Questions and Answers 4-10-2020.xlsx
XLSX spreadsheet 18 KB Posted
- Attached to
- Cellular Signal Distributed Antenna System
- Solicitation number
- N6134020R0083
About this file
This document contains a combined synopsis and solicitation from the Department of the Navy seeking proposals for a cellular signal distributed antenna system project at the Naval Air Warfare Center Training Systems Division in Orlando, Florida. The solicitation requests the demolition of an existing analog cellular amplification system and installation of a new digital system to support all major cellular carriers' frequency bands with distributed antennas throughout the facility. Interested vendors must submit fixed-price quotes by April 13, 2020 for consideration. The awarded contractor will be responsible for carrier coordination, installation, and maintenance support through September 1, 2020 project completion, with option years for maintenance. Proposals will be evaluated for technical compliance and cost, with award issued to the lowest priced technically acceptable offer.
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Sheet1
| Questions | Answers |
| The floor plans we have are not to scale. Do you have scaled drawings available or CAD file you can share? | No CAD drawings unless they are under contract. |
| Assuming yellow area is the restricted area? | Yellow areas are the restricted areas. |
| Do you have a few minutes for a call to discuss? | I am available to take calls |
| Also, due says 4/13. Is that a hard date or will this be pushed out? | We are not pushing out at this time. |
| What is the scope of the demolition? | What do you mean by ‘Scope”? The SOW shows the current system. I believe the walkthrough will give them a better idea. If they need more information, what do they need? Unknown. Antenna located on roof with wiring throughout the building. Contractor can come see it if they wish. |
| What carrier signal sources are in right now, and will they be the only ones used or will we need to add more? For example is AT&T using a BDA that needs to be replaced with a small cell? | There is no carrier signal being reproduced/amplified right now. Our current system is offline, and not being used. All carriers signals are coming weak into the building to personal cell phones. Pull SOW reference. No other information will be provided |
| What specific bands for each wireless carrier are needed to be supported in the Fiber DAS? 700/850 Cellular/PCSS/AWS/BRS/WCS | We do not have the expertise to answer this question. We know that we need all major carrier’s (AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, Verizon) with their frequencies covered. Pull SOW reference. No other information will be provided |
| Are you looking for a Fiber DAS that gives you true 5G performance with Fiber/CAT6 to the antenna digital platform or a traditional Coax-Fiber system that is less 5G performance (much slower data throughput)? | Data is not the biggest concern, and we understand that 5G is not readily available through all carriers. We are concerned about voice, and being prepared when 5G is available throughout without another major upgrade. Traditional 5G with Coax would be fine since our biggest concern is safety of personnel. Data is far secondary. |
| Is a design required for the deliverable? This is a very short time frame to deliver a full design, but if an additional 7-10 days is allowed for a bid delivery it is possible. | No design is required to submit a quote |
| Are you discussing this DAS with any Wireless Carrier right now? | No DAS discussion DAS with carriers. |
| What are you doing about Public Safety First responder coverage inside the building? | Our security department is working on another project with their radio systems that has included Public Safety/First Responders frequencies. This does not need to be included. |
| Is there an IBwave or design file for the building’s existing cellular antenna system that will be removed? | The current system is an old analog system with no software associated with it. It is just an amplifier with cabling. |
| Likely date of award and estimated construction start date? as the work completion date is September 01, 2020 | Date of award and estimated construction start date should probably be answered by contracts. |
| Flexibility in work hours ? Day or Night shift. If required can crew work over the weekend to meet the deadline? | If needed, we can work something out to accommodate their schedules. Keep in mind that all contactors will have a no escort required badge and a background check will be done. |
| Is there any preference on DAS OEMs? For example Corning, CommScope, JMA etc. | We have no preference, but we want a product/products that will perform for all the carriers. |
| Is the new Active Fiber DAS needed for Coverage enhancement or Increase in Capacity? | All purchases should be incorporated into the contract. We are not authorized to purchase items outside of the contract. |
| Who is responsible to purchase & integrate each Carrier's/operators equipment (radios, backhaul etc.)? Breakdown of the existing 1800 users. Currently, which operator/ carrier has the most subscribers in the building? | We would have to do a survey to answer this kind of question. People are using their personal equipment, and they are coming and departing constantly. It would be an even mix. |
| Which Manufacture is currently installed that is being replaced? | CSI, Cellular Specialties Inc. With 3 amplifiers |
| Will you be scheduling site walk through’s for contractor bidders and Manufacture’s? | Site visits are available upon request |
| The cable installed above the ceiling will remain intact. please find out if there are ceiling tiles installed throughout the building? Or, is there a partial hard lid ceiling installed inside the facility? | Leaving the cables in place is NOT an option unless they are going to be reutilized. Our building is overwhelmed with old cables that we no longer know what they do anymore that have been left in place throughout the years, and TSD need to remove what we can while we know what the cables are. |
There are no hard ceilings. Most of our building consist of ceiling tiles and metal aluminum ceiling covers in the main hallway.
