Question_and_Answer_from_SVD_051418.pdf

Question and Answer from SVD

Question: What is the government method to quantitatively compare data throughput values that were collected with varying Bit Error Rates (BER)? The Offeror was notified on 10 May that link performance data measured from the government-operated Bit Error Rate (BER) tester during SVD would not be made available to the vendors for link analysis purposes. We are concerned that, without insight into the BER as measured by the official BER tester, vendor link operation may vary beyond the bounds of meaningful comparison.

Answer: During the SVD, the Government will not be sharing any of the data collected. The Government will also not share the configuration of Government equipment used to collect the system performance data during SVD.

As per the RFP, System Performance Specification:

3.4.7.1 The system shall maintain an average throughput of ≥ 2Mbps at 95% availability with a Bit Error Rate ≤ 10e-6 at a range of 185km when in operation. (See Note 8 in Section 6 regarding Link Characteristics) (Threshold)

3.4.7.2 The system shall maintain an average throughput of ≥ 16Mbps at 95% availability with a Bit Error Rate ≤ 10e-6 at a range of 185km when in operation. (See Note 8 in Section 6 regarding Link Characteristics) (Objective)

As identified above, greater than or equal to 2 Mbps t 95% availability with a Bit Error Rate ≤ 10e-6 at a range of 185km when in operation is the threshold requirement and the level the Offeror must demonstrate during SVD to be eligible for award. As stated in Section M of the RFP, "the Government may consider giving strengths to the Offerors that propose above the threshold throughput requirements in Appendix A of the PWS so long as they are able to be verified through demonstration at the SVD."

In accordance with Section M of the RFP, the Government will collect data on a variety of factors, including:

a) Pattern Losses

b) Pattern Loss Seconds

c) Bit Error Rate

d) Bit Errors

e) Bit Errored Seconds

f) Bit Error-Free Seconds %

g) Average Layer 2 Rate (kbps)

h) Maximum Layer 2 Rate (kbps)

i) Minimum Layer 2 Rate (kbps)

In accordance with Section M of the RFP, "The Government will evaluate the extent to which the Offeror's candidate TROPO system can operate at >50Mbps, point to point, at layer 2 of the Open System Interconnection (OSI) model IAW Appendix A of the PWS." Section M does not identify the weights of (a) through (i) above, as compared to one another.