RPA Government Responses to Industry Question

Remotely Piloted Aircraft

Government Responses to Industry Questions

Reference Question/Comment Response

1. Question: How will the Total Evaluated Price (TEP) be calculated? Will it solely be on the basis of the task order price provided in Phase II? Will the Government be adjusting offerors’ pricing?

As stated in paragraph M-3.6.1 of the RFP, the total overall evaluated price consists of the sum total proposed price for all task order(s) to include all options, and offeror provided estimates for the cost-reimbursable CLINs in

Phase II, Task Order Pricing, Section B.

2. Question: Can Subcontractors be added during the life of the program to meet Task Order specific requirements?

Yes, but there will not be any adjustments to price. Labor is on a firm fixed price basis.

3. Question: Will the Government identify and provide a copy of any

Collective Bargaining Agreements that pertain to workforces supporting incumbent efforts, and which will be required to be assumed by the winning offeror?

All applicable Dept of Labor Wage Determinations will be included in the RFP. (updated 14 Dec 11)

4. Reference: PWS &

Appendices

Question: For SWA support besides Ramstein and in theater, where would the ground terminal support be required (Kuwait, Bahrain, etc)?

All operational requirements are in Appendix N.

5. Reference: PWS &

Appendices

Question: Where in the Pacific Ocean Region (POR) would the ground terminal (PPSL) be supported (Guam, Okinawa, Wahiawa)?

PAC-1 is at Kadena AB, Okinawa, Japan

6. Reference: PWS Question: Draft PWS does not contain any reference/requirements pertaining to SITE STAND –UP ITEMs 0110, 0210, 0310, 0410, 0510, or

0610. Does the Government have specific requirements for these CLINs, or shall the offeror identify and propose requirements and activities for these ITEMs?

See Section A paragraph 2.22 in PWS. Additionally, the maintenance actions associated with standing up a new site (packing/shipping/unpacking/setup of equipment, setting up work centers, etc.) is considered normal O-level maintenance and does not require separate requirements/activities. This CLIN has been deleted as offerors will be required to include these types of requirements/activities as part of the firm fixed price.

7. Reference: PWS Table of Contents

Question: Appendix N is missing from the list of Appendices. The PWS Table of Contents was updated.

Reference Question/Comment Response

8. Reference: PWS, Paragraph 2.1.1 On-Site

Mgt

This paragraph states that the contractor must "Provide an on-site management and oversight function at all locations that serves as a single interface between the government and contractor. During normal duty hours, the individual shall be available to meet with the government within one hour of notification, and aggressively pursue timely responsiveness to government requests.” In addition, local

Maintenance Group Commanders (MXG/CC) at most operating sites require the Site Manager to attend two (2) daily meetings and various monthly meetings. Local Operations Squadron Commanders (OS/CC) expect to coordinate flying schedule deviations, "Commnader Directed

Sorties", divert reconstitution efforts, and other operations matters with a contractor Site Manager.

Question: Does the goverment expect the contractor to staff a dedicated Site Manager to provide on-site management, oversight and coordination at each Appendix N CONUS and OCONUS location when a

MXG/CC staff is co-located?

The Government expects on-site management and oversight at all locations.

9. Reference: Paragraph

2.4

Question: Hours of Operation indicates that the contractor shall have a plan to shelter aircraft/equipment in emergency situations in

Government provided facilities.

(a) Does the Government intend for the contractor to include unlimited support of labor and ODCs to support these emergency situations, or will this be covered by a cost-reimburseable CLIN?

(b) Can the contractor assume that the Government provided facilities will be co-located at the same base or very nearby?

a) Govt intends for contractor to include support of labor and ODCs to support these emergency situations.

b) Govt-provided facilities are located at the same base.

10. Reference: PWS, Paragraph 2.8

Question: Draft PWS requires contractor to provide detailed backup information – including labor and ODC breakdowns – for each CLIN. Are we to assume that this detailed backup is required only for cost-reimburseable CLINs, and not FFP CLINs?

Backup information is for cost-reimbursable CLINs only.

The PWS was updated for clarity.

11. Reference: PWS Section

A, Paragraph 2.11

Question: Should the reference to paragraph 2.24.3 instead be to paragraph 2.23.3?

Yes. PWS updated to reflect correct paragraph reference.

12. Reference: PWS Section

A, Paragraph 2.17.2

Question: The government requires a primary and an alternate

Customer Account Representative (CAR) at "each installation". Does this include all OCONUS locations as well as all CONUS installations?

Yes, OCONUS locations are included in this requirement.

Note: Term Customer Account Representative (CAR) has been changed to "Records Custodian". (updated 5 Jan

2012)

13. Reference: PWS, Paragraph 2.17.3

Question: Master Reference Library: will the Government turn over documents from incumbent contractors to help establish the initial

Master Reference Library? If so, will a list of available documents be provided?

The current Master Reference Library will be turned over from the incumbent during transition and the complete list of publications is in Appendix D.

Reference Question/Comment Response

14. Reference: PWS Section

A, Paragraph 2.21

Question: Do Host Nation requirements for EUR-1B and Japan include

TESA similar requirements? If so, please provide the reference document information.

EUR-1B is in Germany and the same TESA requirements apply. Japan doesn't have a TESA program, however, exact requirements for Japan can be found in the Electronic

Foreign Clearance Guide (see Appendix D).

