M6785412R4909QuestionsAnswers 1 .docx

Questions from industry and associated answers regarding Marine Corps Systems Command (MCSC) PG10 Draft PWS for Enhanced 911.

1. What locations will be included in the Proposal Period Site Visit referenced in paragraph 3.1.2? What is the planned duration of each visit?

A: The Government has determined that there is not a need for PPSVs because of the extensive amount of Government Furnished Information for each site that will be provided with the solicitation. If Companies believe that a PPSV should be offered, this should be identified during this pre-solicitation period and describe the specific information that would be collected during a PPSV.

2. In this solicitation Subcontractor past performance may be as important as Prime contractor past performance. Will the government allow use of past performance of all offeror’s team members to meet the past performance requirement of the solicitation?

A: Subcontractor past performance information shall be submitted. Past performance should be recent and relevant.

3. Will a draft of Request For Proposal (RFP) sections L and M be released prior to release of the final RFP?

A: This is being considered.

4. Paragraphs 1.4 and 3.4.7 make reference to dispatch workstations. Will dispatch workstations be provided by government as GFE at all sites, or is the offeror expected to provide dispatch workstations where they currently do not exist?

A: Dispatch workstations (defined as furniture, cabinets/equipment consoles) will be provided by contractor for specific installations as specified in the final RFP.

5. Paragraph 1.2 of the performance work statement states “This system will also require integration with a government provided Emergency Services IP network.” In order to provide such integration the offeror will need an interface control document (ICD) or technical specifications of the interface. Is it the intent of the government to provide that information?

A: Yes.

6. Paragraph 1.3 of the performance work statement states “To provide E-911 service implementation coordination services in support of wireless and nomadic VOIP calls originating from the USMC installation.” Since there are multiple, ambiguous definitions of “nomadic VOIP”, will the government provide clarification of the term “nomadic VOIP calls” as it pertains to the Marine Corps in the context of this performance work statement?

A: Nomadic VoIP will refer to base housing and barracks VoIP subscribers (Vonage, Magic Jack, etc.) VoIP service for official government subscribers (office/work telephones) is not implemented at USMC installations as of yet. It is anticipated to have this service implemented in 3-5 years.

7. Does the government plan to provide a listing of PBX platforms and related switch software versions used at each of the installations enumerated in the performance work statement?

A: Yes.

8. In reference to MCAS Beaufort and MCRD Paris Island, are these two installations on the same PBX? If not, is there PRI trunking between these two switch platforms and are they on a unified dialing plan?

A: Not on same PBX. No PRI trunk groups between installations. They are assigned number blocks of the same NXX.

9. Requirement 22 of the performance work statement references Voice Over Internet Protocol (VOIP) Technology to the desktop and states “This will provide the USMC CERS a second level of redundancy at the 911 call taker stations. The proposed solution will leverage integration between the VOIP telephony system and the workstation. In the event of a workstation failure, the call will remain active on the telephone. The 911 call taker will continue to have critical call control features like conference, transfer, and speed-dials etc.” In order to adequately engineer the solution offerors will need a listing by installation of the VOIP systems currently installed. Is it the intent of the government to provide this information?

A: VoIP subscriber service is not installed on the installations yet. This refers to the IP telephony/CTI employment common in modern E911 systems and the ability to fail over to a telephone device that is not reliant on the IP telephony/CTI devices.

10. Will the government provide, per installation location, the total number of: (1) PBX connected users (impacts ALI Database sizing) and (2) VoIP connections (impacts location technologies).

A: (1) as available or during PPSV. (2) No VoIP connections.

11. Will the government provide the current Method of Procedure (MOP) for managing Moves, Adds, and Changes (MAC) and its associated directory information, and include how location information is validated for accuracy and Master Street Address Guide (MSAG) validity?

A: MOAs being developed between installations, LECs, and counties for MSAG, ALI data maintenance.

12. For those installations that support VoIP, is it the intention of the government to provide the current policies regarding device mobility (i.e., are devices permitted to be moved by end users or is the formal process for MAC required)? How are dynamic changes to device location tracked within the current directory?

A: (see answers to Q 6 and 10)

13. Will the government identify any planned upgrades or replacements to any current PBX’s that may include VoIP or Wi-Fi capabilities that would impact the implementation of this effort?

A: None during Period of Performance.

14. Is there a requirement to support softphones on laptops that can be either on-base or off-base while connected to the base voice network?

A: No.

15. Is there a requirement to support telephones that are outside the base but have a VPN or other secure connection to the voice platform on-base, such as for General Officers?

A: No.

16. Will the system traverse the Installation BAN/LAN or will the vendor EFIST the system end to end?

A: The vendor will EFIST the required LAN in the dispatch center. The LAN will connect to the government provided ESINet router. It is planned to have the ESINet Point of Presence (PoP) router in the dispatch center.

17. If not (proceeding question), where does the line of responsibility for providing 99.999% system availability end? (Once the system reached the Installation BAN/LAN the vendor has no control over that network).

A: System availability line of responsibility ends at the cable connecting the LAN to the WAN. All system components connected to the vendor installed LAN and the LAN devices fall into system availability.

18. Will the circuits, which the system traverses, require Telecommunication Service Priority (TSP) assignment? If TSP is required, all network circuits will need to be identified to determine associated circuit fees and TSP fees. The request for TSP assignment must come from a Government entity.

A: E911 trunks and ALI data circuits leaving the installation will require TSP assignment. If the LEC/county does not request/facilitate TSP assignment, the installation will be required to request the TSP assignment. IP Network WAN circuit TSP assignment will be the responsibility of the IP WAN network provider and the installation.

19. The chart that listing the existing systems configurations at all 14 sites indicate there are no CAD systems at most of the sites. Will there be a separate project to deploy CAD systems at all sites, or will CAD system delivery be part to the E-911 project at sites without CAD?

A: There will be a separate contracting effort to install CAD, Fire Station Alerting (FSA), and Mobile Data Computers (MDC). During the pre-soliciation phase, Companies are invited to address specific concerns that they may have with this approach.

20. According to the RFI released last year, CERS is comprised of more than an E-911 system. Will there be other CERS projects to follow or run concurrent with the E-911 project?

A: There will be a separate contracting effort to install CAD, Fire Station Alerting (FSA), and Mobile Data Computers (MDC).

21. The PWS states that the contractor will EFIT the E-911 system with no other operational support required other than the initial training after install and the warrantees of the system’s H/W and S/W. Will the people operating and supporting CERS/E-911 be on the government’s T/O or contracted support personnel?

A: Initial training will include New Equipment Training (NET) and system administrator training to government personnel. A separate maintenance and support CLIN will be added to the final PWS. (Follow-up to previous question - #6) If contracted support personnel are needed to operate CERS and any system associated with it, will delivery of the E-911 contract OCI a contractor from bidding on any such support personnel contract?

A: Operation of the system (Dispatchers and 911 call takers) will be outside scope of this effort.

22. The PWS states that the E-911 system is required to integrate with a government provided Emergency Services (ESINet) routed network. Who and what is providing the Marine Corps’ ESINet services?

A: Government network alternatives are still being analyzed. For purposes of the proposal, Companies may use the answer to #17 as to the appropriate demarcation between their network responsibilities and the rest of the ESINet.

23. Does the Government plan on providing detailed information on the current Layer 1 through 7 OSI model requirements for interfacing with the ESINet? Will the contractor be required to develop specific Application Programming Interface (API) between the proposed E-911 system and existing ESiNet applications or communications services?

A: ESINet functionality will initially be limited to network monitoring to the edge device Point of Presence switch ports for CPE/system.

