SOLICITATION NOTICE
D -- Long Term Evolution (LTE) Generator
- Notice Date
- 8/24/2016
- Notice Type
- Combined Synopsis/Solicitation
- NAICS
- 334515
— Instrument Manufacturing for Measuring and Testing Electricity and Electrical Signals
- Contracting Office
- Department of Commerce, National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), NIST AMD Boulder, 325 Broadway, Boulder, Colorado, 80305, United States
- ZIP Code
- 80305
- Solicitation Number
- SB1341-16-RQ-00992
- Archive Date
- 9/24/2016
- Point of Contact
- Susan McKean, Phone: 3034975417, Michael Fredericks,
- E-Mail Address
-
susan.mckean@nist.gov, michael.fredericks@nist.gov
(susan.mckean@nist.gov, michael.fredericks@nist.gov)
- Small Business Set-Aside
- N/A
- Description
- FBO ANNOUNCEMENT: COMBINED SYNOPSIS/SOLICITATION ACTION CODE: ˂COMBINED˃ CLASSIFICATION CODE: 66-Laboratory Equipment and supplies SUBJECT: Long Term Evolution (LTE) Generator SOLICITATION NUMBER: SB1341-16-RQ-0992 RESPONSE DATE: 12:00 PM MDT, September 9, 2016 CONTACT POINTS: Susan McKean, Contract Specialist 303-497-5417 Michael Fredericks, Contracting Officer 303-497-7763 DESCRIPTION: THIS IS A COMBINED SYNOPSIS/SOLICITATION FOR COMMERCIAL ITEMS PREPARED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE FORMAT IN FAR SUBPART 12.6-STREAMLINED PROCEDURES FOR EVALUATION AND SOLICITATION FOR COMMERCIAL ITEMS-AS SUPPLEMENTED WITH ADDITIONAL INFORMATION INCLUDED IN THIS NOTICE. THIS ANNOUNCEMENT CONSTITUTES THE ONLY SOLICITATION; QUOTATIONS ARE BEING REQUESTED, AND A SEPARATE WRITTEN SOLICITATION DOCUMENT WILL NOT BE ISSUED. THE SOLICITATION IS BEING ISSUED USING SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION PROCEDURES UNDER THE AUTHORITY OF FAR 13. This solicitation document and incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular (FAC) 2005-89-1. The associated North American Industrial Classification System (NAICS) code for this procurement is 334515 with a small business size standard of 750 employees. This requirement is being competed as full and open competition. All interested responsible business concerns, regardless of size, may submit a quotation. Due Date and Response Information: Offerors capable of furnishing the specified equipment in this combined synopsis/solicitation should submit their quote in writing to Susan McKean electronically at susan.mckean@nist.gov. FAX and hard-copy quotations shall not be accepted. Offerors shall submit their quotations so that NIST receives them not later than NLT 12:00 pm MDT, Sep 9, 2016. Acceptance of Terms and Conditions: This is an open-market solicitation for services as defined herein. The Government intends to award a Purchase Order as a result of this solicitation that will include the clauses set forth herein. The quotation should include one of the following statements: "The terms and conditions in the solicitation are acceptable to be included in the award document without modification, deletion, or addition." OR "The terms and conditions in the solicitation are acceptable to be included in the award document with the exception, deletion, or addition of the following: Offeror shall list exception(s) and rationale for the exception(s) 1352.215-72 INQUIRIES (APR 2010) Offerors must submit all questions concerning this solicitation in writing to the contract specialist within seven (7) days of the posting. All responses to the questions will be made in writing, without identification of the questioner, and will be included in an amendment to the solicitation. Even if provided in other form, only the question responses included in the amendment to the solicitation will govern performance of the contract. (end of provision) Background The Communications Technology Laboratory is in the process of expanding its research efforts related to spectrum sharing. This research spans a broad area covering topics associated with distributed spectrum sensing, signal propagation, interference between devices and networks, and evaluating a device's ability to share spectrum. As one of the most prolific technologies currently in use today, Long Term Evolution (LTE) technology is a significant factor in almost all proposed spectrum sharing scenarios. To research the use of LTE systems in shared spectrum environments the procurement of an LTE traffic generator (sometimes referred to as a "RAN Load Tester") is an essential part of our portfolio. This traffic generator will be connected to the eNodeBs and evolved packet core (EPC) already owned by NIST and be installed inside a NIST laboratory. The output of this traffic generator will be used to load our LTE eNodeBs and examine how they perform under certain conditions. As this is a research effort, it is difficult to specify exactly for what applications this hardware will be used. Thus, the ability to configure the hardware to produce a variety of different user equipment (UE) configurations is key. However, as NIST is primarily interested in the RF characteristics of LTE, the traffic generator must generate the RF signal(s) associated with UE traffic. Minimum Requirements(MR) The system shall meet or exceed the technical specifications identified below. All items must be new. Used or remanufactured equipment will not be considered for award. Experimental, prototype, or custom items will not be considered. The use of "gray market" components not authorized for sale in the U.S. by the proposer is not acceptable. All line items shall be shipped in the original manufacturer's packaging and include all original documentation and software when applicable. Line Item 0001: Quantity of one (1) Long Term Evolution (LTE), which meets or exceeds the technical specifications identified below: 1. The LTE Traffic Generator shall have the following RF characteristics: 1.1. Capability to operate in 3GPP defined LTE bands from (at a minimum) 1 GHz to 6 GHz. 1.1.1. Both frequency division duplexed (FDD) and time division duplexed (TDD) operations shall be supported. 1.1.2. LTE channel sizes of 5 MHz, 10 MHz, and 20 MHz shall be supported. 1.2. Simulated UEs (when defined to be of an appropriate category) shall be capable of sending/receiving data in a 2x2 MIMO configuration. 1.3. Capability to simulate traffic in two eNodeB sectors. The traffic generator shall be capable of operating both sectors simultaneously through the use of independent RF ports. Handovers between sectors shall be supported. 1.4. Support for up to 200 unique simulated UEs in each sector. 1.5. Ability to generate all available traffic types in both the uplink and downlink directions either simultaneously or in one direction at a time. 1.6. Capability to upgrade via software/license (i.e., no change in hardware) to support for up to 750 UEs per sector. 1.7. Capability to upgrade via software/license to support for carrier aggregation (2 carriers). 2. The LTE Traffic Generator shall have the following LTE related characteristics: 2.1. Simulated UEs shall use 3GPP release 8 (or newer). 2.2. Capability to simulate UE categories 2, 3, and 4. It must be possible to simulate groups of all available UE categories simultaneously during a single test. 2.3. Capability to generate ping, user datagram protocol (UDP), transmission control protocol (TCP), file transfer protocol (FTP), and hypertext transfer protocol (HTTP) traffic on the UEs to simulate various applications. The traffic generator must have the ability to add voice-over LTE (VoLTE) traffic types as a software/license upgrade. 2.3.1. The use of non-compressible (random) data for the generation of UDP, TCP and FTP traffic types must be permissible. 2.4. The traffic generator shall be capable of generating the traffic. That is, if (for example) an external server is required to generate the simulated UE traffic, it shall be included. 2.5. Simulated UEs must be capable of IPv4 or IPv6 addressing. 3. The LTE Traffic Generator shall have the following software capabilities: 3.1. Operation of the traffic generator shall be possible through a graphical user interface (GUI). In this context, "operation" includes the development and execution of test cases, as well as the retrieval of logs/data. 3.1.1. Operation through a command-line interface is permissible as long as there is also a graphical user interface. 3.2. Detailed statistics must be logged for analysis after the test case has run. These statistics will be used to evaluate the eNodeB/network performance. Statistics must be recorded at 30 second intervals (or less). At a minimum, the following statistics must be recorded: number of UEs attached, number of failed attaches, number of active bearers per UE group, radio resource control (RRC) messages sent and received, amount of data sent and received, IPv4 packets sent and received, and IPv6 packets sent and received. 