Answers to Questions Comments on FSII RFP.pdf

Page No. Section Paragraph Question Comment Response What is DHS's methodology for the use of change pages? For instance, what does the designation 75a mean versus 75b?

All change pages are marked by an 'a' or 'b' following the page number, followed by the number and date of the amendment which modified the page. An 'a' designation means that it has been changed once since the original RFP. A 'b' designation means that it has been changed twice since the original RFP. In one instance, there are pages which include an 'a- 1', 'a-2', etc. designation. DHS utilized this approach to insert new pages without re-paginating the rest of the RFP.

I don't see the exact text of my question - what happened to it? As noted in the cover letter to the RFP, DHS combined questions which were similar or identical in content. This was the case in a large number of questions. Please review the answers to the questions provided, as they will address all questions which were submitted.

I made a specific request for a particular requirement set forth in Attachment 5 to be changed. I want to be sure my offering is permitted under future FirstSource II orders, but I don't see an answer.

Please note that the Sample Delivery Order Pricing Matrix does not represent the only items which may be ordered under FirstSource II. It represents a notional requirement which DHS is using to generate a total evaluated price for the purposes of evaluation. The inclusion or exclusion of particular reqiurements or actual items in the Sample Delivery Order Pricing Matrix has no effect on items that may be ordered under FirstSource II.

I asked a specific question about how I should formulate my proposal in order to ensure the highest rating possible. I don't see an answer to my question - what happened to it?

Beyond what is outlined in the solicitation, DHS will not provide any guidance in regards to what an Offeror should or should not include in their proposal, or how that information will be evaluated.

I'm trying to add my out-year pricing into the Sample Delivery Order Pricing Matrix, but the cells are locked - why is that? Also, the formulas it uses for escalation and de-escalation aren't the ones that I want to use.

The Sample Delivery Order Pricing Matrix has fixed escalation and de-escalation percentages, and does not permit alteration of those values or the formulas which are used to generate the total evaluated price. DHS has used this approach because it establishes a level playing field for all Offerors based on the application of historical CPI percentages.

I asked a specific question about changing a particular requirement set forth in Attachment 5. I want to offer a particular and/or improved product, but do not see an answer to my question.

Please note that exceeding the minimum requirements set forth in the Sample Delivery Order Pricing Matrix will not have any effect on an Offeror's proposal. DHS is not looking for a particular item or manufacturer, but rather items which will satisfy the minimum requirements set forth in the Sample Delivery Order Pricing Matrix, which will then be used to generate a total evaluated price. DHS has consolidated responses instead of responding to each invidual questions with 'No, this requirement will not be changed.', or 'As long as the item/configuration/etc. meets the minimum requirements, this approach is acceptable.' In some instances, responses to specific questions regarding specifications have been provided (e.g., when a question about a specific requirement was asked several times).

2 A.1 1 Will the government accept and consider for award a proposal from a small business manufacturer of Land Mobile Radio (LMR) equipment?

In the case of a requirement being available through both FirstSource II and a commodity-specific DHS enterprise-wide contract, preference will be given to the commodity-specific contract. See clarifying language provided in Amendment 00002.

2 A 1 The NAICS Code for FirstSource II is 541519. Footnote 18 on NAICS Code 541519 of the SBA Small Business Size Standard states, “For purposes of Government procurement, an information technology procurement classified under this industry category must consist of at least 15% and not more than 50% of value added services as measured by the total price less the cost of information technology hardware, computer software, and profit.” How is the percentage of value added services determined (i.e., per task order, cumulatively per quarter, cumulatively per year, etc.)?

As noted in C.6.9.5, the IT Value-Added Reseller Services Report (ITVAR) will be submitted on October 31st on a fiscal year basis. This report is a requirement at the contractual level.

2 Cover Letter 3 Does a Contractor have to respond to all competed Delivery Orders? There is no contractual requirement for a FirstSource II vendor to respond to all Delivery Order solicitations. However, a frequent/habitual failure to respond to solicitations will be taken into account when completing past performance databases and when DHS decides whether or not to exercise an option.

2 B A.2 The Contract Term is a base period of 5 years and 2 (1) Yr possible extensions. Will we be able to add new offerings to the contract in this contract period?

As stated in C.3 (page 6), "Any commercially available IT product may be made available through this contract."

2 A 2 What is the duration and term of the project? The period of performance for FirstSource II is one five-year base period, and two one-year option periods, for a total potential period of performance of seven years.

2 A 1 When is an award anticipated? Award of the FirstSource II contracts should occur not later than the third quarter of FY2012.

FIRSTSOURCE II RFP Vendor Questions

RFP HSHQDC-12-R-00005

FIRSTSOURCE II

3 B3 Is there an ability to offer only commodities/products as a stand alone submittal without leasing?

Yes, items may be offered/procured without any associated leasing provisions.

3 B Section B.2C The total vaule of all DO s awarded under all contacts issued under this solicitation, including orders issued in option periods and minimum contract amounts, shall not exceed $3,000,000,000

Is max. amount is $3,000,000,000 or $3 million The amount is $3,000,000,000.00 - $3 billion.

