DRAFT Section L C-130 H FPS V6 (7 May 2026).pdf

CUI//SOURCE SELECTION SENSITIVE

Solicitation FAXXXX-27-XXXX XX April 2026 Section L: Attachment ##

C-130H Formation Positioning System (FPS) Replacement

Air Force Life Cycle Management Center

Mobility Directorate C-130 Hercules Division

DRAFT Section L Instructions, Conditions and Notices to Offerors

FAXXXX-27-X-XXXX1

XX APRIL 2026

Prepared by:

Mobility Directorate

C-130 Legacy Avionics (AFLCMC/WLNM) 2590 Loop Road, Bldg 558

Wright-Patterson AFB, OH 45433

Table of Contents

1. PROGRAM STRUCTURE AND OBJECTIVES

1.1. Notification to Offeror(s)

2. PROPOSAL INSTRUCTIONS

2.1. General Information

2.2. Organization/Number of Copies/Page Limits

2.3. Page Size and Format Proposal Submission

2.4. Tables, Charts, and Graphs

2.5. Cross-Referencing………………………………………………………………….……10

2.6. Markings…………………………………...……………………………………………11

2.7. Electronic Offers………………………………………………………………………...11

2.8. Proposal Submission…………………………………………………………………….12

3. VOLUME I- EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

3.1. Narrative Summary

3.2. Table of Contents

3.3. Authorized Offeror Personnel

3.4. Joint Venture/Teaming Arrangements

3.5. Public/Private Partnerships

4. VOLUME II- TECHINCAL

4.1. General

4.2. Format and Specific Content

4.3. Technical Excellence

4.4. Technical Risk…………………………………………………………………………..14

4.5. Subfactor 1: Management Capability…………………………………………………..14

4.6. Subfactor 2: Systems Engineering………………………………………………………16

5. VOLUME III-PAST PERFORMANCE

5.1. General

5.2. Early Proposal Information

5.3. Relevant Contracts

5.4. Small Business Compliance……………………………………………………………..18

5.5. Early Proposal Information………………………………………………………...……18

5.6. Relevant Contracts………………………………………………………………………18

5.7. Specific Content…………………………………………………………………………19

5.8. Subcontractor Consent…………………………………………………………………..19

5.9. Organizational Structure Change History……………………………………………….19

6. VOLUME IV- PRICE

6.1. General

6.2. Pricing Information

6.3. Rounding

6.4. Additional Information

6.5. Volume Organization……………………………………………………………………21

6.6. Pricing Matrix…………………………………………………………………………...21

6.7. Narrative and Methodology……………………………………………………………..21

7. VOLUME 5- CONTRACT DOCUMENTATION

7.1. Exceptions to Solicitation Requirements

7.2. Small Business

7.3. Miscellaneous Information Required

8. OTHER INFORMATION

8.1. Reviews and Visits

8.2. Solicitation Applicable Documents

9. ATTACHMENTS

ACRONYM LIST

1. PROGRAM STRUCTURE AND OBJECTIVES

This is the Instructions to Offerors for the C-130H Formation Position System (FPS) modification of approximately 54 C-130H aircraft and requisite trainer systems. This effort includes both the Engineering and Manufacturing Development (EMD) and Production and Deployment (P&D) of a replacement system for the current C-130H Station Keeping Equipment (SKE).

The program will address not only Diminishing Manufacturing Source (DMS) issues but also operating frequency interference from commercial 5G signals. The Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) no longer manufactures current C-130H SKE equipment due to DMS issues.

Additionally, the 2022 auction of Radio Frequency (RF) spectrum to the 5G industry has also impacted mission operations. C-130H formation training and operations are constrained until a suitable replacement system is fielded.

The operational deficiency and need created by the 5G frequency interference from AMC/A3PC is captured in the Modification Proposal, Form 1067, titled Station Keeping Equipment (SKE) Vacate 5G Frequencies. It explains, “The United States government offered industry full access to the 3450-3550 MHz frequency band for 5G wireless operation within the contiguous United States, but at reduced power levels in certain areas (Cooperative Planning Areas) to avoid C-130 operations interruption. This transition impacts two of the four SKE frequencies. Cooperative Planning Areas are only a temporary solution. AMC needs a long-term solution for C-130 aircraft to vacate the 3450-3550 MHz frequency band but still perform SKE operations.”

This modification will enable the C-130H to operate in the future safely and effectively. No long-term FPS solution exists for all domains where 5G exists. Until FPS is fielded, C-130 aircraft will have limited capability for the Global Response Force under certain conditions. Further, FPS is a requirement for safe aircraft formation operations in Instrument Meteorological Conditions. The next FPS solution must work in all specified C-130H aircraft deployment environments including areas with unrestricted 5G capability. Lastly, C-130H FPS replacement equipment must be interoperable with the FPS solution currently being developed for the C-130J fleet.

The EMD phase shall include, but is not limited to: the design, integration, qualification, ground and flight test, production and installation of three (3) trial kits; training development; Technical Data Package (TDP) [Technical Order (TO) changes, Time Compliance Technical Orders (TCTO), engineering/installation drawings] development and delivery; certification/verification;

initial spares determination; and, if necessary, identification of any additional unique Support Equipment (SE) on the C-130H. Upon completion of EMD, the three aircraft outfitted with the trial kits are expected to be returned to operational status and contribute to the total Quantity required.

