ASDAP-Industry All SIR Questions-Final.pdf

Airport Safety, Design, Analysis & Planning Support

692M15-21-R-00027

pg. 1

1. The cover page of the solicitation states that this is an unrestricted procurement. The contract clauses on page 29 (3.6.1-1) reference this is a small business set aside. Is this procurement unrestricted as stated on the cover page? If it is unrestricted, are there any small business subcontracting requirements?

FAA Response: The subject procurement is an unrestricted procurement per pg.1 of the SF-30 in block 10.

The small business clauses have been removed from the subject SIR.

2. The Subject Matter Expert position description says the rate will be determined once the requirements are established. The price sheet includes a price for Subject Matter Expert. Should we price this at zero dollars, or can FAA establish an allowance?

FAA Response: An updated Attachment B (Labor Category Descriptions is hereby attached to the subject SIR Amendment and the wording “once requirements are established” has been removed and updated definition for the SME category. The FAA requires a proposed rate for the SME on Attachment A (Pricing Spreadsheet).

3. The “Attachment+A-Pricing+Schedule+Spreadsheet” includes five Ordering Periods of 7,595 hours each. 7,595 hours times five Ordering Periods equals 37,975 hours. The Labor Total cells note a total of 30,380 hours. Section B.4 of the Solicitation notes 40,500 maximum total hours. Please clarify the desired contract hours by position and Ordering Period.

FAA Response: An updated Attachment A (Pricing Spreadsheet) is hereby attached to the subject SIR Amendment and has been corrected to reflect a new total of 56,675 hours. In addition, section B.4 of the SIR has been updated to reflect the new ceiling hours to be 56,675.

4. Notwithstanding the price sheet hour’s discussion above, the ceiling described under the contract (Section

B.4, page 3) is 40,500 hours. Is it possible to reach this ceiling under the contract?

FAA Response: Please reference the answer to question #3.

5. Section B.4 of the Solicitation states that “The total estimated maximum/not-to-exceed (NTE) contract ceiling amount is yet to be determined and will be determined based on the total value of all hours (40,500 maximum total hours) and the estimated travel and materials ceiling values identified in the pricing spreadsheet in Attachment A. TOs are anticipated to be placed on a yearly basis and incrementally funded in accordance with contract clause AMS 3.3.1-39. The aggregate value of all TOs placed against this contract will not exceed the total maximum contract ceiling amount.” Will the FAA issue a new Solicitation to address any expanded level of effort or scope of work or level of effort changes requested by FAA?

FAA Response: The Government cannot provide a response on future acquisition strategies of unknown requirements.

6. The total number of hours per Ordering Period equates to four full-time employees on an annual basis or one employee for each of the four Task Areas. Task Areas C.3.1 through C.3.4 appear to require a much more complex and demanding level of effort. Please clarify that the hours noted represent the anticipated level of effort.

FAA Response: The hours have been adjusted. Please refer to the updated Attachment A (Pricing Spreadsheet) attached to this Amendment.

pg. 2

7. The “Attachment+A-Pricing+Schedule+Spreadsheet” includes less than three hours per week for the Program Manager. This stated number of hours equates to 0.75 hours per week per Task Area. Please confirm this hour allotment is the level of effort desired.

FAA Response: The hours have been adjusted for the Technical Program Manager. The Program manager is anticipated to be needed for kick-off meetings, deliverable submissions, and as issues arise. Please refer to the updated Attachment A (Pricing Spreadsheet) attached to the Amendment.

8. (Section C3.1) This section of the Solicitation notes that “As research progresses, further defined requirements will be determined at the Task Order level.” Will additional personnel be added to address these “further defined requirements?” Will this additional work be completed within the defined contract ceiling amount?

FAA Response: This SIR is an overview of project areas that will be completed over the course of the contract.

The pricing sheet outlines the anticipated labor required to complete tasks in those project areas. The FAA does not anticipate additional labor categories being incorporated after contract is awarded. This work is expected to be completed under the contract ceiling amount. Please refer to the updated Attachment A.

9. (Section C3.2) What is the database management system and version of the ASD?

FAA Response: The ASD is a web-based Oracle database, version 12.1 and uses Oracle Application Express as the front end. The ASD can be accessed using a public URL with a user name and password. The ASD is hosted and maintained through another contract.

10. (Section C3.2) What operating systems are used in the existing projects for the hosts and client computers?

FAA Response: The ASD is a web-based Oracle database, version 12.1 and uses Oracle Application Express as the front end. The ASD can be accessed using a public URL with a user name and password. The ASD is hosted and maintained through another contract.

11. (Section C3.2) Are there well-documented metadata for the ASD that include data field metadata, entity relationship diagrams, formula/algorithmic documentation, etc.

