Questions_and_Responses.pdf

February 15, 2018 Solicitation No. 80AFRC18R0001

Amendment No. 2

AIRCRAFT FLIGHT CREW SUPPORT –

SOLICITATION QUESTIONS AND RESPONSES

1) Please provide a clarification on Table 3, page 25, of solicitation. From reading the table it can be inferred that, as an example, Full UAS Pilot 1 is FP on the T-34C, N on the DC- 8, MP on the B-747, FE on the MQ-9, and IP/AM on the RQ-4. It also can be inferred that there are five (5) Full UAS Pilots 1, one for each airframe. Which reading of Table 3 is correct?

Response: The first reading is correct: Full UAS Pilot 1 is FP on the T-34C, N on the DC-8, MP on the B-747, FE on the MQ-9, and IP/AM on the RQ-4.

2) Who is the incumbent?

Response: L-3 Vertex Aerospace.

3) What is the current contract number?

Response: NASA Contract No. NND13AC02C.

4) Is the incumbent eligible to bid on the solicitation?

Response: This solicitation is unrestricted.

5) From PWS Attachment 2, Paragraph 1.2 Safety, what is the frequency of meetings

Response: There is a weekly aircrew meeting, Quarterly aviation safety meetings and an annual Center safety meeting. A safety topic is also covered once a month at one of the weekly aircrew meetings.

6) From PWS Attachment 2, Paragraph 1.4, Travel, please confirm that we do not need to include estimation for travel expenses in the budget since we do not have data on potential travel schedule.

Response: Correct.

7) From PWS Attachment 2, Paragraph 1.4, and Travel: is travel a reimbursable expense?

Response: Travel costs shall comply with FAR 31.205-46 Travel Costs, and must be allocable and allowable.

Amendment No. 2

8) From PWS Attachment 2, Paragraph 1.4, and Travel: what types of ODC do crews get reimbursed for?

Response: Reimbursement is in accordance with FAR Part 31.

9) From PWS Attachment 2, Paragraph 1.6, Security Requirements: Will NASA reimburse contractor for cost to obtain security clearances as requested or should we include line item to budget for clearances should they be needed?

Response: NASA will reimburse the contractor the costs for obtaining security clearances in accordance with FAR Part 31.

10) From PWS Attachment 2, Paragraph 1.6, Security Requirements, what is the level of clearance needed for each position?

Response: Please reference Attachment 4, DD Form 254.

11) From PWS Attachment 2, Paragraph 2.3, and Management: Does NASA provide scheduling software capable of tracking expirations of training, certification, medical, vacation leave, etc? Or should contractor provide their own software system?

Response: NASA tracks currency, qualifications, training, medicals, etc. through its NAMIS Flight Data Center software. Leave is placed in the pilot’s calendar (Outlook).

12) From PWS Attachment 2, Paragraph 2.4, and Basic Services: How far in advance are deployments planned? How far in advance does NASA plan their flight schedule? What percentage is planned vs. last minute travel? Are surge periods predicted in advance?

Response: Most deployments are planned months in advance, but there are times when short notice deployments pop up, usually during natural disasters. The flight schedule tends to be volatile. Some aircraft such as SOFIA are fairly set for months in advance and has better advanced scheduling. Other aircraft frequently need proper weather and several flights would be planned with primary flight days and backups. Most travel is planned far in advance but there are times when short notice travel is required. There are mission synchronization meetings every two weeks to look at the longer range schedule to find resources crunch points and potential surges.

13) From PWS Attachment 2, Paragraph 2.5, and Flight Crew Support: Does NASA provide in-doc training for all contractor new hires or is the responsibility of the Program Manager? How many hours does it take to complete the in-doc?

Response: NASA specific indoctrination training is performed by NASA and takes about three (3) days.

14) From PWS Attachment 2, Paragraph 2.6 and Flight Operation Activities: Under what circumstances does NASA perform flights under Part 91 operations if any? Under what circumstances does NASA perform ferry flights?

Response: NASA flies under their own regulations that mimic FAR and/or DoD. NASA aircraft are flown under public use and NASA airworthiness certificates. NASA Test and Research flights go through an airworthiness board prior to flight.