The P&D phase shall include production of 51 kits for the C-130H following EMD phase activities; Contractor Field Team (CFT) installs on 51 aircraft; Type 1 and installation training;

modification of training equipment, initial spares; and SE deployment. The P&D phase also includes Interim Contractor Support (ICS) for sustainment of the FPS system after installation during the contract period of performance.

For consideration in developing a proposal, the following information is provided:

1.1 Notifications to Offeror(s)

Funds are currently available for this effort through the Spectrum Relocation Funding (SRF) program. The Government reserves the right to cancel this solicitation, either before or after the closing date. In the event the Government cancels this solicitation, the Government has no obligation to reimburse any Offeror for any costs incurred in responding to this solicitation.

The following companies and organizations may be used to support the evaluation of the submitted proposal in a purely advisory role:

COLSA CORPORATION

4141 COLONEL GLENN HWY

BEAVERCREEK, OH 45431

GUIDEHOUSE

2619 COMMONS BLVD

DAYTON, OH 45431

Offerors shall provide written objection to disclosure as indicated in paragraph 1.1.1. (below). If the Offeror objects to the disclosure of a portion of the proposal, the consent in paragraph 1.1.2.

(below) shall be provided for the remainder of the proposal.

1.1.1 Objection to Disclosure

Any objection to disclosure shall be provided in writing to the Contracting Officer (CO) within 10 days of Request for Proposal (RFP) issuance; and shall include a detailed statement of the basis for the objection. The detailed statement shall identify the specific portions of the proposal the Offeror objects to disclosure to non-Government Advisors.

1.1.2 Consent to Disclosure

I understand technical, and price data submitted to the Government in response to this solicitation may be released to non-Government Advisors. I consent to release any proprietary, confidential, or privileged commercial or financial data provided by the firm(s) named in paragraph 1.1 (above), in response to this solicitation, to non-Government Advisors for review and analysis.

The Contracting Officer (CO) shall evaluate any objection to disclosure and decide whether the non-Government Advisor(s) shall be permitted to participate in the source selection. The CO shall inform the objecting Offeror of the final determination, and, if the use of non-Government Advisors has been changed, shall inform all Offerors of the change.

Offerors shall execute a Non-Disclosure Agreement with each company listed in paragraph 1.1 (above), prior to submitting a proposal. Copies of the executed Non-Disclosure Agreement must be provided to the CO as an attachment to the proposal. The exclusive responsibility for source selection will reside with the Government.

The Contractor shall support Over and Above (O&A) work IAW R-DFARS 252.217-7028, Over and Above Work, as directed by the PCO. For evaluation purposes, the material cost associated with this CLIN will be provided to the Offeror by the Government. The Offeror will only be responsible for proposing the associated fully burdened labor rate.

Proprietary information submitted in response to this solicitation will be protected from unauthorized disclosure as required by Subsection 27 of the Office of Procurement Policy Act as amended (41 U.S.C. 423) (hereinafter referred to as "the Act") as implemented in the Revolutionary Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Overhaul (RFO). These companies are bound contractually by Organizational Conflict of Interest and disclosure clauses with respect to proprietary information. Contractor personnel assisting in the proposal evaluation are procurement officials within the meaning of the Act and will take all necessary action to preclude unauthorized use or disclosure of a competing Contractor's proprietary data.

2. PROPOSAL INSTRUCTIONS

This section of the Instructions to Offerors (ITO) provides general guidance for preparing proposals, as well as specific instructions on the format and content of the proposal. Offerors are required to submit one proposal with sufficient information concerning all factors to enable Government personnel to fully ascertain the Offeror’s capabilities to fulfil the requirements.

The Offeror's proposal must include all the data and information requested by this ITO and must be submitted IAW these instructions. The Offeror’s proposal shall be compliant with the requirements as stated in the Statement of Work (SOW), System Requirements Document (SRD), Contract Data Requirements List (CDRL), and Model Contract. Offerors are required to meet all solicitation requirements, including terms and conditions, representations and certifications, and technical requirements, in addition to those identified as evaluation factors or subfactors in Section M. Alternate proposals are not acceptable. Non-conformance with the instructions provided in the ITO may result in an unfavorable proposal evaluation and may render the proposal unawardable.

The proposal shall be clear, concise, and shall include sufficient detail for effective evaluation and for substantiating the validity of stated claims. The proposal should not simply rephrase or restate the Government's requirements; but rather, shall provide convincing rationale to address how the

Offeror intends to meet these requirements. Offerors shall assume that the Government has no prior knowledge of their facilities and experience and that the Government will base its evaluation on the information presented in the Offeror's proposal.

Elaborate brochures or documentation, binding, detailed artwork, or other embellishments are unnecessary and are not desired.

The proposal acceptance period is specified in Section A of the model contract/solicitation. The Offeror shall make a clear statement in Section A of the Contract Documentation Volume that the proposal is valid until the date specified in Section A of the model contract/solicitation.

In accordance with RFO 4.309, the Government will retain one digital copy of all unsuccessful proposals. The Government will not return any proposals and will destroy any additional digital or printed copies of proposals.