3 B B.3 In as much as leasing is negotiated at the individual DO, will the government please considering incorporating the following FAR clauses into the master contract:

1. FAR 52-232-19 (Availability of Funds)

2. FAR 52.212-4 (j) (Risk of Loss)

3. FAR 52.232-23 (Assignment of Claims)

In regards to FAR 52.232-19 - Availability of Funds for the Next Fiscal Year, no, this clause will not be included because the prescription is not applicable to FirstSource II. In regards to FAR 52.212-4, the clause is included by reference in the FirstSource II solicitation. In regards to FAR 52.232-23, the applicability and usage of this clause will be determined at the Delivery Order Level.

4 B B.3 Will the government please consider establishing Leasing T&C's upfront as opposed to doing so at the individual DO level? Also, per Section H.8 we can incorporate Leasing T&C's into the contractor's proposal.

Terms and conditions for individual orders, including leasing or lease-like arrangements, will be established at the Delivery Order Level. No leasing terms and conditions should be provided in the Contractor's response to HSHQDC-12- R-00005.

4 5 1.1.1 1.1.1Highly Portable Notebook

Upgrade hard drive - 2x the proposed item - Can this be done with a second hard drive, or does the upgrade have to be completed with one drive?

The term "upgrade" is being misconstrued - plesae see updated language in Amendment 00002, wihch includes an Instructions to Offerors tab within the Attachment 5 spreadsheet.

5 B4 1 As a supplier, is it necessary to have a schedule 70 or will there be consideration for suppliers that sell technology successfully, have technology catalogs and are in process of submitting for schedule 70 ?

There is no requirement for an Offeror or eventual FirstSource II vendor to hold a GSA Schedule 70 contract.

5 4 FAQs Is "Joint Venture" considered the same as a subcontractor in relation to a large firm?

(FAQs released 9/19; question 4)

There are specific rules and terms used in regards to Joint Ventures. As a Joint Venutre is a wholly new corporate entity, it would not be the subcontractor - it would be the prime.

5 Attachment 5 - D

1.1.2, 1.1.3, 1.1.4,& 1.1.5

Requirement is listed for "At least 1 available PC card slot (Type I and Type II compatible)". a. As ExpressCard is a newer standard can the requirment be changed to add the following "or at least 1 available ExpressCard/34 or ExpressCard/54 slot? b. If not, can the PC Card requirement be changed to an ExpressCard requirment?

Solution must be backward capability for Type I and Type II drivers and applications.

6 C 2 May additional partners be added post award? Additional team members / subcontractors may be added after award, and do not need to be approved by DHS. However, the Contractor shall provide an updated team member listing in the same format which was submitted in response to the FirstSource II solicitation under Tab A. Please see page 73a of Amendment 00002 for clarifying language.

6 C C.3 Are bidders allowed to offer additional solutions in these 5 categories other than those mentioned, e.g. Software as a Service Solutions?

Proposals will be evaluated in accordance with the terms and conditions of the FirstSource II solicitation.

6 C Scope Is a bidder required to bid all 5 categories? As stated in E.2.9, "Proposals that fail to provide all required information in the format requested may be found unacceptable and may be rejected without further consideration if the Contracting Officer determines that significant revision or addedum to the offeror's proposal would be required to permit futher evaluation, and especially if the incompleteness of the proposal or errant formatting of the proposal appears to be due from a lack of diligence or competence of the Offeror "

6 C C.3 Has DHS provided the breakdown of categories because it expects contractors to report on the dollars spent in each category? If yes, will DHS be providing guidance on which category given items belong to? If DHS will not be providing that guidance, how does the contractor determine (at the task order level) to what category a given item belongs?

It is critical to understand if DHS will require reporting on these categories or not.

Business processes and systems need to be established in advance to capture the data.

Otherwise it becomes expensive if not impossible to obtain it retroactively.

DHS does not expect the FirstSource II contractors to report on the dollars spent in each of the categories of equipment.

6 C C.3 Is there a limit to the number of Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and Offeror may include in their proposal?

There is no limit or prescription for how Offerors may team (or not), or limitation in regards to the number of any potential team members / subcontractors.

6 C C.3 Scope Where it states, “Any commercially available IT product may be made available through this contract.” Is TAA/BAA a consideration or is this truly 'any commercially available IT product?'

The TAA is not applicable to FSII and DHS anticipates that an exception to the BAA will likely apply to any order made under this contract.

7 Attachment 5 1.1.5 "56k Modem" is listed as a requirement but most applications no longer require this technology. Can this be changed to an optional item?

Please see updated language provided in Amendment 00002, where 56k Modem has been removed completely from the minimum requirements.

8 C 4.2, 4.3, and 4.4 Paragraphs 4.2, 4.3, and 4.4 appear to be misnumbered. Based on the original RFP (27Dec11), those paragraphs were numbered 4.4, 4.5 and 4.6. The numbering on page 8 (amendment 1) is confusing.

Suggest paragraphs 4.2, 4.3 and 4.4 be renumbered 4.4, 4.5, and 4.6. for clarity.

The numbering inconsistency has been corrected - please see pages 8b of Amendment 00002.

8 Attachment 5 1.1.6 "Integrated Smartcard reader" is listed as an option here, but is listed as a required component of each of the previous laptop configurations. Is it a required item or an optional item?

