Attachment 2: Questions and Answers

Question1: The price schedule includes PowerScribe 360 line items in Ordering Period Two (CLINs 1001 through 1013, 11/11/2027 to 11/10/2028). The manufacturer tells us PowerScribe 360 reaches end of life before that period starts, so it can’t be renewed or supported then. May offerors mark CLINs 1001 through 1013 as “Not available, product end of life?" Also, if PowerScribe 360 support can only run through the end of life date during Ordering Period One, may offerors price the affected PowerScribe 360 lines through that date? Answer 1: The line-items have been adjusted to account for the end of life. Line-items 0017-0029 now specify “until product support end of life” and would be utilized after the initial six month period of the corresponding line-items for the same services. Question 2: Section II.1.1 of the Statement of Work requires the contractor to be a manufacturer-authorized support provider for Nuance PowerScribe 360 and ModLink. Must this authorization be held directly by the SDVOSB prime contractor, or may the requirement be satisfied through an authorized OEM or subcontractor performing the relevant support services? Answer 2: The requirement may be satisfied through an authorized OEM or subcontractor performing the relevant support services. Question 3: What documentation will the Government accept to demonstrate manufacturer authorization? For example, would a letter from Nuance/Microsoft identifying the prime contractor and its authorized implementation or support partner be acceptable? Answer 3: Yes, a letter from Nuance/Microsoft identifying the prime contractor and its authorized implementation or support partner would be acceptable and is the preferred documentation to demonstrate manufacturer authorization. Question 4: Given that the solicitation includes software licensing, subscription renewals, professional services, and technical maintenance, could the Government clarify how it intends to evaluate compliance with the services limitations-on-subcontracting requirements? Answer 4: The solicitation has been amended and is now unrestricted; therefore, limitations on subcontracting will not apply. Question 5: Are SDVOSB prime contractors permitted to partner with an OEM-authorized distributor or implementation provider to fulfill the proprietary software and technical support requirements, provided all applicable contracting and subcontracting requirements are met? Answer 5: Yes