SDN-L Round 1 Q Ax.pdf

Question 1: Will the Government consider a terminal control processor that is fully integrated into the terminal (not a separate handheld item) and that will provide the same or better functions as required in SOW 4.5.3.1 at a lower cost?

No.

Question 2: Will the Government accept an Ethernet (versus serial) attached Analog Telephone Adapter (ATA)?

Yes, SOW Paragraph 4.3.2.3 has been revised.

Question 3: Based on the inherent volume of the required components, will the Government consider revising this requirement to be 2 cases, each not to exceed 50 linear inches (L+W+H), excluding the Auxiliary Power Case (for example, one case for the terminal and one case for the baseband)?

Question 4: The weight and volume of the components listed in Table 1-1 are prohibitive for carrying in one backpack. Will the Government consider revising the requirement to be two backpacks for Section 4.3.1?

Question 5: The addition of a power converter, required to condition input power to 120 VAC will add substantial weight and cost to the baseband chassis. As the laptops and LRUs are universal AC input devices, will the Government accept a pass through of the input voltage (96- 264VAC) to the two output receptacles?

Question 6: Reference: Section H - Item Identification and Valuation (January 2009) On page 19, under "Item Identification and Valuation," the solicitation lists, "In lieu of requirements at DFARS 52.252.211-7003, the Contractor shall provide "Pedigree Data" listed below. However, on pages 30-32, DFAR 52.252.211-7003 is stated in full. Please confirm Contractor is compliant if it elects to provide Pedigree Data.

The clause in Section H has been removed from the RFP. Please follow the guidance in DFARS 52.252.211-7003.

Question 7: On page 22, FAR 52.216-19, Order Limitations, please confirm if there will be a Minimum Order identified in subsection (a).

“TBD” in this clause has been changed to $50.00.

Question 8: In Reference to SOW paragraph 5.4.5.1, please confirm if a PPL is the only deliverable, or a full provisioning effort including PPL, EDFP, MAC, and DCN.

SOW 5.4.5.1 and the definitions for CDRL A0006 and A0007 are correct.

Question 9: In reference to CDRL A0006 - Provisioning Parts List, will we have to submit DD- 61's for new National Stock Numbers (NSN)?

Question 10: In reference to SOW 1.2 System Description, please provide GFE laptop information such as make, model, and accessories to ensure appropriate design into overall solution.

CF19 laptop models CF-19GJL52AM and PJRDXAM are used with the SDN-L.

Question 11: In reference to SOW 4.3.2.2 Black Enclave and 4.3.2.4 Routing Features, the Cisco 1861 Router is a good option, available at this time, to accommodate the Routing features listed in 4.3.2.4, but it is not FIPS certified, which is required in SOW 4.3.2.2. Would the government consider removing the FIPS certification requirement? As an alternative, since the 1861 router is not FIPS 140-2 certified, and Cisco does not have plans to certify it, would it be acceptable to use an external device that is FIPS 140-2 certified to meet the requirements?

1) No, the Government will not remove the FIPS certification requirement.

2) No, the external device is not acceptable.

Question 12: In reference to SOW 4.3.6, Power Entry/Exit Panel Function item d. Two 120 VAC output receptacles (power available when AC input applied), does the AC output receptacle always have to be 120 VAC regardless of AC input voltage?

Yes.

Question 13: In reference to SOW 2.0 Applicable documents, MIL-STD-461E and MIL-STD 810F, which components of the system are not subject to MIL-STD 461E and MIL-STD 810F?

See SOW paragraphs 4.5, 4.9 and 5.2.

Question 14: In reference to SOW 4.3.5, 4.5.3.8, 4.5.4.7, System Power and Voltage requirements, is 12-32 VDC voltage acceptable for technical compliance?

Question 15: In reference to SOW 4.5.3.9 Modem Function, please clarify modem software requirements.

Modem software requirements are as stated in SOW 4.5.3.9.

Question 16: In reference to SOW 4.3.8 Auxiliary Power Function (Separate from Baseband Chassis), please clarify the requirement for the DC automotive lighter/12 VDC accessory cable.

Would the government consider revising the requirement to using a battery clip instead of the DC automotive lighter which presents safety and fire hazards?

Requirement is as stated in SOW 4.3.8.

Question 17: In reference to SOW table 1-1 and 4.8.2, is it acceptable to separately case the SATCOM and baseband components to meet size and weight requirements associated with MIL-

STD 1472F?

No.

