BA_MFF_-_RFI_Questions_and_Answers.pdf

# Reference Questions Answers

PWS A-1

Appendix - Class on intentional water entry

Are there live water jumps forecasted for the Initial MFF course? No. Classroom curriculum regarding water entry is expected. Example:

demonstration of rigging of gear and what to do on water entry.

PWS 2.9.9. Is the drying tower for 40 chutes required if there are not actual water jumps in the syllabus?

Yes. Drying tower is required in the event chutes become wet by other unintentional means.

PWS 1.3. The PWS states civilian students will not be mixed with BA MFF students.

To what degree does the USG desire this to be? No civilian parachutes in the air at the same landing area? No interactions with civilian students in the same facility?

The USG expects complete segregation of Military students from Civilian students in all aspects of training (including no civilian parachutes in the air at the same landing area) IAW PWS A-7 (Security Requirements Appendix - Secure Document to be released with Final RFP).

N/A How will this program interface with the Tactical Airlift program, currently being solicited under GSA ID07160019?

This program will not interface with the Tactical Airlift program.

N/A Will the USG consider a service life cycle replacement plan where the USG replaces the equipment every 1000 jumps or something similar?

IAW Section L - L.4.9.5.1. The Offeror shall describe their planned methodology and facilities that will ensure accountability and maintenance of the GFP. Offeror shall describe their repair and replacement plan for GFP items in their proposal. The plan shall meet the requirements of PWS 2.37.

N/A What are the details of the Instructor Parachutes listed in Appendix 2? The details for Instructor Parachutes will be provided in the Final RFP.

L.5. Would the USAF consider reducing the Past Performance examples to 5, with an added stipulation that the experience must be derived from the past 3 years?

Section L - L.5.1.4. requires "not more than eight (8) contracts/efforts total". There is no minimum defined. Recency will remain as stated in L.5.1.4.1.

PWS 2.32.6. Request that the Government clarify/confirm that the PM or alternate would need to be available within two hours to meet at the contractor facilities.

PWS 2.32.6. has been modified for clarification.

PWS 2.23. and 2.30.

Are you able to provide the instruction number/designator, whether it is DoD or USAF, that speaks to the requirements for NEPA? What the Minimum Acceptable Product or Impact Study will be required?

The Air Force regulation implementing NEPA and other environmental requirements is located at Title 32 of the Code of Federal Regulations Part 989 (32 CFR §989). See Section L - L.3.10.8. Environmental Impact Analysis Process (EIAP) information for proposal requirements.

PWS 2.15.5.1. There is not an exit altitude listed for jumps in A-1, pg.1, can that be published to aid in estimation or required tach hours per course?

The exit altitude can be found in USSOCOM Manual 350-3 Task Conditions and Standards. USSOCOM Manual 350-3 is a FOUO document that will be available with the Final RFP.

BA MFF - 04 Nov 16 RFI - Q&A

PWS 2.35.3. There is not a per minute flight request in conjunction with the recommended 5 flights per student for Vertical Wind Tunnel (VWT) usage, will the government list this requirement?

A per minute flight request will not be listed by the government. The Offeror shall describe how MFF training detailed in the syllabuses and PWS will be conducted at the best estimated quantity level IAW Section L - L.4.9.1.

Appendix A-5 Is there a strong preference from the customer to have either single or double occupancy rooms? If a single occupancy room is included in vendor proposal, can it be recommended below the 250 sq. ft. minimum requirement if it still gives student the required “free living space” (space not taken up by furnishings)?

IAW Section L - L.4.9.6. "The Offeror shall describe their planned methodology and facilities to house students while they attend BA MFF training...". Appendix A-5 is an example of capability. Acceptable methodology must meet the requirements of PWS 2.12.

Appendix A-5 For student housing, can modular buildings, that are built to all state/ local building codes, be used for lodging?

IAW Section L - L.4.9.6. "The Offeror shall describe their planned methodology and facilities to house students while they attend BA MFF training...". Appendix A-5 is an example of capability. Acceptable methodology must meet the requirements of PWS 2.12.