2.1 General Information

2.1.1 Points of Contact

The CO, Danielle Weeks, e-mail: danielle.weeks@us.af.mil, and the Contract Specialist, Aaron Christy, e-mail: aaron.christy@us.af.mil, are the Government POCs for this acquisition. Written questions or requests for clarification may be sent via email to him. It is encouraged that any such questions or requests be submitted within 10 days after the RFP release date. Answers to such questions and clarifications will be provided via posting questions and answers (Q&As) and/or RFP amendments on the SAM website (https://sam.gov). In the event of conflict between the answer to questions and the RFP, the RFP shall take precedence.

2.1.2 Debriefings

The CO will promptly notify Offerors IAW RFO 15.204-1 of any decision to exclude them from the competitive range, whereupon they may request and receive a debriefing IAW RFO 15.301-1.

Offerors excluded from the competitive range may request a pre-award debriefing or they may choose to wait until after the source selection decision to receive their debriefing. However, Offerors excluded from the competitive range are entitled to no more than one debriefing and must make their request within 3 days after being notified that they have been excluded from the competition.

The CO will notify unsuccessful Offerors in the competitive range of the source selection decision IAW RFO 15.301-1. Upon such notification, unsuccessful Offerors may request and receive a debriefing. Offerors desiring a debriefing must make their request IAW the requirements of RFO 15.301-1.

mailto:danielle.weeks@us.af.mil https://sam.gov/

2.1.3 Discrepancies

If an Offeror believes that the requirements in these instructions contain an error, omission, or are otherwise unsound, the Offeror shall notify the CO within 10 calendar days of RFP release via email with supporting rationale, as well as the remedies the Offeror is asking the CO to consider as related to the omission or error.

2.1.4 Electronic Reference Documents

All referenced documents for this solicitation are available on the SAM website (https://sam.gov).

Potential Offerors are encouraged to subscribe for real-time email notifications when information has been posted to the website for this solicitation. The C-130H FPS solicitation web page is:

[insert url address].

Exchanges of source selection information between the Government and Offerors will be controlled by the CO. Email may be used to transmit such information to Offerors only if the email can be sent and received encrypted and includes “CUI//Source Selection Information – See RFO 2.101 & 3.104” in the Subject line. Otherwise, source selection information will be transmitted via DoD SAFE (https://safe.apps.mil/).

2.1.5 Amendments to Solicitation

If this RFP is amended, all terms and conditions that are not amended remain in full force and effect. The Offeror shall acknowledge receipt of any amendment(s) and provide confirmation of receipt of any amendment(s) upon submission of the Offeror’s proposal. Acknowledgements are subject to solicitation provision RFO 52.215-1(b).

2.1.6 Pre-Award Surveys

The Government may conduct Pre-Award Survey (PAS) IAW FAR 9.106 during proposal evaluations to aid in determining contractor responsibility.

2.2 Organization/Number of Copies/Page Limits

The Offeror shall prepare the proposal as set forth in the Proposal Organization Table below. The titles and contents of the volumes shall be as defined in this table, all of which shall be within the required page limits as specified in the table. The contents of each proposal volume are described in the ITO paragraph as noted in the following table:

VOLUME ITO

Paragraph

VOLUME

TITLE PAGE LIMIT Attachments

I 3. Executive Summary

5 pages (excluding attachments)

As applicable, requested info/ artifacts from paragraphs 1.1.3; 3.3- 3.5

II 4. Technical 25 pages (excluding attachments)

IMP, IMS, EMD

PWS, EMD IMP,

EMD IMS, P&D

PWS, P&D IMP,

P&D IMS, P&D

PWS

III 5. Past Performance

No more than 3 contract references permitted. Must provide references utilizing the PPI Tool. 20 pages maximum to allow for introductory information, including Business Relationship page.

Subcontractor Consent Letters and Client Authorization Letter(s)

IV 6. Price Unlimited

V 7. Contract Documentation Unlimited

Attachment 1: PWS Attachment 4: Small Business Subcontracting Plan (SBSP) (large business Offerors only) Attachment 6:

Proposal Adequacy Checklist

Table 1. Proposal Organization Table

Page limitations shall be treated as maximums. If exceeded, the excess pages will not be read or considered in the evaluation of the proposal. Offerors will be notified of any excess page count.

Each page shall be counted, except as indicated in the paragraphs below. Page limitations may be placed on responses to Evaluation Notices (ENs). The specified page limits for EN responses will be identified in the letters forwarding the ENs to the Offerors.

Each volume shall contain a more detailed table of contents to delineate the subparagraphs within that volume. Tables of contents do not count against the page limitations for their respective volumes.

Each volume shall contain a glossary of all abbreviations and acronyms used, and with an explanation for each. Glossaries do not count against the page limitations for their respective volumes.

No classified information is required or permitted in the Offeror’s response.

2.3 Page Size and Format

Page size shall be 8.5 x 11 inches. Pages shall be single-spaced as defined in paragraph settings/spacing in Microsoft Word, with a double space between paragraphs. Except for the reproduced sections of the proposal request document, the text size shall be no less than 12-point Times New Roman. Tracking, learning, and leading values shall not be changed from the default values of the word processing or page layout software. Use at least 1-inch margins on the top and bottom and ¾-inch side margins. Pages shall be numbered sequentially by volume. These page format restrictions shall also apply to responses to Evaluation Notices.

