A13 - Questions and Government Responses to NGH Solicitation.docx

Questions and Government Responses to NGH Solicitation W91CRB-20-R-0003 Amendment 4 Attachment: Q&A; Version C:

***Changes/edits are incorporated in yellow***

1) Contractor Question: The DD254 states the requirement for a COMSEC account. This seems like it would not apply to the hub, but maybe to the overall system. What is the reason that a COMSEC account is required for production of the Next Generation Hub?

Government Response: The following information has been incorporated in the SOW, paragraph C.2.5., “An approved DD-254 is required to receive GFE NW Equipment to include Tactical Radios and support equipment. Tactical Radios and support equipment are Controlled Cryptographic Items and must be protected under COMSEC provisions. Verification of proper performance of the NGH during FAT is conducted with a full Nett Warrior system which will include a Tactical Radio.”

2) Contractor Question: Is there any restriction on Foreign Entities as subcontractors or place of manufacture?

Government Response: Foreign entities will not be allowed access to the NW system as part of the qualification. They will not be allowed access to COMSEC equipment. Offeror will need to explain how they plan to execute the program and meet all the requirements in relation to this if they are including Foreign Entities as subcontractors or places of manufacturing.

3) Contractor Question: Could you share or point us in the direction of the ISW Protocol Specification? It was not referenced in the reference document section.

Government Response: The reference document has been changed to ISW Embedment Guide and attached as A12, per Amendment two to this solicitation.

4) Contractor Question: The link for referenced documents did not work: Caution-http://www.redstone.army.mil/amrdec/sepd/tdmd/Documents/ADS37APRF.pdf < Caution-http://www.redstone.army.mil/amrdec/sepd/tdmd/Documents/ADS37APRF.pdf > ;is there another way to obtain these?

Government Response: Document list has been updated per revised Performance Specs “A01” uploaded per Amendment two.

5) Contractor Question: What is the planned award timeframe (target quarter of FY20 or FY21)?

Government Response: Target is 1QFY21

6) Contractor Question: In regards to the subject solicitation, would it be possible to receive the following documents?

· SUP-PSM-ICD-06142018

· Small Unit Power (SUP) Power Systems Messaging (PSM) Interface Control Document (SUP-PSM-ICD) Revision 4.7 (Available from PM SWAR SS&I)

· ISPDS-C_EUD_V3_1

· ISPDS-C to EUD Communications Interface Control Document

· ISW Protocol Specification

· Per section 3.3.2.9 Intra Soldier Wireless (Objective)

Government Response: SUP-PSM-ICD-06122018 has been superseded by ISPDS-C_EUD_V3_1 (Attachment A14). ISW Protocol Specification has been changed to A12 - ISW Embedment Guide. A01 – Performance Specification has been updated to reflect these changes.

7) Contractor Question: While the first paragraph of Section C.2.5 states (in part) that: “The Government considers … information and documents handled or generated in conjunction with this acquisition to be Sensitive but Unclassified (SBU)…”, the second paragraph of Section C.2.5 of the Solicitation (Security requirement) states (in part) that: “Following contract award, the awardee will be required to complete a DD254 Form.”

It is our understanding that FORM DD254 is required ONLY IF the Solicitation involves access to classified information. If this assumption is accurate, we don’t believe FORM DD254 is required for this Solicitation. Please confirm.

However, if this assumption is not accurate and DD254 is required for Sensitive but Unclassified information handled or generated under this Solicitation, please provide a copy of CNSSI 4005 referenced in Section 13 of FORM DD254 (as well as any other requirements applicable to SBUs) so we can review and properly respond to your Solicitation. Please advise.

Government Response: An approved DD-254 is required to receive GFE NW Equipment to include Tactical Radios and key devices. Tactical Radios, and associated key fill devices and materials, are Controlled Cryptographic Items and must be protected under COMSEC provisions (as detailed in box 13 of DD-254). Verification of proper performance of the NGH during FAT is conducted with a full Nett Warrior system which will include a military tactical radio. In regards to the CNSSI 4005, the document will not be available for release at this time.

