Copy of W15QKN24R0069 MSD V4R QA.xlsx
XLSX spreadsheet 36 KB Posted
- Solicitation number
- W15QKN24R0069
About this file
This document is a Q&A related to a federal contract opportunity for the acquisition of Maintenance Support Device - Version 4 Rugged (MSD-V4R) and Maintenance Support Device - Version 4 Light (MSD-V4L) Systems. The contract is for an Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (ID/IQ) with a first article test requirement of 40 units over 5 years. Key details include specifications for the MSD-V4R and MSD-V4L systems, including requirements for software, operating systems, power, ports, cameras, and environmental conditions. The Q&A addresses topics such as UEFI versions, camera covers, Linux software, cybersecurity, training materials, and technical manuals. Specific information is provided on proposal evaluation, bid samples, pricing, and deliverables. The contract is a small business set-aside with NAICS code 334515.
View the file
Other files
On GovTribe
Work with this file
- Download the original file
- Contacts named in this file
- Similar government files
- Ask GovTribe AI about this file
Text version
Sheet1
# Solicitation Reference Page Number Question Answers
| 1 | Attachment 0003 – Detail Specification for MSD-V4R, Section 3.3.15.3 UEFI Version; Attachment 0004 – Detail Specification for MSD-V4L, Section 3.3.14.3 UEFI Version | p. 17/p. 16 | Not all OEMs have yet moved to UEFI version 2.9. Version 2.7 is still widely used in many devices. Please consider revising the requirement to read “the MSD-V4L UEFI shall be version 2.7 or later” to foster more robust competition. | UEFI version 2.9 is required at FAT. | |
| 2 | Attachment 0003 – Detail Specification for MSD-V4R, Section 3.3.16.2 Camera Cover; Attachment 0004 – Detail Specification for MSD-V4:, Section 3.3.15.2 Camera Cover | p. 17/p. 16 | Please confirm that the “camera cover” requirement only includes the two cameras that are parts of the V4R/V4L and do not pertain to the external rear facing depth sensor camera. This type of camera is not built with a camera cover. | Camera Cover is required for all cameras. | |
| 3 | Attachment 0003 – Detail Specification for MSD-V4R, Section 3.7 Software Requirements; Attachment 0004 – Detail Specification for MSD-V4L, Section 3.7 Software Requirements | p. 25/p. 24 | a. | Does the Army maintain a RHEL Enterprise agreement with RedHat? | |
| b. | What support services and duration need to be included in both the MSD-V4R/V4L US Army and FMS versions of RHEL? | No, the contractor is required to obtain RHEL Enterprise agreement to support MSD for the life of the system. | |||
| 4 | Attachment 0003 – Detail Specification for MSD-V4R, Section 3.7.4 US Army Linux Version; Attachment 0004 – Detail Specification for MSD-V4L, Section 3.7.4 US Army Linux Version | p. 26/ p. 24 | Will the Government provide the custom Linux image (similar to Windows AGM) for the MSD V4R US Army version? | The Army will provide US Army software to load. | |
| 5 | Attachment 0003 – Detail Specification for MSD-V4R, Section 3.7.5 FMS Linux Version; Attachment 0004 – Detail Specification for MSD-V4L, Section 3.7.5 FMS Linux Version; | p. 26/p. 24 | Will the Government provide the custom Linux image for the MSD V4R FMS version? | FMS OS builds will be built by the vendor per 3.7 of Attachment 0003 and Attachment 0004. | |
| 6 | Attachment 0003 – Detail Specification for MSD-V4R, Section 3.9 Environmental Conditions; Attachment 0004 – Detail Specification for MSD-V4L, Section 3.9 Environmental Conditions | p. 28/ p. 26 | Please confirm what accessories are included in the "V4R and V4L Kits"—standard, optional, or both. If the contents of the kit changes between requirements, please indicate which accessories should be included for each test. | Refer to Section 3.2 in Attachment 0003 and 0004 for what accessories are standard and optional. | |
| 7 | Attachment 0003 – Detail Specification for MSD-V4R, Section 3.9.1.1 Temperature, Operational | p. 28 | The requirement states that “...the MSD-V4R Kit shall perform according to the requirements of this specification during and following exposure to temperatures ranging from –18°C to +60°C (0°F to +140°F)." Is the Government deploying industrial grade items for the aforementioned accessories and if so, please state which ones are applicable. | Section 3.9 in Attachment 0003 and 0004 is the user environmental requirements. All requirements must be met during FAT. | |
| 8 | Attachment 0003 – Detail Specification for MSD-V4R, Section 3.9.12.1.1, 2; Temperature, Operational (AWR) and Non-Operational (AWR) | p. 32 | • Is the Government deploying industrial grade items for Standard Accessories wired mouse and Optional Accessories USB hub, PCMCIA card reader, and Smart Card reader to meet the Operational (AWR) and Non-Operational (AWR) requirements? | ||
| • If only some are of industrial grade, could the Government please state what they are? | Section 3.9 in Attachment 0003 and 0004 is the user environmental requirements. All requirements must be met during FAT. | ||||
| 9 | Attachment 0003 – Detail Specification for MSD-V4R, Section 3.9.4.1 Altitude, Operational MSD-V4R | p. 29 | The requirement states that “...the MSD-V4R Kit shall perform to the requirements of this specification while being operated during exposure to altitude conditions of 4,572 m (15,000 feet)." Is the Government deploying industrial grade items for the aforementioned accessories and if so, please state which ones are applicable. | Section 3.9 in Attachment 0003 and 0004 is the user environmental requirements. All requirements must be met during FAT. | |
| 10 | Attachment 0003 – Detail Specification for MSD-V4R, Section 3.9.8 Dust/Sand; Attachment 0004 – Detail Specification for MSD-V4L, Section 3.9.7 Dust/Sand | p. 30/p. 27 | • Is the Government deploying industrial grade items for Standard Accessories wired mouse and Optional Accessories USB hub, PCMCIA card reader, and Smart Card reader to meet the Dust/Sand requirement? | ||
| • If only some are of industrial grade, could the Government please state what they are? | Section 3.9 in Attachment 0003 and 0004 is the user environmental requirements. All requirements must be met during FAT. | ||||
