Foreign Media Monitoring Translation System

This is Amendment 0003 to Solicitation W9132V-08-R-0010, Foreign Media Monitoring Translation System.

a. This amendment corrects the government's response provided on Amendment 0002, Question 4:

Question 4. Is web crawling on foreign web-site in Arabic, Iraqi Arabic, and English Or is it English only crawling?

Correct Answer 4. The web crawling is done on websites containing Spanish, French, Portuguese and Haitian Creole. The indexing should be stored in both the original language, and the destination language (English), if applicable.

b. All other terms and conditions remain unchaged.

a. This is Amendment 0002 to Solicitation W9132V-08-R-0010, Foreign Media Monitoring Translation System.
b. The date and time for receipt of quotes is hereby changed to 8 September 2008, 2:00 pm EST.
c. This amendment provides answers to questions submitted by prospective offerors:
Question 1. Are there any specific metrics for the web crawler?
Answer 1. The web crawler should be able to maintain a 90 day history of at least 30 sites, with the crawler checking for site updates at least two times a day (a larger number of sites and more frequent updates is desirable, but not required). The crawler should index at a 'depth' of at least 2 'hops' from the main page.
Question 2. Is there a requirement for persistent web crawling (constant re-indexing of the entire internet basically) or 'on demand' where a user initiates it and defines the depth and other parameters with automation then applied (e.g. scheduling)?
Answer 2. After initial user/factory setup, the website indexing functionality should be completely automated, running 24/7. See answer above for more details on frequency of checking website updates and 'depth'.
Question 3. How should storage (Data Warehousing) be addressed? Provide a turnkey solution or use of Government DISA sites? If the contractor provides solution must it be secure, etc.?
Answer 3. The system should be a 'turnkey' system meaning that all required storage should be included.
Question 4. Is web crawling on foreign web-site in Arabic, Iraqi Arabic, and English Or is it English only crawling?
Answer 4. The web crawling is down on websites containing Modern Standard Arabic, Iraqi Arabic and English. The indexing should be stored in both the original language, and the destination language (English), if applicable.
Question 5. What is the security level of the LAN?
Answer 5. Unknown. For the web crawling ability, the contractor should assume that an 'open' path to the Internet exists and is available to the FMM system.
Question 6. Will the Internet Service Provider (ISP) be provided for the web crawler?
Answer 6. Yes. The contractor should assume that there is an Internet hookup available. If chosen, more details about integrating into the Units LAN will be provided (Static IP, DHCP, DNS servers, etc.).
Question 7. Is there already an existing firewall to negate a virus threat on the LAN or will it be required?
Answer 7. No firewall in the FMM is required.
Question 8. Does a LAN exist for the users or is the Contractor to provide the Ethernet LAN and Workstations? If it exists what is the interface to the Users (e.g. 100 or 1000 Gigabit Ethernet)
Answer 8. The end user LAN exists. If the system being offered interacts entirely with the user through a web interface so that the user simply needs to point a web browser to the IP of the system, then no Workstations are required. If the system has its own proprietary Workstations, then enough Workstations for up to 4 simultaneous users should be included in the quote. The exact makeup of the LAN is unknown, but the contractor should assume that it is at least a 10/100 Mb/sec LAN.
Question 9. If the Contractor is to provide the LAN, the actual requirements need to be provided.
Answer 9. See above. The system should be a turnkey system that can be dropped into an existing LAN.
Question 10. It is assumed the Government will provide the feeds to be analyzed. Please provide the interface and technical standards for the interfaces (i.e., are we interfacing to internet? Satellite raw feeds?) Please provide the technical specifications and exact manufacturer and part numbers for all receivers.
Answer 10. The Government will provide their own audio and video sources. The contractor should expect video to be provided in a standard composite input (RCA jack), and the audio to be provided in standard stereo (RCA jack). The Contractor should assume that the LAN that the FMM will be on has Internet connectivity. If chosen, the Government will provide more information on the specific LAN setup.
Question 11. The time frame for delivery of a quality translation system meeting your specific requirements is not realistic. Such a system needs substantial customized configuration, system integration, and a testing cycle before turn-over. Therefore, we request that delivery be changed from 60 days to 180 days.
Answer 11. The RFQ is not for new development. The governments market research indicates there are offerors capable of providing commercial-off-the-shelf functional systems within the stated deadline.
Question 12. We request that Translation Quality be part of the evaluation criteria as it distinguishes between companies providing the lowest level of functionality and those who can provide expansion option and higher quality (accuracy) in translation. We would like to point out that while there is no perfect translation product on the 'Commercial' market, IMV will propose to use the top rated translation software in the marketplace as a part of our customized system architecture. We point you to the text translation comparisons performed by the National Institute of Standards and Technology recommending specific translation products as being the most accurate on the market. Please see: http://www.nist.gov/speech/tests/mt/2006/doc/mt06eval_official_results.html. Therefore, NIST standards should be made a part of the quality standard in determining acceptability of the system.
Answer 12. Translation Quality is already a part of the evaluation, see paragraph 7. Excerpt: 'Systems will be selected based on evidence of translation capability (translation accuracy subject to expected media conditions)... This selection will be based on results of laboratory testing, evaluations by military personnel and documented performance data supplied by the vendor on their systems.'
Question 13. While we can meet all your system requirements, more than 15 days from closing of the solicitation would be needed to develop a demonstration. Therefore, we request that the demonstration be given 60 days from closing.
Answer 13. As this is an RFQ for a COTS product, the vendor should be able to have a working system ready for demo within 15 days of RFQ closing.
Question 14. In reviewing the interested parties list in FedBizOpps, it was noticed that there are at least 2 (two) small businesses that may be able to respond to the solicitation. IMV is also a small business and it is requested that the solicitation be set aside for small business in accordance with FAR 19.502-2 (b) (1).
Answer 14. The governments market research indicated that two or more small businesses were not capable of providing a commercial off the shelf product that could meet the governments requirement.
Question 15. This is not a commercial off the shelf (COTS) system using catalog pricing but rather a system developed using unique systems architecture, complex commercial software, and customized programming. The short timeframe between RFP advertisement and closing is not supportive of fostering an environment of effective competition. Therefore, it is requested that the closing date be extended by 15 days. For this same reason, it is recommended that the pricing arrangement be changed from a Firm Fixed Price to a Fixed Price Level of Effort with a Not-To- Exceed Ceiling Price for Materials.
Answer 15. The governments requirement for a COTS product is necessary to meet delivery requirements critical to satisfy mission needs.
Question 16. Is email submission acceptable?
Answer 16. Proposals sent via email will NOT be considered. Responses to the RFQ AND DELIVERY of the units should be mailed or delivered to: U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC), Topographic Engineer Center, Attn: CEERD-CT-A (Toni Davis/Nilda Lugo), 7701 Telegraph Road, Alexandria, VA 22315-3864. If proposals are hand delivered, they must be delivered to the Contracts Office, Attn: Nilda Lugo, Contracting Officer (703-428-6272) or Toni Davis, Contract Specialist (703-428-6632), Building 2592 (Cude Building), located on the grounds of the Humphrey Engineering Center, 7701 Telegraph Road, Alexandria VA 22315-3864, in order to be properly time and date stamped. Due to security measures, advance notification to Toni Davis, Contract Specialist (phone 703-428-6632 or fax 703-428-6995) or Nilda Lugo, must be provided so that the guard on Leaf Road gate can be made aware of your arrival. Hours of operation are 8:00 am through 4:00 pm eastern time, Monday through Friday, excluding Federal holidays. Due to the security measures at the building, offerors must allow sufficient time to adhere to the security procedures at the front desk. Offerors cannot proceed unescorted to the depository noted. Delays caused by TEC employees adherence to security procedures will not constitute cause for allowing late receipt of offers
Question 17. What is the expected ceiling of award?
Answer 17. There isnt a ceiling for the award.
Question 18. Are there any restrictions on length?
Answer 18. No.
Question 19. I am inquiring about the Foreign Media Monitoring Translation System. On FBO there are two solicitation numbers listed for this, W9132V-08-R-0012 & W9132V-08-R-0010. Are these two separate 'on there own' programs or was one mistakenly put on FBO. If it was a mistake which solicitation number is the correct one?
Answer 19. They are two separate requirements.
d. All other terms and conditions remain unchanged.
.

