QA Conference 27 Dec 11 v2.doc

FA3002-12-R-0007 Air Advisor Academy Questions & Answers

1. NOTE: Point of Contact Information Correction

a. Email address was missing a period after miller in the Site Visit Registration form.

Robert B. Miller, Procuring Contracting Officer, robert.miller.17@us.af.mil Commercial phone: (210) 652-6487

AM Conference & Classroom Tour

2. Proposal and Past Performance Questionnaire and Part III References due dates?

Response: Changed from Sat, 14 Jan 12 to Wed, 18 Jan 12. See Amendment 01.

3. Are questions submitted via e-mail included in Question & Answer posting?

Response: YES

4. Please confirm whether government intends to issue a single award in response to this Solicitation?

Response: YES, single award. See RFP Page 53 of 63, FAR 52.216-1 The Gov’t anticipates award of a FFP IDIQ contract.

5. Is the Part III Past Performance volume due on 29 Dec 11 or the customer questionnaire or both?

Response: The dates have been changed per Amendment 01. Part III Volume is due 3 Jan 12. The completed questionnaires are due NLT the RFP due date, 18 Jan 12. See Amendment 01

6. Number of copies is different on SF-33, Block 9 than Section L number of copies? Should we use Section L number of copies or Block 9?

Response: Section L is predominate. See RFP Pages 48-51

7. If the Contracting Officer is not available, can the past performance questionnaires be submitted to the Contracting Officer Representative (COR) instead?

Response: Yes, however, ensure the Contracting Officer information in included in the Part III, Past Performance Volume for reference purposes.

8. What is the workload estimate for the contract line item number (CLIN) that use 12 month time period and class sizes?

Response: PWS para 1.2.3 states “approximately 1,500 long course equivalents (or Air Advisor Basic Course equivalents) and the average daily student load may increase to approximately 128 students by FY13.” Para 1.5.1 list the Student-to-Instructor ratios and Appendix B lists the Courses, Frequency, and Student Loads.

9. What CLIN is used for Site Manager?

Response: The Site manager is expected to be included as part of overhead. It is up to the offeror as to how to allocate this expense across the CLINs.

10. Government furnished equipment (GFE)?

Response: See Section 3 of the Performance Work Statement for Government Furnished Equipment. Para 1.16.1.1.1 states “The Contractor shall provide and maintain commercial SUVs exhibiting top-heavy roll characteristics for High Threat Driving and convoy training. Approximately half of the vehicles shall have automatic transmissions, and approximately half of the vehicles shall have manual transmissions. The Contractor shall also provide ramming vehicles for High Threat Driving.”

11. Performance Work Statement (PWS) Scope has increased from the current contract

Response: PWS, Para 1.1.3 states “AETC will conduct courses of varying lengths in support of multiple COCOMs and other organizations/mission areas to educate and train personnel to perform security assistance, security force assistance, building partnerships and building partner capacity, irregular warfare (IW), foreign internal defense (FID), counterinsurgency (COIN) and other missions that require airmen to engage with partner nation counterparts.

12. Medical professional present at field training is not included in PWS?

Response: PWS para 3.9.9 states “The Government will provide all emergency medical transportation and treatment for contractor and Government personnel from training locations if required. The contractor shall reimburse the Government for the cost of these medical services performed on contractor personnel at current civilian rates. “

13. Lesson plans developed by government or contractor?

Response: PWS, para 1.2.1.1 states “Courseware, curriculum, and instruction will be jointly accomplished by the Government and the contractor and capable of meeting rapidly changing requirements in the field, per the Dean’s direction. The government takes responsibility for courseware, curriculum, and instruction that is jointly accomplished by the government and the contractor.” PWS, para 1.4.3.1 states “The contractor shall develop, update, and revise courseware materials, as directed (see para 1.2.1.1) utilizing the Interactive Courseware Implementation System (ICIS). Courseware materials include, but are not limited to: Plan of Instructions (POI), Lesson/student guides, training materials, tests, grade/evaluation sheets, multi-media, and classroom presentation materials.”

14. May contractor combine flights for other than classroom instruction?

Response: Yes, as long as the student-to-instructor ratios per PWS, para 1.5.1 are met.

15. How many field vehicles and type?

Response: It is up to the offeror to propose the number of vehicles to meet the requirements of the PWS and maintain the student-to-instructor ratios of para 1.5.1.

16. Are Fieldcraft training vehicles provided by the contractor?

Response: Yes, per PWS para 1.16.1.1.1.

17. Do training vehicles actually touch each other?

Response: The SUVs will come into contact with the ramming vehicles during High Threat Driving, see PWS para 1.16.1.1.1.

18. Is the Other Direct Cost (ODC) line item for vehicles?

Response: No, Fieldcraft vehicle costs are included with Fieldcraft CLINs

19. PWS calls for supporting Personal Desktop Assistants (PDAs) but also contains language about PDAs not being allowed in building. Will government explain PDA support requirement?

Response: Per PWS para 1.4.4.7, the Client Support/Audio Visual Administration will “Install and configure wireless e-mail devices i.e. Personal Digital Assistant (PDAs) and wireless air-cards.” If required. Also, PWS para 1.4.4.8 states “Provide familiarization training on how to use SDC and PDA applications.”

