Questions_and_Answers.pdf

Questions and Answers Solicitation No. 80AFRC19R0008

1Q: Will the Government please confirm that the headers and footers are excluded from the 1-inch margin requirement? (Ref Section L (b) Proposal Page Limitations, Page 42)

1A: Yes.

2Q: Will the Government please consider allowing Times New Roman 8-point font for headers and footers? (Ref Section L (b) Proposal Page Limitations, Page 42)

2A: No.

3Q: Will the Government please consider allowing Times New Roman 8 or 10-point font for graphics, tables, and figures? (Ref Section L (b) Proposal Page Limitations, Page 42)

3A: Times New Roman 10-point font may be used for graphics, tables, and figures. See revised page 42 of the solicitation amendment.

4Q: The solicitation requires electronic submission but does not specify the number of files, file formats, file size limitation, naming conventions, or email encryption. Can the Government please provide clarification on the submission requirements? (Ref Section L (f) Contract Award, Page 50)

4A: Large file transfer will be a submittal option. Instructions will be posted on FBO.

Submitted files must be in accordance with the solicitation and reflect the Volume Number and Name. E-mail encryption is not necessary.

5Q: Will the Government provide guidance on how Offerors are to submit the contract documentation including the SF33? (Ref Section L Proposal Page Limitations, Page 42)

5A: See Solicitation No. 80AFRC19R0008.

6Q: Does the Government require a transmittal letter as part of the proposal, and if so, will the transmittal letter be excluded from any volume page requirements? (Ref Section L Proposal Page Limitations, Page 42)

6A: Transmittal letter is not required. It is excluded from the volume page requirements. See revised page 42 of the solicitation amendment.

7Q: Considering this an Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract that requires future task order proposals, will the Government add an evaluation factor on an Offeror's ability to respond to and manage multiple task orders in the out years. (Ref Section L (a) and (b) Technical Volume I-A and I-B)

7A: No.

8Q: It’s not clear from solicitation document what, if any, narrative and excel pricing information you require for Vol III Pricing for the FFP Task Order other than the Table on page 50 of 55. We do note the inclusion of FAR 52.215-20, Requirements for Certified Cost or Pricing Data and Data Other Than Certified Cost or Pricing Data (Oct 2010), but are not sure what level of information submitted is required given the FFP nature of the contract type. Are you expecting an Excel Spreadsheet with the buildup of pricing and a narrative providing the basis? If so, are there any Excel or MS Word version preferences? Are links and macros allowed in the Excel or MS Word documents? (Ref Solicitation_No._80AFRC19R0008)

8A: The completed pricing table on page 50 of 55 is required in Excel format. No other pricing information is required for the AFRC task order volume.

9Q: Please confirm that small business subcontractors are not required to submit separate pricing from the Prime’s complete submission. (Ref Section L (d) Volume III: Pricing, Page 49- 50)

9A: Correct.

10Q: We’ve noted that there are two contract types listed in the solicitation that require fill-in’s;

1852.216-78 Firm Fixed Price and 1852.216-81 Estimated Cost-No Fee. Will the Government confirm that all Core ODC’s, to include OCONUS deployment costs and uplifts, fall into the Cost-No Fee contract type and that Core labor falls under the Firm Fixed Price contract type?

(Ref Solicitation_No._80AFRC19R0008)

10A: AFRC task order will consist of 2 CLINs – Firm-Fixed Price (FFP) and Other Direct Cost (ODC). The ODC CLIN will include all cost except FFP labor (core labor to include standard deployment labor).

11Q: CBA-2019-12313, Agreement between L-3 Communications, Vertex Aerospace LLC and IAMAW District Lodge 725 and Local Lodge 727P, Article 6, Section 6, Fringe Benefit Rate (FBR), 1st paragraph, 1st sentence refers to “PPT.” Could the Government define what is meant by PPT?

In CBA-2019-12341 we see PPT defined as “Personal Paid Time,” and further defined in Section

29.01 as “… (PPT) may be utilized for sickness, medical appointment, or personal reasons in minimum increments…” Is PPT considered the exact same in both WDs, or CBA’s? (Ref CBA- 2019-12313, Agreement between L-3 Communications, Vertex Aerospace LLC and IAMAW District Lodge 725 and Local Lodge 727P, Article 6, Section 6, Fringe Benefit Rate (FBR))

11A: The referenced CBAs are not government documents.

12Q: Based on the validity period required, a 60-day Phase-In, and the effective dates for IAMAW labor rates in the CBA, we assume the Base year starts on 5/1/2020. Please confirm.

(Ref Solicitation_No._80AFRC19R0008)

12A: Start date will be based on award date.

13Q: To avoid pricing manipulation by Offerors, will the Government please confirm no overtime should be priced in this proposal. Otherwise, please provide historical overtime hours or a plug number for overtime which all Offerors and use to create fair evaluation with equal information. (Ref Solicitation_No._80AFRC19R0008)

13A: No overtime should be priced in the proposal.

14Q: When do you intend to award the contract? (Ref Section L (f) Contract Award)

14A: Please monitor FBO for updates to the solicitation.

15Q: Please clarify how the Government defines a "major subcontractor." (Ref Section L (c) Volume II: Past Performance, Page 48-49)

15A: A major subcontractor is defined as performing more than 30% of the labor efforts of the requirement. See revised pages 48-49 of the solicitation amendment.

16Q: Considering this an Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract that requires future task order proposals, will the Government add an evaluation factor on an Offeror's ability to respond to and manage multiple task orders in the out years. (Ref Section L (a) and (b) Technical Volume I-A and I-B)

16A: No.

17Q: Table 2 in Section L (b) and the Labor Classifications provided in Appendix 4 do not align. Will the Government please clarify what personnel are required to be priced, their expertise and the historical staffing information? (Ref Section L (b) Technical Volume I-B:

Armstrong Flight Research Center Task Order and AFRC PWS Appendix 4 - Labor Classification)

17A: The information provided in Table 2 reflects historical contractor staffing. Proposed personnel shall be based on the requirements of the AFRC PWS.

18Q: Section L (b) states with regards to Table 2 historical contractor staffing information, "the below information provides historical, current, and anticipated workload estimates relating to the required AFRC AOS support." However, the incumbent has an information advantage, knowing the current operational staffing which may be different from the historical information provided by the Government.

To ensure a fair evaluation between Offerors, will the Government confirm all Offerors must base their proposals, including pricing, using this historical information only? (Ref Section L (b) Technical Volume I-B: Armstrong Flight Research Center Task Order and AFRC PWS Appendix 4 - Labor Classification)

18A: The information provided in the solicitation was based on historical data and is for reference only. The contractor is responsible for reviewing the provided data and making a determination as to the staffing level necessary to fulfill the requirement.

19Q: Section L (b) provides Table 2 historical contractor staffing information. Are the numbers Full Time Equivalents or simply a count of physical personnel working on the contract? (Ref Section L (b))

19A: Work Year Equivalents.

20Q: What’s the current Government maintenance and inventory management system? (Ref Attachment_J-03_AFRC_PWS)

20A: NASA Aircraft Management Information System (NAMIS). NAMIS is an Enterprise Resource Planning/Mission Support software suite designed to meet both the mission support requirements and the business management requirements.

21Q: Your PWS states “Provide…labor and materials to perform the requirements of this contract.” To ensure a fair evaluation will you please provide sufficient information (plug number or historical information) to price materials for aircraft maintenance? (Ref Attachment_J-03_AFRC_PWS Section 2.1.2 Staffing)

21A: Aircraft maintenance materials are purchased by the government.

22Q: Will the Government please provide a list of all required training. (Ref Attachment_J- 03_AFRC_PWS Section 2.1.4 Training)

22A: Please refer to AFOP-7900.3-002, Aircraft Maintenance & Safety Manual (AM&SM) and AFOP-7900.3-018, Aircraft Maintenance Related Training and Qualifications.

23Q: Will the Government confirm that the contractor will not purchase the required parts for operation and maintenance of aircraft? (Ref Attachment_J-03_AFRC_PWS 2.1.5 Contractor Purchases)

23A: Confirmed for the AFRC task order.

24Q: Will the Government confirm they are providing fuel and maintenance on the Agency vehicles. (Ref Attachment_J-03_AFRC_PWS 2.4.1 Contractor Use of Government Vehicles)

24A: Confirmed for the AFRC task order.

25Q: Your PWS states “Contractor shall provide common aviation hand tools” The incumbent has an advantage of knowing exactly what these tools are. To make this evaluation fair, will the Government provide a complete list of the “common aviation hand tools” Offerors are required to provide? (Ref Attachment_J-03_AFRC_PWS 3.0 Work Requirements)

25A: The contractor is required to provide any/all common aviation hand tools necessary to fulfill the Performance Work Statement requirement. A sample list of tools (which is not all inclusive) is attached to the revised solicitation as Attachments J-20 and J-21.

26Q: Does this list include testing equipment? Would these be complete tool carts or just a mechanic’s toolset? Does this include backshop tools, machine shop, carbon repair, etc.? Does this include avionics, instrumentation, electronics repair tools? (Ref Attachment_J- 03_AFRC_PWS 3.0 Work Requirements)

26A: This question is vague. PWS Section 3.0 Work Requirements states the Contractor shall provide common aviation hand tools (See Answer 25A). In general, the government provides tools and equipment for the backshops.

27Q: Is unscheduled maintenance included in the historical workload indicators? What is the breakdown of scheduled vs. unscheduled work? (Ref Solicitation_No._80AFRC19R0008 and Attachment_J-03_AFRC_PWS 3.1.2 Unscheduled Maintenance)

27A: Yes, unscheduled maintenance is included in the historical workload indicators. The breakdown of scheduled vs. unscheduled work is 60% to 40%, respectively.

28Q: Please provide a list of transient aircraft. Are they included in the workload indicators?

