CNIM RFI

1. The 764th Enterprise Sourcing Squadron (ESS) is seeking industry input and exploring innovative methods in modernizing communications network infrastructure for future requirements throughout the European Theater and other Areas of Responsibility (AORs). 2. This Request for Information (RFI) is for Market Research purposes only and shall not be considered as an invitation to bid, request for quotation, request for proposal, or as an obligation on the part of the Government to acquire any products or services. In accordance with FAR 15.201(e), responses to this notice are not offers and cannot be accepted by the Government to form a binding contract. No contract awards will be made from this notice and no solicitation is available at this time. No entitlement to payment of direct or indirect costs or charges by the Government will arise as a result of contractor submission of responses to this announcement or the Government use of such information. No funds have been authorized, appropriated, or received for this effort. 3. Interested parties are responsible for adequately marking proprietary or competition sensitive information contained in their response. Companies may be contacted if we need further information to fully understand the marketplace. The Air Force Installation Contracting Center (AFICC) 764th ESS is not seeking proposals and will not accept unsolicited proposals as a result of this RFI. Please be advised that all submissions become Government property and will not be returned. Not responding to this RFI does not preclude participation in any future Request for Proposal (RFP). 4. Comments and responses are due no later than COB on 21 January 2021. Please submit your comments to both the Government points of contact indicated below. Questions: Question 1: Have you ever been awarded a Task Order (TO) or contract for communications network infrastructure design, construction, or modernization with performance in the USAFE-AFAFRICA AOR? If yes, please describe, including locations. Question 2: What is the most complex communications network infrastructure contract you have supported? What risks and issues does your company most often identify for these types of efforts? Question 3: Please describe the types of communications related contracts you've supported in the past. Categories may include but are not limited in supplying commodities or services to: a. Fixed communication cabling and manhole duct systems b. Networking equipment installation and configuration c. Power, grounding, HVAC installation/enhancements for communication data centers d. RF Transmission systems Question 4: What key challenges for working in USAFE-AFAFRICA has your company identified to working in an overseas environment? What could the Government do to mitigate those challenges? Question 5: In your view, what are the pros and cons of Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) Multiple Award Contracts versus Single Award IDIQ and Requirements Contracts for long term Communications Infrastructure upgrade programs? Also, please provide any comments on your experience with innovative procurement techniques and contract vehicles, whether you believe they worked well or not, and why. Question 6: Are you a contract holder for any existing Government Wide Acquisition Contract for IT Services (2GIT, NASA SEWP, Alliant 2, etc.)? If yes, please include which ones. Question 7: In your view, are Communications Infrastructure upgrades commercial or non-commercial? Question 8: There is a bilateral process (DOCPER) for the U.S. Forces, in coordination with German authorities, to grant contractor personnel independent status (accreditation) under the NATO SOFA to include tax exempt status and Individual Logistical Support (ILS) (i.e., base privileges). What is your experience with DOCPER? Have you experienced any challenges with the approval process for this type of work? Question 9: Has your company experienced any delays/roadblocks in hiring contractor personnel to perform work on a Government contract in the USAFE AOR? If so, how did your company mitigate the situation?