Please see updated language provided in Amendment 00002, where this has been changed throughout Section 1. Intergrated Smartcard readers are to be listed as an option under each laptop type requested. All specifications within Attachment 5 are required to be priced. Specifications listed under "Options" simply provide the additional cost of acquiring an item with that particular option specification

8 Attachment 5 Continuation of Pricing Matrix

Section 1.1.6 Notebook options: As several notebook models will be quoted to meet each individual notebook requirement, not all options will be the same. Will the government allow different configurations if they are not the same for all models? If prices are different, will the government accept individual pricing for options based on notebook category, if necessary? For example, the Lightweight Options may be different from the Rugged Tablet Options.

For the purposes of evaluation, the Government will allow for any manufacturers/models/configurations which meet the minimum requirements set forth in Attachment 5. No credit will be given for exceeding the minimum requirements.

9 C 1 The FS II RFP states: "DHS requires commercial IT commodity solutions/ value-added reseller services for a wide variety of applications throughout the Department... DHS needs to access, technological advances and new business practices that may increase productivity, efficiency, and/or reduce costs while leveraging DHS' Department-wide buying power to obtain the lowest available prices. The scope...is to provide DHS with a full array of value-added reseller services and access to a wide and renewable variety of IT commodities/solutions (hw/sw) from multiple OEMs that will be available through Delivery Order competitions. Any commercially available IT product may be made available through this contract."

On the current FS I contract, exclusive teaming and subcontract agreements were executed in some instances between Contractor/OEM. Exclusive Contractor/OEM teaming/subcontract agreements will not achieve the results as stated in the Scope requirement defined in Section C.3. Exclusivity limits fair and open competition, reduces technological innovation, and ultimately inflates the price the Government pays for commercial IT products/services. It is requested that the Government amend the RFP to disallow exclusive teaming/subcontractor contractual relationships among all parties participating in the First Source II contract.

DHS will not prescribe or limit the interactions between or any arrangments made by FirstSource II Offerors.

9 Attachment 5 1.1.6 For "Desktop Bundle" a docking station with PS/2 port and a PS/2 keyboard are both listed as requirements. PS/2 is an outdated standard, so can a docking station with USB ports and a USB Keyboard be substituted with "or USB" language added to both lines?

This is acceptable

10 5.1.1.4 1.4 External Modems

Hard drives replaced under warranty will not be returned to the vendor. The government will destroy or dispose of these based on the sensitivity level of the system from which they are removed This is not a relevant option for this part, please remove this requirement

Please see updated language provided in Amendment 00002, where this language has been removed.

10 Attachment 5 1.4 External Modems

Minimum 3 Years Basic Support: Next Business Day Parts and Labor Onsite Response - This is not a relevant option for this part, please remove this requirement

Please see updated language provided in Amendment 00002, where the warranty language has been changed throughout the document to remove the "Advanced warranty" text.

10 E E.2.10 Tab F is asking for a completed FAR 52.21-3 Offeror Reps and Certs (ORCA). Tab G is asking for CCR Registration for the socio-economic categories or the offerers' ORCA (Reps & Certs). Should we submit our ORCA for both Tabs F and G?

Amendment 1; HSHQDC-12-R-0005-Amendment 00001.pdf; Tab F and Tab G:

An Offeror's ORCA record(s) shall only be submitted via Tab F.

10 C 6 Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act requires government agencies to provide access to electronic and information technology for persons with disabilities. The provision’s "Undue Burden" exception ensures that agencies can also carry out their other public obligations. How will the "Undue Burden" exception clause be applied to Delivery Orders for IT products?

The 'Undue Burden' exception clause shall be identified/applied at the Delivery Order level.

10 C 6.1 What documents are needed to support a subcontracting agreement? There are no requirements for supporting documents for a subcontracting agreement.

10 Attachment 5 1.4 "Minimum 3 Years Basic Support…" has requirements that apply to notebooks and not stand alone modems. Can the two sub-bullets be deleted?

Please see updated language in Amendment 00002.

10 5.1.1.4 1.4 External Modems

Warranty coverage for accidental damage This is not a relevant option for this part, please remove this requirement

Pleaae see updated language provided in Amendment 00002, where warranty coverage for accidental damage has been removed from all of Attachment 5.

10 E E.2.10 In the original solicitation it stated that Tab F had no page limit. In Amendment 1 it states that the page limit is now 12 pages maximum and must include as part of the requirement an offeror's Reps & Certs (or ORCA) which is more than 12 pages. Can we consider the ORCA an attachment that does not count against the page limit?

Amendment 1; HSHQDC-12-R-0005-Amendment 00001.pdf; Tab F and Tab G:

Reps and Certs will not be counted towards the page limit - please see page 74b of Amendment 00002. Please also note that information provided under Tab F will not be assigned a rating, or considered in the formulation of a rating.

11 C C54 Are they not needed to be EPEAT Bronze registered, or do you not desire to acquire them?

"Printers, copiers and fax machines are not included in peripheral equipment, as used in the FAR definition" They are listed as Peripherals, in Pg 12 SectionC.3 item 5 and are documented as Attachment 5.

