Questions_from_PARCS_Site_Visit_FINAL.docx
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- Perimeter Acquisition Radar Attack Characterization Systems (PARCS) Federal contract opportunity
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- FA2517-15-R-8000
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PARCS Site Visit Q&A Page 13 of 13
PARCS Site Visit Q&A
PAR Building
| 1. | Q: Does the technical library contain classified information? | |
| A: Yes, the classified information will be available by appointment at Peterson | ||
| AFB. E-mail john.corbett.4@us.af.mil for an appointment. |
| 2. | Q: Does the data collected from the radar go to NASIC? |
| A: Yes |
| 3. | Q: Is there lead-based paint or asbestos removal ongoing or planned? |
| A: Nothing planned; abated as needed or as encountered (mainly on the |
exterior of the building).
| 4. | Q: Is the evaluator in the simulator on the contract? |
| A: No, that is filled by the military. |
| 5. | Q: How often are the traveling wave tubes (TWT) rotated? |
| A: There are 128 TWTs, and they are rotated out when they lose power |
according to wattage thresholds established on a computerized chart.
| 6. | Q: Are the TWTs on the Forward Supply Point (FSP)? |
| A: Yes. Mr. Fors showed the group an actual element that would go on the |
face of the PAR building. There are 6,144 of these elements on the face of the PAR building, and they go through seven feet of concrete to the interior of the PAR building.
| 7. | Q: Have any of the helix been replaced? |
| A: Yes, Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) manages the procurement through Ogden. |
| 8. | Q: Do you have issues with lightning strikes on the face of the PAR? |
| A: Yes, but there is a lightning detection system on the roof. The last major lightning strike took out 130 phase shifters. |
| 9. | Q: What are the onsite maintenance requirements? |
| A: Mission maintenance requirements are addressed in Chapter 4 of the Performance Work Statement (PWS). Civil Engineering (CE) requirements are addressed in Chapter 7 of the PWS. |
| 10. | Q: How many TWTs are there per transmitter? |
| A: There are eight per transmitter. |
The group stepped into the Missile Warning Operations Center (MWOC) and were briefed by two Air Force personnel on their mission. The contractor (for the new contract) will have the responsibility for the facilities and computer maintenance as spelled out in the PWS.
| 11. | Q: Do you create L-Sets? |
| A: No, L-Sets come from the Joint Space Operations Center (JSpOC). |
Mr. Fors showed the group the proposed location of the Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility (SCIF).
| 12. | Q: Is there a current SCIF? |
| A: No. |
| 13. | Q: Is the SCIF a new requirement from the 14 AF? |
| A: Yes. Ken Friesz noted the DD Form 254 and the RFP will spell out the Top Secret (TS) requirements. He also noted Harris is the sustainment contractor (Depot Level) on the current SENSOR contract, and the new contract (SMORS) is expected to be in place October 2018. |
The Missile Warning Operations Center Support Technician (MST) gave a data processing mission brief. The primary function is to monitor systems so they they’re working properly.
| 14. | Q: Are the 9” reel tape drives still being used? |
| A: Yes, they are used to back-up the mission system. |
| 15. | Q: Is there a plan to upgrade and replace the reel tape? |
| A: Yes. However, we still need them until the new Maintenance and Diagnostic System (M & DS) processor is upgraded. Anticipate knowing the upgrade plan after Aug. 2016. |
| 16. | Q: (Signal Processor Room) There is no duplicate signal processor. Does it break? |
| A: Yes, but not very often. We are researching to see if there is any better data |
on the maintenance history. It is part of PWS ch.4, Mission System Maintenance.
Mr. Fors noted the Test, Measurement, and Diagnostic Equipment (TMDE) is gathered and delivered through the Transportation Management Office (TMO) at Grand Forks to the Precision Measurement Equipment Laboratory (PMEL) at Minot AFB. The equipment must be packaged and shipped in the correct boxes; those boxes are saved for reuse. The PWS states, “The Contractor shall manage, schedule, transport, or ship at the Government’s determination.” The current contractor is making this delivery weekly.
| 17. | Q: Does every floor have a switchgear room? |
| A: Yes. |
| 18. | Q: What is the voltage coming into the PAR Building? |
| A: 13,800 volts. |
On the Fifth Floor, Mr. Fors noted each exterior exit (throughout the building) has a camera trained on it.
