Questions and Answers 09-13.pdf

Questions and Answers

1. Question: Will analog fax capabilities in the devices be required? If so, please specify which NIPR, SIPR and JWICS bands require fax capability.

Answer: No.

2. Question: The specifications for the Band 1 desktops require 12x18 and 11x17 size paper. This is unusual paper size for a desktop model. Devices that accommodate 12x18 and 11x17 size paper are usually taller and too tall for desktop use. Will 8.5”x14” as a maximum size paper suffice for the Band 1 Desktops or would the Govt consider full size floor model MFDs which could also help in reducing the number of print models and consumables? USFF does not currently have the ability to print on 12x18 or 11x17 paper for band 1.

Answer: Desktop models do not require 12x18 and 11x17 is acceptable. PWS has been updated via Amendment 0004.

3. Question: Please elaborate on the multifold function? What fold types are needed? Bi fold?

Answer: Bi-fold and triple fold. We also need the ability to saddle-stitch, which sometimes uses the folding mechanism but is often it’s own module. PWS has been updated via Amendment 0002.

4. Question: Per 6.1.15 Contractor shall provide all consumable supplies (except paper) to include toner, installation, removal. Are staples included in this requirement?

Answer: Yes. PWS has been updated via Amendment 0002.

5. Based on the attached NMCI certification list, there does not seem to be a currently manufactured single function device certified for use on NMCI for NIPR and SIPR available. Would the Government consider sponsoring a new model if the new vendor has the ability to support the current single function devices currently in use while the new machines get certified?

Answer: The government will not sponsor certification. All devices must be certified with the exception of the graphics production printer

6. Question: Section 5.0, Security Clearance, states that an active secret security clearance is required for ALL positions. Will the Government confirm that a clearance is required for the on-site technician and the USFF project manager?

Answer: Yes, active secret clearances are required for all contractor personnel, including the on-site technician and USFF project manager.

7. Question: Will the Government please confirm this solicitation is a Small Business set aside under NAICS code 532420 with Small Business Standard of $40M?

Answer: This is a full and open competition procurement.

8. Question: Will the Government please clarify if this is a GSA Schedule or Open Market solicitation?

Answer: This is an Open Market solicitation via SAM.GOV.

9. Question: Section 20.0 Table 1:HRO Printer CLIN. Will the Government please provide an additional CLIN for this request in Attachment I? Are the HRO devices part of the total 267 device scope, or an addition to it?

Answer: PWS has been updated via Amendment 0002.

10. Question: Additional Equipment, Section 6.1.3. If additional equipment is added to the contract, will all additional devices be priced coterminous too the contract end date?

Answer: Yes.

11. Question: Will the Government please clarify why FAR 52.232-18 is included in the solicitation? Are funds not available to make payment during the base period?

Answer: FAR clause 52.232-18 is required to be included in all contracts that include options.

12. Question: PWS 6.1.3 discriminates against all non-OEM respondents. If add-ons are for a shorter term, i.e.

fewer lease payments than the original 60-month term, this signifigantly increases the cost of procuring the equipment to perform on the contract. Please clarify that the same unit cost and monthly maintenance applies to add-ons after the initial order, and the equipment lease payment can adjust mathematically based upon the number of payments remaining to be paid in the contract term?

Answer: PWS has been updated via Amendment 0002.

13. Question: Deliverable Timelines, Section 7.0 Equipment Installation and Familiarization. In consideration of the security level, incumbent collaboration, user disruption, and logistical processes for this large of a footprint, will the government agree to remove the 15 day installation after award requirement and agree to following an agreed upon project implementation and change management plan?

Answer: No.

14. Question: Subcontracting Plan (Other Than Small Business). Respectfully asking to confirm that a subcontracting plan is not required for submissions from a small business prime contractor?

Answer: Confirmed.

15. Question: Extension Request. Request an extension of ten (10) business days from the issuance of answers to the vendor questions. Will the Government provide this extension to allow for sufficient time to respond?

Answer: Solicitation will be extended to 1300 EST on 03 September 2024.

16. Question: Section 6.0 Functional Descriptions. In order to leverage a security management tool for;

firmware, network configuration settings, passwords, troubleshooting and document communication logs a single manufactuer is required. In support and advocacy of the USFF mission, its information security, and to the SECNAV M-5239.3, will the government please confirm the requirement for a single manufacturer fleet?

Answer: No, a single manufacturer is not required. PWS has been updated via Amendment 0002.

17. Question: Section 6.1 Equipment Requirements: Multi-Function Device Volume Band Standards: Will the government please share actual page volume counts for the current devices as known from the current incumbent contractor in order to support and balance actual usage for a firm fixed price response?

Answer: No. The Government is unable to provide this information.

