Aircraft_Wash_Questions_Rd_3.pdf

USG Responses are italicized

Aircraft Wash Service Questions Round 3

1) The RFP states the contractor is responsible for aircraft damage, but the insurance amounts for GL and auto and not listed. Our insurance is struggling on rates for the aircraft tow process and that’s where the insurance amount came up. The contractor is not required to have liability insurance related to the aircraft itself. The contractor will only be required to have standard liability insurance for their employees.

2) PWS Section 23.6 VGSA – The issuance of a VGSA implies that this contract will be a SECRET cleared contract. Please clarify. This is not a secret cleared contract.

3) Will the 4 high pressure hoses at the outdoor wash rack and the 4 pressure hoses inside the hangar remain on site to be used by the contractor? If so, will the replacement of the hoses be at the expense of the government or the contractor? Government.

4) Are all hose bibs currently in good operating condition at the outdoor wash rack and inside hangar 1? Yes.

5) Since the government currently uses “Magic Eraser” pads, will the contractor be expected to use the “Magic Eraser” for the entire surface of the aircraft? Other approved pads can be used IAW PWS para 8.0 and T.O. 1-1-691.

6) Is the contractor responsible to clean the wash rack drains? No.

7) PWS 22.5 states that "The Contractor shall provide a Labor Dispute Plan to be submitted with Contractor proposal." However, there is no mention in the ITO as to what Vol/Section the dispute plan should go into, nor how it should be graded by the evaluators. Please clarify. The Contracting Officer may request a Labor Dispute Plan.

However, it is not required to come with the Contractor proposal. The PWS has been edited to reflect this information.

8) Will the contractor be afforded a HAZMAT collection point, to allow disposal in regular batch intervals (i.e. laundering soiled grease rags)? Yes.

9) Where does the contractor need to dispose of trash removed from the aircraft?

Trash removal from the aircraft is not a normal wash/lube occurrence.

10) The time frames required to get CAC cards, Flightline Passes (RAB's) and Flightline Driver's Licenses are not being realistically presented here. Will the government be available to escort contractor employees, perform all GO81 functions, and Aircraft Forms documentation until a sufficient number have obtained sufficient privileges, or will the Gov simply continue to perform the washes themselves while waiting? Government will continue to wash aircraft and/or support the contractor as necessary until these items have been completed.

11) Phase In period. It states they will guarantee a minimum of 1 week phase In period!

Realistically, this contract will take 3-4 weeks for set-up; hiring employees, processing investigations, obtaining base passes, long-lead supplies, all equipment, including a high lift that'd have to be delivered to base, set up a CTK, train, etc.

The Government guarantees a MINIMUM of 1 week phase-in period. The Government will continue to wash aircraft and/or support the contractor as necessary until the Government is confident in the contractor’s abilities to accomplish regular washes independently.

12) Aircraft washes per 55 gal drum of A/C soap - The Gov's estimate states (1) 55gal drum will last 6 months (@ 1 wash per weekday x 6 mos = 120 washes). This would equate to less than a 1/2 gallon of soap per wash, making the service best fit the definition of a "Clear water rinse." No technology or amount of labor could enable a contractor to complete a T.O. compliant KC-135 wash using only 1/2 gallon of soap. Perhaps the Gov was referring to the usage of PD-680 degreaser or some of the other consumables besides soap. Typical soap usage for a KC-135 should yield 8-10 washes per 55-gallon drum. A drum of QPL approved A/C wash soap can range from $550 -$800, depending on Type and brand. For this contract requirement, I'd estimate that soap cost will be roughly 4-5% of the unit price, and is likely greater than the difference between the Total Evaluated Price of the winner and the 1st runner up. While I understand that the consumption information provided by the Gov is for reference only, erroneous reference data is arguably worse than no data at all. For example, rather than estimate their own usage, an inexperienced contractor would take the Gov's estimate with high confidence, increasing the potential to significantly underestimate their per wash costs.

Expected soap usage per aircraft will be 4-6 gallons. We estimate (1) 55gal drum will supply soap for 10 washes @ 5.5 gallons per wash. Per T.O. 1-1-691, soap dilution @ 1- 4/1-9 ratio for Mil-Prf-87937 Type IV. Wash rack uses Steamline Hydro model 835-2 soap dispenser. Our Eductor Flow is 1 GPM, with this new kit P/N-690014, the T.O.

allows for these tips to be used: (Beige .070 4:1 / Red .052 5:1 / White .043 7:1 / Blue .040 8:1). 5 each aircraft washes per week is the going rate at Macdill AFB.