a. This is Amendment 0002 to Solicitation W9132V-08-R-0010, Foreign Media Monitoring Translation System.

b. The date and time for receipt of quotes is hereby changed to 8 September 2008, 2:00 pm EST.

c. This amendment provides answers to questions submitted by prospective offerors:

Question 1. Are there any specific metrics for the web crawler?

Answer 1. The web crawler should be able to maintain a 90 day history of at least 30 sites, with the crawler checking for site updates at least two times a day (a larger number of sites and more frequent updates is desirable, but not required). The crawler should index at a 'depth' of at least 2 'hops' from the main page.

Question 2. Is there a requirement for persistent web crawling (constant re-indexing of the entire internet basically) or 'on demand' where a user initiates it and defines the depth and other parameters with automation then applied (e.g. scheduling)?

Answer 2. After initial user/factory setup, the website indexing functionality should be completely automated, running 24/7. See answer above for more details on frequency of checking website updates and 'depth'.

Question 3. How should storage (Data Warehousing) be addressed? Provide a turnkey solution or use of Government DISA sites? If the contractor provides solution must it be secure, etc.?

Answer 3. The system should be a 'turnkey' system meaning that all required storage should be included.

Question 4. Is web crawling on foreign web-site in Arabic, Iraqi Arabic, and English Or is it English only crawling?

Answer 4. The web crawling is down on websites containing Modern Standard Arabic, Iraqi Arabic and English. The indexing should be stored in both the original language, and the destination language (English), if applicable.

Question 5. What is the security level of the LAN?

Answer 5. Unknown. For the web crawling ability, the contractor should assume that an 'open' path to the Internet exists and is available to the FMM system.

Question 6. Will the Internet Service Provider (ISP) be provided for the web crawler?

Answer 6. Yes. The contractor should assume that there is an Internet hookup available. If chosen, more details about integrating into the Units LAN will be provided (Static IP, DHCP, DNS servers, etc.).

Question 7. Is there already an existing firewall to negate a virus threat on the LAN or will it be required?

Answer 7. No firewall in the FMM is required.

Question 8. Does a LAN exist for the users or is the Contractor to provide the Ethernet LAN and Workstations? If it exists what is the interface to the Users (e.g. 100 or 1000 Gigabit Ethernet)

Answer 8. The end user LAN exists. If the system being offered interacts entirely with the user through a web interface so that the user simply needs to point a web browser to the IP of the system, then no Workstations are required. If the system has its own proprietary Workstations, then enough Workstations for up to 4 simultaneous users should be included in the quote. The exact makeup of the LAN is unknown, but the contractor should assume that it is at least a 10/100 Mb/sec LAN.

Question 9. If the Contractor is to provide the LAN, the actual requirements need to be provided.

Answer 9. See above. The system should be a turnkey system that can be dropped into an existing LAN.

Question 10. It is assumed the Government will provide the feeds to be analyzed. Please provide the interface and technical standards for the interfaces (i.e., are we interfacing to internet? Satellite raw feeds?) Please provide the technical specifications and exact manufacturer and part numbers for all receivers.

Answer 10. The Government will provide their own audio and video sources. The contractor should expect video to be provided in a standard composite input (RCA jack), and the audio to be provided in standard stereo (RCA jack). The Contractor should assume that the LAN that the FMM will be on has Internet connectivity. If chosen, the Government will provide more information on the specific LAN setup.

Question 11. The time frame for delivery of a quality translation system meeting your specific requirements is not realistic. Such a system needs substantial customized configuration, system integration, and a testing cycle before turn-over. Therefore, we request that delivery be changed from 60 days to 180 days.

Answer 11. The RFQ is not for new development. The governments market research indicates there are offerors capable of providing commercial-off-the-shelf functional systems within the stated deadline.

Question 12. We request that Translation Quality be part of the evaluation criteria as it distinguishes between companies providing the lowest level of functionality and those who can provide expansion option and higher quality (accuracy) in translation. We would like to point out that while there is no perfect translation product on the 'Commercial' market, IMV will propose to use the top rated translation software in the marketplace as a part of our customized system architecture. We point you to the text translation comparisons performed by the National Institute of Standards and Technology recommending specific translation products as being the most accurate on the market. Please see: http://www.nist.gov/speech/tests/mt/2006/doc/mt06eval_official_results.html. Therefore, NIST standards should be made a part of the quality standard in determining acceptability of the system.

