ESBD_File_343777_Addendum 1_Q&A_802-24-40854.pdf

Texas Parks and Wildlife Department 4200 Smith School Road

Austin, Texas 78744

ADDENDUM

Addendum Number: 01 Date: 1/9/2024 Solicitation Number: 802-24-40854 Solicitation Title: Single Engine, Fixed Wing Airplanes Due Date/Deadline: January 18, 2024; 2:00 PM CT Purchaser: Nicole Ernzen

PURPOSE OF ADDENDUM: CLARIFICATIONS

Except as provided herein, all Terms and Conditions of the document referenced herein, remain unchanged and in full force and effect. The following are specifications to this solicitation. This Addendum may be attached to and form a part of the referenced solicitation document and any resulting awarded contract and may be considered in your response.

Questions and Answers See Attachment A for Questions and Answers related to 802-24-40854, Fixed Wing Airplanes for TPWD Law Enforcement.

Revisions to Contractor Requirements – Remove Bond Requirements

Section 15. Payment and Performance Bonds are removed in their entirety, including Attachment 1 Payment Bond and Attachment 2 Performance Bond.

Respondents are no longer required to submit these documents or obtain bonds for this project.

Respondents are to acknowledge receipt of the Addendum and return a signed copy with proposal submission.

I acknowledge receipt of the Addendum.

Respondent’s Authorized Signature Date

Company Name

Ques tion

Paragraph Page Section Title Vendor Question TPWD Response

1 5.1.9.1.A. 7 Warranty Is it TPWD's intent that the aircraft and airframe equipment warranty period begins at final delivery of the integrated aircraft, which will require an extended warranty provision and associated cost for approximately 6 months, to provide the warranty terms to meet the RFP requirement?

Correct, TPWD would like the warranty upon final delivery to TPWD to be the 24 calendar months and 1,000 flight hours. So if that involves adding an extended warranty provision, that would be satisfactory.

2 5.6.5 9 Cockpit/Cabin Is it acceptable to TPWD that all doors are lockable and OEM standard safety approach to non-externally keyed doors will be lockable from the inside, with doors that are externally keyed, keyed alike?

This is acceptable.

3 5.6 & 5.8 9 & 10 Cockpit/Cabin & Airframe Equipment

Does TPWD desire the cockpit and cabin to be NVIS compatible via installation of an NVIS STC or is only interested in specific components of the mission system being NVIS compatible?

Subsequently, does TPWD want offerors to price NVIS conversion separately or include in one of the existing price line items?

TPWD is interested in the complete cockpit and cabin being NVIS compatible via installation of an NVIS STC. TPWD would like this included in the existing price line items.

4 5.8.1.31. 11 Basic Aircraft Does TPWD have a preference on how the window black-out covers requirement is met based on the background information provided? Are Jet Shades acceptable?

TPWD would prefer the Jet Shades window covers, but in the Premium darkest shade available.

5 5.8.1.7. 10 Basic Aircraft Is it TPWD's intent that ALL aircraft cabin seats have a reclining function or only the two seats 360 degree swiveling observation/TFO seats specified in paragraph 5.6.9?

Only the two 360 swivel seats would need to recline.

6 5.8.2.8. 11 Standard Avionics Is the substitution of the Bendix King KRA 405 a suitable replacement for the GRA 5500 if installed by the aircraft manufacturer (OEM) from the factory at the time of green aircraft assembly.

If possible, TPWD would prefer Garmin GRA 5500, a device Garmin Avionics Support has confirmed is compatible with the G1000NXi, even if FAA field approval is necessary. If not the GRA 5500, the Garmin GRA 55 would be an acceptable substitute. TPWD believes Garmin integration is a priority as opposed to other manufacturers integration with Garmin. If an alternate make/model is being proposed, Respondent must document how it is equal to the example provided by TPWD.

7 5.8.3.1. 12 Airborne Law Enforcement Equipment

(1) Will TPWD consider the suitable equivalent to the Shotover M2 camera such as the FLIR 380HDc, which has a proven history of operation in the law enforcement market and has engineering available to support an elevator or retractable camera mount? (2) If not, will TPWD consider removal of the cargo pod requirement from 5.8.1.5. to accommodate a fixed, non-retractable camera mount for the Shotover M2 camera?