(Ref Attachment_J-03_AFRC_PWS 3.1.3 Flightline Services)

28A: AFRC receives sporadic transient aircraft. The most common are aircraft visiting from other NASA Centers, including a G-3, WB-57 and “Guppy” aircraft from Johnson Space Center.

Work on transient aircraft are included in the workload indicators.

29Q: Will the Government please confirm they are responsible for transportation during recovery of disabled aircraft? (Ref Attachment_J-03_AFRC_PWS 3.1.3 Flightline Services)

29A: This question is vague. The contractor is required to provide support in accordance with the requirements of the PWS.

30Q: Will the Government consider allowing the use of font no smaller than 10 point Arial Narrow or Times New Roman for tables, graphics, charts, and figures? (Ref RFP Section L, 1852.215-81 Proposal Page Limitations, paragraph (b), page 42)

30A: See Answer 3A.

31Q: Will the Government consider revising attachment J-10, Monthly Progress Reports, to correct numbering issues of block 8, Preparation Information, and ensure all desired data is included into the report format provided. (Ref RFP Section J, Attachment J-10, Data Requirements Description - Monthly Progress Reports, pages 1 & 2)

31A: Revised Attachment J-10 is attached to the solicitation amendment.

32Q: Will the Government consider either amending Attachment J-10 to remove the T&M reporting requirements from pages 3 and 4, or confirm this information is intended for the report? If intended, please consider re-numbering block 8 so that the requested information coincides with the block 8 requirements of pages 2 and 3? (Ref RFP Section J, Attachment J-10, Data Requirements Description - Monthly Progress Reports, pages 3 & 4)

32A: Revised Attachment J-10 is attached to the solicitation amendment.

33Q: Is submittal of the NF 533, Monthly Contractor Financial Management Report, required on this Task Order? (Ref RFP Section G, 1852.242-73, NASA Contractor Financial Management Reporting, page 7 of 55)

33A: NF 533 is not required for the AFRC task order.

34Q: Although Flight Operations are currently provided via a separate contract, were the Scheduling Offeror position and associated duties inadvertently included within the AFRC PWS, or does the Government expect the maintenance contractor to provide these services in support of the Flight Operations contractor? (Ref RFP Attachment J-03, AFRC PWS, Paragraph 3.9, Operations Scheduling Officer, pages 23 and 24)

34A: Operations/Scheduling Support and associated duties are part of the AFRC task order requirement. See also Table 2 on page 47 of the solicitation.

35Q: Will the Government consider reconciling the numbers and types of aircraft identified in RFP Section L, Table 3 and PWS Appendix 1, to enable offerors to more accurately determine workload requirements for the AFRC Firm Fixed Price Task Order effort? (Ref RFP Section L, Instructions to Offerors, paragraph (b), Technical Volume I-B: Armstrong Flight Research Center Task Order, Table 3, page 47 of 55)

35A: Table 3 is accurate as written. It is a reference table of all aircraft maintained by AFRC, the year of manufacture, and the number of maintenance personnel currently assigned to the aircraft.

36Q: Will the Government please identify the location and content of Attachment J-18, Section F.3, Place of Performance? (Ref RFP Attachment J-18, Ames Research Center PWS, paragraph 2.2, Required Services, page 5)

36A: The main Place of Performance will be NASA Ames Research Center, Bldg N248 Aircraft Support Facility. Other places will be added as required due to SIERRA UAS deployment, flight, and payload test requirements. Among these places are Crows Landing Airfield, Camp Roberts McMillian Field Test Facility, in addition to possible domestic/worldwide deployments.

37Q: Will the Government consider providing the applicable CDRL or DRD identified for the Phase-out Plan in Attachment J-18, Ames Research Center PWS, paragraph 8.2? (Ref RFP Attachment J-18, Ames Research Center PWS, paragraph 8.2, Phase-Out, page 12)

37A: Applicable CDRL is incorporated in revised Attachment J-18, Ames Research Center PWS, attached to the solicitation amendment.

38Q: Will the Government consider providing sufficient workload data within the AMES Research Center PWS to enable offerors to accurately design a well-defined, stable organizational structure to properly support the ARC Task Order? (Ref RFP Attachment J-18, Ames Research Center PWS, paragraph 7.0, Contract Management and Administration, item 2, page 11)

38A: NASA Ames already has a stable organizational structure. A contract vehicle is required to continue support on the SIERRA/Viking program. The historical workload structure utilized one Program Manager and two technicians, which was sufficient under the current workload.

Historically, most months utilized approximately 450 - 480 hours of chargeable labor under all contract lines.

39Q: Does the Government expect Volume IV to address a technical solution only for the NASA AMES Research Center CPFF Task Order, per Attachment J-18, or does the Government expect offerors to include a proposed price/cost bid as well? If a cost/price bid is required as well, please provide additional guidance for development of the cost/price portion of the volume, along with sufficient workload data from which offerors can accurately price the effort. (Ref RFP Section L, Instructions to Offerors, paragraph (e), Volume IV: Ames Research Center Proposal)

39A: The Government expects Offerors to include proposed cost pricing in addition to the technical solution. See also Answer 38A.