Answer 12. Translation Quality is already a part of the evaluation, see paragraph 7. Excerpt: 'Systems will be selected based on evidence of translation capability (translation accuracy subject to expected media conditions)... This selection will be based on results of laboratory testing, evaluations by military personnel and documented performance data supplied by the vendor on their systems.'

Question 13. While we can meet all your system requirements, more than 15 days from closing of the solicitation would be needed to develop a demonstration. Therefore, we request that the demonstration be given 60 days from closing.

Answer 13. As this is an RFQ for a COTS product, the vendor should be able to have a working system ready for demo within 15 days of RFQ closing.

Question 14. In reviewing the interested parties list in FedBizOpps, it was noticed that there are at least 2 (two) small businesses that may be able to respond to the solicitation. IMV is also a small business and it is requested that the solicitation be set aside for small business in accordance with FAR 19.502-2 (b) (1).

Answer 14. The governments market research indicated that two or more small businesses were not capable of providing a commercial off the shelf product that could meet the governments requirement.

Question 15. This is not a commercial off the shelf (COTS) system using catalog pricing but rather a system developed using unique systems architecture, complex commercial software, and customized programming. The short timeframe between RFP advertisement and closing is not supportive of fostering an environment of effective competition. Therefore, it is requested that the closing date be extended by 15 days. For this same reason, it is recommended that the pricing arrangement be changed from a Firm Fixed Price to a Fixed Price Level of Effort with a Not-To- Exceed Ceiling Price for Materials.

Answer 15. The governments requirement for a COTS product is necessary to meet delivery requirements critical to satisfy mission needs.

Question 16. Is email submission acceptable?

Answer 16. Proposals sent via email will NOT be considered. Responses to the RFQ AND DELIVERY of the units should be mailed or delivered to: U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC), Topographic Engineer Center, Attn: CEERD-CT-A (Toni Davis/Nilda Lugo), 7701 Telegraph Road, Alexandria, VA 22315-3864. If proposals are hand delivered, they must be delivered to the Contracts Office, Attn: Nilda Lugo, Contracting Officer (703-428-6272) or Toni Davis, Contract Specialist (703-428-6632), Building 2592 (Cude Building), located on the grounds of the Humphrey Engineering Center, 7701 Telegraph Road, Alexandria VA 22315-3864, in order to be properly time and date stamped. Due to security measures, advance notification to Toni Davis, Contract Specialist (phone 703-428-6632 or fax 703-428-6995) or Nilda Lugo, must be provided so that the guard on Leaf Road gate can be made aware of your arrival. Hours of operation are 8:00 am through 4:00 pm eastern time, Monday through Friday, excluding Federal holidays. Due to the security measures at the building, offerors must allow sufficient time to adhere to the security procedures at the front desk. Offerors cannot proceed unescorted to the depository noted. Delays caused by TEC employees adherence to security procedures will not constitute cause for allowing late receipt of offers


Question 17. What is the expected ceiling of award?

Answer 17. There isnt a ceiling for the award.

Question 18. Are there any restrictions on length?

Answer 18. No.

Question 19. I am inquiring about the Foreign Media Monitoring Translation System. On FBO there are two solicitation numbers listed for this, W9132V-08-R-0012 & W9132V-08-R-0010. Are these two separate 'on there own' programs or was one mistakenly put on FBO. If it was a mistake which solicitation number is the correct one?

Answer 19. They are two separate requirements.

d. All other terms and conditions remain unchanged.

The date and time for receipt of offers is hereby changed to read Wednesday 3 September 2008, 2:00 PM EST. All other terms and conditions of the RFQ remain unchanged..

The date and time for receipt of offers is hereby changed to read Wednesday 3 September 2008, 2:00 PM EST. All other terms and conditions of the RFQ remain unchanged.