Question 18: In reference to SOW 4.3.6 – AC Power indicator, can this be LED presence or a voltage readout indicator?

Design is to be proposed at the offeror’s discretion.

Question 19: Given the amount of technical clarification needed, would the government consider extending the due date for proposal submission by two weeks?

The due date for proposal submission is now 4 March 2010

Question 20: In reference to SOW 1.4, what is the required delivery time for the initial 15 systems?

See RFP Section F, Deliveries and Performance.

Question 21: Based on industry knowledge all commercial micro VSAT offerings are approaching or equal to 50 liner inches. This does not include the baseband equipment, laptop, and ancillary items. Would the government considering relaxing the KPP related to total liner inches or additional cases?

Question 22: Is a non-compliance grounds for immediate disqualification?

Yes.

Question 23: When is the close date for questions to be submitted to you?

In order to respond to all offerors, the Government requests all questions be submitted by 19 February 2010, 1630 Eastern Time.

Question 24: In reference to Page 47, Para L-2.1 Proposal Structure, all text shall be printed in black ink using 12-point Courier font. Printed lines shall be spaced a minimum of one character height apart (i.e., double spaced). Can all graphics, exhibits, and tables be provided in Courier font 9-point? Can all graphics, exhibits, and tables be provided as single spaced?

1) Yes.

2) Yes.

Question 25: In reference to Page 48, paragraph L-3.2, Volume 1 – Technical Approach, Volume 1 of the proposal shall be structured to include an Executive Summary and a separate section for each factor and subfactor. Is the Executive Summary included in the 75 page limit for Volume 1?

Yes.

Question 26: Page 51, Para L-3.3.2, Volume 2 – Past Performance, the Offeror shall include in their proposal the written consent of their proposed significant subcontractors.

Are Written Consent letters included in the 10 page limit for Volume 2?

Does the government have a sample consent letter they would like the Offeror to use?

If yes, when will the sample consent letter be provided to Offerors?

1. No

2. No.

Question 27: Page 51, Para L-3.3.3, Volume 2 – Past Performance, the Offeror shall complete Part I of the past performance questionnaire but there is not questionnaire to be submitted to our customers for completion and submission to SOCOM in response to this RFP.

Is there a questionnaire to be submitted by the Offeror to our customer for each past performance reference provided in our proposal submission?

If yes, when will the questionnaire be provided to Offerors?

Question 28: Page 37, 52.204-8, Annual Representations and Certifications (Feb 2009):

RFP states: (a)(1) The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code for this acquisition is 334220. (2) The small business size standard is 750 persons. (3) The small business size standard for a concern which submits an offer in its own name, other than on a construction or service contract, but which proposes to furnish a product which it did not itself manufacture, is 500 employees. We, submitting as Prime, are certified in ORCA and CCR as a small business concern under the NAICS 334220 with a small business size standard of 750 persons as per Para (a)(1) and (2) above. Para (3) above states small business size standard for a concern which submits an offer in its own name but which proposes to furnish a product which it did not itself manufacture is 500 employees. We, as Prime, are not the manufacturer of the product for this solicitation and have less than 750 persons but more than 500 employees.

Please clarify if we are to submit our proposal as a small or large business?

Based on the fact that you've stated you're not a manufacturer, and haven't provided any information to the contrary, our initi al conclusion is that you would be subject to the 500 employee size standard.

Question 29: On page 55 of the SF 33 of the subject solicitation, you are identified as the individual to whom all questions regarding the solicitation must be submitted. However, there is no information provided as to the deadline for submitting questions. This being the case, please advise the date and time on or before which questions must be submitted.

In order to respond to all offerors, the Government requests all questions be submitted by 19 February 2010, 1630 Eastern Time.

Question 30: Please provide the exact model numbers for the listed GFE laptops and hard drives so that accurate system weight and volume can be addressed.

CF19 laptop models CF-19GJL52AM and PJRDXAM are used with the SDN-L.

Question 31: Please detail system case count. The SATCOM terminal is described as being part of the 50 linear inch Baseband suite, but each SATCOM terminal may be purchased and delivered under separate CLINs by RF band and each terminal must perform to stand-alone performance and environmental specifications in sections 4.5.3, 4.5.4, and 4.5.5. Additionally, a SATCOM case lid is referenced in 4.5.3.1, 4.5.4.1, and 4.5.5.1. This inconsistency seems to be linked to legacy solicitations that included a BGAN terminal in the lid. Consistent with other government manpack procurements, it is recommended that the system be specified with one(1) case for the Baseband Chassis, one(1) case for the SATCOM terminal, and one(1) case for the Auxiliary Power Case.

