Telephone Services

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides responses to vendor questions regarding the M6700126Q1005 – Telephone Services solicitation.

• PRI Architecture: The existing system uses a single PBX with 16 active PRI interfaces. The government expects the vendor's Session Border Controllers (SBCs) to receive SIP and deliver 16 PRIs via Ethernet to the SBC's interface cards. The PRI handoff standard is NI2, and the SBCs must be compatible with Cisco 8300 series ISRs with NIM-8MFT-T1/E1s.
• Fiber Handoff: The government will provide existing fiber pathways. A 2-strand single-mode fiber with SC(UPC) or LC(UPC) connectors is required. Diverse carrier pathing is not required.
• Numbering: Over 8500 DIDs are currently active, with 25000 DIDs expected to be available post-transition. All referenced number blocks are actively utilized.
• Concurrent Calls: The requirement for 368 concurrent calls is based on projected growth. Call bursting above this is not required. Historical utilization reports will not be provided.
• International Calling: Usage is "as needed" to support military deployments. No restrictions or fraud mitigation are expected.
• Carrier Transition: A phased migration is required, starting with a test bank of numbers, followed by simultaneous porting of the remainder. Maintenance windows are available (weekends/evenings), and rollback procedures are required.
• Security: DISA STIG hardening is applicable to proposed SBC/gateway infrastructure. No specific cybersecurity controls, logging, or monitoring are expected beyond STIGs.
• Rack/Power/Space: Up to 30 rack units of space are available. Power is 120V (A/B/C feeds, up to 30 Amps per phase). UPS is not government-furnished but must provide 30 minutes of runtime for generator cutover.
• LAN/WAN: The contractor is not expected to provide switching infrastructure. The government will not provide network connectivity or VLAN segmentation for the vendor's SBC infrastructure; only PRI interfaces will be used.
• Operational Support: No routine on-site contractor presence is required post-implementation. Remote monitoring and support are acceptable. On-site response time for outages must meet the MTTR stated in Section 14.0.
• Subcontracting: Commercial carrier services (fiber, SIP trunking) are considered subcontracts and are subject to FAR 52.219-14. Prime contractors must perform at least 50% of the work.
• Pricing: CLIN x001 expects a flat monthly fee for 368 CCPs. CLIN x002 should be updated to reflect 25,000 DIDs (qty 25 for 1000 DID blocks). CLIN x003 expects a flat monthly fee for 200,000 local/long-distance minutes, with international calls metered.
• Legacy Equipment: Removal of legacy copper cabling or PRI equipment is not required.

These clarifications do not appear to alter the submission deadlines or evaluation factors, but bidders should review their proposals based on the detailed technical and contractual clarifications provided.

Amendment / Modification

This amendment modifies the solicitation M6700126Q1005, originally dated May 20, 2026, to provide answers to questions received from industry.

• Section B - Supplies or Services & Prices or Costs: Modifications were made to the following CLINs/SLINs/ELINs:

  • 0002: The description for COMMERCIAL PHONE SERVICE DIDS was changed from '1000Telephone services to be performed in accordance with the Performance Work Statement (PWS)' to 'COMMERCIAL PHONE SERVICE DIDS 25,000 Telephone services to be performed in accordance with the Performance Work Statement (PWS)'.
  • Option Line Item 1002: Similar modification to CLIN 0002.
  • Option Line Item 2002: Similar modification to CLIN 0002.
  • Option Line Item 3002: Similar modification to CLIN 0002.
  • Option Line Item 4002: Similar modification to CLIN 0002.

• Section J - List of Attachments: The following attachment was added:

  • M6700126Q1005 - Questions and Answers.

• The purpose of this amendment is to provide answers to questions received from industry. Bidders should review the "Questions and Answers" attachment for clarification on solicitation details. The specific changes to Section B indicate an adjustment in the quantity or scope related to telephone services for multiple line items, now referencing '25,000'. Bidders should ensure their proposals reflect these updated details.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This solicitation seeks proposals for new telecommunications services at Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Cherry Point, North Carolina. The objective is to replace the current copper-based Primary Rate Interface (PRI) system with a modern, fiber-optic based Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) service to enhance reliability, capacity, and maintainability. The service will support local, long-distance, and international calling for approximately 25,000 telephone numbers.

• SIP Service Delivery: Provide a SIP-based telecommunications service via fiber-optic connection.

• Network Hardware: Supply, install, and configure Session Border Controllers (SBCs) for secure network separation.