2.4 Tables, Charts, and Graphs

Legible tables, charts, graphs, figures, diagrams, and schematics shall be used wherever practical to depict organizations, systems and layout, implementation schedules, plans, etc. These displays shall be uncomplicated and legible and shall not exceed 11x17 inches in size and shall be counted as two pages. For these displays, the text shall be no smaller than 10-point. Transmittal letters will not be considered in the overall page count, nor will they be evaluated.

2.5 Cross-Referencing

All pricing information shall be addressed ONLY in the Price Volume. Further, to the greatest extent possible, each volume shall be written on a stand-alone basis so that its contents may be evaluated with a minimum of cross-referencing to other volumes of the proposal. Cross-referencing within a proposal volume is permitted where its use would conserve space without impairing clarity. The Offeror shall complete the cross-reference matrix located at Section L Attachment 1, which correlates the RFP with the Offeror’s proposal, for Volume II only.

2.5.1 Cross Reference Matrix

The Offeror may prepare a cross-reference matrix in another format as long as it adheres to these instructions. The cross-reference matrix will reference the Proposal Volume/Paragraph and applicable PWS, Section L, and Section M paragraphs. The matrix will not be included in the volume page count.

If this matrix conflicts with any other requirement, direction, or provision of this proposal request, the other reference shall take precedence over this matrix. Additionally, to the extent this matrix discloses details as to the manner by which the Government intends to evaluate the Offeror’s proposal for award, evaluation factor references in the matrix are for information purposes only, and the Government shall be obligated to evaluate proposals solely in conformance with the provisions of the evaluation criteria in Section M (RFP Attachment 1) of the RFP.

2.6 Markings

All proposal pages shall include the following legend at the bottom of each page:

“CUI//Source Selection Information -See RFO 2.101 and 3.104”

2.7 Electronic Offers

Offerors shall submit their proposal via DoD SAFE. Offerors must request a Drop-Off link via the POC listed in this document, no later than 3:00 p.m. on DD MMM 2027 (local Dayton, OH, time). Use separate files to permit rapid location of all portions, including exhibits, annexes, addenda, and attachments, if any. If files are compressed, the necessary decompression application must be included. The proposal shall be submitted in a format readable by Microsoft (MS) Office 2019 or later. Offerors may also submit the proposal in Adobe Acrobat 9.0 or later. Do NOT submit any documents in PDF format that are copied as “images”. When creating PDF files, Offeror shall ensure submission textual search and copy functions are enabled.

The file-naming convention for the proposal volumes is as follows. It is permissible to expand on these file names if a list of the content of each is provided. It is permissible to shorten these file names as long as the Volume number and title, Factor/Subfactor number, and a keyword or phrase is utilized to ensure clarity and consistency.

Volume Title Filename

I Executive Summary C-130H FPS <<Company Name>> Vol I – Executive Summary

II Technical C-130H FPS <<Company Name>> Vol II – Technical

III Past Performance C-130H FPS <<Company Name>> Vol III – Past Performance

IV Price C-130H FPS <<Company Name>> Vol IV – Price

V Contract Documentation C-130H FPS <<Company Name>> Vol V – Contract Documentation

2.8 Proposal Submission

The Offeror’s proposal shall be prepared and submitted in five volumes: Executive Summary (Volume I), Technical Excellence (Volume II), Past Performance (Volume III), Price (Volume IV), and Contract Documentation (Volume V). All volumes must be received via DoD Safe.

2.8.1 Deadlines

Offerors are requested to submit Volume III, Past Performance by 3:00pm on DD Mmm 2027 (local Dayton, OH, time). Failure to submit Volume III by the earlier date will not result in Offeror disqualification. All proposal volumes must be received by 3:00pm on DD Mmm 2027 (local Dayton, OH, time).

3. VOLUME I—EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

In the Executive Summary volume, the Offeror shall provide the following information:

3.1 Narrative Summary

Volume I shall include a concise narrative summary of the entire proposal, addressing significant risks, highlighting any key or unique features, excluding price. The salient features must track to Section M evaluation factors/subfactors. Any summary material presented here shall not be considered as meeting the requirements for any portions of other volumes of the proposal.

3.2 Table of Contents

A master table of contents as a summation of all volume tables of contents shall be provided.

3.3 Authorized Offeror Personnel

Offerors shall provide a memorandum with the name, title, telephone number and email address of the company/division point of contact regarding decisions made with respect to the proposal and who can contractually obligate the company. Also include the names, titles, telephone numbers and email addresses of any additional individuals who are authorized to negotiate with the Government. This memorandum will not count towards the Executive Summary page limit.

3.4 Joint Venture/Teaming Arrangements

If a joint venture arrangement exists for this acquisition, Offerors shall provide a copy of the joint venture agreement that is signed and dated by all joint venture members as part of the proposal submission. If a teaming arrangement is proposed, the Offeror shall provide a memorandum covering high-level details of the arrangement. The copy of the joint venture agreement and/or teaming arrangement memorandum will not count towards the Executive Summary page limit.

3.5 Public/Private Partnerships

If a public/private partnership (PPP) is proposed by an Offeror, the evaluation team will consider all available information in evaluating the associated risk IAW the specifications set forth in Sections L and M. Information regarding the PPP will not count towards the Executive Summary page limit.