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items prepared in accordance with the format in Subpart 12.6, as supplemented with additional information included in this notice. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; proposals are being requested and a written solicitation will not be issued. The contract shall be awarded as a Firm Fixed Price type contract. The solicitation number is W9132V-08-R-0010 and is issued as a Request for Quote (RFQ).
The Sequoyah Management Office, under the Program Director, U.S. Army Space Programs Office of Program Executive Officer (PEO) Intelligence and Electronics Warfare and Sensors (IEW & S), Fort Monmouth, NJ, is seeking to fulfill the immediate need for a Foreign Media Monitoring translation system in support of Operational Iraqi Freedom (OIF), Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) and Global War on Terrorism (GWOT).
In order to be considered responsive a contractor must meet the following Requirements:
1. The proposed action is for one Foreign Media Monitoring translation system.
2. The system must provide the capability to monitor, translate, store, and data-mine captured foreign media.
a. Monitor: Transcription and recording 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The system must be able to monitor broadcast TV (audio and video), broadcast Radio (audio), and Internet websites (crawl and store textual information on websites such as new sites and blogs).
b. Translate: Origin languages must include Spanish, Portuguese, French, and Haitian Creole, with translated language being English. Additional languages are allowable, but the above five are required for proposal to be considered.
c. Store: The system must store both the original media recording and the translation for a minimum of three months (90 days).
d. Data-Mine: The system much provide a multi-string 'search' ability, named entity extraction, and a 'speaker tracking' ability (where applicable).
3. The FMM system will be capable of monitoring eight audio/video channels and 30 websites simultaneously, with licenses for four simultaneous analysts. For pricing breakout a quote for systems with two channels, four channels, six channels and eight channels shall be submitted. The maximum number of websites you can monitor with associated number of channels should be stated in the quote and broken down to the different options allowable. Breakout for number of licensed operators, one to four, should also be submitted.
4. Meet the delivery schedule of 60 days After Contract Award.
5. At the same time that the offeror submits their quote in response to the RFQ they will designate dates in which their system can be demonstrated. Demonstrations will be at the offerers' company's designated location and will be scheduled no earlier than three working days after receipt of quote by the Contracting Office, and no later than 15 working days after the RFQ's closing date. An evaluation team made up of Subject Matter Experts from DARPA, ARL, PM Sequoyah, and DLI will visit the offeror's site to receive a full demonstration of the Foreign Media Monitoring System's capabilities. The demonstration will last no more than four hours. A presentation and a question and answer session are allowable, and will not count against the four hour time limit. A checklist of features to be demonstrated will be made available to the offerers after receipt of quote. Features listed on this checklist which are not demonstrated will result in a 'failure to demonstrate.' The demonstration of the equipment will be at no cost to the government.
6. The system must be able to accurately translate information found in the following functional areas: News Broadcast, Military, and Political domains.
7. Systems will be selected based on evidence of translation capability (translation accuracy subject to expected media conditions, language variations, output intelligibility, etc.), domain coverage, system robustness (performance reliability and software stability) and operator suitability (documented user evaluation, limited user evaluation, speed of operation, ease of training). This selection will be based on results of laboratory testing, evaluations by military personnel and documented performance data supplied by the vendor on their systems, as necessary to make a determination.
8. Past performance of the offerors system through industry accepted benchmarking, comparative test and evaluation, or certified user feedback will be taken into consideration.
9. The FMM system must:
a. be expandable and updateable
b. have sufficient documentation to allow easy operation with minimal training
c. field serviceable
d. include 2 years of maintenance and support
10. Offerers shall describe in detail the specifics of the following:
a. description of machine translation engine
b ..power and environmental requirements
c. platform component and system details (e.g., size, weight, processor, Operating System, operating temperature range, product ruggedization: water, weather, dust, drop, etc)
d. training details: offeror provided training, embedded training
e. technical support (2 years to be included in quote)
f. warranty information
g. ruggedization options
11. The offeror must list the accessories (and their specifications) that come with the candidate system, to include:
a. Shipping and transit cases
b. Peripherals microphone, speakers, monitors, keyboards, mice, terminals (if necessary), etc.
c. Training and user documentation both CD and written desired.
12. A contractor must submit a catalog supporting prices quoted to the Government as well as any discounts offered.
13. Initial installation and test accompanied by a comprehensive training period (for both system operators and maintainers) shall be priced out in the quote. Total time for entire period not to exceed five days. For pricing purposes assume San Antonio, TX (US Army South HQS) will be where the system is to be delivered.
Delivery shall be within 60 days After Contract Award. Early Delivery at no extra cost to the Government is acceptable and encouraged.
The small size standard is for number employees below 750 for the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) Code 334220.
PROVISIONS AND CLAUSES applicable to this acquisition are as follows:
FAR 52.212-1, Instructions to Offerors Commercial Items (JAN 2005);
FAR 52-212-3, Alt 1, Offerors Representations and Certifications, Commercial Items
FAR 52.212-4, Contract Terms and Conditions Commercial Items (OCT 2003);
FAR 52-212-5, Contract terms and Conditions Required to Implement Statutes or Executive Orders Commercial Items (JULY 2005
DFARS 252.212-7001, Contract Terms and Conditions Required to Implement Statutes or Executive Orders Applicable to Defense Acquisitions of Commercial Items (JUNE 2005), for Paragraph (b) the following clause applies: 252.225-7001, 252.227-7015, 252.227-7037, 252.232-7003, 252.243-7002, 252.247-7023;
FAR 52.227-01, Authorization and Consent (JULY 1995);
FAR 52.227-2, Notice and Assistance Regarding Patent and Copyright Infringement (AUG 1996);
FAR 52.7043 Standard Practice for Commercial Packaging;
FAR 52.227-3, Patent Indemnity (APR 1984);
FAR 52.227-6, Royalty Information (APR 1984);
FAR 52.227-9, Refund of Royalties (APR 1984);
DFAR 252.227-7015, Technical Data Commercial Items (NOV 1995);
DFAR 252.227-7030, Technical Data Withholding of Payment (MAR 2000);
DFAR 252.227-7016 Rights in Bid or Proposal Information
DFAR 252.227-7037, Validation of Restrictive Markings on Technical Data (SEP 1999);
DFAR 252.227-7017 Identification and Assertion of Use, Release or Disclosure Restrictions
DFAR 252.227-7019 Validation of Asserted Restrictions-Computer Software
DFAR 252.227-7026 Deferred Delivery of Technical Data or Computer Software
DFAR 252.227-7027 Deferred Ordering of Technical Data or Computer Software
DFAR 252.227-7028 Technical Data or Computer Software Previously Delivered To the Government
DFAR 252.227-7030 Technical Data-Withholding of Payment
DFAR 252.227-7037 Validation of Restrictive Markings of Technical Data
FAR 52.242-15, Stop-Work Order (AUG 1989)
DFAR 252.204-7000 Disclosure of Information
DFAR 252.211.7003 Item Identification and Valuation
DFAR 252.217-7026, Identification of Source of Supply
DFAR 252.211-7006 Radio Frequency Identification
FAR 52.243-01, Changes Fixed Price
FAR 52.204-7, Central Contract Registration (for Certification and Representations)
FAR 52.223-11, Ozone-Depleting Substances
FAR 52.233-1, Disputes
FAR 52.233-4 Applicable Law for Breach of Contract Claim
FAR 52.247-34 FOB Destination
FAR 52.247-48 FOB Destination Evidence of Shipment
FULL TEXT OF THESE PROVISIONS AND CLAUSES MAY BE OBTAINED BY ACCESSING ANY OF THE FOLLOWING INTERNET WEBSITES: http://www.acq.osd.mil/dpap/dars/dfars/index.htm or http://www.acqnet.gov/far/ .
Basis of Award:
The Government intends to award a contract resulting from this solicitation to that responsible offeror whose offer conforming to the solicitation will be the most advantageous to the Government, price and other factors considered. The following factors shall be used to evaluate the offers: Technical, Past Performance and Price. Technical is more important than Past Performance and significantly more important than Cost. Past Performance is more important than Cost. When combined Technical and Past Performance are significantly more important than Price. Evaluation of past performance will include information submitted in response to paragraph 8 above. Price will be evaluated for fairness and reasonableness as it relates to the systems offered. Fairness and reasonableness is the degree to which the proposed price compares to the price a reasonable and prudent person would expect to incur for the same or similar goods or services. Offerors are required to submit one original and three copies of their responses. Award will be made based on the best value to the Government. All questions regarding this combined synopsis/solicitation must be directed IN WRITING to the Contracting officer, Nilda Lugo, no later than 26 Aug 2008, 2:00PM EST. Its the offerors responsibility to monitor this site for the release of amendments (if any). These items are in support of the WARFIGHTER. Therefore, offers are to be received NLT August 29th 2008, 2:00 PM EST.
Response to the RFQ AND DELIVERY of the units should be mailed or delivered to:
U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC),
Topographic Engineer Center,
Attn: CEERD-CT-A (Toni Davis/Nilda Lugo),
7701 Telegraph Road, Alexandria, VA 22315-3864.
If proposals are hand delivered, they must be delivered to the Contracts Office, Attn: Nilda Lugo, Contracting Officer (703-428-6272) or Toni Davis, Contract Specialist (703-428-6632), Building 2592 (Cude Building), located on the grounds of the Humphrey Engineering Center, 7701 Telegraph Road, Alexandria VA 22315-3864, in order to be properly time and date stamped. Due to security measures, advance notification to Toni Davis, Contract Specialist (phone 703-428-6632 or fax 703-428-6995) or Nilda Lugo, must be provided so that the guard on Leaf Road gate can be made aware of your arrival. Hours of operation are 8:00 am through 4:00 pm eastern time, Monday through Friday, excluding Federal holidays. Due to the security measures at the building, offerors must allow sufficient time to adhere to the security procedures at the front desk. Offerors cannot proceed unescorted to the depository noted. Delays caused by TEC employees adherence to security procedures will not constitute cause for allowing late receipt of offers. The Contracting Officer reserves the right to make no award under this RFQ. Offerors are strongly encouraged to use the Standard Form 1449 as the first page of their offer. If you choose not to use the SF 1449, you are cautioned to complete and provide with your proposal all the data requested by FAR 52.512-1, Instructions to Offerors Commercial Items. Failure to do so may eliminate you from consideration for award.
The Point of Contact for this action is Ms. Toni Davis, Contract Specialist,
703-428-6632, toni.davis2@us.army.mil, or Ms. Nilda E. Lugo, Contracting Officer, Fax: 703-428-6995, nilda.lugo@us.army.mil.
.