19. Q: What is the average life of the TWTs?
A: The government used to change out 48 per year, but now it’s down to about 10 per year. We are researching the average life of the TWTs and will post when we find a more accurate answer.
20. Q: Do the TWTs radiate when tested?
A: Yes, they emit an RF signal when tested. In order to properly validate the TWTs, both transmit and receive functions must be verified.
21. Q: Will the contractor be responsible for buying new TWTs?
A: No, they are purchased by the Government through Enterprise Solution – Supply (ESS).
| 22. | Q: Logistics and Supply, is this part of the contract? |
| A: Yes. ESS is automated. The site manually tracks their bench stock, and there are thousands of supply cards that document the supply history. |
| 23. | Q: Why hasn’t it been automated? |
| A: Cost and time. |
| 24. | Q: Is the Military Strategic, Tactical, and Relay (MILSTAR) and the shelter part of the contract? |
| A: Yes, the Organizational maintenance of MILSTAR is part of the contract. |
Mr. Fors noted there is a telephone control room on each floor.
25. Q: How is the safety program managed?
A: The contractor is responsible for its safety program. There is a government unit safety representative, and the base safety program is run out of Grand Forks Air Force Base (GFAFB).
| 26. | Q: Are there any rodent issues? |
| A: Not at this time. Paragraph 10.22, 10.22.1, and report R10.13 identify the requirements for pest management. |
27. Q: Do all three chillers run at the same time?
A: Two run at a time, and the third is a back-up.
In the Power Control Room, Mr. Fors noted the site is on rural water. It used to be on well water.
| 28. | Q: Are the generators the primary source of electricity? |
| A: No, the site is run on full commercial electricity from NoDak Electric. |
| 29. | Q: Is the battery back-up for generator back up? |
| A: No, it is for mission support only. |
30. Q: How many generators are there?
A: There are five Cooper Bessemer, 16-cylinder generators in the power plant. Three are needed to power the system. They are fired by diesel, and then run by natural gas.
| 31. | Q: Are all five generators ready for stand-by? |
| A: Yes, unless one is broken. When a generator is broken, the PARCS contractor repairs it under PWS para 7.6.1.1. |
| 32. | Q: Are the generators brought up periodically to test? |
| A: Yes, as dictated by periodic maintenance. |
| 33. | Q: How is sewage handled? |
| A: It comes in the back side, is treated, and then goes out to the ponds. See | |
| PWS paragraph 7.5.4. |
| 34. | Q: Is the 100,000 gallon reservoir tank in the power plant commercial water? |
| A: It is rural water provided by Northern Water Associates. |
| 35. | Q: Are the lagoons used to treat water? |
| A: No, lagoons are only used for evaporation of, not treatment of the water. |
| 36. | Q: Is the Government putting out minimum manning standards for 24/7 for the power plant and MST? |
| A: No. |
Community Building:
Mr. Fors noted the contractor will have the responsibility for basic, general facilities maintenance for this building as per the PWS.
| 37. | Q: Will the shoppette remain open? |
| A: Unknown at this time; it is difficult to find and retain someone to staff the shoppette. The current plan is for the shoppette to open once someone is found to staff it. |
Building 700 – Hazardous Waste:
| 38. | Q: Is there an automated weather station? |
| A: There is a weather station on top of the fire station building; it is not automated. It does not report back to Air Force weather. It is read by the fire department on call person. |
Comment: The contractor is responsible for snow removal on base roads, sidewalks, and other areas in accordance with (IAW) the PWS. PWS paragraph 7.13.14 identifies “the contractor shall implement snow removal and ice control to ensure mission capability and prevent the potential for hazardous snow or ice accumulation. Keep roads in a passable condition in all weather conditions.”