40Q: Is it the Government’s intent for all Contractor mechanics to be A&P certified or just those performing maintenance on non-military/commercial NASA/AFRC aircraft certified by the FAA (Beechcraft King Air, Gulfstream, GIII, etc.)? (Ref RFP Attachment J-03, AFRC PWS, Paragraph 3.1, Aircraft Maintenance, Subparagraph 3, Page 10; RFP Attachment J-03, AFRC PWS, Appendix 4 – Labor Classifications, subparagraph, Aircraft Mechanic)

40A: All Contractor mechanics are to be Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) certified or obtain a FAA A&P certificate no later than one year from date of assignment to NASA/AFRC.

41Q: Is it the Government’s desire that a cost narrative basis of estimate not be provided with the fill-in table on Page 50? If the government does want a cost narrative basis of estimate, can it be submitted in Word as the verbiage is better suited in a word processing program rather than a spreadsheet program? (Ref RFP Section L, Instructions to Offerors, Paragraph (d), Volume III:

Pricing; RFP Section L, Clause 1852.215-81 Proposal Page Limitations, Page 41)

41A: See Answer 8A.

42Q: Is it the government’s desire that the cost detail supporting the prices in the fill-in table referenced on Page 50 be submitted along with the table? Section L does not reference the level of detail of supporting documentation requested to be submitted to support the unit and extended prices. (Ref RFP Section L, Instructions to Offerors, Paragraph (d), Volume III: Pricing)

42A: See Answer 8A.

43Q: a) Is it the government’s intent that bidders should propose no overtime hours or dollars in its firm fixed monthly unit prices? b) Or is it the government’s intent that bidders should propose only overtime hours required to support normal, routine operations excluding emergencies, unusually heavy workloads (such as deployments), and unexpected situations?

(Ref RFP Attachment J-01, Performance Work Statement, Paragraph 2.2.2 Overtime, Page 3)

43A: See Answer 13A.

44Q: Does the Government intend to provide all facilities, equipment, and materials for the contractor to achieve formal third-party certification within the required timeframe? (Ref RFP Attachment J-03, AFRC PWS, Paragraph 3.8.3, Metrology and Calibration, Page 21)

44A: Facilities and test equipment will be provided by the Government.

45Q: Will the Government accept a PDF file for a narrative that explains and clarifies content in the pricing Excel file? (Ref RFP Sec L, p42)

45A: Supporting data for the Excel pricing file may be provided.

46Q: Will the Government accept our standard not less than Arial Narrow 8 point font for graphics to improve legibility within illustrations? (Ref RFP Sec L, p42)

46A: See Answer 3A.

47Q: Request online access to all cited NASA documents listed throughout the solicitation.

(Ref Attch J-03, p34)

47A: See Solicitation No. 80AFRC19R0008 Notice Details regarding document requests.

48Q: Please confirm contractor management is best suited to meet customer requirements by being located at Edwards AFB or Palmdale. (Ref Attch J-03, p4)

48A: Please reference Section 4.0 Key Personnel Qualifications of the AFRC PWS.

Historically, contractor management was located at Edwards AFB with the 703 Production Supervisor located in Palmdale.

49Q: It is unclear if there is a requirement to provide pricing for Ames Research Center with this proposal submission. Should pricing for Ames Research Center be included in the proposal submission? If so, could the Government please provide any pricing format requirements or required cost narrative guidelines? (Ref RFP Sec L, p50)

49A: Pricing for Ames Research Center (ARC) shall be included in the proposal submission. However, it must be noted that these prices will not evaluated for purposes of contract award and may be negotiated at the time of task order award. Pricing format requirements are at the contractor’s discretion at this time. ARC may provide a cost proposal template and require reformatted price information prior to ARC task order award.

50Q: Will the Government provide current seniority workforce demographics (i.e. years CBA employees have remained on contract) for CBA staffing? (Ref Multiple Sections)

50A: Not at this time. Seniority lists will be provided in accordance with FAR 22.1020.

51Q: Will Government vehicles be available to move materials and personnel for business purposes on each of the Government operating locations? (Ref RFP Sec G, pp 9-11)

51A: For the AFRC task order, yes.

52Q: Are aircraft mechanics and welders exempt from performance threshold requirements cited in J-03 Section 6? (Ref Attch J-03, Appendix 4 and Sec 6.0, pp 35-36)

52A: No.

53Q: Will the Government provide installation, building numbers, and office locations where contactor personnel can expect to be situated? (Ref RFP 1852.245-71, pp 10-11)

53A: Not at this time. This information will be provided during the phase-in period.

54Q: How does the Government anticipate funding overtime hours? (Ref Attch J-01 Sec 2.2.2, p3)

54A: Overtime hours must be approved by the COR or government designee prior to funding the ODC CLIN.