• Legacy System Integration: Convert SIP signaling to 16 PRI lines for integration with existing legacy phone switching equipment.

• Call Capacity: Support a minimum of 368 concurrent calls.

• Numbering Plan Support: Cover specific (252) area code blocks.

• Deliverables: Functional SIP Service, SBCs installed and configured, PRI conversion, and a detailed Project Plan.

• Contract Type: Firm Fixed Price.

• Period of Performance: One (1) twelve-month base period with four (4) twelve-month option periods.

• Estimated Value: Values to be provided upon award.

• Offer Due Date: 17 June 2026, 11:00 AM.

• Submission Method: Electronic submission via email to bobbi.webster@usmc.mil. RFQ Number M67001-26-Q-1005 must be in the subject line.

• Quote Requirements: Include vendor's ability to perform, quoted firm-fixed price, FOB Destination pricing, completed SF1449 (including Blocks 17 and 30), completed Representations and Certifications (DFARS 252.204-7017), and Past Performance Information (at least three relevant references).

• Evaluation: Award will be made using simplified acquisition procedures and a best value process, considering price, technical ability, and past performance.

• NAICS Code: 517111 (517110 is also listed in some sections).

• Size Standard: 1500.

• Set-Aside: 100% set aside for Small Business.

• Point of Contact for Questions: Bobbi Webster (bobbi.webster@usmc.mil) by 1 June 2026.

• Place of Performance: MCAS Cherry Point, NC.

• Security: Adherence to MCAS Cherry Point security protocols is required.

• Contract Administration: Bobbi Webster and Larry Davis are listed points of contact.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a Wage Determination (No. 2015-5781, Revision No. 29) issued by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment Standards Administration, Wage and Hour Division. It establishes the minimum wage rates and fringe benefits required for various occupations performing work under the Service Contract Act in North Carolina, specifically within the Counties of Craven, Jones, and Pamlico.

• Lists numerous occupational codes and titles, ranging from administrative support and clerical to health, information technology, maintenance, and protective services.
• Specifies the minimum hourly wage rate for each listed occupation.
• Indicates that "Fringe Benefits Required Follow the Occupational Listing," implying that separate fringe benefit rates may apply in addition to the wage rates.
• Includes notes regarding Executive Orders 13706 (Paid Sick Leave) and 13658 (Minimum Wage), and details on Health & Welfare benefits, vacation, and holidays.
• Provides information on the process for requesting additional classifications and wage rates (Conformance Process) using Standard Form 1444 (SF-1444).

This wage determination is crucial for any bidder on a federal contract subject to the Service Contract Act within the specified geographic area. Bidders must use these rates to calculate their labor costs accurately when preparing their proposals. Failure to comply with these minimum wage and fringe benefit requirements can lead to non-compliance and potential penalties. It ensures that all covered employees are paid at least the minimum rates established for their specific occupations.

Statement of Work (SOW) / Performance Work Statement (PWS)

This Performance Work Statement (PWS) outlines the requirements for replacing the current off-base calling service at Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS), Cherry Point, North Carolina, with a modern, fiber-optic based Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) service. The goal is to improve reliability, capacity, and maintainability compared to the existing copper-based Primary Rate Interface (PRI) connections.

• Provide a SIP-based solution for local, long-distance, and international calling services.

• Deliver necessary personnel, equipment, materials, and supervision for the transition.

• Supply the SIP service and network hardware, including Session Border Controllers (SBCs), for secure separation between the provider's network and the MCAS infrastructure.

• Convert SIP signaling to 16 PRI connections within Building 4397 to interface with the existing legacy phone switching equipment.

• Support a minimum of 368 concurrent calls.

• Provide service for MCAS Cherry Point's 25,000 telephone numbers, including the (252) 466-XXXX block, (252) 720-XXXX block, and numbers from (252) 464-5000 to (252) 464-9999.

• Availability: 99.99% uptime of SIP trunk(s) on a yearly basis.

• Restoration: Mean Time To Restore (MTTR) services within 4 hours or less from notification of an outage.

• Deliverables must be provided in accordance with the schedule.

• Period of Performance: Twelve-month base year with options for up to four additional years.

• Place of Performance: Building 4397, MCAS Cherry Point, NC.

• Security: Adherence to all MCAS Cherry Point security protocols. SBCs must be configured for a secure demarcation point.

• Government-Furnished Property/Information: Government will provide access to Building 4397 and space for equipment.

• Quality Control: Contractor must establish and maintain a quality control program. Performance will be evaluated based on the PWS and a Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP).