Additional_Questions_I_(21_Feb_2017).pdf

Additional Questions for 57 WG CAT/CWD RFP (FA4890‐16‐R‐0040) 21 Feb 2017

1. Question: In the solicitation, page 105, Subfactor D, Aspect 1, C. Reference states “…and sufficiently meets Base Communication Squadron system integration requirements.” Request the Government provide policy/guidance/procedures that state Base Communication Squadron system integration requirements. This information is needed to comply with the Government “sufficiently” requirement.

Answer: The base communication squadron uses the Information Technology Commodity Council (ITCC) standards located here: ITCC Portal : https://www.my.af.mil/gcss‐af/USAF/content/ITCC.

All computers bought in the AF meet these specifications, therefore to ensure standardization/integration the contractor’s computer systems should meet these specifications also. A copy of the January 2017 version will also be posted to FBO.

2. Question: Are any of the databases encrypted?

Answer: No.

3. Question: Are the backups compressed?

Answer: Yes

4. Question: Is a non‐default collation used for any of the databases?

Answer: No.

5. Question: Ref PWS Appendix 1, Work Load Estimates. Does each academic event require an instructor with specific aircraft type qualification or can the instructor be utilized over several aircraft types?

Answer: Per PWS 4.1.3 the contractor is highly encouraged to hire SMEs who are graduates with expertise in the units they support. Per PWS para 1.7.7.2.1 the Training and Certification Plan will include procedures for qualifying instructors for each USAFWS squadron or major specialty area supported, and procedures for qualifying instructors to support multiple Weapons Instructor Courses.

6. Question: If so, can an instructor with F‐16 experience teach all required academic lessons within A1.2.1 chart?

Answer: It is highly unlikely an instructor with only F‐16 experience could be credible across all the training required in PWS para A1.2.1.

7. Question: Ref PWS Appendix 1, Work Load Estimates. Can instructors be qualified to teach different type of courses between A1.2.1.1 through A1.2.10.5?

Answer: Yes

8. Question: If so, can the government please provide acceptable cross‐utilization of instructors?

Answer: No, any cross‐utilization would be dependent on your Training Workload Management Plan (PWS para 1.5.5). Your proposal must contain a clear and concise description of how you plan to meet contract requirements. See RFP Section 6, para 5.1; 7.1 and 7.2.E.

9. Question: If instructors can be utilized in instructing more than one airframe, can the government provide the appropriate pairings/ qualifications for each table?

Answer: See PWS para 4.1.3.2. for information on Service Core Function Expertise.

10. Question: Ref PWS Appendix 1, Work Load Estimates. In order to calculate the cost and level of effort to produce each Appendix 1 CWD product, can the Government provide the average page count or another measure for the phase manual, syllabus and syllabus review report products? As an example, the Government provides the average page count for the Student Handbook as 50 pages and a Lesson Package as 2.5 hours. It does not appear that the PWS nor the Style Guide provide any reference to the development effort required for the phase manual, syllabus and syllabus review report.

Answer: No. These products vary widely and “average” size is not applicable. Offerors should explain their process for developing these products in their proposal using their own past experience and data.

11. Question: Ref PWS Appendix 1 A1.3.1. During the 1 Feb 17 industry day, the speaker implied that the ICW/CBT Instructional Media Package was not interactive active courseware as defined in ACCI 36‐ 2250. a. Is this information correct? b. If it is not ICW/CBT, what does the Government want the contractor to develop?

Answer: See PWS para 4.8.16 and 4.8.8 for the definitions of ICW and CBT.

12. Question: Ref PWS para 4.4.2, 4.4.3, 4.4.5, 4.2.6 The PWS describes several labor categories which are not included in the CBA; please provide the DoL Wage Determination applicable for the work areas.

Answer: PWS para 4.4.2 is a statement encouraging the use of the instructor who teaches the material to be also used to develop the material. It does not describe a “labor category”. The PWS designation of Weapons School Instructor in PWS para 4.4.3.1. is listed as “Instructor/SME (WS)” in CBA Article 15. The PWS designations in PWS para 4.4.3.2 – 4.4.3.5 of AGOS Instructor, Adversary Tactics Group Instructor, Instrument Refresher Course Instructor, and FECOC Instructor are listed as “Instructor/SME (Non‐WS)” in CBA Article 15.

The position of FECOC Registrar and Security Manager are not in the current CBA.

We have added an area wage determination (WD) to the RFP to cover the possibility that work may be performed by service employees not covered by the CBA. Offerors are reminded of their complete responsibility to determine appropriate staffing solutions, and to classify employees according to the work performed subject to the Service Contract Act.

13. Question: Ref PWS Para. 1.1.1 The PWS states that additional weapon systems, etc., may be added to the contract. Does the Government intend to equitably adjust the contract for any added systems, crew positions, and/or training?

Answer: Per PWS Appendix 1, para A1.1.1 if the change in workload is greater than 10% then a modification to the contract is required.

14. Question: Ref PWS Para. 1.6.5.4 Requires all training material to run on the Air Force Network Integration Center Approved Products List and Standard Desktop Configuration compliant computer hardware and software configurations. The document referred to is not provided as part of the solicitation. Will the Air Force amend the RFP to include the document?