Appendix A-1 Would it be possible for customer to adjust course schedule in first year of performance to allow contractor to build out/ complete facility in a “quality” focused over “speed” driven approach? If not, could customer guarantee not more than 16 students per course in first year so that 30 students would still be the need to develop infrastructure for?

1. No. The offeror must have full capability by mobilization completion.

2. No. The Government can not guarantee classes of 16 or less for the first year. The offeror must have full capability by mobilization completion to meet all requirements/ELINS in the RFP Price Model.

L.4.9.3., PWS 2.1.,

PWS 2.10.

If not located on site and transportation is provided, how far can meals and lodging be from training facility?

Government will not mandate a maximum distance and time. IAW PWS

2.13.3. "The Contractor shall ensure meals are served in a timely manner so that students are available to meet scheduled training requirements.

Meals shall be included in the daily training schedule."

L.4.9.3., PWS 2.1.,

PWS 2.10.

So long as transportation is provided, how far can VWT be from training facility?

Government will not mandate a maximum distance and time. IAW Section L - L.4.9.1. The offeror shall "Include in the description a workflow/process chart that details how required academic, simulation, wind tunnel, ground, and MFF training requirements will be integrated to fulfill the requirements of the syllabuses."

PWS 2.9.9., PWS

2.10., Will students be allowed to maintain privately owned vehicles during the course? If so, how much parking be allotted by contractor and will there be liability to vendor for POV’s parked at training site?

Yes. It is expected that some students will be allowed to maintain privately owned vehicles during the course. PWS has been modified to include "2.9.9.1. Contractor shall provide sufficient parking for staff and maximum daily student load Privately Owned Vehicles (POV’s) that is secure IAW PWS A-7 (Security Requirements Appendix - Secure Document to be released with Final RFP)."

PWS 2.10. Is contractor to provide transportation to and from local sites for recreational activities or will students be expected to utilize cab’s, Uber or other forms of transportation at their expense?

No. PWS has been modified to include "2.10. Student Transportation.

The Contractor shall provide a means to transport students between training locations, lodging, dining facilities, and the airport terminal used by the Government. This service must be provided at convenient intervals and on a schedule known in advance to students planning to arrive and depart by commercial airline. Recreational transportation will be the responsibility of the individual students."

PWS 2.15.5.1. 2.15.5.1 states that aircraft being utilized need to facilitate either side or ramp exit jumps. Side exit aircraft are much less expensive to maintain and operate but are not fully similar to aircraft exits that may be encountered in real world environments, especially pertaining to RAMZ or MTTB operations. It could be confusing for new jumpers to alternate between the 2 types of exits during the course, does the customer have a preference to which aircraft vendor provides, rear ramp or side exit?

Both types of exits are needed. PWS modified to read: "2.15.5.1.

Aircraft supporting MFF operations must be able to perform jump operations from both door and ramp at a maximum altitude of 20,000 AGL, 125kts TAS, and have ability to provide sufficient jumps per student per day to meet the course objectives (e.g., up to 20 jumpers per class, 25 jumps per course day/night, and one contractor provided Physiological Technician per lift that may use supplemental oxygen).

Students need a minimum of 3 successful door exits using progression to night with O2 and full combat equipment."

PWS 2.15.5.2. If both types of exits are preferred, is there a mixture or ratio of jumps to be executed from either side exit or rear ramp aircraft?

Both types of exits are needed. PWS modified to read: "2.15.5.1.

Aircraft supporting MFF operations must be able to perform jump operations from both door and ramp at a maximum altitude of 20,000 AGL, 125kts TAS, and have ability to provide sufficient jumps per student per day to meet the course objectives (e.g., up to 20 jumpers per class, 25 jumps per course day/night, and one contractor provided Physiological Technician per lift that may use supplemental oxygen).

Students need a minimum of 3 successful door exits using progression to night with O2 and full combat equipment."

PWS 1.3. There are no water jumps shown in the sample POI yet, 1.3 states a need for a parachute drying rack/ capability to dry/ pack up to 40 parachutes to be dried in 1 week. Are there water jumps not displayed or anticipated in the SOW?

