ATTACHMENT 3 - Government Rd 2 Answers 03.17.2020.pdf

Questions Small Format Color IDIQ - SP7000-19-R-1003

No. Attachment Section Page No.

Question/Request Answer

1 ATTACHMENT 1 -

Revised Statement of Work 02.25.2020

1.0 General

Information, 1.6

2 Would the Government expand on its document manipulation response to Round 1 Q&As, Question #4 and provide the minimum prepress requirements, so that vendors can provide a more thorough and detailed response.

Prepress examples include:

• Automatically configure the job ticket to match your latest changes

• Add basic variable content

• Add blank pages, or even combine scanned and electronic pages

• Edit PDF pages o Add watermarks, page numbers, headers, and footers.

o Edit images within a PDF page, including image enhancements such as sharpening, rotating, and cropping

Government has removed 1.6 image manipulation.

2 ATTACHMENT 1 -

Revised Statement of Work 02.25.2020

5.0, IT

Configuration, 5.1

5 Is it the Government’s intent to provide laptops for vendor service technicians and vendor IT staff, or are vendors allowed to connect to the print devices for software updates, color correction, etc.?

Government provided laptops will not be provided to vendors. Vendors must provide their own laptops. Non- Government devices will not be allowed to connect to internal networks. Direct connect via vendor laptops and crossover cables will permitted for diagnostic requirements with the machine taken offline.

3 ATTACHMENT 1 -

Revised Statement of Work 02.25.2020

5.0, IT

Configuration, 5.1

5 Will DLA accept LINUX OS on the print server if the print server is physically attached to the internal motherboard of the printer?

Government will allow a LINUX based OS in the case of the embedded directly connected control panel on the print device itself.

4 ATTACHMENT 2 -

Revised Equipment Specifications 02.24.2020

Band 60 and Band 70

N/A In reference to equipment bands 60 and 70, is the standard stacker stapler part of the basic configuration, or is it an optional accessory?

Government states this is a standard basic configuration option on both device bands.

5 ATTACHMENT 2 -

Revised Equipment Specifications 02.24.2020

Band 80 Minimum Features and Band 100 Minimum Features

N/A In the Minimum Feature Section for Bands 80 and 100, it specifies an inserter for preprinted or non-preprinted pages. The same option is listed in the Accessories section.

Should this be listed in the basic configuration, or should it be listed as an option?

Government will remove from optional section as this should be listed under basic required configuration.

6 ATTACHMENT 3 –

CLIN Structure Color

IDIQ

General N/A We understand the requirement for a standalone flatbed scanner has been removed from the requirement. In Attachment 3 – CLIN Structure, section - Additional Equipment/Software Purchase, the line item for scanners is still shown.

Should that be removed?

Government states this pertains to the automatic document feeding provided with print device itself.

The component removed was the standalone Flatbed/ADF scanner option.

7 General N/A N/A Is it the Government’s intent to connect a scanning device to their document management/manipulation software solution?

Yes, the Government intends to add a standalone scanning device.

8 ATTACHMENT 2 -

Revised Equipment Specifications 02.24.2020

The paper size requirements for all bands indicate a minimum size less than statement (5 ½ x 8 1/2 “). This is a specification that restricts competition, is arbitrary, and would require non‐

The Government agrees and the requirement will be changed to 5 ½ x 8 ½ or less.

standard paper sizes. It is requested that the Government change this minimum size specification to 5 ½ x 8 ½

9 ATTACHMENT 2 -

Revised Equipment Specifications 02.24.2020

All bands are requiring SIQA. This is a marketing term used by Xerox.

Virtually all production color systems offer similar functionality. The requirement as stated allows only a single vendor to compete and restricts competition. It is requested that the Government remove this specification.

Government removed (SIQA) see updated Attachment 2.

10 ATTACHMENT 2 -

Revised Equipment Specifications 02.24.2020

The requirement that the systems use Microsoft Windows 2016 Server, Microsoft Windows 10 Professional, or Sun Solaris 11 eliminates virtually every system currently available. Fiery Controllers, used on most Color Production systems utilize a version of Windows 10 Enterprise. It is requested that the Government change this specification to Windows 10, rather than Windows 10 Professional.

Government has removed Windows 10 Professional as a requirement and has changed to Windows 10.

