Loren Data's SAM Daily™

FBO DAILY ISSUE OF AUGUST 15, 2009 FBO #2821
MODIFICATION

58 -- Last Mile Hop Questions & Answers for CSS W9124V-09-T-4006

Notice Date

8/13/2009
 

Notice Type

Modification/Amendment
 

NAICS

517919 — All Other Telecommunications
 

Contracting Office

Department of the Army, National Guard Bureau, USPFO for Montana, USPFO for Montana, P.O. Box 4789, Helena, MT 59604-4789
 

ZIP Code

59604-4789
 

Solicitation Number

W9124V09T4006
 

Response Due

8/24/2009
 

Archive Date

10/23/2009
 

Point of Contact

Brad Willcockson, 4063243407<br />
 

E-Mail Address

USPFO for Montana
(brad.willcockson@us.army.mil)
 

Small Business Set-Aside

N/A
 

Description

THIS NOTICE IS PROVIDED FOR INFORMATION PURPOSES ONLY. THIS OPPORTUNITY IS AVAILABLE ONLY TO CONTRACTORS UNDER W9124V09T4006. Questions & Answers related to Combined Synopsis / Solicitation W9124V-09-T-4006 Statement of Work Update: The SOW refers to mountain top sites for all the IM towers, but only South Moccasin is actually on a high mountain top. Gideon and High Flat are high hills and may be somewhat difficult to access in winter but generally not impossible. Kalispell Watertower, Beaverhead EOC, Hill County Sheriffs Office and Culbertson are all easily accessible year-round as compared to the mountain-top South Moccasin site. This may allow proposers to quote lesser installation cost and to propose better wintertime construction schedules. Questions and Answers: Q-1: Who will be issuing purchase orders? Will it be the State of Montana, or the US Government? A-1: The selected vendor will be awarded a firm fixed price contract (FFP) with the federal government. The federal government will not be issuing purchase orders or delivery orders on or under the FFP contract - it is a single use, one-time only contract for the deliverables specified in the Statement of Work. If additional supplies or services are needed a separate contract will be competed and awarded. Under this FFP contract the vendor will be responsible for purchasing and installing all equipment required by the contract. Ownership of all installed equipment will pass to the government once the contract is completed and performance has been inspected and accepted. Q2: I am assuming you will utilize frequencies from Part 101 of the FCC rules for microwave radio, and not frequencies specifically authorized for the US Government. A2: This is to be determined in the design and frequency coordination portions of Part A of the Work. We may use either Part 101 frequencies, public safety/government frequencies at any one location, depending on availability of the frequencies in question for that location, the path length and frequency characteristic, antenna type and size and radio capabilities. In all cases we will want to use licensed frequencies and the Contractor is to collaborate with the MTNG and then acquire the frequency and licensing at each location. Additionally, the SOW gives an approximate path length and GPS coordinate of each location so the bidders can roughly determine which frequencies will work with their equipment. Also each Site User Agreement lists the frequencies in use at each IM backbone site which may also play into the coordination. This is a close as we can come until Part A of the Work. Q-3: The Table of Contents listed H-1(Qualified Vendors List), H-2(Site Contact Procedures), & H-3(Suggestions for CSS Instructions), but these documents are not on the website. A3: H-1 was deleted, H-2 was included as H, and H-3 was deleted Q-4: May the offeror submits email offers only (without hard copy)? A-4: Yes, e-mail only submissions are fine as long as they include all required information. Q-5: What regulatory agency will license the frequencies for the radios - NTIA or FCC? A-5: This should be addressed by the vendor in the design proposal and frequency coordination. Depending on the design and frequency coordination, FCC may or may not license the frequency. Q-6: Regarding the Belgrade Armory High Flat: 1.At the Belgrade Armory, do you have an estimated length from the equipment rack to the antenna location for conduit? A: Estimated at 180 feet 2.Is there backup power at the Belgrade Armory? What is the duration of backup power that should be proposed for this location? A: No backup generator. 