| 11 | Attachment 0003 – Detail Specification for MSD-V4R, Section 4.2.3 MSD-V4R Performance Test | p. 38 | Referencing “4 – TEST” as a “Method of Verification”, if an OEM has already performed and obtained or issued certificates of compliance for certain tests, will the Government accept such certificates as evidence the Unit Under Test has already passed the necessary tests? | Data artifacts will be reviewed during FAT and will be accepted or rejected depending on meeting the requirements in Attachment 0003 and 0004. | |
| 12 | Attachment 0004 – Detail Specification for MSD-V4L, Section 3.3.1.7 Brightness | p. 9 | Commercial off the Shelf (COTS) tablets (with detachable keyboards) that would otherwise meet all other requirements of V4L do not offer 800-nit display screen. They all offer brightness of 500 nits or less. Please consider lowering the requirement from 800 to 500 nits to increase competition? | Attachment 0004 has been updated. | |
| 13 | Attachment 0004 – Detail Specification for MSD-V4L, Section 3.3.6.1.1 USB 3.0 Ports | p. 11 | To reduce the dimensions of their tablets, most if not all OEMs have adopted USB Type-C connector since it is much smaller. Could the Government please change the requirement to read “a minimum of one standard-A or C internal USB3.0 or later port(s)”. | ||
| If the change suggested above is not acceptable, would the Government allow for the V4L to include USB-C port but also a USB-C to A adapter in its Standard Accessories to facilitate the necessary conversion? | USB-C to A adapter meets the requirement as written. | ||||
| 14 | Attachment 0004 – Detail Specification for MSD-V4L, Section 3.3.6.2 Video Port | p. 11 | To reduce the dimensions of their devices, OEMs are now including USB-C ports that support Display Alt Mode to output video. An adapter is then used to convert the foregoing video output from USB-C to HDMI or DisplayPort. We therefore request that the Government change the requirement to read the “MSD-V4L shall have either a HDMI port or DisplayPort (integrated or via adapter)”. | ||
| If the change suggested above is not acceptable, would the Government allow for the V4L to include USB-C port but also a USB-C to HDMI or DisplayPort adapter in its Standard Accessories to facilitate the necessary conversion? | USB-C to HDMI or DisplayPort adapter meets the requirement as written. | ||||
| 15 | Section A - Approved Accounting System | 2 | Since this is a small business set-aside acquisition, we believe that it is exempt from the applicability of the Cost Accounting System (CAS) in accordance with 48 CFR 9903.201-1 (b). Please confirm our understanding and remove the referenced requirement accordingly? | CAS requirements will be removed. | |
| 16 | Section F - Deliveries of Performance | 62 | Referencing Section F of the Solicitation, please provide additional details on how the “0.25% per calendar day of delay” will be calculated. Will it be based on the value of the entire order that is delayed or based on the value of the delayed portion of an order? | Based on the value of the entire order. | |
| 17 | Section F - Deliveries of Performance | 62 | Referencing Section F of the Solicitation, the MSD Contractor will depend on multinational system OEMs to provide COTS computers for V4R and V4L. The supply chain in the COTS computer hardware business can be rather long and complex. Will the Government consider demonstrable delays caused by the OEM supply chain “beyond the control and without the fault or negligence of the Contractor”? | This is a FFP contract, vendor should manage their supply chain to meet DO times agreed to. | |
| 18 | Section I-102 (f) | 75 | The SOW makes it clear that when the resulting contract enters the production phase, the contractor may be required to hold the ordered products in storage for up to a year after they have been made ready for delivery. It is therefore entirely possible that an order could have a performance period that lasts longer than a year. Therefore, under (f)(1) in Clause I-102, 52.219-14 Limitations on Subcontracting, please consider checking both entries to ensure the contractor stays in compliance with this requirement at all times. | Kits are signed off by DCMA when they go into Bonded storage. The DO POP ends once it goes into Bonded storage. | |
| 19 | Section L.2.c (i)(1) | 101 | Please confirm whether a typical COTS User’s Manual meets the requirement of the “O&M manual” or must vendors submit both User and Service Manuals? | If supplemental information is necessary to fulfill the requirements for MIL-PRF- 32216, then the Contractor shall provide all requested supplemental information IAW CDRL A010, DI-TMSS-80527. If a change to the COTS manual plus supplemental data exceeds 50% of the original manual, or if the user representative determines that the COTS manual is not usable by the intended audience, then an Army TM shall be prepared IAW CDRL A011, MIL-STD-40051-2, validated by the Contractor, verified by the Government, and authenticated. The Contractor shall provide copyright releases and reproduction, use and distribution rights for Government purposes. | |
| 20 | Section L.2.c (i)(1)(1) | 102 | OEMs currently ship their systems with only Windows 11 Pro and are not licensed to ship with Windows 11 Enterprise. Government agencies that maintain enterprise agreements with Microsoft can upgrade the OS to the latter version. As such, vendors will need the Enterprise version from the Army if they are load that OS onto each device. Since benchmark tests will be conducted, in the interest of uniformity and consistency, we ask the Government provide the operating system. The Army AGM image is based on Windows 11 Enterprise. Please consider selecting a version of this image and distributing it to all vendors participating in this procurement? | No change required, requirement stands as written. | |
| 21 | Section L.2.c (i)(1)(5) | 102 and 109 | Since Air Worthiness (AWR) requirements are “only objective” as opposed to “threshold” in keeping with Section 3.9.12 of Attachment 0003 MSD V4R kit 2nd Gen Detail Specification, we would like to raise questions regarding the evaluation of this key point in the event a proposed mobile computer and accessories proposed for V4R and V4R Kit, respectively, have not undergone AWR testing. |
• Please confirm the proposed solution will not receive an “unacceptable” rating for Subfactor 1 Key Point 5 since the AWR requirement is only objective.