TPWD would consider the FLIR 380X (not 380HDc) or other equivalent camera. Please provide pricing options on both an equivalent camera as well as the Shotover M2 with fixed non-retractable mount.

8 5.8.4. 17 Service and Support to Airborne Mission Components

Will TPWD please provide clarity associated with the timeframe expected for the service and support specified in paragraph 5.8.4. so that offerors can price appropriately?

Please provide pricing for service and support of Airborne Mission Components for a Two-year period.

9 5.8.5.4. 18 Loose Equipment Please clarify, is this requirement for one GPU per aircraft or one total for both aircraft? This is one unit total, not per aircraft.

10 5.8.5.5. 18 Loose Equipment Please clarify, is this requirement for one aircraft tug per aircraft or one total for both aircraft? This is one unit total, not per aircraft.

11 5.8.5.6. 18 Loose Equipment Please clarify, is this requirement for one portable aircraft air conditioner per aircraft or one total for both aircraft?

This is one unit total, not per aircraft.

12 6.1.-6.2. 20 Training

Will TPWD consider managing this training requirement within 24 months from green aircraft delivery, which will allow training to be scheduled prior to green aircraft delivery and continue until 24 months after green aircraft delivery, which will remove the expense of having to add 12 months of training validity after the base 24 months expires in order to save on costs?

Ideally, for proficiency and being a new aircraft model for the department, we would prefer to have all five pilots attend the training within 6 months before to 6 months after final delivery to TPWD (not green delivery). Not knowing a completion timeline of different models of aircraft, it was easier to specify thirty six months. If it possible that the vendor could provide the quote for the 6 months before to 6 months after final delivery, this would be preferable to TPWD.

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS FOR 802-24-40854

13 5.3 and 5.4 8 Performance Specifications and Engine

Sections 5.3 and 5.4 seem to specify the “long model” of two different manufacturer’s airplanes. Will TPWD consider the slightly less powerful and slightly slower “short” version of any manufacturer’s airplane if all other bid requirements are met?

No, TPWD will not consider a less powerful and shorter model at this time.

14 5.8.1 (5) 10

Cargo Pod for the purposes of housing/extending/retracti ng Thermal Imager in 5.8.3.1

Section 5.8.1 (5) requires a cargo pod for housing/extending/retracting the Thermal Imager. Will TPWD consider an airplane WITHOUT cargo pod? There are currently ZERO FAA certified retractable mounts for the specified Shotover M2 EO/IR imager on any airplane that meets the bid specifications, and direct belly mounting or an aft side mount would provide more potential options to mount the imager. The certification of an imager retraction system could take 1-2 years with a minimum cost of well over $250,000. Section 5.1.2 requires that all installed equipment must have FAA approval

While TPWD would prefer the specified items even if lengthy timeframe, TPWD would consider an airplane model meeting all other specifications without the cargo pod. If exceptions to specifications are being proposed, Respondent must clearly identify which spec they are not able to meet and the proposed alternative, if applicable.

15 5.8.1 (7) 10 Reclining cabin seats

Section 5.8.1(7) requires reclining cabin seats, which is not common for this type of aircraft. Section 5.6.9 requires two (2) swiveling seats, which is common seating for law enforcement tactical flight officers. Will TPWD accept standard NON-RECLINING seats in the CABIN, with the exception of the two (2) swiveling seats?

Yes, TPWD would accept the two 360 degree swiveling and reclining specified cabin seats while the remaining cabin seats are non-reclining.

16 5.8.3 (1) 12 Thermal Imager

Section 5.8.3(1) requires a Shotover M2 EO/IR imager, which is relatively new to the airborne law enforcement industry and poses installation/certification challenges for this project. Will TPWD consider another imager as an option? If so, please specify the brand(s) and model(s) that are acceptable.

TPWD will consider alternate make/models that meet requirements and specifications. If exceptions to specifications are being proposed, Respondent must clearly identify which spec they are not able to meet and the proposed alternative, if applicable.