55Q: Will the Government accept PDF format for Volume IA, Volume IB, Volume II, and Volume IV? (Ref RFP Sec L, pp42-43)

55A: Yes.

56Q: PWS contains position descriptions, such as Library Administrator, Portal Specialist, Document Manager/Data Administrator, Training Coordinator, and Parts Expediter, which are not included in the historical staffing information in Section L, Table 2. Will the Government explain why historical staffing does not include these PWS positions? (Ref RFP Sec L, J-03, App 4)

56A: The Training Coordinator and Parts Expediter are included in the Avionics Technician and Aircraft Mechanic labor classifications. The Library Administrator, Portal Specialist and Document Manager/Data Administrator are project specific positions and are not included in Table 2.

57Q: What materials are needed to perform the requirements of this contract? (Ref J-03, Sec 2.1.2, p2)

57A: See Answers 21A, 23A-26A.

58Q: Will NASA assist in processing visas for contractor employees for OCONUS deployments? If available, will NASA provide the deployment schedule for contractor use in proposal development? (Ref J-03, Sec 2.2.1, p4)

58A: The Contractor is responsible for processing visas for contractor employees for OCONUS deployments. A deployment schedule for contractor use in proposal development is not available.

59Q: What are NASA badging requirements? Will contractor CAC be required for employees?

(Ref J-03, Sec 2.5.2, p6)

59A: Contractor CAC is required.

60Q: What materials (e.g., a list) is the contractor expected to provide? (Ref J-03, Sec 2.1.2, p2)

60A: See Answer 57A.

61Q: What aircraft types require a “Crew Chief” as identified in item 4? (Ref J-03, Sec 2.1.2, p2)

61A: Historically, King Airs, Gulfstream (FAA Certified), T-34, F-18s, F-15s and TG-14 have required contractor “Crew Chiefs”. However, the number of aircraft types requiring a “Crew Chief” may change based on government staffing requirements.

62Q: What training (e.g., list) is available through Government sources? (Ref J-03, Sec 2.1.4, p3)

62A: Typically, training identified in AFOP-7900.3-002 is available through government sources.

63Q: Where can a complete list of all mandatory training be found, or can NASA provide the complete list of all mandatory training? How is approval for this training accomplished? (Ref J- 03, Sec 2.1.4, p3)

63A: Please refer to cited NASA processes within Ref J-03 (e.g., AFOP-7900.3-002).

64Q: Does the contractor maintain these records in a Government provided system or is the system in use currently owned by the predecessor? Is the system currently in use available provided at no-cost to the successor? How and when will the training and certification records data contained in the existing system be made available for the successor contractor’s verification? What information is currently being tracked in the system and where does this system currently reside? For example, is the system a COTS system or locally developed system;

web-based or server-based; what type of software? (Ref J-03, Sec 2.1.4, p3)

64A: This question includes a multitude of different questions posed as one question.

Nonetheless, the Government provides the following information: The contractor may maintain their own training system or use the government’s System for Administration, Training, and Educational Resources for NASA (SATERN). SATERN is NASA's Learning Management System (LMS) that provides web-based access to training. Historically, both methods were utilized. Training and certification records for applicable employees will be available during the phase-in period.

65Q: What property does the Government intend to maintain property accountability? Will the contractor have access to and the ability to requisition supplies and materiel directly from Government depots and/or stores? Will all materiel requisitioning occur through NAMIS to include bench stock and personal protective equipment? Does NASA prepare all shipments for export in support of OCONUS missions and maintain responsibility for import and export regulations? (Ref J-03, Sec 2.1.5, pp3-4)

65A: This question includes a multitude of different questions posed as one question.

Nonetheless, the Government provides the following information: Materiel requisitioning for aircraft parts occurs through NAMIS. The contractor will have access to and the ability to requisition common supplies and material directly from Government depots and/or stores (i.e., Tool Crib). Common personal protective equipment (e.g., Safety Shoes) is the responsibility of the contractor.

66Q: Does NASA intend to provide all office furniture, office equipment, computers, communication services (telephone, fax, intranet)? Does NASA have a clinic or safety/health services available for on-site for use by contractor personnel? Also, does NASA allow contractors to use NASA’s clinic or contracted safety/health services free of charge or at a negotiated rate for items such as vision and hearing testing, physicals, vaccinations, and basic first aid. Where can a list of services available to contractors be located and the cost of those services, if any. Is the contractor required to use NAMIS and will this software and existing data be provided on a rentfree no cost basis to the Contractor? (Ref J-03, Sec 2.2, p4)

66A: This question includes a multitude of different questions posed as one question.

Nonetheless, the Government provides the following information: See NFS 1852.245-71 Installation-Accountable Government Property (Jun 2018). Information specific to the AFRC task order will be provided during the phase-in period. Mandatory work-related physicals (limited to only the work-related physical itself) are provided through NASA AFRC. The contractor is required to use NAMIS and is provided on a no cost basis to the Contractor.