4hrs. backup at nominal power 3.What is the DS1(s) estimated length from the microwave rack to the termination point at both end points. A: Estimate 12-20 feet on either end, inter-rack cabling 4.Is there a preferred licensed frequency range (6 GHz, 11 GHz, 18GHz, ect...) to be used on this path? A: This is to be determined in the design and frequency coordination portions of Part A of the Work. We may use either Part 101 frequencies, public safety/government frequencies at any one location, depending on availability of the frequencies in question for that location, the path length and frequency characteristic, antenna type and size, and radio capabilities. In all cases we will want to use licensed frequencies and the Contractor is to collaborate with the MTNG and then acquire the frequency and licensing at each location. Suggest proposing a frequency that allows the use of minimum size dish to reduce wind loading while meeting link reliability criterion individually for each location. Q-7: Regarding the Culbertson Armory Culbertson Hill Tower: 1.At the Culbertson Armory, do you have an estimated length from the equipment rack to the antenna location for conduit? A: Estimated at 100 feet 2.Is there backup power at the Culbertson Armory? What is the duration of backup power that should be proposed for this location? A: No backup generator. 4hrs. backup at nominal power 3.What is the DS1(s) estimated length from the microwave rack to the termination point at both end points. A: Estimate 12-20 feet on either end, inter-rack cabling 4.Is there a preferred licensed frequency range (6 GHz, 11 GHz, 18GHz, ect..) to be used on this path? A: This is to be determined in the design and frequency coordination portions of Part A of the Work. We may use either Part 101 frequencies, public safety/government frequencies at any one location, depending on availability of the frequencies in question for that location, the path length and frequency characteristic, antenna type and size, and radio capabilities. In all cases we will want to use licensed frequencies and the Contractor is to collaborate with the MTNG and then acquire the frequency and licensing at each location. Suggest proposing a frequency that allows the use of minimum size dish to reduce wind loading while meeting link reliability criterion individually for each location. Q-8: Regarding the Dillon Armory BH EOC Tower: 1.We are not aware of any panel antennas that are part 101 certified for licensed microwave frequencies. A: You may propose antennas that will work with your system with an appropriate mount. A panel antenna is not required. 2.Do you have a preferred licensed frequency range (6 GHz, 11 GHz, 18GHz, ect...) to be used on this path? A: This is to be determined in the design and frequency coordination portions of Part A of the Work. We may use either Part 101 frequencies, public safety/government frequencies at any one location, depending on availability of the frequencies in question for that location, the path length and frequency characteristic, antenna type and size, and radio capabilities. In all cases we will want to use licensed frequencies and the Contractor is to collaborate with the MTNG and then acquire the frequency and licensing at each location. Suggest proposing a frequency that allows the use of minimum size dish to reduce wind loading while meeting link reliability criterion individually for each location. 3.What is the DS1(s) estimated length from the microwave rack to the termination point at both end points. A: Estimate 12-20 feet on either end, inter-rack cabling Q-9: Regarding the Havre Armory HCSO Tower: 1.At the Havre Armory, do you have an estimated length from the equipment rack to the antenna location for conduit? A: Estimated at 80 feet 2.Is there backup power at the Havre Armory? What is the duration of backup power that should be proposed for this location? A: No backup generator. 4hrs. backup at nominal power 3.What is the DS1(s) estimated length from the microwave rack to the termination point at both end points. A: Estimate 12-20 feet on either end, inter-rack cabling 4.We are not aware of any panel antennas that are part 101 certified for licensed microwave frequencies. A: You may propose antennas that will work with your system with an appropriate mount. A panel antenna is not required. 5.Do you have a preferred licensed frequency range (6 GHz, 11 GHz, 18GHz, ect...) to be used on this path? A: This is to be determined in the design and frequency coordination portions of Part A of the Work. We may use either Part 101 frequencies, public safety/government frequencies at any one location, depending on availability of the frequencies in question for that location, the path length and frequency characteristic, antenna type and size, and radio capabilities. In all cases we will want to use licensed frequencies and the Contractor is to collaborate with the MTNG and then acquire the frequency and licensing at each location. Suggest proposing a frequency that allows the use of minimum size dish to reduce wind loading while meeting link reliability criterion individually for each location. Q-10: Regarding the Lewiston Armory South Moccasin 1.At the Lewiston Armory, do you have an estimated length from the equipment rack to the antenna location for conduit? A: Estimated at 80-100 feet 2.Is there backup power at the Lewiston Armory? What is the duration of backup power that should be proposed for this location? A: No backup generator. 