Questions and Answers_N6426726R1003.docx

Questions and Answers - Wattmeter Calibration Systems - N6426726R1003

Q1: Section F states the delivery schedule listed applies to the first Delivery Order (DO), and all subsequent DOs shall be delivered 90 days after issuance. In the line item table, CLIN 0001 shows “From date of lead time event to delivery: 90 Calendar Days; Date of Award,” which suggests the first PLWCS is due 90 days after the “lead time event,” but the solicitation does not define that term. Please confirm the contractual Required Delivery Date for the first PLWCS/WCS and whether “lead time event” is the Date of Award or another milestone (e.g., authorization to proceed, receipt of GFP/technical direction).

A1: The “date of lead time event” begins upon issuance of the DO. Amendment 0002 is forthcoming.

Q2: Given the complexity of the PLWCS/WCS as defined in CSS 01 3246/ 3243 and the absence of an explicit maximum lead time for the initial unit, would the Government accept a proposed 12 month lead time for the first system under the initial DO, while meeting the solicitation’s 90 day interval for all subsequent systems? If Section F’s 90 day period applies to the first system, we respectfully request relief to 12 months for the initial unit only.

A2: Amendment 0002 is forthcoming to revise delivery dates.

Q3: Section L incorporates DFARS 252.204 7025, which requires Offerors to have the required CMMC status (Level 1 Self for this solicitation) recorded in SPRS prior to award and to provide CMMC UID(s) in the proposal. Please confirm that Level 1 (Self) status must be current in SPRS by proposal submission only to the extent needed to generate CMMC UID(s), and that formal eligibility is checked “prior to award” per the provision.

A3: DFARS 252.204-7025 shall be adhered to as directed in 32 CFR part 170.

Q4: Section I incorporates DFARS 252.204 7021, requiring contractors to maintain the applicable CMMC level for the duration of contract performance on any systems processing FCI/CUI. Please confirm the required level for this contract is CMMC Level 1 (Self) throughout performance, including at first system delivery, unless modified by a specific DO.

A4: DFARS 252.204-7021 will be adhered to as directed in 32 CFR part 170. Any modifications affecting the base contract will be addressed through formal contract modifications to ensure consistency and avoid conflicting information in subsequent delivery orders.

Q5: CSS 01 3246 §3.9.5.5 describes acceptable configurations for the low and high power RF transfer standards and notes these standards may be modular/removable. The CSS does not explicitly require automated or electronically switchable paths when multiple standards are used. Please advise whether manual operator performed connection/disconnection is acceptable, or if automated/electronic switching is required across ranges.

A5: The CSS 01-3246 does not mandate automated or electronically switchable paths for the transfer standards. Either manual or automated access is acceptable, as long as:

· Access to the transfer standard output is provided to directly connect to the TI wattmeter and the accuracy requirements in Section 3.9.4.6 of the CSS are satisfied, including accounting for mismatch error.

· The transfer standards are modular/removable, as specified in Section 3.9.5.5.

Q6: Neither Section E (Inspection and Acceptance), Section F (Delivery), nor the SOW specify a pilot demonstration, pre delivery evaluation, or factory acceptance test (FAT). Please confirm no demonstration unit or formal demonstration event is required upon award or prior to acceptance of the first system.

A6: No demonstration unit or formal demonstration event is required.

Q7: Please confirm the Government intends to award a single prime contract for a complete, integrated turnkey solution—one PLWCS and up to eleven WCS—delivered/installed IAW the SOW and CSS requirements, including training and all CDRLs. Under this intent, please confirm that component only proposals (e.g., transfer standards or calorimeter only) would be non responsive/technically unacceptable under Sections C and M.

A7: See Section C, Scope 3 (Page 6 of 64); Section C, 5.1 (Page 6 of 64); and Section M- Evaluation Factors Basis for Contract Award (Page 60 of 64). Attachment 01 - Wattmeter Calibration System (WCS) CSS 01-3243 specifies the minimum requirements for a WCS. Attachment 02 - Primary Lab Wattmeter Calibration System CSS 01-3246 specifies the minimum requirements for a PLWCS. Additionally, see Section C, 5.2 Installation and Training (Page 6 of 64) for a turnkey solution.

Q8: If a modular alternative is of interest, would the Government consider adding optional CLINs or otherwise permitting an additional component only alternative to be submitted alongside a complete system offer under FAR 52.212 1(e) (Multiple offers)? If not, Bird will submit only a complete, conforming system proposal.

A8: FAR 52.212-1(e) permits multiple offers, any alternative proposal must still conform to the requirements of the solicitation, including the delivery of a fully integrated turnkey solution.