20. Is the government currently conducting Fieldcraft training?

Response: Per PWS, 1.5.3 “Academic/Fieldcraft Training. The contractor shall conduct academic classroom and fieldcraft training (to include platform academic training, testing, and remedial training) IAW the curriculum and this PWS. The Government expects students to be trained to the level specified in the Course Training Standards contained in each syllabus of instruction. Additional instructor duties include, but are not limited to, review, revision or development of publications or lesson material, technical support, and analysis. “

21. What is the purpose of the Air Advisor now that Iraq and Afghanistan are winding down?

Response: Per PWS para 1.1.3 “AETC will conduct courses of varying lengths in support of multiple COCOMs and other organizations/mission areas to educate and train personnel to perform security assistance, security force assistance, building partnerships and building partner capacity, irregular warfare (IW), foreign internal defense (FID), counterinsurgency (COIN) and other missions that require airmen to engage with partner nation counterparts.”

22. Is this supposed to be a Firm Fixed Price (FFP) contract instead of cost type contract.

Response: YES, the contract will be a FFP contract with 9 FFP CLINs, 1 TBN CLIN and 1 NTE Cost CLIN.

23. Is the certification period for instructors included in mobilization time of 30 days?

Response: YES

24. Will instructors be required to attend and pass the Expeditionary Center’s (EC) Academic Instructor Course (AIC)?

Response: Per PWS para 1.4.5.1 “Complete a formal Academic Instructor Course (AIC) or equivalent, within three months of teaching their first academic class. AETCI 36-2220 describes AIC course equivalents. If a contractor has previously completed an AIC type course, submit the AIC equivalency to CO for approval. Participate in periodic instructor development seminars.

25. What CLIN should be used for instructor certification during the mobilization period?

Response: The Mobilization CLIN.

26. Does the government require security clearances for all contract personnel or just certain positions depending on their function?

Response: PWS para 1.4 Contractor Personnel and Appendix C list which contract personnel require Secret Security clearances.

27. Must resumes be included within the 25 page limit Response: NO, See RFP Page 48, Part I –Technical Proposal

28. Can you confirm that resumes are included for only the Site Manager and Fieldcraft instructors?

Response: YES, resumes are required only for the Site Manager and the Lead Fieldcraft Instructor. See RFP Page 49.

29. Will the government be using Evaluation Notice (negotiation) procedures?

Response: Yes, ENs will be used if needed.

30. Will Representations and Certifications (ORCA) be accepted on-line?

Response: Yes, however, Offerors must still comply with Section J of the RFP (Pages 42-47).

31. Does a Small Business have to submit a Subcontracting Plan?

Response: No, IAW FAR 19.702 (b)(1), SB Plans are not required from Small Businesses.

32. Does a Letter of Release count as part of the two page limit on references?

Response: No, the Letter of Release will not count against the page limit.

33. The RFP states six classrooms will hold a minimum of 16 students but PWS 3.6.2 states contractor will have access to seven classrooms, six of these hold a minimum of 16 students and one holds a minimum of 48 students. Does the government intend to say the classrooms hold a maximum of 16 students?

Response: PWS para 3.6.2 states “The contractor will have access to seven classrooms. Six of these classrooms hold a approximately of 16 students and one holds a approximately of 48 students. When available, the contractor will also have access to an auditorium that holds approximately 143 students; a classroom that holds approximately 30 students; and a conference room that holds approximately 28 students. The availability of classrooms is subject to change.

PM Bus Tour

34. Who is responsible for scheduling classes?

Response: Contractor Requirements include PWS para 1.4.6.2 states “Schedule and deconflict lessons, classrooms, and instructors. “And para 1.4.6.3 states “Schedule and deconflict range facilities.”

35. Which sites are using blanks in the weapons?

Response: Designated by area, range specific.

36. What CLIN is used for high threat driving?

Response: Fieldcraft CLINs.

37. Is there a maintenance facility for contractor use to work on vehicles?

Response: NO

38. CONX storage pointed out for contractor use

Response: Noted during tour.

39. Driving pad scheduling is coordinated by contractor because of use by other units

Response: Noted during tour.

40. Where is current Fieldcraft vehicle storage?

Response: Parking lot spaces are located near Expeditionary Center (EC).

41. Other than the class schedule, what training plans are used to support vehicle training?

Response: The training plan is in the Air Advisor Iraq/Afghanistan Program of Instruction (POI). This POI has been posted to FBO.

42. What are the current driving skills being taught?

Response: Combat and non-combat driving, Convoy operations, real world experience, partnership of lesson planning between government and contractor. Further details are in the Air Advisor Iraq/Afghanistan Program of Instruction (POI). This POI has been posted to FBO.

43. Rollover training?

Response: This POI has been posted to FBO.

44. Who operates tower at gun range?

Response: Government/military.

45. What type of pop-up targets are used?

Response: Built for Air Advisor Academy specifically and are government provided.

46. Hospital facilities on base?

Response: No, emergency room used at local hospital off base.

47. Is Lodging provided for trainees?

Response: Government provided no contractor involvement.

48. Weapons storage located at EC and managed by military

Response: Noted during tour.

49. Apprehension avoidance facilities provided at EC including camera system.

Response: Noted during tour.

50. Use of government GSA contracted vans is allowed, one van per flight of students which allows contractor to use one or two for official government use only. Contractor vehicles are not used to transport students to/from training locations.

Response: Noted during tour.

51. Medical training facility provided along with computerized mannequins to train combat lifesaving skills (CLS)

Response: Noted during tour.

