7B21--CPU Towers Eastern Colorado Healthcare System

THE PURPOSE OF THIS AMENDMENT 0001 TO RFQ 36C25926Q0613 IS TO ANSWER VENDOR QUESTIONS. VENDOR QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS PROVIDED BELOW: 1. After reviewing the solicitation for CPU Towers for Eastern Colorado Healthcare System, we have a question regarding the HP Z2 Tower G9 Workstation (Model A1NY3UT). This item has been discontinued and is no longer available from the manufacturer. Would the HP G10 or G11 be an acceptable alternative? Answer: Unfortunately, VA OI&T has not technically approved the hardware associated with HP G10 or G11 models for use within VA. This may change in the future, but as of now, the HP Z2 Tower G9 Workstation (Model A1NY3UT) and the other models outlined in the Salient Characteristics are the only acceptable models that we can pursue. 2. The attached VAAR 852.219-76 certification retains both the single-end-item and multiple-item blocks under paragraph (a)(2)(iii). Because the solicitation specifies HP, Dell, and LG products, please confirm whether SBA has issued an individual or applicable class waiver of the nonmanufacturer rule for this acquisition. Answer: Yes, there is a class waiver for this requirement under NAICS 334118 3. If no waiver applies, please confirm whether offerors must certify that at least 50% of the total estimated contract value consists of products manufactured by small-business concerns. Please also identify precisely which paragraph (a)(2)(iii) box the Contracting Officer intends offerors to complete. Answer: N/A 4. The SOW requires Windows 11 Pro OEM support but also states that VA requires the operating system to be wiped before delivery. Please clarify the required delivery conditions, including whether the OEM license must remain embedded or otherwise available for VA reimaging. Answer: The OEM needs to include the license 5. Please confirm whether the contractor must configure all listed BIOS/UEFI settings and PXE-related options before delivery, or whether the contractor is only required to provide equipment capable of supporting those settings. Answer: The contractor needs to configure the settings before delivery of hardware. 6. For CLIN 0004, does VA require a keyboard with an integrated PIV smart-card reader, or is a standard wired keyboard combined with a separate external PIV reader acceptable? Answer: A standard wired keyboard combined with a separate external PIV reader is preferred. 7. For the required authorization documentation, will a letter from an OEM-authorized distributor identifying Liberty ChainGuard Consulting LLC, the products, and the authorized supply chain satisfy the requirement, or must the letter come directly from each OEM? Answer: No, an OEM authorized distributor letter for each manufacturer of the items you will be supplying identifying your company as an authorized distributor will be required. 8. Please confirm that the three-year warranty requires 3/3 parts, labor, and onsite coverage for each workstation and identify whether separate monitor warranty coverage is required under CLIN 0005. Answer: Confirming that the 3-yr warranty coverage 3/3/3: parts, labor, onsite coverage) is necessary for each workstation. There is no separate warranty required for the Monitors. 9. We would like to know if this is a brand-new contract OR if there is (was) an incumbent performing these services. If not brand new, could you please provide the current / previous contract number? Answer: This is a brand-new contract 10. CLIN 0003 (Mouse) and CLIN 0004 (Keyboard) each list a quantity of 13, but no specifications or part numbers are given. Does the Government require particular makes and models, or may offerors quote the standard mouse and keyboard offered with the proposed workstation? Answer: No particular make/model for the standard mouse and keyboard offered, just as long as they are compatible with the workstation and standard.