4. VOLUME II- TECHNICAL

4.1 General

The Technical volume should be specific and complete. Legibility, clarity, and coherence are very important. Responses will be evaluated against the Subfactors defined in Section M, Evaluation Factors for Award. Using the instructions provided below, provide as specifically as possible the actual methodology you will use for accomplishing/satisfying these Subfactors. All the requirements specified in the solicitation are mandatory. Do not merely reiterate the objectives or reformulate the requirements specified in the solicitation.

4.2 Format and Specific Content

4.2.1 Volume Organization

The Technical volume shall be organized according to the following general outline:

Table of Contents List of Tables and Drawings Glossary Subfactor 1: Management Capability Subfactor 2: Systems Engineering Attachments

4.3 Technical Excellence

In the Technical volume, address your technical solution for meeting the Government’s requirements of each Technical Excellence subfactor. The Offeror’s proposal submission shall represent that the Offeror will perform all the requirements specified in the solicitation. It is the Offeror’s responsibility to ensure the completeness of the proposal. The Government will not assume an Offeror possesses any capability that the Offeror fails to identify in its proposal. In the Technical volume, the Offeror shall - provide the actual methodology of the technical solution for meeting the Government’s performance or capability requirements of each Technical Excellence subfactor.

4.4 Technical Risk

The Offeror shall identify risks (if any) associated with those aspects of your proposed technical approach you consider to have the potential for disruption of schedule, degradation of performance, the need for increased Government oversight, or the likelihood of unsuccessful contract performance. Provide mitigation strategies for any self-identified risks the Offeror intends to implement to reduce/eliminate these risks.

4.5 Subfactor 1: Management Capability

The Offeror shall submit the following documents that address the solution for meeting the Government’s requirements to satisfy the Measures of Merit in Section M. The Offeror shall provide an overall Program level schedule and approach to planning and managing the entire C- 130H FPS effort. The Offeror shall anticipate Contract Award to be in January 2027 for purposes of the evaluation. The Offeror shall submit one C-130H FPS Integrated Master Schedule (IMS) in MS Project 2019 (or later) that is resource-loaded, and demonstrate how they will accomplish the items below.

4.5.1 Basis of Estimate

For the analysis of Technical Risk for Subfactor 1, Management Capability, the Offeror shall also provide the basis of estimate including task explanation with narrative and supporting rationale for all required resources by types and quantities of proposed labor hours and labor mix, required for successful IMS execution to meet contract requirements.

The Offeror shall provide proposed labor hours by skill category/level, a Contractor Work Breakdown Structure (CWBS) that is decomposed to, at a minimum, Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) Level 4. However, the CWBS may be extended to lower tier levels as necessary to support basis of estimate task description, resources, and total hours required.

The proposed CWBS shall provide the foundation for understanding of the level of effort being planned for each of the tasks proposed and the approach presented in the IMS. In addition, provide labor classification statements for each category of labor proposed.

4.5.2 Engineering & Manufacturing Development (EMD)

The EMD IMS shall identify the required tasks to accomplish the C-130H FPS total Development effort to satisfy the SRD and SOW requirements. The Offeror shall identify the sequence of events and durations required to accomplish system hardware/software design, integration & test, procurement, fabrication, assembly, installation & checkout, and certifications. The Offeror shall present resource loading to complete each identified task and justify the durations for the identified EMD tasks. The Offeror shall identify and show the linkage of major reviews, tasks and identify key constraints and key integration points. The Offeror shall identify the EMD critical path in accordance with the DoD Integrated Master Plan and Integrated Master Schedule Preparation and Use Guide. For any tasks that have already been started, the Offeror shall show percentage complete.

4.5.3 Production & Deployment (P&D)

The P&D IMS shall identify the required tasks and events to accomplish the C-130H FPS Production & Deployment effort. This plan shall address, at a minimum: procurement planning, kit purchase and development, material delivery, necessary installation planning and approach, kit installation span times, aircraft checkout, and delivery/acceptance test for each production lot. The production installation shall rely upon Contractor Field Teams (CFT) to perform kit installations at each operational unit (up to eight locations). The production schedule shall show all critical links, integration points and relationships to the EMD schedule. The Offeror shall provide justification and rationale for the durations/flow times of the major production and installation tasks. The Offeror shall identify the P&D critical path for each Lot in accordance with the DoD Integrated Master Plan and Integrated Master Schedule Preparation and Use Guide.

4.5.4 Manufacturing Readiness

The Offeror's proposal shall identify the key technology and manufacturing elements being assessed for manufacturing risk and their current Manufacturing Readiness Level (MRL). The MRL assessment shall be conducted using the criteria and processes identified in the most current version of the Manufacturing Readiness Level (MRL) Deskbook, which can be accessed at http://www.dodmrl.com.

4.5.4.1 Manufacturing Readiness for Preliminary Design Review (PDR)

The Offeror shall provide a comprehensive assessment of its current manufacturing readiness. This assessment must identify critical manufacturing processes, materials, and current MRL for each.

For any element not projected to meet MRL 6 by the Preliminary Design Review (PDR), the Offeror shall provide a risk mitigation plan and a schedule for achieving readiness.