| • | Would the Government still evaluate the proposed V4R and V4R Kit for their potential to meet AWR requirements? Or would the Government not evaluate them at all? | All proposals will be evaluated in strict accordance with Section M, which discusses thresholds and objectives. | |||
| 22 | Section L.2.c (i)(1); Section L.2.c (i)(1)(2), L.2.c (i)(1)(2) | 101-103 | In multiple subfactors, the Government states that, “...one (1) bid sample with standard accessories (Battery or Batteries, Alternating Current (AC) Power Cable, and Adapter Assembly)...” Standard accessories in the kits could include more than just the three foregoing items. Please confirm exactly which items are required to be provided with the sample article. | Refer to Section 3.2 in Attachment 0003 and 0004 for what accessories are standard and optional. | |
| 23 | Section L.2.c (i)(2) | 102 | The Government states, "...proposals shall provide data artifacts in the form of test reports, specification sheets or other documents…" Please confirm that OEM Letters of Certification testifying to product facts are acceptable as "other documents." | Data artifacts including OEM Letters of Certification will be reviewed during FAT and will be accepted or rejected depending on meeting the requirements in Attachment 0003 and 0004. | |
| 24 | Section L.2.c (ii)(4), M.C.3; Attachment 0001 Price Matrix | N/A | Please provide vendors with a description of how “total evaluated price” will be calculated using prices entered in Attachment 0001 – Price Matrix? Please consider adding the calculation formula of the foregoing “total evaluated price” into the Price Matrix. | Section M of the Solicitation describes how the Total Evaluated Price will be calculated. | |
| 25 | Section L.2.c (ii)(4), M.C.3; Attachment 0001 Price Matrix | N/A | The Power Curve Formula the Government uses to calculate “Production Unit Prices – Other Than Price Points – For Future Delivery Orders”. This method is simply not how the COTS hardware business operates. It is already very difficult for system OEM to commit to fixed prices for the entire period of performance of the contract. Asking them to commit to fixed pricing for each quantity over a 5-year period is even more difficult, if not impossible. |
Please consider the scenario below.
| CLIN 0002 | Quantity | Proposed Unit Price | ||
| 1,000 | $2,000.00 | |||
| 2,000 | $1,000.00 |
| The “Production Unit Price” for an order of 1,500 units would be $1,333.33. In the COTS hardware space, quantity discounts operate differently. OEMs provide vendors certain prices at certain quantity breaks. For purposes of illustration, assume price breaks occur at quantity 1,000 and 2,000. The quantity of 1,500 would not entitle the vendor to a price lower than that for 1,000 units. Only when the vendor purchases at least 2,000 units would the lower price be received. We therefore request the Government remove both Columns N and O under “Production Unit Prices – Other Than Price Points – For Future Delivery Orders”. Instead, we request the Government consider the 5 quantities listed as Minimum Order Quantities which mean that an order must be for a quantity that is equal to or higher than a quantity listed to take advantage of the price corresponding to such quantity. | Offerors should consider their concerns when establishing their proposed FFP unit prices for the quantity points included in the Price Matrix. | ||||
| 26 | Section L.2.c (iii) | 105 | The Government states, “Major subcontractors are defined as those providing critical hardware and/or providing >10% of the primes total proposed price”. Please confirm that an equipment supplier is considered a major subcontractor? | As stated, "...providing critical hardware and/or providing >10% of the primes total proposed price." | |
| 27 | SOW 6.1 Technical Manuals | 39 | Please confirm that in the context of Sections 6.1 of the SOW, the term “operator manual” referred to in Section 6.1.6 is synonymous with “Operator Electronic Technical Manual (ETM)” and “Army TM”? | Electronic Technical Manual (ETM), Operator Manual and Army TM are universally the same term but, could be either a MIL-STD- 40051-2 or MIL-PRF- 32216. The type of manual will be determined when it is identified that the COTS manual is not usable by the intended audience, then an Army TM shall be prepared IAW CDRL A011. | |
| 28 | SOW 6.1 Technical Manuals | 39 | Referencing Section 6.1 of the SOW, will the Government provide the contractor with the existing Operator Electronic Technical Manuals? If so, it would be helpful to have copies of such manuals now (sufficiently in advance of proposal due date) to account for the amount of effort and associated costs to developing these manuals after award. | MIL-STD-40051-2 (Military Standard Manual) and MIL-PRF- 32216 (COTS) outline the requirements for a military standard manual and a Commercial off the Shelf manual. | |
| 29 | SOW 6.1.1 COTS Manuals | 39 | Please indicate whether the COTS manuals were deemed sufficient for the products deployed under the existing MSD-V4R and V4L contract which will be replaced by the subsequent awarded contract? | Yes. The current manual is deemed sufficient based of the current MSDV4L and R. | |
| 30 | SOW 6.1.1 COTS Manuals | 39 | If the COTS manuals are deemed insufficient and Army Technical Manuals must be developed, please confirm how these are to be included in cost as it appears there is currently no CLIN available for vendors? | ||
| With the resulting IDIQ contract, it is difficult for vendors to amortize their cost over the number of units to be sold when vendors have no notion of the number of units that will be delivered. If the cost of the development of the Army Technical Manual is included in the price of each unit, please provide an estimate of the number of V4R and V4L units that will be purchased over the life of the resulting contract. | The number of Technical Manuals will be one each manual for both the Rugged and the Light that will be validated by the Contractor, verified by the Government, and authenticated through the verification process. Technical Manuals will be update and sent to APD from ALC Publications. | ||||
| 31 | SOW 6.1.2 Source Data | 40 | In Section 6.1.2 of the SOW, the Government states, "…all source data developed exclusively with Government funds." Please clarify this statement as there seems to be no separately priced CLIN for the source data. | Under Engineering Services CLIN | |
| 32 | SOW 6.1.2 Source Data | pg. 40 | The requirements states, “The Contractor shall develop and implement a quality assurance plan IAW ISO 9001 to ensure the accuracy and adequacy of the data and data products.” Is this implying that the contractor needs to have a specific “Manual Development QA Plan”? | Yes. | |