67Q: What NASA representatives are authorized to approve overtime? What is meant by or is the definition of “Control mechanism – COR or designee” as used in the last sentence? (Ref J- 03, Sec 2.2.2 p4)

67A: The COR or COR-appointed designee will be authorized to approve overtime.

68Q: Will NASA require submission of travel authorization requests with travel expense estimates in advance of travel? Where can information be located that identifies the information necessary for authorization? Does NASA’s Travel Office prepare travel orders for contractor personnel? Will Non-NASA Common Access Cards (CACs) be required by contractor personnel to access certain military installations or to use government systems in performance of PWS requirements? Will NASA coordinate sponsorship with the applicable agency? What agency currently sponsors required CACs? What systems currently require a CAC? How many personnel require a CAC? Will the contractor be responsible for obtaining VISAs for any or all non-U.S. territory OCONUS travel? Does NASA require the contractors’ use or is the contractor allowed to use the Government’s travel system in fulfilling travel requirements? Does NASA take the lead in large deployment activities and group reservations or is the contractor required to coordinate all travel requirements? What missions does NASA currently have planned to occur during the transition period as well as the period of performance, contractor personnel requirements, locations, and approximate dates? What role does NASA HQ Science directorate play in coordinating or funding NASA AFRC research missions and what interaction, if any, will be required of the Contractor with this directorate? Will Contractor personnel be required to travel on NASA aircraft in support of CONUS and OCONUS missions and where can the requirements for flight authorization be located? (Ref Sec J-03, Sec 2.2.3, p5)

68A: This question includes a multitude of different questions posed as one question.

Nonetheless, the Government provides the following information: NASA requires submission of travel authorization requests with travel expense estimates in advance of travel. Allowability of travel costs is determined in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) Part 31, the Federal Travel Regulations (FTR), and the Joint Travel Regulation (JTR). The contractor provides travel services and does not use the Government travel system. All coordination and funding requirements will be through designated Government personnel (COR, CO, government designee). Contractor personnel may be required to travel on NASA aircraft in support of CONUS and OCONUS missions.

69Q: Is the contractor required to provide vehicles? What NASA provided vehicles (vehicle identification) are currently available for contractor use on a rent-free basis, where are the vehicles located, what is the vehicles’ current use, and license and registration status. Is routine inspection, maintenance, and licensing handled by NASA? See question under 2.2.3 Travel (e.g., Does NASA prepare travel orders for contractor personnel?) Please clarify how approval for use of a government vehicle would be authorized for travel. Are co-use vehicles allowed?

What training is required for use of a Government-provide vehicle? (Ref J-03, Sec 2.4.1, p5)

69A: The contractor is not required to provide vehicles. See also Answer 24A.

70Q: How many personnel will require a Top-Secret clearance? Will any contractor personnel require SCI access, and will SCI access be handled through NASA? Will the contractor be responsible for handling or maintaining classified information at the main campus or at site 703?

Are facilities in place to ensure properly handling of classified information? Where (what work locations, workspaces, or operating locations) will access to COMSEC material occur? Where

(e.g., what location) does NASA require the “Identity Requestor” to be located or can the “Identity Requestor” be a remote function?

70A: This question includes a multitude of different questions posed as one question.

Nonetheless, the Government provides the following information: See Attachment J-09, DD Form 254. In general, certain AFRC aircraft such as the F-15 and F-18 require a secret clearance. Currently, the contractor does not handle classified information.

71Q: “in the QMS” as used in 2.6.1, does this mean Quality Management System (QMS)? Does NASA have an on-line system the contractor’s required to use or does the contractor have the responsibility for implementing a quality management system that complies with NASA’s quality requirements? Please clarify. (Ref J-03, Sec 2.6.1, pp6-7)

71A: The contractor is required to use their own Quality Management System for tracking internal corrective actions.

72Q: Given the cost reimbursable nature of the preceding contract, will existing contractor stamps be turned in to AFRC for reuse by the successor contractor or will the successor contractor be required to procure new stamps for use on the contract at contractor expense? What is the estimated or required number of contractor-controlled stamps? For incumbent personnel, does the quality system or training system currently house these records and are these records available to the successor contractor? (Ref J-03, Sec 2.7.3, pp8-9)

72A: The contractor will be required to procure new inspection stamps for use on the contract at contractor expense. There are approximately 19 contractor-controlled stamps currently in use.

This number can fluctuate. For incumbent personnel, the Aircraft work order system currently houses inspector appointing orders, these records will be available to the successor contractor during the phase-in period.

73Q: Has NASA established the frequency, location, and estimated number of the following:

Safety meetings, branch meetings, forums, and initiatives to include Center Safety All-hands Meetings, Safety Management System audits and inspections, Safety Committees, Safety Forums, Safety Culture Surveys? What are the contractor preparation requirements or where can this information be located? Agency Risk Management Procedure Requirements — where can the requirements definition document for the agency’s risk management procedure be located?

(Ref J-03, Sec 2.8.1, p9)

73A: This question includes a multitude of different questions posed as one question.

