SPECIAL NOTICE
D -- Asnwers: Commercial Satellite Communication Internet Connectivity
- Notice Date
- 9/1/2020 5:20:44 AM
- Notice Type
- Special Notice
- NAICS
- 517410
— Satellite Telecommunications
- Contracting Office
- U.S. EMBASSY LIBREVILLE WASHINGTON DC 20520 USA
- ZIP Code
- 20520
- Solicitation Number
- 19GB5020Q0008
- Archive Date
- 09/30/2020
- Point of Contact
- Judith Abourou
- E-Mail Address
-
AbourouJH@state.gov
(AbourouJH@state.gov)
- Description
- U.S. Embassy Libreville Commercial Satellite Communication Internet Connectivity RFQ 19GB5020Q0008 August 2020 Questions/Comments Question 1: Can we conduct a site visit? Answer:� No site visit will be conducted for this requirement. Question 2: Is there a designated area to install the backup antenna or should we plan on building one? Answer: One will have to be built based on the size. Question 3: Will the antenna be placed on top of a building or on the ground? Answer: it depends on the equipment size, but the roof is preferable. Question 4: What capacity of bandwidth will require (Uplink and Down link). Answer: Initial requirement is 16Mbps/16Mbps; however, equipment need to be scalable up to 40Mbps Question 5: dedicated or shared bandwidth? Answer: dedicated Question 6: How many public IP addresses will you need for this project? Answer: 16 IPs Question 7: Regarding Solicitation Number 19GB5020Q0008, the due date indicated in the written solicitation is August 29, 2020. However, on BetaSam, the due date is stated as September 3rd, 2020. Can you please confirm the submission date and submission delivery (e-mail, post by mail, etc.)? Answer:� Offer due date is September 3rd, 2020 as instructed by the Contracting Officer on BetaSAM.� Sealed envelope is the preferred method, but electronic responses are allowed. Kindly provide your offer to the primary and secondary contacts provided on BetaSAM. Question 8: The written solicitation states it should be sent in a sealed envelope to the Embassy and we want to make sure this is the correct form of submission or if we are allowed to e-mail the proposal. Answer:� Although the written solicitation states sealed envelope, notification provided by the Contracting Officer in BetaSAM also states that electronic offers are allowed. Sealed envelope is the preferred method, but electronic responses are allowed. Kindly provide your offer to the primary and secondary contacts provided on BetaSAM. Question 9: Will the U.S. Government customer have a COTS rack on premise to mount the equipment or will this need to be provided by the contractor? Answer: No, it should be included in quote. Question 10: We normally use RG-11 coax cabling for last mile of our satellite installations instead if fiber optic. Is this acceptable for this RFQ? Answer: We need fiber output from the satellite terminal to Embassy equipment. Question 11: For the requested 16 Mbps download / 16 Mbps upload, a 40-watt Block Up-Converter is able to provide the necessary throughput power to achieve this capacity. However, in order to reach 40 Mbps download / 40 Mbps upload, an 80-watt BUC is required. Can you confirm that the USG requires an 80-watt BUC for this SOW? Answer: We required the ability to scale up to 40Mbps/40Mbps from the initial 16Mbps/16Mbps. Question 12: For the pricing section, the �Grand Total� asks for pricing on services and equipment, however we are providing pricing for three service options � can you advise on which items should be included in the final �grand total� pricing section? Answer:� Only one service option is going to be selected at a given period of time, not three. Question 13: I�m being told that the price will go up xx% for a xx% SLA.� So (budgetary) we�re looking at $xx x xx = $xxxx.�� If that is remotely competitive, then we can start working on the hardware. Answer: Kindly note that this is a solicitation posted on the open market and all interested companies are supposed to submit an offer based on the specifications contained in the solicitation.� The Government cannot advise before the closing date if an offer is competitive or not.� Furthermore, this is a solicitation and not a contract.� You shall not start any work based on this as there is no contracting obligation between us. Question 14: Subject RFQ is restricted to C-band satellite communication services, although (a) widening the service options (and thus eligible providers and competition) would help keep costs down considerably, and (b) X-band has some very interesting RF properties that balance rain fade protection with high performance, and does so�using smaller terminals than C-band would generally permit (offering space savings on Embassy�compounds).� Would�Embassy Libreville consider SATCOM services in X-band? Answer: Post current experience with the X-band equipment has not been very good; however the C-band has proven good. Question 15: I request you to provide us with the following details before we buy the document: 1)List of Items, Schedule of Requirements, Scope of Work, Terms of Reference, Bill of Materials required.� 2) Soft Copy of the Tender Document through email. 3) Names of countries that will be eligible to participate in this tender.� 4) Information about the Tendering Procedure and Guidelines 5) Estimated Budget for this Purchase� 6) Any Extension of Bidding Deadline? 