CATBPSS_Non-SSI_Question_Tracker.xlsx
XLSX spreadsheet 38 KB Posted
- Attached to
- CREDENTIAL AUTHENTICATION TECHNOLOGY-BOARDING PASS SCANNING SYSTEM (CAT/BPSS) Federal contract opportunity
- Solicitation number
- HSTS04-11-R-CT2042
About this file
HSTS04-11-R-CT2042 Non-SSI Questions and Answers
View the file
Other files for this federal contract opportunity
Show all 32
On GovTribe
Work with this file on GovTribe
- Download the original file
- Contacts named in this file
- Similar government files
- Ask GovTribe AI about this file
Text version
non SSI
| Question Type | Reference | Question | Government Response | |
| 1 | RFP | offeror formally requests a 45-60 day extension for delivery of the test units. | See Amendment 0001, which addresses this matter. | |
| 2 | letter | RFP | offeror requests an 8 week extension until June 30, 2011 for both Submission 2 and 3 | See Amendment 0001, which addresses this matter. |
| 3 | RFP | offeror request that due dates for Submissions 1, 2 and 3 each be extended by 14 days to enable full compliance with the updated procurement specification and statement of work. | See Amendment 0001, which addresses this matter. | |
| 4 | Section B.4.4, Firm Fixed Price/Time and Materials CLINs (Applicable to CLINs 0006, 0007 and 0009) | Section B.4.4 states in part: “The contractor will be reimbursed for all allowable and allocable costs in accordance with contractor‘s disclosure statement.” Please confirm that this statement is applicable only to the “Materials” portion of Time & Materials and not to the “Labor” portion. | Yes, labor rates are fixed and will be set out in the contract upon award. | |
| 5 | Section B.4.4, Firm Fixed Price/Time and Materials CLINs (Applicable to CLINs 0006, 0007 and 0009) | Section B.4.4 states in part: “All labor rates are applicable at the date of order, not the date of performance.” This statement adversely affects the contactor in that it will be held to the same labor rates for the duration of the contract. For example, if the government awards a task order in Year 1 of the contract for work to be performed in Year 3, the contractor is held to Year 1 labor rates. We respectfully request that this sentence be removed from the solicitation or amended appropriately. | See Amendment 0002, which addresses this matter. | |
| 6 | Section C.3.9.1, Training Courses | Section C.3.9.1 states: “The Contractor shall prepare and deliver Training Materials in accordance with the referenced CDRLs. CDRL T001, Instructor Guide. CDRL T002, Student Guide. CDRL T003, Classroom Presentation.” The section does not provide a CLIN number. Can the government delineate the CLIN(s) under which the preparation and delivery of these CDRLs belong? | The referenced CDRLs apply to all subCLINS under CLIN 0005 individually. | |
| 7 | Section G.5.2, Payment Terms applicable to CLIN 0011; see also Section B.4.3, RMA Disincentives (Applicable to CLIN 0011) | Section G.5.2 requires the contractor to withhold 40% of each invoice submitted under this CLIN. This amount seems excessive in light of FAR 52.232-9, Limitation on Withholding of Payments, that limits the total amount withheld to the largest amount allowed under any one clause or schedule term. The largest percentage is normally 15%. Therefore, we request that the government reduce the withholding amount to 15%. | FAR clause 52.232-9 is not in the solicitation and therefore does not apply. Because of the contractual price adjustment mechanism, the G.5.2 administrative procedures do not constitute a "Withholding" as contemplated under the referenced FAR clause. Furthermore, a 15% withholding limit is not stipulated within the clause referenced or anywhere in the FAR, HSAR, or HSAM. Amendment 0003 clarifies the pertinent Section B language. The requirement in Section G.5.2 reflects the worst case possible adjusted CLIN 0011 value. If the contractor were to invoice for more than this amount, at the end of the contract the contractor would owe the Government money. The Government is not able to expend more than has been contractually obligated. | |
| 8 | Section I.2, 52.216-22 Indefinite Quantity (Oct 1995); I.2, 52.246-19 Warranty of Systems and Engineering under Performance Specifications or Design Criteria (May 2001) | FAR Clause 52.216-22(d) states: “Any order issued during the effective period of this contract and not completed within that period shall be completed by the Contractor within the time specified in the order. The contract shall govern the Contractor‘s and Government‘s rights and obligations with respect to that order to the same extent as if the order were completed during the contract‘s effective period; provided, that the Contractor shall not be required to make any deliveries under this contract after 12 months after the end of the contract ordering period.” (Italics added.) Clause 52.246-19(b) states: “Contractor‘s obligations. (1) The Contractor‘s warranties under this clause shall apply only to those defects discovered by either the Government or the Contractor within 24 months after acceptance.” (Italics added.) If the government issues delivery orders for CAT/BPSS units at the end of the three-year ordering period that are subsequently “accepted” by the government within the following 12-month period, is the contractor required to provide warranty services beyond the contract’s effective period of five years? | The referenced clause pertains to the ordering and delivery of supplies/services under the contract. The warranty requirement is separate and distinct from the subject matter addressed in the referenced clause. The Contractor is required to provide warranty services within 24 months of acceptance of all deliverables. Amendment 0003 clarifies the language contained in the subject clause. | |