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items prepared in accordance with the format in Subpart 12.6, as supplemented with additional information included in this notice. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; proposals are being requested and a written solicitation will not be issued. The contract shall be awarded as a Firm Fixed Price type contract. The solicitation number is W9132V-08-R-0010 and is issued as a Request for Quote (RFQ).

The Sequoyah Management Office, under the Program Director, U.S. Army Space Programs Office of Program Executive Officer (PEO) Intelligence and Electronics Warfare and Sensors (IEW&S), Fort Monmouth, NJ, is seeking to fulfill the immediate need for a Foreign Media Monitoring translation system in support of Operational Iraqi Freedom (OIF), Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) and Global War on Terrorism (GWOT).

In order to be considered responsive a contractor must meet the following Requirements:
1. The proposed action is for one Foreign Media Monitoring translation system.
2. The system must provide the capability to monitor, translate, store, and data-mine captured foreign media.
a. Monitor: Transcription and recording 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The system must be able to monitor broadcast TV (audio and video), broadcast Radio (audio), and Internet websites (crawl and store textual information on websites such as new sites and blogs).
b. Translate: Origin languages must include Spanish, Portuguese, French, and Haitian Creole, with translated language being English. Additional languages are allowable, but the above five are required for proposal to be considered.
c. Store: The system must store both the original media recording and the translation for a minimum of three months (90 days).
d. Data-Mine: The system much provide a multi-string 'search' ability, named entity extraction, and a 'speaker tracking' ability (where applicable).
3. The FMM system will be capable of monitoring eight audio/video channels and 30 websites simultaneously, with licenses for four simultaneous analysts. For pricing breakout a quote for systems with two channels, four channels, six channels and eight channels shall be submitted. The maximum number of websites you can monitor with associated number of channels should be stated in the quote and broken down to the different options allowable. Breakout for number of licensed operators, one to four, should also be submitted.
4. Meet the delivery schedule of 60 days After Contract Award.
5. At the same time that the offeror submits their quote in response to the RFQ they will designate dates in which their system can be demonstrated. Demonstrations will be at the offerers' company's designated location and will be scheduled no earlier than three working days after receipt of quote by the Contracting Office, and no later than 15 working days after the RFQ's closing date. An evaluation team made up of Subject Matter Experts from DARPA, ARL, PM Sequoyah, and DLI will visit the offeror's site to receive a full demonstration of the Foreign Media Monitoring System's capabilities. The demonstration will last no more than four hours. A presentation and a question and answer session are allowable, and will not count against the four hour time limit. A checklist of features to be demonstrated will be made available to the offerers after receipt of quote. Features listed on this checklist which are not demonstrated will result in a 'failure to demonstrate.' The demonstration of the equipment will be at no cost to the government.
6. The system must be able to accurately translate information found in the following functional areas: News Broadcast, Military, and Political domains.
7. Systems will be selected based on evidence of translation capability (translation accuracy subject to expected media conditions, language variations, output intelligibility, etc.), domain coverage, system robustness (performance reliability and software stability) and operator suitability (documented user evaluation, limited user evaluation, speed of operation, ease of training). This selection will be based on results of laboratory testing, evaluations by military personnel and documented performance data supplied by the vendor on their systems, as necessary to make a determination.
8. Past performance of the offerors system through industry accepted benchmarking, comparative test and evaluation, or certified user feedback will be taken into consideration.
9. The FMM system must:
a. be expandable and updateable
b. have sufficient documentation to allow easy operation with minimal training
c. field serviceable
d. include 2 years of maintenance and support
10. Offerers shall describe in detail the specifics of the following:
a. description of machine translation engine
b ..power and environmental requirements
c. platform component and system details (e.g., size, weight, processor, Operating System, operating temperature range, product ruggedization: water, weather, dust, drop, etc)
d. training details: offeror provided training, embedded training
e. technical support (2 years to be included in quote)
f. warranty information
g. ruggedization options
11. The offeror must list the accessories (and their specifications) that come with the candidate system, to include:
a. Shipping and transit cases
b. Peripherals microphone, speakers, monitors, keyboards, mice, terminals (if necessary), etc.
c. Training and user documentation both CD and written desired.
12. A contractor must submit a catalog supporting prices quoted to the Government as well as any discounts offered.
13. Initial installation and test accompanied by a comprehensive training period (for both system operators and maintainers) shall be priced out in the quote. Total time for entire period not to exceed five days. For pricing purposes assume San Antonio, TX (US Army South HQS) will be where the system is to be delivered.

Delivery shall be within 60 days After Contract Award. Early Delivery at no extra cost to the Government is acceptable and encouraged.

The small size standard is for number employees below 750 for the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) Code 334220.