15. Reference: PWS, Paragraph 2.22

Question: Deployments: Section B, SITE STAND –UP ITEMs 0110, 0210, 0310, 0410, 0510, or 0610 show a 60 day period of performance. PWS

Section 2.22 requires the contractor to have personnel on site and ready to execute site stand-up or transition requirements NLT 45 days after the Government Contracting Officer issues a deployment task order.

Does the 60 day period of performance for SITE STAND-UP include the

45 day period cited in 2.22?

The requirement is NLT 45 days. Section B, Site Stand-up

CLINs have been deleted. Reference question #5.

16. Reference: PWS, Paragraph 2.23

Question: Reports: Requests that contractors include: Detailed listing of all costs by category to include supplies, equipment purchases

(computers, office furniture, clothing, etc.) and tra+C23vel; and a Labor summary to include number of personnel and labor hours and cost billed. Assume these specific requirements pertain only to cost reimbursable CLINs?

PWS A.2.23 pertains to all reports and the reports are not

CLIN specific.

Reference: PWS Section

A, Paragraph 2.23

Comment: PWS Section A, paragraph 2.23 requires that all reports be delivered via the ACC AMIC LAN electronic mail system. Subparagraphs

(2.23.1-2.23.7) stipulate use of the NIPRNET.

17. Question: Will the contractor be allowed to use the ACC AMIC LAN electronic mail system for routine unclassified reporting?

Routine reports will be delivered using e-mail, which arrive via the AMIC LAN system.

18. Question: Will the government provide NIPRNET terminals at contractor facilities?

The government will provide NIPRNET terminals only at on-base contractor-supported sites.

19. Question: Please note that there are two subparagraphs numbered

2.23.7.

PWS updated to reflect correct paragraph reference.

20. Reference: PWS Section

A, Paragraph 2.23

Question: Several reports and plans are identified. Under what CDRL in

Appendix B should each be submitted? Are there associated data item descriptions (DIDs) that contractors should use for content other than what is described in the PWS for each report?

The reports in Para 2.23 are not delivered under a CDRL.

There are no DIDs associated with these reports so only the requested information should be provided.

21. Reference: PWS Section

A, Paragraph 2.23.1

Question: Is the Cost Performance Report applicable to only cost reimbursable CLINs?

PWS A.2.8 and A.2.23.2 have been updated. A.2.23.2 applies to all CLINs.

Note: Paragraph a.2.23 numbers have been updated.

(updated 5 Jan 2012)

22. Reference: PWS Section

A, Paragraph 2.23.5

Question: The Command Status Report submittal is keyed to the "day contract performance begins". Please clarify the government’s interpretation of the term “day contract performance begins". Is it start of Transition or start of contract or start of Task Order or some other event?

First submittal shall be the day contract full performance begins and then submitted each day thereafter.

Reference Question/Comment Response

23. Reference: PWS Section

A, Paragraph 2.22.b

Question: Will the Task Order that is issued to the contractor specify the specific "Unified Combatant Command contractor deployment requirements" so that efforts may be priced in the fixed price portion of the Task Order?

No. These requirements can be found on the appropriate web sites listed in the PWS, Appendix D.

24. Reference: PWS Section

A, Paragraph 3.3

Question: Please clarify; what does the government mean by the statement, “Provide technical solutions to integrate government requests to upgrade aircraft systems.”?

The intent of this paragraph is to have the contractor implement approved changes. The PWS was updated for clarification.

25. Question: How are these solutions to be submitted; Engineering Change

Proposals?

Paragraph was reworded for clarification.

26. Reference: PWS

Section A, Paragraph

3.11

Question: We understand that the Predator Primary Satellite Link

(PPSL) are being replaced by the Fixed Site SATCOM Terminal (FSST) and the SATCOM Earth Terminal Subsystem (SETSS). Once replaced, please confirm there is no requirement to maintain the PPSL replaced systems.

All references to the PPSL have been removed from the

PWS.

27. Reference: PWS, Paragraph 3.11

Question: PPSL/TFT/FSST/SETTS: Could the Government provide more specific guidance/definition of the level and scope of support required to “provide solutions to integrate Government requests and TCTOs to upgrade satellite earth terminals?

The contractor is required to integrate and comply with organizational-level TCTOs as a routine part of organizational-level maintenance. It isn't possible to fully define the scope of support for TCTOs since they involve future modifications that haven't been defined yet. Every

TCTO is evaluated prior to release by the depot to determine the time & skills required to perform the TCTO.

TCTOs are issued as O-level when the depot determines the skills and time required for completion fall within the realm of O-level maintenance. O-level TCTOs are not expected to add to overall manpower requirements.

28. Reference: PWS, Paragraph 3.11

Question: PPSL/TFT/FSST/SETTS: Indicates that the CO may direct the contractor to obtain and maintain any additional personnel, circuit, equipment or software certifications and or licenses required to establish and maintain continuous operations. Since this effort will covered under a Firm Fixed Price CLIN, can the Government provide more specific information regarding the scope of additional personnel, circuit, equipment or software certifications and or licenses envisioned?

If these requirements cannot be defined more specifically, suggest they be covered as a cost reimbursable item.

The PWS was updated to remove this statement.

29. Reference: PWS, Section A, Paragraph

3.11

Question: Paragraph 3.11 calls out the requirement to establish and maintain a “System Circuit Guide”. Will this deliverable be added to the

CDRLs?

No, the System Circuit Guide is a required report in Section

A, Paragraph 2.23.7 of the PWS.

Reference Question/Comment Response

30. Reference: PWS, Section A, Paragraph

3.11

Question: We understand that the Predator Primary Satellite Link

(PPSL) are being replaced by the Fixed Site SATCOM Terminal (FSST) and the SATCOM Earth Terminal Subsystem (SETSS). Once replaced, please confirm there is no requirement to maintain the PPSL replaced systems.

