0 Comment Matrix - Final QA_03042026.xlsx

XLSX spreadsheet 27 KB Posted Mar 5, 2026

Attached to: FAA AST Environmental Support Services Final SIR Amd 2
Solicitation number: 693KA9-26-R-00009_Amd2
Issued by: Department of Transportation Federal Aviation Administration Headquarters

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Written by GovTribe AI · Mar 5, 2026

This file is a Comment Matrix documenting Questions and Answers (Q&A) regarding the FAA AST Environmental Support Services solicitation (693KA9-26-R-00009_Amd2). The matrix compiles 27 clarification questions submitted by prospective offerors during the solicitation phase, with corresponding FAA responses addressing personnel qualifications, staffing requirements, past performance criteria, subcontracting obligations, and facility access procedures.

Key clarifications provided by the FAA include: work experience may substitute for education requirements (15 years for master's degree, 10 years for bachelor's, 5 years for associate's degree); only two key personnel are required (Principal Consultant/Program Manager and Senior Consultant/Project Manager); security clearances are not currently anticipated; Section 508 compliance applies to certain public documents; past performance examples must be from projects completed within four years of the proposal due date (March 18, 2026) with a minimum project size of $1,000,000 per 12-month period; subcontracting is not mandatory but Large Businesses must submit a subcontracting plan; all work may be performed remotely at the contractor's facility except when specific on-site access is expressly required by the FAA; bi-monthly meetings will be conducted virtually; individuals should be assigned to only one labor category at a time; and Past Performance Questionnaires (PPQs) are the sole offeror-submitted past performance documentation, with CPARS considered at the FAA's discretion. The FAA also clarified that no fee is allowed on materials and Other Direct Costs (ODCs) in addition to indirect costs, and that suitability determination typically requires 30–90 days, with interim suitability potentially granted within 30 days.

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Other files

File	Type	Posted
1 Final SIR No. 693KA9-26-R-00009 Amd 2.pdf	PDF	Mar 5, 2026
2 L001 PPQ Amd 2.pdf	PDF	Mar 5, 2026
4 J002 LCATs - Environmental Contract Amd 2.pdf	PDF	Mar 5, 2026
3 L002 693KA9-26-R-00009 Pricing Worksheet.xlsx	XLSX spreadsheet	Mar 5, 2026

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Instructions Please use this matrix to provide questions, concerns, and clarifications on the SIR and its related documents. Please use the Comments tab to provide all responses to all documentation.

Column A - Document - Provide which document you are making a comment against.

Column B - Page/Tab - Provide the page number for the associated document or tab label for Excel documents Column C - Section/para/Cell - Provide the section/paragraph for pdf documents or cell for Excel documents Column D - Text - Provide the applicable text taken from the respective document Column E - Comments - Provide all questions, concerns, and clarifications Column F - Rationale - Provide any rationale/reasoning for the comment

Comments

Document	Page/Tab	Section/Para/Cell	Text	Comment	Rationale	FAA Response
Final SIR	7-10	SIR, C.6	Please confirm that we can substitute the following years of work experience for the Project Labor Category minimum education requirements: 15 years for a masters, 10 years for a bachelors, and 5 years for an associates; all experience would be directly related to the specific work stated in the SOW at the level for the specific labor category.			Yes. Text in Section C.6. and in Attachment J0002 have been revised.
Final SIR	22	SIR,L.17 & L.18	Please confirm in accordance with Section H.1, 3.8.2-17, that all 7 key personnel will fall within these two labor categories: 1) Principal Consultant/Program Manager and 2) Senior Consultant/Project Manager.			Only two key personnel, refer to 3.8.2-17 Key Personnel and Facilities (July 2019), paragraph (d).

Text in Table L-1. Proposal Volume Instructions has been revised.

Final SIR 104 SIR,L17 The cover page requirements in L.17.d of the SIR, p. 104, read: "Electronic Proposals – An electronic cover sheet must be provided for each volume (Volume I through V), which clearly identifies each volume, volume number, SIR number, SET proposed and the Offeror's name..."