4.5.4.2 Manufacturing Maturation for Production

The Offeror shall provide a forward-looking plan with the strategy and timeline to achieve MRL 8 by Milestone C. This plan should address all critical technology and manufacturing elements identified in the assessment, outlining the steps required to mature from the current MRL to a state of readiness for Low-Rate Initial Production (LRIP).

https://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dodmrl.com

4.6 Subfactor 2: Systems Engineering

The Offeror shall submit the following documents that address the solution for meeting the Government’s requirements to satisfy the Measures of Merit in Section M. This subfactor identifies the maturity and completeness of the Offeror’s plan to develop, design, integrate, test, manufacture, and achieve airworthiness certification of the Offeror’s proposed design solution, and identifies the maturity of their proposed manufacturing capability.

4.6.1 Technical Solution

The Offeror shall provide a System Description with details of the technical solution to satisfy the C-130H FPS SRD requirements including system performance, system architecture, physical system components, physical interfaces, and data flows. The Offeror shall identify new, modified, and reused components. The Offeror shall propose the system’s software partitioning approach.

The Offeror shall provide a Systems Integration Description that describes the technical solution’s interoperability with C-130J’s in mixed formations, interfaces with C-130H avionics, and end-to-end system performance. The Offeror shall describe the integration levels to efficiently mature the system interfaces.

4.6.2 System Maturity

The Offeror shall provide a System Maturity Description that describes:

• The status of the Offeror’s proposed system hardware and software design for replacement of the USAF C-130H FPS (also commonly referred to as Station Keeping Equipment (SKE)).

• An estimate of the total hardware and software development scope required to meet design and integration requirements for the proposed system architecture.

• A software estimate of percent new code, percent modified code, and percent completed code for the proposed solution.

• An assessment of the hardware environmental and Electromagnetic Environmental Effects

(E3) qualification status.

4.6.3 Test and Airworthiness

The Offeror shall provide a C-130H FPS Airworthiness Plan. The plan shall describe the Offeror’s airworthiness program, processes and procedures; USAF certification tasks, products, showing key airworthiness events and their relationship to program events. Discuss what aircraft program(s), if any, the proposed system is currently integrated on and what Commercial Navigation System/Air Traffic Management CNS/ATM and airworthiness certifications have been obtained. If non-DoD/non-USAF certifying authority, discuss the process similarity and data applicability to support attaining USAF certification.

The Offeror shall provide a C-130H FPS Test Strategy. The Offeror’s Test Strategy shall describe the Test & Evaluation (T&E) program, processes and procedures. The Test Strategy shall be integrated with the requirements generation process and the system engineering process, yielding requirements that are testable and achievable. The Test Strategy shall incorporate all of the test events, activities, tasks, and criteria to effectively support the requirements, acquisition, and sustainment strategies to include Interim Authority to Test (IATT), Air Worthiness Certification, Contractor T&E, Test Readiness Review (TRR), First Flight Readiness Review (FFRR), Integrated Testing, Cybersecurity Testing, and Operational T&E (OT&E) Certification. The Test Strategy shall identify the required events for the T&E program. The Test Strategy shall identify the sequence of events, durations, and resources to complete each identified test event.

5. VOLUME III- PAST PERFORMANCE

5.1 General

Each Offeror shall submit a Past Performance Volume containing relevant past performance information for no more than 3 contracts, which have had at least six months of performance within the last five years and are either active or have been completed within five years preceding the date of this solicitation.

5.2 Past Performance Information Tool

Past performance information shall be provided using the Past Performance Information Tool (PPIT) as described in Section L Attachment #, for each referenced contract. Offerors shall contact the PCO via DoD SAFE to receive access to the tool. In addition to the data provided in this volume, the Government may use the Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS) and/or similar systems of other Government departments and agencies, questionnaires tailored to the circumstances of this acquisition, Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA) channels, interviews with program managers and COs, and other sources known to the Government, including commercial sources.

The Business Relationships page generated by the PPIT is counted within the Introductory Information in the Past Performance Volume.

5.3 Past Performance Questionnaire

Offerors shall send a Past Performance Questionnaire (PPQ) (Section L, Attachment #) directly to the POCs for the efforts identified. All respondents shall be instructed that all responses are to be provided directly to the Government CO (Danielle Weeks, danielle.weeks@us.af.mil) and Contract Specialist (Aaron Christy, aaron.christy@us.af.mil) not later than 3:00 p.m.on [insert due date 30 days after RFP release] (local Dayton, OH, time). Offerors shall provide a listing of the individuals to whom the questionnaires were sent with contact information (name, phone, email, etc.). This is needed in case the Government has to follow-up with any POCs for questionnaires not received. This listing is excluded from the volume page count.

5.3.1 Client Authorization Letter

For each identified effort for a commercial customer, the Offeror shall also submit a Client Authorization Letter (Section L, Attachment #), authorizing release to the Government of requested information on the Offeror’s performance. This letter(s) is not included in the volume page count.

5.4 Small Business Compliance

Additionally, all Offerors must submit Past Performance information to demonstrate compliance with the requirements of RFO 52.219-8, Utilization of Small Business Concerns, and/or RFO 52.219-9, Small Business Subcontracting Plan, including the extent to which small business performance objectives/requirements were met for the contracts that required submission of a Small Business Participation Plan or other small business participation/utilization document.