15) Paragraph E.5 (d) Price states: “Offerors shall propose pricing based only on the Armstrong PWS (Attachment 2). Offerors that do not propose pricing in accordance with the solicitation guidance may be considered unacceptable and thus precluded from receiving an award. The government may determine that an offer is unacceptable if the option prices or the fully burden hourly rates are significantly unbalanced.” There is no clear guidance given. Does the contract submit pricing on all are crew based on number of flying hours, number of work hours, or some other criteria? The pricing tables lump all personnel into four categories, yet is there an expectation that one pilot will have different requirements than another?

Response: The pricing information required is as stated in the solicitation.

16) Average number of current type ratings per pilot, engineer, and navigator is expected? Do crews fly on more than one aircraft type? If so, what is the limit?

Response: The number of qualifications is decided by the NASA Chief Pilot depending on the aircrew’s capabilities, demand, etc. There is no limit but generally full time research pilots fly 2-3 aircraft. Flight Engineers fly 1-2 aircraft and the mission planners/navigators fly 1-3 platforms. Part Time Aircrew usually fly 1 aircraft, but there are exceptions depending on their availability and capability.

17) What is the hours of service that support personnel need to be available?

Response: Full time aircrew generally work a 40 hour work week, but NASA also accommodates the maxi-flex schedule of 9/80. There are weeks that exceed 40 hours, especially during deployments or intense local campaigns. Work hours flex to meet the flight schedule.

18) Is NASA complying with industry accepted CRM, Crew Fatigue guidelines and SMS standards? I.e. augmented crews, sleep cycles, crew meals, FRAT scores, grounding for major life events, etc.

Response: Rules for augmented crew, etc. can be found in NPR 7900.3 and AFOP

7900.3. The fatigue rules can be found in AFOP 7900.3-025 (Formerly DCP-X-046).

No crew meals are provided.

19) Does support personnel need to be available after normal business hours?

Response: Only if scheduled.

20) Contractor shall participate in Center and Flight Operations level safety meetings… What personnel need to participate?

Response: The Full time aircrew. Part time aircrew are encouraged to participate in as many as possible. Part Time crew can review the meetings when they review the Flight Crew Information File which include slides and/or video recordings of the meetings.

How often are meetings and forums?

Response: See response to Question No. 5.

21) What is time commitment to comply?

Response: This question is vague and cannot be answered.

22) What are the Civil Service equivalent grade for the following? What pay grade is actually currently used?

Full UAS Pilot 1 Full Pilot 2 Full Pilot 3 Full Pilot 4 Full Pilot 5 Full Pilot 6 Full Pilot 7 Full Nav / MP 1 Full Nav / MP 2 Full Nav / MP 3 Full FE 1 Full FE 2 Full FE 3 Part Mobile / MP 1 Part Sim IP 1 Part Sim IP 2 Part FE 1 Part FE 2 Part FE 3 Part FE 4 Part FE 5 Part Nav / MP 1 Part Nav / MP 2 Part Nav / MP 3

Part Nav / MP 4 Part Pilot 1 Part Pilot 2 Part Pilot 3 Part Pilot 4 Part Pilot 5 Part UAS Pilot 1

Response: The rates are not based on civil servant grades.

23) What are the expected hours for each of the positions?

Full UAS Pilot 1 Full Pilot 2 Full Pilot 3 Full Pilot 4 Full Pilot 5 Full Pilot 6 Full Pilot 7 Full Nav / MP 1 Full Nav / MP 2 Full Nav / MP 3 Full FE 1 Full FE 2 Full FE 3 Part Mobile / MP 1 Part Sim IP 1 Part Sim IP 2 Part FE 1 Part FE 2 Part FE 3 Part FE 4 Part FE 5 Part Nav / MP 1 Part Nav / MP 2 Part Nav / MP 3 Part Nav / MP 4 Part Pilot 1 Part Pilot 2 Part Pilot 3 Part Pilot 4 Part Pilot 5 Part UAS Pilot 1

Response: For the full-time positions, see response to Question No. 17. For the part-time positions, the hours vary by mission.

24) What are the expected full time equivalents (FTE) for each of the following?

Full UAS Pilot Full First Pilot Full Nav / MP Full FE Full Co-Pilot

Response: Reference Table 3 on page 25 of the solicitation provides the current staff.

The contractor is responsible for determine the necessary staff level to meet the Government’s requirement. .

25) How many duty days does NASA require in each part-time equivalent (PTE) for each of the following?

