# Question and Answer for Satellite Phone Service Solicitation Canonical: https://abierto.us/opportunities/19sa7024q0020qa - Solicitation number: 19SA7024Q0020QA - Notice type: Special notice - Status: Closed. Deadline was August 26, 2024 at 10:00 AM EDT - Department: Department of State - Contracting office: U.S. Embassy Riyadh (19SA70) - NAICS: 517 Telecommunications - Product or service code: 7G22 Hardware and software for dedicated satellite and RF (microwave) communications equipment carrying data network circuits, and associated access facilities. Radio and TV signal generation, broadcast, and distribution components, handheld 2-way radio, and other RF communications systems. - Place of performance: SAU - First posted: August 12, 2024 - Last posted: August 12, 2024 - SAM.gov: https://sam.gov/workspace/contract/opp/ff8aab50094d4dbebbc121cc24241d96/view ## Description QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS (Q&A) SOLICITATION # 19SA7024Q0020 (Satellite Phone Services) 1. The PDF 19SA7024Q0020 document has pricing reflected. Were these figures intentionally released? The prices are for estimated call charges, and it’s done intentionally. Are these the current rates that the DoS KSA would like to target? No 2. PDF 19SA7024Q0020 Section II Scope of Work Line Item 1. Satphone services to Riyadh, Jeddah & Dhahran sites: New equipment is requested for the requirements? No new equipment required. Is there a make and model preference? No new equipment required. Are there specific features and expanded requirements needed on the Sat Phone device? No new equipment required. Are the Sat Phones used for voice & SMS only? Yes Please confirm that there are no data or smart phone requirements. No data or smart phone required. Line Item 2. New Maintenance Requirements. Shall the vendor provide all-inclusive pricing? In Section III CLIN 1,2&3 on the base and all option years to cover repair and maintenance since there are no separate CLINs for maintenance of the phones. The prices are required from the vendors only for monthly subscription fee. For maintenance and repair will deal by Purchase Order as needed. There is a distinction between malfunctions and damage to the Satphone units. Can the DoS provide 2 separate CLINs to reflect malfunction, repair, maintenance and replacement on one CLIN and Damaged Replacement category on another? SEE response, above, at Line Item 2. Line Item 3. Preventive Maintenance. Quarterly antennae maintenance was described; can we request a separate CLIN for this? The prices are required from the vendors only for monthly subscription fee. For maintenance and repair, by Purchase Order as needed. **Line Item 4. Onsite Replacement:** Can we get a separate CLIN for this? Also, how many back up Satphone units are needed per site? For maintenance and replacement, a separate Purchase Order will be issued, as necessary. 3. Sow II Line Item 5-6-7. It appears that there is an existing base system in place? Can we have some details on the current configuration? Portable Units do not necessarily require additional wiring or connections and the SOW seems to be describing a portable base station (fixed portable SATCOMs Base) and additional handheld Sat phones, but no details are provided as to what the set should consist of. We could be missing some elements and CLINs based on these descriptions. Kindly confirm. **[Note:** there is no SOW II in the solicitation] If we understand your question, portable units consist of fixed docking station unit with universal power supply and portable handset. This cradle is connected to Satellite and GPS antenna using RJ-11 Cable. It also has a wall mount bracket. 4. May we inquire why the Embassy post in Saudi Arabia did not exercise the option to utilize the EIS Contract Vehicle issued and administered by the Main State in Washington DC? Fixed and Mobile Satellite Services are included in the EIS program and there are Data & Voice options available. A standalone contract is required. 5. Could you please confirm our eligibility to participate in this solicitation? You may participate if you have an existing and current address in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. 6. Is service to be provided for existing satellite phones? If so, what models are they and which network do they operate on? Yes. Thuraya XT satellite phone connected via satellite network. 7. In Section 2 Scope of Work there is mention of cradles and antennas. Is there existing hardware in place? If so, what models are they? Unit model FDU-XT fixed docking station unit. If not, what are the requirements for the cradles? GPS antenna, satellite antenna, power supply and RJ-11 cable along with male SMA and UHF male connector. 8. With reference to Section 3 of the Scope of Work, would the State Department waive this requirement as it will restrict responses to local providers only? Unanswered - question unclear. 9. What length of cable would be required to connect the cradle with an external antenna? GPS antenna, 25 meters and satellite antenna, 25 meters. How many are needed? No requirement exists. ## Publications - August 12, 2024: Special notice, due August 26, 2024 at 10:00 AM EDT. Notice b469e488f46c440db9a8c91ffb492a5e. https://sam.gov/workspace/contract/opp/b469e488f46c440db9a8c91ffb492a5e/view - August 12, 2024: Special notice, due August 26, 2024 at 10:00 AM EDT. Notice ff8aab50094d4dbebbc121cc24241d96. https://sam.gov/workspace/contract/opp/ff8aab50094d4dbebbc121cc24241d96/view ## Points of contact - ATTN: Contracting Officer, Riyadhcontracting@state.gov --- Source: SAM.gov Contract Opportunities bulk extract. Confirm deadlines on SAM.gov before responding. Cite https://abierto.us/opportunities/19sa7024q0020qa.