WAN_LAN_Q A.pdf

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

FOR

S5121A-14-R-0006

QUESTION:

Is there an incumbent for this requirement? If so, please identify the company’s name and contract number.

ANSWER:

Yes. NES Associates, LLC, Contract S5105A-10-F-0027.

QUESTION:

How many dedicated Full Time Employees (FTEs) are being provided under the current contract? Please provide the numbers of FTEs, based on Performance Tasks within the PWS.

What is the estimated level of effort, by annual labor hours, to be performed under this contract?

ANSWER:

Current contract is FFP and we do not track FTEs, LOE, or hours. Tasks are outcome based as detailed in the performance objectives and based on the size and complexity as detailed in the PWS.

DCMA estimates nine (9) individuals providing Network Support (PWS 4.1) as a team. Of those, one with primary focus on UC (PWS 4.1.8); one has VTC (PWS 4.1.7); and one WiFi (PWS 4.1.9), but all members will support and cover all of PWS 4.1 tasks.

Additionally, estimate one (1) individual assigned to Legacy HQ PBX Support and Admin (PWS 4.2)

FTEs per cabling project (PWS 4.3) vary on the current contract depending on the size of the job. The expectation under this new PWS is that each cabling job will be worked on separate Task Order with the site survey (PWS 4.3.1) producing BOM and Labor estimates per job.

Note that any reference to FTE in the RFP (e.g. PWS) are estimates only and not to be construed as a required level of effort.

QUESTION:

Are the Key Personnel expected to be dedicated FTEs to support only this contract?

ANSWER:

DCMA expects the SP to provide sufficient knowledge, skills and abilities to meet the PWS performance objectives. The Key Positions identified show the minimum level of expertise that should be available to meet the objectives.

Are we (the prime) allowed to use our Teaming partner’s past performance in addition to our own?

ANSWER:

The past performance of the offeror is required with submission of proposal. If the offeror is teaming then that company(s) past performance is also required.

QUESTION:

Will you entertain the prime obtaining a Top Secret clearance by award rather than by date of submission?

ANSWER:

Top Secret clearance is not required, only Secret. Refer to PWS Section 12, Security.

QUESTION:

We are an SBA Certified 8(a) that will graduate prior to the RFP closing. If response submitted prior to the graduation date would DCMA still consider our submission as a valid 8(a) RFP proposal response?

ANSWER:

The eligibility is based on when the proposals are due to the agency. In this case the RFP is due on August 27, 2014, and since your firm completes its time in the 8(a) BD Program prior to this date, you would not be eligible on August 27.

QUESTION:

What type of Avaya PBX is in use at Fort Lee and at Rivers Bend, VA, an Avaya Communication Manager or an Avaya CS1000?

ANSWER:

Both are Avaya Communication Manager. Fort Lee has S8800/G450 Media Gateway and Rivers Bend/Chester has the S8700/G650 Media Gateway both are using CM 4.0.

Reference PWS 4.1.1 Enterprise Level Network & Telecommunications Support

• What is considered Tier 3?

• ANSWER: DCMA utilizes a three tier support model. Tier 1 is the DCMA Global Service Center which takes calls from field activities and users and does initial triage and ideally first call resolution. Tier 2 is the DCMA Field Services LAN Administrators who are boots on the ground individuals supporting hands on support activities. Tier 3 are the Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) for a given operational area. Under this PWS, provider will be SME for Network Infrastructure and Support.

• Will we have access to the monthly status records and service center reports?

• ANSWER: Yes, access to DCMA’s service center system (ChangeGear – Appendix A) will be provided.

• Do the CCIE’s need to be Full Time? (Appendix A)

• ANSWER: DCMA expects the SP to provide sufficient knowledge, skills and abilities to meet the PWS performance objectives. The Key Positions identified show the minimum level of expertise that should be available to meet the objectives.

• Do the Brocade/Aruba/Riverbed specialists need to be Full Time? (Appendix A)

• ANSWER: DCMA expects the SP to provide sufficient knowledge, skills and abilities to meet the PWS performance objectives. The Key Positions identified show the minimum level of expertise that should be available to meet the objectives.

• Clarify the two equipment lists (Appendix A, Appendix G) which equipment will be stored and which equipment is currently in production?

• ANSWER:

o Appendix A lists the inventory of equipment deployed throughout all the DCMA locations.

o Appendix G is an inventory of equipment typically stored (PWS sections 14 and 8) for purposes of PWS section 4.1 network equipment life-cycle replacement, new network sites, troubleshooting, and failed equipment replacement.

• Shall we assume that the “support issues” of the 300+ network locations referred to in section

4.1.1 of the PWS includes any pre-survey preparation, consultation, and coordination necessary in connection with the moves, adds and changes referred to generally in Section 4.3?