4hrs. backup at nominal power 3.What is the DS1(s) estimated length from the microwave rack to the termination point at both end points. A: Estimate 12-20 feet on either end, inter-rack cabling 4.Is there a preferred licensed frequency range (6 GHz, 11 GHz, 18GHz, ect...) to be used on this path? A: This is to be determined in the design and frequency coordination portions of Part A of the Work. We may use either Part 101 frequencies, public safety/government frequencies at any one location, depending on availability of the frequencies in question for that location, the path length and frequency characteristic, antenna type and size, and radio capabilities. In all cases we will want to use licensed frequencies and the Contractor is to collaborate with the MTNG and then acquire the frequency and licensing at each location. Suggest proposing a frequency that allows the use of minimum size dish to reduce wind loading while meeting link reliability criterion individually for each location. Q-11: Regarding the Glasgow Armory Gideon 1.At the Glasgow Armory, do you have an estimated length from the equipment rack to the antenna location for conduit? A: Estimated at 160 feet 2.Is there backup power at the Glasgow Armory? What is the duration of backup power that should be proposed for this location? A: No backup generator. 4hrs. backup at nominal power 3.What is the DS1(s) estimated length from the microwave rack to the termination point at both end points. A: Estimate 12-20 feet on either end, inter-rack cabling 4.Is there a preferred licensed frequency range (6 GHz, 11 GHz, 18GHz, ect...) to be used on this path? A: This is to be determined in the design and frequency coordination portions of Part A of the Work. We may use either Part 101 frequencies, public safety/government frequencies at any one location, depending on availability of the frequencies in question for that location, the path length and frequency characteristic, antenna type and size, and radio capabilities. In all cases we will want to use licensed frequencies and the Contractor is to collaborate with the MTNG and then acquire the frequency and licensing at each location. Suggest proposing a frequency that allows the use of minimum size dish to reduce wind loading while meeting link reliability criterion individually for each location. Q-12: Regarding the Kalispell Armory Watertower 1.There is a discrepancy in the amount of DS1s requested in the project scope. 4 are specified early on in a table and 8 are specified later on. Can you clarify the number of DS1s required for this site? A: Four (4) T1s equipped and eight (8) T1 capable without equipment replacement. 2.At the Kalispell Armory, do you have an estimated length via the preferred route from the equipment rack to the antenna location for conduit? A: Estimated at 200 feet 3.Is there backup power at the Kalispell Armory? What is the duration of backup power that should be proposed for this location? A: backup generator exists and communications room wiring is on generator. 1hr backup at nominal power 4.What is the DS1(s) estimated length from the microwave rack to the termination point at both end points. A: Estimate 12-20 feet on either end, inter-rack cabling Q-13: Has an RF path analysis be accomplished for all links and is it available to the bidders, and is there a specific frequency or RF band specification that has to be met? A-13:A preliminary path analysis has been performed to verify a path is possible in each location. It is not available. Approximate GPS coordinates, and path length are provided in the SOW for the bidders to perform a preliminary analysis to prove the same. The successful bidder will do site walks to ascertain precise conditions and will perform detailed path analysis, frequency coordination, determination desired frequency, and acquisition of said, for each link in collaboration with the MTNG. Q-14: Has an RF interference study and path obstruction list been performed or Identified? Are they available? A-14: Interference studies have not been performed formally, but are to be performed in Part A, Item 1A if deemed necessary either for project success or as an input for Part A Item 4A. Q-15: Are the existing tower specifications available for each location? A-15: They will be made available to the successful bidder. Generalized information is included in the Site Plans