Copies of contractual reports may be submitted to validate compliance with requirements of RFO 52.219-8. Explanation of efforts where minimum quantitative requirements and/or goals were not met should be provided. Supporting documentation shall be relevant to the requirements of this solicitation and shall be within the past five years.

5.5 Early Proposal Information

In order for the Government to be able to conduct its assessment more efficiently, Offerors are requested to submit their past performance information volume 30 days prior to the required submission date for the remainder of the proposal.

5.6 Relevant Contracts

The Government will assess all recent performance information obtained to determine how closely the products provided/services performed under those contracts relate to the Technical Excellence Subfactors.

Not all aspects of relevancy must be included within a single contract; aspects of relevant performance may be from separate contracts. The Offeror’s past performance information shall include information about predecessor companies, or significant subcontractors that will perform major or critical aspects of the requirement when such information is relevant to this acquisition.

For a description of the characteristics or aspects the Government will consider in determining recency and relevance, see Section M, para 2.1.3.3 Recency Assessment, and Section M.

5.7 Specific Content

Offerors are required to explain what aspects of the contracts are deemed relevant to the proposed effort and to what aspects of the proposed effort they relate. This may include a discussion of efforts accomplished by the Offeror to resolve problems encountered on prior contracts as well as past efforts to identify and manage program risk. Merely having problems does not automatically equate to a limited or no confidence rating, since the problems encountered may have been on a more complex program, or an Offeror may have subsequently demonstrated the ability to overcome the problems encountered. The Offeror is required to clearly demonstrate management actions employed in overcoming problems and the effects of those actions in terms of improvements achieved or problems rectified. This may allow the Offeror to be considered a higher confidence candidate. For example, submittal of quality performance indicators or other management indicators that clearly support that an Offeror has overcome past problems is required. Categorize the relevant information into the specific Technical Excellence Subfactors used to evaluate the proposal.

All Past Performance materials shall include the following legend at the top and bottom of each page:

“CUI//Source Selection Information – See RFO 2.101 and 3.104”

5.8 Subcontractor Consent

The Offeror shall submit, together with the information required in this paragraph, a consent letter (Section L, Attachment #), executed by each significant subcontractor/teaming partner, authorizing release of adverse past performance information to the Offeror so the Offeror can respond to such information. These letters will not be included in the page count limitation defined in Table 1.

Past performance information pertaining to a subcontractor cannot be disclosed to the prime Offeror without the subcontractor’s consent. Provide with the proposal a letter from all significant subcontractors performing aspects of the requirement, consenting to the release of their past performance information to the prime Offeror. A significant subcontractor is defined as a subcontractor/teaming partner that performs more than 20% of the work on contract.

5.9 Organizational Structure Change History

Many companies have acquired, been acquired by, or otherwise merged with other companies, and/or reorganized their divisions, business groups, subsidiary companies, etc. In many cases, these changes have taken place during the time of performance of relevant past efforts or between conclusion of recent past efforts and this source selection. As a result, it is sometimes difficult to determine what past performance is relevant to this acquisition. To facilitate this relevancy determination, include in this proposal volume a “roadmap” describing all such changes in the organization of your company. A pamphlet or other commercial document describing such reorganizations may suffice. As part of this explanation, show how these changes impact the relevance of any efforts you identify for past performance evaluation/performance confidence assessment. Since the Government intends to consider past performance information provided by other sources, as well as that provided by the Offeror(s), your “roadmap” should be both specifically applicable to the efforts you identify and general enough to apply to efforts on which the Government receives information from other sources. This description of the Organizational Structure Change History “roadmap” will not be included in the page count limitations defined in Table 1.

6. VOLUME IV- PRICE

6.1 General

The Price volume consists of data required to evaluate the completeness, reasonableness, unbalanced pricing and Total Evaluated Price (TEP) of the Offeror’s proposed Price. Offers should be sufficiently detailed to demonstrate their price balance and reasonableness.

Additionally, for completeness, Offerors must provide a completed Pricing Matrix to include unit prices for all listed items for all required performance periods, as well as comply with all other requirements of this section. The burden of proof for credibility of proposed prices rests with the Offerors. Compliance with these requirements is mandatory and failure to comply will result in rejection of a proposal.

The PCO has determined there is a high probability of adequate price competition in this acquisition. Upon examination of the initial offers, the PCO will review this determination and if, in the PCO’s opinion, adequate price competition exists no additional cost information will be requested and certification under RFO 15.403-3 will not be required. IAW RFO 15.403-1(b) and 15.403-3(a), information other than cost or pricing data may be required to support price reasonableness. Information shall be provided IAW RFO 15.403. If, after receipt of proposals, the PCO determines that there is insufficient information available to determine price reasonableness and none of the exceptions in RFO 15.403-2 apply, the Offeror shall be required to submit certified cost or pricing data.

6.2 Pricing Information

Data or information submitted in the Price Volume shall be information essential to document or support the price position. Information beyond that required by this instruction shall not be submitted, unless considered essential to the document or supports the price position. All supporting information relating to the proposed price, including all required supporting documentation, must be included in the section of the proposal designated as the Price volume.