All references to the PPSL have been removed from the

PWS.

31. Reference: PWS, Paragraph 3.12

Question: Reachback Facilities: Third sentence requires the contractor to provide all materials necessary for reachback support. Since this effort will covered under a Firm Fixed Price CLIN, can the Government provide more specific information regarding the scope of materials envisioned? If these requirements cannot be defined more specifically, suggest they be covered as a cost reimbursable item.

The PWS was updated to remove "materials".

32. Reference: PWS, Paragraph 3.12.1

Question: Draft PWS requires contractor to implement approved modifications at Government direction. Since this effort will covered under a Firm Fixed Price CLIN, can the Government provide more specific information regarding the scope of modifications envisioned? If these requirements cannot be defined more specifically, suggest they be covered as a cost reimbursable item.

The contractor is required to integrate and comply with organizational-level TCTOs/modifications as a routine part of organizational-level maintenance. It isn't possible to fully define the scope of support for TCTOs since they involve future modifications that haven't been defined yet.

Every TCTO is evaluated prior to release by the depot to determine the time & skills required to perform the TCTO.

TCTOs are issued as O-level when the depot determines the skills and time required for completion fall within the realm of O-level maintenance. O-level TCTOs are not expected to add to overall manpower requirements.

33. Reference: PWS, Paragraph 3.13.1

Question: ATM-to-IP migration: Requires the contractor to assist in engineering changes and implementations of technology changeovers.

Since this effort will covered under a Firm Fixed Price CLIN, can the

Government provide more specific information regarding the scope of engineering changes and implementations of technology changeovers envisioned? If these requirements cannot be defined more specifically, suggest they be covered as a cost reimbursable item.

The contractor is required to integrate and comply with organizational-level TCTOs/modifications as a routine part of organizational-level maintenance. It isn't possible to fully define the scope of support for TCTOs since they involve future modifications that haven't been defined yet.

Every TCTO is evaluated prior to release by the depot to determine the time & skills required to perform the TCTO.

TCTOs are issued as O-level when the depot determines the skills and time required for completion fall within the realm of O-level maintenance. O-level TCTOs are not expected to add to overall manpower requirements.

Reference Question/Comment Response

34. Reference: PWS

Section A, Paragraph

3.13.1

Question: The sentence stating that contractor shall “immediately report irresolvable external connection problems to FOLs, Operation

Centers/Cells, and ACC AMIC/PMA/PSC.” implies a very large troubleshooting/reporting group. Normally, there is a small group for immediate notification and a larger group for notification in daily status reports – is this the intent? If not, how are personnel not working 24/7 to be contacted immediately?

The requirement and intent is to provide immediate notification to the listed groups. The government will provide the contractor the approved Operation

Centers/Cell to notify. Personnel that are not 24/7 can be notified by email via NIPR/SIPR or by phone, depending on the situation. However, since this is a performance based contract, it will not be dictated in the PWS. This way, an offeror has the opportunity to propose an approach that

35. Question: For clarity, can the last two sentences be changed to:

“Provide immediate response times in the effort to restore all circuit and system outages affecting O+C42CONUS RPA missions. In case of conflict, TS circuit outages take precedence over Secret circuit outages.”?

Non Concur. The contractor is required to notify the

Operations Center/Cell. The Operations Center/Cell will tell the contractor the priority of repair, if there is a conflict. Mission needs and requirements will dictate priority as they change.

Reference: PWS

Section A, Paragraph

3.17

Comment: This section addresses Maintenance Management Analysis and includes the requirement to "provide additional analysis and reports to the government program office as requested".

36. Question: Will the government specify a representative level of effort needed for the "additional" reports to facilitate contractor manning and pricing for the FFP action.

Three reports were added to the PWS - Reference paragraphs 2.23.9, 2.23.10, and 2.23.11.

37. Question: What additional data and reports will the government program office require?

Other requests from the program office are expected to be infrequent, and normally include only standard historical maintenance/logistics statistics that the contractor is already tracking.

38. Reference: PWS

Section A, Paragraph

3.17

Question: Under what CDRL in Appendix B should the Monthly Logistics

Indicators Report be submitted?

The Monthly Logistics Indicators Report is not a CDRL. It is submitted as a Wing report to HQ ACC (or other MAJCOM) and the contractor will in most cases be providing input to the host wing for the report. The PWS was revised to

39. Reference: PWS

Section A, Paragraph

3.23

Question: Will the Appendix E data be updated with IUID line item numbers prior to finalizing the PWS and appendices or will the contractor be required to add IUID line item numbers in the registry during transition?

The contractor will be required to add IUID line item numbers in the registry within 90 days after contract full performance start. This requirement has been added to the PWS.

40. Reference: PWS

Section A, Paragraph

3.22.2

Question: We believe that the purchases addressed herein fall under the cost reimbursement CLIN Miscellaneous Services of the contract. Is this correct?

Yes, that is correct.

41. Reference: PWS

Section A, Paragraph

3.22.2

Question: We believe the reference to paragraph 2.24.1 should be

2.23.1. Is this correct?

Yes. PWS updated to reflect correct paragraph reference.

42. Reference: PWS

Section A, Paragraph

3.28.2.1

Question: Reference is made to a Munitions Tab in Appendix C. We believe this is in reference to the AFI 21-200 Compliance Matrix at

Appendix C. Is this correct?