| 33 | SOW 6.1.7.1 Validation Plan | 40 | Are vendors creating this validation plan for the manuals? Similarly, are contractors performing the live validation tests for the Government? | Yes. Validations are conducted by the contractor in conjunction with the Government, in person. | |
| 34 | SOW 6.1.7.1 Validation Plan | 40-41 | Referencing Section 6.1.7.1 of the SOW, please confirm whether the validation tasks are virtual or is travel to an Army site required. | Validation and verifications are conducted on-site. | |
| 35 | SOW 6.1.8 Technical Publication Verification | 41 | Are contractors responsible for performing Government verification of the manuals? | Contractors are required to perform verification of Army Technical Manuals in conjunction with Government organizations as ALC Publications, AMCOM Provisioning, AMCOM Safety office, LMRD/CASCOM and other stakeholders as necessary based off of the user representatives guidance from LMRD/CASCOM. | |
| 36 | SOW 6.2 Operator Training Digital Optical Disc and Institutional Training Package | 41 | Referencing Section 6.2 of the SOW, please confirm how the Operator Training Digital Optical Disc and Institutional Training Package is to be included in bidder's cost as it appears there is currently no CLIN available for vendors? | 6.2.12.1. IPR #1, 6.2.12.2. IPR #2, 6.2.12.3. IPR #3 covers deliverables for training material. The Contractor shall modify and make any corrections to the deliverables and deliver the 100% final validated training products IAW CDRL A018, DI-SESS-81521; CDRL A019, DI-PSSS-81523; and CDRL A016, DISESS-81525. CDRLs are not separately priced. | |
| 37 | SOW 6.2 Operator Training Digital Optical Disc and Institutional Training Package | 41 | Referencing Section 6.2 of the SOW, please confirm whether a comparable existing commercial training package is currently available or was the incumbent contractor responsible for developing a new package. | The Contractor shall develop the operator training package using Hypertext Markup Language (HTML) that is compliant with Cybersecurity IAW para 9.9 in this SOW. The start executable command will allow training from any Government computer. Training material will be prepared IAW Army Regulation 350-1, (TRADOC) Regulation 350-70 and the Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, and Evaluation41 114W15QKN-24-R-0069 CONTINUATION SHEETReference No. of Document Being Continued Page of Name of Offeror or Contractor: PIIN/SIIN MOD/AMD (ADDIE) process. | |
| 38 | SOW 6.2.11 Course Development Qualifications | pg. 42 | The solicitation states, “Each course developer shall demonstrate qualification as a technical training instructor by possessing either Technical Training (college or vocational school beyond high school), or Armed Services training in the subject area for which training is to be developed and Professional Training (College, Armed Services, or Government-approved course in Methods of Instruction).” Does this imply that technical training instructors possessing Technical Training require a college/vocational school degree in the specific field for which they will be developing training, or is any college/vocational school degree sufficient? | Any college, armed services, or Government-approved course in methods of instruction is sufficient. | |
| 39 | SOW 6.2.14 Validation/Certification | 43 | Under Section 6.2.14, please confirm the term "in-house" refers to the contractor's site? | "In-house" refers to the government site. Validations will be conducted with the Project lead, Provisioning, Safety and the government CM. | |
| 40 | SOW 6.2.14 Validation/Certification | 43 | The solicitation states, “As part of the validation, the Contractor shall also ensure that all software on the master disk executes properly…” Does this imply that the contractor is to deliver a Master Disk, onto which all training content will be stored? What amount/degree of training content is to be included in the Master Disk? Is this disk expected to be a CD/DVD? | All final Operator Training CBT IAW CDRL A018, DI-SESS 81521; CDRL A019, DI-PSSS-81523; and CDRL A016, DI-SESS-81525. The type of disk will be determined by the amount of storage needed to transfer deliverables to the Government. | |
| 41 | SOW 6.2.15 Changes | 43 | The requirements state, “The Contractor shall incorporate changes to training package and materials based upon user feedback, changes to MSD-V4R System, MSD-V4L System, and accessories at no additional cost to the Government. The Government will approve updates to operation and usage of At-Platform Automatic Test Systems (APATS) products. Does the government expect the contractor to maintain the product after the POP or only changes requested before 6.2.17 Final training materials? | The contractor will incorporate changes if there is an ECP. | |
| 42 | SOW 6.2.16 Verification | 43 | Per the requirements, “The Government and the Contractor shall conduct a joint verification of the CBT, Program of Instruction (POI), Lesson Plans, Slides and Student Guides using a small group from the intended target audience.” This implies we will be producing lesson plans, slides, and student guides. Are there specific expectations, features, qualities, etc. for each of these document types? | Training material will be prepared IAW Army Regulation 350-1, (TRADOC) Regulation 350-70 and the Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, and Evaluation (ADDIE) process. |
| 43 | SOW 6.2.2 Training Documentation | pg. 41 | The requirements states, “The Contractor shall develop the operator training package using Hypertext Markup Language (HTML) that is compliant with Cybersecurity IAW para 9.9 in this SOW. The start executable command will allow training from any Government computer.” Can the Government be more technically clear on what they mean by “start executable command”? | Able to run in all OS called out in SOW and in Attachment 0003 and 0004. |
| 44 | SOW 6.2.3 Training and Training Support | pg. 42 | The requirement states, “This course will be delivered on-line, preloaded on the MSD-V4R System, MSD-V4L System and input into the TDC database.” Does this mean the contract will install a copy onto (1) an Online hosted platform (presumably an LMS); (2) locally onto each machine; and (3) and onto a separate TDC database? Or is it to be placed onto the TDC Database, from which the machines will access it via online connection? | This will be in all locations identified in SOW 6.2.3. |