No pricing data or information shall be included in any other volume, including cover letters, unless specifically requested by the Government in the respective volume. If price information is included elsewhere in the documentation, the proposal may be deemed unacceptable and the proposal may not be evaluated.

6.3 Rounding

All dollar amounts provided shall be rounded to the nearest dollar. All labor rates shall be rounded to the nearest penny.

6.4 Additional Information

The base period is 3 years with four, 1-year options following. Proposals shall be in “Then Year” (TY) United States currency dollars, not constant (Base Year) dollars. TY dollars are dollars that have been escalated throughout the period of performance of the contract.

6.5 Volume Organization

The Offeror’s Price volume shall consist of the following sections:

Table of Contents Pricing Matrix Narrative and Methodology Glossary

6.6 Pricing Matrix

Offerors shall provide a populated Pricing Matrix in accordance with the specific instructions included in the spreadsheet (RFP Attachment #). The completed spreadsheet shall be submitted as an electronic Microsoft Excel file. The CLIN structure and price matrices represent the required flexibility and scalability needed for this contract. Failure to provide all prices will render an initial proposal submission as incomplete. The completed pricing matrices will become part of the awarded contract in Section J.

6.7 Narrative and Methodology

The Offeror shall provide a concise and well-organized narrative of the basic pricing approach and methodology used to generate matrix prices. The Offeror’s narrative should provide sufficient detail and correlate to and/or supplement information elsewhere in the Price volume to add clarity but avoid repetition or conflict to demonstrate price credibility and to enable the evaluation for reasonableness, unbalanced pricing, and completeness. The proposal must be sufficiently detailed to address reasonableness, completeness, and unbalanced pricing with the understanding that the burden of proof for credibility of proposed prices rests with the Offeror.

7. VOLUME V- CONTRACT DOCUMENTATION

7.1 Exceptions to Solicitation Requirements

Offerors are required to meet all solicitation requirements, such as terms and conditions, representations and certifications, and technical requirements, in addition to those identified as evaluation factors or subfactors. Offerors must clearly identify any exception to the solicitation terms and conditions and must provide complete supporting rationale. The Government reserves the right to determine any such exceptions unacceptable and the proposal, therefore, ineligible for award.

7.2 Small Business

The Small Business Participation Document is a separate and distinct document from the Small Business Subcontracting Plan that addresses an intent to meet the objectives listed below.

However, objectives/goals specifically identified in proposals must be consistent across the Small Business Subcontracting Plan (if applicable) and the Small Business Participation Document. The Offeror shall submit the Small Business Participation Document under the Technical Volume of the proposal. Small business participation constitutes small business utilization contributions to contract performance at the 1st tier subcontract level. Failure to submit a subcontracting document acceptable to the PCO shall make the offer unawardable.

The Small Business Participation Document must include at least the following:

Name of subcontractors to be utilized and the products/services to be provided.

Describe type and complexity of products/services provided.

State the extent of utilization quantitatively by small business subcontractor by filling out

Section J Attachment # of the contract.

The Offeror’s intent to subcontract at least 8% of the total value of the Production CLINs to qualified small businesses in accordance with Special Contract Provision H001, Small Business Subcontracting Requirements dated January 2025.

7.3 Miscellaneous Information Required

7.3.1 Government Offices

Provide the mailing address, telephone and fax numbers, email addresses, and facility codes for the cognizant Contract Administration Office, DCMA, and Government Paying Office. Also, provide the name, telephone and fax numbers, and email address for the Administrative Contracting Officer (ACO).

7.3.2 Address, Identifying Codes, and Applicable Designations

Provide company/division's street address, county, and facility code; CAGE code; DUNS code;

TIN; size of business (large or small); and labor surplus area designation. This same information must be provided if the work for this contract is performed at any other location(s). List all locations where work is to be performed and indicate whether such facility is a division, affiliate, or subcontractor, and the percentage of work to be performed at each location.

8. OTHER INFORMATION

8.1 Reviews and Visits

The Source Selection Evaluation Board (SSEB) may provide directions to conduct site visits during the evaluation phase to gather information for judging the Offeror's potential for correcting deficiencies, quality of development or manufacturing practices/processes, or other areas useful in evaluating the offer. If conducted, the results will be assessed under the applicable factors/subfactors and will be used to validate and confirm the Offeror's written proposal.

8.2 Solicitation Applicable Documents

Applicable Documents to the program have been provided to the Offerors as a Bidder’s Library available by request via DoD SAFE (https://safe.apps.mil/).

The Offeror shall include a list and copy of any additional documents (Government, Commercial or otherwise) that would be applicable based on the specifics of their proposed approach.

ATTACHMENTS (Omitted from Draft RFP)

Attachment # – Solicitation Cross Reference Matrix (S-CRM) Attachment # - Model Contract

Attachment # – Past Performance Information Tool Instructions Attachment # - Past Performance Questionnaire Attachment # – Pricing Matrix Attachment # - Proposal Adequacy Checklist

ACRONYM LIST

ACO Administrative Contracting Officer CDRL Contract Data Requirements List CLIN Contract Line Item Number CNS/ATM Commercial Navigation System/Air Traffic Management CO Contracting Officer CRM Cross Reference Matrix CWBS Contractor Work Breakdown Structure DCMA Defense Contract Management Agency DFARS Defense…