What does "SET" stand for? The acronym never appears again in the SIR and is not defined.			Text in Section L.17.d has been revised.
	Final SIR	6	C.4 Requirements, C.4.1 to C.4.5, C.4.7	The Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) may request the Contractor to revise the documentation per comments received and/or develop supplemental information as appropriate.	Please clarify if the Offeror is to revise the documentation developed by license applicants or their contractor.	Clarification is required to ensure appropriate level of effort is understood.	Yes, awardee may be asked to revise documentation developed by license applicants or their contractor.
	Final SIR	6	C.4 Requirements, C.4.6	Conduct, develop, or review studies, reports, guidance, and analyses associated with AST’s Environmental Review Program as requested by the COR.	Can FAA/AST provide examples of studies, reports, guidances and analyses?	Examples would assist Offerors in selecting staff with aligned qualifications.	FAA/AST will not provide example documents. Publically available documents may be found at: https://www.faa.gov/space/environmental/nepa_docs
	Final SIR	6	C.4 Requirements, C.4.7	Review and comment on noise methodologies, assessments, and effects associated with commercial space launch vehicle operations. The COR may request the Contractor to revise the documentation per comments received and/or develop supplemental information as appropriate.	Recommend FAA/AST add a noise specialist LCAT.	Noise impact analysis of commercial space launch is a highly specialized capability.	FAA/AST understands recommendation to add noise specialist LCAT. SIR remains unchanged.
	Final SIR	14	F.4 3.8.2-22 Substitution or Addition of Personnel (October 2006)	(4) Request and Review. The Contractor must submit the request for substitute or added personnel in writing to the Contracting Officer at least 60 days (if a security clearance must be obtained, at least 30 days) before the proposed date of substitution or addition. The Contractor's request must provide a detailed explanation of the circumstances causing the proposed substitution or addition, a complete resume for the proposed substitute or added personnel, and any additional information.	Does FAA/AST anticipate that Security Clearance will be required for the contract? If affirmative, which LCATs would require clearance?	Clarification is needed so the Offerors will present appropriate staff and plan accordingly.	FAA/AST does not currently anticipate that security clearances will be required.
	Final SIR	29	H.16, SECTION 508 OF THE REHABILITATION ACT AMENDMENT OF 1998	The Contractor must comply with the applicable portions of Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended (29 U.S.C. § 794d) and as implemented by 36 C.F.R. part 1194, to ensure that Federal employees with disabilities have access to and use of information and data that is comparable to the access and use by Federal employees who are not individuals with disabilities. Section 508 does not require the installation of specific accessibility-related software or the attachment of an assistive technology device at a workstation of a Federal employee who is not an individual with a disability.	Could FAA/AST clarify which deliverables under this contract, in addition to public documents, will require Section 508 compliance?	This will assist in cost estimate for 508 compliance efforts.	Certain public documents will require section 508 compliance. No further details currently available.
	Final SIR

and

L001 (PPQ) 118

and M.4(b).