| 9 | Sections L.4.2 and L.5.1, Submission 1: Testing and Evaluation Prerequisite Information, Item (2) Configuration, Technical and Safety Tracking Table; Item (3) Configuration Management Prerequisite Information; Item (4) Technical Prerequisite Information; and Item (5) Safety Prerequisite Information | The information required in the Tracking Tables and Information for Submission 1 (Items 2, 3, 4 and 5) contain definitive specifications and information related to the CAT/BPSS. There is a notable time lapse between submission of these documents and the delivery of the CAT/BPSS systems under Submission 3. TSA will likely receive a large number of questions the responses to which will have a major impact on the extent and nature of design changes and improvements. As important as are the responses themselves, the timeframe between the responses and the due date of Submissions 1 and 3 is just as important: it will define the number of days available to assess the responses, formulate design changes and improvements; and, implement the changes and improvements in preparation of the final submission. Engineering and systems development changes resulting from the changes to the Procurement Specification, Attachment J-2 will be continuing beyond the delivery of Submission 1 and these changes will need to be reflected in Items (2), (3), (4) and (5) under Submission 1. We request the government allow for either the submission of DRAFT documents for Submission 1 and allow delivery of FINAL versions of these documents as part of Submission 3; or removal of these specific Items from Submission 1 and allow delivery with Submission 3 only. | While TSA appreciates the concerns expressed in the email and the clarity to which said concerns are conveyed, the salient RFP submission requirements have been developed in part based on considerations related to the inherently complex nature of evaluating CAT/BPSS systems. | |
| 10 | Sections L.4.2, L.5.3.1 and L.6.3; see also Sections B.4.1, C.3.5.2.1 and C.3.5.2.2 | Sections B.4.1, C.3.5.2.1, C.3.5.2.2, L.4.2, L.5.3.1 and L.6.3 all refer to CAT/BPSS systems with batteries and without batteries (CLINs 0002A and 0002B, respectively). Sections L.4.2, L.5.3.1 and L.6.3 all refer to the Offeror providing “three (3) CAT/BPSS systems” for testing. Can the government please clarify of the three (3) systems provided under L.4.2, L.5.3 and L.6.3 Submission 3, how many should be configured with batteries and how many without? | All three systems should be with batteries, per Amendment 0002. | |
| 11 | Section L.5.2.3, Volume II, Past Performance | Section L.5.2.3 requires that the Offeror “… request that a reference from the agency/company that awarded the contract complete Attachment J-17 (Past Performance Questionnaire) for that contract.” Given the history of this procurement, referenced agency/company representatives are viewing repeated requests for identical past performance assessments as redundant, inconvenient, unnecessary and overly burdensome. Where an Offeror is submitting the same past performance and references – with no changes – as were provided in the previous submission, will TSA accept previously provided past performance agency reference response without need for a new request to the referenced agency? | The questionnaires must be provided in response to this solicitation (HSTS04-11-R-CT2042). | |
| 12 | Section L.5.2.3, Volume II, Past Performance | Section L.5.2.3 states that the contract reference should email “the completed Past Performance Questionnaire (Attachment J-17) before the offer deadline (Submission 1) directly to Margaret.Costa@dhs.gov. The Past Performance Volume is part of Submission 2, which is due on June 6, 2011, as opposed to Solicitation 1, which is due on May 26, 2011. Should the above solicitation reference be amended to read “Submission 2”? | See Amendment 0002, which addresses this matter. | |
| 13 | Section L.5.1 (3), Configuration Management Prerequisite Information, Configuration Audit Process | When detailing the Configuration Audit Process, Section L.5.1 (3) states in part: “Step 1: Offeror submits CM information that is sufficient to allow TSA to conduct a configuration audit by the Submission 1 due date (italics added).” Can the government please clarify that when using the word “by” it means the Offeror is to submit the CM information with its Submission 1 and not before the May 26, 2011, due date? | Offerors do not need to submit the CM information prior to the Submission 1 deadline. This sentence was amended to read "As part of Submission 1, Offeror submits CM information that is sufficient to allow TSA to conduct a configuration audit", per Amendment 0002. | |
