated for every CLIN X-0009 Special Project on a case by case basis?

Answer: Yes, labor and material requirements for each special project will be negotiated for total project price.

62. It has been our experience with the Predator program that there is an increased amount of SIPR requirements to support that mission. Is it possible to request some additional items be added to the Pricing Table at this time to avoid unnecessary

CLIN X009 Special Projects? For example, clear raceway and connecting components, 2 inch and 3 inch EMT with connectors, couplers, Ts and LBs, fiber optic cable any color, any color CAT6, additional CAT 6 JACKS in colors, shielded connectors, fiber optic connectors, and angled faceplates. We can provide a specific list of items that are not included on the Pricing Table.

Answer: We appreciate the offeror’s concern. However, the requirement stands as is.

63. If additional PID items are added to the Pricing Table under CLINs X-0004 through

CLINs X-0008 after award will that increase also apply to an increase in the CLIN

X-0009 Special Projects funds which are NTE 25% of CLINs X004-X008 Base and all Option periods IAW the PWS Section 1.5?

Answer: No. X009 will be capped at contract award. See amendment 0005.

64. Reference Section L, Para E.5.a. “Price all Contract Line Item Numbers/Subcontract

Line Item Numbers (CLINs/SLINs)/Product Identifications (PIDs).” Also, reference

Revised Pricing Table dated 18 Oct 2010. In our attempt to obtain vendor pricing for all of the equipment in the pricing table, vendors are only willing to guarantee their prices for a period of 30 days, especially for copper products such as PIDs 3635 –

3666. However, we are required to provide prices for all of these PIDs for a period of performance that doesn’t end until 30 Sep 2015.

Because no vendor will guarantee a price for more than 30 days and an escalation on these items still places the contractor at risk, will there be a provision for the contractor to gain an adjustment to their prices in the event the cost of these PIDs increases faster than normal inflation? Rationale: Recently, we have noticed a tremendous volatility of prices for PIDs (i.e., copper cabling, fiber optic cabling, etc.). The volatility is so extreme that vendors are unwilling to guarantee their prices for more than 30 days. Given the nature of this acquisition (FFP) and the extreme risk this places on the contractor, we feel the contractor should be afforded the opportunity for price adjustments of this kind.

Answer: No. Contractors are allowed to consider and price the risk into their proposals based upon their own escalation for option years.

65. Reference Section L, Paragraph D.7.g.(3): “For each of the applicable subfactors under the Technical Proposal in Section M, illustrate how your experience on this program applies.” In order to address all of the subfactors (as well as their criteria per Technical Proposal Section M), in detail, we are averaging 8 pages per past performance reference. The current page limit for PP is set at 30 pages with a maximum number of references of 10 (approximately 3 pages per reference). At the pre-proposal conference, the CO emphasized the necessity to show relevance with the equipment listed in Appendix 5.2. That does not require nearly as much space to answer as the paragraph cited above does.

Will the Government increase the page limit to allow for 8 pages per reference? If not, is it the Government’s intent that each offeror show detailed relevancy for each

Technical Proposal Subfactor and corresponding criteria? Rationale: The current template provided in Section L is two pages and then the Technical Proposal Section

M comprises nearly two more pages (using a font size of 12 Times New Roman).

That’s a total of four pages without any information supplied by the contractor.

Answer: See answer to question 31.

66. In the event material that is not currently in the Pricing Table (no current PID) is needed for an emergency, how will that material be purchased? Rationale: There used to be a provision for T&M but now that the contract is all FFP (other than

Special Projects), how will the parts and labor to resolve this emergency be funded?

Answer: Emergency outages are covered in PWS paragraph 1.3.3.3.1. Work orders for PIDs not included will have to be negotiated or other procurement methods may be used.

67. Please confirm proposals are to be delivered to the address shown in Block 7 of the

SF 33.

Answer: Yes. The delivery method is up to the offeror. See Blocks 7 and 9 of the

SF33.

68. PWS, Section 1.3.1 – Please provide insight into where the responsibility and equipment access of the BTS contractor ends in regard to the VoIP gateways – for example:

a. Are VoIP alarms forwarded to the installation network control center or does the

BTS contractor have access to VoIP alarms?

Answer: Equipment demarcation points are defined in PWS paragraph 1.3.1. The

Operations and Maintenance Contractor is responsible for equipment listed in

PWS Appendix 5.2. If alarm is on equipment in PWS Appendix 5.2 Contractor will take appropriate action. If not, refer the information to the QAP.

69. PWS, Section 1.3.4 – Is there a central office switch alarm panel and if so, where is it located?

Answer: Yes, Building 149 Room 138.

70. PWS, Section 1.3.5 – For cable locates ordered under SLIN X003AA do the timelines under Section 1.3.5 or those under 1.4.2 apply?

Answer: SLIN X003AA would be identified by a work order, therefore timeframes in PWS section 1.4 apply.

71. PWS, Section 1.4 – Does the Government anticipate the need for the BTS contractor to perform/witness tests of third-party installations and if so will these activities be treated as Work Orders?

Answer: Operations and Maintenance Contractors are not responsible for the Quality

Control of Third Party installation work.

72. PWS, Sections 5.2.2.2 and 5.2.3.4 – Is Government escort required for entry into

Bldg 4001?

Answer: No, Contractors will be added to Entry Access List (EAL) and apply for an

Air Force Entry Control Badge to gain access.

73. PWS Section 5.2.5 – Can the Government provide an estimate of the number of distribution pedestal terminals on Whiteman AFB?

Answer: There are 10 estimated.

74. PWS, Appendix 5.9, Section 5.9.3.1 – Please clarify the meaning of “operational switchboard” since the requirement is to support four (4) operational switchboards with only two (2) sets of equipment as described in Section 3.2.4.12.1.

75. Section L.D.10 (Client Authorization Letters) – please confirm the letters are to be completed by the Offeror, not by the commercial customer.

Answer: Letters are to be completed by offeror, sent to the client (commercial customer), and a copy is to be included in the past performance. See amendment

0005.

76. Section L.D.10 (Client Authorization Letters) – are Offerors to send the letters to their commercial customers and also insert the letters in the proposal, or should

Offerors merely provide the letters in the proposal in case the Government decides to ask the commercial customers for Past Performance Information?

Answer: Yes, send a letter to commercial customers and also insert a copy in the proposal. See amendment 0005.

77. Section L.E.6 (Contract Documentation – Section A) – What is “Section II” referred to in the last sentence?

Answer: Section L-1, E. 6 refers to block 12 of SF33. See amendment 0005.

78. Pricing Table – should the PWS reference for SLIN X003AA be to PWS 1.3.5?

Answer: See answer to question 17.

79. Regarding the pricing sheet, we have not been able to locate certain cables listed on the spreadsheet. (1500pr/24 Gauge, 1800pr/26 Gauge, 2100pr/26 Gauge, 2400pr/26

Gauge, 2700pr/26 Gauge, 3000pr/26 Gauge, and 3600pr/26 Gauge). All sources claim the items are no longer available to industry.

Answer: The Government verified the items provided in the question above and all are available commercially and are valid requirements. It is assumed all other PIDs are correct.

Should the vendor leave the spreadsheet cell for these items blank, insert NA, or insert a dollar figure for an item that is no longer used or available to industry?

Answer: No, do not leave cells blank or N/A. See Section L, E, paragraphs two and eight.

80. Where should Offeror’s list “Assumptions” in proposals?

Answer: Please place Offeror assumptions in cover letter or executive summary.