3.3. Ability to simulate UEs (or UE groups) traveling a defined path (i.e., a "drive test") that includes a channel model (fading, path loss). This path is "traveled" as the test case runs and simulates the UEs moving inside the eNodeB sector. The traffic generator shall allow the user to select one of the standardized 3GPP path loss/fading models for use in these simulated drive tests. 3.4. Ability define at least 100 groups of UEs. Within each UE group, the following must be configurable: number of UEs in the group, type of data that group of UEs is transacting, and the drive test path that group of UEs is traveling during a test. Different UE groups must be able to transact different data types (e.g., one group using FTP, the other HTTP). 4. The LTE Traffic Generator shall also meet the following general requirements: 4.1. Capability to create tests that will vary the number of UEs and over-the-air traffic for tests running up to 24 consecutive hours. 4.2. The hardware provided must fit in a conventional 19" equipment rack OR a conventional telecommunications rack. This hardware will be installed in an equipment rack that is already part of the NIST laboratory. 4.3. The hardware provided must be compatible with common U.S. electrical power source voltages: 120 (single phase), 220 (single phase), 208 (three phase). 5. Training on the use of the system shall be provided for up to eight (8) NIST personnel. This training shall consist of approximately 16 hours (over two or three business days) of instruction. The days in which the training shall take place will be coordinated with NIST in advance to ensure the appropriate NIST personnel are able to attend. 6. Only new equipment shall be used. No used equipment is acceptable. 7. This traffic generator will be integrated with Nokia eNodeBs already owned by NIST. To ensure compatibility, NIST can provide specific hardware model numbers upon request. The LTE traffic generator supplied shall be compatible with other major brands of eNodeB hardware. 8. The most recent commercially available versions of hardware and software shall be used. The use of hardware/software that is discontinued or of "legacy" status is not acceptable. 9. All software licenses included shall be of the perpetual type. That is, NIST is allowed to use the software (in its current state) for an unlimited number of times for an unlimited duration. These Additional Features would be considered in making a best value determination: 10. Support for LTE bands other than those described in Minimum Requirements (MR), paragraph 1.1. These would be user-defined LTE bands. That is, the user may define an uplink and downlink frequency range (using FDD as an example) that is within the hardware's range of operation. This custom defined band may be one that has not been standardized by 3GPP. 11. RF hardware that can operate beyond the specified requirement (i.e., at frequencies above 6 GHz or below 1 GHz), as described in Section III, paragraph 1.1. 12. Support for additional LTE channel widths other than those specified in MR, paragraph 1.1.2. 13. Simulated UEs using features/releases more current than 3GPP release 8, as described in MR, paragraph 2.1. 14. Simulated UEs being capable of additional uplink/downlink traffic types beyond those specified in MR, paragraph 2.3. 15. Statistics that are recorded at intervals more frequent than is specified in MR, paragraph 3.2. 16. Support for fading/path loss models other than the standardized 3GPP models specified in MR, paragraph 3.3. These would be user-defined path/loss fading models. This feature would allow the user to enter in their own path loss and fading parameters into the GUI when a test case is developed. Inspection and Acceptance The TPOC will ensure the LTE Generator is fully operational and demonstrates operation to the minimum specifications set forth in this document. Warranty The contractor shall warrant the entire system for a period of at least one (1) year. The warranty must include unlimited telephone/e-mail support for questions regarding operation. All costs including parts, labor, travel, and other expenses necessary to repair