Part Mobile / MP Part Sim IP – Sofia Part Sim IP – DC-8 Part IP Part IP - UAS Part first pilot FP Part co-pilot CP Part FE Part Nav / MP Part UAS Pilot

Response: Part time aircrew are used on an as needed basis. They do have 1-2 weeks of annual training a year for their aircraft as a minimum (annual checks, etc.)

26) How many days/hours are spent training each year for each position whether they are PTE or FTE?

Response: Generally it’s the same for aircraft training whether they are full time or part time. Full time aircrew spend non-flight or training time assisting in safety, flight manual prep, mission planning, scheduling or other duties as assigned. Most aircraft take 3 weeks for initial training. Annual training is about 1, sometimes 2 weeks. Other training CRM, Instrument refresher, etc. adds up to about 3 days.

27) How many pilots are employed by NASA?

Response: See response to Question No. 28.

28) How many contractor FT and PT is NASA using now? Is that enough? Or is current staffing too high?

Response: The contractor is responsible for performing the requirement; NASA does not dictate the number of personnel. However, the current/historical staffing has been as follows: 7 Full time Pilots, 5 Part Time Pilots, 3 Full Time FEs, 5 Part Time FEs, 3 Full Time mission planners and 4 Part Time mission planners. NASA has no issues with current staffing meeting NASA requirements.

29) Based on numbers provided it appears to be a 20% decrease in flight hours 2017 to the

2018-2020 projection, why?

Response: The numbers provided were the known commitments for the 2018-2020 projection. Historic hours are based on actual flight hours flown.

30) Table 1 & Table 3 of Solicitation are historical data. Table 2 does not reflect actual need or projections in Sorties, Flight Hour & Deployments?

Response: Table 2 is an estimate for building the overall manning plan (civil servant and contractor).

31) Based on Table 2 of Solicitation – how many of each position do you need in FTE and

PT.

32) Has there been a mission profile change to flying schedule?

Response: No.

33) How will NASA personnel have operational control of contractor aircrew?

Response: NASA personnel will coordinate with the site manager.

34) What are the typical areas of operation (OCONUS)?

Response: OCONUS locations will be based on mission needs.

35) There have been recent changes in foreign state operating requirements, which include specific aircraft/airspace approvals/authorizations (LOAs). More are coming thru 2020.

Do the aircraft meet this requirements, or is the contractor expected task?

Response: NASA obtains any aircraft approvals. Any specific training required would be provided by NASA.

36) NASA utilization forecast (Solicitation Document) is not consistent with historical data/trends. Forecast indicates a 22% reduction (Table 2) in utilization through 2020.

Which of forecasts should we use in our response?

Response: See response to Question No. 29.

37) Historical data/trends (Table 1), indicate activity (sorties, flights, and flight hours) may increase by 5% - 11%. Not consistent with Table 2, which table is correct?

Response: Table 1 of the solicitation is historical, Table 2 is an estimate.

38) Have NASA previous forecast held true to actual forecast?

Response: A forecast is an estimate, and actuals will be based on mission requirements.

39) What is the total aircraft count? (Appears to be 66 aircraft 21 aircraft under AFRC).

Response: See Attachment 1 (Agency-wide PWS) and Attachment 2 (Armstrong PWS) of the solicitation.

40) Who flies the other 40+ aircraft, contractor personnel or, NASA personnel?

Response: This question is unclear and will not be answered.

41) What is the current “contractor” personnel count? In what positions?

42) Does the current contractor have someone dedicated to safety and risk management and/or quality control manager?

Response: Yes.

43) Are there flight personnel that will not be employed by contractor?

44) It appears that NASA manages assignments for individual flights and aircraft assignments (AFOP-7900.3-006, Sections 2.5 – 2.7). Does this apply to contractor pilots or just NASA pilots?

Response: All aircrew. Civil servants and contractors.

45) Since these are contractor employees, to what degree does NASA have or want control over contractor employees?

Response: See response to Question No. 33.

46) Is trip planning or crew scheduling the responsibility of the Program manager or NASA?

Response: For NASA operational missions, NASA does the scheduling. Mission planning is done by the pilots (NASA or contractor) and/or mission planners. Travel other than onboard a NASA aircraft to/from training or deployment locations (including airline reservations, hotel rooms, per diem, rental cars, etc.) is handled by the contractor.

