Attachemt_A_-_Questions_and_Answers.pdf

Questions and Answers Attachment A – HSBP1015R0021 A0001

Questions and Answers

These questions have been received by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) from various vendors. The questions and CBP’s responses are listed below. In cases where similar questions have been asked by more than one vendor, those questions may be consolidated into a single question and response.

Questions related to the Request for Proposals (RFP)

1. The FBO announcement states a closing date of 7/20/2015 at 4:30pm, but the front of the RFP states July 17, 2015 at 4:30pm. Which is correct?

The correct closing date and time was July 20, 2015 at 4:30pm. However, the submission dealine has been extended. See question 26, below.

2. The FBO announcement appears to suggest a multiple award IDIQ, but the RFP states a single award IDIQ. Which is correct?

The FBO announcement is incorrect. This is a single award IDIQ as stated in the RFP.

3. When pricing warranties, is it correct to assume that the first year is included in warranty time period? In other words, a two year warranty would only include twelve additional months of service and not twenty-four.

Correct. A two year warranty would mean one year in addition to the base year that is included automatically in the unit price.

4. In the RFP evaluation factors, Factor 1-(a) has two sections (1.1 and 1.2) that seem redundant.

Each one reference 3.2-1. Could you please elaborate?

1.1 applies to the van dimensions, 1.2 applies to van weight.

Questions related to the Statement of Work (SOW)

5. Section 3, Requirements, states in the second paragraph that a first article should be available within 60 days. This seems unreasonable for a customized solution. Is this correct?

These are considered non-developmental commercial items, thus sixty days is considered reasonable.

6. Section 3.2, Technical Requirement, item 2 mentions that steering column shifters must be used.

Would dash mounted shifters also be permitted?

Dash mounted shifters may be used, but must be for an automatic transmission.

7. Section 3.2, Technical Requirement, item 3 is for heavy shocks. Would the stock components of a heavy duty chassis be acceptable, or should vendors provide proof of customized heavy duty shocks?

The shocks and the driveline must be shown adequate for the load and load distribution. If stock components meet that requirement, then they can be used.

8. Section 3.2, Technical Requirement, item 17 covers vehicle dimensions, including height. Does the

96” height requirement include the siren/light bar?

The 96” height requirement is all inclusive, so the light must also be below that height.

9. Section 3.2, Technical Requirement, item 24 is for emergency lighting. Would it be acceptable to substitute front grill lighting (such as the Whelen 500 series) to help avoid air flow interference?

No, CBP requires roof mounted lighting for this unit.

10. Section 3.2, Technical Requirement, item 32 mentions that “Two 25-foot power cords with proper size wire gauge to prevent line loss and ancillary connectors for U.S. power system”. Will these power cords be used exclusively to power the X-Ray system? Will the power cord connect to the dedicated receptacle referred to in 3.2 Technical Requirements (#8)?

These will be standard 3-prong 110V wall plugs on one end, and locking plugs as described in the SOW on the van side. One cord will be used to power the air conditioning unit for the x-ray system, and the other will power the x-ray system and external outlets (see questions 15 and 16 below).

11. Section 3.4.4, requirement 4, mentions an auto-stop and an auto-return feature. Could you explain how these function?

The auto-stop feature, when it is activated, would cause the system to stop when a package exits the x-ray tunnel.

The auto-return feature, when it is activated, would cause the system to return a package to the starting side after the scan was complete.

12. Section 3.4.4, requirement 8, states that the minimum tunnel dimensions are 38” x 38”. However

SOW section 3.2.2 item 20 states that 38” x 38” is the maximum size. Which is correct?

The minimum dimensions are 38” x 38”.

13. Section 3.4.4, requirement 10, states: “Tunnel trays: Able to withstand a maximum impact/shock weight of 600 lbs.” What are these trays? How will they function? Are there dimensions specifications? How many are required? How will it be tested?

These are stainless steel trays or rollers trays that should be positioned at each end of the tunnel. They should extend past the sides of the vans to facilitate loading and unloading scanned items. The trays should match the width of the tunnel (minimum tunnel size is 38”). Length of the tray should be at least

24”, more preferred.

To test this requirement, the vendor will demonstrate that the placement of a 600 pound weight on the tunnel trays or rollers in a loading direction at a drop of 8” will not distort or damage the trays or rollers.