| 14 | Section L.5.3, Submission 3: Pre-Award Testing & Evaluation of CAT/BPSS Hardware | Section L.5.3 states in part: “TSA reserves the right to waive any test for all Offerors if not practicable.” Please confirm that this means “if not practicable for all Offerors.” | In the event that TSA decides to waive a test during QT&E, this test will be waived for all Offerors in a manner that will not unfairly and improperly advantage or disadvantage any particular offeror. | |
| 15 | Section L.5.3.2, CAT/BPSS Equipment Operational Testing & Evaluation (OT&E) | During OT&E testing, will the TSA request training at the three airports concurrently or consecutively? | See Amendment 0002 for changes regarding OT&E. After contract award, the Contractor will receive guidance concerning training at airports. | |
| 16 | RESERVED | |||
| 17 | RESERVED | |||
| 18 | RESERVED | |||
| 19 | RESERVED | |||
| 20 | RESERVED | |||
| 21 | General | Are you open to processing the NDAs that were previously rejected because the timeline was missed? | No. TSA only processed the NDAs that were submitted by the deadline stated in the RFP and the presolicitation notice. At this time, all interested offerors have been notified as to which individuals have been successfully vetted to view SSI. | |
| 22 | 3.5.1 First Article Unit (CLIN 0001) Page 23 | Section 3.5.1 specifies a First Article Unit as CLIN 0001 and provides that this unit will be the “Gold Standard” for all other units. Is it the Government’s intent that the First Article will be built in addition to the 3 evaluation units and that it will be tested and evaluated in conjunction with test and evaluation CDRLS due 15 days after contract award (please see CDRL list – E011 through E013? Can we assume that the First Article Unit may incorporate requested and negotiated changes from the 3 evaluation units delivered in Submission 3? | See Amendment 0002, which addresses this matter. | |
| 23 | RFP, H.3 Personnel Requirements Page 64 | The RFP indicates that some personnel will be required to have security clearances. Would you please indicate what percentage of the positions you anticipate requiring clearance. Will both DoD and Justice clearances be accepted? Are there specific position descriptions that will require clearance? | Percentages of personnel requiring specific types of clearances are not available at this time. All contractor personnel shall have appropriate clearances for work performed at the contractor's facility and some contractor personnel may require a SECRET clearance if viewing classified materials (RFP Section H.3). TSA MD 2800.71 explains the process of submitting clearance information. | |
| 24 | RFP Reference 3052.209-72 Organizational conflict of Interest Page 98 | |||
| This section indicates that “this effort may result in an actual or potential conflict of interest…” Please specify what specific contracts this clause will impact. | This provision requires offerors to identify if there exist any facts "which create any actual or potential organizational conflicts of interest relating to the award of this contract." | |||
| 25 | RFP L.4.2 Page 108 | Do the 3 units to be delivered in submission 2 require both battery and non-battery power designs? | See answer to question 10. | |
| 26 | RFP L.5.1 Page 108 | The RFP states that Subsection 1 is limited to 5 pp, and Subsection 2 is 15 pp. Is that the total page limit of Volume I, or just the page limitation of those two subsections? For example, could an executive summary, or systems overview be added in addition to the 20 pages outlined above? If so, what is the total page count allowed for subsection 1? | Government assumes that offeror is referring to the table listed on L.5.2.1. The page limits listed in the table relate to their respective subsections. There are two subsections in Volume I; combined these form the total page limit of Volume I. | |
| 27 | RESERVED | |||
| 28 | L2 Page 102 | Is the first page of the proposal identified as the Proposal Cover or cover letter? Is there a page limit for the Cover Letter? | There is no requirement for a proposal cover or cover letter. The page limits for all Proposal Volumes, Sections, and Subsections are set out in Section L. | |
| 29 | L2 Page 102 | Is there a page limit for the Executive Summary? | There is no requirement for an Executive Summary. The page limits for all Proposal Volumes, Sections, and Subsections are set out in Section L. | |
| 30 | Section F.3 | Section F.3 states that the estimated maximum order quantity is 1,100 units but the J.10 evaluation template is factoring a total of 1,300 units. Would the government clarify the maximum number of units that it expects to order? | See Amendment 0002, which addresses this matter. | |
| 31 | Section 4.3.2 | States that Level II PM is "performed every month, quarter, or year". However, it also states in a sentence in the same paragraph, that "Monthly Level II PM will include verification of the performance of Level I PM by TSA personnel". Does the contractor need to review the maintance logs on a monthly basis even if we do not have a monthly maintenance requirement? | The contractor will need to review maintenance logs at the time of preventive maintenance as specified in the offerors preventive maintenance plan. |
See Amendment 0003, which clarifies this matter.