Questions Via Email

52. Will each bidder receive a copy of the current curriculum IAW PWS Section 1.4.3.4 existing courseware?

a. When will we have access to the curriculum? Response: The current POI for the Air Advisor Basic Course Afghanistan/Iraq. This POI has been posted to FBO..

b. Is there an expected amount of curriculum management hours required for each hour of platform instruction? Response: This is for the contractor to determine.

c. What are the government’s curriculum development hours for undeveloped or partially developed courses? Response: PWS para 1.4.3.2 states “Due dates for developing, updating, and revising courseware materials will be jointly determined and agreed upon by the Air Advisor Academy Dean and Contract/Site Manger. If resolution of due dates requires action outside the scope of this contract then required actions must be approved by the CO. “

53. Para 1.5.1 of the PWS states student-to-instructor ratios of 16 to 1 for academic class room instruction. The table in Appendix B Air Advisor Academy Courses states class size for Air Advisor Basic course Iraq and Afghanistan between 16 to 48 students and 32 to 60 students respectively. Section 2 PO-4 Services Summary states Contractor ensures student-to-instructor ratios are maintained IAW this PWS…

a. Are academic classes taught in groups no larger than 16 to comply with ‘small’ group ratios? Or; Response: No, 16 to 1 student-to-instructor ratios are meant to improve student comprehension, and student to student and student to instructor interaction.

b. Can class sizes have more than 16 students and multiple instructors if the POI calls for instruction of classes larger than 16? Response: The contractor must comply with PWS para 1.5.1, Note 1. Deviations to student-to-instructor ratios must have the concurrence of the Dean or Commandant and be approved in advance by the COR.

c. What student/ instructor ratios should be used to determine price of the course of instruction? Response: PWS para 1.5.1 list the Student-to-Instructor ratios. PWS para 1.2.3 list the average daily student load of 128 students in FY13 and Appendix B list the Courses, Frequency, and Student Loads.

54. Para 1.16.1 of the PWS - Contractor-Acquired Property (CAP) states the contractor will provide vehicles for evasive driver training and include ramming vehicles. FAR Part 45.101 states the government has title to Contractor-Acquired Property (CAP). Are the costs of CAP (including ramming vehicles) to be billed as Other Direct Costs (ODCs)?

Response: FAR Part 45 covers Government property. As the Fieldcraft vehicles are contractor owned FAR Part 45 does not apply. As stated in question 18 above, the costs associated with the Fieldcraft vehicles are expected to be included with the Fieldcraft CLINs.

55. Will the government provide explicit detail on what constitutes an ODC? Will such costs as vehicle maintenance and repair and weapon maintenance be covered?

Response: Currently the ODC CLIN covers Cultural meals and travel on a cost basis. Vehicle maintenance and repair are expected to be priced as part of the Fieldcraft CLINs. Weapons are Government provided. PWS para 3.1 states “The contractor shall supply all cleaning and maintenance of equipment not otherwise identified as Government provided.”

56. What types (AETC/Air Academy) and how many individuals are on the Source Selection Committee? Will leadership of the Committee be from AETC?

Response: As the Air Advisor Academy is an AETC mission, the entire Source Selection Committee is AETC.

57. Para 1.6.1 Task Orders of the PWS states the CO will issue task orders NLT 10 working days prior to the class start date and indicates individual TOs for each Course of Instruction (COI)... Once the task order is issued, AETC will not adjust student class size.

a. Will the Government Issue a Task Order for each instance of a COI, or will it issue one task order for all instances of a particular COI? Response: CLINs 1, 2, and 3 will be issued on a monthly basis. CLINs 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 will be issued as required for each COI.

b. Are contractor-taught classes confirmed only on issuance of a TO? Response: Yes

c. Are there a minimum number of classes required to be taught by contractors for each COI? Response: No.

d. What is the class schedule on contract start? Response: This will be verified during the 30 day mobilization period.

58. Appendix B appears to establish the instructor requirements for CLIN X001. Appendix B indicates courses are in development or have not begun development.

a. Which courses need to be developed by the contractor? Response: PWS para 1.2.1.1 states “1 Courseware, curriculum, and instruction will be jointly accomplished by the Government and the contractor and capable of meeting rapidly changing requirements in the field, per the Dean’s direction. AETC is currently developing various new courses for the Air Advisor Academy and work with the contractor to finalize these new course to meet FY12 fourth quarter requirements.

b. Will more than one course be developed concurrently? Response: Yes, courses will be in various states of development and will need to be developed concurrently to meet FY12 fourth quarter requirement.

59. Price bid for instructors, curriculum development, and fieldcraft training is FFP in 12 month units indicating the government is buying instructional services in one month increments. The IDIQ nature of each course and section 1.3 ‘Government Provisions’ states the government reserves the right to use government instructors in lieu of contractor instructors in the classroom. Will the instructors be fully employed for a full year?

Response: The Government intends to execute monthly CLINS for Academic Instruction, Curriculum Development, and Fieldcraft Training.

60. RFP Section B, CLINs 004-007RFP (page3-4); PWS Appendix I– Language Categories (page 45); PWS Appendix J - FY12 Schedule (page 46). CLINs 004-007 define a unit as two weeks instructing a maximum of 32 students. Appendix J provides a draft of the FY 12 Schedule. CLINs 004-007 state that each CLIN unit will have a maximum of 32 students; to be compliant with Section B and Appendix J, under these guidelines the offeror must provide 2.5 language “units” each week. It appears the allocations in Section B do not align with the requirements in Appendix J. Can the government provide more definition on the number of classes/units required for each language in the four categories in Appendix I?

