Questions 28-Oct-09.pdf

1. Following are questions from the Government to Industry relative to the Draft

RFP HC1013-09-R-2004 for the Military Sealift Command Next Generation

Wideband.

a. In the draft RFP, do any objectives or constraints pose inordinate challenges for industry or require greater clarification? Do any apparent contradictions or conflicts exist between sections?

b. MSC intends with this RFP to tap into the diversity of capabilities but recognize the limitations of industry while expeditiously acquiring maximum capabilities for a defined budget. We are particularly interested to understand questions and concerns regarding the effectiveness of this draft RFP to meet this intent. Both positive and negative comments are welcome to influence our decisions as we make final edits to this RFP.

c. Our intention is to structure the acquisition in such a way that the offeror can provide maximum capability for a set price. Does the current RFP sufficiently guide the offeror with what MSC wants and how they will evaluate? Do the CLINs provide an appropriate level of detail to flexibly propose a solution of capabilities to cost targets and offer MSC greatest scale economies and flexibility for unanticipated changes to fleet locations and usage?

d. Will industry be able to effectively produce the supplemental documents requested

(i.e., PWS, OCD and the Transition Plan)?

2. Following are questions received from industry and Government responses to these questions:

a. Do you expect to make major changes to the DRFP? Response: The DRFP is issued to receive and consider industry input. It is premature to answer this question before responses are received and considered.

b. When will final RFP be issued? Response: RFP planned for issue in 1st Quarter

FY10.

c. How much time will be given for response? Response: Industry is usually given 30 calendar days.

d. Do you look for a closed network or will a commercial network (like the Inmarsat

BGAN) be acceptable. Response: Closed or commercial are both viable options.

e. Do you plan to operate your own gateway(s)? In this case how many? Response:

There are two POPs (San Diego, CA and Pensacola, FL) that will interface the SATCOM solution with the MSC enterprise infrastructure (as well as to the commercial internet).

f. Is operations of the network included in the scope and if so, for how many years?

Response: Operations of the network (SATCOM infrastructure) can be included in the scope for the period of performance.