KTC
KTC was published by USAC on . The bidding period closes at 5pm on .
USAC Links
Schedule
- : Posting Start Date
- : Last Date for Submission of Vendor Questions
- : All Vendor Questions Answered and Posted
- : 5pm Proposal Deadline
- : Proposal Analysis Commences
Questions & Answers
- Question: Can you provide a more detailed procurement schedule with specific dates? Inferring the language below, we’ve missed the question deadline and the answers to any questions would have been answered already.
Answer: Due to the complexities of the subsidy process and several parts of the process being outside our control we are unable to provide a detailed procurement schedule.
Please see the RFP schedule above for our current schedule. We will also make an attempt to answer all RFP questions regardless of when they come in. - Question: On all of the MS220-48LP’s it says 1 pSU power supply, but it comes with one and this unit doesn’t support internal redundant power.
Answer: Please provide pricing for both the MS220 with one power supply and the MS250-48lp with redundant power supply. - Question: I am inquiring if the number of users for each of the 14 sites listed in section 10.1 of KTC RFP-12 is available to us.
Answer: Unfortunately, we are unable to provide that information. - Question: In section 11.3 it states: “Reimbursement for network services must comply with Healthcare Connect Fund rules and procedures, and the terms of payment must accommodate USAC billing and payment timeframes. Initial payments are contingent upon delivery of service.” Can you please provide more information on the above referenced Healthcare Connection Fund rules and procedures and terms of payment/ USAC billing and payment timeframes?
Answer: Once an equipment vendor is selected a funding request will be made to USAC for the purchase of the equipment. USAC timeframes to issue their Funding Commitment Letter (FCL) are unpredictable. Once the FCL is issued, the vendor will receive 35% of the total due on the purchase. HCN will notify USAC this portion is paid, and then USAC will issue their portion (65%) of the purchase directly to the vendor. - Question: Section 11.4 states: “Each Responding Vendor must clearly and specifically state their understanding of and adherence to the FCC/USAC Healthcare Connect Fund payment procedures.” Can you please provide the FCC/USAC Healthcare Connect Fund payment procedures?
Answer: http://www.usac.org/rhc/healthcare-connect/sp/default.aspx - Information at USAC for providers of equipment and/or services. - Question: There is no detail regarding configuration, so should we assume that just basic port configuration is all that is needed? If more is required, please specify which protocols or features.
Answer: Basic port configuration is fine. - Question: Paragraph 10.2 says equipment for WAN but is only asking for switches, mostly access switches that do not even route, so I assume you have an MPLS network to interconnect the 11 sites. 14 sites. If you really need some WAN connections, like routing or VPN through the Internet, then we need MXs also. Please explain if there is any WAN capabilities required.
Answer: Our current WAN vendor provides and manages the routers on our MPLS network. - Question: You are asking for a lot of EOL MS-220s, but we will have to quote MS-225s. You cannot order MS220s anymore. Does this pose any challenges?
Answer: No, MS225s are fine. - Question: Is NorthKey looking for the service provider to come onsite to each location to physically unplug the existing switches and replace them with the new switches, or will NorthKey take on this responsibility?
Answer: Customer is open to a bid on the consulting end to do the work in conjunction with NorthKey. This would help expedite the rollout process. - Question: Are there any VLAN’s configured on the existing switches? If yes, how many? If yes, will we need to copy these over to the new switches?
Answer: VLAN 1 and 100 (Voice System currently being implemented at all sites). 2 VLANS. Yes – will need to copied to the new switches. - Question: Which device types are plugged into your switches today (IP phones, PC’s, etc.…)?
Answer: IPOffice phones and servers, Wireless AP’s (Meraki), ESX servers, backup devices, routers, Enterprise storage, video bridge, domain controllers at remote sites, other switches (Uplink and data port connections). - Question: For Section 5.2, (“The proposal shall designate an authorized negotiator who shall be empowered to make binding commitments.”). Are you referring to binding pricing commitments or something else? Can you clarify?
Answer: If possible the vendor shall designate someone to complete negotiations on price, contractual agreements, purchase agreements, etc. Essentially, any component of the transaction that could be a point of negotiation with the customer. - Question: We don’t have a signature page on our proposals. There is a requirement in the RFP stating a signature is required. Is there a document somewhere that we’re supposed to sign and include with our response?
Answer: Typically, vendors will respond with a cover page to the proposal and include a signature there. A cover page might include a statement of RFP understanding, identification of authorized negotiator for contracts, contact for questions about the response, etc. - Question: We are in the process of preparing a proposal for this RFP. We noticed that the 28 days ends today at 5PM, but the web site for the RFP gives a different schedule. According to the web site, the deadline is the 20th of April with the review of the submissions beginning on the 21st. This would certainly allow us to have a better, more polished proposal ready, but I would like verification regarding the deadline by which you're expecting to operate. Your help and response is greatly appreciated.
Answer: Nothkey has requested and been granted a one week extension by USAC. April 20th at 5PM is the new deadline.