Response: We anticipate two weeks of language training (approximately 30 hrs) only in the Air Advisor Basic Courses. The Afghanistan courses may require two instructors if we have more than 32 students. The Iraq course should only require one instructor with the drawdown. The other COCOM courses will only require one instructor based upon the anticipated number of students in Appendix B.

61. PWS Security 1.4.4.12 (page 8) states instructors must be able to obtain/maintain a Secret security clearance. Do resumes in the offeror’s proposal require an active security clearance at time of submission?

Response: All contract personnel requiring a Secret Security Clearance should have these active NLT the start of the mobilization period.

62. PWS 1.4.5.12.1-4 (page 11) requires interpreter support instruction to students.

a. What “instruction” to students is required?

Response: This instruction could be academic and/or scenario based instruction. This instruction teaches the students how to use an interpreter.

b. Would the government please clarify the role of the language Instructor/SMEs in 1.4.5.12.2?

Response: When CLINs 4, 5, 6 and 7 are ordered, the language instructor/SMEs will provide no more than six hours of instruction per day for no more than two weeks to a maximum of 32 students. This means they can provide instruction to two classes of sixteen students for three hours a day. In addition to their language instructor requirements, they will also assist with curriculum development and provide interpreter instruction when required. They may also be required to assist the Fieldcraft Chief as a role player during field exercises.

c. Does the linguist instruct (and what course will they instruct) or provide interpretation services for the instructors?

Response: The language instructors provide academic language instruction, academic and/or scenario based interpreter support instruction and role playing support for the Fieldcraft training.

63. PWS Appendix B (page 30); Appropriate survival language. Is this a sub-element of the LRC taught by the Region and Cultural Instructors?

Response: YES, However, the Language classes are ordered on an as needed basis using CLINs X004-X007

64. PWS Appendix C (page 34) Contractor Employee Qualifications; Language Instructor/SME. An Interagency Language Roundtable score of at least an ILR-3 or higher would be required for interpreters. Does the government want to establish a minimum language testing qualification for the linguist?

Response: No, the Language Instructor/SME Qualifications listed in Appendix C will be used.

65. PWS Appendix I – Language Categories. Would the government consider using Appendix I – Language Categories to reflect the number of units required in the RFP Section B to execute Appendix J (Draft FY12 Schedule)?

Response: The actual number of units required in FRP Section B to execute Appendix J is still be determined.

66. Currently the Air Advisor Basic course follows a three (3) day format. Will this same three (3) day format be used for the AFFOR Staff Planning Training, Leadership and Staff Training, General Officer Orientation, the Refresher and the Instructor training or will a new curriculum and format be required?

Response: The three day format only applies to Combat Lifesaver and High Threat Driving. The AA Basic course for Afghanistan is 23 training days not three days.

67. Section 1.5.1 Training and Scheduling states that Combat Lifesaver requires a minimum of 3 instructors – 1 instructor plus two (2) assistants. Does this minimum requirement of three (3) instructors need to be maintained during the classroom portion or just the breakout practical exercises?

Response: Only 1 instructor is required for classroom teaching during CLS. The 2 assistants are needed for breakout practical exercises.

68. Section 1.4.6.9 states the contractor shall order, maintain, and manage language material, medical equipment, field craft equipment and supplies. Will there be government funding available to order these medical supplies and training equipment and what will be the process and timeline be for obtaining the equipment?

Response: Yes, the Government will provide all funding. The format for ordering will vary depending on the supplies/equipment being ordered. The Government will coordinate with contractor on the timeline needed for ordering these supplies/equipment.

69. Para. 1.4.2 of the PWS details requirements for a Contract/Site Manager; however, the Supplies or Services and Prices sheet (page 2 of 63) in the solicitation does not (?) include a CLIN NO for this requirement. Will the solicitation be revised, or is the expectation for the contractor to support this position through OH?

Response: the site manager is expected to be part of overhead.

70. CLINs 0004-0007, 1004-1007, 2004-2007, and 3004-3007 for Language Instructors (CAT 1-4) reference PWS paragraph 1.4.4 titled Client Support/Audio Visual Administration. Does this indicate that there is a requirement for Client Support/Audio Visual Administration personnel with language capabilities in the various categories or that there is a requirement for Language Instructors in the various categories to also provide Client Support/Audio Visual Administration services?

Response: The Reference for CAT 1-4, CLINs 4, 5, 6, and 7 should be PWS para 1.4.5.12, 1.5, appendix B, Appendix C, and Appendix I.

71. Reference APPENDIX B – Air Advisor Academy Courses to RFP Attachment 1 – Performance Work Statement for Air Advisor Education and Training: Will the Government provide current training schedules for the:

a. 22-day variant of the Air Advisor Basic Course for Iraq and Afghanistan?

b. 16 & 24 day variants of the Air Advisor Basic Course for CENTCOM, EUCOM, PACOM and NORTHCOM?

c. 4 day variant for Air Advisor AFFOR Staff Planning Course?

d. 5 day variant for Air Advisor Leadership and staff?

e. 3 day variant for Air Advisor General Officer Orientation Course?

f. Air Advisor Refresher Course?

Response: No, the Government will provide the POI for Air Advisor Basic Course Afghanistan and Iraq and the Syllabus for Afghanistan and Iraq. This POI has been posted to FBO. The current schedule does not reflect a 16 to 1 student to instructor ratio for academic training.

