Questions and Responses.pdf

# KTR Questions Answers

Are GPS coordinates already available for Buildings 760 and 1044, as well as the associated manholes/handholes (e.g., MH-KRT7, MH-20KW)?

If so, can these be provided to contractors prior to mobilization?

The SOW requires ±3 feet accuracy for GPS points. Will the Government provide specific equipment requirements (e.g., RTK GPS units) or is it the contractor’s responsibility to ensure compliance?

When the SOW calls for 3-foot (sub-meter) accuracy, it is incumbent on the contractor to provide and use Survey-grade measuring equipment. Smartphone apps are recreation grade and not sufficient. Also, the data must be post-processed with a reasonably close reference station.

3 Are there restricted or controlled areas along the proposed route where GPS surveying might be limited or require special clearance?

The road/proposed route doesn't have any restrictions, but there are restrictions pertaining to in/around the flightline. All proposed solutions should circumvent flightline.

The SOW specifies ESRI shape files. Are there any additional format or metadata requirements (e.g., projection standard, attribute fields such as “Building Number,” “Manhole ID,” etc.)?

ESRI Shape Files are used to “trace” paths and manholes onto our spatial geodatabase application, called CVC. It is not used for any other purpose. Manhole locations are point entities and should have the manhole name.

5 Should GPS points be collected at every route bend and interval of 25 feet, even in straight conduit runs, or only at significant changes in direction?

Yes, take the measurements along the route—even if straight. Note in your documentation that the run was straight. Depending on the curvature of any change in direction, this might have to be reduced. These would be only for the construction being done.

6 Will the Government conduct a verification survey of the contractor’s GPS data before final acceptance, or is contractor certification sufficient?

Yes, take the measurements along the route—even if straight. Note in your documentation that the run was straight. Depending on the curvature of any change in direction, this might have to be reduced. These would be only for the construction being done.

7 If discrepancies arise between contractor-collected GPS data and any existing Government records, which will be considered the authoritative dataset?

According to our documentation, it is stated that a GPS survey was conducted to fix the locations. If there are discrepancies, note them, and the government will reconcile the differences.

Are there any existing GIS base maps or layers (such as utility infrastructure or previously surveyed fiber routes) that will be shared with the contractor for integration?

The CSI-B for Kirtland AFB can export comm path data as a shape file or a geospatially formatted CAD file. The CSI-B can also provide the Communications Mission Dataset (CMDS) as an ArcGIS file.

9 Will aerial imagery overlays be required as part of the GPS deliverable, or only point/line shapefiles?

If stated in the SOW, provide the overlay. Otherwise, it is not required.

10 Should GPS data collection also include depth of cover or just horizontal coordinates?

Our geodatabase has depth information as a field, so it should be included. Each duct run segment will have only one depth.

11 Are existing as-built drawings of the current fiber routes available to contractors? The CSI-B for Kirtland AFB can provide CVC fiber path information from screen shots.

12 Has the Government inspected the conduits and manholes for blockages or damage, or should the contractor assume all risk?

No. It’s the contractor’s responsibility to rod. If a duct is found to be collapsed, then the contractor works with contracting to determine the best alternative.

13 Does the SOW establish a required burial depth for new conduit, or should standard TIA/BICSI practices be followed?

The common practice is 36", please coordinate with the base PM (377 MSG/SCXP) for additional information.

14 For terminations, should fiber be LC, SC, or another connector type? Will new panels be required, or will existing panels be used?

LC type connector. The contractor installs new Fiber Distribution panel on the existing rack at each building.

15 Beyond standard background checks, are there additional clearance requirements for contractor personnel?

No. Contractor personnel will not be inside of restricted areas. Standard base access requirements apply.

16 Are there restricted work hours (e.g., limited access during exercises, after-hours, or weekends)?

Work will be performed Monday - Friday 8AM - 4PM

17 Will the Government provide assistance in the “Dig Permit” and utility locating process, or is it solely the contractor’s responsibility?

Digging should not be needed however if it is then yes, the base will assist in the creation and routing of the dig permit.

18 Is there a designated staging/laydown area for storing fiber reels, conduit, and equipment?

Yes. Area North of Building 1044 is a fenced area that can be utilized.

19 The SOW references NETCENTS warranty standards. Will a 1-year minimum warranty be acceptable, or is a longer term expected?

No NWTCENTS. It is 1-year minimum (after the completion of the project) or manufacturer standard commercial warranty, whichever is longest.

20 Can the Government confirm the required percentage or amount of the bid guarantee?

Per FAR 52.228- 1 "Bid Gurantee", bid gurantees shall be 20 percent of the bid price or $3,000,000.00, whichever is less.

21 Should pricing be submitted as lump sum only, or should unit prices (fiber pulls, conduit, splicing, terminations also be included?

Per the CLIN structure pricing should be provided in the total amount of the offerors price.

22 Will progress payments be authorized, or is payment only upon final acceptance? Payments under this contract our outlined under FAR 52.232-5 "Payments under Fixed-Price Construction Contracts"

23 The period of performance is listed as 365 days. Does this begin at contract award or Notice to Proceed?

Per section 11. of the solicitation, the contractor shall begin performance within 10 calendar days from receving the notice to proceed and complete it within 365 calendar days after receiving notice to proceed.

24 Are liquidated damages applicable for schedule delays, and if so, at what rate? Liquidated damages have not been included within this effort.

25 Who will witness and validate the fiber acceptance tests (OTDR, end-to-end)? Witness/validation of fiber acceptance test will be conducted by the end-user or other Government personnel.

We would like to fulfill this requirement by pledging U.S. Government securities in lieu of a bid bond or cashier’s check. Could you please provide the appropriate instructions for doing so, including: acceptable forms of securities, designated repository or Federal Reserve Bank to which they should be pledged, any required forms, and the process and timing for ensuring compliance to bid opening.

A list of acceptable assets, entitled “Acceptable Collateral for 31 CFR part 225,” may be accessed by going to https://www.treasurydirect.gov/files/laws-and-regulations/collateral-programs/2018-final-225-list-of-acceptable-collateral.pdf . If using individual sureties the offeror shall utilize form SF28, this will then be routed by the Contracting Officer to the appropriate channel. As described above the offeror shall submit the SF28 with their quote and if determined to be the apparent awardee per Section M of the solicitation this will then be sent through the appropriate channel for approval. More information of the process can be located at FAR 28.203-1 "Acceptability of individual sureties".

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