| With regards to the requirements of item number three, the system can be designed and installed to support all major carriers. However, is it the intent of this RFP to engage the carriers and have them be live on the system in order for the work to be considered complete? | Yes, the project must be online and complete in order for us to bill the vender one month prior to FY21 |
| Is supporting the low (600MHz – 2.3GHz) and mid (2.5GHz – 6GHz) band spectrum carrier signals acceptable for purposes of this RFP? There are no systems available on the current marketplace that support 5G signals in the millimeter wave spectrum (28GHz, 39GHz). | We are looking to support the current technology for all carriers and able to expand to the 5G when it is readily available. If the 600MHz – 2.3GHz) and mid (2.5GHz – 6GHz) band spectrum will support all major carriers and we are able to easily upgrade to 5G without major cost, than that is acceptable. |
| Based on extended lead times for equipment and the current status of COVID-19, we believe that the date specified in item 10 of 9/1/2020 is not achievable for project completion. Would consideration be given to this for the completion deadline? Our suggestion would be to move the date out by at least two months to November 1, 2020. | FAR/DFAR states that we cannot extend beyond the current physical year by regulations. |
| Do we need to have live signal on-air to complete/invoice (item 10)? | Yes |
| Has a signal source been identified? | No |
| Currently there are no systems that support the 5G signals in the millimeter wave spectrum (28GHz, 39GHz), but support is readily available for the low (600MHz – 2.3GHz), and mid (2.5GHz – 6GHz) carrier signals. Will low and mid-band be acceptable? | Yes low bands are acceptable, but we are also looking for a system that will be readily available when 5G is ready for the public without major cost or upgrades. We are looking for a 5G ready system. |
| Does the govt know if multiple sectors are desired or is that the bidder’s decision? | The government does not have a preference on multiple sectors. We care on performance and to ensure that all people/devices can receive the cellular amplification without overloading any equipment. |
| Please provide a an approximate breakdown of the devices in the building (ie. 50% Verizon, 40% ATT, etc.) | We do not have this information, but it would be safe to say that it is an even mix of the major carriers |
| Is the govt planning on having a site survey? | We can provide a walkthrough, but a full site survey would be something after contract award. (verify with Joe) |
| If not, please advise what wall types are existing on site (what wall type is green, blue, etc. on the drawings)Has an RF survey been completed, will there be one, would they like us to complete one? | 1. Color Codes |
a. Yellow: Restricted areas – no access points or equipment in these areas or within 10 feet
b. Green: Hard Walls (drywall mostly)
c. Blue: Cubical Walls
2. A full official RF site survey has not been completed. We, the Government, has walked around the facility with multiple similar devices of different carriers. The signal source gave us anywhere from zero reception to two bars (depending on location I the building). We mostly received zero to 1 bar for reception.
a. I do not think that we can ask them for a RF survey while they are bidding on a job. I was under the impression the RF survey would be part of the full site survey.
| Would the govt prefer the bidders engage the carriers for signal sources or will the govt be doing that on their own? | Venders should engage with the carriers |
| May we get a copy of the current DAS design? | The original design has been lost with the loss of an employee. This data was never shared. There is a cellular AP file that can be put along within the solicitation. |
| Would we be able to view the facility prior to submitting the quote that is due on April 13, 2020? | We can do a half hour to hour walkthrough Thursday or Friday 4/9 or 4/10. The walkthrough will have to be complete by 1530. We cannot do anything over the weekend. |
| Are we to infer that the yellow shaded areas on the floor plans are the restricted room that have the antenna setback requirement? | Yes, the yellow areas are the areas that equipment or APs are unauthorized within 10 feet from the shaded areas. |
| Does all cabling need to be furnished by the vendor or is there existing single mode fiber that is available for use? | All of the cabling in the building is coax cable. It can be reutilized if it will meet requirements. |
| Where does NAWCTSD ORLANDO anticipate the head equipment location will be located? | Head equipment can be located in either the telecom closets or the mechanical building. We do not know how much space is needed for the equipment. |
| What is the route from that room to the roof? | That room??? Either the mechanical room or the 3 floor 3C closet has a direct pathway to the roof. |
| Is there an existing roof penetration available for use for GPS antenna cabling? | Penetration is available, but cabling is nonexistent |
| Is there any restriction on placing GPS antennas on the roof? | Please be more detailed into what you are asking from us. Thank you |
| What are the anticipated work hours? Mon-Fri 8am to 5pm or something different? | M- F from 6 –to 6 is our core hours that can be worked. We will also work with off hours if needed. If the vender prefers to work off hours, so they do not have to interact with people we will work it to be okay. All contractors will have a non escorted building access badge and will require background checks. |
| What are the access procedures for installers? | Once the background check is cleared. They will be badged with a non-escort required for all of the main areas. |
| Any union labor requirements? | No |
| Must all individuals involved with the installation be US citizens? | All drop ceilings |
| Are all floors drop ceiling or a combination of drop and open? | Yes, we are unaware of how much space is needed. |
| Are all the Telecom Closets noted on the plans available for use? | Unsure at this time. |