72. The Past Performance Questionnaire – Attachment 2 QUESTIONNAIRE COVER LETTER requests “respondents to complete the questionnaire and send it directly to the Contracting Officer (Mr. Robert Miller) for the Air Advisor Academy Pre-Deployment Training solicitation by the date set for receipt of proposals, 13 Jan 12.” SF 33 Block #9 specifies a proposal turn-in date time group of Jan 14, 2012 at 1400 hours. January 14, 2012 is the Saturday on the Martin Luther King Birthday weekend. Please confirm the correct proposal turn in date and time.

Response: See Amendment 01.

73. Reference RFP Attachment 1 – Performance Work Statement for Air Advisor Education and Training Paragraph 1.4.4 Client Support/Audio Visual Administration.

a. What are the current Service Level Agreements (SLA) requirements?

Response: None

b. Will the government provide a ticket tracking (logging software) system?

Response: Air force Ticket Tracking is available (Remedy System)

c. Is the VTC system used as an integral part of classroom instruction or is it used for non-routine conferences?

Response: VTC is a routine part of the classroom instruction. VTC between deployed Commanders and students takes place as a familiarization for Air Advisor duties within the specific COCOM AOR.

d. Is all of the AV equipment IP networked?

Response: Not all equipment is part of the Air Force NIPRNET/SIPRNET. Support is also required for stand-alone computer systems.

e. Can desktop support be done remotely?

Response: Current Air Force policy restricts Level 1 technicians from providing support via remote access.

f. What are the specific certifications required for IT/AV/VTC support staff personnel working at the Air advisor Academy?

Response: DoD 8570 certification requirements: Level 1 Technician requires

Comptia A+ Certification.

g. Is after-hour support required?

Response: Support is required while student training is taking place. VTC support may require additional support due to time zone differences.

74. Reference Section B – Supplies or Services and Prices, CLINs 0001, 0002, and 0003 have a quantity of 12 months, but in Section F CLINs 0001, 0002, and 0003 have a period of performance of 01 May 2012 to 31 Mar 2013 which equates to 11 months. Please clarify if CLINs 0001, 0002, and 0003 should be 11 or 12 months.

Response: The Base period for full performance is 11 Months. The RFP will be amended to change the Quantity of CLINs 0001 through 0003 to 11.

75. Reference RFP Section L, Paragraph 3. PART III – PAST PERFORMANCE INFORMATION states, “The number of pages of the past performance volume is limited to no more than 2 pages per contract listed.” We interpret this to mean that the Past performance volume is a max of ten pages (two pages each for five past performances). Can we provide an introduction/overview of our proposed five past performances not to exceed two pages in the past performance volume? If we can, will these count towards the ten page limit currently allocated for past performance?

Response: YES you may provide an introduction, and YES the pages will count against the 10 page limit.

76. Reference APPENDIX C – Contractor Employee Qualifications to RFP Attachment 1 – Performance Work Statement for Air Advisor Education and Training lists High Risk of Isolation/Capture Instructors. Are you looking for individuals with experience teaching:

a. Evasion and conduct After Capture (SV-88A) and/or Peacetime Governmental Detention/Hostage Detention (SV-91/93 or SV-92)?

b. 200 and 300 Level Personnel Recovery courses?

c. Both a. and b. above?

Response: The Government wants a High Risk of Isolation/Capture Instructor who meets the requirements of Appendix C.

77. Reference RFP Attachment 1 – Performance Work Statement for Air Advisor Education and Training Paragraph 1.4.6 Contractor Requirements, subparagraph 1.4.6.5 In-process and out-process students. Can the Government provide any additional details on specific in-processing and out-processing tasks? For example, does this include assigning billeting, issuing room keys, linens, etc? Clearing billeting (turn in of room keys and linens)?

Response: The students are billeted on-base at the All American Inn. There are not any in-processing/out-processing tasks that involve issuing room keys, linens, etc.

78. Reference RFP Attachment 1 – Performance Work Statement for Air Advisor Education and Training Paragraph 1.4 Contractor Personnel explicitly states that the individuals working in the following positions “Must be able to obtain/maintain a Secret security clearance”: Client Support/AV Administration, Doctrine & Strategic Guidance Instructor/SME, Security Cooperation Instructor/SME, Organizational Network Instructor/SME, Tactics, Techniques and Procedures Instructor/SME, High Risk of Isolation/Capture Instructors and C-IED Instructor/SME.

a. Does the Government plan to issue a DD 254?

b. Are all other employees required to have, as a minimum, a National Agency Check (NAC), before operating government-furnished workstations that have access to Air Force e-mail systems?

Response: Yes, the DD Form 254 for this contract will be posted when it is complete.

79. PWS reference 1.6.8 Relocation. Upon relocation, the contractor may be required to provide facilities for high threat driving training and weapons training within 80 miles of the government facility.

a. Does the government have any relocation venues indentified or estimated time frame at this time?

Response: No, the relocation venues or dates are not known at this time.

80. PWS reference 1.16.1.1.1 The Contractor shall provide and maintain commercial SUVs exhibiting top-heavy roll characteristics for High Threat Driving and convoy training. Approximately half of the vehicles shall have automatic transmissions, and approximately half of the vehicles shall have manual transmissions. The Contractor shall also provide ramming vehicles for High Threat Driving.

a. Please confirm if Government provided facilities have a garage area and lift for repairs/overhaul/parts?