| 39. | Q: Is garbage pick up a part of this contract? |
| A: No; that is part of another contract currently held by Country Wide. |
| 40. | Q: Is the contractor allowed to store on base? |
| A: Yes. There are storage areas for the contractor to use such as building 731. |
| 41. | Q: Does the base have direct removal of hazardous waste? |
| A: The hazardous waste requirement is addressed in PWS paragraphs 10.8, 10.8.1, 10.8.2, and 10.8.3; it is picked up by Minot and brought back to Minot. The contractor is responsible for collecting it. There is a vendor who comes onto CAFS to pick up the used oil. |
| 42. | Q: Is there munitions storage on base? |
| A: No. |
Building 702 – Fire Station:
Mr. Fors pointed out the generator is a stand-alone for the fire station only. It is operationally tested each month.
| 43. | Q: Are all Fire Station personnel and equipment on the separate fire station contract? |
| A: The Fire Station personnel and equipment are on the separate fire station contract. The PARCS contractor will be responsible for general building maintenance per the PWS. The television support is on the fire station contract. |
| 44. | Q: Are you going to identify the above ground and underground tanks? |
| A: Those are identified in the Bidders’ Library. There are two storage tanks; they are quasi-underground. |
It was noted the PARCS contractor will be responsible for maintaining the helicopter landing pad as it is considered real property IAW the PWS to include keeping it free of debris and keeping it painted.
| 45. | Q: Does the PARCS contractor maintain the perimeter fence? |
| A: Yes. |
Building 705 – REOB
This is a cold storage building containing “junk” from Services. Inventory of the “junk” is done by the party storing the “junk”, not the PARCS contractor. The PARCS contractor will be responsible for standard building/facilities maintenance IAW the PWS. Mr. Fors noted the patching and painting spots on the interior wall; those types of repairs will be done via individual job orders (IJO) as long as it is in the scope of the contract.
| 46. | Q: Is the PARCS contractor responsible for mosquito control? |
| A: Yes, IAW the PWS. The current contractor uses mosquito magnets. |
| 47. | Q: Does the PARCS contractor need to salt and sand after snow removal? |
| A: | The government does not dictate the use of salt/sand. It is up to the contractor to determine the method used to achieve snow and ice control. |
Building 706 – Mail Room
This building (as well as the front gate shelter) has a septic tank. This facility is used for Government mail handling; mail is opened and X-rayed.
| 48. | Q: Who services the septic tank? |
| A: It is not a requirement of the PARCS contract and has not been serviced in 23 years. If service is required, the government will determine at that time how it will be serviced. |
Law Enforcement Building
| 49. | Q: Is this building part of the PARCS contract? |
| A: Yes, IAW with the PWS, to include standard building/facilities maintenance. |
Unaccompanied Housing
The group was able to look inside Room 106 to get an idea of the building. The PARCS contractor will be responsible for standard building/facilities maintenance IAW the PWS.
Building 720
This building houses the non-armory safe. The PARCS contractor will be responsible for standard building/facilities maintenance IAW the PWS.
The communications demarcation is in the basement of this building (aka “Zeller’s Cellar).
| 50. | Q: In regard to the locksmith portion of the PWS, does that include the armory safe? |
| A: Yes. PWS Paragraph 7.14 states, “The Contractor shall change classified container and vault combinations, open and repair locked doors, make keys, and maintain the Contractor-developed key control system IAW DoD 5200.01-M, Volume 3, Enclosure 3, Paragraphs 6(e) and 11. Provide 24-hour emergency ingress service for all lock systems and vaults.” |
| 51. | Q: Does the PARCS contractor maintain the street lights? |
| A: Yes, the PARCS contractor maintains the base street lights excluding the Street lighting in Military Family Housing (MFH) Leased Premises; which is maintained by the MFH contractor. The MFH contractor will be responsible for maintaining all street lighting and associated underground control circuits in the MFH leased area. |
| 52. | Q: Who is responsible for the washer and dryer maintenance? |
| A: The current contractor is keeping track of all warranties IAW PWS para. 7.10. If a machine is past the warranty period, the Government expects the PARCS contractor to make an assessment if the machine can be repaired. |
| 53. | Q: How is fire suppression provided? |
| A: There are heat sensors in the ceiling which open up the water sprinklers in most rooms. |
54. Q: At the south end of the dental clinic is a sprinkler system. Are irrigations systems maintained?
A: Yes. As stated in 7.13.7 of the PWS, “Maintain grounds within Service Area to ensure all areas produce healthy, pest free grass, trees, shrubs and plants. Perform mowing, weed control, watering, fertilization, edging and sprinkler maintenance and repair IAW the 10 SWS Conservation Plan, Chapter 2.”