8) Contractor Question: We are requesting a 30 day extension to the deadline of May 5, 2020. With the ongoing Covid 19 situation and the state wide stay at home order, it is having negative impacts on our schedule.

Government Response: Due to the on-going COVID-19 pandemic, but offset somewhat by the myrid of on-line teaming / collaboration tools available to the general public, the Government is extending the submission data for proposals from the original 45 calendar days to 60 calendar days. The proposal due date is changing from 05/05/2020 to 05/20/2020 at 3:00 P.M. Eastern Standard Time (EST). This change was incorporated via Amendment 3.

9) Contractor Question: What is defined as the hub in the xyz dimensional requirements? Could elements used to affix/secure the hub to the end user be excluded if they are attached to the hub housing?

Government Response: The dimensional requirements in 3.2.1.1 are defined for non-removable elements of the NGH. If the elements used to affix/secure to the body armor can be removed from the hub housing they are not included in dimensional requirements of 3.2.1.1. The elements used are still subject to requirements in 3.2.1.3, 3.2.1.4, 3.2.1.5, 3.2.3. and 3.4 and 3.5 of the Performance Specification.

10) Contractor Question: Are we to assume CDRLs are applicable for the entire five year period of performance (IMS, Meeting Minutes, etc.), or are CDRLs only to be factored into pricing for the initial deliveries listed for CLIN001 and CLIN002?

Government Response: Reference Attachment - A11 CDRLS, Each CDRL specifics the frequency and dates of submission.

11) Contractor Question: It is our interpretation that we are to provide unit pricing in section B for the initial CLIN001 and CLIN002 quantities, and provide max qty unit pricing for the entire five year contract period in the pricing matrix. Is this correct?

Government Response: As stated in Solicitation W91CRB-20-R-0003, Section B (page 3) under CLIN 0002, “Stepladder pricing shall be for quantities 1 - 33,420 found in the attached Price Matrix. Upon determination of price reasonableness, the awardee's step-ladder pricing will be incorporated into the contract under this CLIN.”

12) Contractor Question: Request clarification on the Pricing Instructions in Section L and Price evaluation Criteria in Section M. This is in regards to how CLIN 0003 items are to be priced and evaluated. Section L, Factor 2 states that “The Price Volume shall clearly identify the proposed firm-fixed unit price for each separately priced CLIN in Section B in the format provided for said CLINs. Each Offeror’s price proposal shall include a completed Section B and the attached NGH Pricing Matrix.” CLIN 0003 in Section B is listed as a FFP CLIN, our assumption is that we can allocate price to CLIN 0003 elements. However, the rest of Section L, Factor 2 only speaks to CLINs 0001 and 0002. Section M, Factor 2 states that the total evaluated price will be by adding CLIN 0001 and 0002 together.

Government Response: CLIN 0003 in solicitation W91CRB-20-R-0003, has been revised to incorporate NSP, Not Separately Priced.

13) Contractor Question: What is the Army’s expectation for pricing of CLIN 0003 and will a priced CLIN 0003 not be part of the evaluation?

Government Response: CLIN 0003 in solicitation W91CRB-20-R-0003 has been revised to incorporate NSP, Not Separately Priced.

14) Contractor Question: To help us better estimate the support and sustainment models, can you please provide estimates or specifics on how many hours per month the NGH will be operation/in-use? Can you share the current maintenance strategy for the existing basic hub?

Government Response: The stated requirements for NGH reliability and maintainability are defined in Attachment A01, System Performance Specification, in paragraphs 3.4.2 and 3.4.3 with corresponding verifications in 4.4.2 and 4.4.3. The Basic Hub maintenance strategy will not be provided.