11 ATTACHMENT 2 -

Revised Equipment Specifications 02.24.2020

The requirement for 100 ppm is restricts competition and arbitrary.

Similar systems from different manufacturers run at 95 to 105 ppm, with almost identical recommended volumes. Requiring 100 ppm can cause some manufacturers to have to offer systems with a 400% higher recommended volume for a 5% variance in speed. It is requested that the Government

Government has changed the minimum to 90 PPM or more for band 100 change this specification to 100 +/‐ 5 ppm.

12 ATTACHMENT 2 -

Revised Equipment Specifications 02.24.2020

The requirement for a RIP resolution of 1,200 x 1,200 by minimum 8 bit depth restricts competition. This is available from Xerox only, and ultimately does not affect print quality. It is requested that the Government remove this specification.

Government has changed minimum

300 DPI.

13 The requirement “Document Services requires the capability to print documents from existing DLA Document Services machines provided they meet required contractor minimum specifications” requires further explanation as to what is actually being required. It is requested that the Government provide an explanation of what is required.

Government has removed.

14 Most Make‐Ready workflows no longer require the use of a dedicated workstation and desktop scanner, and instead rely on software solutions that can be accessed and/or installed on existing workstations.

Will the Government consider a workflow that does not require a dedicated workstation and desktop scanner, as this involves older technology and methodology, and restricts competition as most vendors have moved to improved workflows that can utilize the capability built in to the new print controller/servers?

Government has removed desktop scanner.

Government requires a dedicated proposed workstation.

15 ATTACHMENT 2 -

Revised Equipment

Remove Requirement for Print Equipment manufactures to provide

Government requires a dedicated

Specifications 02.24.2020 stand alone computer systems? The Government is already asking for Print Controllers on each device and once they are established on the network will be able to be used for manage the payout for printing.

proposed workstation.

16 SP7000-19-R-1003

Request for Proposal - 20200124

General Will there be multiple awards on this solicitation or all of nothing (solicitation is unclear)?

In accordance with the solicitation the intent is to award up to 5 IDIQ contracts to the 5 LPTA vendors on an all or nothing basis.

17 Is the government currently using Digital Store Front (DSF) or do they anticipate a future need for job submission to be done through DSF? If DSF is currently used, what version is currently being utilized?

The Government isn't currently using Digital Store Front

(DSF).

18 ATTACHMENT 2 -

Revised Equipment Specifications 02.24.2020

Please describe the government’s requirement for ip4/6 hybrid network. Is it switching and variable or coexistent? Or does the government have both and is running two sets of IP’s stacked?

Government states that currently the only network space in use is ip4 – the ipv6 component is for future expansion when/if required.

19 Network requirements state that vendors must patch systems in future to any “New” DOD requirements. We respectfully request that this requirement is removed since it is not possible to anticipate new

DOD

requirements. If it cannot be removed, will the government consider revising the requirement to allow the awarded vendor to revisit the new DOD requirement as they are posted?

Government states that this requirement must remain as devices must always be kept DOD/STIG compliant. These updates are typically Operating System major patch releases and can be anticipated through the vendor software but also include firmware updates and patches. There will be a timeline for any new updates and a test period on the Government side as well as the Vendor for development and rollout.

20 ATTACHMENT 2 -

Revised Equipment Specifications 02.24.2020

In Attachment 2, under bands 60, 70 and 80, the government has the Simple Image Quality Adjustment (SIQA) requirement which is specific to one vendor. We respectfully request that this requirement is removed as it limits competition.

See answer to question 9.

21 ATTACHMENT 2 -

Revised Equipment Specifications 02.24.2020

In Attachment 2, will the government remove the face trim from the 60ppm category?

The Government cannot lesson this requirement because the complexity of the Government customers requirements need to have a face trimmer.

22 ATTACHMENT 2 -

Revised Equipment Specifications 02.24.2020

In Attachment 2, will the government clarify its requirement for “Stacker” for all bands? In particular, stapler stacker and stacker are used interchangeably. If the stacker accessory (that is only used for stacking) is required, will it be used to off load paper?

The Government requires a stacker to offload paper.

23 ATTACHMENT 2 -

Revised Equipment Specifications 02.24.2020

In Attachment 2, device must be of a single footprint is required for all bands. Does this mean that there can be no off line finishing?

Please describe single footprint.

Government requires all on-line finishing.

