Response_to_Vendors_Questions_for_18Q9050.pdf

QUESTIONS and ANSWERS

PC Lifecycle Replacement Laptops

1. We would like to formally request an extension for this solicitation. We request additional time so that we are able to get configurations and pricing from the OEM. A due date two days after the submission of questions is not a sufficient amount of time to receive and review Q&A and prepare a complete and lowest price response.

Answer) This RFQ will be extended until Friday September 7, 2018.

2. Ultra Book 1 – Screen Size

REF: HE125418Q9050_-_PC_Lifecycle_Replacement-Combined_Synopsis-Final-8-31-2018

Attachment A, Page 46

Question: The Government currently requires a screen size of 12” for Ultra Book 1.

However, industry has moved away from the 12” platform and is shifting to 13” configurations.

Would DoDEA be willing to relax this requirement to allow for a screen size of up to 13.3” so as to meet industry trends? OEMs have been able increase screen size without impacting weight or the dimensions of the unit as compared to the older 12” models. Increasing the allowable screen size would greatly increase competition.

Answer) An increased screen size up to 13.3” is acceptable.

3. Ultra Book 1 – Data Protection Access Security

Attachment A, Page 46

Question: Would the Government please clarify what it means by its “Data Protection

Access Security” requirement? Will a self-encrypting hard drive and TPM 2.0 meet the requirement? Please advise.

Answer) Providing TPM 2.0 or higher will meet the requirement.

4. Ultra Book 2 – Internal Optical Drive

Attachment A, Page 47

Question: The Government requests an internal optical drive for Ultra Book 2. However, many OEMs have stopped manufacturing notebooks with internal optical drives as users have moved away from needing ODDs and to allow for smaller, lighter computers. Would DoDEA be willing to change this requirement to allow for the use of an external optical drive? Doing so would create a more open competition.

Answer) Internal optical drives are required for UltraBook #2.

5. Ultra Book 2 – Data Protection Access Security

Attachment A, Page 47

Question: Would the Government please clarify what it means by its “Data Protection

Access Security” requirement? Will a self-encrypting hard drive and TPM 2.0 meet the requirement? Please advise.

Answer) Providing TPM 2.0 or higher will meet the requirement.

6. Regarding the above-referenced solicitation, I contacted several manufacturers to research the configurations requested for the Laptops / Ultrabooks #1 and #2. I am being advised that the requested processor (Intel Core “i7” – 8000 series) is on extreme back-order and Intel is predicting availability out 2 – 3 months. As the quantity for this RFQ is 600 units, current stock availability will be severely constrained in order to meet the 60 day delivery requirement.

In light of the above Intel processor production schedule backlog, will the project accept the offer of 7 Gen processors? I am being advised that there is very little difference between 7 and

8 Generations. If this substitution is not allowed, the 60 day delivery requirement will be impossible to meet.

Answer) Not willing to substitute, please process with the Intel Core “i7” – 8000 series.

END OF QUESTIONS