Response: There are no Government garage areas or lifts available for this contract effort.

b. Will a tow truck/trailer/push vehicle be provided as GFE?

Response: No.

81. PWS reference 3.9.3 Custodial Service. Will be provided by the Government, but will not exceed services normally provided by base contracting. The contractor shall be responsible for all interior cleanliness and sundry items (i.e., toilet paper, soap, towels, etc.) when not co-located with another Government agency providing such service.

a. Please confirm if it is the government’s intention to have the performing contractor co-located with another Government agency providing such service.

Response: Yes, it is the government’s intention to have the performing contractor co-located with Government personnel.

82. PWS reference APPENDIX C – Contractor Employee Qualifications.

a. Counter-Improvised Explosive Device (C-IED) Instructor/SME.

i. 1. Shall have at least six years experience as an Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician and possess recent and relevant operational IED experience (within the last three years) in OIF or OEF environments.

ii. 2. Must be able to obtain/maintain a Secret security clearance.

iii. 3. Must be a graduate of the Naval School Explosive Ordnance Disposal (NAVSCOLEOD) course.

Re. item 3. Please clarify if other service EOD schools will be accepted as an equivalent for the NAVSCOLEOD course?

Response: No, the C-IED Instructor/SME must be a graduate of the Joint Service NAVSCOLEOD.

83. PWS reference 1.4.2 Contract/Site Manager. 1.4.2.3 Be available, within ninety (90) minutes of notification, during all training periods to meet on the installation with Government personnel, as required.

a. Please confirm if the site manager is expected to be a Full Time Employee or if he/she is only expected to be available for specific contract deliverables. If Contract/Site Manager is required for specific contract deliverables, what are the expected hour requirements on a monthly basis? Also, no CLIN is provided for pricing, please clarify.

Response: Yes, a full time employee. The Contract/Site Manager is considered overhead.

84. PWS reference APPENDIX J “Draft” FY12 and FY13 Schedules

a. Due to the end of hostilities in Iraq and the redeployment of forces from OCONUS, does the government anticipate a drop in the number of courses per year?

Response: Yes, the number of Air Advisor Basic Courses for Iraq will drop.

85. Reference pricing: CLIN 0004 Language Role Player (Cat 1) is priced as 2 weeks of instruction. Should the travel costs for that individual be built into the FFP CLIN 0004 or should the travel costs be priced separately under the CLIN for Other Direct Costs (0009)?

Response: As part of the language CLIN (0004).

86. According to Section L, Part III - Past Performance, the number of pages of the past performance volume is limited to no more than 2 pages per contract listed, not to exceed five (5) contract references. Is the offeror permitted to include a one page past performance introduction?

Response: Yes, however, do not exceed an overall 10 page limit.

87. According to Part IV - Small Business Sub-contracting Plan Section D, Offerors shall provide a description of all subcontractor opportunities, teaming arrangements, or joint venture partnering to include organizational relationships and responsibilities. Does the Government consider a teaming arrangement the same as a teaming agreement?

Response: Yes. A teaming agreement is defined by the Defense Contract Audit Agency as:

"An arrangement between two or more companies, either as a partnership or joint venture, to perform on a specific contract."

88. According to Section L, Part III - Past Performance, Offerors are permitted to substantiate Quality and Satisfaction Rating for Contracts with available letters, metrics, customer surveys, independent surveys, etc. Will the Government permit the information to be submitted as a separate attachment to the cited contract? Will the attachments count against page count? Yes, however the attachments will count against the page limitations.

89. Does an 8a qualify as a Small Disadvantaged Business?

Response: Yes

90. Solicitation states we must comply with the SCA Act followed by a statement that this solicitation is not wage determined. Can the government clarify?

Response: The action is covered by the SCA. If this question is referring to 52.222-42 on Page 35. There is a statement that reads “This Statement is for information only: It is not a Wage Determination”. This statement is regarding the “equivalent rates for federal hires” and is not a SCA statement. The correct SCA wage determination is RFP attachment 3.

91. Page 5, Paragraph 1.2.2.1 The contractor may be required to participate as members of a Mobile Training Team (MTT) and provide instruction at an off-site/alternative learning location in addition to providing instruction at the Air Advisor Academy. This MTT travel may be OCONUS. Will MTTs be used to support all of the Air Advisor courses listed in Appendix B? Please provide a list of locations where the Government anticipates MTT requirements?

Response: The locations are not known at this time. Any travel costs would be reimbursed at cost via the ODC CLIN.

92. Page 5, Paragraph 1.2.3 The government anticipates an initial annual student load of approximately 900 students. The student load may increase to approximately 1,500 long course equivalents (or Air Advisor Basic Course equivalents) and the average daily student load may increase to approximately 128 students by FY13. Please define "long course equivalents" as it relates to annual student load? Also, can the Government clarify if it expects the average daily student load to increase to 128 in the first option year of the contract?

Response: The Government anticipates an increase to approximately 1500 long course equivalents and an increase to approximately 128 students by FY13. 1500 long course equivalents equals 1500 students attending courses of four weeks in length. Example: 100 students attending a four week course equals 400 students attending a one week course.

93. Page 7, Paragraph 1.4.4.1 Serve as the first line of help to resolve student’s and staff’s technical problems. Have the overall day-to-day responsibilities for planning/coordinating/scheduling, and providing efficient/effective classroom and Secure Video Teleconferencing Center (S-VTC) support to Air Advisor Academy operations. Resolve the day-to-day technical systems problems Air Advisor Academy users’ experience. Please provide an estimate of the number of users the contractor will be required to support on a weekly basis?