This reference is for AFI 21-200 and AFI 21-201 in

Appendix C.

Reference Question/Comment Response

43. Reference: PWS, Section C, Paragraph

2.2

Question: Facilities: The draft RFP indicates that the Government may modify or realign facilities and space provided to the contractor. A significant scope or amount of space or facility changes may add appreciable costs to the contractor. Since this effort will covered under a Firm Fixed Price CLIN, can the Government provide more specific information regarding the scope of facility/space modifications or realignments envisioned? If these requirements cannot be defined more specifically, suggest they be covered as a cost reimbursable item.

Facilities will be provided to the contractor; future changes can't be predicted, however, the government, will always have an inherent responsibility to provide on-base facilities adequate for the contractor to meet mission requirements.

44. Reference: PWS, Section C, Paragraph

2.6

Question: POL: The draft RFP requires the contractor to “Procure and provide bulk storage of aircraft fuel.” Assume this means that the contractor will be required to provide qualified personnel to coordinate and order fuel, and to coordinate and manage the storage of fuel using

Government-provided storage/equipment. Please confirm that the contractor is not required to incur costs for fuel purchases, nor to provide fuel storage containers.

This falls under Government Provided Services of the PWS.

Paragraph C.2.6. has been revised. The contractor does not order or manage the bulk storage of fuel. The contractor does not incur costs for fuel purchases or provide fuel storage containers.

45. Reference: PWS, Section C, Paragraph

8.0t

Question: Engine run training and certification is to be executed by the contractor. Please clarify if the Government will provide suitable facilities and training hardware required to perform this training and certification.

The Government will provide a suitable location, aircraft, and single-bay station for engine run training and certification.

46. Reference: PWS, Section D, Paragraph

1.0

Question: Transition Aircraft:

a) Will the Government make available GCS or AGE for maintenance training purposes?

b) Will the Government make available any aircraft or systems for maintenance training purposes after contract start?

a) The Government does not intend to make available a

GCS or AGE for maintenance training.

b) The contractor is expected to manage assigned aircraft and equipment after start of contract full performance to meet mission requirements and train personnel. Aircraft shall be available throughout the transition period until start of contract full performance.

47. Reference: PWS, Section D, Paragraph

8.0

Question: Phase-Out: Could not identify an ITEM in SUPPLIES/SERVICES

Section under which to price the Phase-Out activities indicated in this section. Will the Government add an ITEM to SUPPLIES/SERVICES in order to capture Phase-Out price? If not, under which existing ITEM should Phase-Out be priced?

Phase Out does not need to be priced separately. Phase out requirements are an inherent part of contract close out and occurs within the contract period.

48. Reference: PWS, Section D, Paragraph

1.0

Question: Please define the term “contract start”. Is it the 106th day after contract award.

Contract full performance start date is the day after the transition period ends.

49. Reference: PWS, Section C, Paragraph

8.0

Question: Will the government allow for in residence Weight and

Balance training at Sheppard AFB?

There are no plans at this time for allowing in-residence

Weight & Balance training at Sheppard AFB.

50. Reference: Appendix C Question: Would it be more appropriate to have AFI 21-116 instead of

AFI 21-101 used to define the Reachback requirements?

AFI 21-116 no longer exists and the government has - as a matter of policy - always used AFI 21-101.

Reference Question/Comment Response

51. Reference: Appendix F, Paragraph 3.0

Question: Draft requires the offeror’s Quality Management

Representative to be an American Society for Quality Certified Quality

Auditor through the life of the contract. This is not a requirement for

ISO-registered organizations. Further, the exam for this certification is only given twice per year, which may limit QMRs personnel to those with existing CQA credentials upon contract start. Suggest removing this requirement for the Quality Management Representative, delaying the certification requirement until the next exam date, and/or waiving this personnel requirement if the offeror’s operation is certified to ISO-

9001:2008.

The requirement for the Quality Management

Representative to be an American Society for Quality

Certified Quality Auditor is our requirement for aircraft maintenance contracts.

52. Reference: Appendix G Question: Incentive Plan: it is unclear how the government will break down the work under an ID/IQ task order approach. For example, if an awarded Task Order (such as only the Reachback scope) does not contain some of the graded elements of the Incentive Plan (paragraph

3.2.2, Service Summary standards), how will this element of the

Incentive Fee be evaluated?

The total PI pool is based on size and scope of OCONUS task orders issued and will vary. The PI for each awarded task order will be summed to determine the total available

PI pool. The PI pool will not exceed $3M semi-annually.

A major nonconformance for failure to meet any of the service standards will result in zero points for that month.

A nonconformance cannot be issued for failure to meet a standard that doesn't apply to a given site. (Only applicable standards will be evaluated). Similarly, an additional point can only be awarded when all deployed sites meet the higher standards.

Reference: Appendix

G, Incentive Plan, Paragraph 1.0

Comment: The Incentive Fee shall be calculated on a semi-annual basis.

53. Question: Will the government provide instructions concerning the process to formulate the calculated Incentive Fee, present that data to the government, and receive the incentive fee award?

The process will not require contractor presentation. The

Incentive Plan will be updated to include the

Government's administrative process for determining, calculating, and awarding potential fees earned.

Reference: Appendix

G, Incentive Plan, Paragraph 2.0

Comment: The cost incentive shall be based on the contractual Target

Cost (TC), as proposed by the contractor, for cost reimbursable expenses.

54. Question: Is it correct to assume that the TC will actually be the cost reimbursable estimates approved by the government?

