DDLS_MS FAA Q and A Response Memo.pdf

Federal Aviation Administration

Memorandum

Date: September 15, 2025

From: Pearl Winston, Contracting Officer, AAQ-320

To: Contract Record

Subject: Domestic Datalink Services (DDLS) Market Survey FAA Q &A

Response

The original question and answer (Q&A) period advertised for DDLS Market Survey (MS) ended on August 21, 2025. A response by a vendor identified a need for a unified reporting artifact that was referenced but not attached to the MS announcement on SAM.gov.

Amendment 1 was released providing the Q & Aartifact and extending the reporting period to September 2, 2025.

Per AMS Procurement Guidance, T.3.2.1.2.e.6, the Procurement Team release the FAA responses to the Q & A on SAM.gov via Amendment 2. It includes the following changes:

1. FAA’s responses to the Q & A.

a. MS Artifact - DDLSNSD 2029 DRAFT July 2025 (7-11-25) –

Page # - 4 (10 of 91) MS Reference - The following documents form a part of this Service Description (SD) to the extent specified herein.

Secondary references, or those documents referenced by documents contained in this section, also form a part of this SD to the extent specified by applicable sections of the documents referenced directly in this section. 2.1 Government Documents Comment/Question - Can the FAA supply the latest Government Documents referenced in document J-1, Section 2.1?

FAA’s Response - Attachment J-1 is currently a draft document, and FAA has not yet determined the applicability of the documents listed in Section 2.1. The requested market feedback on the most effective architectural approach will aid the FAA in refining the document. See Market Survey 3.1.2.3.1 item 1.

b. MS Artifact - DDLS_Market_Survey_8-25-25_Amendment_1 Page # - 7 of 10 MS Reference - 8.1.2 The response format should be a searchable PDF, max 20 pages (excluding appendices for technical specifications), MS Office 365 or Times New Roman 12-point font, single-spaced.

Comment/Question - Can the FAA clarify whether the title page and table of contents count towards the 20-page limit?

FAA’s Response - The Title Page and Table of Contents are excluded from the 20-page limit.

c. MS Artifact - DDLS Draft SOW_Market Survey (7-11-25) Page # - 7 (7of 51) MS Reference - C.4.1.1.2 Architectural Requirements for SDPs The Contractor’s architecture, design and engineering must reflect the requirement that all SDPs be located at FAA facilities (Salt Lake and Atlanta) United States of America (CONUS). For information and requirements related to the SDPs, see DDLNSD, Figure 3-1.

Comment/Question - Could you please provide the intended graphic for Figure 3-1 as referenced in the requirement C.4.1.1.2 Architectural Requirements for SDPs?

FAA’s Response - Figure 3-1 has been deliberately omitted. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not yet finalized the specific System Design Parameters (SDPs) and seeks input from industry stakeholders regarding the most effective architectural strategy. For further details, please refer to Market Survey section 3.1.2.3.1, item 1.

d. MS Artifact - DDLS DDLS Market Survey Amendment 1 Page # - 5 of 10 MS Reference - 3.1.3.5.3 Provide information on Commercial practices (e.g., licensing restrictions, licensing restrictions upon termination, limitation of liability, retention of data from databases, etc.). A copy of a license agreement if applicable.

Comment/Question - Can the FAA supply the latest Government Documents referenced in document J-1, Section 2.1?

FAA’s Response - The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is soliciting feedback from potential vendors on the Statement of Work (SOW) provided. Vendors are requested to evaluate and provide insights on any current or emerging commercial and industry practices that may influence the requirements or operational needs.

2. Updated dates extending the final period of the announcement close to 3PM, September 22, 2025.

Should you have questions regarding this requirement, please direct them to the undersigned at email Pearl.a.winston@faa.gov or phone number (202) 718-8720.

R/S

Pearl Winston Contracting Officer/AAQ-320 800 Independence Ave., S.W.

Washington, D.C., 20591

Attachment: DDLS_Market_Survey_8-25-25_Amendment_2 mailto:Pearl.a.winston@faa.gov