Questions and Answers 06-01-2023.pdf

SIR/RFP 6973GH-23-R-00104 Aircraft Maintenance Support June 1, 2023

Questions and Answers

1. PWS Page 2 References: Per the SOW, “The Contractor must ensure all work is in full compliance with regulations expressed in the following procedures, orders, and programs unless otherwise directed by the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR). We submit that many of the links listed in the reference section require a DOT login to access the information and/or the web page is down stating that it is “Experiencing difficulties”.

QUESTION: Since the SOW specifies contractors must ensure full compliance with the provided references, how do we gain access to the information/links to evaluate the information?

GOV’T ANSWER: Requests access or pertinent information through the AJF-2130 training records department.

2. SOW 3.5.1:

QUESTION: Who will provide the floor sweeper training?

GOV’T ANSWER: The AJF-2130 training department will provide floor sweeper training.

3. SOW 3.5.3:

QUESTION: Will the contractor be responsible for providing any cleaning supplies/material?

GOV’T ANSWER: NO

4. SOW 3.5.4

QUESTION: Who is responsible for providing the Tow Team Training?

GOV’T ANSWER: An AJF-2200 qualified trainer will provide the training.

5. SOW Section 4: “The Contractor must verify that all submitted deliverables conform to applicable FAA policies, standards, and guidelines as listed in Section 2 of this SOW.”

We submit that some of the FAA policies, standards and guidelines listed in the SOW Section 2, are not accessible.

QUESTION: How can we gain access to the information/links to evaluate the information?

GOV’T ANSWER: You gain access through the links provided in section 2 of the SOW.

There may be times where you may need to be on the FAA intranet.

6. SOW page 12, Table Item 10: The Daily Tool Inventory due date specifies the report is due each day no later than 5PM central. With operations taking place in multiple time zones, the 5pm CST deadline appears to cut into the west coast mid-shift operations.

QUESTION: Can the Government please elaborate on this requirement?

GOV’T ANSWER: Page 12, Item No. 10 in the Statement of Work has been revised.

7. SOW 7.3: “The FAA will allow on the job official time for training to be completed, but the Contractor is responsible for Initial 80-Hour Training tuition cost.”

QUESTION: Can the Government please clarify whether or not it will permit the contractor to invoice for the straight-time hours spent to complete the 80-hour Initial BE300 and Challenger 604/605/650 courses?

GOV’T ANSWER: Yes, the contractor can invoice straight-time hours for these courses.

8. SOW 7.7: It is understood the government will provide the tools and equipment needed to maintain the fleet of aircraft; however, the SOW does not allude to other required items such as HAZMAT, cleaning supplies, etc.

QUESTION: Is the contractor required to provide any items to maintain the aircraft or facilities (maintenance or appearance)?

GOV’T ANSWER: No, the government will provide all contractors with HAZMAT & cleaning supplies to maintain the aircraft and facilities.

9. RFP/SIR Attachment 2 Schedule B CLIN 0001:

QUESTION: Is the Contract Program Manager referenced in the SOW Section 7.2, 7.3, and SOW Appendix C considered a separate billet/position, or are the A&P Task Lead Program Managers performing this function?

GOV’T ANSWER: The A&P Task Lead Program Managers performs this function.

10. RFP/SIR Attachment 2 Schedule B: The CLIN dates on the Attachment 2 spreadsheet specify POP; whereas the dates on the RFP/SIR pdf version specify Delivery days. We believe we have an understanding of difference in terminology amongst the two documents; however, we do not wish to presume.

QUESTION: Can the Government please define the difference pursuant to the two document dates?

GOV’T ANSWER: The projected award date/delivery date is anticipated for 8/1/23.

11. RFP/SIR Attachment 2 Schedule-B:

QUESTION: Due to the transition plan requirement, can the Government specify if all the positions listed in Attachment 2 CLINs 0002, 0003 and 0004 are currently filled? If not, what is the current staffing by location?

GOV’T ANSWER: The current Staffing fluctuates with 58 positions. The new contract requires 60 positions in accordance with Schedule B.

12. RFP/SIR Attachment 3 Labor Category Minimum Qualifications: The “Positions” tab specifies Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) Task Lead; however, the description includes the title “Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) Program Manager”.

QUESTION: On a program such as this requiring multiple operations at multiple sites, inclusive of Program, Project, Financial, and Contractual Management, can the Government please specify that the position indicated on Attachment 3 refers to the site A&P Task Leads, and not a/the contractor’s Program Manager?