within the SOW. Q-16: Who is responsible for licensing or other FCC/FAA determinants, and are they considered a pass-through expense? A-16: This is detailed in Part A Work description 4A on page 8 of the SOW. It is the responsibility of the successful bidder to do all filings and obtain all necessary licenses, permits, authorizations, etc, the cost of which would be included in the firm fixed price quote. Q-17: What is the expected completion date, or has a project time-line established? A-17: Please refer to the Work Schedule on page 13 of the SOW. Bidder is to propose a project work schedule. Work is to be front-loaded. All work must be complete no later than July 15, 2010. Q-18: Who is determining the antenna heights, and link azimuths, is there a defined Path direction or ring to follow, or is the path alignment open to the bidder. A-18:The successful bidder will do design work and engineering in Part A Item 1a in collaboration with Contracting Officers Representatives of the MTNG and Site Managers with IM project. Approval must be gained before work can begin. Path alignment meeting criterion set forth in SOW is to be attempted. Alignment may be governed by LOS, frequency/clearance/reliability criterion, Tower space availability, proposed equipment, etc. These are all point-to-point links. Traffic flow and connectivity on the backbone network will be the responsibility of the MTNG. Q-19: Is there a preferred radio manufacturer or OEM list that should be considered as the Montana Standard? A-19:This is open, subject to the specifications and reliability criterion set forth in the SOW. Q-20: Is it correct to assume that ALL sites have an enclosed/environmentally controlled shelter and the only addition is just the radio/antenna system, cables, and a new 19 x 7 rack in the existing space? A-20: All IM sites have an existing climate controlled shelter. All Armories have a designated equipment room as detailed in the Site Plans. The only addition is a Turn-key, operational system at each endpoint forming the links described in the SOW and conforming to the specifications listed. No new building are needed. Q-21: I have reviewed the associated documents and see only one map, are site details available for each site, to include Pictures, site location specifics, LAT/LONG, altitude, or site drawings for each site, and is it available before proposal submission deadline. A-21: Yes, these are listed in the SOW, which is found under the Additional Documents link on the posting. No other information is available until the post-award site walks. Q-22: Is the contractor responsible for connecting the radio system to the IM routers, or just test and turn up the radio links, and turn over to the MTARNG, for connection to local systems? A-22:The contractor is not responsible for MTNG traffic or corresponding set-up. Contractor is to turn over tested, working T1 transport system meeting specifications and reliability criterion set forth in the SOW. Q-23: In the Appendix A Floor Plans some sites have Future Racks identified, are these racks in place and available for this project. If they are available, is the project rack identified? A-23: Probably, but plan on providing a rack with each endpoint. The site manager will determine availability and assign rack and or floor space accordingly. Q-24: None of the documentation states the structure of the IM Towers. Do you have the types of the legs, round or angle, as well as the size of the legs for the IM towers? A-24: The IM towers are typically hollow legged, tubular towers, angular cross bracing, manufactured by Sabre Communications; however this may not be the case at every site. A photograph of each tower was provided in the SOW. Precise information on the towers will be made available to the successful bidder at the time of the site walks. Q-25: For quoting the conduit runs in the armories, is it possible to get floor plans to scale so we can work off of accurate distances to quote conduit and cable runs? A-25:Floor plans with scale are not possible before closing. The distances from the rack to antenna location have been estimated as follows: Belgrade - Est 180 Culbertson Est 100 Dillon - Est 80 Havre Est 80 Lewistown - Est 100 Glasgow - Est 160 Kalispell Est 200 *These are estimates. Please see SOW Part A work description and Part 3A regarding determination of the cable route, measurements, requirements, and plan approval. Q-26: At the Glasgow armory we are interested in knowing the distance of the roof overhang. If the antenna needs to be mounted above the roof a standoff would have to be fabricated to support a pipe off the wall a minimum of that distance. A-26:Please estimate three (3) feet in each direction. (see