2._Questions_from_Interested_Vendors.pdf

COMPETITON SENSITIVE

Questions / Comments / Issues (QCI) Sheet

NOAA AOC RFP 1305M219RNMAN0004

COMPETITION SENSITIVE

QCI #: TM-1: Add Payment Schedule to RFP and Contract Document: RFP Page/Para #: Add to Section H

Type of QCI: __ Critical _X_ Significant _ Administrative Beech Ref:

QUESTION OR COMMENT: Request you add the FAR clause 52.232-28 – Invitation to Propose Performance Base Payment to the RFP and FAR52.232-32 – Performance Based Payments.

RECOMMENDED ACTION OR CHANGE: Added FAR 52.232-28 and FAR 52.232-32.

RATIONALE FOR ACTION OR CHANGE: In the aviation commercial world it is not uncommon for performance/milestone payments. The last 9 of our USG FAR Part 12 contracts the following payment schedule has been incorporated.

10% at contract award 65% at wing/fuselage mate 15% at aircraft off-line 10% at delivery/acceptance of aircraft

QCI#: 3

Document: SOW J.1 DRFP Page/Para #: 5/C.6.2.3.6

Type of QCI: __ Critical _x_ Significant _ Administrative Beech Ref: DKO3

QUESTION OR COMMENT:

The King Air 350 is certified under 14 CFR Part 23. Recommend replacing the SOW reference to 14 CFR Part 25 with reference to 14 CFR Part 23 as described below.

RECOMMENDED ACTION OR CHANGE:

Current statement:

As applicable, the Contractor shall evaluate modifications for damage tolerance and fatigue, IAW with FAA Part 25.571.

Recommended statement:

As applicable, the Contractor shall evaluate modifications for damage tolerance and fatigue, IAW with FAA Part 23.571, Amdt 34.

RATIONALE FOR ACTION OR CHANGE:

Clarifies the requirement. The King Air 350 is certified under 14 CFR Part 23 Amdt 34. The King Air lineage precedes design for damage tolerance and is compliant to the predecessor requirements for fatigue life and fail safe design according to the certified amendment level.

QCI#: 4

Document: SOW J.1 DRFP Page/Para #: 3 / C.5.2, CLIN 0002

Type of QCI: __ Critical _x_ Significant __ Administrative TAI Ref: BD1

The requirement is to base suggested spare parts, supplies, and additional infrastructure on existing spares currently owned and maintained by the NOAA Aircraft Operation Center.

RECOMMENDED ACTION OR CHANGE:

Please provide a list of spare parts and equipment currently owned and maintained by NOAA Aircraft Operation Center.

Basis is required in order to compile an appropriate list of spares and equipment.

QCI#: 5

Document: SOW J.1 DRFP Page/Para #: 2,3 / C.5.2, CLIN 0001 &

CLIN 1001

Type of QCI: __ Critical _x_ Significant __ Administrative TAI Ref: BD2

The specifications for the new King Air 350 aircraft include the statement that Government Furnished Equipment (GFE) will be required to be installed and certified as airworthy.

Please provide a list of the GFE that will be provided.

QCI#: 6

Document: SOW J.1 DRFP Page/Para #: 5 / C.6.2.3.6

Type of QCI: __ Critical _x_ Significant __ Administrative TAI Ref: BG5

Current Statement: As applicable, the Contractor shall evaluate modifications for damage tolerance and fatigue, IAW with FA Part 25.571.

Recommended Statement: As applicable, the Contractor shall evaluate modifications for damage tolerance and fatigue, IAW with FA Part 25.571, Amendment 34.

This would clarify the requirement as the King Air 350 is certified under 14 CFR Part 23 Amendment 34. The King Air lineage precedes design for damage tolerance and is compliant to the predecessor requirements for fatigue life and fail safe design according to the certified amendment level.

QCI#: 7

Document: SOW J.1 DRFP Page/Para #: 5/C.6.2.3.8.1

Type of QCI: __ Critical _x_ Significant __ Administrative TAI Ref: BG1

Wish to clarify that the stress analysis is applicable to the aircraft modifications, not the basic aircraft.

Current statement:

Contractor shall assess the impact of all fuselage penetrations and modifications/attachments to the delivered aircraft on the overall design loads on the localized B350 airframe structure.

Stress…

Recommended statement:

Contractor shall assess the impact of all unique (from standard production aircraft) fuselage penetrations and modifications/attachments to the delivered aircraft on the overall design loads on the localized B350 airframe structure. Stress…

The basic aircraft is FAA approved to 14CFR Part 23, amendment level 34.