| 45 | SOW 6.2.3 Training and Training Support; SOW 6.2.12 IPRs | 42 | Referencing Section 6.2.3 and 6.2.12 of the SOW, will the Government provide the existing course content for editing or will the contractor need to develop new content? | The Government can provide existing CBT as an example after contract award. |
| 46 | SOW 6.2.4 Instructional Media Design | pg. 42 | Per the requirements, “The Contractor shall utilize Interactive Multimedia Instructions (IMI) to its full capabilities while developing the Interactive Courseware.” The “full capability” of IMI includes highly complex training development, up to and including fully rendered VR simulations. Are contractors expected to consider this degree of development, or does the Government intend for IMI to be used to the greatest level practical, as determined by the Contractor? | The Contractor shall prepare an instructional media design IAW MIL-PRF-29612 and CDRL A015, DI-SESS-81520. |
| 47 | SOW 6.4 Identification Plates/Labels | 45 | Please provide the list of three labels that must be affixed to the Transit Case; the plate is one clear, but what are the remaining two? | The Human Readable data plate on the transit case, Item Unique Identification (IUID) shall be a label on its own and follow the provisions in 6.4.1, |
| 48 | SOW 6.4 Identification Plates/Labels | 45 | Please confirm whether the Warranty Label should be placed on each unit of the V4R and V4L. | Each V4R and V4L device will have and IUID label, Warranty Label, and Identification Plate |
| 49 | SOW 6.4 Identification Plates/Labels | 45 | Please confirm that each V4R and V4L device will have and IUID label, Warranty Label, and Identification Plate. | Confirmed in 6.4. Identification Plates/Labels |
| 50 | SOW 6.6 Warranty | 46-47 | Under SOW Section 6.6, the Warranty Label only includes the warranty expiration date, but not the start date (as indicated on page 47 in the 2nd paragraph), please reconcile the difference. | Only expiration date. |
| 51 | SOW 6.9 Government Furnished Information Schedule; Table 1 | 49 | Does the Government require the contractor to run the Government Furnished Diagnostic on each MSD-V4 production unit before delivering it? | The Government furnished Diagnostic software is to load into the FMS builds that the vendor is going to create. It is not for vendors to run on MSD-V4 production units. |
| 52 | SOW 7.2 FAT Plan, Procedures and Report | 49 | We understand the Contractor will need to develop its own FAT testing plan for Government approval. Does the Government foresee requiring the testing of more than 1 of the 40 FAT units under the same test or must multiple units undergo the same test to demonstrate that production units meet the requirement? | The 40 FAT units are available to complete FAT. The FAT plan and procedure will be approved by the Government prior to starting FAT. |
| 53 | SOW 8.3 Bonded Storage | 51 | Referencing Section 8.3 of the SOW, will the Government consider paying for the required bonded storage? | Refer to section 8.3. |
| 54 | SOW 8.3 Bonded Storage | 51 | Referencing Section 8.3 of the SOW, if MSD-V4 storage exceeds the initial 12 months, will the Government cover this cost? | Refer to section 8.3, the requirement is "for up to twelve (12) months." |
| 55 | SOW 8.3 Bonded Storage | 51 | Referencing Section 8.3 of the SOW, if devices are stored for an extended period of time after all provisioning activities, including disk imaging, have been completed, will the contractor, prior to shipment, be required to re-open the boxes to update software or re-image each system and/or perform other tasks to the equipment that have become necessary since they were stored away? | Refer to 8.2 of SOW, "image load should be applied less than 4 weeks before shipping, to ensure the most current software |
is sent to the field."
| 56 | SOW 9.2 Software | 52 | Referring to Section 9.2 in the SOW, Microsoft no longer provides Certificates of Authenticity (COA) that can be affixed to the exterior of a system. Rather, the license key for the Windows OS is programmed into the BIOS by the OEM of the device. Please revise the requirement to consider this update. | The following sentence to be removed "Windows Certificate of Authenticity (COA) shall be provided and affixed to MSD-V4R and MSD- V4L Systems, as requested and directed within shipping letters." | |
| 57 | SOW 9.5 Linux Software and Configuration | 53 | Referencing SOW Section 9.5, are other GFI items such as approved Operator’s Technical Manual (pdf file) and computer-based training the same as the Army Technical Manual and Operator’s Training Course required in Sections 6.1 and 6.2 of the SOW? | 6.1 and 6.2 will apply | |
| 58 | SOW 9.5 Linux Software and Configuration | 53 | Under Section 9.5 of the SOW, is the GFI “computer training” referred to in this section the same as the “Operator Training Digital Optical Disc and Institutional Training Package” referred to in Section 6.2 of the SOW? | 6.1 and 6.2 will apply | |
| 59 | SOW 9.9.3 Program Protection | 54 | In Section 9.9.3 of the SOW, the Government states, "...provide support for currently deployed cybersecurity solution as well as continued cybersecurity support for TMDE of providing MSD-V4R and MSD- V4L software updates over a network connection.” Could the Government please elaborate on the foregoing "cybersecurity solution?" Is it the cybersecurity solutions included within the Windows and Linux OS by default from Microsoft and RedHat, respectively? | Refer to SOW section 9.9, and software requirement sections in Attachment 0003 and Attachment 0004 | |
| 60 | SOW 9.9.3.4 Privacy | 54 | Referencing Section 9.9.3.4, is there a specific privacy training course the Government recommends or requires? | Refer to Section 9.9.3.4 for requirement. There is no training listed. | |
| 61 | Attachment 0003 – Detail Specification for MSD-V4R, Section 3.3.11.6.1 Power Cable Length; Attachment 0004 – Detail Specification for MSD-V4L, Section 3.3.10.5.1 Power Cable Length | p. 15 | The laptop or tablet uses external power adapter and power cord. Please revise the requirements to “The MSD-V4R Kit shall include an AC and DC power cable (power adapter w/ power cord) being no less than eight feet in length.” | No change required, requirement stands as written. | |
| 62 | Will Velcro tie wraps meet the 3.3.10 requirement for Cable Strain Relief? | It is up to the vendor to provide a solution and prove during FAT. | |||
| 63 | 3.3 | Will a 11-32VDC power supply meet this requirement? What type of DC input termination is required (i.e. cigarette lighter, bare wire, etc.? | Refer to section 3.3.11 for power sources and connections requirements. | ||