15) Contractor Question: The Section L and M state that a Requirement Compliance Matrix is part of the Technical Factor submission. Is this compliance matrix part of the 30 page limit for Factor 1 Overall Technical Volume, or can it be an appendix that does not count against the 30 pages? Is the expectation that the compliance matrix captures all elements of Section 3 of the Systems Performance Spec, and/or is there additional information the Government expects to see in the matrix?

Government Response: The Compliance Matrix does not count towards the 30 page limit and the solicitation has been modified in Section L to incorporate (The cover letter, title page, table of contents, table of figures, pricing matrix, list of tables and glossary of abbreviations & acronyms do not count against page count limitations.) The Compliance Matrix will reflect how contractor’s proposed design will comply with all technical requirements defined in Section 3 of the NGH Systems Performance Specification.

16) Contractor Question: CLIN0001 states FAT must occur no later than 25 weeks ARO which equates to 175 calendar days. CLIN0002 says delivery shall commence no later than 120 calendar days ARO and cannot begin until successful completion of FAT. So does that mean FAT must be completed at least 120 calendar days ARO? Or does it mean that we deliver 100 units for FAT no later than 175 calendar days ARO and then if everything goes well Government will issue a Task Order and we have 120 calendar days to commence delivery? Or should it read CLIN0002 is 120 Days after Successful completion of the FAT Testing?

Government Response: Please reference solicitation W91CRB-20-R-003, page 77, Table L2, CLIN 0002, “Delivery shall commence no later than 120 calendar days After Receipt of Order (ARO) AND either complete delivery within twelve (12) months after delivery commences OR at a minimum rate of 150 units per month whichever is fastest.” Furthermore, see, “Note 1: CLIN 0002 quantities are available for award in any quantity and at any time during the contract period of performance. Deliveries against CLIN 0002 cannot begin until successful completion of FAT Testing.” Additionally, please reference the Statement of Work (SOW), paragraph C.4.1.4, “The Government will assess all test and verification data to determine a successful System Verification Review (SVR) prior to the contractor commencing full production.”

17. Contractor Question: The past experience questions had to be sent 5 days after receipt of RFP, is that due now or on 5-20? What is deadline for questions to be asked?

Government Response: Reference solicitation, Section L, Factor 3, page 80 states, “The POCs for the past/current contract shall be instructed to electronically complete Part II of the questionnaire and e-mail the entire questionnaire to the Contracting Office NLT the proposal due date. Per Amendment 3, the proposal due date is 20 May 2020 no later than 3:00 P.M. EST. All questions must be submitted on or prior to 1 May 2020 no later than 3:00 P.M. Eastern Standard Time (EST).

18. Contractor Question: Will there be an NDA to sign?

Government Response: Offeror’s are not required to sign Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDA’s).

19. Contractor Question: Can the ISW-dongle be configured to connect to any of the USB Slots?

Government Response: There are no requirements for an ISW dongle.

20. Contractor Question: Referencing the A01 System Performance Specification, Section 3.2.1.1: Do the size dimensions include the ISW module and antenna?

Government Response: NGH requirements stated in Section 3.2.1.1 are inclusive of all threshold capabilities.

21. Contractor Question: Referencing the A01 System Performance Specification, Section 3.2.2.1: What is the maximum voltage drop (Vbatt) allowed for the path from either input battery to any PAN or EUD output?

Government Response: Voltage related requirements are defined in Attachment A01 – System Performance Specification in paragraphs 3.3.2.5.2 and 3.3.2.6.

22. Contractor Question: Referencing the A01 System Performance Specification, Section 3.3.2.1: Is adding an additional USB receptacle for an ISW dongle acceptable?

Government Response: The NGH must comply with input requirements of Section 3.3.2.1. There is no ISW dongle requirement.

23. Contractor Question: Referencing the A01 System Performance Specification, Section 3.3.2.2: This specification states that the NGH shall act as a USB Hub, yet in ICD 4.17, the NGH must query the USB device descriptor. For this ICD message, a USB host type function is needed which seems to contradict the specification. Does the NGH need to query the USB device information or can it allow for a pass through (i.e. hub) function for the EUD to query?

