Questions_and_Answers.pdf

SINLEC15Q0045

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

Q1. SOW 1.2 states “satellite network hardware materials with components shall be used to expand and facilitate NACMIS”. What is the system/network (if any) currently in use to fulfill this mission?

Response. The only existing network is that of the main data base center located in a facility provided by the HNP (Honduran National Police) in Tegucigalpa. The primary intent is to provide this data service via satellite and those places that have wired connection, use them as backup or redundant service in the event of no connectivity via satellite.

Q2. Is the proposed system a replacement network, or is this contract providing supplemental

“lift” for this (an) existing network?

Response: No (see previous response), the satellite data service is intended to be the primary service provider.

Q3. Will the contractor be required to interconnect with any existing field and/or operational network?

Response: No, the contractor will be required to provide a modem that will facilitate connectivity for a router and possible switch to connect up to two NACMIS terminals.

Q4. How will this contractor’s network link back to the US Embassy Tegucigalpa, Honduras from the eight proposed field locations?

Response: The network will not be connected to the U.S. Embassy. The satellite connection will provide trunk availability to connect the 8 border crossing points via Horizons VMware.

Q5. Is there a specific satellite gateway location interconnection point required for this network?

Response: No, as long as the 8 locations provide access to the world wide web.

Q6. If so, what is the specific geographic location?

Response: See previous response

Q7. What is the location of NACMIS servers with information requiring access by your officers?

Response: The only existing network is that of the main data base center located in a facility provided by the HNP (Honduran National Police) in Tegucigalpa.

Q8. Is there a portal for interconnection to NACMIS services for this proposed satellite network?

Response: The satellite connection will provide trunk availability to connect the 8 border crossing points via Horizons VMware.

Q9. What are the interconnect security requirements?

Response: This is managed at the main data center facility via firewalls.

Q10. Section 1.4 states “contractor shall offer the most robust portfolio of satellite networking hardware systems designed and optimized to operate across widely distributed areas, in often rugged/challenged conditions.” Are new satellite systems to be limited by the equipment

“specifications” enumerated in Sections 3.1-3.4, or can systems specifically designed for continued operation in the Honduran environment be proposed?

Response: The system shall be stable enough to endure weather changing conditions and able to provide 24/7 connectivity with a minimum of bandwidth requested on SOW.

Q11. Will each of the 8 checkpoints outlined in Section 1.2 be in continuous ‘staffed’ operation

(24x7) with INL officers?

Response: The staff will be composed of trained and vetted HNP Officers.

Q12. Will INL equipment be left in the custody of foreign nationals who might have access to the secure information being carried on the network?

Response: The equipment will be for a maximum of two years under strict supervision of U.S.

representatives. Training will be evaluated to ensure proficiency operating equipment entrusted to the 8 locations. The intent is to transition resources eventually to the GOH (Government of

Honduras) and have them develop a sustainment strategy to support it.

Q13. Will these satellite network physical facilities require auto or password disablement to prevent use by unauthorized personnel?

Response: Yes (will be a good measure to ensure safeguarding of information to be exchanged.

Q14. Are the 8 fixed checkpoints named in Section 1.2 to be the ONLY locations for installation, operation and maintenance of this proposed network?

Response: Yes.

Q15. Section 3.5 also calls for a CIR of 1Mbps down by 512Kbps up. If we provide a CIR for each of the 8 terminals, that would equate to 8Mbps down by 4Mbps up. Please further clarify the Bandwidth Requirements in section 3.5 of the SOW.

Response. CIR of 1Mbps down by 512Kbps up is the minimum acceptable to be able to perform required daily activities.