Industry Questions as of 2025 03 24.pdf

Industry Questions

Technical Requirements

1. Is the 100MB dedicated circuit requirement symmetrical (100 Mbps upload and download) or just a minimum download speed?

Answer - The 100MB dedicated circuit requirement is a minimum download speed.

2. Will the fiber port handoff require specific connector types (e.g., LC, SC), or could we provide a copper handoff alternative?

Answer - The current demarcation point has a Lucent Connector. If we can change demarcation point, we can have copper handoff.

3. Could you clarify firewall management expectations?

Answer - We will manage the firewall to provide content filtering, Malware, and virus detection. We do not want to own the firewall and will rent equipment from the Service Provider (SP).

4. Will the government require any specific firewall brands (e.g., Palo Alto, Cisco, Fortinet)?

Answer - The NVARNG does not require a specific firewall brand; Palo Alto, Cisco, Fortinet will work.

5. Should we include redundant firewalls for high availability?

Answer - Do not include redundant firewalls; high availability is not required.

6. Who will be responsible for firmware updates and maintenance?

Answer - The SP will be responsible for firmware updates and maintenance.

7. What is the expected uptime requirement (e.g., 99.9% SLA)?

Answer - The expected uptime requirement is 99.9%.

8. Is there an existing infrastructure in place that we need to integrate with, or will this be a completely new setup?

Answer - Existing infrastructure is in place. CenturyLink is currently providing Product-ID: CTL103921311 53.CUXP.649000..CTRL EVC FOR 53.L2XX.649000..CTRL (100M Dedicated Internet Access Port).

9. Will the NVARNG need static IP addresses, or will a dynamic allocation work?

Answer - The NVARNG will require only one (1) Static IP address.

10. Are there existing backup or failover circuits, or would you be interested in redundancy options?

Answer - There are no backups in place; they’re not needed at this time.

11. Will there be pre-existing conduit and pathways for fiber installation, or will trenching be required?

Answer - Pre-existing conduit and fiber is in place. CenturyLink is currently providing Product-ID:

CTL103921311 53.CUXP.649000..CTRL EVC FOR 53.L2XX.649000..CTRL (100M Dedicated Internet Access Port).

12. Is there an on-site point of contact (POC) for scheduling site surveys and installations?

Answer - The RTI will provide a POC if a potential vendor requests a site survey.

13. Will we need to coordinate installation with other government contractors/vendors?

Answer - No.

14 Are there specific security clearances required for technicians entering the facility?

15. Will NVARNG provide rack space and power for our equipment, or do we need to include it in our bid?

Answer - The NVARNG will provide rack space and power.

16. What are the specific cybersecurity compliance requirements (e.g., NIST 800-171, CMMC)?

Answer - There are no cybersecurity compliance requirements. The dedicated internet will not be used on the NVARNG Secure Internet Protocol Router/Non-Secure Internet Protocol Router (SIPR/NIPR).

Proposal and Contractual Details

1. What specific criteria will be used to determine Best Value?

Answer - Price, Adherence to Technical Requirements, and past performance. Please refer to provision 52.212-2 on the Combined Synopsis/Solicitation. Price is the superior criterium.

2 Will past performance references from commercial clients be considered, or only government clients?

Answer - We welcome relevant past performance from commercial customers – this is a commercial service.

3. Can we submit multiple pricing options, such as different speed tiers?

Answer - You can submit multiple pricing tiers; however, price is the superior criterium in determining best value.

4. Are there any restrictions on using subcontractors for fiber installation or equipment provisioning?

Answer - There are no restrictions on subcontracting.

5. Will there be an opportunity for discussions or clarifications after submission?

Answer - There is no plan on holding discussions; however, the government reserves the right to hold discussions if they are needed. If there is a need for clarifications, our office will contact the potential vendor.

6. Can we propose pricing adjustments for multi-year commitments?

Answer - A potential vendor may propose pricing adjustments for multi-year commitments. Keep in mind this is a fixed price acquisition, and any pricing adjustments should be stated in dollars.

7. Will NVARNG consider early contract termination without penalty if a new technology or service upgrade becomes available?

Answer - Contract Terminations will be addressed in accordance with FAR 52.212-4.

8. What are the specific invoicing and payment timelines (e.g., Net 30, Net 60)?

Answer - The government pays invoices on a net 30 basis. See clauses 52.232-8 and 252.232-7006 on the Combined Synopsis/Solicitation for more information on invoicing.

9. Will this contract allow for scaling service in future years (e.g., upgrading to 1 Gbps without a full re-solicitation)?

Answer - The purchase order could allow for scaling if it is at no additional cost to the government. If the RTI determines they require greater than 100MB download speed, representatives will have to discuss modifications and possible terminations in accordance with FAR 52.212-4.

10. Are there any liquidated damages for service interruptions or failure to meet SLAs?

Answer - Liquidated damages are not applicable. Service interruptions or failure to meet SLAs will be addressed through performance reporting and required corrective steps up to contract termination.

11. Does NVARNG require third-party audits of our network security practices?

12. Will our solution be subject to government penetration testing or vulnerability assessments?

13. Do we need to provide documentation for Supply Chain Risk Management (SCRM) compliance?

Answer - The NVARNG will research a potential vendor’s SCRM compliance using the Government’s Supplier Performance Risk System.

**Submission and Clarification**

1. Can you confirm the exact format for submission (PDF, Word, Excel)?

Answer - The NVARNG does not require a specific format for quotation submission.

2. Can we submit a draft proposal for feedback before the final deadline?

Answer - No. The government does not provide consulting feedback on draft proposals.

3. Will there be an industry day or site visit before proposal submission?

Answer - There is no planned industry day; however, potential vendors may request a site visit before submitting a proposal.

4 Should we include network diagrams in our technical proposal, or is a text-based response sufficient?

Answer - Although network diagrams are not required, they may be useful to our subject matter experts when they are conducting a technical review of quotations.