Government Response: ICD related requirements are defined in Section 3.3.2.7 and implementation in conjunction with requirements in Section 3.3.2.2 are vendor unique.

24. Contractor Question: Referencing the A01 System Performance Specification, Section 3.3.2.3: Is the intention of the specification that only one USB device will be charged at the 2A rate at any one time? That is, there is 2A available on any USB port for charging while the other ports would be capable of 500mA maximum (per USB specification)?

Government Response: Section 3.3.2.3 only addresses the USB Host Power. USB Output power is defined in Section 3.3.2.6.

25. Contractor Question: Referencing the A01 System Performance Specification, Section 3.3.2.5: The maximum input current capability for either Vbatt input is 5A. If the input voltage is greater than 15V, will the input current draw be less than 5A? With two battery sources attached, what is the switch over voltage to automatically change from one source to the other?

Government Response: Section 3.3.2.5.2 Simple DC Voltage Input provides details on switchover voltage. As stated in Section 3.3.2.6, “The NGH shall be capable of providing a maximum of 5A VBATT to each (not concurrently) Device Receptacles with Sockets within the input power constraints defined in 3.3.2.5 and 3.3.2.5.2.”

26. Contractor Question: Referencing the A01 System Performance Specification, Section 3.3.2.6: The NGH can supply up to 5A Vbatt to any device output. Since the input current is limited to 5A (per 3.3.2.5) would multiple devices divide up the input current (5A max)? (e.g. all ports may draw 1.25A maximum simultaneously, or one port may draw 5A, or two ports may draw 2.5A each etc.)

Government Response: Section 3.3.2.6 of A01 System Performance Specification has been updated to state, “The NGH shall be capable of providing a maximum of 5A VBATT to each (not concurrently) Device Receptacles with Sockets within the input power constraints defined in 3.3.2.5 and 3.3.2.5.2.”

27. Contractor Question: Referencing A01 - System Performance Specification, Section 3.3.2.7: Does the NGH require a unique USB VID/PID for each individual unit or can a single unique VID/PID be used for all NGHs?

Government Response: The unique VID/PID defined in Section 3.3.2.7 is unique for the NGH device class and not specific to each serialized NGH.

28. Contractor Question: Referencing the A01 System Performance Specification, Section 3.3.2.9: Is the ISW module communication range already limited to 2m or do additional features need to be added to the module to limit its range? There are several form factors for the ISW module in the ISW Embedment Guide. Is the choice of ISW module form factor up to the supplier? Will ISW modules be supplied by the government or does the supplier need to procure them?

Government Response: Implementation of Objective requirements is vendor unique and left to vendor implementation in accordance with Section 3.3.2.9 requirement that, “The ISW modules s selected for use shall require approval by the Government prior to integration into the NGH.”

29. Contractor Question: Referencing the A01 System Performance Specification, Section 3.3.3: Is there a list of tailored requirements available regarding the specification for Information Assurance? Typically, a list of requirements is derived from the documents listed tailored for this specific application.

Government Response: A tailored list of requirements is not available at this time. They will be made available after award, upon execution of the DD-254.

30. Contractor Question: Referencing the A01 System Performance Specification, Section 3.3.3.9: Where can the list of DoD approved IA products be located? What parts / interfaces of the NGH design need to conform to IA rules?

Government Response: As stated in Section 3.3.3., “The NGH shall not have an adverse impact on the ability of connected devices or systems (e.g. Nett Warrior) to obtain system level Secret accreditation.” Implementation of design aspects to address IA rules are vendor unique. The DoD Approved IA Product List is located at the following URL: https://aplits.disa.mil/processAPList.action

31. Contractor Question: Referencing the A01 System Performance Specification, Section 3.4.1: Does the NGH power limit of 1W include the ISW module? What are the power requirements for each of the ISW modules defined in the ISW Embedment Guide?