and

L001 (PPQ)	M.4(b): "For purpose of the past performance evaluation, “Recent” is defined as performance that is currently ongoing or completed within four years of the proposal due date."
L001 (PPQ) , "The Offeror shall send the questionnaires for three (3) relevant projects that are in progress or completed in the past three (3) years to the individuals who will provide the reference."	Section M.4(b) defines “Recent” as within four years of the proposal due date, while Section Attachment L009 references recency as 3 years. Which definition should Offerors apply when selecting past performance examples?	Clarification is required to ensure Offerors submit past performance examples that fully comply with the FAA’s instruction and evaluation criteria.	M4b and L001 (PPQ) should both reference four years for past performance. L001 has been updated.
	Final SIR	4	(C) 2)	Indirect costs on Materials/ODCs	Is fee allowed on Materials and ODCs in addition to indirect costs?	It is our standard practice to apply a fee to materials and ODCs in addtion to our indirect cost rate.	No, fee is not allowed on material and ODCs.
	Final SIR	109	L.21	"The FAA has established the following minimum subcontracting goals.
• At least 43 percent of the total planned subcontract dollars to Small Business (SB);"	Please clarify whether Large Businesses must subcontract any minimum amount of awarded Task Orders. If we don't have to subcontract a minimum percentage of the total awarded value of Task Orders, then is a subcontracting plan as described on page 109 required?	Large Businesses often have sufficient resources that don't warrant subcontracting. It's clear there are FAA goals if subcontracting is planned, but it's unclear whether subcontracting is stipulated by this SIR.	Subcontracting is not required. Subcontracting plan is required from all Offerors who are not small businesses, as subcontracting may take place in the future, or subcontracting could be a part of the offeror’s proposal.
	Final SIR	109	L.21	"Each Large Business Offeror must submit an individual subcontracting plan or a current U.S. Government-approved master or commercial subcontracting plan."	Referencing Row 11, if a minimum amount of awarded Task Orders must be subcontracted to small businesses, please confirm we can use FAR 52 219-9, Small Business Subcontracting Plan requirements.	Clarifies the requirment for use of a correct "current U.S. Government-approved master or commercial subcontracting plan".	Subcontracting plan must comply with FAA AMS Section 3.6.1-4, Small Business Subcontracting Plan (April 2025), requirements.
	Final SIR	118	M.4(b). Past Performance (Volume II)	"Similar in size means at least $1,000,000.00 per 12-month period of performance."	The SIR defines "similar in size" to mean projects which are "at least $1,000,000.00 per 12-month period of performance". While there may be commercial space launch/reentry projects that achieve this standard, the vast majority do not. NEPA actions for commercial space launch/reentry projects are often much smaller than $1M in a 12-month period. Most commercial launch companies are small satellite launch providers that are using previously established launch sites. These actions usually require a Categorical Exclusion or Environmental Assessment to achieve a FONSI determination and typically range from $50K to $250K. Although these actions require a small to modest level of effort compared to a greenfield development action, the knowledge and experience required to satisfy NEPA is still highly relevant the scope of the AST Environmental Support Services contract. Further, many of the actions the FAA/AST is required to review and certify are for smaller actions as described above. Therefore, we request the definition of "similar in size" be reduced to $500K.	Reducing the "similar in size" definition will improve competition while not eliminating the importance of project complexity and scope.	No change to $1M past performance size requirement.
	Final SIR	107 and 118	L.18(2). Sub-factor 2: Technical Expertise and M.4(b). Past Performance (Volume II)	"For purpose of the past performance evaluation, “Recent” is defined as performance that is currently ongoing or completed within four years of the proposal due date."	Due to the relatively small number of NEPA actions performed by commercial space launch companies annually, we request the definition of "recent" be modified to "performance that is currently ongoing or completed within ten years of the proposal due date."	Modifying the definition of "recent" as described would improve competition due to the fact that more companies would be able to rely on a greater body of past performance.	Recent remains within last four years.
	Final SIR	13	Section F.3 – Place of Performance; Section H.10 – Access to Government Facilities	Based on the solicitation, Section F.3 states that the place of performance is the Contractor’s facility, while Section H.10 indicates that contractor personnel may require access to FAA facilities.	Please confirm whether any or all contractor personnel are required to be physically on-site at an FAA facility for performance of this contract, or whether all work may be performed remotely from the Contractor’s facility, except when specific on-site access is expressly requested and authorized by the Government.	The solicitation provides conflicting signals regarding the location of performance. Section F.3 states performance occurs at the Contractor’s facility, while Section H.10 contemplates possible access to FAA facilities. Clarification is necessary to ensure the staffing plan accurately reflects personnel location assumptions, clearance needs, and deployment strategy.	All work may be performed remotely at contractor site except when specific on site access is expressly required and authorized by FAA. Text in Section H.10.2 has been updated.
	Final SIR	13	Section F.3 – Place of Performance	“Place of performance is the Contractor’s facility.”	Please confirm whether any labor categories are expected to be routinely on-site at FAA facilities, or if on-site presence is strictly ad hoc and task-order driven. The solicitation does not specify staffing assumptions for on-site versus remote personnel.	Without clarification, Offerors may make inconsistent staffing assumptions that could be evaluated as unrealistic or risky. Clarification ensures the staffing approach aligns with actual performance expectations.	On site presence is strictly as hoc and task order driven. All work may be performed remotely at contractor site except when specific on site access is expressly required and authorized by FAA.