No. Water jumps are not anticipated. Drying tower is required in the event chutes become wet by other unintentional means.

PWS 2.0 2.0 states course to be accredited by USSOCOM, USASOC and AETC standards. Will there be an inspection by all 3 entities individually within the 4 month “Stand Up” period? If so, how much time does vendor have to prepare for these inspections? If there is an issue with 1 or all of these entities during such an inspection, is there a defined remediation period?

No. However, USSOCOM is the ultimate accreditation authority. All entities will be included in the inspection team in one inspection event.

IAW Section L - L.4.6. The contractor is responsible for providing "contractor developed milestones with detailed plans that demonstrate how the Offeror plans to begin training students four months after contract award." Remediation should be addressed in the contractor developed milestones/plans.

PWS 2.1.1 and 2.37.1.

Is there a way for the contractor to be able to be reimbursed for all recommended repairs to GFE for repairs needed that are not the fault of the contractor?

GFP is a direct reimbursable CLIN. IAW Section L - L.3.4.4.2. CLIN 0002, GFP Replacement, and CLIN 0003, Travel, have been intentionally left out of the Price Model as these CLINs will be direct reimbursable and do not require pricing. Section L - L.4.9.5.1. has been modified to reflect "The Offeror shall describe their planned methodology and facilities that will ensure accountability and maintenance of the GFP. Offeror shall describe their repair and replacement plan for GFP items. Plans should include costs and estimated schedule for repair."

PWS 2.1.3., PWS

2.1.4.

2.1.3 states contractor to supply computers capable of reading CAC cards by way of government coordination. Is there a specific computer with any specific capabilities not typical in a commercially available computer?

No. Computers must be capable of meeting the needs IAW PWS 2.13., 2.1.4., 2.9.2., 2.31.2., and 2.35.9.

PWS 2.7. 2.7 states contractor to supply Emergency Crash Fire Rescue (ECFR). AFI 11-410 seems to mostly describe ECFR policies for DoD aircraft. If vendor is recommending a private training site and training is supplied by private aircraft is there a requirement for a full time ECFR during flight operations or can nearby ECFR from a government municipality that can be at the training site within a specified time period be adequate?

No. There is not a requirement for a full time ECFR. PWS 2.7. has been modified to reflect "The Contractor shall ensure the availability of Emergency, Fire, Crash, Rescue and Medical services in place during operations at the training areas and airfields used in performance of this contract."

PWS 2.8.2.2. 2.8.2 states that student load, on average, would be 10-13 students. What would be the notification time period given to contractor, to facilitate larger class sizes, so that contractor has adequate time to build/ complete infrastructure for meals and lodging for an increased amount?

30 calendar day notification IAW PWS 2.8.2.2.

PWS 2.9.1. 2.9.1 states 90% of students must graduate the course. Is there a remediation time period available to contractor should this number fall below 90% to adjust POI, to get back above the 90% threshold?

Yes. Remediation has been clarified as one (1) class duration in PWS 2.9.1.

PWS 2.9.1. Is the 90% required graduation rate calculated per class or annual average to satisfactorily meet the requirements?

Yes. Remediation has been clarified as one (1) class duration in PWS 2.9.1.

PWS 2.9.10. and 2.13.1.

2.9.10 and 2.13.1 states that vendor to provide healthy meal service approved by a USAF dietician. Due to the large percentage of the total cost that meals/ lodging can represent, can any other information be given to guide the vendor to design the most adequate meal plan IAW cost and expectation?

There is no additional information regarding meal requirements other than PWS 2.23. MFF Food Service. Contractors shall submit their meal plans IAW Section L - L.4.9.6.2.

PWS 2.15.5. 2.15.5 states that high performance aircraft must meet the requirements stated in FM 3-21.220 Static Line Parachuting Techniques and Training.

2.15.5.1 also states that aircraft must be capable of rear ramp and side exits. Which would the government prefer? Although the SOW describes a Free Fall course, is it the intent to provide SL/ rear ramp capable aircraft?

Both types of exits are needed. PWS modified to read: "2.15.5.1.