QCI#: 8

Document: SOW J.1 DRFP Page/Para #: 6 / C.6.2.3.11

Type of QCI: __ Critical _x_ Significant __ Administrative TAI Ref: BD3

Please advise the reason NOAA is requesting custodianship of Interface Control Documents (ICDs) and certification documentation. For example, is there a desire for change authority?

The required modifications do not include any efforts that would prompt the creation of new certification documentation. So, there would not be certification data created that would be funded by NOAA.

QCI#: 9

Document: SOW J.1 DRFP Page/Para #: 7/ C.6.3.4

Type of QCI: __ Critical _x_ Significant _ Administrative Beech Ref: DKO1

14 CFR Part 36 Stage 4 noise requirements are applicable to jet aircraft.

RECOMMENDED ACTION OR CHANGE:

Recommend replacing “Stage 4” with “Appendix G,” so the requirement will read as follows:

C.6.3.4 Noise The modified aircraft, including all Contractor installations shall be certified to FAA Part 36, Appendix G noise standards.

14 CFR Part 36 Appendix G noise requirements are applicable to propeller-driven aircraft like the King Air.

QCI#: 10

Document: SOW J.1, Appendix A DRFP Page/Para #: 15 / A.1, I

Type of QCI: _x_ Critical __ Significant __ Administrative TAI Ref: BD4

With respect to the Base Aircraft Description we would like to clarify that a ‘slick interior’ provides a smooth hard interior surface with no seats, cabinetry or toilet. A curtain separates the flight deck from the cabin. A hard-wearing vinyl floor covering is provided in this baseline configuration.

Questions:

a. Does NOAA want the lavatory and rails down both sides as installed on FM-21, as well as carpet and executive seats?

b. Does NOAA want the items currently installed on FM-21 removed to support the requirement for a common cabin layout?

QCI#: 11

Document: SOW J.1, Appendix A DRFP Page/Para #: 16 / A.2, 1st bullet

Type of QCI: __ Critical _x_ Significant __ Administrative TAI Ref: BD5

With respect to the AC and DC power conversion and distribution system requirement, please note that the system described (and installed on FM-21) is now obsolete per the manufacturer’s website.

Please confirm that a system with the same capability as the solution described, but not necessarily the same form, fit, & function would be acceptable.

Please confirm whether there will be a requirement to install the same updated system on FM-21.

Clarification.

QCI#: 12

Document: SOW J.1, Appendix A DRFP Page/Para #: 17/Section A.3

Type of QCI: __ Critical _X_ Significant _ Administrative Beech Ref: BG 3

The cargo door is not available as an aftermarket installation.

RECOMMENDED ACTION OR CHANGE:

Current statement:

The following systems, infrastructure and provisions for instrumentation will be ordered, singly or in combination, at time of Contract award.

• Aftermarket cargo door

• Wing hardpoints and wiring to…

Recommended statement:

The following systems, infrastructure and provisions for instrumentation will be ordered, singly or in combination, at time of Contract award.

• Aftermarket cargo door One of the 3 base aircraft configurations identified in Appendix A, Section A.1

• Wing hardpoints and wiring to …

RATIONALE FOR ACTION OR CHANGE:

The King Air is available in non-cargo or cargo version directly from the factory, Textron Aviation does not offer an aftermarket modification to install a cargo door. As is acknowledged in J.1 paragraph C.6.1 where the 350, 350C (non-HW), and 350CER are mentioned, as well as in Appendix A, Section A.1, I, where the same three major configurations are mentioned.

QCI#: 13

Document: SOW J.1, Appendix A DRFP Page/Para #: 17 / A.3, bullets 5 & 6

Type of QCI: __ Critical _x_ Significant __ Administrative TAI Ref: RBZ1

The 5th bullet regarding the downward looking port in the center of cabin flooring specifies a 21” diameter lens, which implies a round lens/port. FM-21 has an aft port rectangular lens measuring 20” x 23” with a viewing port size of 19” x 22” and a forward oversize port measuring 25.25” x 25.5” with a viewing port size of 24.25” x 24.5”.

Please confirm that a configuration of ports matching FM-21 would be acceptable.

QCI#: 14

Document: SOW J.1, Appendix A DRFP Page/Para #: 17 / A.3, bullet 6

Type of QCI: __ Critical _x_ Significant __ Administrative TAI Ref: RBZ2

The 6th bullet includes the following requirement: “, along with metal blank-off plate that can be installed instead of optical glass.”

Please consider removing this statement.