17 5.8.3 (8) 14 Internal Wi-Fi Section 5.8.3(8) requires an Internal Aircraft Wi-Fi___33 System that is STC’d to the aircraft. Will TPWD accept an FAA field approval?

Yes, TPWD would consider FAA field approval for the Internal Aircraft Wi-Fi.

18 5.8.4 17 Service and Support to Airborne Mission Components

Section 5.8.4 requires Service and Support to Airborne Mission Components. One (1) year is normally included with the purchase. How many TOTAL YEARS of service and support are required by TPWD?

TWO TOTAL years of service and support of Airborne Mission Components would suffice for TPWD.

19 General N/A Can bidders propose more than one model of airplane? Can bidders propose more than one manufacturer of airplane?

Yes, bidders can propose and are encouraged to propose more than one manufacturer and model of airplane if airplane model specifications are met.

20 General N/A In order to provide a proposal for this opportunity, is the bidder required to be a vendor registered on the Texas CMBL?

Any vendors can bid on a state solicitation. Vendors are not required to be registered on the State of Texas Centralized Master Bidders List (CMBL)

21 5.1.8 7 Subcontractors Please define what is meant by Subcontractors vs Vendors.

The vendor is the original bidder of the quote provided in response the RFP, while a subcontractor is a company or person, not on the vendor's payroll, used by the vendor to provide services directly to the vendor.

22 5.1.7.13 7 Contractor Requirements and Standards

Weight and balance: Normally the pilot ensures that weight and balance is within limits prior to every flight. Our proposed aircraft allows this through the aircraft avionics. Will the functional capability inherent in the aircraft avionics for calculating weight and balance be acceptable?

This section addresses removal of additional (law enforcement) equipment displacing Center of Gravity outside of certified limits, not necessarily how the weight and balance is calculated. It is TPWD's intent that additional equipment is added and placed in a proper location on the aircraft that would not significantly affect the safety and legality of each flight if that equipment is removed for different flight profiles.

23 5.1.9.2 7 Warranty Factory Authorized Service Centers: Does this requirement apply to only the aircraft? Or for both the aircraft and mission equipment?

This applies to any warranty repairs on any items whether airframe, avionics, or law enforcement equipment. If no factory authorized service centers exist in Texas, that may be noted.

24 5.1.9.3 7 Warranty Reference paragraph 5.1.9.3.: AOG warranty: Does this paragraph apply to only aircraft being grounded for a warranty repair? Or does this also apply to the non-flight-critical mission equipment?

This applies to the aircraft and any flight mission critical components, which could include law enforcement or other necessary equipment for TPWD flights.

25 5.8.2.8 11 Standard Avionics Reference paragraph 5.8.2.8.: Is there a reason the Garmin GRA 5500 was specified? The KRA 450 radar altimeter is TC’d on our proposed airframe and integrated with the G1000 NXi cockpit avionics and covered by the same warranty.

In order to standardize manufacturers, if possible, TPWD would prefer to substitute the Garmin GRA 5500 for the Garmin GRA 55, which should be a non-pressurized, lower altitude unit that integrates with the G1000 series as well. TPWD believes Garmin integration is a priority as opposed to other manufacturers integration with Garmin. TPWD will consider alternate make/models that meet requirements and specifications. If exceptions to specifications are being proposed, Respondent must clearly identify which spec they are not able to meet and the proposed alternative, if applicable.

26 5.8.20 N/A General Does this include a requirement for oxygen masks? Do you want oxygen ports in the mission/passenger compartments?

Yes, this would include an entire oxygen system with masks for each pilot and passenger on board.

27 5.8.3.4D 13 Digital Recorder "

This was error in the original draft. It should state, "D. The recorders shall be wired to allow playback while in flight of images recorded on the recorder and viewed on either/both the 21” or 7” HD Monitor.

28 5.8.3.8 14 Internal Wi-Fi “Internal Wi-Fi: Internal aircraft Wi-Fi system (STC to aircraft)” Please clarify why this is called out as an STC.

