W074--VBA Atlanta Mailroom Equipment located at 1700 Clairmont Road.

Solicitation 36C10E23Q160

Atlanta Mail Equipment and Maintenance

Request For Information (RFI) Responses

August 14, 2023

The existing meter at the VA runs at 270 pieces per minute. The spec lists 175 as minimum.  The volume of the mail at the ATL RO has decreased significantly and therefore only 175 pieces were listed as a minimum.

Can you confirm that both Closed AND Open flaps processing is required for sealing. Yes we need both open and closed for sealing purposes.

The bid states 300-500 departments for postage chargeback but then states 100 further in the bid. Â We will need support for 150 departments for postage chargeback.

Current meter uses a power stacker. Bid lists a drop stacker. A drop stacker is merely a plastic catch tray.  Power stacker is preferred.

Current system uses a DA50 address printer. Is this not being replaced? Yes need to add the address printer.

There are no laser scanners or handheld scanners for tracking. A barcode scanner is listed under the mailing specs. Is this for parcel receiving or the postage meter. Current system utilizes handheld scanners for deliveries but not listed on bid.  Handhelds for tracking purposes will be need.

Is a report printer required? Not on bid.  Yes a printer is required.

A PC is being requested for tracking. Will the same PC be used for shipping?  Yes this PC will be used for both functions.

How many label printers will be needed? One for the meter and one for the shipping/tracking PC? Two label printers will be needed.

  22mm printing path across full length of the envelope, top and bottom, front or back.

Q: Can you provide more detail as to how you intend to utilize mailing system to print top and bottom, front and back?  We just need basic printing functions for address labels.

11.     On screen keyboardÂ

Q: Our experience is that a touch-screen and wireless keyboard is a more efficient method for entering information allowing you to have a full screen without the need to compromise size for keyboard. Is this a suitable replacement for your needs?    Yes, touchscreen and wireless keyboard will be sufficient.

12.     System may utilize either a Windows operating system or an Android operating system. Must be FIPS 140-2 certified. Technology/Software solution(s) must be either approved or approved with constraints by the VA Technical Reference Model (TRM) to be acceptable. Cloud-based technical solutions are not acceptable.Â

Q: Industry trend is for utilization of secure and versatile Cloud-based technology due to it s many advantages. Would the VBA consider a Cloud-based solution with a minimum status of FedRamp In Process?  A cloud-based solution is permissible.

13.     c. Pull updates over-the-air for postal rate updates and funds

Q: Please define meaning of over-the-air     Real time updates. Meaning the system will push updates automatically.