Section C.5.4 addresses the applicability of EPEAT to personal computer products which may be ordered under FirstSource II, and has definitions related specifically to that requirement (personal computer equipment, peripherals, et al).

Although there is no guarantee for the order of any specific item(s) under FirstSource II, it is extremely likely that periperhal products will be ordered.

11 C C.5.4 The third sentence states that "DHS intends to integrate products…". Based upon Duane Jenkins' comments at Industry Day, it is clear that some frustrations may arise based upon the understanding surrounding the word "integrate". Is it the government's conceptual intent to integrate products programmatically; with the understanding that the physical act of integration will rest on the contractor? If so, that distinction needs to be stated more clearly, particularly given the expectations surrounding commodity buys which drive low price, but may not necessarily attach to value added services.

It is the Government's intent to integrate all products on a programmatic basis, and may perform actual integration efforts for specific products. Please see page 11a of Amendment 00002 for additional clarifying language.

11 C C5.4 Could DHS please confirm if all computer systems being bid as part of the Sample Delivery Order are required to have a EPEAT Bronze rating or higher?

All computer systems set forth in the Sample Delivery Order Pricing Matrix are required to have EPEAT Bronze or higher rating.

11 C C.5.4 Please consider expanding the definition of a personal computer product to include a tablet or a smartphone.

As written, the definition is limited.

This definition refers specifically to EPEAT reqiurements. The definitions of the five equipment categories include references to these types of devices, and are not meant to be all-inclusive.

11 Attachment_5- _Continuation _of_Pricing_ Matrix.pdf

2.1.1 2.1.1 states "A representative stand-alone workstation would be similar in specification to the following:" Please clarify if the specifications listed in all of Attachment 5, Continuation of Pricing Matrix, define the minimum required specifications of the proposed products?

Will any credit be given for exceeding the minimum specifications?

If no minimum is specified, the Government will not have a basis to evaluate all Offerors equally. Offerors must also understand if there are evaluation benefits for exceeding specifications and what those are, if any are proposed. Please clarify.

Attachment 5 lists the minimum required specifications for the products. No credit will be given for exceeding the minimum specifications.

11 C C.5.3 This paragraph provides a National Security Exception for 508 compliance. Will DHS be adding security language to the contract pursuant to Executive Order 13526, Classified National Security Information Memorandum of December 29, 2009 by incorporating FAR clause 52.204-2, Security Requirements and FAR Subpart 4.4 - Safeguarding Classified Information within Industry?

The security requirements for classified information would be issued in a Form DD-254 and provided for specific delivery orders in accordance with the National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual

(NISPOM).

There are no security requirements at the base contract level - if and when these clauses are appropriate, they will be included in the Delivery Order solicitation(s).

11 C C.5.4 Does DHS require the Contractor to load device drivers for all peripherals that are contained within a single delivery order? For example, if a non-standard USB keyboard/mouse is provided with a desktop, would Contractor be required to load drivers for these items onto the desktop prior to delivery?

The requirements for drivers will be set forth in individual Delivery Order solicitations.

11 Attachment 5 2.1.1, 2.1.2, 2.1.3, & 2.1.4

The "Graphics capability" specifications list a resolution figure but doesn't specify whether these are combined resolutions, per "link", or per monitor. Can additional clarificaiton be provided?

Graphics capability that supports at least two (2) dual link video connections with a 2560x1600 resolution or better is stated .

11 Attachment 5 2.1.1, 2.1.2, 2.1.3, & 2.1.4

The "Graphics capability" specifications use the terminology "single link" and "dual link" with the addition of a quantity of "(1)" or "(2)", so the actual minimum number of supported monitors is not 100% clear. Can DHS rephrase the specification to state an exact number irregardless of types of connections for example: "supports at least 2 video (monitor) connections" or "supports at least 4 video (monitor) connections"?

This language will remain as is. The number of monitors supported through these connections are not pertinent.

11 C C.5.3 The RFP states that testing of functional and/or technical requirements must be in-house with tools and methods that are approved by DHS. Will DHS be able to provide a sample listing of the tools and methods that are currently approved by DHS?

Yes, a copy of the technical reference matrix can be provided to awarded FirstSource II vendors. Service delivery methods are specific to the customer and cannot be provided on a 'blanket' basis.

11 Attachment 5 2.1.1, 2.1.2, 2.1.3, & 2.1.4

The statement "A representative stand-alone workstation would be similar in specification to the following:" is included at the beginning of each specification list. a. Are the specifications listed minimum required specifications or only a "representative" listing? b.

Can this line be removed as it will make it very difficult if not impossible to do an apples to apples comparison on pricing if different proposals use different "minimum" specifications.

Proposals are expected to be submitted by Offerors with different specifications offered, that either meet or exceed the Governments request. The term "minimum" is used in order to not restrict competition or show favoritism towards any specific brands or models.

11 C C.5.4 Confirm that for ALL 7 years, only personal computer products, that at the time of submission of proposals, were EPEAT bronze registered may be offered. We respectfully suggest that this may limit technology refreshes, since products that may be offered in 7 years, may be EPEAT bronze registered at time of offer, but not at time of proposal submission.