PROVISIONS AND CLAUSES applicable to this acquisition are as follows:

FAR 52.212-1, Instructions to Offerors Commercial Items (JAN 2005);
FAR 52-212-3, Alt 1, Offerors Representations and Certifications, Commercial Items
FAR 52.212-4, Contract Terms and Conditions Commercial Items (OCT 2003);
FAR 52-212-5, Contract terms and Conditions Required to Implement Statutes or Executive Orders Commercial Items (JULY 2005
DFARS 252.212-7001, Contract Terms and Conditions Required to Implement Statutes or Executive Orders Applicable to Defense Acquisitions of Commercial Items (JUNE 2005), for Paragraph (b) the following clause applies: 252.225-7001, 252.227-7015, 252.227-7037, 252.232-7003, 252.243-7002, 252.247-7023;
FAR 52.227-01, Authorization and Consent (JULY 1995);
FAR 52.227-2, Notice and Assistance Regarding Patent and Copyright Infringement (AUG 1996);
FAR 52.7043 Standard Practice for Commercial Packaging;
FAR 52.227-3, Patent Indemnity (APR 1984);
FAR 52.227-6, Royalty Information (APR 1984);
FAR 52.227-9, Refund of Royalties (APR 1984);
DFAR 252.227-7015, Technical Data Commercial Items (NOV 1995);
DFAR 252.227-7030, Technical Data Withholding of Payment (MAR 2000);
DFAR 252.227-7016 Rights in Bid or Proposal Information
DFAR 252.227-7037, Validation of Restrictive Markings on Technical Data (SEP 1999);
DFAR 252.227-7017 Identification and Assertion of Use, Release or Disclosure Restrictions
DFAR 252.227-7019 Validation of Asserted Restrictions-Computer Software
DFAR 252.227-7026 Deferred Delivery of Technical Data or Computer Software
DFAR 252.227-7027 Deferred Ordering of Technical Data or Computer Software
DFAR 252.227-7028 Technical Data or Computer Software Previously Delivered To the Government
DFAR 252.227-7030 Technical Data-Withholding of Payment
DFAR 252.227-7037 Validation of Restrictive Markings of Technical Data
FAR 52.242-15, Stop-Work Order (AUG 1989)
DFAR 252.204-7000 Disclosure of Information
DFAR 252.211.7003 Item Identification and Valuation
DFAR 252.217-7026, Identification of Source of Supply
DFAR 252.211-7006 Radio Frequency Identification
FAR 52.243-01, Changes Fixed Price
FAR 52.204-7, Central Contract Registration (for Certification and Representations)
FAR 52.223-11, Ozone-Depleting Substances
FAR 52.233-1, Disputes
FAR 52.233-4 Applicable Law for Breach of Contract Claim
FAR 52.247-34 FOB Destination
FAR 52.247-48 FOB Destination Evidence of Shipment

FULL TEXT OF THESE PROVISIONS AND CLAUSES MAY BE OBTAINED BY ACCESSING ANY OF THE FOLLOWING INTERNET WEBSITES: http://www.acq.osd.mil/dpap/dars/dfars/index.htm or http://www.acqnet.gov/far/ .

Basis of Award:

The Government intends to award a contract resulting from this solicitation to that responsible offeror whose offer conforming to the solicitation will be the most advantageous to the Government, price and other factors considered. The following factors shall be used to evaluate the offers: Technical, Past Performance and Price. Technical is more important than Past Performance and significantly more important than Cost. Past Performance is more important than Cost. When combined Technical and Past Performance are significantly more important than Price. Evaluation of past performance will include information submitted in response to paragraph 8 above. Price will be evaluated for fairness and reasonableness as it relates to the systems offered. Fairness and reasonableness is the degree to which the proposed price compares to the price a reasonable and prudent person would expect to incur for the same or similar goods or services. Offerors are required to submit one original and three copies of their responses. Award will be made based on the best value to the Government. All questions regarding this combined synopsis/solicitation must be directed IN WRITING to the Contracting officer, Nilda Lugo, no later than 26 Aug 2008, 2:00PM EST. Its the offerors responsibility to monitor this site for the release of amendments (if any). These items are in support of the WARFIGHTER. Therefore, offers are to be received NLT August 29th 2008, 2:00 PM EST.

Response to the RFQ AND DELIVERY of the units should be mailed or delivered to:

U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC),
Topographic Engineer Center,
Attn: CEERD-CT-A (Toni Davis/Nilda Lugo),
7701 Telegraph Road, Alexandria, VA 22315-3864.

If proposals are hand delivered, they must be delivered to the Contracts Office, Attn: Nilda Lugo, Contracting Officer (703-428-6272) or Toni Davis, Contract Specialist (703-428-6632), Building 2592 (Cude Building), located on the grounds of the Humphrey Engineering Center, 7701 Telegraph Road, Alexandria VA 22315-3864, in order to be properly time and date stamped. Due to security measures, advance notification to Toni Davis, Contract Specialist (phone 703-428-6632 or fax 703-428-6995) or Nilda Lugo, must be provided so that the guard on Leaf Road gate can be made aware of your arrival. Hours of operation are 8:00 am through 4:00 pm eastern time, Monday through Friday, excluding Federal holidays. Due to the security measures at the building, offerors must allow sufficient time to adhere to the security procedures at the front desk. Offerors cannot proceed unescorted to the depository noted. Delays caused by TEC employees adherence to security procedures will not constitute cause for allowing late receipt of offers. The Contracting Officer reserves the right to make no award under this RFQ. Offerors are strongly encouraged to use the Standard Form 1449 as the first page of their offer. If you choose not to use the SF 1449, you are cautioned to complete and provide with your proposal all the data requested by FAR 52.512-1, Instructions to Offerors Commercial Items. Failure to do so may eliminate you from consideration for award.

The Point of Contact for this action is Ms. Toni Davis, Contract Specialist,
703-428-6632, toni.davis2@us.army.mil, or Ms. Nilda E. Lugo, Contracting Officer, Fax: 703-428-6995, nilda.lugo@us.army.mil.