47) Please see AFOP-7900.3-006, Section 3.12, and Pilot Age: Age discriminatory requirement? Roles and responsibilities based on age? Are there any exceptions or accommodations made based on current trends?

Response: Reference AFOP-7900.3-006.

48) What are your minimum qualifications/requirements for each position?

High performance pilot Drone Pilot SIC co-pilot PIC first pilot Instructor Pilot, Ground instructor pilot, Flight engineer Instructor flight engineer Mission planner Navigator Instructor navigator, Mission Planner in training, Aircraft monitor, Mission director

Response: Flight crew qualifications are stated in AFOP-7900.3-006.

49) Will the award winner have access to current aircrew training records during phase in period?

Response: If the individual aircrew member concurs.

50) What Requirements Does NASA Have For Background And Drug Screen Requirements?

Is There A Drug Testing/Rehabilitation Program Requirement?

Response: At this time, contractors must abide by FAR Clause 52.223-6, Drug- Free Workplace, and all applicable Federal laws governing drug and alcohol use by aircrew members. Other requirements may apply upon phase-in.

51) Is there a minimum background check or drug screening requirements?

Response: See response to Question No. 50.

52) Does NASA have a random drug testing program for all of their flight crew IN PLACE NOW? Is this a requirement?

Response: See response to Question No. 50.

53) If there is an operational event requiring a “Mishap Investigation” that increases the requirement for contractor resources? Are these cost part of contract or a cost plus, how are those cost managed?

Response: No, if the contractor requires additional resources to assist in mishap investigation, it is per their own expenses.

54) Appendix A, the PWS contains a list of aircraft. Is there overlap amongst or within the list or are these different aircraft?

Response: Different aircraft.

55) Are there contractor requirements for Flight line personnel (e.g., fuel handlers, line personnel)? Is this a separate solicitation/award for these personnel? Does this fall under your maintenance contract agreement?

Response: These services are covered under another contract.

56) PWS 2.6 Flight Operation Activities, 2.6.1 ... approved operational directives, NPR 7900.3, and FAA 14 CFR Part 135. 14CFR135 requirements are not written into NPR 7900.3C. PWS 2.7 (h) references NPR 7900.3 for compliance FAA regulations. 7900.3 specifies operations under 14CFR91. The large aircraft, such as B377, B747, DC8, et.al, are they governed by 14CFR125/125M. Which regulatory guideline is the contractor to follow?

Response: The contractor is to follow NPR 7900.3. All aircraft are operated as Public Use aircraft and follow the NPR. Where the NPR is silent or where otherwise directed, 14 CFR 91 is followed. AFRC has two aircraft that have a secondary mission of “Passenger Transport” (a.k.a. Mission Management) and in these very limited situations, the aircraft carry an FAA airworthiness certificate and are operated in accordance with NPR 7900.3 Chapter 4, which states: Passenger Transportation flights shall be operated and maintained in accordance with 14 CFR Part 21, Part 39, Part 43, Part 61, Part 65, and Part 91.

57) Does NASA hold an FAA approved Air Taxi Certificate or is this a higher level of operational requirement?

Response: No, NASA does not hold an approved Air Taxi Certificate.

58) Do all the aircraft have air worthiness certificates, or do some operate under the limited or the experimental category?

Response: NASA does not operate under the experimental category but issues its own airworthiness certificates. Most NASA aircraft are categorized as ‘Public Use’ and hold a NASA airworthiness certificate only. Two AFRC aircraft (Kingair BE-200 and Gulfstream G-III) are designated as Passenger Transport aircraft and as such, hold an FAA airworthiness certificate in addition to the NASA airworthiness certificate.

Incidentally, all NASA aircraft are registered with the FAA and as such, are assigned a unique “N” number.

59) Does NASA train pilots every 6 months per Part 135 guidelines?

Response: NASA trains pilots once each 12 months. Again, for a small portion of the pilot force, some are authorized for the Passenger Transport (a.k.a. Mission Management) mission. For those pilots only, training is required every 6 months.

60) UAS are operated under what regulatory oversight?

Response: NPR 7900.3 Chapter 5, with reference to 14 CFR parts, where applicable (e.g.

14 CFR 107).

61) What is the average crew duty day? What about for SOFIA? Have crews reported any fatigue problems?