Specifically, coordination with DCMA Facilities, Telecom, Special Programs, and Field Services, as well as with General Contractors, Architects, Municipalities, GSA, Management Companies, Military Base Facilities and Telecom, and other entities engaged with DCMA in the planning for new DCMA space.

• ANSWER: PWS 4.1.1 as well as the overall PWS 4.1 section “support issues” are distinct and separate from PWS 4.3 Network Cabling Upgrades and Installation. The coordination with the various organizations and stake holders listed falls under PWS 4.3 as part of the physical cabling projects. “support issues” under PWS 4.1 relate to network support issue like, but not limited to, network performance, equipment installation/replacement/fault resolution, circuit provider interface issues, etc. For clarity and example of the relationship between the two, PWS 4.1 tasks cover the network infrastructure planning support requirements (things like how many switches, router model, and circuit extension equipment) associated with a new DCMA network location. PWS 4.3 tasks cover the physical cabling planning and installation to include horizontal cabling, patch panels, patch cables, network rack/cabinet, wall jacks/plates.

Reference PWS 4.1.2 Hardware Configuration and Maintenance

• Will the SP schedule maintenance windows and/or have a pre-determined maintenance window?

• ANSWER: DCMA’s standard operating procedure (SOP) for network maintenance is after hours local time (after 2100 and before 0600), but DCMA is also flexible and using Field Services coordination with a local site’s leadership, maintenance can be performed outside the normal window. Maintenance which would disrupt significant portions of DCMA’s network services (i.e. data center work) is typically done on weekends after approval by IT Operations Director or designate. SP would be responsible for scheduling/coordination with Field Services and/or Operations. Conflicts or concerns would be addressed through Contract Officer’s Representative (COR) and DCMAIT management.

• What is the approval process for maintenance that will require a network outage i.e. a branch router has a failed redundant WAN interface card and will need to be powered off to have the card replaced?

• ANSWER: SP would be responsible for scheduling/coordination with Field Services (field locations) and/or Operations (data centers). Conflicts or concerns would be addressed through Contract Officer’s Representative (COR) and DCMAIT management.

• Are all devices covered under Cisco SmartNET or equivalent manufacturer warranties?

• ANSWER: Yes, but DCMA also maintains a reserve of equipment for immediate replacement and maintains redundant components on site for critical data center connectivity items.

• With all the end of year procurement and lifecycle equipment stored, configured and shipped from the SP’s facility, will asset management and inventory be included in the scope of this

PWS?

• ANSWER: Yes

Reference PWS 4.1.3 Network Protocols Support

• What routing and switching protocols are currently being utilized? (EIGRP,OSPF,BGP, RSTP, MST, HSRP, etc.)

• ANSWER: BGP and OSPF are the primary and preferred routing protocols in use. EIGRP is used in our Afghanistan site connectivity. DCMA may use other protocols in the future should situation or architecture design warrant.

• What is the DCMA current timeline for enterprise-wide IPv6 migration?

• ANSWER: DCMA does not have a set timeline for IPv6 migration.

Reference PWS 4.1.4 Technology Refresh

• Will the SP be provided with hardware/software in a lab environment to conduct prototyping and proof of concept development?

• ANSWER: Yes, DCMA has existing equipment already for this purpose and attempts to factor this into future equipment purchases subject to budgetary and procurement limitations.

Reference PWS 4.1.6 Enterprise Architecture (EA) Documentation

• How many changes are made to DCMA network diagrams and circuit/site maps on a monthly basis?

• ANSWER: Diagram update frequency varies with the network related project tasks (i.e. new site stand-up, circuit vendor transition or upgrade, life-cycle replacements, etc); however, a very general average would be 3 to 4 per month.

Reference PWS 4.1.7 Video Teleconferencing (VTC) Support

• Does the VTC architecture use the same change control mechanisms and approval processes?

Reference PWS 4.1.8 Unified Communications (UC) Design, Installation and Support

• Has the DCMA already completed Bill of Material for each location?

• ANSWER: No, not for all locations; however, DCMA has a standard UC site architecture model that we apply to each site as it comes up in the UC deployment timeline.

Reference PWS 4.1.9 Wireless Local Area Network (Wi-Fi) Installation and Support

• Has the DCMA already completed Bill of Material for each location?

• ANSWER: No, DCMA has a standard site Wi-Fi architecture model. Current CIO guidance is to deploy Wi-Fi at new DCMA locations and BOM is developed at that time.

Reference PWS 4.1.10 Information Assurance & Security Certification and Accreditation

• What specific IA requirements are we required to fulfill?

• ANSWER: As detailed in PWS 4.1.10, SP will assure the supported DCMA enterprise components comply with IA guidance and directives (example but not limited to security patches, IAVAs and STIGs). SP will support DCMA’s certification and accreditation program for network enclave and the supported enterprise components.

• Is the SP responsible for proactive activities such as penetration testing?

• ANSWER: No, those types of activities are done by the DCMA CNDSP provider.