If technology or Government policy advances in such a way as to make this requirement overcome by events, the Government will consider modifying the requirement in the post-award environment.

12 C C.5.5 DHS

Enterprise Licensing Requirements

What is the contractual end date of the Microsoft ELA? Is it possible that the ELA could expire prior to the end of the ordering period for FirstStource II and if so, will this requirement be modified?

As Enterprises License Agreements are added, modified, or expire, any appropriate changes to the base FirstSource II contracts will be made on a administrative, unilateral basis.

12 C C.5.6 Because the ELA's do not cover every product line from the software publishers mentioned, will DHS consider providing contractors with documents or an online reference showing the specific products that are covered under each?

This will help ensure full compliance and also eliminate guesswork on the part of ordering activities.

Ordering activities are responsible for ensuring that software products which are covered by an existing DHS ELA will not be ordered under FirstSource II. DHS may elect to provide specific information regarding the ELAs to the awarded FirstSource II vendors following contract award.

12 Attachment 5 2.1.2 Can the minimum specification for the disk drives be changed to "300 GB disk drives with performance characteristics equial to or exceeding SATA 3.0Gb/s 10,000 RPM drive technology" for this level of workstation?

No, this requirement will not be changed.

12 C C.5.5.1 This section states, "Client PCs should be priced to include only the basic operating system with no additional OEM software". The term "basic operating system" could be interpreted in multiple ways.

Please clarify if the intention of this statement is to direct contractors to provide 1) an OEM Microsoft Windows Professional license with each Client PC; 2) the lowest cost available operating system (which could include non-Professional Windows, Linux, or no OS at all); or 3) a different interpretation

This will vary amongst different Delivery Order solicitations, but will often be the lowest cost available operating system. DHS components will have their own unique images installed. It is likely that the items proposed only need to allow for this to be accomplished, but this will be clarified/confirmed in the Delivery Order solicitation(s).

12 C C.6.6 Will DHS accept warranty service from a third party provider or only the OEM? (OEM

vs. third-party warranty is not covered in Section C.6.6 Warranty).

The requirement/acceptability of OEM vs. third party provided warranty service will be addressed at the Delivery Order level.

13 C C.6 Reference: The Government states, "The following sections describe the management requirements and considerations that offerors shall address in their management solutions," followed by 15 subsections (C.6.1 - C.6.9.6).

Question: Will the Government please clarify where in offerors' proposals should these Section C responses be provided? It seems that the most logical place to include this management solution would be in "Tab C Ability to Achieve Results" (Section E.2.10, page 74), however, this section is limited to a response no longer than 8 pages, which would not be sufficient to properly respond to the requirements. Please advise.

This section of the Program Objectives lists the management solutions required in the post-award environment. See page 13a of Amendment 00002 for additional clarifying language.

13 C C.6.1 Please define major subcontractor. Under what criteria would DHS consider a subcontractor to be a major subcontractor?

A major subcontractor is defined as a subcontractor / team member who would be involved in the production and delivery of the quantities of items listed in paragraph 1 of C.6.1.

13 Attachment 5 2.1.3 & 2.1.4 Can the "SSD" disk drive alternative be moved to the "Options" part of the specification? No, this alternative will not be moved.

13 C C.6.2 It states "The contractor shall maintain an electronic library of all DHS provided images, accessible by DHS upon request". Does DHS expect electronic access via web to the electronic library or physical visit to access?

Process would have to comply with security controls for storing and processing government data.

13 Attachment 5 2.1.3 & 2.1.4 Normally no or a maximum of one 9-pin serial port is presented as an external interface on today's workstations. A. Is this specification a requirment for two physically available 9-pin serial ports as standard or is this a Motherboard/BIOS only requirement? b. Can this requirement be moved to the "Options" part of the specification as most common users don't require serial ports?

Please see updated language provided in Amendment 00002, where language has been changed to read "at least one 9 pin serial port".

13 C C.6.2 The RFP states “The Contractor shall, upon award, provide an estimated cost for image installation services to the Government.” Can the government provide estimates of the file sizes for the images that the vendor will be required to store for compliance with C.6.2?

Standard OS image installation can vary from 6GB to 10GB depending on the applications installed on a computer systems.

13 C C.6.1 In anticipation of acceptance of our earlier question that our major sbucontractors should provide Past Performance information in order that DHS can make the best determination of the team's capabilities upon award, we ask that DHS modify Attachment 6 "Past Performance Questionnaire" such that large business suppliers have a clear socio-economic category to complete this form correctly.

As noted in Chapter B – Continuation of SF 1449 Section C – Program Objectives C.6.1 Production and Business Capability Requirements Team members are considered major subcontractors, OEMs and suppliers.

The information provided in Section A, Part I shall be used to identify the prime (and therefore 8(a), HUBZone, SDVOSB, etc.) FirstSource II Offeror. If a PPQ on a team member / subcontractor is being provided, that information should be provided in the 'Other' portion of Part II.

14 C C.6.2 Can the Government please clarify it’s definition of the word, “respond”? A response could mean something as simple as a phone call or e-mail acknowledgment, or it could mean that the Contractor is required to provide a formal quote.

The nature and requirements for the response will be specified in the individual request.