Government Response: The requirements defined in Section 3.4.1 of the A01 System Performance Specification do not include Objective performance requirements. Upon contract award, power requirements for ISW modules will be defined following completion of module security certifications.

32. Contractor Question: Referencing the A01 System Performance Specification, Section 3.5.2.3: What is the temperature change rate (degrees / minute) for the temperature shock specification?

Government Response: Reference Attachment A01- System Performance Specification, Section 4.5.2.3, which references MIL-STD-810G, Method 503, Procedure I-C, which defines a maximum temperate change rate to be used for this test, in step one.

33. Contractor Question: Referencing the A01 System Performance Specification, Section 3.5.3: What is the ambient temperature for the solar radiation test?

Government Response: Reference Attachment A01- System Performance Specification, Section 4.5.3., references MIL-STD-810G, which defines standard ambient temperature for solar radiation test.

34. Contractor Question: Has the deadline for further questions passed or is there a date in the future?

Government Response: All questions must be submitted on or prior to 1 May 2020 no later than 3:00 P.M. Eastern Standard Time (EST).

35) Contractor Question: Can Harris 152A radios be used for the performance of the Solicitation as they provide the same radio functionality needed for testing and proving out conformance to the specifications set forth in NGH SOW?

Government Response: Reference Attachment A01 – System Performance Specification, Specific configurations and hardware components used for verification testing are defined in Table VIII. Changes to this component list are subject to Government approval during review of CDRL A625 First Article Test Plan.

36) Contractor Question: If an awardee owns and operates equivalent non-COMSEC Harris 152A radios their premises, would this be acceptable for conducting operational verification? Even though non-COMSEC, we believe that Harris 152A radios can be used for the performance of the Solicitation as they provide the same radio functionality needed for testing and proving out conformance to the specifications set forth in NGH SOW. Or, if the GFE NW COMSEC Radio is another variant of Harris or if the COMSEC 152A must be used, can the awardee engage directly with the radio MFG, Harris Corporation to receive full on-site support for all testing, keying, configuring of these radios?

Government Response: Reference Attachment A01 – System Performance Specification, Specific configurations and hardware components used for verification testing are defined in Table VIII. Changes to this component list are subject to Government approval during review of CDRL A625 First Article Test Plan. Coordination with outside organizations as a supplier or sub-contractor is the determination of the offeror.

37) The System Performance Specification states "DoDI 8500.1 control, DCTC-1 TEMPEST, is required to ensure CNSSAM TEMPEST 01-02 NONSTOP and TEMPEST Countermeasure Review (TCR) requirements of the host system, to include interconnected radios, is preserved." Does the NGH system need to undergo TEMPEST and NONSTOP testing as a standalone system or will this testing only be performed as part of the integrated Nett Warrior system at the government level?

Government Response: As defined in TABLE VII: Performance Requirements - Verification Cross-Reference of A01 - System Performance Specification verification of Information Assurance/Cybersecurity requirements are conducted by the Government at the system level. Offerors are responsible to ensure, as stated in section 3.3.3, that, “The NGH shall not have an adverse impact on the ability of connected devices or systems (e.g. Nett Warrior) to obtain system level Secret accreditation.”

38) If the NGH needs to be subjected to TEMPEST and NONSTOP testing as a standalone system, will the government release the applicable TEMPEST testing specification to contractors to support this testing?

Government Response: As defined in TABLE VII: Performance Requirements - Verification Cross-Reference of A01 NGH System Performance Specification verification of Information Assurance/Cybersecurity requirements are conducted by the Government at a system level. Offerors are responsible to ensure, as stated in section 3.3.3, that “The NGH shall not have an adverse impact on the ability of connected devices or systems (e.g. Nett Warrior) to obtain system level Secret accreditation.”