FAA Response: The ASD and RIM management tools have process documents for categorization and analysis. It is the contractor’s responsibility to perform descriptive and statistical analysis to generate reports.

12. (Section C3.2) Has the ASD been designed with an API that can be used for the task level work?

FAA Response: The ASD does have capabilities to incorporate an API, but there are none designed as of now.

13. (Section C3.2) What is the existing software platform for the Geospatial tools and databases?

FAA Response: Google Earth / ArcGIS

14. (Section C3.2) Is the FGCD or ISO 19139 metadata content compliant for each of the Geospatial database features and tabular data?

FAA Response: Yes

15. (Section C3.2) In the context of the possibility of focused analyses, such as data for specific airport or type of incident, will this include additional data gathering, conversion, capture and/or creation for these tasks? If so, what methods, tools, accuracies, precisions, and resultant deliverables are expected?

pg. 3

FAA Response: For the ASD, no additional data gathering is needed. For the RIM management, future data sources may be identified. All raw data will be provided to the contractor. The contractor will need to perform data categorization efforts, as well as descriptive and statistical analyses in the form of reports. If additional data gathering are needed, time and effort will be reassessed. The ASD and RIM management tools have established process documents for categorization and analysis, procedure documents will be shared with contract awardee.

16. (Section C3.2) If there are data gathering as described above in question 15, are there preferred methods, specifications, tools, and equipment? Will these be government furnished equipment or contractor provided?

FAA Response: There are no preferred methods; however, ASD data will be provided and, RIM data must be gathered according to established FAA procedures. GFE will be provided as necessary.

17. (Section C3.2) The “Attachment+A-Pricing+Schedule+Spreadsheet” includes less than six hours per week for an Airport Operations Research Analyst. This section of the Solicitation describes a significant level of effort in database management and analysis. Are the stated hours the desired level of effort?

FAA Response: The hours have been adjusted. Please refer to the updated Attachment A (Pricing Spreadsheet) and attached to the subject Amendment.

18. (Section C3.3) This section of the Solicitation includes an extensive list of government-owned testing equipment that the contractor must maintain and operate. Who is responsible for the preventative maintenance costs and equipment repair costs? Also, who is responsible for the equipment operating costs?

FAA Response: It is the Contractor’s responsibility to identify and schedule maintenance of Government owned test equipment. The Contractor is responsible for installing and maintaining sensors. The Contractor may also be required to assist the FAA with identifying sources to for maintenance and equipment repair and obtaining quotes. However, the FAA will procure the maintenance and repair services.

19. (Section C3.3) Is there documentation on the various remote sensors, data elements, data formats, calibration schedules, software used, data structures, and metadata for the various sensor data collected in the aircraft or via other means that will assist in the best analyses for data acquisition and integration of the data derived from the aircraft sensors in support of the program goals?

FAA Response: The FAA will provide previous draft documents to the awardee.

20. (Section C3.3) Is there an expectation to integrate and analyze the various sensor data feeds captured by aircraft onboard, post processing, or a combination of both?

FAA Response: Yes, there is an expectation for the Contractor to integrate and analyze all data collected. As stated in the SIR, “aircraft testing will include measuring and recording braking friction levels, wheel slip, and break pressure differential across the anti-skid brake system valves. The Contractor must develop brake testing plans and perform analysis of data generated from testing. The Contractor must develop a methodology for determining maximum available braking friction on contaminated runways.”

21. (Section C3.3) Is there a configuration of a single or multiple programmable logic controllers for capturing the various sensor data or are these captured independently by sensor?

FAA Response: The FAA will provide previous draft documents to the awardee

pg. 4

22. (Section C3.3) What are the expectations for product deliverables to enhance the sensor data analyses, automation of analytics and data modeling, automated analysis of sensor integration, and suggested alternative technologies to support the program?

FAA Response: As technology advances, the Contractor may be tasked with developing novel data collection and analysis techniques.

23. (Section C3.3) Are unmanned aircraft systems to be part of the program as for future assessment tools?

FAA Response: No. Any UAS related work will be completed through a separate contract.

24. (Section C3.4) This section of the Solicitation states that the contractor must develop operational concepts for sensors and systems and perform evaluations through simulations or operational demonstrations. Who is responsible for the procurement and maintenance of these sensors and systems?

FAA Response: It is the Contractor’s responsibility to identify and schedule maintenance of Government owned test equipment. The Contractor is responsible for installing and maintain sensors. However, the FAA will procure the sensors and maintenance and repair services.

25. (Section C3.4) Is it the intent for the contractor to develop new innovative methods of integrated data use and to develop conceptual plans and concepts or is it the intent for the contractor to work with the actual data and sensors in a pilot case in development of new technologies (hardware software, etc.) to achieve the program goals?