7) Any Addendum or Pre-Bid meeting Minutes? Answer: (1) All lists of items are included in Section 1 of our solicitation (2) the tender document can be downloaded; it is in pdf format on BetaSAM. (3) this offer is opened to the market. (4) Information about the tendering procedures is included in Section 3 of the solicitation (5) we do not provide estimated project on such requirement (6) Extension of bidding can occur (7) There are no pre-bid meeting minutes for this requirement. Question 16: Can the client please confirm/clarify if they want immediate bandwidth on failover? Answer: No, it can only be activated upon request. Question 17: Can the client please confirm/clarify what is the minimum bandwidth? Is it 8M/8M? Answer: Yes, 8Mbps/8Mbps is the lowest scale down. Question 18: Second Failover Router in the HSRP - Can the client confirm/clarify if this service shall be supplied and integrated by the contractor or does the client already have the equipment and only integration services are needed. Answer: Yes, it should be provided as integrated by the provider. Question 19: With the ongoing COVID-19 disrupting the logistical market and more importantly, printing and shipping documents has a negative environmental impact by deleting natural resources and contributing to carbon emissions. Given the Federal Green Challenge - a national effort under the EPA that challenges federal agencies to reduce the government's environmental impact, would DOS consider accepting an email submission of proposals and eliminate the requirement for printed copies? Answer: Although the written solicitation states sealed envelope, notification provided by the Contracting Officer in BetaSAM also states that electronic offers are allowed. Sealed envelope is the preferred method, but electronic responses are allowed. Kindly provide your offer to the primary and secondary contacts provided on BetaSAM. Question 20: Section III � Equipment C-band communication With C-band capacity in short supply, would KU-band capacity be acceptable if it achieves the minimum link availability? Answer: No, if the KU-band is to be considered, it has to have the same scalability requirement. Question 21: Internet Service Quality RFQ - Internet Service Provider (ISP) shall provide detailed network topology map that shows all possible paths ISP may use for the internet traffic between ISP connection in Libreville and the ISP hub in the United States of America (USA) �Would a major ISP from Australia with Tier 1 peering capabilities and an IP Hub in Australia be an acceptable solution? Answer: No Question 22: Internet Service Quality RFQ - Internet Service Provider (ISP) shall provide fault-tolerant fiber optic cable connectivity to the very end at the US Embassy Libreville compound Telecommunications Service Entrance facilities (TSEF) room If fiber optic connectivity is not possible, weatherproof Category 6 Ethernet (CAT6E) shall be used. Please define fault-tolerant fiber optic cable connectivity? Answer: Two fiber paths from the two routers to the Embassy equipment. Question 23: Network Devices Please provide clarification as to the requirements in this section.� As we interpret the RFQ as written, there seems to be conflict on network devices in regard to RJ-45, providing routers, then no routers required. Also, on Internet Service Quality, fiber was a requirement with fault tolerance and this section is asking for an RJ-45 interface connector. Answer: This concern media converter where necessary (from RJ-45 to fiber and back when necessary) Question 24: Service Support and contingencies RFQ - The vendor shall warrant service support on site if necessary 24x7x365, services shall be coordinated directly with the Embassy�s Contracting Office Representative (COR) or Information Technology (IT) representative from the Embassy Information Service Center (ISC). Please clarify for this service that service support will not be required to physically live on premise 24x7x365 but service support to be available to the Embassy�s Contractor Office Representative (COR) 24x7x365. Answer: There should be available support services for all Embassy inquiries 24/7 year round. Question 25: Service Support and contingencies RFQ - The awarded ISP shall have direct connection capability with major United States of America (USA) telecommunication providers (ISPs) at internet tier 1 level, having alternative line channels or backups in case of main internet path malfunction. Does the awarded ISP and subsequent ISP port have to have the direct connection to other major USA Tier 1 ISPs within the boundaries of the continental 48 states? Answer: Yes, we prefer U.S. based provider. Question 26 Section IV � General D. The Contractor shall provide sufficient technical support to ensure uninterrupted end-to-end service between such terminal points as are covered in this contract. The Contractor shall provide, properly adjust, and maintain the circuit for the continuous Department of State use. The Contractor shall ensure the circuit complies with service changes, additions or deletions as required under this contract. Are there more specific examples that you can provide for sufficient technical support?