6635--X Ray Inspection System for VBA Sioux Falls Regional Office 438 - Sioux Falls RO

Amendment to 36C10E20Q0273

**Closing date is hereby changed to Tuesday, September 1, 2020 at 5:00PM Eastern**

Interested Parties Questions to 36C10E20Q0273 and VA Answers

Would the Government consider including an additional requirement for the X-Ray Machine to include technology/software that dramatically expands the capabilities of X-ray checkpoint system and their operators by connecting them instantly with highly trained Bomb Technicians to obtain real-time, remote X-Ray Image Interpretation for any suspicious or unknown items encountered during the screening process?

Answer: This service is not a requirement of the solicitation. However, vendors are permitted to include this type of additional service within their quotation for the equipment being solicited.

Even with high-definition X-ray images, auto-detect features or density alert capabilities installed on an X-ray machine, screeners may encounter false-alarms or instances where despite conducting an enhanced evaluation it is still not apparent if an explosive threat or prohibited item is present. What alarm resolution procedures or technology will the Government rely upon to ensure suspicious items and potential threats are properly identified, to reduce the risk of an explosive incident, or an unnecessary evacuation of the facility?

Answer: VA Regional Office operational security procedures will not be provided regarding the solicitation for X-Ray Equipment.

With COVID-19 still a present threat across the globe, how will the VA obtain explosive threat resolution without having to rely upon local, in-person EOD teams to arrive on-site to make a determination, potentially risking exposure to personnel on-site?

Answer: Same answer as question #2.

Please clarify the item (Cart) listed within the Performance Requirements paragraph. Is that a request for a separate operator console for monitor and control panel, as opposed to side mount for the control panel?

Answer: The Cart requirement is hereby removed from the Performance Requirements.

Is there a specific tunnel size requirement or a shall not exceed tunnel size requirement? Only the unit model (6030di) is listed but most industry checkpoint systems range between 50cm x 30cm (24.4 x13 ) for compact models and 60cm x 42cm (24.4 x16.5 ) for standard entry/checkpoint models manufactured by most x-ray screening manufacturers.

Answer: The Performance Requirements does list a minimum tunnel size of 24 W x 13 H. There is not a shall not exceed tunnel size for this requirement. Both tunnel size dimensions listed within the question would be acceptable.