Reference PWS 4.2 Legacy HQ PBX Support and Administration

• Please clarify that PBX maintenance and repair is NOT included under this task and is provided by another DCMA contract.

• ANSWER: Correct, PBX hardware maintenance and repair is not included in this PWS.

However, under PWS 4.2, the SP would likely interface with the PBX maintenance vendor.

Reference PWS 4.3 Network Cabling Upgrades and Installation

• Can the DCMA provide a projection on number of cabling drops to be installed per year?

• ANSWER: DCMA cable projects vary year to year based on DCMA Facilities project schedules, but on average 3500-4000 cable drops per year.

• What is the desired format for as-built diagrams? (Visio, Autocad, etc.)

• ANSWER: Desired format is Microsoft Viso 2010; however, Adobe Portable Document Format

(PDF) may be applicable depending on the source document obtained from DCMA Facilities.

8 Place of Performance

• Will the FTE performing legacy PBX administration at Fort Lee be provided with office space, location and support services by the DCMA?

• ANSWER: Yes. Note that any reference to FTE in the RFP (e.g. PWS) are estimates only and not to be construed as a required level of effort.

• Please provide additional explanation on the on-site SIPRnet support requirement.

• ANSWER: The same PWS 4.1 Network Support tasks apply to the DCMA SIPRNet locations

(e.g. but not limited to, routing protocol support, equipment life-cycle/repair). DCMA SIPRNet is a significantly smaller foot print (five locations currently). The PWS does not cover any crypto support or responsibility. DCMA’s SIPRNet management POCs are located at DCMA HQ Ft Lee and since network support can only be performed from a SIPRNet location, the requirement is to have a regular on-site support (at least one day very two weeks).

Appendix A

• Due to the similarities between CCIE Voice (Retired) and CCIE Collaboration, would a current CCIE Voice who is willing to take the CCIE Collaboration Written to be reclassified as a CCIE Collaboration within 1 year be acceptable?

Reference: https://learningnetwork.cisco.com/docs/DOC-20968

RFP

Reference Instructions to Offerors, Page 45, Part II – Technical (maximum of 42 pages); does not include resumes.

• The instructions state that there is a 42 page maximum for the technical section and it does not include resumes. Will the table of contents and executive summary be excluded from the page count as well?

• ANSWER: Table of contents and Executive Summary may be excluded from page count.

https://learningnetwork.cisco.com/docs/DOC-20968

• Would the government be willing to increase the maximum page count of the technical section to 50 pages?

• ANSWER: No

Reference Technical Qualifications for Subfactor 1, Page 50, The contractor will be evaluated for an understanding of business operations and the ability to provide support and analysis as a way to improve more efficient operation and enhanced interoperability of data system.

• Can the government confirm that the requirement listed is not relevant to the DCMA WAN/LAN and Wiring solicitation and remove it from the RFQ?

• ANSWER: Should read: “The contractor will be evaluated for an understanding of business operations and the ability to provide support and analysis as a way to improve more efficient operation and enhanced interoperability of DCMA's network.”

Reference Technical Qualifications for Subfactor 1, Page 50, The contractor will be evaluated for a working knowledge of existing communication frameworks and understand the interdependence of data system. The contractor shall have experience and a proven operational knowledge of web services and how they can be used within DCMA.

• Can the government confirm that the requirement listed is not relevant to the DCMA WAN/LAN and Wiring solicitation and remove it from the RFQ?

• ANSWER: Should read: “The contractor will be evaluated for a working knowledge of existing communication frameworks and understand the interdependence of network systems. The contractor shall have experience and a proven operational knowledge of network support services.”

Reference Technical Qualifications for Subfactor 1, Page 50, The contractor will be evaluated for an understanding of business operations and the ability to provide support and analysis as a way to improve Service-Oriented Architectures leading to more efficient operation and enhanced interoperability of data systems.

• ANSWER: Confirmed, not relevant to this solicitation.

Reference Technical Qualifications for Subfactor 1, Page 50, The contractor will be evaluated for a working knowledge of communication frameworks and understand the interdependence of data systems leveraged by SOA. The contractor shall have experience and a proven operational knowledge of web services and web applications.

• ANSWER: Confirmed, not relevant to this solicitation.

Reference Technical Qualifications for Subfactor 1, Page 50, The contractor will be evaluated for extensive experience with the use, design, development, and implementations of SOA technologies including those listed and how XML can be further leveraged within existing data systems.

• ANSWER: Confirmed, not relevant to this solicitation.

RFQ Attachment 7 – Pricing Worksheet

• Because this solicitation is not on a specified 8(a) contract vehicle or GWAC, there are no pre-determined rates to discount. Will the government accept that the rates provided for the solicitation are the final discounted rates?

• ANSWER: Offerors should always submit their best pricing; however, the Government reserves the right to negotiate submitted pricing.