� There are availability requirements, maintenance parameters and referencing the service support and contingencies bullet above.� Are there additional requirements that this clause is looking to remedy outside of the performance, maintenance and support clauses that are included in the RFQ? Answer: if we request for the path to start passing traffic it should be activated within 2hours. Question 27: Section IV � General L. Term of Contract. The required circuits shall be installed and delivered to the Destination Point on or before 180 days after award. Upon successful installation and acceptance by the Government of the required circuit under Section C, the contractor shall be provided, in writing, notice to proceed and shall provide contractual on-demand services for a twelve (12) month period, commencing on the date specified in the notice to proceed. Is the 180-day period (we are assuming calendar and not working days) after award flexible to account for force majeure events, supplier access challenges outside of the supplier control Answer: yes, calendar days Question 28: Please verify the correct deadline for submission of offerors.� Note that https://beta.sam.gov indicates that �All interested companies are required to submit their offers not later than September 3, 2020 at 5:30PM EST.�� However, the solicitation documents indicate the deadline is August 29, 2020 10:00 local time. Answer: September 3rd, 2020 is the offer due as indicated by the Contracting Officer on BetaSAM. Question 29: We thoroughly studied the scope of services and found that the embassy is looking for VSAT Internet circuit for VPN services to DOS �VNET ISP-2� at minimum 16,384 Kbps (16Mbps / 16Mbps) is required. The period of performance mentioned the embassy may need the above service only for limited number of 12, 18 and or 24 days only which is a bit of confusion for us. you are kindly requested to make it clear please weather the embassy needs an unlimited VSAT connectivity for 12 months or only for limited number of days of 12, 18 and 24 days within 12 months? Answer: only one option will be chosen, based on funding and price. Question 30 (Solicitation document) Submission time and instructions pf. 2 of 59 The beta.SAM.gov site states proposals are due on September 3rd and can be submitted via electronic means, but the solicitation document states the due date for proposals as August 29th, and via Sealed Envelope. Is the propoal due date August 29th or September 3rd? Answer: Although the written solicitation states sealed envelope, notification provided by the Contracting Officer in BetaSAM also states that electronic offers are allowed. Sealed envelope is the preferred method, but electronic responses are allowed. Kindly provide your offer to the primary and secondary contacts provided on BetaSAM.� Furthermore, September 3rd is the proposal due date as indicated by the Contracting Officer in BetaSAM. Question 31 (Solicitation document) Submission time and instructions pf. 2 of 59 Should be proposal be submitted via mail in a sealed envelope, or can we submit via electronic means. If electronic, what email address should we use for submission? Answer: Although the written solicitation states sealed envelope, notification provided by the Contracting Officer in BetaSAM also states that electronic offers are allowed. Sealed envelope is the preferred method but electronic responses are allowed. Kindly provide your offer to the primary and secondary contacts provided on BetaSAM. Question 32 (Solicitation document) DOSAR 652.242-73 (Pg. 30-31, 33 of 59) ""The offeror shall address its plan to obtain all licenses and permits required by local law (see DOSAR 652.242-73 in Section 2). If offeror already possesses the locally required licenses and permits, a copy shall be provided."" and 652.242-73 ""(b) If the party actually performing the work will be a subcontractor or joint venture partner, then such subcontractor or joint venture partner agrees to the requirements of paragraph (a) of this clause."" If the Prime Contractor/Offeror (a U.S. based company) is using a local (in-country) subcontractor to perform the in-country work, does the Prime Contractor/Offeror have to obtain authorization including all licenses and permits, or only the subcontractor performing the work in Libreville? Answer: The US Company does not need to provide licenses and permit to work in Libreville, but the local subcontractor shall provide this.� The US vendor shall prove that they do have a registered business in the US though. �Question 33 Incumbent Contractor Is there an incumbent contractor for this requirement and if so, what is the current contract number and name of incumbent? Answer: There is no incumbent contractor. Question 34 Current Terminal & Equipment Current embassy services must be supported by existing C-band terminal infrastructure, including antenna and modem equipment on-site. Is there current C-band terminal infrastructure located on-site at the embassy and can a new contractor leverage this equipment to expedite the service initiation? Answer: Yes, we do have one on the roof, but it is for a different purpose. Question 35 Current Terminal & Equipment Is the equipment owned by the embassy or provided/owned by an incumbent service provider? Answer: Yes, owned and operated by de Department of state. Question 36 Value Added Taxes Pg.12 of 59 Is VAT required for this contract, and if so, why is there a discrepancy in the RFP messaging? SOW Section O states the circuit described above is exempt from Special Access Surcharges and foreign taxes, including VAT, IAW Article of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, but Section 2.1 states VAT is to be applied as a separate CLIN. Answer:� Please note that although the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations does state that diplomatic missions are exempted of most taxes, VAT are handled differently worldwide across.