The Engineering Research and Development Center, Topographic Engineering Center (TEC), Alexandria Contracting Office is conducting a Request for Information (RFI) Sources Sought (SS) for Foreign Media Monitoring Systems (FMMS) capability for the U.S. Army Space Programs Office, Program Manager Sequoyah, Alexandria, VA.
This request for information is for planning purposes only; this is not a request for Quotations or Proposals. No solicitation document exists and a formal solicitation may or may not be issued by the Government as a result of the responses to this RFI/SS. The Government will not be liable for payment of any response preparation expenses. Interested parties are responsible for adequately marking proprietary or competition sensitive information contained in their response. All interested firms that possess the capabilities and facilities addressed herein are encouraged to respond to this RFI/SS by providing the information specified below, on or before 2:00 pm EST on June 26, 2008. Responses to this RFI should be unclassified. Sources responding to this RFI/SS should indicate their business size in relation to the following NAICS code: 334220. Direct all questions regarding this Sources Sought to the attention of Nilda Lugo, Contracting Officer, Fax number 703-428-6995, E-mail: Nilda.E.Lugo@usace.army.mil. All requests for further information must be via email, telephonic requests for additional information will not be honored.
The Program Manager Sequoyah, under the Program Director, Army Space Program Office (ASPO) of Program Executive Officer (PEO) Intelligence and Electronics Warfare Systems (IEW & S) is continuously seeking the means to satisfy the immediate need for production and deployment of FMMS in support of the Information Operations in the Operational Iraqi Freedom (OIF), Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF), and Global War on Terrorism (GWOT).
In support of Information Operations in OIF, OEF, and GWOT in the South West Asia (SWA) theater, a reliable FMMS capability that enables the warfighter to understand the local indigenous media is needed. The capability should support: 1) continuous monitoring of the interested Area of Responsibility (AOR) media (including any combination of or all of the following media sources: regional and international television, radio, and Internet) in selected DOD Strategic languages, which include Modern Standard Arabic, Iraqi Arabic, Turkish, Kurd, Pashto, Dari, Farsi, Spanish, Creole, Dutch and Portuguese; 2) provide an accurate and ready to use near-real time language transcription and translation of the foreign media; 3) receive, process, store, display, and disseminate uninterrupted flow of both source and target information; 4) provide multi-string search capability in English or in source language thru the exploitation of all-source intelligence data mining and/or analysis applications that enhance the ability of intelligence analysts and linguists to answer to intelligence requirements (for example, Priority Intelligence Requirement (PIR) and requests for information) in a timely manner and to effectively produce increasing volume of actionable intelligence products; 5) be flexible, scalable, modular designed, and easily upgraded in the field; 6) be user-friendly, uncomplicated and easy to use; 7) be ruggedized to function reliably in harsh military operational environments; and 8) be highly robust, reliable, network-ready, and interoperable as web services for distributed systems.
Interested parties responding to this RFI should have: 1) a strong background and detailed knowledge in human language speech transcription, automated foreign language translation, and information extraction and distillation; 2) a proven and demonstrated capability of developing, integrating, and prototyping diversified emerging natural language processing and Automated Foreign Language Translation System technologies as well as transitioning product(s) from concept and laboratory phase to commercial market and field; 3) a demonstrated and detailed working knowledge of the DoDs Automated Foreign Language Translation Technologies, particularly understanding the operational, tactical all-source intelligences needs for these capabilities; 4) a proven and demonstrated capability in complex systems architecture with emphasis on collaboration, interface, database and workflow management issues; 5) a demonstrated capability and experience to provide logistics in deployed Area Of Responsibility (AORs), that can readily support detailed coordination with users, and installation, operation and support of the system; and 6) possess security clearances up to and including Top Secret.
Interested parties possessing the qualifications outlined above are requested to provide an unclassified white paper describing at a minimum:
1. Corporate capabilities, past and current relevant performance information, available facilities and assets capable of FMMS production to include: current production rate for a system; current methodology for subcontractor/vendor management; identification of risks for production and associated risk mitigation plans; production and test plans and procedures currently in use; production management initiatives, specifically those related to product quality.
2. Minimum technical documentation of FMMS is to include detailed design and architecture documentations to address the following features and specifications:
a. Input media- type, format, bandwidth, etc.
i. Video- analog or digital satellite, cable, video capture configuration
ii. Audio- radio frequency, sampling rate, signal to noise ratio
iii. Internet- networking, security, information assurance
b. Output- type, format, metadata generation, exported media format
c. External Application Programming Interfaces (APIs)
3. Technical description of the FMMS and its components to include:
a. Functional capability
i. Languages, dialects supported
ii. Language ID, speaker ID, topic ID, multiple conversations detection
iii. Dictionary- size of terminology; subject coverage (e.g. general-purpose or a list of special domains); user dictionary and any limitation
iv. Storage capacity- media storage size, cache algorithm
v. Number of channels, program scheduling
vi. Translation speed, throughput, accuracy
vii. Translation aids- translation memory, editing tool, terminology updates and management
b. Components description including characteristics and identification of developers and manufacturers- ASR (automatic speech recognizer), machine translation engine, translation memory, electronic dictionary, entity extraction, etc.
c. Physical specification- weight, size/dimension, footprint, ruggedization, portability
d. Operating environment- power, temperature, humidity, cooling system
e. Hardware- processing capability, memory, hard disk space, etc.
f. Software- operating system, database, client software, etc.
g. Upgradeability/ interoperability of heterogeneous computing components
4. Provide any U.S. government, international, and/or industry-led quantitative and qualitative evaluation or assessment results on the system and its components - e.g. utility assessments from the operational customers, NIST/DARPA/R & D labs, and industry associations, etc. Desired quantitative results might be based upon the following metrics: ILR, WER, BLUE, METEOR, GTM, or TER.
5. All requisite supporting documentation to include: User training guide, Administrator training guide, Operation and Maintenance manual, Troubleshooting guide, etc.
6. Commercial catalog pricing and warranty information .
7. Information on supportability, training, maintenance, and upgrades.
8. Identification of existing customers for the system
9. Identification of any strategic partnering alliances that permit acceleration of component delivery or obtaining priority subcontracted support services
10. Identification of any commercial/industrial certifications or quality systems in use
11. Identification of Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of the system and its components
12. Corporate assessment of technology to include identification of system performance capabilities and limitations and associated technology roadmap
13. Point of contact for additional information.
Any submission of such product literature or catolog cut sheets will be treated separate from, and will have no bearing on, any subsequent evaluation of proposals submitted in response to any resulting future formal Request for Proposal (RFP). TEC will not pay for information or comments provided and will not recognize any costs associated with submission of comments. This notice is not a Request for Proposals, Invitation to Bid, or Request for Quotes.
.

The Engineering Research and Development Center, Topographic Engineering Center (TEC), Alexandria Contracting Office is conducting a Request for Information (RFI) Sources Sought (SS) for Foreign Media Monitoring Systems (FMMS) capability for the U.S. Army Space Programs Office, Program Manager Sequoyah, Alexandria, VA.