14 C C.6.7 This section requires contractors to have the capability to conduct business through "tools… including the DHS Marketplace (http://marketplace.dhs.gov)." The specified URL does not appear to be active, and information regarding its structure and capabilities does not appear to have been published.

Will DHS please provide information on the structure and data interaction requirements of the DHS Marketplace so that an offeror may confirm its capability?

The specific requirements for the DHS marketplace have not yet been finalized.

Once they have been finalized, they will be provided to the awarded FirstSource II vendors.

14 C C.6.6 Given the diversity of associated warranty requirements and the variance in period of time for both warranties and extended warranties associated with solutions, will the period of performance (POP) associated with delivery orders be tied to the warranty period or will it be restricted only to the delivery and installation of the solution and /or both?

Individual periods of performance will be identified in the Delivery Order solicitations. DHS may elect to provide guidance to ordering activities through the FirstSource II Ordering Guide on this and other topics.

14 C C.6.6 Warranty. Specifies standard commercial warranties. However, this is in conflict with Atachment 5 - Continuation often specifies "Basic Support" that is in excell of standard commercial warranties. (e.g. paragraph 5.4.4 Tabloid Color Printer which requires "3 Years Basic Support: Next Business Day Parts and Labor Onsite Response" which is in excess of the standard commercial warranty of the otherwise compliant product we propose to offer.

Request that the Government eliminate Basic Support/Warranty requirements in Attachment 5 - Continuation of Pricing Matrix that are in excess of the requirements in C.6.6.

Section C.6.6 specifies the minimum contractual terms in regards to commercial warranty that should be offered for any item ordered through the FirstSource II vehicle. It also states, "unless otherwise specificed in an Individual Delivery Order". Attachment 5 is a Sample Delivery Order which describes a notional requirement for the purposes of generating a total evaluated price.

14 C C.6.6 Can the government please clarify whether or not its definition of a product return policy is exclusively limited to returns due to product defect or if the product return policy shall encompass product returns during the life of the contract for any reason.

Product return policy refers to a product defect found during the warranty period established at the individual order level.

14 Attachment 5 2.1.3 & 2.1.4 Under "Options" a "PS/2 based keyboard interface addressable from DOS" and "PS/2 Keyboard" are listed. As PS/2 is an outdated specification can USB keyboard support be used instead?

USB keyboard is acceptable if the BIOS can be accessed prior to operating kernel execution.

16 C C.6.9.5 Will the government provide a template for the ITVAR Services Report requested? A template for the ITVAR Services Report will be provided to the awarded FirstSource II vendors following contract award.

16 Attachment 5 2.3.1 thru 2.3.6 19" monitors are normally 4:3 aspect ratio. Can the government add a required aspect ratio such as 16:9 or 4:3 to each monitor specification?

No, this requirement will not change.

16 Attachment 5 2.3.4 With the increased focus on desktop security, more government agencies are enforcing a ban on desktop enabled USB devices. http://www.fas.org/sgp/news/2010/11/dod-wikileaks.html

Would the DHS consider removing the Integrated USB hub with at least 2 ports available - USB ports 2.0 and 3.0 from all the flat panel displays (2.3.1, 2.3.2, 2.3.3 and 2.3.4)?

The requirement has been moved to options, however the specifications remains for "at least 2 USB ports"

17 F F.1 Clauses Incorporated by Reference

Will DHS require that pricing for shipping be included on the Sample Delivery Order? If so, what type of shipping (e.g. ground, 2-day, overnight), and will DHS provide destination locations? Alternatively, would DHS consider that pricing for shipping not be included as a requirement at the contract level and on the Sample Delivery Order?

FOB destination. Ground shipping should be used for this proposal. Delivery location is 245 Murray Lane SW, Washington, DC 20528. Individual Delivery Orders that request expedited shipping or OCONUS shipping will delineate the specific requirements and acceptability of additional/segemented delivery charges.

17 C C.9 It states "The contractor's offered equipment and software shall conform to any applicable standards identified in Chapter D, Atachment 4". In attachment 4 there is no Chapter D;

was this supposed to state Chapter or section A-3?

Attachment 4 is part of Chapter D. Please refer to the RFP.

17 Attachment 5 2.3.5 & 2.3.6 "Integrated USB hub" are not standard for larger monitor sizes that are usually located on a wall or stand farter away from the user. Can this requirement be removed from these sections?

Please see updated language provided in Amendment 00002, where USB has been removed from Monitors > 24 inches.

17 Attachment 5 2.3.5 & 2.3.6 The option for "Compatible privacy screen/filter" are not standard for larger monitor sizes that are usually located on a wall or stand farter away from the user. Can this requirement be removed from these sections?

Please see updatd language in Amendment 00002, where these options have been removed from the specifications.

18 D D.1 If a specific "customer point of contact" is not provided with the order, whose information should be provided on the packing slip?

The Delivery Order Contracting Officer's point of contact information should be used if no other individual is identified.

18 D D.3 Is use of the DHS Official Seal permitted in the proposal document? Use of the DHS Official Seal in proposal documents is not permitted.

18 Attachment 5 2.3.7 "Built in speakers" are normally a function of the monitor model. A. Can the specification be changed to include "Built in speakers or attachable soundbar"? B. Can the "integrated headset and microphone ports" requirement limited to 24" and smaller monitors as the utility on the larger monitors is very limited?