photo on page 30 of SOW) Q-27: In Kalispell, is there a preference to mounting a dish on the existing antenna structure at the top of the water tower or a new collar mount on the leg of the water tower? A-27: The preference is to mount to the antenna structure; however this has to be confirmed feasible by the bearing of the path profile and then the mount approved by the facility manager for that site, per the site user agreement rules Q-28: Is this project funded? A-28: This project is funded to a ceiling amount. If the price for installing hops to all seven towers exceeds the ceiling, fewer than seven towers may receive LMH in the awarded contract. Q-29: We have coordinates of sites, the following information is needed about each tower at these sites a.What is the tower structure height? A:Most IM towers are over 100 feet. Tower specifications will be made available to the successful bidder b.What is the tower structure type? A:The IM towers are typically hollow legged, tubular towers, angular cross bracing, manufactured by Sabre Communications; however this may not be the case at every site. A photograph of each tower is provided in the SOW. Precise information on the towers will be made available to the successful bidder at the time of the site walks. c. Is there a designated location on the tower for the antennas, Pre-determined antenna centerlines? A:No pre-designated antenna location on the tower(s); (antenna centerlines and tower locations will be proposed by the successful bidder during the Work of Part A Item 1A.) SOW Part A item 1A states: Antenna size and height above ground level are to be minimized to reduce wind loading on structures and visual impact. Therefore the lowest centerline meeting reliability criterion and available tower space is desired. Q-30: Three of the sites request wall mount racks in the SOW. Is there a certain dimension the customer is requesting for the wall mount racks? Are they different at each site? A-30:No preference on rack size, other than the fit necessary for the particular installation, subject to the approval of the facility or site manager. This will be determined in the Part A work. Existing wall mount racks at the armories that have them are typical of the pivoting 19 wall mount rack shown at the Lewistown Armory on page 27 of the SOW. Q-31: Does the customer have a preference for data encryption equipment they have used in the past? Will the customer pass traffic to the encryption device via a 10/100 BaseT Ethernet cable, or individual 1.544 Mbps DS1 interfaces? A-31:This is open to proposal. Q-32: The Statement of Work document details power back-up per site. Most of the sites state that. the vendor is to provide rectifiers and battery back-up with at least a one-hour reserve capacity. Just wanted to verify that 1 hour of battery back-up is sufficient, since we typically design power back-up for 8 hours of reserve and 24 hour recharge time? A-32:All sites that specify a one (1) hr reserve have generators on-site. The 1-hour reserve is intended to cover the total power consumption of all equipment needed for these links plus a factor for degradation. Note: Sites that specify a four (4) hour reserve do not have onsite generators; however four (4) hour reserve was determined to be sufficient at these sites. Q-33: Please expand on what is required as, A copy of the equipment Management Information Base (MIB) or MIB II ? A-33:We would like to see a written copy of the MIB object identifier tree structure and applicable command set in order to evaluate compatibility of the system for integration into a NMS/EMS. Q-34: Is this contract Department of Defense rated? A-34: Not sure what this question means. Yes, the award will be a DoD contract. Would you please e-mail Major Brad Willcockson at brad.willcockson@us.army.mil and clarify what you mean by rated? Q-35: Is there a contract form that will be used or will the award be based on terms of RFQ? A-35: The contract will be issued using an SF 1449 (Solicitation, Contract or Order for Commercial Items) with clauses, terms and conditions in accordance with the FAR (Federal Acquisition Regulations) as supplemented with applicable DoD, Army, and National Guard regulations. The award will reflect the terms and expectations contained in the RFQ.
 

Web Link

FBO.gov Permalink
(https://www.fbo.gov/spg/USA/NGB/DAHA24/W9124V09T4006/listing.html)
 

Place of Performance

Address: USPFO for Montana P.O. Box 4789, Helena MT<br />

Zip Code: 59604-4789<br />
 

Record

SN01910517-W 20090815/090814000105-2c83e21110386ba5fb0b9be51bddf568 (fbodaily.com)
 

Source

FedBizOpps Link to This Notice
(may not be valid after Archive Date)

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