No, the TC is be based on the offeror's proposed and negotiated reimbursable costs.

Reference: Appendix

G, Incentive Plan, Paragraph 2.0

Comment: “The target fee shall be zero.”

55. Question: This statement is understood to mean that the cost reimbursable estimates submitted by the contractor and approved by the government are exclusive of fee. Is that correct?

Yes, cost reimbursable CLINs are exclusive of fee.

Reference question #54.

Reference Question/Comment Response

Reference: Appendix

G, Incentive Plan, Paragraph 2.0

Comment: “The target reduction (TR) shall be 10%.”

56. Question: This term is not clear. Does this mean that the maximum reduction that will be allowed in calculating Cost Incentive will be 10% of the TC? Since TR is not used in the formula or example, request the government further explain how TR is used to calculate Final Cost

Incentive.

The TR is the maximum incentive shared with the contractor.

Note: The term "Target Reduction" has been removed from Appendix G, Incentive Plan. (updated 5 Jan 2012)

Reference: Appendix

G, Incentive Plan, Paragraph 2.0

Comment: “Cost incentive calculation will be finalized annually.”

57. Question: This statement is not consistent with the statement is Para 1 which indicates the “Incentive Fee shall be calculated on a semi-annual basis”. Will the government be more specific as to the periodicity of

Incentive Fee component calculation, summation and ultimately payment to the contractor?

Cost incentive calculation will be adjusted when contractor determines actual fiscal year indirect rates and the incentive will be finalized when DCAA/DCMA audited rates are negotiated.

58. Reference: Appendix

G, Incentive Plan, Paragraph 2.2

Question: The Final Cost Incentive formula includes a component

“Actual Costs”. This is understood to be the costs invoiced by the contractor for the cost reimbursable expenses in the semi-annual period of the Incentive Fee Plan. Is this correct?

Yes, the sample formula is correct. Paragraph has been clarified.

59. Reference: Appendix

G, Paragraph 2.0

Question: Are cost incentives computed at the Task or Total Contract level?

Total costs (TC) and actual cost (AC) data will be provided for each deployed task order (TO). TC and AC from each

TO will be summed to determine the overall contract TC and AC. Cost incentive will be calculated at the overall contract level.

60. Reference: Appendix

G, Paragraph 2.0

Question: In most cases, contractor indirect rates are not audited and approved by DCAA until long after performance – sometimes as long as

2-3 years later. What basis will the Government use for indirect rates in the computing of Actual Cost (AC) for the purpose of determining the final cost incentive?

The cost incentive shall be based on the contractual Target

Cost (TC), as proposed by the contractor, for cost reimbursable expenses. The cost incentive will be calculated semi-annually and is considered preliminary.

Cost incentive calculation will be adjusted whenever the contractor determines actual fiscal year indirect rates and the incentive will be finalized when indirect rates are audited and negotiated by DCAA/DCMA.

61. Reference: Appendix

G, Paragraph 2.0

Question: What happens if AC>TC? In this case, is there a negative cost incentive, or is the incentive zero?

No incentive is earned. There is no negative cost incentive.

62. Reference: Appendix

G, Paragraph 2.0

Question: The DRFP provides for a preliminary semi-annual calculation and a finalized calculation annually. Does “annually” refer to the base and contract years, calendar year, or something else? When and how often is the cost incentive paid out (monthly, semi-annually, annually, etc.)?

Annually refers to the contract year.

The cost incentive will be calculated and available for billing semi-annually.

Reference Question/Comment Response

63. Reference: Appendix G, Paragraph 2.1

“The target reduction (TR) shall be 10%.”

Question: The term “target reduction” is not clear and seems out of place in the context of fixed price incentive fee contracts as explained in

FAR 16.403-1(a) and (b). In fact, “target reduction” does not appear to be a factor in any discussion of FP incentive fee contracts. See e.g., DCMA guidance at http://guidebook.dcma.mil/18/ContRecRevconttypes.htm; Incentive

Contracts, NCMA Magazine (September 2007) at http://www.ncmahq.org/files/Articles/ F5720_CM0907_18-22.pdf;

DCAA Contract Audit Manual (August 2011 ed.)

Question: Is the 10% target reduction an annual target or a per task order target? Does 10% set the maximum amount that can be used to calculate the contractor cost incentive earned (e.g. 60%)?

RPA is using a cost incentive and performance incentive arrangements not a fixed price incentive (firm target) arrangement.

The target reduction (TR) is used with the cost incentive and applies to the cost reimbursable CLINs of the OCONUS

TOs.

The TR shall be 10% of the TC. The TR share ratio is 40/60

(government/contractor).

The TR is the maximum incentive shared with the contractor.

Plan has been updated and TR has been deleted. (updated

5 Jan 2012)

64. Reference: Appendix

G, Paragraph L-1.1

Question: A TR of 10% is provided in the DRFP; however it does not appear to be used in the cost incentive calculation. What is the purpose of the TR and will it be used in calculating the cost incentive? If so, how?

The TR is the maximum incentive shared with the contractor.

Sample calculations have been revised to include TR in formula.

Plan has been updated and TR has been deleted. (updated

5 Jan 2012)

65. Reference: Appendix

G, Paragraph 2.0

Question: How soon after the end of the year will the Government compute the cost incentive?

Government will compute cost incentive approximately 60 days after the end of the evaluation period.

66. Reference: Appendix

G, Paragraph 3.0

Question: In the event the contractor’s proposed costs are later increased as a result of a change in Government task scope, may we assume that the TC will be adjusted similarly?