the system will be borne solely by the contractor at no additional cost to the U.S. Government. Delivery Description Quantity Due Date LTE Traffic Generator One (1) system 120 days after award Start of on-site training One (1) set 28 days after the system is delivered. Evaluation Factors for Award: Award will be made, if at all, to the responsible offeror whose offer conforming to the requirements of the solicitation represents the best value to the Government considering both technical factors and price: (1) Technical: Hardware/software that meets/exceeds the technical specifications; and (2) Price. The technical factor is more important than the overall price. The importance of price in the evaluation will increase with the degree of equality among quotations of the non-price factor. The Government reserves the right to consider information gathered from sources outside the offeror's proposals. The following factors will be used to evaluate quotations: Technical Factors NIST will evaluate the extent to which the offeror's quotation meets or exceeds technical requirements as described in the Minimum Requirements (Nos.1-9) listed. NIST will evaluate the extent to which the offeror's quotation meets or exceeds technical requirements as described in the Additional Features (Nos. 10 -17) in making a best value determination. Price Price will be considered when the technical requirement has been met. The price evaluation will determine whether the proposed prices are fair and reasonable in relation to the solicitation requirements and equipment proposed/quoted. Price quotations shall be entirely compatible with the proposed technical solution(s). The degree of importance of the proposed prices will increase with the degree of equality of the quotations in relation to the technical factor on which the selection is to be based. The Government may award to other than the lowest priced Offeror or the highest technically rated quotation utilizing price as a trade-off for the technical factor. The Government reserves the right to make an award without discussions based solely upon initial quotations. Therefore, offerors should ensure that their initial quotation constitutes their best offer in terms of both price and the technical solution being proposed. PROVISIONS AND CLAUSES: The following provisions and clauses apply to this acquisition and are hereby incorporated by reference. All FAR clauses may be viewed at http://acquisition.gov/comp/far/index.html. All Commerce Acquisition Regulations (CAR) clauses may be viewed at http://farsite.hill.af.mil/VFCARA.HTM. System for Award Management (SAM): In accordance with FAR 52.204-7, the awardee must be registered in SAM (www.sam.gov) prior to award. Refusal to register shall forfeit award. FAR Provisions: ADDENDUM TO PROVISION 52.212-1 - QUOTATION SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS  All quotations must be submitted electronically so that they are received at susan.mckean@nist.gov no later than Sep 9, 2016 at 12:00 PM Mountain. Facsimile quotations will NOT be accepted. Offerors shall e-mail their quotation so that it is received by the response date/time for this solicitation. It is the responsibility of the Offeror to confirm NIST's receipt of its quotation. NIST reserves the right to award a purchase order without discussions, based solely on the submission of the Contractor;  Acknowledgement of solicitation amendment(s). 52.212-1 Instructions to Offerors - Commercial Items (OCT 2015) 52.212-3 Offeror Representations and Certifications - Commercial Items (APR 2016) FAR Clauses: 52.212-4 Contract Terms and Conditions - Commercial Items (MAY 2015) 52.212-5 Contract Terms and Conditions Required to Implement Statutes or Executive Orders - Commercial Items (JUN 2016) including subparagraphs: • 52.203-6 Restrictions of Subcontractor Sales to the Government (Sept 2006) • 52.204-10 Reporting Executive Compensation and First-Tier Subcontract Awards (OCT 2015) • 52.209-6 Protecting the Government`s Interest When Subcontracting with Contractors Debarred, Suspended, or Proposed for Debarment (OCT 2015) • 52.209-10 Prohibition on Contracting with Inverted Domestic Corporations • 52.219-28 Post Award Small Business Program Representation (JUL 2013) • 52.222-3 Convict Labor (Jun 2003) • 52.222-19 Child