GOV’T ANSWER: Please refer to SIR, Section H, 3.8.2-17 - KEY PERSONNEL AND FACILITIES (JUL 2019). Attachment 3 refers to onsite A & P Task Leads.

13. RFP/SIR Attachment 4, CBA:

QUESTION: Can the Government please confirm the program’s CBA is applicable to the Atlantic City region only?

GOV’T ANSWER: Yes, the CBA is applicable to the Atlantic City region only.

14. RFP/SIR Attachment 4, CBA: Per Section 9 Seniority, “Seniority shall be determined by length of service within a job classification, with the Company or any predecessor Company, whichever occurred first since the employee’s date of hire.” In order to accurately price this effort, contractors must have some sort of insight as to the years of service/seniority factors. Without knowledge of the number of persons and years of seniority, contractors bidding on this program are at a significant disadvantage to that of the incumbent. Example: Per Section 9 (d), the shop steward is responsible for posting/delivering an annual updated Seniority list.

QUESTION: Will the Government please provide a list of personnel (absent of names) by position, years of service and anniversary dates so the contractors bidding on this effort can accurately account for the monetary items specified in the CBA?

GOV’T ANSWER: No, this information will not be provided. The ACY CBA union lead can provide this information.

15. RFP/SIR Attachment 4, CBA Section 13 (d): The CBA alludes to the employees providing/using their personal tools; however, the SOW Section 7.7 states the Government is responsible for providing all tools and equipment. Because there is a monetary aspect associated with the CBA 13 (d), contractors must account for the specified “Tool Replacement and Allowance” specified in the CBA.

QUESTION: Are contractor employees using their own tools, or government provided tools and equipment?

GOV’T ANSWER: Please refer to SOW, Section 7.7, Government Furnished Equipment (GFE)/Government Furnished Information (GFI), Tools and Equipment. The Government will provide all tools, specialty instruments, and equipment required to accomplish the tasks described in this SOW at all locations.

16. RFP/SIR Attachment 4, CBA Section 13(I) Business use of Personal Auto and RFP/SIR Clause 3.4.1-12 INSURANCE: Unlike the insurance requirements synonymous with operating Government vehicles (3.4.1-12), the use of personal vehicles synonymous with work requires additional insurance.

QUESTION: Can the Government please specify whether or not Personally Owned Vehicles (POVs) are used in conjunction with the contract, and if required, will the government please define/incorporate the additional state insurance requirements?

GOV’T ANSWER: POV’s are not authorized. The Government will provide a Government vehicle to be used by contractors only within the MMAC.

17. RFP/SIR Attachment 4, CBA Section 26: The CBA states, “Any duty that requires specialized training, to include these shops: life vest shop, paint shop, and battery shop, shall be given a stipend of $.50/hour. In order to properly price this effort, bidders must know the number of employees assigned to these positions/shop responsibilities.

Unknown quantities place places bidders to a disadvantage when compared to the incumbent contractor?

QUESTION: How many persons are assigned to these tasks/shops; and what job skill classifications do they hold?

GOV’T ANSWER: CBA section 26 is not applicable to this contract.

18. RFP/SIR Attachment 4, CBA Section 26 Table: The classifications listed in the table do not match/compare to the classifications defined in the SOW, RFP/SIR or RFP/SIR Attachments. Because the classifications defined in the CBA directly affect labor rates and proposal cost/price, bidding contractors are at major disadvantage as compared to the incumbent.

QUESTION: Can the government please define/clarify the positions cited in the CBA as compared to the RFP/SIR Attachments?

GOV’T ANSWER: CBA section 26 is not applicable to this contract.

19. RFP/SIR Section L.9:

QUESTION: What are the proposal volume Page limits?

GOV’T ANSWER: There are not any page limits.

20. RFP/SIR Section H 3.8.2.17 Key Personnel: The referenced clause stipulates the A&P Program Manager at MMAC and ACY are key personnel; however, RFP/SOR Attachment 2 [Schedule-B], Attachment 3 Labor Category, and the SOW with enclosed Appendixes, do not list these individuals as program managers. The multiple references to A&P Task Leads and Program Managers is very confusing.

QUESTION: Because the Government cites the term Contract Program Manager in various areas of the SOW, and consequently refences the PMBOK, can the Government please clarify the difference between program manager and task lead?

GOV’T ANSWER: Task lead is onsite vendor management; Program manager is offsite vendor management.