No, refer to SOW Paragraph 4.3 and Figure 1.

Question 32: The Airline Carry-On dimensions and weight are specified as Threshold for the Baseband Chassis. While the Baseband Chassis weight excludes the SATCOM Terminal weight, the Threshold requirement of 40 lbs for the SATCOM terminal results in a combined

Threshold weight of more than 100 lbs with the SATCOM terminal case and Terminal Control Processor included. This total weight exceeds airline weight limits and does not meet the desired portability of the SDN-L system. The only way to achieve this portability is to identify an additional transport case for the SATCOM terminal.

Refer to SOW paragraph 1.3 and Table 1-1 for the requirements for system weight.

Question 33: Will there be only one resultant contract with only one winner for SDN-L?

The Government currently anticipates awarding one contract, but please refer to FAR 52.215-1(f)(6).

Question 34: Can a single offeror submit more than one independent and unique proposal?

Yes, as long as each proposal meets RFP requirements.

Question 35: The Talon KOV-26 quantity in Table 1-4 is two (2). However, there is a single Talon listed for the baseband kit and a single Talon listed for the Severable Subsystem (SS). As the SS is part of the baseband kit, shouldn't Table 1-4 specify a single Talon?

The Government is providing two TALON cards as defined in SOW Table 1-4.

Table 1-2 has been corrected to reflect quantity of two TALON cards.

Question 36: The "T" and "O" designation is used inconsistently throughout the document and is not defined. Please confirm that "T" is, indeed, “Threshold” and that "O" is, indeed, “Objective”. If neither a T or an O is present relative to a given requirement in the document, is it assumed that the requirement is then a Threshold requirement?

Yes, (T) is Threshold, (O) is Objective. Non-labeled requirements shall be interpreted as Threshold.

Question 37: Will you please send the actual Evaluated Pricing spreadsheet to Offerors?

The actual Excel spreadsheet has been uploaded to FedBizOpps.

Question 38: The requirements listed for the Terminal Control Processor (TCP) are very detailed. Is the TCP intended to host applications and functions other than the SATCOM GUI?

If no, this requirement is overkill for most GUIs and the TCP can be dramatically lighter and smaller.

Question 39: 4.3 lists a Threshold requirement for the support of four(4) laptops in any configuration. 4.3.2.1, 4.3.2.2, and 4.3.2.3 each have 4 port connectivity as an Objective. If any configuration is the requirement, the port connectivity cannot be Objective. If single port connectivity is the requirement, 4.3 must call out only single laptop support as a Threshold.

Please clarify.

SOW paragraphs 4.3, 4.4 and 4.7, and Table 1-2 have been modified.

Question 40: 4.3.8 states that the Auxiliary Power Case weight shall not exceed that of the Baseband Chassis (48 lbs). The end of the paragraph then states that the weight shall not exceed 55 lbs. Please clarify.

The 55 pound weight is the correct requirement for the Auxiliary Power Case.

SOW Paragraph 4.3.8 has been modified accordingly.

Question 41: 5.2 requires that the Baseband Chassis and Auxiliary Power Case be subjected to several environmental tests that are generally required for outdoor tactical equipment. What is the operational environmental test scenario for the Baseband Chassis and Auxiliary Power Case?

SOW paragraphs 4.9 and 5.2 define the environmental test requirements for the system.

Question 42: The Shock and Vibration tests are consistent for transportation testing. Are these two cases supposed to be operational under 810F Salt Fog, Blowing Rain, Sand and Dust, and Humidity conditions? This will require full MIL SPEC bulkhead connectors and fully sealed cases with internal cooling and heating.

SOW paragraphs 4.9 and 5.2 define the environmental test requirements for the system.

Question 43: This solicitation represents the procurement of potentially thousands of terminals, chassis, and spares. The ability to manage a supply chain, maintain quality standards, efficiently produce at high quantity levels, and maintain environmentally friendly manufacturing practices are absolute requirements. It is recommended that a Production Readiness Volume be part of this procurement.

The Government does not feel a Production Readiness Volume is necessary.

Question 44: Will the Terminal Control Processor be connected and operational under the Environmental conditions listed for the SATCOM terminals?

Yes.

Question 45: Provisioning Parts List should be CLIN 0013, not 0012 in Attachment 4.

PPL will be provided after award and in accordance with CDRL A0006.