QUESTIONS_AND_ANSWERS.pdf

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

Q1. Fiber connection termination in Baghdad: Please clarify if we need to terminate the fiber all the way to the RED CAC or drop it at the UNION-MUX.

A1. Any contractor’s equipment required for the operation of the circuit should be installed at the Red CAC. The contractor shall be responsible for providing service up to its hardware located within the Red CAC. The Embassy will only take responsibility of the service from the Red CAC.

Q2. Please specify what equipment is available on each site. There are 7 sites, one in Basrah and the remaining 6 in Baghdad.

A2. The only equipment provided by the USG for these services will be a demarcation point. The demarcation points will be climate controlled rooms with equipment racks, and redundant 220v power provided. All hardware needed to manage the services will be provided by the contractor, and installed in the demarcation point(s).

Q3. Please specify what kind of fiber network is available in Baghdad to be able to eliminate the last mile microwave. Where are the two ends of the fiber network?

A3. Each Embassy demarcation point will have fiber optic cable connecting it to the local GOI fiber network. The USG will leave the burden of responsibility on the contractor to determine how they will provide the USG with service using the existing fiber optic infrastructure.

Q4. Are there any towers available? If yes, what are the height and the location of these towers?

A4. Towers are available for backup services, and conveniently located near each demarcation point.

However, the USG is requesting service to all locations using the existing GOI fiber optic infrastructure that exists.

Q5. For the MPLS link, we need to have the exact GPS coordinates for the two ends, in Baghdad and in Germany? Please specify.

A5. If and when this CLIN is awarded, the USG will provide the detailed POC information for the distant-end MPLS connection in Germany. The circuit itself (for the proposal & pricing) will be a connection from our Red CAC, in Baghdad, to a Deutsche Telecom circuit in Germany.

Q6. Please explain how the Embassy would help us for gaining access to the IZ and the embassy premises.

A6. The USG will provide documentation required for the contractor to substantiate their relationship with the USG to perform services under contract. However, the USG is not responsible for providing contractor access to areas controlled by the GOI.

Q7. Will there be any limitations for working hours in the Embassy?

A7. Working Hours - All work shall be performed during 08:00 to 17:00 hours, Sunday through Thursday. Other hours, if requested by the Contractor, may be approved by the Contracting Officer's Representative (COR). The Contractor shall give 24 hours in advance to COR who will consider any deviation from the hours identified above. Changes in work hours, initiated by the Contractor, will not be a cause for a price increase.

Q8. The solicitation states that “Only contractor capable to provide the service on the Government of Iraq’s existing network at the Baghdad Diplomatic Support Center (BDSC) may offer a firm fixed price on this line item”. Please explain more about this restriction.

A8. The BDSC demarcation point has fiber optic cable connecting it to the local GOI fiber network. The USG will leave the burden of responsibility on the contractor to determine how they will provide the USG with service using the existing fiber optic infrastructure. The USG is interested in proposals from vendors who will have access to use the GOI fiber network (managed by the IZFN). Towers are available for backup services, and conveniently located near each demarcation point. However, the USG is requesting service to all locations using the existing GOI fiber optic infrastructure that exists.

Q9. Please provide a map or sketch of the Embassy compound with the Union MUX marked on it.

A9. The USG does not have a sketch of the compound and its relation to the Union MUX. The USG is requesting that service is provided to our Red CAC, and a site survey was held to familiarize all interested parties with the location of the Red CAC.

Q10. Please clarify if we have to coordinate with ISP Deutsche Telekom AG to facilitate an endpoint connection to Mainz- Kastel, Wiesbaden, Germany, or we can use our own resources for providing this MPLS link.

A10. If and when this CLIN is awarded, the USG will provide the detailed POC information for the distant-end MPLS connection in Germany. The circuit itself (for the proposal & pricing) will be a connection from our Red CAC, in Baghdad, to a Deutsche Telecom circuit in Germany, using the contractor’s own resources.

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS