QA 28JUL2027.pdf

QUESTION AND ANSWER (QA), dated 28JUL2026

1. Brand-name status: The specifications identify MP50 handsets, a CHG50-6 charger, an MP50-to-US-NATO-f adapter lead, and a Raptor Tactical MP50 pouch, which appear to identify a specific Axnes system. Is this a brand-name requirement, brand-name-or-equal, or a performance specification?

The customer does not have a restrictive brand preference, any alternative brand or system that meets or exceeds the essential physical, functional, and performance characteristics (such as compatibility with existing system interfaces) will be considered for award.

2. Exact configuration: Please provide the required manufacturer part numbers and complete bill of materials for the mobile base station system, including the base-station model, antennas, cables, mounts, control components, power supplies, programming tools, and any other required accessories.

This requirement is competing on total small business, non-brand-name basis;

therefore, the Government does not dictate specific manufacturer part numbers and instead requests that vendors propose their own complete, commercially available bill of materials (BOM) that meets the functional baseline. To qualify for technical evaluation, please provide a comprehensive BOM detailing your proposed mobile base station system, including the specific base-station model, compatible antennas, low-loss RF cable, mounting hardware, control components, power supplies, programming software/tools, and any necessary accessories. All proposed components must be fully documented with manufacturer part numbers and specifications to verify system interoperability and performance.

3. Customer configuration: Please identify the required UHF frequency range or channel set, number of channels/configurations, encryption-key requirements, color, antenna band, GPS/AIS/NVG options, and any aircraft or intercom interface that must be supported.

UHF Frequency range 397-470 MHz, 25 kHz channel separation, 50 VHF channels, Encryption: AES-256, FIPS 140-2 or embedded hardware encryption.

GPS, 48 channels.

4. OEM authorization: Must the offeror submit an Axnes manufacturer or authorized-dealer letter with the quotation? Must installation, programming, encryption configuration, training, warranty, and future service be performed by Axnes or an Axnes-approved partner?

Per the customer, there is no specific brand-name requirement for this solicitation. Consequently, offerors are not required to submit an Axnes manufacturer or authorized-dealer letter, nor do support services need to be performed by Axnes or an Axnes-approved partner. Any technically qualified vendor capable of delivering, configuring, and supporting a system that meets the baseline performance, and compatibility requirements may submit a quotation.

5. Nonmanufacturer Rule: This is a total small-business set-aside under manufacturing NAICS 334220. Please confirm whether the SBA Nonmanufacturer Rule applies and whether an individual or class waiver has been approved for the MP50 system. If no waiver applies, please identify whether the offered end products must be manufactured in the United States by a qualifying small-business manufacturer.

Because this procurement is competed on a non-brand-name basis, the SBA Nonmanufacturer Rule (NMR) applies to this total small-business set-aside under NAICS 334220. No individual or class waiver has been requested or approved for this system specifically. Accordingly, in the absence of an applicable SBA waiver, any offering small-business nonmanufacturer must supply end products that are manufactured or produced in the United States by a qualifying domestic small-business manufacturer.

6. Foreign manufacture: If the required MP50 system is manufactured outside the United States, please confirm the applicable Buy American or Trade Agreements treatment and the origin documentation required with the quotation.

Under this small-business set-aside, the Trade Agreements Act (TAA) does not apply, meaning the procurement is strictly subject to the Buy American Act (BAA). Because there is no specific brand-name requirement, any proposed "or equal" system manufactured outside the United States must meet a standard BAA exception to be eligible. Offerors proposing foreign end products must explicitly declare the country of origin in their Buy American Certificate and submit standard origin documentation with their quotation for evaluation.

7. Technical submission: Section M states all-or-none LPTA but does not identify the documents needed to establish technical acceptability. Please identify the required product literature, compliance matrix, part-number list, authorization evidence, delivery schedule, warranty, and training plan.

Delivery schedule will be at earliest availability from the vendor.

Warranty is whatever is reasonable to vendors and competitive within the market. Training plans just need to be literature, video, or in person training.

Whichever method is most feasible and economically responsible for us as the buyer.

8. Quote submission: Please provide the required email address or electronic submission method, quotation-validity period, and any page or file-size limits.

In the solicitation notice of W911YP26QA007 section “Quotes” it states these requirements.

9. Onsite service: Please define the required scope, duration, location, number of attendees, and acceptance criteria for onsite post-installation advice and training.

Please also confirm whether physical installation into an aircraft or vehicle is included, or whether the requirement is delivery, configuration, and user training only.

Requirement is delivery, and user training only. User training could be in the form of literature or video provided for our users to configure and use equipment. It will be for 2-4 people.

Installation into aircraft or vehicle is not required.

10. Delivery: The package requires delivery within 60 workdays after award. Does that same period include programming, installation, training, and final acceptance?

No, this is only for delivery of the products. Scheduling for training, installation, etc. can be scheduled later.

11. Unique Item Identification: Please confirm which hardware units require UID marking under DFARS 252.211-7003 and whether the Government will provide the unit-acquisition-value determination needed for UID applicability.

Under DFARS 252.211-7003 and our agency policy, Unique Identification (IUID) markings are strictly required for any hardware unit with a unit acquisition value of $5,000 or more. Offerors are responsible for calculating the unit acquisition value of their proposed equipment within their quotation; any individual delivered component or end item priced at or above $5,000 must be delivered with compliant IUID markings.

12. Solicitation identifier: The SF1449 displays W911YP26QA0070002 while the public notice identifies W911YP26QA007. Please confirm the controlling solicitation number that should appear on the quotation.

The solicitation number is W911YP26QA007.