24 ATTACHMENT 2 -

Revised Equipment Specifications 02.24.2020

In Attachment 2, for bands 70, 80 and 100, the government states:

“Document Services requires the capability to print documents from existing DLA Document Services machines provided they meet required contractor minimum specifications.”

What are the current DLA Document services machines? What is the current method

See answer to question 13.

of printing documents from these systems?

25 ATTACHMENT 2 -

Revised Equipment Specifications 02.24.2020

In Attachment 2, for bands 80 and 100, the government requires “Prints on minimum 5"x 8” to maximum 13"x 26" inch stock”‐ Is the long sheet at “26” needed and if so, how much is being outputted at this time on 80 ppm systems?

The Government requirement Prints on up to or less: 5.5" x 8.5." Minimum Maximum: no less 12" x 18" stock

26 ATTACHMENT 2 -

Revised Equipment Specifications 02.24.2020

In Attachment 2, will the government revise the 100 ppm requirement to 90ppm? This will open competition and provide a cost effective solution to the government. If the government agrees to such change, the simplex and duplex for this system will also need to be changed 90 simplex and 45 duplex.

See answer to question 11.

27 ATTACHMENT 2 -

Revised Equipment Specifications 02.24.2020

In Attachment 2, for bands 80 and 100, the government requires a “Dedicated envelope tray” what size envelopes? How many?

And what brand and type of paper is required?

Government removed this requirement.

28 ATTACHMENT 2 -

Revised Equipment Specifications 02.24.2020

In Attachment 2, under band 100 ppm, the Automated Color Quality Suite (ACQS) along with Full Width Array (FWA) requirement can only be provided by one vendor. We respectfully request that this requirement is removed as it limits competition.

Government has removed ACQS and

FWA.

29 ATTACHMENT 2 -

Revised Equipment Specifications 02.24.2020

In Attachment 2, for bands 80 and 100, the government requires “Tab Insertion”, how many bank tabs are required? Are unused tabs to be automatically “Kicked out”? Is printing

Government requires The device must print on tabs that vary in size and direction along the edge of the document. These tabs normally align with standard on the tabs required? If so, are the tabs Mylar? How many characters are needed to print on the tabs? Please provide the government’s expectations of tab creation and type of tabs.

commercially available document tabs (5 bank, 10 bank, etc.). The Font and Font size determine the number of characters with a range normally within 100 characters per tab.

30 ATTACHMENT 2 -

Revised Equipment Specifications 02.24.2020

In Attachment 2, for bands 80 and 100, the government requires a “Double punch (11 X 17) in two different locations”, can the government describe the double punch feature and the two locations they are currently using? What is distance between the holes drilled at this time? Lastly, is this round, oval, or square holes drilled?

Government removed this requirement.

31 ATTACHMENT 2 -

Revised Equipment Specifications 02.24.2020

In Attachment 2, for band 100, the government requires an “Online folder (Bi Fold at least) configuration available”, does the government anticipate having a need for this accessory at this time or at a later time?

Government requires an online bi-folder.

32 ATTACHMENT 2 -

Revised Equipment Specifications 02.24.2020

In Attachment 2, for all bands, the government requires the “Equipment must use one of the following DLA approved operating systems: “Microsoft Windows 2016 Server, Microsoft Windows 10, Sun Solaris 11, does the government require the vendor to use only one operating systems? If so, which one is preferred?

Additionally, which operating systems is currently be used? Or is this a mixed environment?

Government states this is a mixed environment and any other OS’s listed will be approved in regards to an external print controller.

33 Amendment 2 –

SP7000-19-R-1003

Question 11 Regarding the government’s response to question #11 as listed in

Government uses Oracle Database files and would amendment 2, will RDO conversion be necessary to meet the government’s needs?

Please provide a description of page layouts currently being outputted; tab requirements, and RDO conversion, if necessary.

require the correct program be loaded on our system if we had to convert them. Once converted to Adobe, they would print like regular files with adjustments to fit the print space. That said, most of our documents arrive already in Adobe format and don’t require conversion.

34 ATTACHMENT 2 -

Revised Equipment Specifications 02.24.2020

In Attachment 2, under minimum scanner specs.

for the Dual Color Charge Coupled Device (CCD) image requirement, will the government accept 3 line contact sensor?

Government removed the scanner requirement.

