Attach 8 - QuestionsandAnswers - JWICS Installation.docx

JWICS Questions & Answers

1. The opportunity title states it is a Sources Sought. Is the government expecting a capability response stating that bidders can meet the requirement or is the government expecting a full proposal submission package so that the government can award? The title of the opportunity will be updated in the amendment; this is the government’s official solicitation. Full proposal submissions are being requested by the government.

2. Does the government have an expectation of FTEs required? The government does not have an expectation on the number of FTEs required to complete installation of the JWICS communication server. Prospective offerors should utilize an appropriate number of FTEs to meet the required 180-day delivery timeframe.

3. Will the government allow second tier subcontracting (i.e. flow-down)? Subcontracting is allowed. All contract terms and conditions applied to the prime must be flowed down to all subcontractors. The prime contractor is liable to ensure the success of the project and rectify any deficiencies to ensure an acceptable turn-key system is provided by the required timeframe.

4. Should the work commence once the equipment arrives on site or is there an expectation of pre-site work to be performed upon contract award? Preparation of configuration data to enable setup when hardware and software arrives is expected prior to arrival on site.

5. Is there an expectation for sustainment? Offerors should provide warranties as outlined in the contract. Sustainment is not required; offerors are required to provide training to the local government technicians on configuring, maintaining, troubleshooting the system.

6. Within the scope of server installations, should the contractor prepare for potential scalability beyond the specified numbers of 150 VMware workstations and 14 Virtual Servers? There is no expectation for expansion beyond the requested quantity of systems.

7. Is it expected that the solicitation will be extended based upon the timing and impact of government answers to questions? The solicitation will be extended to 4 August allow adjustments to proposals based on the government’s responses to questions.

8. Please confirm the anticipated start and completion date of each Phase. Completion of all phases is required 180 days from issuance of the notice to proceed. The notice to proceed will be provided after the contract award. A kick off meeting will be held between the Contracting Officer, Government Site POC, and the contractor to deconflict dates with any mission events or required site preparations to be completed by the government.

9. Is the contractor expected to perform ongoing training sessions post-initial setup? The contractor will be responsible for providing an initial training session to a group of local government technicians. On-going training is not required.

10. On the 1449 last page, the Evaluation Factors for Award is blank. Please clarify. All Evaluation Factors are listed in the Combined Synopsis/Solicitation Document. These have been added to the 1449 as well for clarity.

11. Regarding the Proposal Submission requirements for Personnel Qualification and Security Clearances. Should the clearance be stated on the resume to meet this requirement? Yes, this is the primary intent of requesting resumes. All resumes should list the level clearances the individual has, if they do not have clearances, it should specify that as well. Resumes submitted should be the individuals who will be installing the JWICS system at Ellsworth AFB.

12. What if our company does not have a valid TS/SCI clearance, can we not bid on this RFQ? All Individuals installing the equipment must have an active TS/SCI clearance. If your company or subcontractor cannot provide individuals with the correct clearances, then your bid will be determined unacceptable and removed from consideration for award.

13. Are facility clearances required at submission or post-award? The offerors’ installation team is required to have clearances at the time of submission of their proposal.

14. Does the scope include hardware, or is it services-only? Scope of work includes procurement of hardware, software and services for the setup and operationalization of the system.

15. Is there potential for a pilot or phased rollout with small business partners? The government is not mandating a specific process to achieve the desired outcome. Offerors must include a milestone-driven, detailed Installation and Configuration Plan to provide a logical plan that ensures installation is completed by the required delivery date.

16. Are there any site-specific requirements (e.g., base access)? Yes - the offerors’ installation team will need to be able to access Ellsworth AFB via 28 SFS Visitors Center at Main Gate then proceed to the primary location where the systems will be set up. The installation team will be escorted to/from and within the facility.