14. Regarding Section 3.4.5, Computer Operator Station, are dual operator stations required (one per side)?

Two workstations are not required. One workstation that can be moved to either side is acceptable, provided that it is small enough to be moveable by small individuals. It cannot be bulky or heavy.

15. In Section 3.4.7, item 1, the SOW specifies a “2.1 kV AC, 20A standard outlet.” Is this the same outlet referenced in section 3.2 Technical Requirements (#8)?

This is not the same requirement. This part of 3.4.7 refers to the shore power connection (using a standard grounded, three-prong plug) for running the air conditioning system for the equipment on the van.

If vendors are proposing equipment that can operate in extreme temperatures without climate control for the system, then this requirement can be ignored.

16. In Section 3.4.7, item 8, specifies “7A and 20A external power outlets” Is the 7A outlet for auxiliary equipment and can it be more than 7A? What is meant by external? Is the van expected to supply 20A + 7A + X-ray power and climate control?

Both of these outlets are standard 3 prong grounded outlets for use with auxiliary equipment. The outlets will be on the outside of the vans, as close as practicable to the tunnel area. The outlets must be waterproof.

7A and 20A represents the minimum for each outlet. Higher amperage is acceptable.

The outlets should be able to provide power with either the generator or shore power. In situations where shore power is not available the generator should be able to provide all needed power to the system, the air conditioning, and the outlets. Where shore power is available, a connection to shore power should provide energy for the x-ray system and the outlets. The air conditioning will be powered via a separate shore connection (see questions 10 and 15, above).

17. In Section 4.1.6, Service Calls and Work Orders, the SOW references the Work Completion Form

(WCF). Will CBP provide this form?

Yes.

18. In Section 4.1.9, does Remote Maintenance Monitoring apply to the x-ray unit, the van, or both?

The monitoring only applies to the x-ray unit.

19. In Section 5.1, System Training, under paragraph 3, does CBP require training on the operation of the x-ray equipment and operation of the vehicle itself?

The training will focus on the x-ray equipment. Any interfaces within the van pertaining to the x-ray system should be covered, but driver training is not required.

20. Paragraphs 4 and 5 of Section 5.1 of the SOW reference training material for weapons of mass effect (WME)? Is this something CBP will provide? Is there a list of typical WME items encountered by CBP?

CBP will provide WME material specifics including images (as available).

21. Regarding Section 5.1, paragraph 8, can CBP define the specific topics that should be covered in maintenance training? Will this cover the van or just the x-ray unit? Also, could CBP please explain the role of TTSB and ILB in relation to maintenance training?

The maintenance training will consist of what CBP needs to know for preventive and corrective maintenance and who will perform the maintenance in the field. For example, vehicle maintenance schedules, requirements and POCs, and X-ray system related maintenance, both preventive and corrective.

TTSB has no role in maintenance training. ILB only has a receiving role. ILB may assist in providing maintenance training reviews.

22. Section 5.25 discussed information security. May we assume that standard third-party scanning using security analysis tools will meet this requirement?

DHS 4300A is the governing document for DHS IT Security. It is a publicly available document. Please consult this document for IT security related questions.

23. Section 5.28, DHS Information Technology Portfolio Alignment, indicates that the systems shall align with the DHS IT Portfolio for Screening/Watchlist/Credentialing. Would this apply to stand alone screening equipment?

This section may be disregarded. The Portfolio Alignment does not apply to this procurement.

24. Section 5.29, Accessibility Requirements, discusses §508 compliance. Are these units exempt from

§508?

This procurement is exempt from §508 requirements.

25. In the Contractor Employee Access section of the SOW restricts work to US citizens (with some exceptions). Which types of staff are covered by this requirement?

For purposes of this requirement, only support technicians and those who will be working at the ports of entry are required to be U.S. citizens.

General Questions

26. Would CBP consider extending the RFP closing date?

Yes. The solicitation has been extended. The new closing date is July 24, 2015 at 4:30pm ET.

27. Does CBP prefer paper or electronic submission?

CBP prefers electronic submission.

28. Would it be possible to know where these will be deployed? It will assist in proposal preparation.

Because of the dynamics of the CBP mission, deployment stations are not established until the order level. Vendors will be permitted to bid additional shipping for destinations outside of the continental

United States (OCONUS).