| 55. | Q: | Are the alarms/sensors base-wide maintained by the PARCS contractor? |
| A: | Yes. PWS Paragraph 8.3.1.1 states, “Maintain and repair automated gate, cypher locks, lighting, entry control points, video surveillance system, proximity locks, intrusion detection system, and all locks. The Contractor shall provide all parts, equipment, material, and labor.” |
Security Forces Dormitory
The PARCS contract includes cable TV for the day room and Internet service in the hallway. The PARCS contractor will be responsible for standard building/facilities maintenance IAW the PWS.
| 56. | Q: Are the bollards part of the PWS? |
| A: The bollards are considered real property and are part of the PWS. |
The Yard
This area is where the snow removal equipment is kept. The Government will provide a list of the inventory. There is one gas and one diesel tank in this area.
The Maintenance & Hobby Shop
The new PARCS contract requirements will not include a full-time mechanic. The PARCS contractor will be responsible for standard building/facilities maintenance IAW the PWS. Mr. Fors noted the Contractor is able to use these facilities “at the discretion of the Government.”
| 57. | Q: Are the tools in the maintenance shop included? | |
| A: The garage is not part of the PARCS contract. The garage and tools may be | used at the government’s discretion. |
Building 731 – Storage Shed
This is a cold storage area for the Government and Contractor equipment. The PARCS contractor will be responsible for standard building/facilities maintenance IAW the PWS.
Building 801 – Sallyport
Currently this building is not being used. The Government may look to repurpose this building for Security Forces and Fire Department dispatch (alternate Crisis Response Element). In either case, this building is considered real property and must be maintained IAW PWS Ch. 7. There may be up to three drops for TV hook-up eventually (PWS para 5.10).
Smokehouse and Substation
The PARCS contractor will be responsible for standard building/facilities maintenance IAW the PWS.
Building 805 – Fuel Oil Building
| 58. | Q: Is that an automated weather station on top of the building? Who owns it? Who uses the data? Who maintains it? | |
| A: | The weather station is not used currently. It may be used in conjunction with the new cooling towers and the CTC project; however, it should not be included for consideration in this solicitation. |
HEMP Building
The PARCS contractor will be responsible for standard building/facilities maintenance IAW the PWS. This is the demarcation point for all electric going into the PAR building.
Building 841 – Diesel Oil Building
This is a confined space. There are other confined spaces throughout the AFS. The PARCS contractor will be responsible for standard building/facilities maintenance IAW the PWS. Mr. Fors identified several confined space areas. Paragraph 9.1 of the PWS identifies, “the contractor shall comply with federal, state, and local Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations/standards.”
Building 740 – Substation
The voltage is 13,800 volts.
| 59. | Q: Is the PARCS contractor responsible for repairs to the substation? |
| A: The PARCS contractor will be responsible for operation, maintenance, and repair of the substation. The substation is listed on the 7115 as RPIE as Cat. Code 813231, Facility #740. See page 493 of RP Cat Codes for description of the substation infrastructure. |
Building 735 – Pump House (Water)
Approximately 100,000 gallons a day are pumped through here. It is an electrical pump with a natural gas back-up. The PARCS contractor will be responsible for standard building/facilities maintenance IAW the PWS.
