Amendment A0002 questions 40 -75.doc

Amendment A0002 Questions 40-74 Q-40. Who will control the routers on site?

A-40. See PWS 2.1.8. and paragraph 2 of Section 6.0. The routers referenced are owned and operated by the Government on a DoD certified network. Access to the routers is restricted to authorized DeCA personnel and contractors.

Multicast

Q-41. Regarding the requirement for a 15 Mbps multicast? Since the system could be operated as 3 networks, does a 15Mbps multicast remain a requirement on each network, or can the total of the 3 network weekly multicasts equal 15 Mbps.

A-41. See PWS 2.1.2. The multicast requirement is the capability that can be received at all sites simultaneously; it is not the aggregate sum of separate networks.

Q-42. Regarding the GFE computer with XP. Will it be on clear or encrypted side?

A-42. Ref PWS 2.1.2, 2.1.8, Attachment 4A as amended. The GFE PC with XP will hang off of one of the switches. The VPN tunnel will terminate at the router. In the lower right-hand corner of Attachment 4B, the graphic with the label “Store” could represent the GFE computer with XP.

Q-43. Where will the Multicast be initiated from?

A-43. Please refer to the answer for question 28.

Q-44. Since multicast is stated over VSAT only, do sites which have DSL (Broadband) only require the GFE PC to be setup for multicast

A-44. No.

Q-45. What is the intended use of the multicast traffic?

A-45. Projected use includes but is not limited to: software and/or data distribution, VOIP, and possibly streaming video.

Q-46. The requirement to load a “client software” on the GFE PC to save the multicast file exists. Since the contractor will not have access to the DeCA core operating system, who is providing this software?

A-46. Please refer to the following extracts from PWS 2.1.2: The Contractor shall provide a “turn-key” solution that provides all required *software*, hardware, service and maintenance support…. For each remote DeCA location, the *client-based solution* will be loaded on Government furnished equipment (GFE) PC running Microsoft Windows XP…. The Contractor shall provide *assistance to Government personnel* in loading, configuring and making operational the client software on the GFE.

Q-47. Section 2.1.3 states that the commercial internet is a separate access not integrated into its DOD certified network. Can the bandwidth utilized by the on demand internet solution also be utilized to provide the 15 Mb download service.

A-47. Ref PWS 2.1.2 - The multicast capability is a VSAT component. Ref 2.1.3, the direct Internet service is disabled so as not to create a risk to DeCA’s certified network. The government’s expectation is the commercial Internet service would be tied to an unused Ethernet interface until such time the Government is ready to use the service. Based on our current understanding of the technologies, we do not believe use of the Internet access as suggested meets PWS requirements. The vendor will have to make their case for whatever solution they propose.

Q-48. Can the Broadband solution be private or public?

A-48. The PWS does not have a requirement for which type of service is required. Private service generally implies greater security over public service and security counts. Per the Past Performance Information, Section II(d), page 24 of the RFP: contractors are required to demonstrate their proposed broadband/VSAT solution has been purchased, installed and has been and is still currently in use within the commercial market for a minimum of 6 months. The Contractor shall supply documentation that their proposed service is in use in the following environments: Federal Government, commercial retail business, and commercial retail grocery sales businesses. DeCA does not want to fund the design and implementation of a private service unless it is cost competitive and a commercially implemented design as indicated.

Q-49. No direct roof mounted antennas are authorized … does this include Non Penetrating mounts on the roof?

A-49. PWS 2.3.1.2 references drilling into the roof which implies bolting into the roof, etc. Non-penetrating mounts such as a ballast mechanism would be acceptable. The use of other mounting mechanisms such as pole mounts on the side of a building or at ground level would probably be acceptable. Ground level aprons or pads might be acceptable, but are not desirable.

Q-50. Interface Question:--In cases where both Broadband and VSAT connections terminate to a single router, are there separate router interfaces for the two connections, or do the two terminate to a single router interface?

A-50. Our current equipment assessment indicates most routers have two available Ethernet interfaces to support this requirement. In those limited cased where two interfaces are not available, we will make appropriate changes to make them available.

Q-51. CDC Internet Connection:--According to Attachment 4B, there is already an ISP firewall at each CDC. Is the Broadband portion of our solution supposed to terminate using the in place ISP connection, or are we required to provide a broadband connection at each CDC

A-51. DeCA interprets CDC to mean Central Distribution Center. CDCs are only located OCONUS. CDCs have Internet access using one of DeCA’s two commercial Internet points of presence as illustrated in Attachment 4B. If the question relates to how the broadband service will be brought in to DeCA’s protected network enclave, solutions could include use of the VSAT teleport to the DeCA Terrestrial node connections points, addition of other dedicated circuits to the DeCA connection points, or use of DeCA’s existing commercial Internet service at the Terrestrial nodes.