Response: An average student load of 128 students and an Air Advisor Academy staff (including contractor support) of approximately 50 personnel.

94. Page 7, 1.4.3.4 Existing Courseware. All existing courseware is Air Force property, and will be transferred to the contractor in its current condition. Courseware will not be destroyed without knowledge and consent of the Government. During solicitation, all interested parties will have a chance to view existing courseware at a date and time specified by the CO. Will the existing courseware be made available for viewing during the pre-proposal conference on 21 Dec 2011? If not, has the CO set a date for this viewing?

Response: The POI for Air Advisor Basic Course Afghanistan/Iraq and the syllabus for Air Advisor Course Afghanistan/Iraq has been posted to FBO.

95. Page 8, Paragraph 1.4.5.1 Complete a formal Academic Instructor Course (AIC) or equivalent, within three months of teaching their first academic class. Will the Government provide the formal Academic Instructor Course or does the contractor need to pay for the cost of this training for each instructor? If the Government provides this training, will it be provided at JB MDL or will the contractor be required to travel to another AETC location?

Response: The Government will assist the contractor in obtaining the AIC training at the USAF Expeditionary Center located at JB MDL at no cost to the contractor.

96. Page 12, Paragraph 1.5.1 Required Student-to-Instructor Ratios. The required student-to-instructor ratio for Fieldcraft Classroom is listed as "Per the POI." Can the Government provide a copy of the applicable POI(s) or can the Government provide a student-to-instructor ratio?

Response: The POI for Air Advisor Basic Course Afghanistan/Iraq and the syllabus for Air Advisor Course Afghanistan/Iraq has been posted to FBO.

97. Page 12, Paragraph 1.5.1 Required Student-to-Instructor Ratios. What is the Student to Instructor Ratio for Language, Region, and Culture (LRC) training?

Response: This is academic training and has a 16 to 1 student to instructor ratio.

98. Page 13, Paragraph 1.5.3 Academic/Fieldcraft Training. The contractor shall conduct academic classroom and fieldcraft training (to include platform academic training, testing, and remedial training) IAW the curriculum and this PWS. The Government expects students to be trained to the level specified in the Course Training Standards contained in each syllabus of instruction. Please provide copies of the Course Training Standards?

Response: The POI for Air Advisor Basic Course Afghanistan/Iraq and the syllabus for Air Advisor Course Afghanistan/Iraq has been posted to FBO.

99. Page 14, 1.6.5 Contract Phase-in. Prior to the issuance of the first training task order under this contract, the successor contractor will be afforded a 30-day phase-in period. During the 30-day phase-in period, the successor contractor shall complete all qualification requirements that will enable contractor personnel to begin Air Advisor training instruction. Phase-in will be separately priced. Does the 30-day criteria include attendance of the Academic Instructor Course identified in paragraph 1.4.5.1?

Response: No, however, the instructor must complete the AIC training within three months of teaching their first academic class.

100. Page 5, 1.7 Standards of Performance. The contactor shall develop and submit a training and certification plan for instructors that must be accepted by the CO during the mobilization period. The certification program shall ensure instructors meet the standards outlined in the PWS and Air Advisor Academy AF IMT 797s (Appendix H). All instructor duties shall be certified by the contractor or the Government prior to formal unmonitored student instruction of each lesson. The tasks listed in the AF IMT 797 appear to be applicable to Advanced Fieldcraft training only. Please clarify which instructors are required to be certified on these tasks?

Response: Only the Fieldcraft instructors need to accomplish the training listed in the AF IMT 797s. All academic instructors need to ensure they are trained and certified by the contractor or the Government prior to formal unmonitored student instruction of each lesson.

101. Page 19, 1.11 Transportation. The contractor will be responsible for providing their own transportation in the conduct of their contracted duties. The contractor shall also provide automobile fuel for contractor owned vehicles. What additional driving is needed from the primary place of work to the other required locations (such as ranges)? What is the average number of trips per week and round-trip distances for each of those trips?

Response: The distance traveled to the ranges was accomplished during the Pre-proposal site visit tour. The number of trips per week is dependent on how the contractor builds the schedule.

102. Page 19, 1.13 Hours of Operation. Contractors shall normally conduct training from Monday-Saturday when class is in session. However, cancellation of planned training due to weather, range scheduling conflict, etc. may result in makeup training on Sunday. The contractor’s instructional hours shall not exceed 10 hours per day. The duty day structure should include a maximum of 8 hours classroom time with 2 hours of transition time (includes daily meals). Field training days shall not exceed 12 hours to include 2 hours of transition time. This paragraph appears to contradict the duty day described in Appendix B (page 31). Please clarify duty hours for contractor instructors? Please clarify the difference between academic and training contact time and hours of instruction?

Response: Use PWS para 1.13 Hours of Operation.

103. Page 20, Paragraph 1.16.1.1.1 The Contractor shall provide and maintain commercial SUVs exhibiting top-heavy roll characteristics for High Threat Driving and convoy training. Approximately half of the vehicles shall have automatic transmissions, and approximately half of the vehicles shall have manual transmissions. The Contractor shall also provide ramming vehicles for High Threat Driving. Please specify the number of SUVs required? Please specify the number of ramming vehicles required?

Response: This is contractor determined.