24. The Government in Section 2.1 identifies that all hardware and software proposed in the vendor solution must have received or will receive Information Assurance Accreditation (IAA) prior to being connected to the GIG. Does the Government require the vendor proposed E-911 system to be directly connected to the GIG? Also, does the Government now accept the DISA APLIS as the single consolidated list of products that have completed IO an IA certification?

A: Any government provided IP network is technically part of the GIG. No. Products listed on DISA APLITS only have IO and JITC certification. This does not satisfy IA certification and accreditation requirements IAW DoD 8500.2.

25. Will the Government provide the DoD approved virus protection software as GFE for all PC and servers based machines within the vendor proposed E-911 solution? If not, please identify the specific DoD approved software version.

A: According to JTF-GNO CTO 07-12, all DOD agencies are required to deploy Host Based Security System (HBSS) to their networks. Virus protection software will use the current DoD HBSS standard which will be provided via the PM ERS program office. The DISA has made HBSS software available for download on their PKI protected patch server. Users attempting to download the software are required to have a Common Access Card (CAC) and be on a .mil network. Current approved antivirus software version can be found at URL: http://www.disa.mil/Services/Information-Assurance/HBSS

26. When will the CAD portion be Released?

A: RFP for remaining CERS capabilities release date: To Be Determined.

27. Stated effort to standardize TMS is part of CERS. Please clarify.

A: TMS hardware/software standardization is not part of CERS. Installation centerline, addressing, and MSAG development will provide data to be entered in TMS.

28. Once ALI is gathered under GEO Comm mapping contract, how is it kept up to date?

A: MOA w/ALI Manager. Data Management Plan is a deliverable under MSAG/addressing effort.

29. Will cell phone calls from on base be answered on base (Primary PSAP)?

A: If appropriate, selectively routed or tansferred. The desired end state is to minimize all 911 call routing, processing and answering times.

30. Is VOIP Deployed in any base PBX/Switch?

A: No. See answers to questions 6 and 10.

31. Is ANI/ALI of call from on base going to be transferred off base?

A: Yes.

32. Voice and Radio logging is typically a standalone system, not a part of CAD. Is this your intension?

A: Voice recording of administrative and 911 calls, into and out of the dispatch center, is within scope of this effort.

33. Since you will be relying on TMS to feed E911 with ALI data, how would you describe current state of USMC TMS databases?

A: Generally accurate data with Building number used for location information. No addresses currently populated as addresses have not yet been assigned.

34. Is ANI/ALI Sensitive Data?

A: Determination of sensitivity of the data is currently being performed and will be provided as part of the final solicitation.

35. PWS Section 3.9.13 indicates coherence to Base Safey Regulations & Procedures will these be provided by the Govt?

A: Yes, will be released as part of final RFP or GFI after award.

36. Is there a limit on the # of attendees who can dial into the Post Industry Day meeting?

A: Yes. Limit of three.

37. Please confirm the warranty period is one year after acceptance?

A: That is the minimum; the Government intends to consider additional warranty/service option years as part of each proposals best value offer.

38. How will the government signify acceptance of the systems?

A: This will be defined in final PWS.

39. PWS Section 3.2 identifies system availability as 99.999. How often is this evaluated, how will the availability be evaluated?

A: This is the objective; please see final proposal for threshold system availability. Availability will be measured monthly, consequence will be determined and negotiated.

40. Ken mentioned coincidental acquistions of other segments. Can you provide general time frames?

A: RFP for remaining CERS capabilities release date: To Be Determined. This is the first acquisition effort for CERS.

41. What will be the responsibility for IA from the contractor? C&A Scope - FRCB Scope - ATO and PIT approvals A: IA responsibilities for the contractor were identified during the Industry Day briefing; please identify any areas where clarification is needed. Additional details will be provided in the final PWS.

42. Will the dispatch consoles that call takers and dispatchers sit at be purchased under this RFP? New Consoles or Re-Use existing?

A: Dispatch workstations (defined as furniture, cabinets/equipment consoles) will be provided by contractor for specific installations as specified in the final RFP.