| 32 | J.5 | The following Data Item Descriptions (DIDs) are not specifically referenced in a CDRL: DI-S-001, DI-S-002, DI-S-003, DI-S-004, DI-S-005, DI-L-020, DI-E-015. Would you please confirm the associated CRDL along with the initial due date and frequency of the deliverable? | The referenced DIDs have been removed. See Amendment 0003 | |
| 33 | C 3.12.3 | On review of section C3.12.3.1, we noticed the removal of the requirement to .., we noticed the removal of the requirement to move or replace systems. Does TSA plan to use its own resources for any future relocation of units? If not, how does TSA wish for the contractor to handle ? | Offerors should only address requirements listed under the current CAT/BPSS Solicitation (HSTS04-11-R-CT2042) | |
| 34 | J.5 | CDRL D002 and the corresponding DID DI-D-002 requires a Site Installation Plan (SIP) for each airport installation. The SIP deliverable requires a site survey or other preliminary inspection or visit and also includes the detailing of facility modification requirements, office & storage requirements, power distribution, layout, baggage flow, floor plan, system interfaces with existing equipment and facilities, etc. How does TSA expect the contractor to complete all of these requirements under the scope of this contract? If a site survey is required at each airport, how many airports should the contractor use to forecast the support? | The referenced CDRL and DID have been removed. See Amendment 0003. | |
| 35 | general | Will the government distribute sample boarding pass barcodes of each barcode type (PDF417, QR, and Datamatrix) so that offerors can determine the government’s interpretation of the IATA 792 specification with a sample digital signature and public certificate? NOTE: This will not compromise the testing as the true security of the barcode lies in the private key created for the digital signature that does not need to be distributed. | No, TSA will not distribute sample boarding passes. | |
| 36 | Request for Proposal B.4.1 IDIQ CLINs on pages 3 and 4 | This offeror assumes that CLIN 0011 applies to maintenance on a per unit basis and is for a duration of two year after the unit is installed. Is this assumption correct? If not please clarify what is to be priced in CLIN 0011? | CLIN 0011 should be priced on a per unit basis and the applicable period of performance of said services is two years from date of acceptance. See Amendment 0003, which clarifies this matter. |
Please note that for sub-CLINs 0001A and 0001B this two year POP is divided between these two sub-CLINs.
| 37 | Request for Proposal B.4.3 RMA Disincentives (Applicable to CLIN 0011) page 5 | Is offeror correct in assuming that 60% of the value of CLIN 0011 can be invoiced and payable upon issuance of the delivery order for CLIN 0011 and installation of unit by offeror, with the remaining 40% of the CLIN value as adjusted by RMA data to be billed at the end of the two year period? If not, please clarify when CLIN 0011 will be invoiced and payable? | As specified in the RFP, the Contractor may only invoice for services rendered and accepted. Services can not be rendered or accepted prior to their performance. | |
| 38 | Request for Proposal B.4.3 RMA Disincentives (Applicable to CLIN 0011) page 5 | Would the TSA consider calculating average RMA data on a more frequent basis, e.g. quarterly, and adjust the CLIN value accordingly for the period covered? This approach would provide TSA more timely information on maintenance performance and allow offerors to potentially propose lower maintenance rates. | Suggestion noted. | |
| 39 | Request for Proposal - Requirement B.4.6 - Shipping on page 8 and D.6 Shipping Requirements on page 52 | B.4.6 states: “The contractor shall be reimbursed for actual costs of shipping any systems ordered under CLIN 0001, CLIN 0002A, and 0002B”. However, D.6 states “contractor shall ship units FOB destination for locations within the United States.” Please confirm the offeror will be reimbursed for shipping costs associated with the referenced CLINs. | Section B addresses reimbursement for shipping. Section D addresses shipping terms. The two referenced terms address different aspects of the shipping process, and are not contradictory. | |
| 40 | RESERVED | RESERVED | RESERVED | |
| 41 | Request for Proposal - Requirement(s) 3.1.1 Program Management Organization, 3.1.2 Risk Management, 3.1.3.1 Post-Award Conference, 3.1.3.2 Program Management Reviews, 3.1.3.3 Technical Interchange Meetings, 3.1.4 Program Control and 3.1.4.4 Security Equipment List on pages 15 to 18 | Section 3.1 describes the Program Management activities that must be performed and indicates that the price for this support is applicable to CLINs 0001, 0002A, and 0002B. Given that there are no guaranteed quantities for CLINs 0002A and CLIN 0002B it is extremely difficult to distribute the price among these CLINs. Would it be acceptable for offerors to include the price for Program Management in CLIN 0001 or to add a CLIN for Program Management? | No, price in accordance with the RFP. | |
| 42 | Request for Proposal 3.5.1 First Article Unit (CLIN 0001) page 23 | How many days after contract award will the offerors be required to deliver the First Article Unit to a site? | Systems and services required under sub-CLIN 0001A (LRIP Systems and Support Package) are required within 30 days after the date of delivery order award (see Section F). | |