Building 715 – Gymnasium
| 60. | Q: Does the PARCS contractor maintain the gym equipment? |
| A: Yes, per 7.1 of the PWS, “The Contractor shall inspect, test, operate, maintain, and repair real property (RP), real property installed equipment (RPIE), and appliances and fitness equipment to support the Service Area IAW manufacturer’s recommendations, applicable industry codes, and federal, state, and local regulations as well as requirements below. In the absence of mandatory regulations/standards, the Contractor shall conform to best-industry practices.” |
Building 734 – Golf Shed and Building 733 – Driving Range
| 61. | Q: Does the PARCS contractor pick-up the golf balls from the driving range? |
| A: No, it is currently done by Security Forces. |
Description of Electric Service:
To the extent the Government is reasonably able, the Government shall supply single phase, 3 wire, and 60 HZ alternating current at 240/120 volts. The Government will retain ownership of all electrical distribution systems within the MFH Leased Premises. The PARCS contractor is not responsible for electrical supply after the point of demarcation identified in PWS appendix F. All new distribution systems constructed within the MFH Leased Premises by the MFH contractor will be conveyed to the Government upon activation and acceptance.
NOTES:
Point of Demarcation (PoD) for each individual facility within the MFH Leased Premises will be the service side connection of external utility meters or, prior to the installation of meters, the service side of installed meter socket enclosure.
The PoD for street lighting will be the secondary transformer connection for all lighting control circuits. Transformers will remain the property of the Government and the PARCS contractor will not be responsible for transformer maintenance.
Potable Water Service Point of Delivery/Demarcation: Water is supplied through a 6” water main installed in 1973. The PoD for each individual facility will be all water laterals downstream of the shutoff valve or upstream side of the meter. If no meter, backflow device or shutoff valve exists within 25 feet of the structure, PoD will be where the lateral service line connects to the distribution line.
Natural Gas Point of Delivery/Demarcation: The PoD for each facility will be the upstream side of the meter. If no meter exists, the PoD will be the downstream side of the closest pressure regulator or valve to the structure. The Government will retain ownership and maintenance of the valve.
Waste Water/Sanitary Sewage Points of Delivery/Demarcation: The PoD for all sanitary sewer systems will be the connection of individual service lateral at the point where it connects to the main distribution system. The MFH contractor will be responsible for all maintenance and repair of laterals and the Government will retain ownership and maintenance of all mains.
Description of Electric Service: To the extent the Government is reasonably able, the Government shall supply single-phase, 3-wire, and 60 HZ alternating current at 240/120 volts. The Government will retain ownership and maintenance of all electrical distribution systems within the MFH Leased Premises. All new distribution systems constructed within the MFH Leased Premises by the MFH Contractor will be conveyed to the Government for ownership and maintenance upon activation and acceptance.
Follow-on Questions from Contractors
| 62. | Q: Cooling Towers, Reference PWS 7.4.1: During the site visit it was indicated that the 2 new cooling towers are used to support the PARCS Building, however there were 4 cooling towers visible (2 new ones and 2 old ones). The Government stated one of the older cooling towers would be deactivated and the other old cooling tower would be used as a backup to cool stored water if required. Will the Government please clarify if bidders should consider maintaining 2 or 3 cooling towers within their FFP bids? |
| A: All four cooling towers are to be maintained/repaired IAW the PWS. |
| 63. | Q: Minimum Manning Standard, Reference PWS 1.1: During site visit, the mission briefing showed 1 MST and 2 Power Plant Controllers as the required 24/7 staffing. Later the Government stated that there is no minimum manning standards. Will the Government please clarify if there will or will not be a Government minimum manning standard that offerors are required to bid to? |
| A: Manning is determined by the contractor as long as the contractor can accomplish all requirements in the PWS. |
| 64. | Q: Pest Control, Reference PWS 7.13.8: During the site visit, pest control seems very minimal - no evidence of traps, bait stations, or discussion of mitigating the gopher population. During the site visit it was stated there was little pest problem in the PARCS building and there was no evidence of other mitigation efforts at other locations during the site visit. Can the Government clarify if traps, bait stations, and preventive monthly pest control is, or is not, a requirement in the FFP bid? |