18. Question: Section 6.1.10 (2) One standard configuration enterprise-wide (scan, print, copy, fax,) CAC. One standard configuration is capable when supporting a single manufacturer fleet and its security management tools. To uphold the security across all encalves (SIPR/NIPR/JWICS) and safety of the NMCI network, will the government support that all devices shall be from a single manufacturer?

Answer: All devices can be from a single manufacturer but this is not required. PWS has been updated via Amendment 0002.

19. Question: Section 7.0 Deliverables. To help forecast your future fleet, when will the governments current contract expire?

Answer: The current contract will expire 31 December 2024; however, clause FAR clause 52.217-8 is included in the current contract that allows to extend contract up to 6 months (30 June 2025), if the Government deems necessary to use.

20. Question: Deliverable Timelines, Section 7.0. Can the customer amend the timeline for the initial equipment installation? Manufacturers and bidders will need 60 to 90 days after the award to deliver equipment which is standard for fleets this size.

Answer: The timeline for the initial equipment installation will not be amended.

21. Question: Delay Print, Section 14.0 Additional Requirements. We request the customer further define “Delayed Print” to help us better understand this requirement and the specific function required.

Answer: Delayed print is a feature that allows printing to occur at a set time. PWS has been updated via Amendment 0002.

22. Question: Classified (Secret) Machine in Kings Bay GA. Request the ability to move this specific machine into an unclassified area to perform services, as our classified technicians would be working in the Norfolk location and not in Georgia. Is this acceptable and is this how work is completed today in this location?

Answer: The device in Kings Bay will remain in the same location. Technicians can support with valid clearance and escort as needed.

23. Question: Section 6.1.9 Section (2) Desktop Color MFD and (3) Floor Model Color MFD. The specs state Maximum paper size 12” x 18” (includes 8-12” x 11, 8-1/2” x 14” and 11” x 17”). Would Fleet Forces accept Maximum paper size 11 – 17 (includes 8-12” x 11, 8-1/2” x 14” and 11” x 17”) to allow competition?

Answer: 12x18 is not required for desktop devices and 11x17 is acceptable. PWS has been updated via Amendment 0004.

24. Question: In regards to the SAM RFQ posting number N0018924Q0526 for Multi-Functional Devices will the Government accept proposals from a Prime contractor that does not currently have a Facility Clearance and should that company have the winning bid, sponsor that company to obtain a Facilities Clearance prior to the beginning of the Period of Performance for the contract?

Answer: The Government will not sponsor companies to obtain a Facilities Clearance.

25. Question: In regards to the SAM RFQ posting number N0018924Q0526 for Multi-Functional Devices will the Government permit technicians who have active Secret Clearances to work onsite at the required locations if they work for companies other than the winning Prime contractor who holds the Facilities Clearance?

Answer: The prime contractor shall hold the facilities clearance level necessary in order to be considered for award.

26. Question: Answer to question 16. Question: Because a Small Business responder is not a manufacturer, will the Government change the requirement from a single “manufacturer” to a single “vendor” is required to support USFF? (This has been acceptable in the past and has not caused any performance issues).

Answer: Yes, however the vendor must meet all PWS requirements. PWS has been updated via Amendment 0004.

27. Question: The answer to question 16 is contradicted in 6.1.2 as it states that a all equipment should be of the same manufacturer/brand name to the maximum extent possible. Will the Government allow a single vendor to offer USFF a mixed fleet, to the minimum extent possible, in order to satisfy this requirement?

Answer: Yes, however the vendor must meet PWS requirements.

28. Question: Please confirm, does the production unit (CLIN 5) does not need to be NMCI Certified? There is currently no NMCI certified equipment with an external Fiery controller. It is typical this requirement be given a waiver.

Answer: The graphics production printed does not have to be NMCI certified because device is not connected to the NMCI network.

29. Question: #23 says that 12x18 paper is a requirement for your desktop MFD which is not an industry standard. This requirement makes the machine very large/heavy and not suitable for a desktop environment. Will the Government accept a desktop device that can handle a maximum of 12x17 paper?

Answer: Answer to Question #23 has been updated. Desktop devices do not require 12x18 capabilities and 11x17 is acceptable. PWS has been updated via Amendment 0004.

30. Question: Will the Government accept a 11x17 media requirement for the applicable desktop Band as opposed the 12x18? All 12x18 models are floor standing. If 12 x 18 is required, it would have to be a floor standing model. However, if the device needs to be a desktop model will you accept an 11 x 17 that includes margin adjustments to reach the equivalent 12 x 18 print area?

Answer: Desktop devices do not require 12x18 capabilities and 11x17 is acceptable. PWS has been updated via Amendment 0004.