35 ATTACHMENT 2 -

Revised Equipment Specifications 02.24.2020

In Attachment 2, under minimum scanner specs.

for the Light Source:

White LED array x 6 requirement, will the government entertain another technology or anything besides x6 white LED’s?

Government removed the scanner requirement.

36 General It is respectfully requested that the government provide an extension of at least 15 working days from the date that the government answers questions on this RFP to allow for sufficient time to compose a complete response.

The Government will extend the close date of the RFP as it determines is necessary in order to facilitate time needed for the vendors to finalize and submit their proposal submissions in response to the Government’s round 2 answers.

37 ATTACHMENT 1 -

Revised Statement of Work 02.25.2020

5.11 Please clarify that the

phones, laptops are permitted in non-classified locations but are prohibited from being connected to any Gov’t network, correct?

Government agrees that laptops are permitted in non-classified locations but cannot be connected to the Government networks. Direct connect via vendor laptops and crossover cables will permitted for diagnostic requirements with the machine taken offline.

38 ATTACHMENT 1 -

Revised Statement of Work 02.25.2020

5.11 Modern equipment

servicing agents store diagnostic information on laptops to maintain the latest information. Are laptops and cellular phones permitted on location to reference service material needed by your service providers?

If no, would the government allow the loading of the diagnostic information on the raster image processor (EFI RIP) that the service engineer can access?

Government states that laptops and cell devices are allowed in non-classified facilities as long as these devices are never connected to a Government network. Direct connect via vendor laptops and crossover cables will be permitted for diagnostic requirements with the machine taken offline.

39 ATTACHMENT 1 -

Revised Statement of Work 02.25.2020

Will the Gov’t permit the updating of firmware using a thumb-drive for equipment not connected to the network?

Government states that in the case of a firmware update where thumb is the only option this will be allowed as long as device is disconnected from the network prior the firmware update.

40 ATTACHMENT 1 -

Revised Statement of Work 02.25.2020

6.1 Please confirm vendors

can submit non-TAA version and other than new or remanufactured equipment for this testing purpose. The significant expense to deliver and install new equipment for a short testing period that renders the equipment no longer new and available for future Gov’t installs is overly burdensome.

TAA Compliance is required on all DLA Opportunities. The device being tested must match the device that will be used by the Government.

41 ATTACHMENT 1 -

Revised Statement of Work 02.25.2020

6.1 Due to the cost for

vendors associated with section 6.1 and to provide for fair and open competition, we request the government requires vendors to furnish a condition of manufacture

IAW FAR 11.302 and FAR 52.211-5 the Government must accept remanufactured equipment. The requirement is stated

“new or remanufactured” list by equipment band published BEFORE THIS IDIQ’s submission date.

No vendor names - just the equipment band and manufacture status of “new or remanufactured.”

Publishing equipment manufacture status and participation by CLIN will allow the Government to identify the true competition by CLIN and enable respondents to better position responses.

in 9.2 not 6.1 of the

SOW.

42 ATTACHMENT 1 -

Revised Statement of Work 02.25.2020

9.2 We strongly request that

the government remove the remanufactured equipment clause to permit fair and open competition. The allowance of remanufactured equipment gives an unfair preference to the one vendor that has a current remanufacturing process.

This enables pricing significantly cheaper than vendors offering new and current technology, sets up increased service costs over the lifetime of the contract, and restricts maximum participation and award distribution.

IAW FAR 11.302 and FAR 52.211-5 the Government must accept remanufactured equipment.

43 ATTACHMENT 1 -

Revised Statement of Work 02.25.2020

9.2 With the 9.2 requirements

currently permitting remanufactured equipment, why would the government not simply have the currently owned equipment remanufactured on location as done in prior contracts until the time when truly new equipment can be procured?

The Government only replaces devices when they reach their end-of-life so remanufacturing existing equipment is not possible. The Government replaces devices as they hit their end of life or when the devices cannot be supported by proper maintenance coverage.

44 ATTACHMENT 1 -

Revised Statement of Work 02.25.2020

5.1 As most vendors will be

offering EFI Raster Processor as the connected front-end to meet the JDF requirement, will the government permit the printer engines to operate using a PLC other than specified OS by 5.1 while meeting all other requirements?

The Government states that The OS requirements specified by 5.1 must still be met. This answer results in no change to the Government’s requirement.