43. Does electrical work specified in the draft PWS fall under the construction restraints?

A: Electrical power capacity to each installation’s dispatch center will be provided in the final RFP. Minor alterations to the electrical layout may be proposed as part of the offer. Companies should be ready to provide power requirements both for evaluation and for energy conservation criteria as part of their proposals.

44. When will the CAD be procured?

A: RFP for remaining CERS capabilities release date: To Be Determined.

45. Will Records Management be a requirement?

A: Yes; as part of remaining CERS capabilities. The E911 requirement is limited to call logging and reporting.

46. Will new CAD replace older CAD systems?

A: Only if technically and economically feasible as determined by the government, during future CERS contracting efforts. CAD replacement not in scope of the E911 CONUS effort.

47. Can vendors be told if current equirement/software by site are in compliance with state and local regulations?

A: Yes, if known through survey.

48. Will the government provide, by site, a list of existing equipment/software and the status as to whether it is JITC certified?

A: Existing equipment and software versions will be provided in the PWS. JITC certification status for information provided can be found at: https://aplits.disa.mil/processAPList.do

49. How do we coordinate the proposal period coordination visits outlined in the PWS?

A: There will be no presolicitation site visits. Post award, Preinstallation Coordination Visits (PCV) will be coordinated with the base Technical Support Officer (TSO).

50. Please explain "JITC" certifications levels required for this RFP. Will it be authorized to use a system currently or for future testing?

A: The final PWS will identify any JITC certification requirements.

51. NENA Development conference is Feb 5-8, can slots be opened the week after?

A: Yes.

52. Considering short lead time, would the government consider opening up the week of Feb 13-17 for Industry Briefings?

A: Yes.

53. Individual briefings can they be extended to week of Feb 13?

A: Yes.

54. What NAICS Code will be used to define Small Business (SB) size for this procurement? And is there a SB requirement?

A: The NAICS Code is 541519. This is Unrestricted, and thus no SB requirement. All interested parties may submit an offer, which may include teaming arrangements or subcontracts

55. Will there be one award for all bases?

A: There will be a single award for all bases listed in the final PWS, i.e. there will be only one contract issued for these bases. Each base will be a separate contract line item on the final award.

56. What is the anticipated RFP response time: 30, 45, or 60 days?

A: No fewer than 30 days, but the response time is To Be Determined (TBD).

57. Is the Small Business Participation Goal 25%?

A: The actual percentage is To Be Determined (TBD).

58. Are large businesses required to submit a Small Business Subcontracting Plan?

A: Yes, it is anticipated that a Small Business Subcontracting Plan will be required.

59. Regarding the Subcontracting Plan, is there a specific goal for Small Business Participation? What, if any, is that goal?

A: This is To Be Determined.

60. PWS Section 2.1 indicates “the contractor may include value added upgrades at no additional cost to the Government, or propose optional pricing as upgrades become known.” Are the optional upgrades proposed as an unsolicited proposal during contract performance?

A: The answer is “No” because an unsolicited proposal is a different contract vehicle. Wording for PWS Section 2.1 may be changed in the solicitation to address this issue. Options, if any, are yet To Be Determined.

61. PWS Section 8.2 indicates “the Government cannot guarantee the accuracy of this information and assumes no responsibility for inaccuracies that may exist.”

A: It is anticipated that this statement will be deleted or changed after legal review of the solicitation, which will be prior to the solicitation’s release to the public.

62. For the Contracts briefing, Section Contract Type, please clarify. Will FAR Part 13 apply?

A: No, FAR Part 13 does not apply. FAR Part 12 applies to this acquisition. For clarification purposes, the following is deleted: “with the required FAR Part 52 clauses incorporated for Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP).”

63. For the Contracts briefing, Section Contract Type states “There are no priced options.” Please clarify.

A:This is To Be Determined (TBD). Also see Question 60.