| 43 | Request for Proposal Section 3.12.1 Site Installation Plan on page 34 | Please clarify the specific site preparation activities offerors will be responsible for performing. For example, if additional electrical outlets are required to support the CAT/BPSS units, will the offeror be required to perform the actual electrical wiring at the airport or is the offeror expected to only coordinate with Government Site Manager to ensure work is done prior to scheduled installation. | TSA will install any electrical outlets. Contractors will be required to support TSAs efforts in site preparation. | |
| 44 | Request for Proposal Section 3.12.3.1 Equipment Installation on page 34 | Please explain when a offeror would be required to dismantle existing airline or airport facilities to install the CAT/BPSS units. | Contractors will not be required to dismantle airline or airport facilities to install CAT/BPSS units. See Amendment 0003. | |
| 45 | Request for Proposal - Requirement 4.3.2 Preventive Maintenance (CLIN 0011) on page 39 and Attachment J.10 - Price Evaluation Template | Please confirm that the required replacement batteries for the CAT/BPSS units are categorized as consumables and not covered under Maintenance? | This is incorrect. Battery replacement is within the scope of the solicitation. | |
| 46 | Request for Proposal - Requirement 4.3.2 Preventive Maintenance (CLIN 0011) on page 39 | If a offeror provides products that do not require Level II Preventive Maintenance, how should this be reflected in the proposal response? | Propose whatever preventative maintenance is necessary to meet the RMA requirements. Section L provides proposal preparation instructions. | |
| 47 | Request for Proposal - Requirement B.3.5.3 Identification Database Update (CLIN 0010) on page 24 | Please clarify if the offeror is required to load and install Database Updates at the site level ? If yes, which CLIN should used to price this support? | CLIN 0010 includes everything involved in ID database updates, to include installation. | |
| 48 | Section B.4.1 Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) CLINs, page 4, Section 3.5.3 Identification Database Update (CLIN 0010), page 24 | Is the duration for providing database updates one each unit two years from delivery of the unit? If not, please specify the duration of CLIN 0010. | The period of performance for the referenced CLIN is two years from date of acceptance. See Amendment 0003, which addresses this matter. | |
| 49 | Request for Proposal B.4.1 IDIQ CLINs on pages 3 and 4 | A CLIN for software maintenance support is not included in Section B.4.1. Where should offerors include the price for CAT/BPSS Software Maintenance support? | It is unclear which software maintenance support the offeror is referring to. | |
| 50 | Request for Proposal Requirement E.3.2 Site Acceptance Test (SAT) (Applicable to CLIN 0002A, and 0002B) on page 54 and Section J - List of Attachments on page 89 | This section references "(see Attachment J.13 for a summary of post-award test)." This attachment was not included with the RFP files associated with this solicitation. Will the TSA provide this attachment ? | See Amendment 0002, which addresses this matter. | |
| 51 | Request for Proposal - Requirement F.3 CAT/BPSS Full Production Systems Minimum Production Capability (Applicable to CLIN 0002A, and 0002B) on page 56 and Attachment J-10 - Price Evaluation Template. | This section refers to an estimated quantity of 1,100 units but J-10 provides an estimate of 1,300. Please clarify which is the estimated quantity level for this IDIQ contract. | See Amendment 0002, which addresses this matter. | |
| 52 | Request for Proposal - Requirement F.3 CAT/BPSS Full Production Systems Minimum Production Capability (Applicable to CLIN 0002A, and 0002B) | Can the TSA provide an estimated timeframe for the rollout of the full production system (CLIN 0002A and CLIN 0002B)? | RFP Section F.3 states that the contractor shall maintain the capability to produce a minimum of 100 CAT/BPSS Full Production Systems per month within 90 days after FRP delivery order award. This level of production capability must be maintained until the Government’s estimated quantity (1,300) is delivered, if at all. Additionally, RFP Section F.2.2 states that the delivery schedule or POP applicable to a given DO shall be specified therein. | |
| 53 | Request for Proposal Requirement C.3.13.1 DD-254 on page 35 and Requirement H.3 Personnel Requirements on page 64. | In Section C.3.13.1 (DD254) the RFP requires the offeror to sign a DD254 form upon contract award and classified security clearances are included in Section H.4 (Personnel Requirements - Clearances). If access to classified information is required, please identify the location where access would be required. If this contract does not require classified information, would TSA please remove the DD254 and other classified security requirements? | See Amendment 0002, which addresses this matter. | |
| 54 | Request for Proposal Section I-1 52.252.2 Clauses Incorporated by Reference (Feb 1998) on pages 72 to 73 | Some of the FAR clauses in the RFP are out of date or "reserved". For example: FAR 52.222-36 and FAR 52.222-37 have been replaced by newer clauses. Clauses FAR 52.222-39 and 3052.209-70 are now "Reserved". Will the TSA be updating the solicitation to include the newest FAR clauses? If not, how should offerors address these in the response? | See Amendment 0003, which addresses this matter. | |