This request for information is for planning purposes only; this is not a request for Quotations or Proposals. No solicitation document exists and a formal solicitation may or may not be issued by the Government as a result of the responses to this RFI/SS. The Government will not be liable for payment of any response preparation expenses. Interested parties are responsible for adequately marking proprietary or competition sensitive information contained in their response. All interested firms that possess the capabilities and facilities addressed herein are encouraged to respond to this RFI/SS by providing the information specified below, on or before 2:00 pm EST on June 26, 2008. Responses to this RFI should be unclassified. Sources responding to this RFI/SS should indicate their business size in relation to the following NAICS code: 334220. Direct all questions regarding this Sources Sought to the attention of Nilda Lugo, Contracting Officer, Fax number 703-428-6995, E-mail: Nilda.E.Lugo@usace.army.mil. All requests for further information must be via email, telephonic requests for additional information will not be honored.

The Program Manager Sequoyah, under the Program Director, Army Space Program Office (ASPO) of Program Executive Officer (PEO) Intelligence and Electronics Warfare Systems (IEW&S) is continuously seeking the means to satisfy the immediate need for production and deployment of FMMS in support of the Information Operations in the Operational Iraqi Freedom (OIF), Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF), and Global War on Terrorism (GWOT).

In support of Information Operations in OIF, OEF, and GWOT in the South West Asia (SWA) theater, a reliable FMMS capability that enables the warfighter to understand the local indigenous media is needed. The capability should support: 1) continuous monitoring of the interested Area of Responsibility (AOR) media (including any combination of or all of the following media sources: regional and international television, radio, and Internet) in selected DOD Strategic languages, which include Modern Standard Arabic, Iraqi Arabic, Turkish, Kurd, Pashto, Dari, Farsi, Spanish, Creole, Dutch and Portuguese; 2) provide an accurate and ready to use near-real time language transcription and translation of the foreign media; 3) receive, process, store, display, and disseminate uninterrupted flow of both source and target information; 4) provide multi-string search capability in English or in source language thru the exploitation of all-source intelligence data mining and/or analysis applications that enhance the ability of intelligence analysts and linguists to answer to intelligence requirements (for example, Priority Intelligence Requirement (PIR) and requests for information) in a timely manner and to effectively produce increasing volume of actionable intelligence products; 5) be flexible, scalable, modular designed, and easily upgraded in the field; 6) be user-friendly, uncomplicated and easy to use; 7) be ruggedized to function reliably in harsh military operational environments; and 8) be highly robust, reliable, network-ready, and interoperable as web services for distributed systems.

Interested parties responding to this RFI should have: 1) a strong background and detailed knowledge in human language speech transcription, automated foreign language translation, and information extraction and distillation; 2) a proven and demonstrated capability of developing, integrating, and prototyping diversified emerging natural language processing and Automated Foreign Language Translation System technologies as well as transitioning product(s) from concept and laboratory phase to commercial market and field; 3) a demonstrated and detailed working knowledge of the DoDs Automated Foreign Language Translation Technologies, particularly understanding the operational, tactical all-source intelligences needs for these capabilities; 4) a proven and demonstrated capability in complex systems architecture with emphasis on collaboration, interface, database and workflow management issues; 5) a demonstrated capability and experience to provide logistics in deployed Area Of Responsibility (AORs), that can readily support detailed coordination with users, and installation, operation and support of the system; and 6) possess security clearances up to and including Top Secret.

Interested parties possessing the qualifications outlined above are requested to provide an unclassified white paper describing at a minimum:

1. Corporate capabilities, past and current relevant performance information, available facilities and assets capable of FMMS production to include: current production rate for a system; current methodology for subcontractor/vendor management; identification of risks for production and associated risk mitigation plans; production and test plans and procedures currently in use; production management initiatives, specifically those related to product quality.

2. Minimum technical documentation of FMMS is to include detailed design and architecture documentations to address the following features and specifications:
a. Input media- type, format, bandwidth, etc.
i. Video- analog or digital satellite, cable, video capture configuration
ii. Audio- radio frequency, sampling rate, signal to noise ratio
iii. Internet- networking, security, information assurance
b. Output- type, format, metadata generation, exported media format
c. External Application Programming Interfaces (APIs)

3. Technical description of the FMMS and its components to include:
a. Functional capability
i. Languages, dialects supported
ii. Language ID, speaker ID, topic ID, multiple conversations detection
iii. Dictionary- size of terminology; subject coverage (e.g. general-purpose or a list of special domains); user dictionary and any limitation
iv. Storage capacity- media storage size, cache algorithm
v. Number of channels, program scheduling
vi. Translation speed, throughput, accuracy
vii. Translation aids- translation memory, editing tool, terminology updates and management
b. Components description including characteristics and identification of developers and manufacturers- ASR (automatic speech recognizer), machine translation engine, translation memory, electronic dictionary, entity extraction, etc.
c. Physical specification- weight, size/dimension, footprint, ruggedization, portability
d. Operating environment- power, temperature, humidity, cooling system
e. Hardware- processing capability, memory, hard disk space, etc.
f. Software- operating system, database, client software, etc.
g. Upgradeability/ interoperability of heterogeneous computing components

4. Provide any U.S. government, international, and/or industry-led quantitative and qualitative evaluation or assessment results on the system and its components - e.g. utility assessments from the operational customers, NIST/DARPA/R&D labs, and industry associations, etc. Desired quantitative results might be based upon the following metrics: ILR, WER, BLUE, METEOR, GTM, or TER.

5. All requisite supporting documentation to include: User training guide, Administrator training guide, Operation and Maintenance manual, Troubleshooting guide, etc.

6. Commercial catalog pricing and warranty information .

7. Information on supportability, training, maintenance, and upgrades.

8. Identification of existing customers for the system

9. Identification of any strategic partnering alliances that permit acceleration of component delivery or obtaining priority subcontracted support services

10. Identification of any commercial/industrial certifications or quality systems in use

11. Identification of Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of the system and its components

12. Corporate assessment of technology to include identification of system performance capabilities and limitations and associated technology roadmap

13. Point of contact for additional information.


Any submission of such product literature or catolog cut sheets will be treated separate from, and will have no bearing on, any subsequent evaluation of proposals submitted in response to any resulting future formal Request for Proposal (RFP). TEC will not pay for information or comments provided and will not recognize any costs associated with submission of comments. This notice is not a Request for Proposals, Invitation to Bid, or Request for Quotes.