	Final SIR	Pages 26–27	Section H.10 – Access to Government Facilities	“Part of the effort… may be at facilities operated by the FAA.”	Please clarify whether on-site performance is optional or mandatory for any labor categories. The use of “may” creates ambiguity for staffing, hiring location, and clearance planning.	The use of permissive language (“may”) does not establish whether on-site work is discretionary or required. Without clarification, Offerors risk proposing staffing approaches that may be evaluated as unrealistic or misaligned with Government needs. Clarification supports a compliant and credible staffing plan.	All work may be performed remotely at contractor site except when specific on site access is expressly required and authorized by FAA.
	Final SIR	Pages 106–107	Section L.18 – Staffing Plan Instructions	Requires explanation of managing partial FTEs across labor categories.	Does the FAA anticipate most labor categories will be utilized as partial FTEs, or are any roles expected to be near full-time throughout the period of performance?	The solicitation requires Offerors to explain how partial FTEs will be managed but does not provide guidance on expected workload distribution. Clarification allows Offerors to present a staffing model that reflects anticipated utilization levels and avoids over- or under-staffing assumptions.	Most labor categories are anticipated to be utilized as partial FTEs or near full-time/full-time FTEs. Roles like Principal Consultant / Program Manager and Senior Consultant / Project Manager are key personnel and may require more consistent hours. Contractors should base their bids on the hours specified in Attachment L0002 and provide detailed staffing plans explaining how they will manage both partial or near full-time/full-time FTEs to effectively meet project needs.
	Final SIR	Pages 8–10	Section C.6 – Personnel Qualifications	Defines labor categories but not exclusivity.	May a single individual perform work across multiple labor categories if qualified, provided hours are properly tracked and approved? The solicitation does not explicitly address cross-LCAT utilization.	Labor categories are defined, but exclusivity is not addressed. Clarification is necessary to confirm whether cross-LCAT utilization is permissible, ensuring the staffing plan reflects compliant labor allocation, efficient resource use, and accurate tracking and approval controls.	Individuals should only be assigned to one LCAT at a time on the contract. If an individual later qualifies for a different LCAT, a change could be made.
	Final SIR	Pages 26–27	Section H.10; Section I.17	Facility access and suitability requirements.	What is the typical timeline for suitability determination and FAA facility access approval, and may personnel begin remote work prior to receiving on-site access approval? Staffing timelines are not defined.	Suitability and access requirements can materially affect staffing timelines. The solicitation does not provide expected approval durations or clarify whether remote work may begin prior to on-site access approval. Clarification enables Offerors to demonstrate realistic staffing timelines and effective risk mitigation.	Suitability determination timelines vary, usually from 30-90 days for full suitability. Interim suitability may be granted within 30 days, which allows for remote working and ad hoc, government required, limited site access to begin contract performance.
	Final SIR	Pages 21–22	Section H.1; H.7 – Key Personnel	Identifies key personnel but not level of dedication.	Are the Principal Consultant/Program Manager and Senior Consultant/Project Manager expected to be dedicated exclusively to this contract, or may they support multiple efforts concurrently?	Key personnel are identified, but the level of required dedication is not specified. Clarification avoids assumptions that could be viewed as either insufficient commitment or unnecessarily restrictive, and supports an accurate representation of management availability and oversight.	Principal Consultant / Program Manager and Senior Consultant / Project Manager are key personnel. If offeror also allows these personnel to work on other contracts concurrently with this contract, that should not affect the performance of their duties on this contract in any way.
	Final SIR	Page 7	Section C.4.11 – Meetings	Bi-monthly meetings referenced.	Are the bi-monthly meetings expected to be standing recurring meetings, and will they be conducted virtually or in person? Attendance assumptions affect staffing availability and travel planning.	Meeting frequency and modality directly affect staffing availability, management workload, and potential travel assumptions. Clarification ensures the staffing plan appropriately accounts for ongoing coordination requirements without speculative assumptions.	Bi-monthly recurring standing meetings are expected to be conducted virtually.
	Final SIR	Pages 61–63	Section I.15 – Subcontracts	Subcontract approval requirements.	Are subcontractor personnel subject to the same suitability, access, and approval timelines as prime contractor personnel?	The solicitation addresses subcontract approvals but does not explicitly state whether personnel requirements apply equally to subcontractors. Clarification ensures consistent compliance planning and accurate representation of staffing risk across the entire team.	Yes. Subcontractor personnel are subject to the same suitability, access, and approval timelines as prime contractor personnel.
	Final SIR	Pages 118-119	Section L.19 – Past Performance Instructions; Section M.4(b) – Past Performance Evaluation	Section L.19(b) requires Offerors to arrange for submission of Past Performance Questionnaires (PPQs) using Attachment L001, while Section M.4(b) states that the FAA may consider other sources of past performance information, including CPARS.	Please clarify whether Offerors may reference CPARS evaluations as part of their Past Performance narrative in addition to submitting PPQs, or whether PPQs are the sole acceptable Offeror-submitted past performance documentation, with CPARS considered only at the FAA’s discretion.	Please clarify whether Offerors may reference CPARS evaluations as part of their Past Performance narrative in addition to submitting PPQs, or whether PPQs are the sole acceptable Offeror-submitted past performance documentation, with CPARS considered only at the FAA’s discretion.	Past Performance Questionnaires (PPQs) are the sole offeror submitted past performance documentation. CPARS will be considered at the FAA’s discretion.
	L001 (PPQ)
	L003 Pricing
	J002 LCATs

File details come from the government source that posted it. Updated Mar 5, 2026.