Industry Day QA.pdf

AETC Industry Day – Fixed Wing and Rotary Wing 11 May 2023 Question and Answer (with Notes):

Q1: Where in the pipeline do soldiers complete military freefall basic and static freefall training?

A1: There is a Tac P and STGA pipeline, the employment phase of the pipeline

Q2: Are Rotary and Fixed Wing training conducted at both locations?

A2: Yes

Q3: Is there an end date on the current contract?

A3: Yes. The current contract for Fixed Wing ends 14th September, and 30th September for Rotary Wing (of this year)

Q4: Are you set on the NAICS Code going forward? There is concern because it is an extensive operation and primary employees-vs-revenue impacts small business-vs-large business A4: No, the NAICS Code is not set in stone; with a strong possibility that it will be revised by the time of solicitation, should the selected venue require such.

Q5: Would soliciting a follow-on award via Astro will limit competition?

A5: Our objective is to operate in the Government’s best interest based on the feedback we receive from the RFIs. GSA’s guidance gives preference to vehicles already in place. If we receive a strong response, in one or more of those vehicles, that will most likely be the direction we will go. Industry Day is used (in-part) to see where the greatest opportunity for competition lays, and will focus on that venue.

Q6: Do subcontractors on Astro have to have an approved accounting system?

A6: Generally, no.

Q7: What are the anticipated flight wet blade hours going forward?

A7: It is difficult to estimate going forward. However, based on current airframe usage rates, 380 to 400 on the Fixed Wing side, and a little over 500-550 on the Rotary Wing side could be a reasonable estimate. However, both projections are subject to revision.

Q8: In the current contract, do you have a breakout between the medium and heavy-duty aircraft?

A8: Initially, the current contracts were written for small to medium. The contract(s) had to be modified for heavy duty [aircraft]. Therefore, the requirement does utilize both medium and heavy airframes and at both locations. We do not currently have a complete breakout for percentage utilization. Per Online Operations SME: Kirkland is the main support location, but local locations are used as backup and support multiple locations

Q9: 80 to 85% of the work is at Kirkland. Is there a reason they are separated Task Orders, instead of a combined Task Order?

A9: We issued a combined RFI however, due to lack of industry interest, and because of the Command Structure and Air Force requested such due complications with management; it was determined that keeping them separate was in the government’s best interest.

Q10: What is the due date on the RFIs?

A: Both are currently set to close on the 15th May 2023. However, that date is revised per this amendment.

Q11: Are the -8 clauses in effect on both contracts?

A11: Partially. We do not anticipate any further -8 actions and both Task Orders will end in September

Q12: What is the Solicitation issue timeline?

A12: We are aiming for a June 2023 timeline; and will listen to industry. Due to the current expiring contract, a quick turnaround is needed. However, the government is receptive to feedback and may amend the Solicitation, as needed. We will request tips and recommendations (for the PWS, timeline, etc), from Industry, before solicitation; to ensure potential posted requirements will be in the best interest of both the government, and industry.

Q13: Was the previous RFI on the combined opportunity put out on multiple vehicles and full and open?

A13: Yes

Q14: Is the Government going to provide a list of Industry Day attendees and slides to help with possible Teaming, if necessary?

A14: Yes; to be provided via later amendment.

Q15: The RFI requires CARB Certification after award. What percentage of Rotary Wing is CARB Certified?

A15: Unknown. CARB Certification is a Military requirement for Rotary Wing

Q16: Is it feasible to use Teaming (Small Business)?

A16: Yes

Q17: The new PWS does not reference FAA 133 Class D (Hoisting/External Load Operations), a standard in the last contract. Should this be added?

A17: The PWS will be revised for solicitation, to take this feedback into account.

Q18: Will the aircraft size be amended?

A18: Yes

Q19: Are the Fixed Wing and Jumpmaster requirements combined?

A19: Yes

Q20: Will the RFI be amended and extended?

A20: Yes, per this amendment.

Q21: Are you considering changing the contract, for example, a hybrid? If so, why?

A21: We are investigating the options and contemplating using a Time and Material (T&M) contract, as a whole. Travel may be Cost Reimbursement (CR)

Q22: Will Parachuting Services under Rotary Wing be required?

A22: No

Q23: Will Jumping be required under Rotary Wing?

A23: Government will provide Jumpmaster Services

Q24: What level of personal support is required under Rotary Wing?

A24: Estimate a ratio of 6 Students per Instructor per aircraft for Water Operations Training; and 8 Students per Instructor per aircraft for Land, Hoist, Tactical and Medical Operations Training. Will review RFIs and amend, if needed.

Q25: Due to safety concerns, will CARB 135 be retained in Fixed Wing, to lower training risks?

A25: We will take this point into consideration, prior to issuing the Solicitation

Q26: Are Military-flavored Instructors required? What is the intention of adding Instructors?

A26: The government does not have a requirement for instructor services.

Q27: What is the current class size?

A27: Currently average three (3) classes per year, less than 45. The number of Jump parachute exercises estimated at less than four (4) per student. Anticipate water operations training will be added. This is an estimate, and (if required), will be included in any potential solicitation.

Q28: Will we be notified when the [Amended] RFI is posted?

A28: Yes, both RFIs

Q29: Since there will likely be changes, will the requirements be open to expansion?

A29: No. To the greatest extent possible, we will convey the full extent of all requirements in any resultant solicitation.

Q30: What is the ratio of Jumpmasters per lift?

A30: Class sizes average 60, with 4 passes/lift. Operations locations include Coolidge, Arizona, and New Mexico

Q31: Will Fixed Wing use Air Traffic Combat Control School training?

A31: Yes, live control training (no live aircraft)

Q32: Will [live aircraft] be added?

A32: TBD. See Solicitation for details

Q33: Does Jumpmaster include Riggers?

A33: No, not needed. No parachute Ops to be carried out under Rotary Wing.