| 64 | The requirement states “The MSD-V4R Kit shall include an AC and DC power cable being no less than eight feet in length”. Does this length requirement refer to the total length of the power cable including both AC and DC segments, or does it require 8-foot lengths for both the AC and DC segments of the power cable? | See response to Q&A#61. | |||
| 65 | UEFI 2.9 has not been released by OEM manufacturers. Will UEFI 2.8 with a path to UEFI 2.9 meet this requirement? | See response to Q&A#1. | |||
| 66 | Must the GPU consist of a separate, distinct GPU or can the GPU be integrated into the CPU processor to meet this requirement? | Refer to Processor section of Attachment 0003 and Attachment 0004. | |||
| 67 | Will the Government please provide the current strain relief solution for securing the USB cables? | It is up to the vendor to provide a solution and prove during FAT. | |||
| 68 | This requirement lists specific colors with chip numbers for clarity, however the last line states “or similar (if approved by the Government). Will the Government provide the process by which colors not specifically called out in the requirement will be reviewed and approved? | Refer to Color section of Attachment 0003 and Attachment 0004. | |||
| 69 | Attachment_ 0003 & 0004_____MSD_V4L_kit_2nd_Gen_Detail_Specification__2024_01_29 | The requirement states “The MSD-V4L physical envelope shall not exceed 12.5” x 9.0” x 1” in size (including keyboard and including protective cover (if used).” Several of the requirements for the V4L lead to a more ruggedized solution that ensures durability and useability in field environments. Will the Government consider excluding the keyboard and protective cover from the measurements to allow for IP65 compliant solutions? | No change required, requirement stands as written. | ||
| 70 | Will the Government please provide the drawing for NSN 5975-01-452-1275 or 6130-01-684-4759, that describe the European Power Adapter? | Drawings will be provided in an upcoming amendment. | |||
| 71 | Gen Detail Specification | Will the Government clarify whether the “Optional (Upgrade) Removable SSD that is no less than 2 Terabytes (TB)” is a threshold requirement that must be included with the offered system or an optional component that meets an objective requirement? | All proposals will be evaluated in strict accordance with Section M, which discusses thresholds and objectives. | ||
| 72 | 2024 01 29 | Will the Government please provide Army Drawing Number 11682345? | Drawings will be provided in an upcoming amendment. | ||
| 73 | Will the Government consider an integrated (as opposed to external) MIL-STD-1553 adapter as a strength for this requirement? | All requirements are threshold requirements unless stated as an objective requirement. | |||
| 74 | Will the Government provide a list of PCMCIA cards used in the current solution? | It is up to the vendor to provide a solution and prove during FAT. | |||
| 75 | Will the Government provide the PCMCIA reader used in the current solution? | It is up to the vendor to provide a solution and prove during FAT. | |||
| 76 | Must the 400Hz AC power supply be ruggedized? | Refer to section 3.6.7 in Attachment 0003 and Attachment 0004 | |||
| 77 | Will the Government please provide additional detail regarding offeror’s responsibility for software and image management? | Refer to SOW section 9.2-9.9, and software requirement sections in Attachment 0003 and Attachment 0004 | |||
| 78 | Attachment 003 | Will the Government provide additional detail on how the operational temperature called on in this requirement for the MSD-V4R Kit will be measured? | Refer to the "REQUIREMENT/VERIFICATION CROSS-REFERENCE MATRIX" in Attachment 0003 and Attachment 0004 | ||
| 79 | Will the Government remove the wireless module during evaluation? Does the term “removable” include components that require tools for removal? | No, will be evaluated during FAT. | |||
| 80 | Attachment_0003____MSD_V4R_kit_2nd_Gen_Detail_Specification__2024_01_29 | Will the Government please explain or elaborate on the references to "kit" vs "system" as it relates to the listed environmental/EMI requirements? Which requirements are applied to the “kit” and which requirements apply to the “system”? | Refer to section 6.3 in Attachment 0003 and Attachment 0005. | ||
| 81 | Will testing/inspection for verification be waived if the system includes a 3rd party test report? | Data artifacts will be reviewed during FAT and will be accepted or rejected depending on meeting the requirements in Attachment 0003 and 0004. | |||
| 82 | What additional tests will the Government perform on bid samples beyond the PassMark performance tests? Will these tests include environmental testing? | Bid samples will be evaluated in accordance with Attachment 0007. All standard accessories must be provided. Refer to Sections 3.2.1 and 3.2.2 of Attachments 0003 and 0004.No environmental test will be performed on bid samples. | |||
| 83 | Will the Government consider a due date extension for submission of bid samples based on the timing of the answers to these questions? | See response to Q&A#89. | |||
| 84 | Will the Government identify all threshold requirements that, if not met, will result in disqualification from further consideration? | No, it will be evaluated during FAT | |||
| 85 | Attachment_0003____MSD_V4R_kit_2nd_Gen_Detail_Specification__2024_01_29 | Will the Government allow the offeror to determine which RHEL version is installed on the system? | As long as it meets the requirement of the section 3.7 in Attachment 0003 and Attachment 0004 | ||
| 86 | Solicitation_W15QKN_24_R_0069 | 9.9.3 | Will the Government require a unique BIOS password for each MSD-V4R and V4L, or will a standardized password for each hardware version meet the requirement? | Refer to SOW section 9.9.3 | |
| 87 | Solicitation_W15QKN_24_R_0069 | 101 | Will the Government please clarify which, if any, standard accessories beyond the Battery or Batteries, Alternating Current (AC) Power Cable, and Adapter Assembly, are required for the bid sample? | Offeror should provide full list of standard accessories. Refer to Sections 3.2.1 and 3.2.2 of Attachments 0003 and 0004. | |
| 88 | Attachment_0001___MSD_V4R_V4L_2nd_Gen_Price_Matrix_9_12_2024 | Price Matrix | Must the 2TB hard drive upgrade described in 3.5.5.1 be quoted in the price matrix? | Pricing for the 2TB SSD should be included in Row 33 of the Price Matrix. | |
| 89 | N/A | N/A | As you know, the Tampa Bay area was hit hard by hurricane Helene less than two weeks ago. At this time, Hurricane Milton is projected to make a direct hit the Tampa Bay area as a Category 5 hurricane. As a result, while businesses and supply chain operations are already severely impacted and many of our personnel are already dealing with flooded homes, we are now preparing homes for the storm, preparing to evacuate, etc. Given these impacts, and the likelihood of future displacement, power outages, etc., we respectfully request the Government consider a 3-week extension of the current due date. | The solicitation was amended to extend the submission date. | |