Aircraft supporting MFF operations must be able to perform jump operations from both door and ramp at a maximum altitude of 20,000 AGL, 125kts TAS, and have ability to provide sufficient jumps per student per day to meet the course objectives (e.g., up to 20 jumpers per class, 25 jumps per course day/night, and one contractor provided Physiological Technician per lift that may use supplemental oxygen).

Students need a minimum of 3 successful door exits using progression to night with O2 and full combat equipment."

PWS 2.16.3. 2.16.3 lists AFTO Form 781A as approved maintenance logs. Can an alternate method be used if supplied by vendor and IAW OEM specifications?

AFTO Form 781A is an example. Any FAA and CARB approved form of maintenance documentation is acceptable IAW PWS 2.1 and 2.2.

PWS 2.18. 2.18 states the maximum hours of operation (HOO) are 12 hours. If vendor executes other DoD MFF and training activities, are HOO allowed to be extended to accommodate those operations so long as crew rest for BA MFF students is not interrupted?

Yes. IAW PWS 2.18 HOO is discussed "For the purposes of this contract." HOO can be extended to meet mission needs but must not exceed mandatory crew rest requirements listed in PWS 2.20.

PWS 2.29. Per 2.29, there is no known and specific insurance for civilian riggers liability insurance, even when FAA certified. USPA insurance relies on a very extensive waiver be signed by all jumpers that releases riggers and all other parties from liability. Will military students be permitted to sign this waiver to enable vendor to purchase USPA insurance similar to a civilian Drop Zone or can rigger insurance be waived so long as all riggers are FAA certified and comply with all other portions of the SOW, including drug testing, parachute rigging process improvement and QCP requirements?

Clarification will be provided with final RFP.

PWS 2.34.2. 2.34.2 states flying mishap frequency and severity rate must be IAW the USAF 3-year average as described by the USAF safety center. Does that apply to only FW aircraft operations or to students conducting MFF flight operations such as reserve pulls, off DZ landings etc.?

This applies to all ground and Flying incidents IAW PWS 2.34.2.

PWS 2.36.1.1. 2.36.1.1 states all GRI to be provided by customer. Does that include power point presentations, handouts, charts, tables and other graphical aids in relation to approved POI?

No. PWS 2.1.1. has been modified for clarification.

PWS 2.13. During night operations, is it required for contractor to provide after-hours meals according to the same standard as all other meals?

Yes, all meals will be planned in to the daily schedule IAW PWS 2.13.

PWS 2.1.6. Please confirm that instructors only have to be AFF-I certified? At a minimum all instructors shall possess AFF-I certification IAW 2.1.6.

PWS 2.1.6. Is there a ratio of prior military instructors to civilian instructors desired by the customer?

No ratio is defined.

PWS 2.25.2. For all instructors, the following documents will be stored per the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA): (1) a Medical screening, (2) Psychological evaluation (IAW AFI 48-123, a commercially available screening guide, such as the Minnesota Multi-phase Personality Inventory-2), (3) a Proof of Drug Screening document, and (4) CPR certification. What are the metrics of the psychological screening that could preclude instructors from the contract? Some prior military personnel have been exposed to conditions that have created levels of TBI or have undergone military PTSD screening or counseling. Prior DOD MFF SME’s, that meet the USPA instructor criteria, could be a value add to the program. Is there a waiver ability if a standardized test yields a negative result due to prior military service in a combat environment?

PWS 2.25.2. has been revised to more clearly state the metrics described in AR 40-501. Waiver ability will be at the description of the contractor selected Medical Authority providing the certification of Individual instructor suitability IAW PWS 2.25.2.

PWS 2.25.2. Per the HIPAA requirement for instructors, what level of medical screening needs to be in place? Some prior military instructors may have various percentages of disability that would be detected in their screening process but that does not impact their assigned position as an MFF-I. Would there be a reasonable waiver process if screening results in discovery of a disability percentage that does not interfere with their job responsibilities?

Standards for Medical Screenings are defined in AR 40-501 IAW PWS 2.25.2.

N/A Currently for Operational PJ/ CCT squadrons, contractors, regardless of prior military certifications, are not allowed to JM brief or JM check jumpers. How will all instructors be signed off by the AF to conduct JM brief and JM checks? What is the process?

