Attachment 4 - FA301625Q0038 - Questions and Answers - Answers.pdf

502 CONS/JBKAE FA301625Q0038

JBSA Lackland, TX Skydio X2D SUAS and In-Person Training

Attachment 4

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS:

Cutoff date for contractor questions is 10 AM CST, 18 December 2024.

Question 1:

Would any other SUAS models and brands be considered for this solicitation? What specific AFMAN 11-502 requirements are satisfied by the Skydio X2D? If an alternative American made SUAS is available that would meet all specifications, would we be able to present that option?

Government Response: In AFMAN 11-502 section “2.4. DoD COTS UAS Cyber Security Exemptions.” Requires units to submit an Exemption to Policy (ETP) waiver to their MAJCOM and forward to AFSCO/A3OU for approval prior to purchase. The following are important dates that we sought out and received approval to purchase the Skydio X2D. Flight Crew Information File (FCIF) A3V-24-055 was issued to all SUAS units – requiring all units to obtain an ETP prior to purchase even if listed on the DIU Blue List. The ETP request was submitted by the 737 TRG to purchase the Skydio X2D and received approval to operate utilizing the Skydio X2D from 01 AUG 24 – 01 AUG 25, after which time a requirement will be needed to submit an additional exemption to continue operations. This approval was specific to the Skydio X2D as it was part of the submission forms filled out and submitted to AFSOC. If a change were made to the manufacture and model of SUAS that is procured, it would start this process over again and further delay any possible SUAS operations for the 737 TRG.

Question 2:

If a competitor to Skydio offers similar type of SUAS to Skydio at a competitive price, as well as offer SUAS that are on the DoD Blue UAS list, specifically the Anafi USA Mil can they bid on this RFQ?

Government Response: See answer to question number 1. Additionally, the Skydio X2D was requested due to the manufacturer specific ‘360-degree Obstacle Avoidance’, along with Skydio Visual Navigator, a one of a kind vison based navigation system. These SUASs will be used around large groups of students (~250) we want to ensure that if a malfunction were to occur that the equipment has some safety features to avoid crashing into a student. In the event of an emergency, we are affording ourselves as many safety features programmed into the equipment as possible.

Question 3:

Are vendors required to hold a specific level of Facility Clearance?

502 CONS/JBKAE FA301625Q0038

JBSA Lackland, TX Skydio X2D SUAS and In-Person Training

Government Response: Only base access, although we have discussed that the training be conducted offsite as to not interfere with military operations prior to our program being completely stood up. Meaning the additional Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) Certificate of Authority (COA) Waiver approval, Unit/CC approved Mission Training (MT) and Upgrade Training (UT), Airworthiness Approval Letter from Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC), appointment letters (some of which we have in place), and other base notifications that would need to occur prior to operations.

Question 4:

Can the Government provide details around the desired learning objectives for the training? Specifically, is this a single event to “train the trainers” or are there multiple 3 day events? Is the expectation on just simple operation or are there specific flight profiles/TTPs that are expected to be taught. What level of proficiency is expected out of the students? Is it simple familiarity or expertise enough to become instructors themselves. Is there an expectation for the students to be able to gain a FAA Part 107 license following the course? What is the expectation on actual time allocated to the course (i.e. 3 eight-hour days, half days, or longer range days)?

Government Response: This training is to suffice for the ‘Initial Training’ (IT) requirements of AFMAN 11-502 “Chapter 3.2 Initial Training (IT)”. 3.2. Initial Training (IT). IT focuses on basic knowledge and skills required to operate a specific SUAS. AFSOC/A3OU is the approval authority for SUAS IT courseware/syllabi. For RDT&E units, the unit commander is the approval authority for unit or vendor provided training. The training includes operation of all baseline mission equipment, but does not emphasize tactical employment, nor does it address the operation of specialized equipment, software, or sensors uniquely employed by specific units. IT will conclude with a culmination flight and a written, or verbal, examination. (T-2). Individuals attending the Air Force FTU course will be trained to a minimum of basic unmanned aircraft systems qualification (BUQ) Level II. (T-0). Individuals attending approved IT courses, other than the FTU, must complete the appropriate BUQ standalone level training required to conduct SUAS operations in their assigned airspace prior to conducting the SUAS operations. (T-0).

Students attending IT may log flight hours with instructor guidance. These hours will not be counted for SUAS-O currency. Approved stand-alone BUQ training and examples of the AF Forms 797 and 1381 are located in the training section in the SUASMAN web application.

Question 5:

Are vendors required to be registered with SUASMAN?

Government Response: Yes, they are required to be registered with SUASMAN.

Question 6:

Other than submitting a specification sheet and pictures, are there specific requirements for format for the Quotes?

502 CONS/JBKAE FA301625Q0038

JBSA Lackland, TX Skydio X2D SUAS and In-Person Training

Government Response: Yes, complete pages 1 and 2 of the solicitation with pricing information on page

4. Follow the procedures outlined in Evaluation Factors for Award (Addendum to 52.212-1, and Addendum to 52.212-2). Offerors Representation and Certifications, FAR 52.212-3 must be completed also.