| 90 | Attachment_0001___MSD_V4R_V4L_2nd_Gen_Price_Matrix_9_12_2024 | Under column D ‘QTY Range’, the quantity ranges from 1-2000. However, under the header across columns E-I states ‘Proposed Unit Prices (Quantity Range 1-100). Please confirm which range should be priced. | On the Accessories CLINs worksheet, delete the words "(Quantity Range 1-100). Qty Ranges in Column D are correct. An updated Price Matrix is being provided. | ||
| 91 | There is a plug cost of $22,506 in cell L24. Please confirm if this is correct or an error? | The entry in L24 is erroneous. An updated Price Matrix is being provided. | |||
| 92 | Solicitation | page 1 block 9 | Will the government grant an extension until December 1, 2024 for the proposal submission due to significant environmental and economic factors currently impacting our supply chain? | Offeror shall provide full list of standard accessories. Refer to Sections 3.2.1 and 3.2.2 of Attachments 0003 and 0004 | |
| 93 | Attachment 001 | FAT CLIN | Can you please define "Per Unit Rental Value of Government Property "? | If the contractor is using Government Property that they already have in their possession, they would input "yes" in this field. | |
| 94 | Spare Parts CLINs | Will this contract enable any of these components to be ables to be ordered 'a la carte' outside of a specified Kit as spares? | Yes. | ||
| 95 | Accessories CLINs | Will this contract enable any of these components to be ables to be ordered 'a la carte' outside of a specified Kit as spares? | Yes. | ||
| 96 | MSD Engineering Services CLINs | Can you please define the Role and Responsibility, or the level of effort required for this role? | Refer to Attachment 0008. | ||
| 97 | MSD Engineering Services CLINs | Would a cost per unit be acceptable for some or all of these job roles instead of defining this as a cost per hour? | Provide cost per hour data as requested. | ||
| 98 | Travel & Non-Warranty CLINs | Can you please define in what cases travel would be required? Ex: QA for deliveries, in-person meetings, etc… | Refer to SOW section 11.2.2, | ||
| 99 | Travel & Non-Warranty CLINs | Will travel only be required to one location, or different locations? | Refer to SOW section 11.2.2, | ||
| 100 | Travel & Non-Warranty CLINs | What would be the destination(s) of this travel requirement? | Refer to SOW section 11.2.2, | ||
| 101 | Travel & Non-Warranty CLINs | Is this travel requirement for all, some, or only one of the individual job roles defined on tab "MSD Engineering Services CLINs"? | Refer to SOW section 11.2.2, | ||
| 102 | Travel & Non-Warranty CLINs | What would be the anticipated frequency and length of stay within a given ordering period? | Refer to SOW section 11.2.2, | ||
| 103 | Attachment 003 | 3.3.2 | Is there a minimum requirement for Core count or min/max GHz? | Refer to section 3.3.2, Attachment 0003 for processor requirements. | |
| 104 | 3.3.6.1.1 | Would a USB-C be considered satisfying the requirement of "no less than two Standard-A internal USB 3.0 or later ports" if there was at least one USB-A 3.0 and one USB-C? | |||
| If not, would the USB hub count satisfy this requirement? | See response to Q&A#13. | ||||
| 105 | 3.3.6.1.2 | Is the USB 2.0 technology or later statement written concerning speed? If so, would a USB-C port be considered meeting this requirement? | Refer to 3.3.6.1 and 3.3.6.1.1 in Attachment 0003 | ||
| 106 | 3.3.6.1.3 | Is there a minimum or maximum lenth requirement for these cables? | Cable length is not called out in section 3.3.6.1.3 | ||
| 107 | 3.3.6.1.4 | Due to optimizing SWAP would it be acceptable to have a USB-C to HDMI dongle included, or ensure there is an HDMI port on the already required USB hub? | No change required, requirement stands as written. | ||
| 108 | 3.3.8 | Is this requirement listed for the sole purpose of disaster recovery? If so, would a more rugged solution which would reduce SWAP be acceptable? | No change required, requirement stands as written. | ||
| 109 | 3.3.16.2 | If the AR Camera is external, would this requirement still apply to that specific camera, or would simply unplugging the camera be sufficient? | Refer to Cameras in Attachment 0003 and 0004. | ||
| 110 | 3.4.5.2 | Due to supplying a full kit to include case, would a handle on the 12.5" side, or on the rear of the device be acceptable? | Refer to Section 3.4.5.2 of Attachments 0003. | ||
| 111 | 3.5.1 | NSN 6310-01-684-4759 is described as a World Travel adapter compatible with many countries including those outside of Europe. Is the intent to have an adapter that would convert US to Europe, or is the listing of these NSN's describing intent to have compatability with as many other countries to include those outside of Europe? | The power adapter shall be equivalent to National Stock Number (NSN) 5975-01-452-1275 or 6130-01-684-4759. | ||
| 112 | 3.5.3 | Is there any minimum or maximum requirements for cable lengths? | Cable length is not called out in section 3.5.3 | ||
| 113 | 3.6.4 | Would communicating with a USB-C port be considered acceptable? | Yes, as long as it meets the requirements of 3.6.4 in. | ||
| 114 | 3.6.4.1 | Are there requirements for what types of ports are required on the hub? | Refer to 3.6.4 in Attachment 0003 and 0004 | ||
| 115 | 3.7 | Is there a requirement for a COA for Windows 10, just Windows 11 and RHEL, or all 3? | See Q&A#56. | ||
| 116 | 3.7 | Is the requirement to have all 3 OSs loaded on the SSD of the MSD? | Capable of loading any of the 3, but not all at the same time. | ||
| 117 | 3.7.2 | Will an image be provided by the government, or the various applications for us to integrate? | Refer to SOW section 9.2-9.9, and 3.7 in Attachment 0003 and Attachment 0004 | ||
| 118 | 3.7.3 | Will other media other than disks be acceptable if they provide less SWAP, increased user efficiency, and a more rugged solution? | No change required, requirement stands as written. | ||
| 119 | 3.7.4 | Will an image be provided by the government, or just the IETM or ETM, CBT, and desktop background and logo? | Refer to SOW section 9.2-9.9, and 3.7 in Attachment 0003 and Attachment 0004 | ||
| 120 | 3.7.5 | Will an image be provided by the government, or just the IETM or ETM, CBT, and desktop background and logo? | Refer to SOW section 9.2-9.9, and 3.7 in Attachment 0003 and Attachment 0004 | ||