Logistics and Provisioning:

Q-52. The PWS states that the contractor is responsible for all shipping, taxes, duties to each location; however it also states transfer of title of equipment to the U.S. Government. Since the contractor is responsible for HNA, license, etc., who will be listed as the owner/operator. If the equipment becomes GFE does it not fall under U.S. Government agreements already in place, SOFA, in-country agreements, allowance for Embassy shipping and receiving, and customs clearance and other non-duty considerations?

A-52. Equipment title will transfer to the Government after installation testing and acceptance. Until acceptance, all responsibility for the equipment lies with the contractor. The government has added clauses for tax/customs exemptions already in place for Germany, Italy, Spain and the UK. Please refer to the RFP clauses section for specific clauses.

Q-53. PWS states that the contractor is responsible for frequency clearance. Is this meant to be with the Host country communications entity or the Government frequency coordinator at each post, camp or station? Again a partial point is that the owner is usually considered the "operator" of an individual remote with respect to "hook-ups" to the public good (local ISP, DSL, ADSL).

A-53. The host country communications entity. DeCA will assist in providing an appropriate base-level POC to facilitate gaining base approvals where needed.

Q-54. Para 2.8.2 provides for the use of DeCA support centers as a logistic dispersal operation. This appears as if Host country agreements for Government equipment are in effect. The PWS states that Turkey has unique considerations. Is this unique consideration Government agreement or is the Contractor "on his own" for moving Government equipment into Turkey?

A-54. As stated in question/answer 52, equipment does not become GFE until after installation and acceptance.

Q-55. Will an 8a Firm providing the total solution and work be awarded more consideration than an 8a company providing a front for big business?

A-55. The SBA sets the guidelines for 8(a) competition. All proposals will be evaluated based on the published evaluation factors.

Q-56. The notice indicates pres-solicitation with a response due date of 4/22/08 - the RFP states the /proposal/ due date is 4/22/08 - is the full proposal due on 4/22?

A-56. The proposal due date was extended with Amendment 0001 to 29 Apr 08.

Q-57. From the documentation, the network includes all space segment/interconnect requirements, however, we need to know if there is a requirement for specifically for C-band/Ku-band (?) - our preference, from a dependability standpoint, would be to use C-Band, particularly for the Pacific Ocean Region (POR).

A-57. This is a performance based commercial contract. We have provided the end result we wish to procure, the vendor must utilize whatever is necessary to meet the requirements of the contract.

Q-58. For equipment delivery, particularly in some of the Pac-Rim/Med locations, is it possible for the equipment to be shipped via DoD resources such as USAF or USN/TAK (Merchant Marine) with normal cargo deliveries? This would reduce contract costs and ensure delivery of electronics. (Pilferage of equipment is a problem in some of the Pac-Rim/Med. areas.

A-58. Shipping is a vendor responsibility, ref PWS 2.3.1. Each vendor is free to pursue the shipping options they deem appropriate.

Q-59. Is it anticipated the network will be wholly SatCom based or can hub connectivity into/out of Conus be a combination of Vsat/FOC or is the network to connect to existing Sprint/AT&T points of presence/hubs?

A-59. See PWS 1.2.2, 2.1.6, and 2.1.6.1. The vendor must meet the requirements stated in the PWS by using their business expertise. Vendor solutions proposed will be evaluated for best value in accordance with the RFP criteria.

Q-60. Vendor would like clarification of CLIN 22 which shows payment for VSAT equipment as MRC vice NRC.

A-60. Ref PWS 2.1.11, CLIN 22 refers to deployable VSAT; it will be leased, not purchased.

Q-61. Vendor would like to know more about the multicast. We see this as a very large expense and have alternate ideas.

A-61 Refer to PWS 2.1.2 Q-62a. Do all the customers require this download at exactly the same time?

A-62a. Refer to the PWS 2.1.2 and the answer to question 41.

Q-62b. What is the data and its format?

A-62b. Refer to the answer for question 45.

Q-62c. Does the contractor supply the server for the download for the multicast as well as the transmit and receive client loaded at the commissaries?

A-62c Yes, this is a vendor supplied turn-key solution.

Q-63.

Is a “Value Engineering” bid submitted completely separate from the proposal with a request to be considered as value engineering?

A-63. There are no provisions for Value Engineering in this solicitation, except as “technical enhancements” after award. Page 22 of 41 of the RFP, FAR 52.212-1 (e), will be amended to reflect the Government’s position on multiple offers.

Q-64. Will the multicast traffic in PWS Item 2.1.2 be sent through DeCA’s VPN tunnels utilizing hardware listed in Item 2.1.7.3?