FAA Response: The intent is for the Contractor to evaluate new and emerging technologies that are brought to the attention of the FAA (not to develop their own systems). The Contractor will be responsible for developing test methodologies and evaluation criteria to assess the performance of these new technologies (e.g. test beds, test plans, etc.)

26. (Section C3.4) Has the FAA performed a requirements analysis of the goals to integrate surface movement detection and surveillance, from the systems design and data design perspective? If so, did this include all the existing smart technologies required for a comprehensive solution?

FAA Response: No

27. (Section C3.4) With the advancement of a variety technologies there are many potentials to plan, design, and develop an innovative integrated system that will detect and track, (in near and real-time and in 3D, 4D and 5D) objects at and around airport operational areas and in the localized air surfaces as well as for other National Airspace facilities. These include surface movement detection and surveillance including aircraft, vehicle, and human traffic through data integration of the wide variety of smart technologies and through the internet of things that are included in the airport surveillance sensors and smart airport technologies.

Does the FAA prefer the use and leverage of commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) software solutions or does the FAA want to develop a new comprehensive custom application solution?

FAA Response: Yes, the Government prefers commercial off-the-shelf software/technologies if they provide the necessary capabilities to evaluate new technologies.

28. (Section C3.4) If the answer is leveraging a COTS an option, is there a preferred solution or vendor?

pg. 5

29. Is there going to be a pre-proposal conference?

30. Attachment A Pricing Schedule - Row 61 Labor total includes only 3 of the 4 years above it. Labor total on

Row 76 only includes 4 of the 5 years above it.

FAA Response: Please refer to the updated Attachment A (Pricing Spreadsheet) attached to this Amendment.

31. SIR p. 4 says "Given the potential four (4) year life of this contract…" Should this read five (5) year life of the contract?

FAA Response: Section B.5 has been corrected to reflect the following, “The effort is for a base year and 4 optional ordering periods for a total of 5 years.”

32. Instructions for Attachment A Pricing Schedule says "The only allowable verbiage per AMS 3.2.2.3-16 shall be contained in the footer. We do not believe there is a footer on the spreadsheet, but would like to mark it with the AMS proprietary language. Where should we write that on the spreadsheet?

FAA Response: Please refer to the updated Attachment A (Pricing Spreadsheet) attached to this Amendment which includes a footer.

33. Instructions for Attachment A Pricing Schedule says to provide "one electronic and one soft copy" of the completed cost sheet IAW Section L requirements. Section L says (pg. 64) in 3.2.2.3-20 (a) "electronic means email". Can you please confirm only one electronic copy is to be submitted?

FAA Response: Please refer to the updated Attachment A (Pricing Spreadsheet) attached to this Amendment. The FAA only requires an electronic copy and the soft copy language has been removed.

34. Attachment B Labor Categories - Engineer (approx.. row 28) describes "….projects for visual guidance research program areas…". Please confirm this is for ASDAP/safety support, not visual guidance, and advise if any of the Engineer requirements are different.

FAA Response: An updated Attachment B (Labor Category descriptions) is attached to the subject Amendment and it corrects the language for Engineer.

35. SIR C3.3 p.8 "The Contractor will not be required to operate nor maintain the FAA aircraft, they will be responsible for maintaining sensor acquisition systems." Please confirm this means the Contract WILL be responsible for maintaining sensor acquisition systems on the FAA aircraft.

FAA Response: It is the Contractor’s responsibility to identify and schedule maintenance of Government owned test equipment. The Contractor is responsible for installing and maintain sensors. However, the FAA will procure the sensors and maintenance and repair services.

36. SIR L4. Proposal Format Instructions, Pg. 67 – Times New Roman 12 pt. font. The other SIRs released recently have been 10 pt. font. Is 12 pt. required for this SIR?

FAA Response: The subject SIR requires 12 pt. font.

37. SIR L 3.2.2.3-22 page 64 says offer acceptance must be "within _____ (60 days if not…)". L 8 Proposal

Submissions page 69 says "…valid for the minimum acceptance period as identified in AMS 3.2.2.3- 2…". Section K 3.2.2.3-2 page 55 states minimum acceptance period is 180 days. Please confirm our understanding that the minimum acceptance period is 180 days.

pg. 6

FAA Response: Section K 3.2.2.3-2 has been updated to reflect the minimum acceptance period to be 120 days.

MINIMUM OFFER ACCEPTANCE PERIOD (JUL 2004)

Minimum Offer Acceptance Period (JUL 2004)

(a) 'Acceptance period,' as used in this provision, means the number of calendar days the FAA (we, us) has to award a contract from the date the SIR specifies for receiving offers.

(b) This provision supersedes any language about the acceptance period appearing elsewhere in this SIR.

(c) We require a minimum acceptance period of 120 calendar days.