Labor--Cooperation with Authorities and Remedies (FEB 2016) • 52.222-21 Prohibition of Segregated Facilities (APR 2015) • 52.222-22 Previous Contracts and Compliance Reports • 52.222-26 Equal Opportunity (APR 2015) • 52.222-35 Equal Opportunity for Veterans (OCT 2015) • 52.222-36 • 52.222-37 Employment Reports on Veterans (FEB 2016) • 52.222-40 Notification of Employee Rights Under the National Labor Relations Act (Dec 2010) • 52.222-50 Combating Trafficking in Persons (Mar 2015) • 52.223-18 Encouraging Contractor Policies to Ban Text Messaging While Driving (Aug 2011) • 52.225-13 Restrictions on Certain Foreign Purchases (Jun 2008) • 52.232-33 Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer-System for Award Management (Jul 2013) Department of Commerce Acquisition Regulation (CAR) clauses: 1352.201-70, Contracting Officer's Authority 1352.209-73, Compliance with the Laws 1352.209-74, Organizational Conflict of Interest 1352.233-70 Agency Protests (APR 2010) (a) An agency protest may be filed with either: (1) the contracting officer, or (2) at a level above the contracting officer, with the appropriate agency Protest Decision Authority. See 64 Fed. Reg. 16,651 (April 6, 1999) (b) Agency protests filed with the Contracting Officer shall be sent to the following address: NIST/ACQUISITION MANAGEMENT DIVISION ATTN: MICHAEL FREDERICKS, CONTRACTING OFFICER 325 Broadway, Bldg 111/Rm 109 Boulder, CO 80305 (c) ) Agency protests filed with the agency Protest Decision Authority shall be sent to the following address: NIST/ACQUISITION MANAGEMENT DIVISION ATTN: HEAD OF THE CONTRACTING OFFICE (HCO) 100 Bureau Drive, MS 1640 Gaithersburg, MD 20899 (d) A complete copy of all agency protests, including all attachments, shall be served upon the Contract Law Division of the Office of the General Counsel within one day of filing a protest with either the Contracting Officer or the Protest Decision Authority. (e) Service upon the Contract Law Division shall be made as follows: U.S. Department of Commerce Office of the General Counsel Chief, Contract Law Division, Room 5893 Herbert C. Hoover Building 14th Street and Constitution Avenue, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20230. FAX: (202) 482-5858 (End of clause) 1352.233-71, GAO and Court of Federal Claims Protests (APR 2010) (a) A protest may be filed with either the Government Accountability Office (GAO) or the Court of Federal Claims unless an agency protest has been filed. (b) A complete copy of all GAO or Court of Federal Claims protests, including all attachments, shall be served upon (i) the Contracting Officer, and (ii) the Contract Law Division of the Office of the General Counsel, within one day of filing a protest with either GAO or the Court of Federal Claims. (c) Service upon the Contract Law Division shall be made as follows: U.S. Department of Commerce Office of the General Counsel Chief, Contract Law Division, Room 5893 Herbert C. Hoover Building 14th Street and Constitution Avenue, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20230. FAX: (202) 482-5858 (End of clause) NIST Provisions and Clauses: NIST LOCAL 04 Billing Instruction (a) NIST prefers electronic Invoice/Voucher submissions and they should be emailed to INVOICE@NIST.GOV. (b) Each Invoice or Voucher submitted shall include the following: (1) Contract Number. (2) Contractor Name and Address. (3) Date of Invoice. (4) Invoice Number. (5) Amount of Invoice and Cumulative Amount Invoiced to-date. (6) Contract Line Item Number (CLIN). (7) Description, Quantity, Unit of Measure, Unit Price, and Extended Price of Supplies/Services Delivered. (8) Prompt Payment Discount Terms, if Offered. (9) Any other information or documentation required by the contract. (c) In the event electronic submissions are not used, The Contractor shall submit an original invoice or voucher in accordance with the payment provisions of this contract to: NIST: Accounts Payable Office 100 Bureau Drive, Mail Stop 1621 Gaithersburg, MD 20899- 1621.
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- Place of Performance
- Address: 325 Broadway, Boulder, Colorado, 80305, United States
- Zip Code: 80305
- Zip Code: 80305
- Record
- SN04238930-W 20160826/160824235303-9e5b94cd5900028376e13ce15ddb3011 (fbodaily.com)
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