A-64. The VPN tunnels in 2.1.7.3 will have endpoints from the remote DeCA locations to DeCA’s core network via the vendor VSAT cloud. It is doubtful as to whether these tunnels would be suited to the multicast solution. The vendor is required to ensure data protection/encryption (last sentence of 2.1.2).

If the answer is “yes”, then we need to ask:

Q-65. Do the routers at remote sites listed in PWS Item 2.1.7.3 have VPN Hardware Encryption (AIM-VPN) modules ?

A-65. Note: the 3825s and 3640s were spec’d to have AIMs.

Q-66. Is there a provision for upgrading the VPN Concentrator at the Ft Lee site?

A-66. Yes. This is under analysis and should be in place prior to full rollout.

Q-67. For the OCD at Fort Lee Virginia: We understand that we will provide a satellite link into the Internet to establish VPNs for communications. Your drawing show a broadband modem, an ISP/VPN concentrator and an ISP Border Router. Is DeCA supplying the modem, concentrator and the ISP border Router?

A-67. Please refer to amended Attachment 3. The ISP VPN concentrator and Border Router are DeCA owned and managed. The broadband modem is part of the vendor’s solution.

Q-68. There is a question as to the Government’s intention as to whether all DeCA locations referenced in this procurement need to have a VSAT implemented. Section 2.1.8 of the PWS states “The Contractor solution shall support two different remote site configurations, one with Broadband (i.e., DSL) and VSAT connected to the same router, and one with the Broadband and VSAT connected to separate routers (see Attachment 4A).” Attachment 4A depicts the VSAT as present for all initial store and end-state store connectivities. Section 1.1 of the PWS notes “where VSAT service is not available, no VSAT component of the Broadband/VSAT solution is required.” Furthermore, Page 25 of 41 of the RFP, Amendment 0001, Element 4.4 states that “the offereror shall identify all locations listed in Attachment 12 where the Broadband and/or VSAT solution is not available.” If a VSAT is required at every location, then how can these prior statements be applicable? These statements seem to be contradictory.

Please state unequivocally whether VSAT needs to be proposed for all DeCA sites. As the Government is aware, VSAT service is available globally with the exception of the polar regions which do not have any DeCA locations, so “how should the phrase “where VSAT service is not available, no VSAT component of the Broadband/VSAT solution is required” be interpreted when it is clearly possible to provide a VSAT to every DeCA location?

A-68. The language in PWS section 1.1 has been amended to read “where VSAT service is not available at a reasonable cost”. RFP page 25 of 41, element 4.4 has been amended to read, “the offereror shall identify all locations listed in Attachment 12 where the Broadband and/or VSAT solution is not available (at all or at a reasonable cost).” DeCA does not intend to install VSATs in cost-prohibitive locations.

Q-69. We are respectfully requesting a 30-day extension of time to submit this proposal, to 29-May-2008.

A-69. The government does not intend to extend the due date of the solicitation.

Q-70. What are the requirements for the 8(a) contractor? Often there is a 51% of work requirement. Can you please advise if this requirement applies?

A-70. The Small Business Administration set the rules for 8(a) contractors and all SBA rules will apply to this solicitation. The 8(a) contractor must perform 50% of the labor costs of this contract.

Q-71. VSAT installation is unique to each site. Absent a site visit to 258 installations, there is no way to know exactly what will be required to install each dish; some may be straight installs on the die of the building, some may require a tower, some may require a pad and pole mount. Is there a provision for unknown materials required?

A-71. This is a firm fixed-price contract. Each vendor will have to make a business decision on how to price their bid to cover their expenses.

Q-72. Will DeCA provide a point of contact for each facility for the site visit for installation?

A-72. Yes, Ref PWS 8.0 Q-73. On the test at Fort Lee. Does the Government expect a “complete” including multicast services to be demonstrated? That is the sending and receiving of the multicast, the software, the bandwidth, ISP service?

For 8a Companies, this is a very large price out of pocket. Please portray your exact requirements for what the Contractor must provide out of pocket to do this test other than the VSAT and the teleport with ISP connectivity.

A-73. Please refer to question and answer #27 in Amendment 0001 and the amended Attachment 3.

Q-74. According to the documentation and installation schedules, the requirement calls for Y+90 for the pilot site installation and testing, yet the project is to be completed by September 30, 2008. Given this timeframe there not be enough time to complete the installations by September 30, 2008 since they cannot be started until a minimum of 90 days after contract award. How can we resolve this?

A-74. Please refer to Amendment 0001, question and answer #11 and #21.

Q-75. Should the contractor assume the power availablity in each location be local power? (ie: US - 120V and Pac Rim/Europe 250V, etc.) As the requirements state that "the equipment is to be plugged into existing UPS's"

A-75. In DeCA facilities, US and PAC Rim power is 120VAC. Most power in Europe/Med is 220V though there may be 1 or 2 exceptions.

PAGE