Yes.

67. Reference: Appendix

G, Paragraph 3.0

Question: Various paragraphs in this section refer to the timing of the

PIF calculation. For example, 3.2 states, “the contractor shall earn up to -

4 points per month.” 3.2.3 states, “the contractor may earn up to two

(2) points monthly.” 3.3 states, “the following evaluations will be performed during each incentive fee period.” 3.4 provides no specific

PIF period. 3.5 refers to an “Incentive Fee period.” Please clarify the frequency and duration of Incentive Fee periods. If monthly, are these calendar months?

Under the Performance Incentive (PI), all 4 factors will be rated during the designated "Incentive Period" which is 6 months. However, the Quality factors (Service Summary and QMS) are continuously rated every calendar month and will be used in the 6 month calculation of the

Performance Incentive.

68. Reference: Appendix

G, Paragraph 3.0

Question: How long after the end of a PIF period is the PIF computed and paid?

The performance period is 6 months and the PI will be calculated and available for billing 60 days after the end of the period.

Reference Question/Comment Response

69. Reference: Appendix

G, Paragraph 3.1, 3.5

Question: Special Interest Items: 20% of Target Incentive Fee pool. Will the Contractor have input in defining the Special Interest Items, their metrics/criteria/standards that apply to SII incentive? Recommend that

SIIs are bilaterally defined and agreed to by Contractor and Government personnel.

The SII is an area of performance that the government deems critical and requires special attention. As such the

Government will make the final decision on SII criteria/metrics/standards, and they will be updated as unilateral modifications per the Incentive Plan.

70. Reference: Appendix

G, Paragraph 3.1, 3.5

Question: Special Interest Items: 20% of Target Incentive Fee pool. Will the SIIs change on an annual or contract-period basis?

Appendix G has been updated to show the SII may be unilaterally changed every Performance Incentive period.

Reference: Appendix

G, Incentive Plan, Paragraph 3.2

Comment: “The contractor shall earn up to “-4” points per month…”

71. Question: The -4 is understood to be a typographical error and should be “4”. Is this correct?

Yes, the typo has been corrected.

Reference: Appendix

G, Incentive Plan, Paragraph 3.2

Comment: “The Service Summary (SS) portion of the Incentive Fee shall only apply to the criteria defined in section 3.2.2 for deployed sites and communication reachback sites”.

72. Question: This is understood to mean that only the specific SS metrics listed in Para 3.2.2 of Appendix G, RPA Incentive Plan Fee, are applicable for the QPI and that they are only applicable for deployed sites and communication reachback sites (i.e. all CONUS O&M sites and GCS MCE communications sites are excluded). Is this understanding correct?

Your understanding is correct. Paragraph has been modified. CONUS GCS MCE sites are included in the

Appendix. CONUS O&M sites supporting local or training missions are not included.

73. Reference: Appendix

G, Incentive Plan, Paragraph 3.2.1

Question: Para 3.2.1 of Appendix G, RPA Incentive fee Plan, and Para

1.4.1 of PWS Section B Service Summary define a “major nonconformance” differently. To avoid confusion in definitions, it is recommended that Para 3.2.1 of Appendix G, RPA Incentive Fee, be revised to read as follows: “3.2.1 A PIF noncompliance is defined as: A government quality assurance audit/surveillance result that is below standards (non-conformance) which adversely impacts mission, safety of personnel and or equipment, environment, performance (quality), schedule (delivery) and/or cost AND failure to achieve the Performance

Threshold metric standards specified in the PWS Service Summary and

Appendix H.”

Appendix G has been updated with a new definition of a major nonconformance.

74. Reference: Appendix

G, Incentive Plan, Paragraph 3.2.1

Question: How will the government distinguish in association with the

Incentive Plan a QAE quality assurance surveillance non-conformance report from a “major non-conformance”?

A major nonconformance will result in the Government issuing a Corrective Action Request.

75. Reference: Appendix

G, Paragraph 3.2.1

Question: For the purposes of identifying non-conformances for computing Service Summary points, how often will the Government conduct quality assurance audits? Will points be available in the event the Government does not conduct a quality assurance audit for a PIF period?

Quality audits are conducted on a continuing basis. Audits are mandatory and will always be performed.

Reference Question/Comment Response

76. Reference: Appendix

G, Incentive Plan, Paragraph 3.2.2.1

Question: Para 3.2.2.1 and 3.2.2.2 address “major non-conformance” for service summary standards. For more uniform use of the term

“major non-conformance” and better understanding of these factors, it is recommended that the following be substituted: Zero (0) points if the contractor fails to achieve any of the following services summary standards for the cumulative effort at all deployed sites. One (1) point if the contractor meets or exceeds all the service summary standards identified above for the cumulative effort at all deployed sites.

The government does not concur with the recommended changes.

77. Reference: Appendix

G, Paragraph 3.2.2.1

Question: Service summary standards for Ground Control Station, Tactical Field Terminal, FSST and Reachback are not standard ACC/A4 standards. How will these numbers be produced and vetted to be meaningful statistically valid quality measures?

These rates apply to the contract and are not ACC standard reporting metrics. The contractor will track and report these standards IAW the PWS, Section A, Para 3.17. and

2.25. AMIC will validate the reported monthly rates using

maintenance data from IMDS.

Reference: Appendix

G, Incentive Plan, Paragraph 3.2.3.1

Comment: “This factor is cited in terms of a “technical data violation”.

78. Question: A precise definition of “technical data violation” is not provided. It would be better understood if the term “Technical Order

(TO) violation” was substituted. Will the government provide clarification concerning the meaning of “technical data violation”?