Response: Crew duty day varies widely due to the diverse missions flown by AFRC.

For smaller aircraft, the average crew duty day is approximately 9 hours. For science missions in the DC-8 and ER-2 aircraft, the average is 10-11 hours. For SOFIA aircrew, on actual flight days, the crew duty day is 13-1/2 to 14 hours. Because all aircrew require 12 hours of uninterrupted rest before any flight activity, the average work day for all aircrew is closer to 9 hours per day, longer on flight days and shorter on non-flight days.

By AFRC regulations and NPR 7900.3, the maximum crew duty period for single pilot operations is 12 hours and for dual-piloted operations is 14 hours. AFRC has an active “Fatigue Management” program which has resulted in very few, if any, reports of fatigue problems.

62) Are there cabin attendants? If so who employees them?

Response: Reference Attachment 2, Armstrong PWS, Section 2.4(e).

63) PWS #1, 2.3 How many locations require on-site management? What sites require on-site management?

Response: Currently, one operates all contract requirements.

64) What is the usage information and requirements for flight crew staffing at each location?

Response: The majority of contract aircrew operate from Building 703 in Palmdale, CA and a small number of contractor aircrew operate from AFRC in Edwards, CA. The usage information and requirements for flight crew staffing at other Centers will be dependent on the needs of each Center.

65) PWS 2.7.2 (b), Fly piloted and UAS as assigned by the Chief Pilot; is the Chief Pilot a

NASA employee?

66) Per NPR 8621.1, no findings attributable as contractor aircrew error. Zero operational errors is unrealistic. Deviation from policy is another matter. Counter to modern safety management culture. May cause errors to go unreported, lost opportunity for analyzing and correcting operational errors. This is inconsistent with - zero operational areas a realistic measurement for contractor performance while operating demanding aircraft in severe environments. What performance measure will NASA use?

Response: Reference Attachment 2, Armstrong PWS, Section 2.10.

67) AFOP-7900.3-006, Section 2.4, makes provisions for operations outside the normal flight envelope. This is inconsistent with zero tolerance for aircrew error. What performance measure will NASA use?

Response: Reference Attachment 2, Armstrong PWS, Section 2.10.

68) AFRC PWS 2.11 Deliverables Safety, Health and Environmental Management Plan

(SHEMP) an environmental plan implies responsibilities beyond cockpit crew such as fuel spills during aircraft refueling and fuel dumping of heavy aircraft. This implies that contractor provides oversight of line personnel. What are the expectations for the

SHEMP?

Response: Reference Attachment 2, Armstrong PWS, Section 2.11.

69) Is contractor expected to have insurance to cover damage to aircraft, or to cover costs associated with a mishap, or fuel spill?

Response: Insurance is in accordance with the solicitation and FAR Part 28 and NFS Part 1828.

70) Is Flight Operational Quality Assurance (FOQA), also known as Flight Data Monitoring (FDM), data available, will it be used, and who will do the analysis and/or pay for it?

Response: All flight data is maintained in the NASA Aircraft Management Information System (NAMIS). This is an automated in-house system operated, analyzed and paid for by NASA.

71) Can we get copy of The Aviation Safety Program, outlined in AFPL-7900.3-004?

Response: Provided.

72) Can we get copy of AFOP-7900.3-025 Fatigue Risk Management?

Response: Provided.

73) Can we get copies of their current SMS and Safety Assurance inputs/outputs?

Response: This question does not provide reference to any specific document.

74) 2.2 Scope speaks to “all aircraft operations, aircrew, and flight-line operations.” Other portions of the PWS refer to support position requirements. Please clarify responsibilities required under this solicitation since this is normally a maintenance responsibility? Does flight line equate to line personnel assisting with ground movement of aircraft?

Response: This solicitation applies only to flight crew personnel and NOT to any position associated with ground movement, maintenance or any other ground crew specific operation. “Flight-line operations” in this context include only operation of aircraft on the ground in accordance with aircrew qualifications. Examples include pre-flight operations such as normal pre-flight inspections of aircraft (“walk-around”), ground engine runs for aircraft testing, post-flight safety of aircraft (such as when remaining overnight on a cross-country flight) or basic aircraft servicing as would be expected of general aviation pilots when maintenance crews are not available (“check the oil on a cross country flight”), etc.