If an internal aircraft Wi-Fi system is currently not available with an STC, TPWD would accept a Wi-Fi system with FAA field approval.

TPWD will consider alternate make/models that meet requirements and specifications. If exceptions to specifications are being proposed, Respondent must clearly identify which spec they are not able to meet and the proposed alternative, if applicable.

29 5.8.3.16 15 Audio Control Panel Is the expectation that all aircraft audio (COM/NAV/Alerts/PA/etc.) be routed to/through the AEM/AMU or that the AMU only be wired/utilized to access TAC radio transceivers?

All aircraft audio including TAC radio transceivers should be routed through the Geneva G13115

30 5.8.4 17 Service and Support to Airborne Mission Components

Does this apply to items/equipment within the required warranty period(s)?

Yes, it does. This a two year service period from final delivery.

TPWD would like the vendor to handle warranty repairs and replacements and loaner systems during this time.

31 7 19 Inspection and Acceptance/Travel

Reference paragraph 7.: The last sentence conflicts with a previous statement where TPWD pays for only the first/original inspection. Can you please clarify?

This statement implies that while TPWD will cover travel and per diem expenses for the initial conference meeting (if required) and final delivery inspection. Any additional inspections or meetings needed in person for TPWD staff will be covered by the Respondent.

32 8.1 21 Completion Penalties

Reference paragraph 8.1.: This paragraph refers to “… the delivery deadline listed within this document…” We do not see a delivery deadline. Also, we note that there is a $500 per day penalty for late delivery. Is there a date by which the TPWD must have the aircraft by? Should the late delivery penalty be based on that date, rather than an arbitrary date proposed by the bidders?

Respondents shall provide delivery terms with their Proposal. The final delivery terms will be confirmed within the awarded contract.

That will set the date that penalty will be applied, if applicable.

33 11.1 22 Performance Measures This paragraph refers to TPWD policies, procedures, standards and guidelines relevant to the execution of this contract. Can you provide these documents for our review?

Contractor requirements are stated in the solicitation document and will be included in the awarded contract documents.

34 15 23 Payment and Performance Bonds

The payment bond and performance bond required for this contract are not normal requirements for contracts in the US. The current elevated market interest rates will mean that the State of Texas will pay a high cost to secure payment/performance bonds from the bidders for this contract. May we suggest that a thorough background check, SAM registration, a US Government and State Government past performance review be used in lieu of bonds to verify that the successful bidder will complete the contract as proposed?

After further consideration, TPWD has determined that performance and payment bond requirements will be removed from this solicitation.

Strike Section 15 in its entirety and Attachment 1 Payment Bond, and Attachment 2 Performance Bond is no longer required.

35 15 23 Payment and Performance Bonds

When do these bonds get retired? What if one aircraft is accepted but not the other?

Can you please clarify?

After further consideration, TPWD has determined that performance and payment bond requirements will be removed from this solicitation.

Strike Section 15 in its entirety and Attachment 1 Payment Bond, and Attachment 2 Performance Bond is no longer required.

36 5.8.3.24 17 Auxiliary Bluetooth Audio Panels what is meant by Bluetooth Audio Panels? Can paragraph 24A be met with headsets that can pair with Bluetooth devices?

Yes, TPWD agrees that this can be met with the 5.8.5 Noise Cancelling Headsets, being Bluetooth capable.

37 5.1.7.10 6 Contractor Requirements and Standards

Are we to assume an antenna is to be installed for each of the 6 listed radio modules and the APX 8000 radio? i.e., 7 antennas for this paragraph alone.

Correct, TPWD missions require independent radio channels monitored and transmitted on simultaneously, which would require each of the VHF and 7-800Mhz modules having their own antennas.

38 5.1.2 5 Certification

The second sentence states that all installed equipment and accessories must have FAA approval. However, much of the equipment called out in the Airborne Law Enforcement Equipment section is not FAA-approved. Could you please clarify? Note that it is also anticipated that other equipment will be necessary to complete the mission system integration that is not available with FAA certification.

As TPWD Aviation is a Public Aircraft/Use Operation, if FAA STC approval is not available or easily attained, FAA field approval or other means that comply with safe flight is acceptable.