The Government has included a definition of technical data violation in the PWS Section B.1.4.1.1.

79. Reference: Appendix

G, Paragraph 3.2.2.3

Question: In order to earn the one (1) additional point for meeting or exceeding higher critical standards, must the contractor meet or exceed all of the listed higher critical standards at all of the deployed sites?

Note that as the scope of work and number of sites increase, it will become increasingly challenging to meet this goal. The Government may wish to consider awarding some incentive for performing better than the SS metrics but falling short of meeting/exceeding all of the higher critical standards at all of the sites.

The contractor must meet or exceed all of the higher critical standards at each deployed site.

80. Reference: Appendix

G, Paragraph 3.2.2.3

Question: How do the Higher Critical Standards (Aircraft Availability

Rate, Total Abort Rate, etc.) posted in this section compare to the current actual rates for these metrics?

Historical data is available in the Bidders Library.

81. Reference: Appendix

G, Paragraph 3.2.2.3

Question: One would expect that actual performance will depend on a number of organizations (including OEM, Government, military, etc.)

and factors (such as threat actions, environmental factors, policy changes, etc.) upon which the contractor will have little to no control.

Will the Government waive or otherwise consider relief to the contractor in the event performance standards are missed due to factors (other than MTS-Ball repeats and recurs) beyond its control?

The Government will not consider relief for failure to meet the higher rates.

Reference Question/Comment Response

82. Reference: Appendix

G, Incentive Plan, Paragraph 3.2.4

Question: Para 3.2.4, 3.3.3, 3.4 and 3.6.2 portray calculations associated with PIF component determination. The term “available pool” or “pool” is used to refer to the base amount for the Incentive Fee available to be earned. It is understood that “available pool” and “pool” are equal to the overall PIF that is equal to 4% of total contract value multiplied by the PIF factor percentage in Para 3.1. Is this correct?

The PI will be determined when each task order is issued, based on the requirement of the task orders, e.g. size, complexity and needs of the warfighter. Appendix G has been revised.

83. Reference: Appendix

G, Paragraph 3.2.4

Question: How is the amount of “$3M” in the “Sample Calculation /

Available Pool” determined?

Calculation is based on a $3M semi-annual pool. The $3M was used in the calculation for example purposes only.

However, the PI pool is based on size and scope of task orders issued and will vary but will not exceed $3M semiannually.

84. Reference: Appendix

G, Incentive Plan, Paragraph 3.3.1

Question: The score of each survey will be based upon averaging the rating of each question. Recommend this sentence be revised to read

“The score of each survey will be equal to the average value of the Point

Value assigned to each question”.

Appendix G has been modified.

85. Reference: Appendix

G, Incentive Plan, Paragraph 3.3.1

Question: Will the government provide the contractor with a redacted copy of each Warfighter Servicing Survey at the completion of each incentive fee period?

The government will not provide the contractor a redacted copy of each survey.

86. Reference: Appendix

G, Paragraph 3.3.1

Question: It is commendable that the Government will seek feedback from warfighter customers in order to help determine the level of service being provided by the contractor. However, our company’s experience with obtaining customer satisfaction surveys from

Government and military personnel – especially those charged with running front-line organizations – shows that feedback is difficult to obtain, with results being spotty. Has the Government used this process elsewhere? What will happen if less than a statistically significant sample of survey responses are obtained?

Yes, the Government has used this process elsewhere with very good return rates. The surveys will be used regardless of the number or percentage of surveys returned.

87. Reference: Appendix

G, Incentive Plan, Paragraph 3.3.2.1

Question: Contractor Process Improvement Inputs (CPII). Recommend changing the last sentence to read; “OPR’s will evaluate the individual

CPII and assign a numerical value using the rating scale in Attachment

2.”

Appendix G has been modified.

88. Reference: Appendix

G, Paragraph 3.3.2.2, 3.3.2.3

Question: How does the Government intend to use a Government-input process improvement to reward the contractor? Will the Government be judging the contractor’s response to the Government’s suggested inputs in order to assign ratings IAW Attachment 2?

The Government inputs will be factored into the overall

Performance Incentive calculation. Government inputs will not be sent to the contractor for evaluation or comment. The Government evaluates these inputs internally.

Reference Question/Comment Response

89. Reference: Appendix

G, Paragraph 3.3.3

Question: Incentive Fee for Warfighter Servicing does not relate contractor performance to PWS but rather how the contractor met the

“needs of the mission and flying program.” Also a concern with these surveys is that those surveyed may not have specific knowledge of the contract, and this may result in unfair survey results where warfighter needs and contract scope differ.

The survey was modified to better represent O-level maintenance and mission/flying program. The government sends surveys to individuals with knowledge of contract requirements.

90. Reference: Appendix

G, Paragraph 3.4

Question: Small business is 15% (of which 5% SDB) of total contract value. No incentive fee if you do not exceed small business criteria up to 5%. Is this criteria applied at the contract level or at the individual task order level?

Applied at the contract level.

91. Reference: Appendix G, Paragraph 3.4

For this Factor, the contractor shall earn one point for every 1% it exceeds the 15% contractual small business subcontract requirement.

Question: Is compliance under the contract Small Business Plan and calculations under the incentive plan performed at each Task Order level

(under an ID/IQ contract, we understand that GAO or SBA has ruled that the Small Business requirements apply to each Task Order level) or under the contract as a whole semi-annually?

The PI will be evaluated at the contract level.

