LPRD_BAA_Q A_(as_of_19_May_2016).pdf

BAA-AFRL-RVKD-2016-0001

Laser Pod Research and Development (LPRD)

Questions and Answers (Q&A) as of 19 May 2016

Q1: Attachment 1 IDIQ SOO Section 4.3: Please clarify the level of detail needed to characterize the BCS and LPRD system's aerodynamic and vibration environment. Is the method of measurement and test concept the responsibility of the BCS provider or is the LPRD provider responsible for the method of measurement, test facility and test concept?

A1: In the proposal state your ground rules and describe how characterization would be performed in the transonic and supersonic flight environments. The LPRD contractor will need to work with the STRAFE BCS provider to perform testing. State what test facilities and test concepts would be needed to perform testing.

Q2: Please clarify weight and volume allocations in the BAA. Do the weight and volume allocations in the BFI carry forward as guidelines or firm requirements?

A2: BFI weight and volume allocation are guidelines.

Q3: How will the LPRD system receive initial target coordinates during testing? Please clarify.

A3: In the proposal state your ground rules and describe how the LPRD system will receive target coordinates.

Q4: If an organization is a Prime or Subcontractor on STRAFE, may they compete in this BAA?

A4: Prime or subcontracting organization on STRAFE may compete in the LPRD BAA.

Q5: Will AFRL review and consider for award under BAA-AFRL-RVKD-2016-0001, a stand-alone proposal for development of a ShiELD sub-system that does NOT address the LPRD system in its entirety?

A5: Due to the complex integration of the LPRD system, development of state-of-the-art subsystems in a teaming environment maybe beneficial in packaging them into an aerodynamic structure. Per the BAA

(pg. 12, para. C.i.):

i. Offerors must propose each of the following to be considered for an IDIQ award:

a. Basic IDIQ Proposal

1. Technical Volume

2. Contractor’s Statement of Work (C-SOW) in response to the Basic SOO

3. Business Volume

b. Task Order 0001 Proposal

1. Technical Volume

2. C-SOW in response to the Task Order 0001 SOO

3. Business/Cost Volume (separate into Business and Cost Sections)

Q6: Can a copy of the applicable Security Classification Guides be provided?

A6: A copy of the applicable Security Classification Guides will be made a part of the LPRD Bidder’s Library. If you have already requested and received the Bidder’s Library, you can submit an email request to AFRL.RDL.ACQUISITIONMAILBOX@us.af.mil for this new information.

Q7: What is the Relative Weighting Factor in the Evaluation of the Basic IDIQ and the Task Order I Technical Proposal Volumes?

A7: Evaluation of the Basic IDIQ proposal is of equal importance to evaluation of the Task Order 0001 proposal (see page 18 of the BAA).

Q8: As the BAA and DD 254 require SCI Information; Will AFRL sponsor the accounts and classified network connection access? Will the USG provide Facility Security during testing?

A8: AFRL will sponsor the accounts and classified network access if needed. USG will handle facility security at USG installations, and it is expected the contractor will handle security at its own facilities under DSS oversight.

Q9: The BAA Attachment 6 identifies Government Furnished Property. Only the STRAFE BCS is identified. Is it accurate to assume that the aircraft and all related aircraft spares and related support equipment (air cart, start cart, lift truck, etc) will be provided as GFP? Is the Government willing to provide HPASS or equivalent predictive avoidance equipment / software / information as

GFP/GFI?

A9: The aircraft, its spares and support equipment will be government furnished. If HPASS is considered suitable for the application, the government will consider providing it as GFE for the concept development. HPASS information (interfaces, equipment profiles, and performance information) can be provided as GFI. Predictive avoidance will be part of battle management system for LPRD.

Q10: The Technical Overview indicated that the system will be capable of receiving a cue from an external sensor and Paragraph 4.4 of the BAA states Develop power, thermal management and system control… against dynamic, non-cooperative targets. Please clarify the definition of “non-cooperative targets”. Can you provide information on the external Cueing method? Can you discuss any ROEs (i.e., need for ID, “cleared hot”).

A10: Non-cooperative targets are those that provide no target-generated signals to support acquisition, track, or beacon to support atmospheric compensation. External cueing timelines and accuracy required should be stipulated in the proposal ground rules/assumptions.

Q11: The December BFI stated the pod delivery was 15 months and the BAA SOO states 20 months. What is the reason for the additional 5 months? Is an earlier delivery schedule beneficial/desired?

A11: The BAA SOO is correct, though earlier delivery is beneficial to schedule.

Q12: The December BFI indicated a bid for an Option Pods was required. The Basic IDIQ and Task Order 0001 do not request an Option Pod. Is an Option Pod or a subset (for parallel efforts & rapid spares) still desired? Does the Government expect an option pod to be included in the Task Order 0001 $36M estimated value?

A12: Option pod(s) will be procured through subsequent task orders. The Government does not expect an option pod to be included in Task Order 0001. If subsequent task orders are issued there maybe adjustments in requirements based on customer requirements.

Q13: What is the earliest availability of a test Aircraft?

A13: Availability of test aircraft is scheduled for the second quarter of FY19. Aircraft could be available if necessary; state in ground rules and assumptions.

Q14: Please clarify the role of the LPRD Contractor with respect to SHiELD level modelling and simulation?

A14: It is expected the LPRD contractor will support SHiELD Modeling and Simulation (M&S) with system level pod disturbance calculations (aerodynamic, vibration, shock loads endured and loads passed to the subsystems), as well as any M&S required to support safety of flight.

Q15: What is the milestone (exit) criteria the program must meet for awarding subsequent Task Order(s) (e.g., Phase II) under the Basic IDIQ?

A15: There are no specific exit criteria. Criteria for subsequent task orders will be established as concept design is matured.

Q16: Are there any updates to the envisioned transition plan or data required for AFRL success that the LPRD should focus on?

A16: No updates to the transition plan have been finalized. SHiELD has a Tech Transition plan signed, and the LPRD release has the information that is needed for the acquisition.

Q17: How is AFRL balancing S&T innovation against ATD schedule and execution risk?

A17: The goal of SHiELD is to demonstrate and show technology maturation for next phase. AFRL has established a risk management plan which will assess risks at system level and balance innovation opportunities against risk to prompt ATD execution. Subsystem developers and their risk processes will contribute to this risk management strategy.

Q18: In the BAA Cost Proposal Instructions, reference is made to treatment of Materials and ODC “if not Baselined”. What is meant by baselined vs. not baselined costs?

A18: Offerors sometimes baseline material and ODC costs (instead of breaking out these costs, they propose a “not-to-exceed” amount for these items). If these costs are not baselined, offerors should follow the instructions as stated.

Q19: BAA Cost Proposal Instructions state no fee is to be applied to ODC costs. Our standard practice is to apply fee to all costs, what is rationale for excluding fee from ODCs?

A19: Based on the Cost Proposal Instructions provided, it is the Government's intent that fee is excluded from ODCs-Travel.