SPECIAL NOTICE
D -- PCGN (VSAT) Extension and Q&A
- Notice Date
- 11/6/2003
- Notice Type
- Special Notice
- Contracting Office
- Peace Corps, Office of Planning Budget and Finance, Office of Contracts, 1111 20th Street, N.W., Room 4413, Washington, DC, 20526
- ZIP Code
- 20526
- Solicitation Number
- PCGNextend
- Archive Date
- 12/31/2003
- Point of Contact
- Christopher Smith, Contract Specialist, Phone 202-692-1626, Fax 202-692-1621, - Christopher Smith, Contract Specialist, Phone 202-692-1626, Fax 202-692-1621,
- E-Mail Address
-
csmith2@peacecorps.gov, csmith2@peacecorps.gov
- Description
- Regarding the subject requirement (see 16 and 23 SEP 2003 announcements for "Peace Corps Global Network by Very Small Aperture Terminal"), please be advised that the Govt continues to be under a Continuing Resolution (tentatively through 30 NOV 2003) and expenditures for any new activities (such as an award) are restricted. Therefore, the response date and time for interested parties to submit a technical proposal with cost elements is hereby extended to no later than Noon (12pm local Washington DC time) on Wednesday, 03 DEC 2003. In accordance with Note 22, the Govt intends to evaluate proposals received on a Best Value (technical approach equal to or more important than price) basis and will formally determine whether to proceed with an award to Verestar of Hagerstown MD or conduct an expedited competition based on initial offers. The following are replies to questions submitted by interested parties (Peace Corps technical point of contact is Michael Porter, T: 202/692-1340): Q1: "What are the interconnect/interface points on the Peace Corps voice and data networks and what specifications are needed by the vendor to ensure that a solution has the ability to interface and interconnect with said networks?" A1: Peace Corps is not focused on data at this time; end points can get Internet connectivity from the provider. Peace Corps contemplates voice services to be tied to its Avaya Definity G3SI PBX. Q2: "Is the Peace Corps currently using a third party?s NMS for Linkway 2000 terminals and must the vendor?s solution be based solely on the Linkway 2000 system? If yes, what NMS system? If a NMS is currently in use by the Peace Corps for existing Linkway 2000 terminals may the vendor access this same NMS?" A2: Please be advised that Peace Corps does not currently use the referenced system and intends to not keep its current system. Q3: "What system, antenna size, and frequency band does the Peace Corps have at the current sites? On the RF equipment, what size transmitter (2-watts, 4-watts, 10-watts, etc.)?" A3: Peace Corps only has one current site and that equipment will be replaced. Antenna size will be different from site to site. Q4: "Does Peace Corps require immediate global coverage? Where are the other 13 sites mentioned?" A4: Please be advised that the Peace Corps contemplates the Republic of Guinea as the first site, with others subject to availability of funds. Q5: "Does the Peace Corps want Frame Relay, IP, or ATM, or a combination? Which are preferred and which are required at each site?" A5: Peace Corps prefers an IP solution. Q6: "For the multilingual speaking operations staff 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days of the year, which languages are required and at what times?" A6: Please be advised that the Peace Corps contemplates primarily using English; however, since most sites using VSAT will be in Africa, ability to communicate in French will be necessary. Q7: "Can the vendor propose an alternative solution to the Linkway system?" A7: YES. Q8: "Is there a formal response/format required to this RFQ?" A8: Please submit your proposal in Microsoft Excel and Word 2000 compatible formats. Offerors may also submit their proposals in a compressed file (.zip) or image (Adobe Acrobat .pdf) formats. Three (3) hard copies of the entire proposal package must also be couriered to the following address: Peace Corps, Attn PC OPBF/C Rm 4447, 1111 20th St NW, Washington DC 20526, T/F: (202) 692-1626/-1621. Please provide a technical proposal of no more than fifty (50) pages in length, detailing approach/methodology to fulfill the stated requirement, as well as an initial project plan with identified milestones. Please also submit a referral list of at least three (3) clients currently using the solution proposed. A list of key personnel to be assigned to this project, their specific duties, and a copy of their current resume must also be submitted. A cost proposal supporting the technical proposal must also be submitted, justifying the mix of hours and detailing all direct and indirect costs (ODCs ? specified other than "miscellaneous"). Please note that there is no limit to the length of the referral, key personnel, and cost proposal elements. Please note that all travel estimates will be accompanied by a detailed justification and will be based on costs similar to those of Govt employees traveling in an official capacity. Q9: "Is the solution required a single hardware platform managed service using Linkway, i.e. all remote sites have identical hardware, full mesh connectivity for all 15 sites?" A9: Please be advised that Peace Corps contemplates a Cisco solution but is not specifically tied to a single platform. However, the intent of the PCGN is to have all sites as identical as possible for troubleshooting and training, as well as any applicable volume discount pricing. Q10: "What is the contract term?" A10: Please be advised that the Peace Corps intends to negotiate and award to a single vendor a firm, fixed price indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity (see FAR 16 FFP IDIQ ? estimated minimum/maximum quantity), with a one-year base performance period and up to two (2) one-year options; in order to deploy up to 15 sites by the end of FY05 (SEPT 2005) as originally contemplated.
- Place of Performance
- Address: Peace Corps Telecommunications Systems Office, Attn PC CIO/OI/TEL Rm 3262, 1111 20th St NW, Washington DC
- Zip Code: 20526
- Country: USA
- Zip Code: 20526
- Record
- SN00466542-W 20031108/031106212833 (fbodaily.com)
- Source
-
FedBizOpps.gov Link to This Notice
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