92. Reference: Appendix

G, Incentive Plan, Attachment 1

Question: How are "Government issues to enhance mission effectiveness" in the Warfighter Servicing Survey identified to the contractor?

The Government Program Office or Contracting Officer will notify the contractor of any issues identified as appropriate.

93. Reference: Appendix

G, Incentive Plan

Question: The term “PIF noncompliance” would be substituted for

“major non-conformance” throughout.

Nonconcur. The term major non-conformance will continue to be used throughout Appendix G.

Reference Question/Comment Response

94. Reference: Appendix

G, Incentive Plan, Attachment 1

Question: The RPA Maintenance Support contractor is tasked to provide organizational maintenance support…to sustain combat…at tasked locations worldwide. Uniformed USAF personnel at those worldwide locations are the direct recipients of the contractor maintenance support. The combat mission of the uniformed personnel, while influenced by organizational maintenance, depends on many critical factors beyond the contractor influence and contribution. For that reason and the requirement that the contractor perform within the scope of the contract it is suggested that the incentive fee plan emphasize “organizational maintenance” performance. Recommend the government change the Survey to read: Question 2. How well has the contractor’s management team aggressively pursued and provided timely response to Government issues to enhance organizational maintenance support for MQ- 1/9? Question 3. How well has the contractor met the needs of your organizational maintenance and flying program? Rating Description in Table. Where appearing change

“mission requirements” to “organizational maintenance”.

Appendix G, Atch 1 has been modified.

95. Reference: Section H, Special Contract

Requirements

Question: Section H is not yet issued. Section H will be included with the final RFP.

96. Reference: Appendix

H, Paragraph 2.1, 3.0, 2.1, 2.2

Question: In order for offerors to compare solicitation requirements to currently achievable metrics, we respectfully request the Government provide metrics obtained under the current contracts, including: OR levels for GCS (including GDT), TFT, FSST, SETSS, and Reachback Circuits;

MQ-1 and MQ-9 Aircraft Equipment/System Rates; Parts/Equipment

DIFM; and Inventory Accuracy Rates.

Historical data is available in the Bidders Library.

97. Reference: Appendix

H, Paragraph 3.0

Question: Identified possible paragraph numbering typo. Paragraph

2.4.11 is followed by 3.0, which is followed by 2.1 and 2.2.

Paragraph numbering corrected.

98. Reference: Appendix I, Page I-4, Section AI

22.1, Paragraph 4

Question: Does the government require the contractor to provide adequate living conditions (sanitation, health, safety, living space)

OCONUS? Normally the contractor does not have much influence on conditions at an OCONUS site.

Clause pertains to situations where the contractor is responsible for furnishing living quarters.

99. Question: Does this requirement allow the contractor to build or otherwise procure adequate living conditions?

The contractor is not authorized to build. Any future requirements for the contractor to provide adequate living conditions will be identified in site specific task order(s).

Reference Question/Comment Response

100. Reference: Appendix

M, Reachback Site Lead

Certifications

Question: The wording of bullet #2 implies that networking certifications and/or CCIE are required for the Site Lead position. Project

Management Institute’s (PMI) Project Management Professional (PMP) or equivalent seems more appropriate for a Site Lead. Perhaps it could read to have the senior Network Engineer/Tech have these certifications?

The network certifications and/or CCIE requirement for the site lead were deleted.

101. Reference: Appendix

N, Paragraph 3.1

Question: Recommend adding a note to Appendix N, 3.1 generically defining the Satellite Terminals as PPSLs/TFTs/FSSTs/SETSS to tie back to

PWS paragraph A-3.11.

Appendix N was updated.

102. Reference: Appendix N Question: Recommend adding a column for "hours of operation" to align Appendix N with PWS section 2.4, Hours of Operation, and to clarify the different requirements at each location.

Appendix N was updated showing coverage requirements.

Reference: Section B, Paragraph B-5(b)

Comment: Reimbursable travel is defined as either "government directed" or "international travel…in support of deployed and reachback locations". Recurring certifications in direct support of deployed task order missions (e.g. munitions and weapons handling) require CONUS travel.

103. Question: Will the government confirm that CONUS travel in support of deployed task orders for the purposes of recurring certification should be included only as part of the firm fixed price?

Yes - CONUS travel in support of deployed task orders for the purposes of recurring certifications should be included as part of the FFP of the applicable task order.

Reference: Section B, Paragraph B-5(h)

Comment: This paragraph states that "Costs for Contractor employees travel time to or from authorized work locations are unallowable".

104. Question: Does the government include the contractors travel time to or from authorized work site in CONUS and authorized work sites

OCONUS as unallowable?

Section B, Paragraph B-5(h) has been deleted. Travel time is part of FFP labor in accordance with each offeror's labor policies.

105. Question: Can the government be more specific concerning contractor travel time in conjunction with contract execution? We assume that travel for contractor employees that is authorized by a Task Order to a deployed site is allowable. Such travel will include the movement from a CONUS contractor authorized work location to the deployed site.

Travel time is FFP. Travel costs are defined in Section B, Paragraph B-5.

Reference Question/Comment Response

Reference: Section B, Paragraph B-5h, and

Joint Travel Regulations

(JTR)

Comment: Section B, paragraph B-5h states that "Costs for Contractor employees travel time to or from authorized work locations are unallowable.” Under JTR T4030, all Official Travel is pursuant to a specific travel request authorizing official travel under the contract, and pursuant to JTR. This could include travel for business purposes, training/school, and/or deployments.

For our deployed personnel, since…