Nonetheless, the Government provides the following information: NASA has established the schedule for safety and all related meetings, to include those mentioned in the question. The contractor is asked to participate in a number of these activities and is required to attend many of them. As these are usually informational activities, the contractor staff are not typically preparing material unless part of their job tasks. They are typically located at AFRC main campus and Bldg 703 in Palmdale. Please refer to NPR 8000.4 for Agency Risk Management Procedural Requirements.

74Q: What does NASA consider as common aviation hand tools? Where can the contractor obtain a complete list of tools NASA identifies as common aviation hand tools? Does NASA provide tool boxes for use on the maintenance floor? Does NASA provide fly away kits and tools for use on deployment? (Ref J-03, Sec 3.0, p10)

74A: See Answer 25A.

75Q: Does the contract require limited D-level maintenance or full D-level maintenance.

Sections of the PWS appear in conflict? What work and/or aircraft maintenance functions does NASA perform on the various types of NASA aircraft? Will all supplies and equipment needed to maintain a safe and clean shop environment be supplied by NASA or requisitioned through government purchasing or government stores? Will NASA grant waivers for A&P licenses? For example, an engine mechanic performing in a dedicated engine shop capacity may not qualify for an airframes license and a structural mechanic a power plant license. What’s the rationale behind the one-year from date of assignment to NASA/AFRC requirement considering the 30 months rule for both certificates, the airframe and the powerplant, and 18 months for a single license? Is the Contractor required to maintain a certified repair station in support of the contract? Where can the approved Equipment List by aircraft type be located? (Ref J-03, Sec 3.1, p10)

75A: This question includes a multitude of different questions posed as one question.

Nonetheless, the Government provides the following information: Typically, limited D-level maintenance is performed. NASA will not grant waivers for A&P licenses. See also Answer 40A. The contractor is not required to maintain a certified repair station in support of this contract.

76Q: What is meant by “The Contractor shall participate in the security and safety of the aircraft”? (Ref J-03, Sec 3.1.4, pp11-12)

76A: This would include watching and/or monitoring the aircraft at all times in the situations noted in AFRC PWS Section 3.1.4.

77Q: Does NASA manage the Maintenance Operations Office and where is this office located?

“Aircraft Maintenance Operations Office include:” Is this intended to be the Contractor support requirements? What is NASA’s approved activity for fuel and maintenance support?

Does the NAMIS system produce all required reports to provide aircraft maintenance statistics without manual calculation? Will NASA personnel perform entries in NAMIS and if yes, what functions, roles, or entries will NASA personnel perform? Will the contractor be required to train NASA personnel on the use of NAMIS? What is the estimated number of NASA personnel that will require training and what type of training will be required? What is meant by specific problem areas and specific audiences? (Please clarify). Does NASA manage and operate the Flight Operations Office? Can the contractor influence assignment of aircraft to optimize fleet times or is aircraft assignment controlled by NASA? What are NAMIS requirements during deployments? (Ref J-03, Sec 3.1.5, pp12-13)

77A: This question includes a multitude of different questions posed as one question.

Nonetheless, the Government provides the following information: NASA manages the Maintenance Operations Office and Flight Operations Office. The contractor will be required to train NASA and contractor personnel on NAMIS usage. All maintenance and inspection personnel (NASA and contractor) will require NAMIS initial and refresher training. Initial training includes familiarity and operation of the system. Refresher training will incorporate common areas where discrepancies are noted (i.e., personnel errors). Initial NAMIS training is required by all new hires (not incumbent personnel) prior to receiving write access to NAMIS.

“Specific problem areas and specific audiences” means tailored training to address identified personnel proficiency issues.

78Q: What is the frequency of the re-certification training for the items 1. – 4.? Approximately how many Government personnel per year require initial training as well as recertification training? (Ref J-03, Sec 3.2.1, p14)

78A: Re-certification is every 24 months. Typically, all avionics employees and inspectors require certification & recertification.

79Q: Where is Operations Engineering (OC) located and is Operations Engineering managed by NASA? What is meant by portal processes? Please clarify. Is the contractor responsible for maintaining the portal or is this function performed by NASA? (Ref J-03, Sec 3.2.2, pp14-15)

79A: Operations Engineering is managed from AFRC but operates at both locations. The portal processes are various software systems maintained by NASA and are provided for NASA and contractor use.

80Q: Regarding the statement at 6. Locate and evaluate potential manufacturing companies. Is it NASA’s intent that the Contractor identify and qualify sources of supply for NASA’s acquisition? Please clarify. Item 10. Are manufacturing materials and hardware required for project support ordered through NASA acquisition? Please clarify how acquisition is handled for fabricated items. (Ref J-03, Sec 3.4.5, p18)

80A: The Contractor is not expected to qualify sources of supply. Although the majority of manufacturing materials and hardware required for project support is ordered through NASA acquisition, the Contractor is required to support the acquisition process.

81Q: How many flight crew members and ground support personnel require aircraft life support training and aircraft life support continuation training and what is the frequency of that training?