21. The evaluation factor for award list the same required evaluation items to be included in Factor 2 and Factor 3. Specifically, Section 5.1.2 item (a) requires, “Demonstrating the capabilities to provide program management direction defined in Task 1.” Coincidently, the RFP/SIR Section M.5.1.2 Factor 2 Corporate Experience requires the submittal of the same information as Task 1 details providing reports, maintaining schedules, CAMP compliance, transition plans, etc. In order to be compliant with the evaluation factors, the same information pursuant to M.1.2(a) would have to be submitted under M.5.3.

QUESTION: Can the Government please detail the difference and/or provide the bidders a better understanding of where the information pursuant to Task 1 should be provided (in Factor 2 or Factor 3)?

GOV’T ANSWER: Provide Factor 2, Corporate Experience and Factor 3, Program Management capability, understanding and experience to demonstrate for each factor separately.

22. In regards to the Questions and Answers posted on May 12, 2023, answers to questions 17 and 18 states, CBA section 26 is not applicable to this contract.

QUESTION: Did you intend to state CBA Paragraph 26 is not applicable to this contract versus Section 26 in your responses?

GOV’T ANSWER: CBA Para 26 is not applicable to this contract.

The Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) must be adhered to along with the contract SOW to include wage requirements. Previously, the CBA was revised to support the ACY location for the current aircraft maintenance contract. It is the responsibility of the vendor to be compliant with the CBA. Therefore, the vendor should communicate with the Union to ensure the SOW requirement is covered under the CBA to include required wages.

The CBA statement regarding “any duty that requires specialized training, to include these shops: life vest shop, paint shop, and battery shop, shall be given a stipend of $.50/hour,” is valid, but not applicable to the SOW, as the FAA outsources this type of work. The mechanics will not be providing this type of specialized services.

23. QUESTION: If CBA Paragraph 26 is not applicable for this contract, are we to use the US Department of Labor Employment Standards Administration Wage and Hour Division, Wage Determination rates listed in Attachment 5 of the RFP?

GOV’T ANSWER: Yes.

The Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) must be adhered to along with the contract SOW to include wage requirements. Previously, the CBA was revised to support the ACY location for the current aircraft maintenance contract. It is the responsibility of the vendor to be compliant with the CBA. Therefore, the vendor should communicate with the Union to ensure the SOW requirement is covered under the CBA to include required wages.

The CBA statement regarding “any duty that requires specialized training, to include these shops: life vest shop, paint shop, and battery shop, shall be given a stipend of $.50/hour,” is valid, but not applicable to the SOW, as the FAA outsources this type of work. The mechanics will not be providing this type of specialized services.

24. QUESTION: The SOW, RFP/SIR and Schedule B show 3 task leads assigned to the program (2 at MMAC and one at ACY). But the SOR and SIR lead you to be believe they only want 2 resumes (day shift MMAC and day shift ACY). The Schedule B lists 3 under the same CLIN structure. Can you also clarify the exact number of Key Personnel resumes required as part of the proposal response?

GOV’T ANSWER: The SOW was updated to 3 leads. There are 2 sites, but 3 leads per

SOW APPENDIX A.

There will be 3 key personnel.

(2) MMAC Leads

(1) ACY Lead

A resume for each key personnel should be submitted.

25. QUESTION: Section 7.1 states “the contractor must perform services 40 hours per week at the specified sites listed on the individual task orders". 40 hour work weeks translates to roughly 1920 hours per FTE. Attachment 02- schedule B captures monthly cost per shift and per individual using 960 hours. Can the government confirmed every person on this shift will be working a minimum of 40 hours per week or 1920 hours per contract year? We understand that OT may also be performed however we want to confirm that each employee will perform a minimum of at least 40 hours per week or 1920 hours per contract year.

GOV’T ANSWER: The proposed cost should be based on 1920 hours for each labor category for all work locations. The annual hours split of 960 or 640 was intended to support all shift requirements, but still equals 1920 for the year for each contract employee. Each CLIN labor category position/location will be paid based on a FFP monthly rate.

Any OT worked by an employee will be T&M and paid based on actual OT hours and shift rate per labor category. The projected OT per year is 40 hours per contract employee across various shifts. Each OT shift will require a proposed OT rate and will be paid for actual OT hours worked under assigned OT shift.