| 55 | Request for Proposal Section I-1 52.252.2 Clauses Incorporated by Reference (Feb 1998) on pages 72 to 73 | FAR 52.225-1 (Buy American Act) does not apply to the purchase of Information Technology that is a commercial item. Can a commercial item offeror substitute FAR 52.225-5 (Trade Agreements) in place of the Buy American Act? | Whether or not an offeror deems itself a "commercial item offeror" does not impact the nature of the Government's requirement, nor the clauses that apply to the RFP and any resulting contract. | |
| 56 | Request for Proposal Section I-1 52.252.2 Clauses Incorporated by Reference (Feb 1998) on pages 72 to 73 | This offeror is not aware of any CAT/BPSS units or their components falling into a category for Energy Star or FEMP. Will the Government remove this clause? | It is not clear which clause the offeror is referring to. | |
| 57 | Request for Proposal Requirement B.4.4 Firm Fixed Price/Time and Material CLINs (Applicable to CLINs 0006, 0007 and 0009) on pages 6 to 7 and Section L-Instructions, Conditions and Notice to Offerors or Respondents on pages 101 to 123 | If a offeror proposes a solution that meets the definition of a commercial item and consists of components that are either COTS or commercial items, how should the offeror address the RFP and FAR clauses that do not apply to commercial items (e.g., Section B.4.4, FAR 52.215-19, 52.216-7, 52.222-54, and others)? | See Section L for proposal preparation instructions. | |
| 58 | Request for Proposal Requirement E.1 Clauses Incorporated by Reference on page 53 and Section L-Instructions, Conditions and Notice to Offerors or Respondents on pages 101 to 123 | As required in Section E.1, please provide more information regarding the inclusion of FAR 52.246-11 (Higher-Level Contract Quality Requirement). Please identify what requirements are necessary to meet this FAR obligation. | The referenced clause has been removed. See Amendment 0003. Quality requirements are addressed elsewhere in the solicitation. | |
| 59 | Request for Proposal Section L - Instructions, Conditions and Notices to Respondents | The RFP does not include any software licensing terms. Will TSA agree to accept the offeror's standard software licenses? If not, will TSA add FAR 52.227-19 as software license terms for this procurement? | TSA cannot accept a proposal, or any aspect thereof, prior to receipt of said proposal. | |
| 60 | Request for Proposal Section I-1 52.227-22 on pages 72 to 73 | If a offeror proposes a solution that consists exclusively of COTS and commercial item technology (developed at private expense), in accordance with FAR 27.406-3(b)(1), it does not appear this 52.227-22 applies. Will the Government please remove this clause? | Whether or not the offeror deems its product a "commercial item technology" does not impact the nature of the Government's requirement, nor the clauses that apply to the RFP and any resulting contract. | |
| 61 | Request for Proposal Requirement L.5.2.1 Organization of Written Proposal on page 113 | The solicitation does not include a section for the offeror to describe its Management Approach, Risk Management plan, and Preventative and Corrective Maintenance support. Is this information no longer required by the TSA for evaluation? | Information that is required for the evaluation of proposals is described in Section L of the RFP. | |
| 62 | Request for Proposal Requirement L.5.3 Submission 3: Pre-award Testing and Evaluation of CAT/BPSS Hardware and L.5.3.1 CAT/BPSS Equipment Qualification Testing & Evaluation (QT&E) on page 117 | What is the estimated timeline for the different testing phases (QT&E and OT&E)?How long will the QT&E and OT&E phases last? Is there an estimated date for award of this contract? | Final timelines have not yet been established. | |
| 64 | ||||
| 65 | Request for Proposal Section L.5.3.1 CAT/BPSS Equipment Operational Testing and Evaluation (OT&E) page 118 | The 2nd bullet contains an incorrect reference to "L.5.2 number 3". Please advise as to correct reference. | The fourth bullet under L.5.3.1 should refer to L.5.1 vice L.5.2. See Amendment 0003. | |
| 66 | Request for Proposal Section L.8 Offeror Access to Sensitive Security Information (SSI) Necessary for Proposal Preparation - Section E. Information Requirements on page 122 | Will the TSA allow offerors to increase the number of vetted personnel from 35 to 50. | No. The number has been set at 35 because TSA has determined that this is a reasonable number given the scope of work. | |
| 67 | Request for Proposal Requirement M.5.1.2 CAT/BPSS Equipment OT&E (Factor 1, Sub factor 1B) on page 126 | This section states: “This evaluation shall assess the TDC passenger throughput against a performance baseline (which is representative of the current performance)…” Will the TSA provide offerors information on this baseline prior to OT&E? | Section M.5.1.2 has been deleted from the RFP, per Amendment 0002. | |
| 68 | Request for Proposal Requirement L.5.3.1 CAT/BPSS Equipment Qualification Testing & Evaluation (QT&E) on pages 117 and 118 | The RFP states “The offeror shall provide commercial operator training at the TSIF to up to 40 TSA-designated attendees to include: -SME Training, -Tester Training , -Trainer Training." This offeror request the following additional information. |
a. Is offeror correct to assume that this training will be provided to three different groups? b. How many attendees will be attending in each category?