(Ref J-03, Sec 3.5, pp18-19)

81A: There are approximately 25 flight crew members who require detailed, annual life support training, another 25 who required a more abbreviated version and approximately 200 qualified non crewmembers (scientists, engineers) who require annual or semi-annual life support training in the form of briefings and aircraft walk-thrus.

82Q: How many (approx. number) of other contractors support Armstrong’s Aircraft Operations and interact with the Contractor on a routine basis in performance of the contract? Where can a list of NASA-provided services and service providers that support the contract be found?

82A: This information will be provided during the phase-in period.

83Q: Where can a list of NASA provided workspaces, office, locations and materiel be found?

If not presently available when does NASA plan to make this list available to offerors?

83A: See NFS 1852.245-71 Installation-Accountable Government Property (Jun 2018).

Information specific to the AFRC task order will be provided during the phase-in period.

84Q: What is the average number of NAMIS entries per year?

84A: Approximately 17,000 NAMIS entries per year.

85Q: Where can a summarization of NAMIS maintenance actions be found?

85A: NAMIS. This information will be provided during the phase-in period.

86Q: What is the average number of maintenance actions per year by aircraft type?

86A: Approximate closed maintenance actions for AFRC during the period from July 2018 – July 2019 are as follows:

F-18A 606 F-18B 343 F-15 629

King Air 461 Global Hawk 145

C20 480

G-III 396

G-III 95

ER2 382

DC8 468

747 1278 T34 210

TG-14 104

87Q: What is NASA projecting or what has been the average number personnel deployed, deployment days by aircraft type, and location (CONUS/OCONUS) over the past five years?

Has the number of deployed days increased, decreased, or remained stable?

87A: See Table 1 of the solicitation. Not all aircraft deploy – many deployments are for the airborne science aircrafts (B-747, DC-8, ER-2, C-20) and the average number of deployed personnel is approximately 20 to 30 with highs to 50 in the case of the B747 SOFIA. Number of deployment days generally do not exceed 30 at a time and most who deploy only do so once per calendar year, but some are asked to deploy twice. Volunteers to exceed the 30 day deployment length are also occasionally solicited.

88Q: Are NAMIS templates already in place for major aircraft maintenance actions?

88A: Yes.

89Q: Will office spaces (Building / Room number) be provided for the successor contractor during the phase-in period at the main campus and at site 703? Will office furnishings be provided to include phone services as well as access to NASA’s network/intranet resources?

89A: Yes.

90Q: Where (Building/Room number) and when (what time) does the daily maintenance meeting occur? What contractor positions are required to attend the meeting?

90A: Meeting location and time will be provided during the phase-in period. The Maintenance Supervisor is required to attend.

91Q: Where and when do branch meetings typically occur? What contractor positions are required to attend branch meeting?

91A: Branch meetings occur throughout the week at AFRC/703 and are determined by the various branch chiefs. Contract personnel assigned to support each branch are expected to attend their branch meetings when they occur.

92Q: What is average seniority of personnel assigned to the contract?

92A: See Answer 50A.

93Q: Does NASA provide commercial internet service to the contractor for the purpose of timekeeping, online training and records and other company required communications? If NASA provided, can you provide number and locations of Kiosk stations? Is it the intention of NASA that the contractor must provide all communications, business systems including computers, monitors, MF printers onsite as well as commercial internet service?

93A: NASA provides internet service and computers/monitors/printers on-site for contractor use in support of the contract. Any other third party software must be submitted and approved by the NASA Information Technology office prior to use. See also Answer 66A.

94Q: What on-site services are available to contractor personnel and what if any charges apply for these services?

94A: See NFS 1852.245-71 Installation-Accountable Government Property (Jun 2018).

95Q: Does NASA have commercially available Internet to all contractor and hangar locations?

Will the contractor be using NASA-provided computers for timekeeping, training, and online DI requirements?

95A: See Answer 93A.

96Q: Does NASA have in place agreements with the original equipment manufacturers to provide aircraft worthiness documents, software upgrades, or maintenance manuals associated with NASA’s aircraft? Is the Contractor authorized necessary access and use of OEM systems, agreements, and documents on a no-charge basis in performance of the contract?

96A: NASA AFRC certifies its own aircraft, but uses OEMs for input and guidance. Some OEMs allow use by only US Government personnel and others allow contractor use. There is no charge for contractor usage of OEM systems, agreements and documents.

97Q: What external websites does NASA use or require contractor access to in performance of the contract? What systems require use of a CAC and/or letter of authorization from the KO?

97A: To be provided during the phase-in period.

98Q: Are any of NASA aircraft undergoing major modification or are any major modifications planned during the period of performance? If yes, please provide the nature of the modification by aircraft type and projected date of the modification.

98A: Major modifications are performed on an as-needed basis and cannot be predicted at this time.

99Q: Will the Government please provide current seniority workforce demographics (i.e. years CBA employees have remained on contract) for CBA staffing?

99A: See Answer 50A.