Clarification will be provided with final RFP.

N/A Currently for operational PJ/ CCT squadrons, regardless of prior military certifications, contractors are not allowed to “spot”, release jumpers or be in control of the aircraft. How will instructors be qualified to do this?

What is the process?

Clarification will be provided with final RFP.

PWS 2.9.12. Is there a specific length to the running track? Does it have to be paved or can it be a natural surface?

No specific length or surface is required. IAW PWS 2.9.12. "The Contractor shall, without charge to the students, provide access to a running track or an open area with a running circuit…" Section L - L.4.9.6.3. has been added.

PWS 2.9.12. Can the runway dual purpose as the running track if the airfield is private and flight operations are not being conducted during Physical Training/ Crew rest periods?

Yes. IAW PWS 2.9.12. "The Contractor shall, without charge to the students, provide access to a running track or an open area with a running circuit…" Section L - L.4.9.6.3. has been added.

PWS 2.9.12. There is a vast difference in the gym equipment at several of the operational PJ/ CCT squadrons, some with very expensive equipment. Is there an allowance that should be factored or potentially an index for gym equipment similar to the room furnishing index generated for estimation?

No. IAW PWS 2.9.12. "The Contractor shall, without charge to the students, provide access to ...access to a gym environment possessing both aerobic and weight training equipment." Section L - L.4.9.6.3. has been added.

N/A It appears to demonstrate 27 jumps in the POI but lists 25 as the minimum.

What are the parameters, beyond weather, that would allow for a class to graduate with only 25 jumps? For estimating purposes, should 27 jumps be utilized for all courses?

The parameters are listed IAW PWS 2 USSOCOM 350-3. "The Contractor will be required to, maintain accreditation with the USSOCOM and provide a course equivalent to the existing U.S. Army MFF course IAW standards found in USSOCOM 350-3". The CMS and POI is provided as an example.

N/A Most MFF-I’s are not RA-1 qualified. It is said that this training will be conducted by the GOV for contractor. Will this training occur prior to the SOCOM/ USASOC/ AETC “Stand-Up” certification?

Yes. If RA-1 training is required, it must take place during mobilization prior to accreditation. PWS 1.3.1 has been revised for clarification.

M.1.4., M.2.2. What expenses are to be considered acceptable for mobilization period? The contractor should consider any expenses for Mobilization that ensure the requirements in PWS 1.3.1. are met and the offeror has capability by mobilization completion.

N/A Would a technical approach be considered that includes starting the course immediately at 1 site that meets all of the requirements in the SOW, while a new, customized site for the MFF course is being built, so long as it does not exceed a period of 16-18 months, result in a 2nd mobilization fee or impact course scheduling during the relocation to 2nd site.

No. Only one mobilization phase and cost will be included in the awarded contract.

N/A Are there differences or conflicts that can affect course approvals between

USASOC, SOCOM and AETC? Which entity, if needed would provide prevailing guidance in the event of a conflict?

No. USSOCOM is the ultimate accreditation authority all entities will be included in the inspection team in one inspection event.

51 N/A Will this contract be managed by 350 TRS or Det 1, BATG? The contract will be managed by AETC A3TB

Appendix A-4 In GFP appendix, O2 hoses are not included. Will they be included or does vendor need to procure?

GFP does not include O2 hoses. The vendor will need to procure any materials other than the GFP provided, which will be listed in detail in final RFP, to effectively conduct operations.

PWS 2.37.1. Can “care and sustainment” of GFE be better defined? Would accidents caused by students that result in damage, loss or destruction of GFE cause contractor to be liable for replacement/ repair?

Sustainment and maintenance of GFP is a cost reimbursable item IAW process described in PWS 2.37.1. Accidents caused by students that result in damage, loss or destruction of GFE will not cause the contractor to be liable for replacement/repair. IAW Section L - L.4.9.5.1. The Offeror shall describe their planned methodology and facilities that will ensure accountability and maintenance of the GFP. Offeror shall describe their repair and replacement plan for GFP items.