39 5.8.2 11 Standard Avionics Video Enablement – What type of video is to be displayed (if any) from the mission system on the MFD?

TPWD would need the MFD to include a video input from the TFO monitor station and any other camera systems, if installed. TPWD will consider alternate make/models that meet requirements and specifications. If exceptions to specifications are being proposed, Respondent must clearly identify which spec they are not able to meet and the proposed alternative, if applicable.

40 5.6.5 9 Cockpit/Cabin

It is an industry standard for aircraft Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) to leave one entry door without an exterior keyed lock. This is primarily to ensure egress is possible and prevent personnel from being trapped in the aircraft, especially in the case of a single pilot aircraft. However, the non-externally keyed doors can be locked internally and the doors that are externally keyed prevent unauthorized access to the cabin and flight deck. Additionally, all exterior keyed locks for cockpit, cabin AND cargo pod operate with a common key and several keys will be provided with the aircraft. Will this approach to the aircraft lock system meet the intent of the requirement in 5.6.5?

Yes, this approach to the lock system is acceptable.

5.8.1.31

11 Basic Aircraft

Cessna is able to provide window protection plugs that mostly black out the windows, prevent glare on the mission screens and prevent visual observation of the interior from those passing by on the ramp. JetShades provides reflective and tint material that provides similar level of glare reduction and low observable interior but allows the cabin crew to still see out of the aircraft. Is there a preference for how the window darkening should be undertaken?

TPWD would prefer the Jet Shades window covers but in the Premium darkest shade available.

42 5.8.1.7 10 Basic Aircraft

Standard/Utility aircraft seats are comfortable, light weight and easy to remove or reconfigure in the cabin. Accordingly, these seats are not available with a recline option. The seats could be replaced with heavier, larger seats that have a reclining function, but the utility of the light weight and easy to remove seat would be affected. Is it a requirement that all seats have reclining function or just the seats that are intended to also meet the requirements of 5.6.9?

No, the non-swiveling cabin seats may be the light weight, non-reclining type.

43 5.8.2.8 11 Basic Aircraft

At the date of our response, Garmin has not provided an integration path for the GRA 5500 Radar Altimeter to operate with the G1000NXi avionics suite. The factory option for Radar Altimeter functionality is a fully integrated (transparent to the crew; no limitations on functionality) Bendix King KRA 405 Radar Altimeter, installed on the production line. Is this an acceptable substitute for the requirement under 5.8.2.8?

If possible, TPWD would prefer Garmin GRA 5500, a device Garmin Avionics Support has confirmed is compatible with the G1000NXi, even if FAA field approval is necessary. If not the GRA 5500, the Garmin GRA 55 would be an acceptable substitute. TPWD believes Garmin integration is a priority as opposed to other manufacturers integration with Garmin. TPWD will consider alternate make/models that meet requirements and specifications. If exceptions to specifications are being proposed, Respondent must clearly identify which spec they are not able to meet and the proposed alternative, if applicable.

44 6.1 20 Pilot Training

Previous Texas State bids have required 36 months validity for the proposed training, while typically the end users have used the training within 6 months of receiving the aircraft. The training comes standard with 24 months of validity, as well as the ability to receive the training prior to the delivery of the aircraft, effectively providing 24 months “+” of available time to schedule pilots for these courses. Adding an extra 12 months is roughly as expensive as purchasing an additional training slot and has shown to be of little use to previous departments that have had this option included. Would TPWD be agreeable working with the prime bidder and the aircraft OEM to manage the training inside of a 24 month+ window at no additional cost?

Ideally, for proficiency and being a new aircraft model for the department, we would prefer to have all five pilots attend the training within 6 months before to 6 months after final delivery to TPWD (not green delivery). Not knowing a completion timeline of different models of aircraft, it was easier to specify thirty six months. If it possible that the vendor could provide the quote for the 6 months before to 6 months after final delivery, this would be preferable to TPWD. So, to answer, TPWD would even accept a 12-month window of the 6 months before to 6 months after final receipt of both airplanes.