26. QUESTION: Schedule B captures hourly rate for each shift however for every shift there are instances where multiple FTE’s will be performing. Can the government confirm that all positions shall be quoted one hourly rate per location? For example CLIN 003A1 has 12 FTE’s but only one block in G12 to enter an hourly rate. The assumption is each FTE will be paid up to the hourly rate proposed. Is this the intent? Without knowing the current make up of current contract employee the incumbent has an unfair advantage as it relates on pricing since we can’t propose our own skill mix for each sub CLIN.

GOV’T ANSWER: Each shift requires a proposed rate for each location. The CTR count is listed for each labor category and work location. The FFP is based on CTR count, shift hours, and rates listed in the Schedule B. Each labor category (skill mix) has its own rate assigned per location and shift.

27. QUESTION: Can the government confirm this is an IDIQ contract?

GOV’T ANSWER: In accordance with 3.2.4.1 Type of Contract (APR 1996), “The FAA contemplates award of a Labor Hour, ID/IQ contract resulting from this Screening Information Request”.

28. QUESTION: Can the government confirm this IDIQ will be awarded as FFP with T&M CLIN’s for over and above?

GOV’T ANSWER: In accordance with Schedule B, the CLINs for Over and Above will be T&M.

29. QUESTION: IAW FAR 16.504(b), What is the IDIQ minimum quantity of supplies services in accordance.

GOV’T ANSWER: The FAA does not follow the FAR.

30. QUESTION: Will a Task order be awarded with the IDIQ or will the task order be issued after award of the IDIQ?

GOV’T ANSWER: A task order will be issued after award of a contract.

31. QUESTION: Will the CBA pension contribution be reimbursed to the contractor if the amount to contribute is to go up during the CBA renegotiation in 2024?

GOV’T ANSWER: 3.6.2-30 Fair Labor Standards Act and Service Contract Labor Standards – Price Adjustment (Multiple Year and Option Contracts) (OCT 2020) allows for increases based on CBAs at the Option Year.

32. QUESTION: Reference SOW page 13, Section 7.1 Work Hours: The Government states that “Several work locations require 4/10 weekend shift operating FRI-MON.” Could the government please clarify which specific locations require the 4/10 weekend shift?

GOV’T ANSWER: All work locations require a flexible work schedule. Each labor category requires all shift rates to be proposed to support a FFP monthly rate based on the listed hours per shift. The FFP daily/weekly hours will not exceed 40 hours per week without going into OT.

33. QUESTION: Reference SOW Page 17, Section 7.6 Required Contractor Property: On similar requirements in the past, we have seen a requirement for contractor-provided uniforms. Can the Government please confirm that contractor-provided uniforms are not required in support of this mission?

GOV’T ANSWER: The SOW does not require uniforms.

34. QUESTION: Reference Attachment 02 Aircraft Mechanics Schedule B, FFP and Monthly Labor: Can the Government confirm this is a monthly firm-fixed price contract?

If this is an hourly firm fixed price contract, the Government-estimated CTR of 1920 hours needs to be adjusted to account for Juneteenth Federal Holiday, enacted in 2021, 32 hours of sick time required by executive order 13706, seniority vacation stipulated wage determination, and additional time off required in ACY as per CBA.

GOV’T ANSWER: The annual average hours worked across all work locations will be 1920 hours based on Federal Holidays and projected annual leave. For the ACY location that is subject to the CBA, the offeror will propose labor rates to support the CBA wage and benefit requirements.

35. QUESTION: Reference Attachment 02 Aircraft Mechanics Schedule B, Sub-CLIN rates:

The formulas in the government provided pricing sheet do not reflect the offerors intended quote. Inserting fully burdened labor rates in both the 1st shift and the 2nd shift results in duplication of the intended quote. Please confirm we have permission to alter the formulas to reflect our intended quote while providing all shift and OT differential rates to the Government for reference and use.

GOV’T ANSWER: The offeror may alter the formulas to support their FFP and estimated T&M price, while providing all shift and OT differential rates to the Government for reference and use.

36. QUESTION: Reference SOW page 16-17, Section 7.5 Mandatory Drug Testing: Could the Government please clarify if the Government is bearing the cost of contractor-required drug testing in support of this program? If Contractor is to bear the cost, does the Government provide reimbursement? If Government provides reimbursement, we kindly request a separate T&M CLIN, with location-specific sub-CLIN (as 5 panel drug and alcohol testing cost varies per State) in pricing.

GOV’T ANSWER: The Contractor is responsible for the drug testing and associated cost. The cost should be included in the fully loaded labor hour rate and will not be separately priced or funded for required pre-employment or biannual drug testing.