| 121 | Detail Specification MSD-V4L | 3.4.1 | Would the government consider a physical envelope of 12.5” x 9.0” x 1.1” that does not include the keyboard? | No change required, requirement stands as written. | |
| 122 | 4.4.8.4 | (Rain, Transit Case), Are the device and peripherals inside the transit case before the functional test? This test seems to differ from the MSD-V4R Transit Case Rain Test in 3.9.5.2 | Refer to section 3.9.5 for Rain test requirements. | ||
| 123 | Detail Specification MSD-V4R and V4L | 3.3.6.2 | Would the government consider the use of a USB-C to HDMI adapter acceptable as a video port? | No change required, requirement stands as written. | |
| 124 | 3.3.4 | Would the government consider the use of a USB-C to audio headphone adapter acceptable? | No change required, requirement stands as written. | ||
| 125 | Solicitation | page 2 | The solicitation states a minimum of 150 Rugged and 50 per month with surge qty of 300. Is there a breakout between the Rugged and Light within the surge quantity? | This is a surge quantity of 300 for MSD-V4R kits and a surge quantity of 300 MSD-V4L kits. | |
| 126 | Solicitation | page 73 | According to the solicitation the contracting officer assigned NAICS 334515 - Instrument Manufacturing for Measuring and Testing Electricity and Electrical Signals which is a manufacturing code indicating a supply. However, the contracting officer also assigned PSC Code J066 - MAINT/REPAIR/REBUILD OF EQUIPMENT- INSTRUMENTS AND LABORATORY EQUIPMENT which is a services code. | The NAICS and PSC code was updated. | |
| 127 | Will the Government please confirm the Limitations on Subcontracting (52.219-14) should be applied based on the requirements under (e) (2) for supply contracts? | Still applicable based on the requirement. | |||
| 128 | Solicitation | The requirement is for a Small Business (NAICS 334515 - 750 Employees), since the incumbent is not a Small Business, is there a reason why it would be set aside this time? | Two or more responsible small business concerns were identified during market research. Therefore, the requirement was set aside for small business. | ||
| 129 | For the Windows operating system license, is there an ARMY EULA + license fee we should be using or just standard distribution channels for OS licenses? | Provide standard OS license | |||
| 130 | For the Linux operating system license, they offer support contracts, please provide the specific SKU required? | See response to Q&A#3. | |||
| 131 | The CDRLs are not included in the RFQ, will the USG please provide them to the interested parties or will this only be provided once the NDA is signed? | See "Limited Distribution Data" on page 2 of the solicitation. | |||
| 132 | For non-incumbents, will the USG provide more guidance on the requirements for the Operator Electronic Technical Manual for the kits or will the USG provide the existing ones for reference? | Refer to section 6.1 for guidance, after contract award we can provide existing one for reference | |||
| 133 | For non-incumbents, will the USG provide more guidance on the requirements for the Institutional Training Package for the kits or will the USG provide the existing ones for reference? | Refer to section 6.2 for guidance, after contract award we can provide existing one for reference | |||
| 134 | Will the USG host a call to discuss and answer questions regarding the non-hardware specific requirements of this contract? | No. | |||
| 135 | Since the contractor is responsible for all warranty repair costs, including shipping which is likely the most significant, will the USG please provide estimated number of RMAs from previous contracts (broken down by component and location)? | This data is not available to the public. | |||
| 136 | Please confirm that the awarded contractor will be fully responsible for FAT? Historically we understood the USG did some testing. | The vendor is fully responsible for meeting FAT. The Government does not perform any testing for FAT. | |||
| 137 | For the Material Fielding Team (MFT) and associated training, will the USG provide more guidance or historical framework on this requirement? | Refer to 11.2 of SOW. | |||
| 138 | For the MSD engineering costs, can the USG please point to the parts of the requirement that these resources apply to in the requirement (e.g. CDRLs = Program Manager) or is this provided once the NDA is signed? | This is for any Government initiated ECP. | |||
| 139 | How will the bid samples be evaluated outside of passmark (any environmental testing)? | See response to Q&A#82. | |||
| 140 | The bid samples requirement referenced on PG 101 requires that bid samples be submitted with the RFQ submission. Given the Q&A is required for clarification, will there be an extension for when this is due? | See response to Q&A#89. | |||
| 141 | The requirement is written as best value but from past experience, we understand there are some disqualifying factors. Will the USG share what requirements 100% need to be met or the prime will be disqualified (specifically with regards to the MSD-V4R and MSD-V4L)? | All proposals will be evaluated in strict accordance with Section M, which discusses thresholds and objectives | |||
| 142 | Does the contractor have discretion regarding which RHEL version is installed on the system? | See response to Q&A#85. | |||
| 143 | For every single MSD-V4R and V4L, please clarify if they need a unique BIOS PW (9.9.3)? | See response to Q&A#86. | |||
| 144 | The bid samples include the MSD-V4R/V4L along with standard accessories. Does the USG expect the full list of standard accessories or just the System/Battery/AC Power Supply) | See response to Q&A#22. | |||
| 145 | Price Matrix | Is the hard drive upgrade in the requirements (2TB) just to be quoted in the price matrix? | Pricing for the 2TB SSD should be included in Row 33 of the Price Matrix. The hard drive upgrade only applies to the MSD-V4R and not MSD-V4L. The Price Matrix has been updated to remove this requirement for the MSD-V4L. | ||
| 146 | In the price matrix, only the MSD-V4L is listed - what about the MSD-V4R? Is this a mistake or missing? | Both the MSD-V4L and MSD-V4R are included in the Price Matrix input fields for unit price inputs. | |||
| 147 | Attachment 003/4 | Can the USG please explain or elaborate on the references to "kit" vs "system" as it related to the listed environmental/EMI requirements? | See response to Q&A#80. | ||
| 148 | Will testing/inspection for verification be waived if the system includes a 3rd party test report? | See response to Q&A#81. |
This is the start of the file's text. The full file is on GovTribe.
File details come from the government source that posted it. Updated .