c. How much time will be allotted for the training?
d. What type of training facilities/room are available at the TSIF?
e. Can TSA please provide more detailed information on the requirements and expectations for this training?
a. No, pre-award training will be held for one consolidated group of up to 40 people per session comprised of SMEs, testers, and trainers. Up to 3 sessions may be required.
b. Up to 40.
c. Offerors are expected to provide training in a reasonable amount of time. There is no exact time frame, however, all training must be completed in one day.
d. Conference rooms with projectors and phones will be used for training.
e. The purpose of pre-award training is to allow TSA to understand the operation and basic maintenance of the system.
| 69 | Request for Proposal - Requirement L.5.3.1 CAT/BPSS Equipment Qualification Testing & Evaluation (QT&E) on page 117 | Is the offeror expected to provide training the day the QT&E units are delivered to the TSIF or at a later date? | No, pre-award training will be scheduled within a few weeks of proposal submission. | |
| 70 | Request for Proposal Requirement L.5.3.2 CAT/BPSS Equipment Operational Testing & Evaluation (OT&E) on page 118 | The OT&E instructions do not include the Offeror providing training at the airports after or concurrent with the installation. Will the offerors be required or allowed to provide training for the operators at the OT&E airport locations? | Section L.5.3.2 has been deleted from the RFP, per Amendment 0002. | |
| 71 | RESERVED | |||
| 72 | Request for Proposal Requirement L.5.3.2 CAT/BPSS Equipment Operational Testing & Evaluation (OT&E) on page 118 | Will the three units for OT&E be installed in a single airport or in 3 different airports? |
Is the offeror expected to provide training the day the OT&E units are delivered to the airports or at a later date?
| Section L.5.3.2 has been deleted from the RFP, per Amendment 0002. | ||||
| 73 | Attachment J.10 - Price Evaluation Template | Can the offeror add CLINs to the pricing table? | See Section M.1 for information regarding exceptions and nonconforming offers. | |
| 74 | Section B.4.1, Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) CLINs, CLIN0011 | Please explain why maintenance for full production systems with batteries and full production systems without batteries are lumped together under a single price. Does the government assume that the maintenance fee for both types of systems is the same even though the estimated quantities and the system components for each vary to a great degree? | CLIN 0011 Corrective and Preventative Maintenance applies to all CAT/BPSS systems. It is up to the offeror to propose a competitive price that accounts for both types of systems. | |
| 75 | Section B.4.1, Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) CLINs, CLIN0012 | Additionally, though the government has provided quantities for evaluation purposes, the lack of estimates for actual order quantities has a significant impact on the costs to support fielded CAT/BPSS. Would the government consider providing the estimated quantities per system type expected for fielded systems? | There is no CLIN 0012 (referenced CLIN) in the CAT/BPSS solicitation. |
Estimated quantities by system type are included in Attachment J-10.
76 Email Section B.4.1, Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) CLINs, CLIN0013 The absence of government-provided information regarding the location of deployment for the CAT/BPSS systems creates uncertainty, which has a significant impact in developing the pricing proposal. Would the government consider providing the geographic or airport category distribution expected for fielded systems? There is no CLIN 0013 (referenced CLIN) in the CAT/BPSS solicitation.
Travel and Shipping (CLIN 0009) is a time and materials CLIN and is reimbursable to the contractor. This contractual arrangement largely shifts risk related to place of contractual performance from the contractor to the Government.
77 Email Section C.2.2, Military Specifications; Section C.2.2 requires that the technical data package be in accordance with Military Detail (MIL-DTL) - 31000C The CAT/BPSS hardware and software have been developed at private expense using no federal funds. In fact, each bidder on this program has invested significant amounts of its own money in developing these systems to meet the various government requirements as they have evolved through the current fourth iteration of the solicitation. In consideration of the following questions, we request that the government delete the requirement for the Military Detail 31000C level technical data packages.Why is the government requesting such a detailed technical data package, as these are very costly and time consuming to produce?
Typically such detailed data packages are used for re-procurement. Does the government intend to use the data packages for re-procurement?