RATIONALE FOR ACTION OR CHANGE:

The optical glass is a permanent installation. It will not be possible to switch back and forth between glass and a blank-off plate.

QCI#: 15

Document: SOW J.1, Appendix A DRFP Page/Para #: 19 / A.3, Gamma Sensor System Description

Type of QCI: __ Critical _x_ Significant __ Administrative TAI Ref: BM1

The last bullet in this section discusses the strategy of limiting radioactivity in all materials to improve the performance of the Gamma Sensor System. The emergency exit placard in the King Air 350 is radioactive and is required per the aircraft type certificate. Is this a potential problem with respect to the Gamma Sensor System?

QCI#: 16

Document: SOW J.1 DRFP Page/Para #: 19/CLIN 0002

Type of QCI: __ Critical _X_ Significant _ Administrative Beech Ref: BG 4

Requesting clarification on the work table requirements.

• Work tables, sized for an individual laptop or similar workspace. Work tables should be designed to allow use during all conditions of flight, including takeoff and landing. Design for flexibility in cabin placement is highly desired.

• Workstation tables, sized for an individual laptop or similar workspace. Workstation tables should be designed to allow use during all conditions of flight, including takeoff and landing.

Design for flexibility in cabin placement is highly desired.

For consistency with the statement in J.3:

• 2 workstation tables that can be utilized for all phases of flight to include taxi, takeoff and landing

The workstation tables will be permanently affixed to the consoles and provide the desired surfaces.

QCI#: 2

Document: SOW J.3 DRFP Page/Para #: 2

Type of QCI: _X_ Critical __ Significant _ Administrative Beech Ref: BG 2

Forward bubble windows are not available for the King Air.

RECOMMENDED ACTION OR CHANGE:

Current statement:

Observer (bubble) window(s) mounted in place of forward cabin windows – aircraft shall retain capability to re-install standard windows as mission requires

Observer (bubble) window(s) mounted in place of forward aft cabin windows – aircraft shall retain capability to re-install standard windows as mission requires

RATIONALE FOR ACTION OR CHANGE:

For consistency with FM-21, which has the aft cabin bubble windows. Additionally, downward visibility in the forward cabin area is limited by the wing and engines, aft cabin provides the best visibility. The window installations are permanent and do not impose limitations on the aircraft operation.

QCI#: 18

Document: J.1 DRFP Page/Para #: 17, Section A.3

Type of QCI: __ Critical _x_ Significant __ Administrative TAI Ref: MH2

J.3 specifically calls out using existing Hard Point STC from Weather Modification, Inc. Is this the required STC that has to be priced or are bidders allow to offer alternate Hard Point STC?

If Weather Modification Hard Point STC is required, clarify in J.1 and J.2 this information.

Clarification

QCI#: 19

Document: J.3 DRFP Page/Para #: 2

Type of QCI: __ Critical _x_ Significant __ Administrative TAI Ref: MH4

J.1 does not have a requirement for Cabin Intercom, however J.3 references this item.

Clarify if cabin intercom is required. If yes, add to OEM-Installed Required Items list in J.1, page 16.

QCI#: 20

Document: J.1, J.2, J3 DRFP Page/Para #:

Type of QCI: __ Critical __ Significant _X_ Administrative TAI Ref: MH1

Several factory options and modifications that would be recommended for NOAA operations are not included in J.1_Section_C._Statement_of_Work_(SOW), J.2_Schedule_B._Pricing_Schedule, or J.3_Schedule_B._Notional_Approach_Configuration_Worksheet.

1. Aft Forward Facing Electric Flushing (Recirculating) Lavatory

2. L-Shaped Curtain / L-Shaped Web

3. Crash Ax (Loose Equipment)

4. Digital Flight Data Recorder (DFDR)

5. Engine Wash Ring Kit

6. Engine Wash Drain Kit

7. Engine Trend Monitor System

Determine if any of the items above are required and add them to the OEM-Installed Required Items list in J.1, page 16.

Items above are usual required equipment we see customers such as NOAA using

QCI#: 21

Document: J.1 and J.2 DRFP Page/Para #: FM-21 Modification

Type of QCI: __ Critical _x_ Significant __ Administrative TAI Ref: MH3

Does NOAA want modification to FM-21 to include adding Hard Point modification?