The option for built in speakers has been removed from Section 2.3.7 and added as an option for monitors under 30 inches. Please see updated language in Amendment 00002.

18 5.2.3.7 Monitor Options It is not possible to "upgrade a monitor". Each monitor will have a different part number for HDMI, TV Tuner and Speakers. It is not possible to quote one price for each upgrade for each monitor. Please clarify this requirement.

Under Amendment 00002, Attachment 5 has been updated, so that all options are appropriately placed in either: A) direct association with the item it corresponds to; or B) under an "Options" sub-section, only if applicable.

18 Attachment 5 Section 2.3.7 TV Tuner: Will an external USB TV tuner meet this option requirement for all monitors? Please see updated language provided in Amendment 00002, where language has been updated to allow for this.

19 E 1 In light of the factors in the comments to the right, will the Government consider revising this section to indicate that partial deliveries and invoicing is allowable unless prohibited in the Delivery Order?

Especially in instances where multiple sources of supply (OEMs, distributors, etc.) are required to fulfill an order, partial delivery is common practice. Experience within DHS bears out that in the majority of cases, partial delivery is desired by the end user because it provides the fastest possible access to the ordered equipment and software. Additionally, in consideration of the fact that FirstSource II contractors will be small businesses, prohibiting partial delivery and partial invoicing can create an undue financial burden on the contractor.

The current language in the solicitation permits for partial deliveries, as and if authorized in the Delivery Order / Solicitation. If a vendor has questions as to whether or not partial deliveries and/or invoicing will be allowed for a specific requirement, they should ask the Delivery Order Contracting Officer. The FirstSource II Ordering Guide will encourage Delivery Order Contracting Officers to allow for partial deliveries and invoicing where appropriate.

20 F F.3 Will there be a penalty for not delivering hardware and software within fifteen (15) calendar days? If so, what is the measurement?

The current text of F.3 does permit for longer delivery times, however, "the decision to permit or negotiate a longer period of time for delivery rests exclusively with the Government." Any penalty for not meeting the delivery deadline, whether it be fifteen (15) calendar days or greater, will be established at the Delivery Order level.

20 F F.2 The Government has requested FOB Destination within Consignees Premises delivery. If delivery is outside the continental US, can the contractor add a shipping variable?

Any alterations or additions to shipping costs shall be identified as permissible (or not) in the terms of an individual Delivery Order.

21 F 6 In which facility and region is the Program Manager be located? Is it acceptable for the PM to be located at the contractor's facility outside of the DC Metro Area?

There is no requirement for the Contractor Program Manager to by located within the DC metro area.

21 F Section F.6 Will the contractor be able to charge standard overhead on the approved travel expenses? F.6 has been modified to include statement that work may be OCONUS and allow for travel. The provision

Any provisions for the allowance of additional costs, travel, per diem, etc. for a Delivery Order whose place of performance is OCONUS will be outlined in the

21 Attachment 5 2.5.1 Blade clients don't run the DOS operating system, but yet the requirements for DOS addressable parallel, serial, and PS/2 ports is included as a minimum specification. Can these be deleted from the specification and replaced with USB or other more modern interfaces?

Please see updated language in Amendment 00002, which has been changed to "USB 3.0, if available".

21 2.5 1.2 EUI-2a & 1.2.EUI-2b

Could the Government clarify the differentiated needs for dual-link and single-link DVI interfaces? Would the Government consider removing these two specs and merging them into a single spec for a dual monitor EUI?

No, this requirement will not be changed.

21 2.5 1 Could the Government clarify the statements "addressable from DOS", and "addressable at a BIOS/DOS level"? Does the Government mean addressable from BIOS/DOS level of the local EUI or at the blade PC level which would effectively be located in a remote location?

The end user interface shall provide the capability to perform out of band management of the system and access the system prior to the operating system kernel loading.

21 2.5 1 Given the EUI requirements to connect prior to POST and to access BIOS configuration, is the government willing to accept such access through a locally embedded web browser and/or JVM?

Please see updated language provided in Amendment 00002, where a footnote has been added under Section 3.3 to address this concern. Also, requests for 146GB HD configurations have been removed from the Options.

23 G G.5 Will the government please consider requiring that all delivery orders include a Period of Performance in Section G.5 as is specified in F.5?

Delivery orders should be required to specify a "Period of Performance'(POP) in addition to a delivery date. It should provide time for implementation, installation and training if required and should include a POP for warranty or maintenance periods. Further without this information it will be impossible to complete an accurate warranty report as required by C.6.6

Individual Delivery Orders will contain a period of performance appropriate and applicable to the requirement.

23 G G.5 Will the government please consider requiring that all delivery orders include any site specific personnel access and security requirements?

Delivery orders should be required to specify any site specific personnel access and security requirements.

Each DHS agency has different requirements for security and personnel access.

Individual Delivery Orders will contain any site-specific personnel access and security requirements which are appropriate and applicable to the requirement.

24 Attachment 5 2.6.2 Does the air conditioned cabinet include the in-rack air conditioning unit, or is the specification only for the cabinet itself? We assume only the cabinet, as no requirement related to cooling, etc. is specified.

