Responses to Questions Amendment 2 dated 06.23.2022.pdf

70Z03822RE0000001

Responses to Questions

Amendment 2 Answers provided 23 June 2022

This document provides United States Coast Guard (USCG) responses for questions that have been asked regarding the Radar Sensor System (RSS) as a result of solicitation number 70Z03822RE0000001. Question numbers are provided simply as a reference and in no way infer a prioritization of the questions.

Number Question USCG Response 1 Please define "detection" in Lines 23, 32, 34, 35, and 41 of the RFP's Performance Specification. Is it a manual detection based on operator observation of the Radar PPI Video or an Automatic Detection based on track acquisition criteria?

The Radar Sensor System (RSS) should already be in place and defined by the Offeror in the proposal.

2 In your RFI Notice ID 70Z03221RFIR00002 [sam.gov] of Feb 17, 2021, you sought:

Sensor System Weight: < 60 lbs. Line 40 of the RFP's Performance Specification states that the RSS shall not exceed 35lbs, including all Line Replaceable Units. That's a nearly 40% decrease. What justified the major weight change?

The requirement has been refined.

3 In your RFI of Notice ID 70Z03221RFIR00002 [sam.gov] of Feb 17, 2021, you sought: Sensor System Antenna Dimension: <20 inches. Line 42 of the RFP's Performance Specification states the RSS antenna dimensions shall be constrained to 12" (H) x 18" (W) to fit within the host aircraft's existing radome. That's a nearly 40% decrease. What justified the major size change?

The requirement has been refined.

4 The RFP appears to be the stop-gap solution (primarily a weather radar) for the MH-60 and MH-65s, not a true multi-mode maritime search radar. USCG Air Stations have already started transition from the MH-65s to MH-60s due to the Service's depletion of available and operational MH-65s. The Commandant has requested congressional appropriations, and the USCG has received them and procured additional MH-60 hulls. The USCG is a party

This is a requirements contract with estimated quantities.

to the DOD Future Vertical Lift program with stated Congressional Justifications to eliminate the MH-65 and align with DoD's Future Vertical Lift program, equipping the Service with ~100 to 120 MH-60s as the sole rotary-winged airframe. The concern is that the RFP lists 180 RSSs required, a major disparity with the Commandant's stated Congressional Justifications. If offerors hope to procure and budget for long lead time items, the USCG is on record for a fleet of 120 MH-60s, yet the RFP is seeking 180 radars;

offerors will be unable to leverage economies of scale if the USCG drops to 120 plus spares. Will the USCG commit to 180 radars to the successful offeror?

5 Why is there no Buy American Act or Made in the USA requirement? Please confirm or amend the Terms and Conditions to include this important and key provision supporting the American workforce and industry base.

Market research in your RFI Rotary Wing Radar Replacement Notice ID 70Z03221RFIR00002 and subsequent Virtual Industry Days would have identified many potential offerors that meet these requirements. Please provide if a waiver was granted to depart from the Buy American Act provision, especially since the USCG is a military and armed service.

52.225-5 Trade Agreements is applicable in accordance with FAR 25.1101(c) and FAR Subpart 25.4.

6 Would the government extend the due date for proposals an additional 14 working days from when the government posts all questions and answers?

The USCG has granted an extension from July 19, 2022 until August 03, 2022 @ 3:00 PM

ET.

7 Please confirm per HSAR 3052.219-72 Evaluation of Prime Contractor Participation in the DHS Mentor Protégé Program (JUN 2006) and HSAR 3052.219-71, DHS Mentor Protégé Program (JUN 2006), as prescribed in HSAR 48 CFR 3019.708–70(c), Evaluation of Prime Contractor Participation in the DHS Mentor-Protégé Program (JUN 2006) will apply whereas, the KO may, at their discretion, give credit for approvals that occur after initial evaluation of proposals, but before final evaluation.

HSAR 3052.219-72 is not included, and this will not be a part of the evaluation.

8 Will the USCG recognize and support the Department of Veterans Affairs Center for Verification & Evaluation program for verified SDVOSB concerns in contract evaluation?

This requirement is unrestricted (Full and Open) all offerors will be evaluated fairly.

9 If the USCG decides not to support the Department of Veterans Affairs Center for Verification & Evaluation program for verified SDVOSB concerns in this solicitation, please explain why?

This requirement is unrestricted (Full and Open) all offerors will be evaluated fairly.

10 Does the USCG have congressionally approved appropriations for the USCG's Radar Sensor System (RSS) Combined Synopsis/Solicitation Notice ID 70Z03822RE0000001? If so, how much?

We anticipate having, and using FY 23 Operation & Support (O&S) appropriations available for the initial award of this requirement.

11 Is this acquisition defined as a Major Systems Acquisition level? If so, what level? If not, please explain why.

This acquisition is not a Major Systems Acquisition and will be acquired with O&S funding.

12 It is stated that this contract will not be awarded until; early FY23? Is this contract multi-year funded or annual?

The projected milestones indicate that the acquisition will not be awarded until early

FY23.

This contract will be funded annually.

13 If there's a Continuing Resolution, will this contract still be awarded FY22 or FY23 appropriations?

This is a requirements contract and an award can still be made under a continuing resolution, however, a delivery order acquiring the RSS could be delayed.

14 If multi-year appropriations, please list the amount of approved funding per year.

NA

15 Was an OMB=300 submitted? If so, please provide; if not, please explain why not.

It was not required and not submitted.

16 Are hyperlinks authorized in the RFP response?

No.

17 Please explain why the USCG has not utilized the required DHS Strategic Sourcing Vehicle, TacCom II, Technical Category 1 Equipment.

We understand it is mandatory for use per DHS Directive 060-01, Development & Use of Strategic Sourcing Contracting Vehicles.

Please justify, explain, or provide the Approving Authority's release if an approved waiver has been granted.

Market Research has been conducted, and it was determined that the DHS strategic sources were not appropriate for this requirement.

18 Will the USCG extend the due date for submissions to Aug 8, 2022 (an additional 14 working days) to allow ample time to receive the USCG's responses to all questions submitted and adjust all offerors' proposals accordingly?

See question 6.

19 Can you please provide and extension from July 19 2022 to August 30 2022?

See question 6.

20 Can you please provide attachments 7 and 8? Attachment 7: MH65E RADOME Mapping (NDA required) and Attachment 8: MH60T RADOME Mapping (NDA required) have been removed from the solicitation and cannot be released in the current form.