Clarify if required or not

QCI#: 22

Document: Section C – Statement of Work DRFP Page/Para #: Page 17/Section A.3

Type of QCI: X_ Critical __ Significant _ Administrative Beech Ref: BD6

QUESTION OR COMMENT: Need NOAA assistance with establishing a supplier relationship with Radiation Solutions Inc. to get the required information to develop a modification solution to support the Gamma Sensor System

RECOMMENDED ACTION OR CHANGE:

NOAA provide a letter of sponsorship or introduction for Textron Aviation and Avcon Industries to

RSI

RATIONALE FOR ACTION OR CHANGE:

This will allow the Textron Aviation and Avcon Industries team the discussion and information required to develop a solution to modify the camera ports to support the Gamma Sensor System

QCI#: 23

Document: Notional Approach Configuration Worksheet

DRFP Page/Para #: Page 2/8 bullets from bottom

Type of QCI: X_ Critical __ Significant _ Administrative Beech Ref: BD7

QUESTION OR COMMENT: Textron Aviation is aware of other Wing Hardpoint installation options in the market to support this requirement

RECOMMENDED ACTION OR CHANGE:

NOAA remove Weather Modification Inc from the requirement.

RATIONALE FOR ACTION OR CHANGE:

This will allow the Textron Aviation team to work with additional suppliers to provide a wing hardpoint option for the program.

QCI#: 24

Document: Section C – Statement of Work DRFP Page/Para #: Page 18/Section Wolfsburg Radio

Type of QCI: X_ Critical __ Significant _ Administrative Beech Ref: BD8

QUESTION OR COMMENT: Request NOAA provide encryption level for the RT-5000 radio.

NOAA provide RT-5000 encryption level.

RATIONALE FOR ACTION OR CHANGE:

This will allow the Textron Aviation and Avcon Industries team plan for an operational RT-5000 radio system.

QCI#: 25

Document: Section C – Statement of Work DRFP Page/Para #: Page 17/Section A.2

Type of QCI: X_ Critical __ Significant _ Administrative Beech Ref: BD9

QUESTION OR COMMENT: Request NOAA provide high altitude radar altimeter requirements to support the development and modification requirements to provide provisions

RECOMMENDED ACTION OR CHANGE:

NOAA provide system requirements, so the team can plan for providing a provisions package

RATIONALE FOR ACTION OR CHANGE:

This will allow the Textron Aviation and Avcon Industries team plan for providing provisions. We would also suggest NOAA provide required components to support operational checks. Changes were required on the radar altimeter system installed on FM-21 after the first flight.

QCI#: Avcon 1

Document: TBD DRFP Page/Para #: TBD

Type of QCI: _X_ Critical __ Significant _ Administrative Beech Ref: BG ?

Skytrac Satcom System including ISAT-100 upgrade with phone installed on FM-21.

RECOMMENDED ACTION OR CHANGE:

Current statement:

N/A

Recommended statement:

N/A

RATIONALE FOR ACTION OR CHANGE:

ISAT-100 system that was installed on FM-21 is obsolete and no longer available. The vendor has provided information that the recommended replacement system is the ISAT-200A. The updated system includes the same functions as the ISAT-100 with updated functions.

QCI#: AVCON 2

Document: TBD DRFP Page/Para #: TBD

Honeywell HG-9550 Radar Altimeter Installation on FM-21.

RECOMMENDED ACTION OR CHANGE:

Current statement:

Port to include a 21 inch diameter pressure-certified Corning 7980 Fused Silica optical glass and external protective mechanical sliding door, along with metal blank-off plate that can be installed instead of glass.

Port to include a 21 inch diameter pressure-certified Corning 7980 Fused Silica optical glass (with a minimum size of 20 x 23 inch rectangular) and external protective mechanical sliding door, along with metal blank-off plate that can be installed instead of glass.

TBD.

QCI#: AVCON 3

Document: SOW, J.3 DRFP Page/Para #: TBD

Garmin 165 GPS Installation on FM-21.

RECOMMENDED ACTION OR CHANGE:

Science data feed to provide position (GPS) and attitude (AHRS) data stream(s)

N/C

RATIONALE FOR ACTION OR CHANGE:

Garmin 165 GPS system that was installed on FM-21 is obsolete and no longer available.

Recommend installation of Garmin 625 GPS Navigator.

QCI#: AVCON 4

Document: SOW, J.1 DRFP Page/Para #: A.3, p. 17

Corning 7980 Fused Silica Optical Glass

RECOMMENDED ACTION OR CHANGE:

Items in section A.3 that address installation of Corning 7980 Fused Silica Optical Glass do not indicate if coating of the optical glass is required or not. Fused Silica Optical Glass currently installed on FM-21 is coated (broadband 400-1100 optimized at 532nm and 1064nm).

Request clarification if Fused Silica Optical Glass is to be the same as installed on FM-21 (coated) or not (uncoated).