75) For the Total Compensation Plan requirement, how much detail is sufficient? For example, is a table with fringe benefits and values acceptable? Is this in the FAR citation?

Response: Please reference FAR 52.222-46 “Evaluation of Compensation for Professional Employees.”

76) Section E.5 – Instructions to Offerors requires using not smaller than 12 point type, Times New Roman font. Will the government allow smaller font for tables, graphics and figures as long as it is legible?

Response: No.

77) Reference Appendix A, Attachment 1, Agency-wide PWS: Please provide a list of contracts for this work, or any parts if it, currently being performed and the contract holders at the listed centers.

Response: The requirement is currently being performed pursuant to NASA Contract No. NND13AC02C. There are no aircraft flight crew support specific contracts at other Centers.

78) Reference Appendix A, Attachment 1, Agency-wide PWS: Can NASA provide approximate timeline of the other centers' aircraft support requirements coming under this

IDIQ?

Response: No as each NASA Center may order from this contract throughout the applicable period of performance.

79) Reference Solicitation 80AFRC18R0001, pages 27-28: Has the USG used civil servant personnel for any positions listed or have these personnel been exclusively contractor employees?

Response: The positions of Flight Engineer and Navigator/Mission Planner are currently exclusively contractor employees. All other positions are currently performed by a mix of civil servants and contractors.

80) Reference Solicitation page 29: Since the technical volume evaluation is pass/fail, please explain the significance of stating that it will “be evaluated to determine if the proposed approach and existing capability meet or exceed the various requirements….” An evaluation for “exceeding” requirements implies other than pass/fail (Acceptable/ Unacceptable).

Response: Incorrect. Per the solicitation, proposal must meet the minimum requirements of the solicitation to be determined acceptable. The proposal will be evaluated to determine if the proposed approach meets or exceeds the various requirements.

81) Reference AFRC PWS Page 8, Roles and Responsibilities: “The Program Manager is responsible for the overall supervision, management and evaluation of all AFCS contract personnel assigned to AFRC Main Campus and B703.” Question: does this apply only to the labor cats for the T&M CLINs in RFP page 27?

Response: No, it applies to the entire contract.

82) Reference Solicitation page 24, TCP: The instructions indicate that the TCP is within the technical volume page count. However, this document is typically a standalone publication of many pages. Will NASA instead allow the TCP to be included as a separate attachment outside of the page count?

Response: Yes, the TCP may be provided as a separate attachment outside the page count.

83) Reference Attachment 2, PWS 1.4-Travel: Please confirm how ODC’s are handled.

Paragraph 2 reads that “All ODCs must be approved by the Contracting Officer or his/her authorized representative prior the purchase of supplies or performance of services.”

However, these are direct costs within the FFP CLINs. How will the approval work if costs are within a FFP?

Response: There are no ODC costs within the FFP CLIN.

84) Reference Solicitation 80AFRC18R0001, page33, Section - Price. No pricing matrix was provided with solicitation documents. What format does NASA prefer to receive FFP and T&M tables in? Word, Excel, Adobe, etc.

Response: Excel format.

85) Deployments – do you crew swap? Can you elaborate on deployments?

Response: Yes, we crew swap. As a general rule, we consider crew swaps when a deployment exceeds three weeks. There are occasions where individuals may be deployed for longer than three weeks, but that is the exception.

86) Center meetings & FO safety meetings – frequency of each and does contractor or just crew & PM attend.

Response: Please reference Question No. 5.

87) Do you train to Pt. 135 standards – twice a year?

Response: We fly flight checks once a year for each platform in the aircraft, sim or both.

There are missions that require checks twice a year for passenger ops in the King Air or G-III, but not all pilots fly those missions.

88) How long does your in-doc training take? 1 week?

Response: Please reference Question No. 13.

89) What is the GS pay level now for all flight crew personnel together or individually?

Response: Please reference Question No. 22.

90) PM required at other bases? What is currently being done now?

Response: Other Centers currently have no contractor specifically for aircrew, and there is no common contractor across NASA. Each Center will determine whether a PM is required.

91) How many hours/days on average do the PTE flight crews work on a yearly basis?

Response: Part time crew are used on-demand generally, except SOFIA pilots and FEs who are regularly scheduled. As a general rule, part-time aircrew work one-week per month, on average. They also regularly will cover at least one deployment per year lasting approximately 2-3 weeks.