| In addition to the De Florez building, the Navy also provided floor plan for a mechanical building which is separate from the original building. Is this Mech space in scope? | The telecom room is not is scope with this project, but it can be used as a head room for larger equipment if the telecom closets does not provide the space needed. There are fiber cables heading back to the DeFlorez building that can be utilized. |
| Should the quote be tax exempt, due to it being the Navy? | The Navy has a letter to provide if you are selected for award. The letter will allow you to purchase supplies tax exempt. |
| Could you share the wage sheet? I assume Davis Bacon applies. | This would be the number for the wage determination : Davis-Bacon Act WD # FL20200218 |
It’s located on Https://beta.sam.gov
| · Is the Navy able to provide an outbound ISP connection for VPN connections? | 1. As we do have a Brighthouse connection, it has low bandwidth. I feel that it will not be enough to support a consistent VPN connection, and keeping our current devices working properly. What kind of bandwidth is needed. Is it just to dial in when needed, or is it for constant monitoring. We are more than happy to use the line if it will work with our current setup and cellular VPN. |
| · We are assuming the green lines on the Cellular Coverage Maps depict full solid walls (floor to ceiling). Is that assumption correct? Should we assume that all green walls are sheetrock with metal studs? | 2. That is absolutely correct. All green lines on the maps are floor to ceiling sheetrock walls. |
a. Yellow: Restricted areas – no access points or equipment in these areas or within 10 feet
b. Green: Hard Walls (drywall mostly)
c. Blue: Cubical Walls
| If we are not permitted to take pictures ourselves on the site walk, then we would like to request pictures of the following: | Only time photos would be allowed is when you are on contract with the Government. |
| · Existing System | |
| o Sample Pictures of Existing Cabling installed above ceiling on each floor | |
| o Pictures of receive antenna on roof and mounting system | |
| o Pictures of three existing CSI Amplifiers | |
| o Pictures of Existing Cable Penetrations on Rooftop where cabling enters building | |
| · Proposed System | |
| o Picture of telecom closets (3 each on 1st and 3rd Floors and 2 on 2nd Floor) | |
| § Full Picture of Telecom Closet with Door Open | |
| § Picture of Access to Power and any available fiber | |
| § Picture of potential rack space in closet | |
| § Picture of ceiling in each telecom closet | |
| § Picture of Cabling Pathway at each telecom closet | |
| o Picture of main telecom room directly outside of DeFlorez building | |
| § Picture of exterior of main telecom room and its proximity to main building | |
| § Pictures of interior of main telecom room | |
| § Picture of fiber demarc in main telecom room | |
| o Pictures of Different Types of Ceilings on each floor | |
| o Picture of Ceiling on each floor with a ceiling tile removed | |
| o Pictures of available risers and pathways | |
| Can general photos be shared of the building/floors, so we can determine the general layout, materials, dropped/hard ceiling, etc? | Yes, we will get them uploaded ASAP. This is being taken from our photo studio, and it will take just a little bit longer |
| Can they clarify what materials of the walls, etc. | Hard walls is made of drywall. The color codes of the maps are below |
a. Yellow: Restricted areas – no access points or equipment in these areas or within 10 feet
b. Green: Hard Walls (drywall mostly)
c. Blue: Cubical Walls
| What carrier signal source should we assume? | SOW shows all major carriers. There is an even mix of carrier needed |
| Are they relying on us for carrier coordination? If they are brining the carriers, should the quote include support for system commissioning after each carrier joins? | Yes, carrier coordination from the vendor |
| What scope around maintenance of the system? Is it end to end maintenance or will they provide some initial trouble shooting in-house? Do they have required SLAs or shall we propose? | We would do basic troubleshooting, but it would be the contractor in the end who would be responsible. Vendor should propose SLA maintenance agreements. |
| Is any cabling required to be in conduit? | No, but should be installed on J-hooks, and not rested on the ceiling. We have some J-hooks available, but they should not be counted on since most are full. |
| Are cable paths available or would any coring be required? | Full Cable Paths in floor or ceiling. |
| Would the Navy provide any required electrical work? | No, if needed this would be the responsibility of the contractor. We already have adequate electrical in place in most areas, so this should be mentioned during the full site survey. (if the Navy becomes the responsible party for the electrical, it could hold up project time since the Navy would have to go through a funding approval process before the electrical work can begin). |
| Will we be able to take photos during a site visit? | We cannot take pictures until our security department states that it is okay. Here are the pictures that I asked about. It may be getting to close the get the approval and allow time for the photo studio to prepare these. |
| Is there existing fiber connectivity between the main telco room in the Mech bldg. and the telecom closets in the DeFlorez building? | There is no fiber in place particularly for this. |
| If yes, what type of fiber and connectors, and can we utilize existing fiber strands for DAS purposes? | There are some fiber from the telecom room to the main building through fiber switches. Depending on how many needs to be utilized, they could be used. This is very very limited, and we would need to get approval prior to using. |
| If there is no fiber connectivity or if we can’t use existing fiber, are there pathways between the two buildings that we can use to pull the fiber ourselves? | There are pathways to pull new cables when needed. |
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