� There are two mechanisms in place, either a country allows invoicing without the VAT or invoicing including reimbursable VAT.� In our case, all companies in Gabon must submit invoice with VAT and the Government is reimbursed by the local Government.� Therefore, if services are provided using a local subcontractor, the VAT amount shall be included. Question 37 Government Furnished Equipment (GFE) Pg. 10 & 12 of 59 Is the modem provided as GFE to the contractor or does the contractor have to propose the modem for use on the requirement? If modem will be provided as GFE, please provide the make and model number for link budget analysis purposes. Answer: No, the solicitation is listing this in the pricing table, which means you should provide it. Question 38 Equipment: C-Band Communications Stated requirement for standard C-band satellite service and equipment Would the Government consider a more efficient, alternate band solution other than C-band if the service delivers increased throughput at reduced cost? And why has the Government stated C-band as the requirement? Answer: Only as a last option, but C-band is the requested band. Question 39: Scope of work �Post is seeking firm fixed price purchase order to obtain an On-demand internet services�� Our Question: Please confirm that the capacity requested must be reserved and available at all times during the period of performance. Government�s comments: Please confirm that the capacity requested must be reserved and available at all times during the period of performance. Additional Comments, Revisions: On demand services are commercially available on shared platforms which do not have the ability to provide the throughput requested. This means that that a Single Channel Per Carrier link will need to be configured and the capacity will have to be reserved full time. In this scenario the Government will be paying for a dedicated circuit but only be using it certain periods of time and will allow an offeror to resell the capacity that is reserved for the embassy to other users on a preemptible basis. Unfortunately, those offerors have no control to turn off the other users when the embassy requires the dedicated service as a user that has the modem configuration would be able to access the equipment and reactivate the carrier. This could result in interference for your carriers and allow the other user to passively receive your traffic as well. Since the Government will be paying for dedicated capacity they should have the ability to leverage access to it at all times which will enable the ability to do load sharing increasing the throughput available to the embassy and giving users resiliency when local internet access is disrupted. Answer: We are only seeking for a guarantee that the bandwidth will be available when we need it. How the provider moves this around is not what we are looking at. The line only needs a pulse with configured Ips with not traffic until requested. Question 40: Announcement General Information section �Original Date Offers Due:�Sep 03, 2020 05:30 pm EDT� Our Question: Please confirm which closing date is correct. Sep 03,2020 05:30 pm EDT or August 29, 2020 10:00 am EDT Government�s comments �Memo to Propestive Quoters SUBJECT: Solicitation Number 19GB5020Q0008 the closing date is on or before 10:00 a.m. on August 29, 2020� Answer:� September 3rd is the proposal due date as indicated by the Contracting Officer in BetaSAM. Question 41: Announcement Electronic Submission/Responses: section Electronic Submission/Responses: Our question: Can this offer be submitted electronically Government�s comments: �This opportunity allows for electronic responses. Please submit your offer prior to the response date and time. Your quotation must be submitted in a sealed envelope marked ""Quotation Enclosed"" to the US Embassy Libreville, ATTN: Contracting Officer, BP.4000 Quartier Sabliere, Libreville GABON on of before 10:00 a.m on August 29, 2020.� Answer:� Although the written solicitation states sealed envelope, notification provided by the Contracting Officer in BetaSAM also states that electronic offers are allowed.� Sealed envelope is the preferred method, but electronic responses are allowed. Kindly provide your offer to the primary and secondary contacts provided on BetaSAM.� Furthermore, September 3rd is the proposal due date as indicated by the Contracting Officer in BetaSAM.
- Web Link
-
SAM.gov Permalink
(https://beta.sam.gov/opp/6d683a9795fa43fb91b5d585bbd90c77/view)
- Record
- SN05781548-F 20200903/200901230137 (samdaily.us)
- Source
-
SAM.gov Link to This Notice
(may not be valid after Archive Date)
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