(d) The offeror (you) may specify a longer acceptance period than the period shown in paragraph (c). To specify a longer period, fill in the blank: The offeror allows the following acceptance period: _____ calendar days.

(e) We may reject an offer allowing less than the FAA's minimum acceptance period.

(f) You agree to fulfill your offer completely if the FAA accepts your offer in writing within:

(1) The acceptance period stated in paragraph (c) of this provision; or

(2) Any longer acceptance period stated in paragraph (d) of this provision.

(End of provision)

38. SIR L Factor 4 Past Performance (P. 71) says "…elements must be addressed in narrative form on the

Attachment 3 Past Performance Evaluation form. No Attachment 3 was provided with the announcement.

Can you please provide this form, or advise if it is not required?

FAA Response: Attached to this Amendment is the Past Performance Data Form.

39. Attachment A pricing schedule – Can you verify the 150 hrs. annually for the PM is not a typographical error as this seems very small for a contract of this size since there is no other management support built into the labor category structure?

pg. 7

FAA Response: The hours have been adjusted for the Technical Program Manager. The Program manager is anticipated to be needed for kick-off meetings, deliverable submissions, and as issues arise. Please refer to the updated Attachment A (Pricing Spreadsheet) attached to the subject Amendment.

40. Per the referenced Cover Page, Sections B.3, and F.1, length of contract is 1 year base plus 4 option years.

However, SIR paragraph B.5.b states “a four-year life of contract” and AMS Clause 3.2.4-16 states that “orders may be issued from base contract award date through up to 4 years”. Throughout the SIR, will the Government please clarify the length of the contract.

FAA Response: The effort is for a base year and 4 optional ordering periods for a total of 5 years. Section B.5 and AMS clause 3.2.4-16 has been corrected.

41. (Section B.5.b) “Satellite-based cellular communications” are not typical services under company overheard or G&A. This requirement would be costly. Please remove “Satellite-based cellular communications.”

FAA Response: “Satellite-based cellular communications “under section B.5 has been removed, please ensure non satellite cell phones are included in the overhead costs.

42. L1. The referenced deadline for the final submission of Offeror proposal responses is by 3:30 PM (EDST) on July 8, 2021. Given the Federal holiday of July 4, 2021, would the Government consider a revised final submission deadline of 3:30 PM (EDST) on July 12, 2021?

FAA Response: The subject SIR submission date has been extended.

43. L6. Volume II Cost/Price Proposal- Factor V: Cost/Price. Will the Government remove the page limitation?

FAA Response: Per Section L.6 the page limit is 3 pages for Factor V.

44. M.2.3 Criteria to evaluate offeror’s Corporate Experience references Visual Guidance (rather than ASDAP).

Please confirm this is a typo and will be corrected.

FAA Response: This is typo and section M.2.3 has been updated to reflect ASDAP.

45. Attachment A (Labor) - Please confirm that the Government only wants Offerors to propose “off-site” (Contractor Site) rates for this IDIQ.

FAA Response: Yes, offerors are to propose off-site rates.

46. Attachment A (Labor) - Format of Cells J3:M3 (Escalation percentage). Please change format to enable showing two decimal places (e.g., 3.25%) FAA Response: Attached to the subject Amendment is an updated Attachment A (Pricing Spreadsheet) that corrects the formatting percentage for these cells.

47. Attachment A (Labor) - Row 61 “Total Labor”: It is unclear what this subtotal is for. Can it be removed?

FAA Response: Attached to the subject Amendment is an updated Attachment A (Pricing Spreadsheet) that corrects row 61.

48. Attachment A (Labor) - Row 71 “Total Labor” F71 (hours) and H71 (total price). The formulas appear to have errors in them. Can these formulas be fixed as to add just the sub-totals of each of the five years (currently rows 18, 32, 46, 60, and 75) FAA Response: Attached to the subject Amendment is an updated Attachment A (Pricing Spreadsheet) that corrects these rows.

pg. 8

49. Attachment A (Travel) - Cell E2: Please change the format to allow for a date to be entered (currently formatted for %).

FAA Response: Attached to the subject Amendment is an updated Attachment A (Pricing Spreadsheet) that allows for a date to be entered.

50. Attachment A (Travel) - Cell B4 (Total Proposed Labor). Appears to be pulling from Labor Tab cell H61, which is not the 5-year total. Please correct this formula.

FAA Response: Attached to the subject Amendment is an updated Attachment A (Pricing Spreadsheet) that corrects this error in H61.

51. Attachment A (Travel) - Attachment A Pricing Schedule, Travel Tab is missing a Travel plug figure for Option Year 4. Is this intentional or will the Government provide a revised Attachment A Pricing Schedule that includes a Travel plug for Option Year 4.

FAA Response: Attached to the subject Amendment is an updated Attachment A (Pricing Spreadsheet) that corrects this error.