92) Do you just want a price list per day for PTE flight crews or do you want a total estimated price for usage in a year included in the bid since we are not given actual usage amounts?

Response: Please reference the solicitation.

93) What is the highest level of clearances required by NASA?

Response: Reference Attachment 4, DD Form 254, of the solicitation.

94) Will the PM have access to view crew scheduling software and will this software track training, medical, etc?

Response: An on-site Program Manager would be able to access this information in

NAMIS.

95) Would you please forward the following NASA reference documents we have not been able to obtain in the open public.

a. ATTACHMENT 2, page 4. 2.2 Scope. DOP-O-025 Aircraft Flight Operations Manual

b. ATTACHMENT 2, page 7. 2.7.2 Pilots. DOP-O-020, Flight Operations Readiness Reviews.2.7.3 Flight Engineers. DCP-X-020, Perform Operational Readiness Reviews

c. ATTACHMENT 2, page 9. 2.10 Performance Elements. AFOP-7900.3-006

Response: Documents sent.

96) Based on the Industry Day Slides and discussions 5 February 2018, is seems there are 12 Full Time Contract Pilots and 18 Part Time Contractor Pilots presently to support all operations (Table 2 page 10 presentation). Is this correct? Is there any union representation involved regarding Pilots or Flight Crews?

Response: From Table 3, there are 13 Full time aircrew (Pilot, Mission planner/navs and FEs) and 18 Part Time aircrew (Pilot, Mission planner/navs, and FEs). The current contractors do not have union representation.

97) Since these flight crews are very specialized to support NASA programs and Aircraft, have they been flying for NASA over a period of contracts? Or do they turn over every new contract?

Response: Most have been flying over a period of contracts.

98) Reference was made to having 12 Civil Servant Pilots and 1 Mission Planner. Will these personnel bump the contractor Flight Crews throughout the year to ensure meeting the minimum flying requirements referenced within 7900.3?

Response: It is NASA’s responsibility to get all aircrew (civil servant and contractor) the required minimums for the year. If crew do not meet the minimums it is NASA’s job to provide any training or requalification required. Normally, full time contractor aircrew easily get the required 100 hours per year while part-time aircrew sometimes do not, based on their personal availability, scheduling constraints, etc.

99) Reference page 14 of Industry Day slides, that only Cost and Price information are within that Volume. Where would the Small Business, Contract Clauses or any exceptions be placed within the proposal?

Response: Please complete SF Form 1449 and all accompanying pages. Exceptions may be submitted as an attachment.

100) We respectfully request an extension of two weeks (until 1 MARCH 2018) for the proposal deadline to allow sufficient time to fully understand and incorporate pending clarifications and solicitation changes/amendments based on the questions and answers.

Response: This is a statement, there is no question to be answered.

101) Reference PWS 2.0 Requirements. 2.1 Objective. “Requirements include… 4) support surge demands in staffing or workloads dictated by mission deployments, operations or mission requirements by, for example, adjusting shifts, adding multiple shifts, or part time/temporary personnel.”

102) How much advance notice is expected ahead of a surge? Would advance notice of a surge be sufficient to allow for hiring and training/qualifying additional personnel? If surge staffing is expected to be available on-demand from commencement of contract, to what extent will NASA train and qualify additional temporary personnel? I.E. how far over 100% staffing would be expected or acceptable in a proposal?

Response: Generally, there is not enough time ahead of a surge to allow for hiring and training of additional crew. The part time aircrew are meant to be both part of regular ops at a reduced flight rate and provide some of this surge capability.

103) Reference PWS 2.7 Flight Crew Services. 2.7.1 Special Qualifications – Proficiency, Currency and Annual Requirements. “NASA will provide training and qualification checks for Contractor aircrew, including required periodic simulator training” and “NASA may…designate the requirement for contract aircrews to operate different aircraft, or the existing aircraft with configuration changes. NASA will provide additional training when aircraft equipment, configuration, model, or type is changed.”

104) Per this PWS and statements made during today’s teleconference, NASA may train and qualify pilots in aircraft they are not currently typed in. Does this also apply to the UAS mission? Will NASA provide any pilots with initial training and qualification for the MQ-9A, X-56 or RQ-4A?

Response: All training for required aircraft and missions will be provided by NASA.