104. Page 28, Appendix B Air Advisor Academy Courses. Can the Government provide copies of existing course materials (e.g. course charts, POIs, syllabi, lesson plans) for the courses listed in Appendix B?

Response: The only courses currently available are the Air Advisor Basic Courses for Afghanistan and Iraq. We will post the POIs and syllabus for these two courses.

105. Page 28, Appendix B Air Advisor Academy Courses. Please specify the length (in hours) of time for each Core Knowledge; Language, Region, and Culture (LRC); and Advanced Fieldcraft lesson included in each currently developed course? For undeveloped and ADL courses, please specify the percentage of time for each Academic; LRC, and Advanced Fieldcraft lessons included in the instructional courses?

Response: The syllabus for Air Advisor Course Afghanistan/Iraq has been posted to FBO..

106. Page 28, Appendix B Air Advisor Academy Courses. For each course and track (country/region) combination, the table provides a range for the approximate number of students. Can the Government provide a more specific approximation for each course and track (country/region) combination? How many classes does the Government expect will contain the minimum number of students? How many will contain the maximum number of students?

Response: No, at this time the Government cannot provide a more specific approximation of students for each course.

107. Page 28, Appendix B Air Advisor Academy Courses. The approximate number of training days for the Air Advisor Refresher Course has a much wider range than the other courses. Please provide a more specific approximation of the number of training days for the Air Advisor Refresher Course?

Response: At this time the Government cannot provide a more specific approximation of the number of training days for the Air Advisor Refresher Course.

108. Page 28, Appendix B Air Advisor Academy Courses. Please specify if one or more instructors are needed for the Air Advisor Refresher Course?

Response: The Air Advisor Refresher Course should contain lessons from Core Knowledge, LRC, and Fieldcraft instruction, which will necessitate the requirement for more than one instructor.

109. Page 28, Appendix B Air Advisor Academy Courses. At what development stage is each of the following courses: Air Advisor Basic (Other CENTOM, EUCOM, PACOM, and NORTHCOM tracks) courses, and the Air Advisor Leadership and Staff course? Also in what delivery method will they be required to be developed?

Response: These courses are all at different levels of development. Most will be delivered in classroom by lesson plans/slides but there is some computer based training (CBT) courses that may be utilized by the instructor corps. These CBTs are complete.

110. Page 28, Appendix B Air Advisor Academy Courses. Please specify if the contractor will be required to convert the ADL Air Advisor AFFOR Staff Planning course into an in-residence course.

Response: Eventually yes, but for the near future AFFOR Planners will use the ADLS version. Much of the current AA curriculum was developed in conjunction with the AFFOR ADLS so curriculum is transferable.

111. Page 28, Appendix B Air Advisor Academy Courses. Will the contractor be required to develop the Air Advisor General Office Orientation, Air Advisor Refresher, and Air Advisor Instructor courses? If so, in what formats will the contractor be required to develop them in?

Response: Per PWS para 1.2.1.1 Courseware, curriculum, and instruction will be jointly accomplished by the Government and the contractor and capable of meeting rapidly changing requirements in the field, per the Dean’s direction. And para 1.4.3.1 The contractor shall develop, update, and revise courseware materials, as directed (see para 1.2.1.1) utilizing the Interactive Courseware Implementation System (ICIS).

112. Page 35, Appendix C. Please clarify which courses in Appendix B require the use of Communications Operations and Equipment Instructors and High Risk of Isolation/Capture Instructors? Please specify how many hours are required for Communications Operations and Equipment instruction and High Risk of Isolation/Capture instruction in each course? Can the Government clarify if this instruction is an integral part of any Advanced Fieldcraft lesson or is it separate?

Response: Communication Operations is currently taught in the Tactics and FTX Fieldcraft blocks of training. The High Risk of Isolation/Capture is taught in the High Risk of Isolation/Capture Block of training. Whether these lessons are taught in future courses depends on the requirements from their respective COCOMs.

113. Item Number 0001, 0004, 0005, 0006, and 0007 (to include all applicable option years). Each of these CLINS reference PWS Paragraph 1.4.4 as part of the basis for pricing. Does the Government expect all of the Instructors to perform client support/audio visual administration duties? Would the Government consider creating a separate CLIN for the Client Support/Audio Visual Administrator? If not, can the Government advise the Offeror the appropriate CLIN for pricing this requirement?

Response: The reference for CLINs Number 0004, 0005, 0006, and 0007 should have been PWS para 1.4.5.12, 1.5, Appendix B, Appendix C, and Appendix I. There should not have been any reference to 1.4.4. CLIN 0001 is correct as written.

114. Item Number 0004, 0005, 0006, and 0007 (to include all applicable option years). Please clarify if the workweek will be Monday through Saturday or Monday through Friday for these courses? What is the required instructor to student ratio for these courses?

Response: We anticipate the work week for these CLINs will be Monday through Saturday. The student-to-instructor ratio for these Language courses is 16 to 1.

115. Item Number 0009, Other Direct Costs (to include all applicable option years). This CLIN does not reference PWS Paragraphs 1.6.10 (contractor health screening), 1.8.2.1 (random drug testing), 1.11 (transportation in the conduct of contracted duties and automobile fuel), and 1.16.1.1.1 (commercial SUVs and ramming vehicles) which can also be considered ODCs. Does the Government expect the Offeror to price these items using CLIN 0009 or should they price these items in the other applicable CLINs?

Response: The above mentioned items should be…