Air Conditioned Cabinet Features Please see updated language provided in Amendment 00002.

24 G G.2.6 In what section of the proposal response does the Government want the proposed Contractor Program Manager's resume presented? Will this be excluded from page count?

There is no requirement for a resume for the proposed Contractor Program Manager. As Tab C indicates that information should be provided regarding the Contractor's proposed key personnel, information regarding proposed key personnel shall be included in Tab C.

24 B G.2.6.1 What is the contract administrator responsibility, and if we need to name the person in our response, and we need to put that person experience in it?

The responsibilities of the Contractor Administrator are set forth G.2.6 of the solicitation - please note that the Contractor Administrator is not designated as key personnel. Proposal requirements are set forth in the terms and conditions of the solicitation.

25 Attachment 5 3.1.1 Does the 10 blade minimum capacity specified for the chassis refer to ½ height or full height blades?

Blade Server Chassis Full height blades. Please see updated language provided in Amendment 00002, where this has been clarified.

25 Attachment 5 3.1.2.1 Referring to specification “Four Quad Core Processor (16 CPUs).” Is an equivalent configuration (e.g., Two Eight Core Processor (16 CPUs) acceptable as long as the total core count is the same or greater?

Large Processor Blade An equivalent configuration is acceptable, as long as it meets the minimum requirements set forth in Attachment 5.

25 G G.3 We would interpret this section to mean that if the "Small Business" category is selected for a delivery order competition, only contractors that specifically competed and received an award in that category will be eligible to participate. Will the Government please confirm?

Confirmed.

25 Attachment 5 Continuation of Pricing Matrix

Section 3.1.2.1 Large Processor Blade: In order to meet the processor requirements of this blade server (four sockets), the server form factor has to be a full height blade. It is not possible to fit 10 four socket full height blades into a single blade server chassis. As such, the technical requirements for the large processor blade are in conflict with the requirements for the corresponding blade server chassis in 3.1.1. Is it an acceptable exception to only be able to install 8 large processor blade servers into the corresponding blade server chassis?

The two items proposed may be independent of one another

26 G G.4 Would the Government please acknowledge that in the case where such a system is used, contractors will be unable to provide a No Bid explanation?

Reverse auction systems are identified as a means of procurement under this contract. Most of these systems, including FedBid (the one most commonly used by DHS) do not allow for explanation of "No Bids", and also conceals the DO CO contact information from contractors.

DHS understands that if, through the manner of its solicitation submission, information regarding the DO CO is not available, it should not expect No Bid explanations unless another medium is specified (i..e, FirstSourceII@dhs.gov).

26 G G.4 This paragraph states that the DO CO will provide a fair opportunity to each contractor to be considered for all Delivery Orders exceeding the micro-purchase threshold, except as provided in FAR part 16.505(b)(2). In it's exercise of broad discretion, how might the DO CO fairly determine a socio-economic category, under which a Delivery Order may be released, when awardees across multiple categories may possess the ability to perform?

Will a DO, in such an instance, be issued across multiple socio-economic categories?

Delivery Orders will not be issued across mulitiple socio-economic categories.

The DO Contracting Officers will identify the appropriate socio-economic category for the requirement based on market research, DHS Small Business contracting goals, and other appropriate and applicable regulations/policies.

26 G G.4.e Do we correctly assume that the "proposal" referenced in this clause refers to the proposals submitted in response to DO RFPs that will be contested after award and not to the proposal that offerors will be submitting in response to this solicitation?

That is correct, G.4.e references Delivery Order proposals.

26 G G.4 Does DHS intend to use existing reverse auction systems or develop it's own reverse auction website/portal?

At this time, DHS intends to use existing reverse auction systems. The specific method of solicitation will be determined at the Delivery Order level.

27 Attachment 5 3.1.2.4 Can Fibre Channel and iSCSI I/O connectivity be provided by mezzanine cards, which currently represent state of the art in network connectivity? Or must they be provided by dedicated network ports directly attached to the blade?

Processor Blade Options Dedicated network connection ports are required; mezzanine cards would be an acceptable optional item.

27 G G.6 Is there a dollar limit/threshold for procurement with a government purchase card? Or will the government notify the contractor of their intended use of a purchase card prior to award? We understand the government does not want to pay a credit card fee, however this charge is then passed to the small business and is typically 3%.

The Government will notify the vendor(s) of their intended use of a purchase card during DO solicitation. The Government shall no be invoiced or directly charged for any credit card charges.

27 G G.6 Will RFQs issued under the contract indicate the government's intention of using a government purchase card?

Yes. The manner of payment will be identified in the indvidual Delivery Orders.

27 Attachment 5 3.2 The "minimum internal storage" requirements seem inconsistent with the different server sizes and do not scale lineraly nor make any obvious logical sense. Can DHS please clarify that these are indead the correct minimums for each server type? If so, can DHS provide the logic behind these specifications?

Minimum baseline criteria does not take into consideration de-limitation factors or assumptions for standardization, it is assumed that data management shall be utilized to store and process data for line of business systems. It also allows Offerors to suggest items beyond the minimum size requirements.