| A: Pest Control responsibilities are contained in PWS CE Chapter, 7.13.8. Pest control is a requirement of the FFP bid. Weed pest control is on-going, and the contractor sprays for weeds. Mosquito magnets are currently utilized by the contractor for adult mosquitoes, and the contractor coordinates with Grand Forks Air Force Base (GFAFB) for mosquito larva and would coordinate with GFAFB for mosquito fogging if needed. Specific to rodents, the contractor has used live traps but found them to be ineffective. Contractor pesticide applicator has recently acquired additional training for rodent control and has recently utilized DITRAC rodenticide. If this is effective, the current contractor will continue its use; if not effective the current contractor is looking at Giant Destroyer as another potential method to combat ground squirrels around the wastewater ponds and buildings/structures. There is no set method required for Pest Control. The contractor would be required to determine its own methods to be used to ensure PWS requirements are met. |
| 65. | Q: | Irrigation System, Reference PWS 7.13.7: Will the Government clarify if maintenance of irrigation system is a requirement within the FFP bid, and if so, identify the requirement within the PWS? |
| A: | New language has been added in “Grounds Maintenance”. PWS 7.13.7, that includes sprinkler systems as part of the FFP requirements. |
| 66. | Q: | Sand/Salt Application, Reference PWS 7.13.4: Will the Government clarify if removal and snow does or does not include salt/sand application within the FFP bid? |
| A: | See question #47. |
| 67. | Q: | PMEL Shipments (TMDE), Reference PWS 4.3: Will the Government clarify if offerors are required to physically truck the PMEL equipment to Minot PMEL on a weekly basis? If so, please clarify if this is within the FFP bid. |
| A: | Yes, the contractor is required, but this is at the discretion of the Government. Per Paragraph 4.3 of the PWS, “The Contractor shall manage, schedule, transport, or ship at the Government’s determination TMDE IAW AFSPCI 21-108, Paragraphs 3.13.1 and 3.13.2, TO 33K-1-100 (series), and TO 00-20-14, Paragraphs 3.6 through 3.8. Perform organizational maintenance IAW TO 33-1-27 and TO 33-1-32.” In addition, Paragraph 3.13.2 of AFSPCI 21-108 states, “The COM shall appoint a TMDE coordinator to act as the focal point between the maintenance activity and PMEL to address and resolve any TMDE calibration and repair support problems. In addition, the TMDE coordinator will forward TMDE calibration schedules to the appropriate work centers and establish procedures for TMDE turn-in and pick-up.” |
| 68. | Q: | Underground Storage Tanks, Reference PWS 10.9: Can the Government clarify if the two large underground tanks for the PARCS generators require permitting and if this is the responsibility of offerors within the FFP bid. |
| A: | The two underground storage tanks (UST) are registered with the state of North Dakota, and the PARCS contractor is required to conduct required inspections, testing and reporting, and re-registration as required. A separate Air Force contract to make UST upgrades per newly promulgated regulations is in progress (FY 16 to evaluate; FY 17 to make any required upgrades), but once the upgrades are finalized, the contractor will be required to perform inspections, testing and reporting, and registration per regulations. |
| 69. | Q: | Power for PARCS, Reference PWS 7.6.1: Will the Government clarify if the primary source of power for PARCS is commercial and only 3 of the 5 diesel generators are required to support mission operations? |
| A: | Primary power is commercial, and two to three generators are capable of backing up the site depending on season. |
| 70. | Q: Locksmith Services, Reference PWS 7.14: Will the Government clarify whether the armory safe lock is included in the locksmith services as a requirement within the FFP bid? | |
| A: | Yes, it is required within the FFP bid. See question 50. |
| 71. | Q: | Vehicle Maintenance Shop, Reference PWS 6.9: Will the Government clarify if offerors can use the Vehicle Maintenance Shop to repair their vehicles? If so, will the current Government tools be provided to offerors for use? |
| A: | The PARCS contractor is allowed to use the Vehicle Maintenance Shop and tools at the government’s discretion. |
| 72. | Q: | Cathodic Protection System: Will the Government clarify if offerors have maintenance/testing responsibility for the cathodic protection system being installed within the FFP bid? |
| A: | Yes. Contractor is responsible for cathodic protection IAW PWS Paragraph 7.3.4., Corrosion Control within the FFP bid. |
| 73. | Q: | Downward Pricing: Will the government reconsider providing the average seniority for the union employees?” |
| A: | The government does not have that information and therefore cannot provide the information. |
File details come from the government source that posted it. Updated .