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Questions already answered for this Invitation to Bid will show below.


Q: I would like to confirm that our intended submission format would be considered a responsive submission within the terms of the ITB format. This question applies generally to all ITBs for the RHC program in FY2020 posted on the ADS website. In the "Additional Information" section, the ITB format states: "Existing contracts may exist and may be used as bid responses if proposed by the incumbent service provider and allowable under program rules. Please include a cover letter outlining the historical flow of related funding requests so that the logic behind your offer is easily demonstrated." For RHC participants with existing contracts that cover FY2020, or partially cover the funding year and contain extension clauses, we may choose to respond to the ITB based upon this guidance. A response would include a cover letter, historical flow of related funding requests, copy of the contract, and a proposed extension, if applicable. We would not submit a SPAR or any other documentation in order to avoid introducing any new content that was not included in the original competitive bidding process for the contract. For any services requested that are not covered under the existing contract, we would offer a second, full ITB response with a new proposal, including new pricing and supporting information requested in the ITB. Would this submission format be considered responsive to the ITB format for RHC participants with existing contracts?
A: Yes. The intent of ITB is to provide information that helps determine the most cost effective solution(s) and Council of Athabascan Tribal Governments expects the service providers to comply with all program rules in submitting their response as it pertains to new services or with respect to current contractual obligations and/or options.

Q: In light of the recent FCC decision to extend filing deadlines for FY2020, would CATG be willing to extend the response deadline for their ITB by 1 to 2 weeks? Thank you for considering this request.
A: An extension is appropriate given the extenuating circumstances. We shall remain focused on completing 2020 applications for support so that services can be deployed and funding decisions may be issued in a timely manner. The due date for this ITB is: 05/15/2020.

Q: Registering for Updates and Information
A: Done. Thanks for your interest.

Q: Can you provide a list of all existing equipment available for re-use under the 20% weighting?
A: I am unsure what you mean by the term "re-use". If you are referring to the criteria and the 20% of the evaluation associated with the "leverage existing resources" component then we can say that proposals take into consideration existing resources to include hard and soft costs associated with process, operations, network deign, configuration changes, CPE changes, and construction. If information in an offer is insufficient to make binary scoring determinations, clarifying information may be sought.

Q: Can you confirm all re-use equipment is owned by CATG?
A: I am unsure what you mean by the therm "re-use". It is anticipated that the service provider will provide all required CPE to make the network service operational between sites, the medical cloud, internet and any other similar or equivalent proposed service. Any specific requirements to connect with service provider equipment should be included with the offer. The applicant does not intend to purchase equipment.

Q: Can you provide a list of all existing equipment available for re-use under the 20% weighting?
A: I am unsure what you mean by the term "re-use". If you are referring to the criteria and the 20% of the evaluation associated with the "leverage existing resources" component then we can say that proposals take into consideration existing resources to include hard and soft costs associated with process, operations, network deign, configuration changes, CPE changes, and construction. If information in an offer is insufficient to make binary scoring determinations, clarifying information may be sought.

Q: Can you confirm all re-use equipment is owned by CATG?
A: I am unsure what you mean by the therm "re-use". It is anticipated that the service provider will provide all required CPE to make the network service operational between sites, the medical cloud, internet and any other similar or equivalent proposed service. Any specific requirements to connect with service provider equipment should be included with the offer. The applicant does not intend to purchase equipment.

Q: DRS Global Enterprise Solutions, Inc. intends to submit a response to the ITB for the Council of Athabascan Tribal Governments.
A: Thanks for your interest.

Q: GCI intends to respond to this ITB for the Council of Athabascan Tribal Governments.
A: Thanks for your interest.

Q: Testing Q/A Functionality.
A: Q/A Functionality Working Fine. Please Remember: Include estimated latency in your response. Use Cover Letters (examples are available on http://adsadsi.com/itb_year_23.shtml). The bid period shall be the period USAC identifies after posting the associated 461(s) and 465(s). Offers shall be due by 11:59:59PM local standard time on the date identified by USAC - meaning there will probably be different due dates for the various services sought. It is acceptable to submit all offers and responses by the first due date - this would assure all due dates are met. The applicant does not intent to extend due dates. If unsure of due dates, check the appropriate Form(s).