BCAS QNA1_Final_26Jul22 .pdf

No. Question Answer

The solicitation references using the 4 conductor NATO plug and requires split audio as well as stereo audio.

There are known issues with legacy systems using the NATO standard plug with signal interference between dual nets. Which requirement takes precedent, use of the NATO plug or the ability to split audio on dual nets?

That portion of the RFP has been amended to remove the following requirement:

“Headset downlead that uses the TP-120/NATO standard (4-pin) to connect to the control unit.”

2 Will the government require compatibility with chest-mounted tablets?

The Government does not anticipate evaluating compatibility with chest-mounted tablets.

Does the government want to have one long 19-pin cable or 2 cables, a short one for cummerbund use and a coiled cable for backpack use? Should we submit pricing for only one 163 19-pin, and one 152/117G 6-pin?

The solicitation requires 2 radio cables; one for 19-pin and one for 6-pin. The Government is not dictating a certain length and is up to the Offeror depending on their proposed configuration. No set length or series of lengths are specified intentionally to allow offerors the ability to provide systems that provide effective and streamlined form factors. Each variant must be provided with the Product Demonstration Models due at the time of the quote deadline. See Updated Attachment 3, ELIN Price Worksheet.

Will the government provide a technical data package or provide a point of contact at Harris for the 19-pin connection?

No.

Can we provide independent lab certification for Mil Std 810G methodology 502.6 Immersion in place of IP67 certification?

The Government cannot answer hypothetical questions and would need to see proposal specifics. For information only, theoretically, to the extent, the "independent lab" is a third party, the Government would consider such test results.

Specific to whether the Government would accept 810g methodology in place of IP67, because they are equivalent tests (1 meter for 30 minutes), such test should theoretically be valid. Third party test results showing products exceed 1 meter for 30 minutes should also theoretically be valid.

Can we provide our current independent lab ANSI 1974 Certification to certify product meets the required noise protection threshold?

No, ANSI 1974 is not equivalent to the required noise protection threshold. See DoD Instruction 6055.12 and specified in MIL-STD-1474E

Will additional consideration be given to vendors whose entire system including all subcomponents are designed, engineered, and manufactured in the United States? If yes, how will the government verify this?

Compliance with Buy American Act and Trade Agreements Act is required.

Additional consideration beyond this will not be given.

8 Are we able to make multiple submissions for this requirement? If so, is there a max?

The Government does not desire multiple submissions, however offerors may propose different configurations in their quotation. Each quotation must be submitted as a separate and alternate quotation, with a separate and unique completed written technical submission in accordance with FAR 52.212-1 and Addendum as well as a separately completed Attachment 2, ELIN Price Worksheet., Each variant must be provided with the Product Demonstration Models due at the time of the quote deadline. There is no maximum.

Would the government accept a dedicated 6-pin control unit and a dedicated 19-pin control unit with the radio cables permanently connected?

Yes. From the solicitation attachment 1, section 3.2: “Control units may have radio cables fused or separate/swappable depending on radio used.”

With regards to the 6-pin radio configuration, will the government be using two 6-pin radios at once? If so, would the government rather use two control units with the communication headset in a dual downlead configuration, especially if the headset downlead cables are capable of being removed when not used?

The minimum multi-net requirement is from the RFQ, 52.212-1 ADDENDUM, Table 2: “Shall monitor two nets simultaneously from a single multi-channel radio, while transmitting on one net.” Amongst the radios listed in the solicitation, the AN/PRC-163 is the only multi-channel radio. Additional configurations may be quoted based on the discretion of the offeror if they believe it provides a more streamlined form factor (see RFQ Table 3 section “Encumbrance/Comfort.”)

Will the government ever be using a 6-pin radio and a 19-pin radio at the same time? If so, would the government rather use two control units (one 6-pin and one 19-pin) with the communication headset in a dual downlead configuration, especially if the headset downlead cables are capable of being removed when not used?

Same answer as Question 10.

The 117G does not supply its own power for use with PTT/headset accessories. Is it correct to assume, when using the 117G, the user will simultaneously be connected to either a 163, 167 or 152A radio – which would then provide power for the 117G to operate correctly?

All solutions provided must be capable of operating independently with each radio stated in the RFQ.

What is the make/model of mobility platforms?

Reference the solicitation section that indicates mobility intercom systems may be evaluated more favorably.

No intercom system is required for minimum specifications for this solicitation.

However, any additional intercom system interoperability may be evaluated more favorably when determining a best value award. No specific intercom system is provided or implied as a minimum specification, and no specific use cases are provided or implied. Any solution provided as part of the quote must include Product Demonstration Models due at the time of the quote deadline.

14 What is the expected quantity of systems the government intends to procure over the life of the IDIQ?

As stated in Note 1, Attachment 2, ELIN Price List, “*Note 1: Quantities are estimates only for evaluation purposes and the Government is not obligated to order at these amounts. The Government may order increased or decreased quantities and in increments or total amounts per year.”

The the government’s intent to use more than one radio at a time? Does the government seek a system that will allow the use of multiple radios simultaneously?

Same answer as Question 10.

16 Will the government extend the due date? No

17 Will the government accept use of the U-329 connector as a substitute for the AP-136 6-pin?

Yes, if it provides the same functionality and meets the Product Specification Requirements.

Can the government provide additional detail on preferred layout of pricing submission if additional products are necessary to meet the requirement?

See the answer to Question 3.

Currently, there is only ELIN A01-A04 however the government is asking for cables in various lengths which would automatically require at least 2 additional

ELINS.

19 Is there a preferred color for the headset? No.

Will the government accept self-certification with testing data, images and testing protocol that passes 1 meter for 30 minutes?

Yes, as long as it is conducted by a third party and test results are provided as part of the offer.