Is the government prepared to pay for all design and development costs incurred to date for the CAT/BPSS in order to get unlimited rights in the technical data package?
| One of the purposes of the technical data package is to provide drawings for TSA and TSA's performance based logistics contractors to maintain equipment after the expiration of the warranty period. | ||||
| 78 | Section C.3.6.2, Technical Data Package (CLIN 0004); Section L.5.1 (2) Configuration, Technical & Safety Tracking Table; Section L.5.2 (3) Configuration Management Prerequisite Information | We request that the government remove the requirement for drawings linked to offerors’ Bills of Material (BOM). The equipment to be provided under the solicitation is commercial in nature and is being procured competitively under a Firm Fixed Price arrangement. We are now on the fourth round of the same procurement without an award. In each of the three previous iterations, there has been substantial and adequate competition; thus, offerors should not be submitting BOMs. Furthermore, this level of detailed drawing is not necessary to assure Configuration Management (CM). CM can be assured by putting a CM requirement for the contractor into the contract and requiring the contractor to adhere to it. | While TSA appreciates the concerns expressed by the offeror, the salient RFP submission requirements have been developed in part based on considerations related to the inherently complex nature of evaluating CAT/BPSS systems. | |
| 79 | Sections I.1 and I.2, 52.227-22 Major Systems – Minimum Rights (June 1987) | FAR 27.406-3 (b) (1), Major system acquisition, which specifies data requirements for major systems acquired by civilian agencies, states in part that the “Contracting Officer shall require the delivery of any technical data relating to the major system . . . that are to be developed exclusively with Federal funds if the delivery of the technical data is needed to ensure the competitive acquisition of supplies or services that will be required in substantial quantities in the future.” Since these systems have been developed at private expense using no federal funds, the government is not entitled to unlimited rights in the technical data. In fact, the RFP states in Sections L.4 and L.9, respectively, that (1) the “Government will not be responsible for bid, proposal, and testing costs or any other pre contract costs of any kind” and (2) the “Government will not be obligated to pay any costs incurred by an offeror in the preparation and submission of a proposal in response to this RFP.” Therefore, we request that the government delete the FAR 52.227-22, Major System—Minimum Rights clause from the solicitation. | Suggestion noted. |
For future reference, FAR subpart 27.406-3(b)(1) refers to one particular case in which the subject clause is to be included. FAR subpart 27.409(k) contains the general prescription for the subject clause.
| 80 | Section I.1, FAR 52.227-23, Rights to Proposal Data (Technical) | FAR 52.227-23 gives the government unlimited rights in the technical data contained in the proposal, except for pages indicated. Why is the government requesting unlimited rights in proposal technical data? To reiterate, the government has not and has stated that it will not be funding the design and/or development of the CAT/BPSS hardware or software; therefore, the government is not entitled to unlimited rights in the technical data. We request that this clause be removed from the solicitation and any resultant contract. | Suggestion noted. | |
| 81 | L.5.3.1 CAT/BPSS Equipment Qualification Testing & Evaluation (QT&E) | In Section L.5.3.1 the government states the offerors will be responsible for providing SME training. Specifically, the government states: “The offeror shall provide commercial operator trainings at the TSIF to up to 40 TSA-designated attendees.” Is the SME Training called for during QT&E related to the TSA SME Training referenced in Section 3.9.1.3 of the Statement of Work? What is the Government’s expectation for the number of attendees, duration and extent of the SME Training during QT&E? | The training provided during QT&E is not analogous to TSA SME training in Section C.3.9.1.3. Please see the answer to question #68 for further clarification. | |
| 82 | M.5.1.2 CAT/BPSS Equipment OT&E (Factor 1, Subfactor 1B) | The government states it will assess the CAT/BPSS through an “Evaluation of demonstrated reduced TDC passenger queue times. This evaluation shall assess the TDC passenger throughput against a performance baseline (which is representative of current performance) established prior to OT&E record collection where checkpoints operate without the CAT/BPSS.” In order for the offeror to ensure it meets this evaluated performance metric, the offeror will need representative baseline data of historic passenger queue times. Without this data, the offeror is unable to engineer and design a solution to meet the evaluated performance criteria. Will the government provide the offeror with representative baseline data of historic passenger queue times relevant to the evaluation of the CAT/BPSS? | RFP Section M.5.1.2 has been deleted, per Amendment 0002 | |
| 83 | General | With the release of the new RFP dated 4/29/2011 will we be able to submit additional questions? If yes, could you please provide the deadline information (time and date). | The Government cannot preclude an offeror from asking additional questions. At the same time, it cannot guarantee those questions will be answered in a timely fashion or at all. The rationale behind the common question cut off time is to ensure questions are answered with sufficient time for offerors to consider the answers in readying their respective proposals. |
&"Arial,Bold"&18Credential Authentication Technology-Boarding Pass Scanning System (CAT/BPSS) Question Tracker Non-SSI
Page &P mailto:Margaret.Costa@dhs.gov
File details come from the government source that posted it. Updated .