Answer: No, the list is maintained on‐line and may be accessed by contacting the Defense Information Systems Agency at disa.meade.ie.list.approved‐products‐certification‐office@mail.mil and requesting access to the Approved Products List.

15. Question: Ref PWS Para 1.6.5.7.2 Out of Cycle Changes: The PWS is silent about the number of anticipated or allowed revisions. a. Does the Air Force intend to equitably adjust the contract price when revisions occur? b. If not, on what quantity of revisions should contractors base their proposals?

Answer: By their nature “Out‐of‐Cycle Changes” are infrequent and unpredictable. When these items occur, the Government Subject Matter Experts will work with the contractor to determine if the work can be accommodated within the PWS workloads by revising the courseware delivery schedule or if a contract modification is required to accommodate the work.

16. Question: Para. 1.6.5.7.3 Section 7, para 8.4 Urgent Action Directive. Requires the contractor to develop new courseware or revise existing courseware in response to each UAD. a. Does the Air Force intend to equitably adjust the contract price when revisions occur? b. If not, on what quantity of revisions should contractors base their proposals?

Answer: By their nature “Urgent Action Directives” are infrequent and unpredictable. When these items occur, the Government Subject Matter Experts will work with the contractor to determine if the work can be accommodated within the PWS workloads by revising the courseware delivery schedule or if a contract modification is required to accommodate the work.

17. Question: Para. 1.7.1.3 Section 7, para 8.4. This paragraph requires the contractor to develop and maintain the USAFWS Academic Database. a. Does the AF intend to discard it’s current data base developed at government expense under the existing contract, or to use any portion of it on this follow‐ on contract? b. If the AF intends to use any portion of it, will the AF provide it to the incoming contractor? c. If not, how will the AF neutralize the competitive advantage that results in favor of the incumbent who already has access to and maintains the existing FWS Academic Database?

Answer: The Government does not intend to “discard” the current database; per PWS 3.3.1 all courseware and data will be transferred to the contractor in its existing format.

18. Question: Para. 1.7.2.5 Section 7, para 8.4. Requires contractor personnel to attend scheduled phase briefings, flight safety meetings, commander calls, crewmember meetings, and intelligence briefings. a. How many of each type of these events does the AF anticipate will occur based on its historical experience? b. Also, how long does each event last? c. Will the contractor need to have more than one person in attendance?

Answer: PWS para 1.7.2.5. states that attendance is not required if it precludes performance of “academic events”. Contractors should include their proprietary calculations for ancillary time to account for these events as part of their Training Workload Management Plan.

19. Question: Ref PWS Para. 1.7.6.3. How many WS units and subunits exist that the contractor is required to create websites for on the unclass and classified Academic Database?

Answer: There are 18 squadrons in the Weapons School. Currently 12 subunits are also supported. Numbers are subject to change to meet the needs of the WS. Additionally, there are a number of administrative pages (front office staff, First Sergeant, Commandant’s Integration Office, Chief of Academics, registrar, etc) maintained on the Sharepoint and used for coordination purposes.

20. Question: Ref PWS Para. 1.7.6.4. Is the ACC Form 206s and EGB the same? If this is incorrect please advise about any differences in the requirement specified as it is unclear.

Answer: The ACC Form 206 is the Individual Mission Grade Sheet, see ACCI 11‐464. The EGB contains the student’s grade sheets as well as other student records required to catalog each student’s progress as described in referenced paragraph.

21. Question: Ref PWS Para. 1.7.6.5. The paragraph states that the database must have a search function, but the PWS omits to disclose what the function must be capable of searching for. Please explain.

Answer: The search function is for fields in the database required to generate custom reports as described in PWS para 1.7.6.5. Examples of common queries with regard to the electronic grade book per PWS para 1.7.6.4 include, but are not limited to: searches by student academic grades, "high miss" questions, or other test data. Examples of common queries with regard to the general database per PWS para 1.7.6.5 include, but are not limited to: searches by lesson OPR, primary instructor, version, or lesson type.

22. Question: Ref PWS Para 1.7.6.10. The paragraph refers to “emerging” USAFWS database requirements. a. Does the AF intend to equitably adjust the contract when new database requirements emerge? b. Given that this is a LPTA procurement, and assuming the AF does not intend to equitably adjust the contract for new emerging requirements, what insight into the nature, scope, and number of emerging requirements can the Government provide to ensure a level playing field to offerors who compete for the contract?

Answer: PWS para 1.7.6.10 indicates the contractor shall provide the expertise to program and manipulate the database to meet current requirements as well as respond to new or “emerging” requirements. Since workload to support the academic database is totally dependent on the contractor’s proposed system, this capability is therefore inherent in the contractor’s proposed solution and no adjustment would be required.

23. Question: Ref PWS Para. 1.7.6.13. The paragraph provides that the contractor may be required to prepare and maintain a courseware library on standalone networks or networks servicing SAP materials.

a. As this is a contingent requirement, are contractors expected to provide for this contingency in their cost proposals? b. If so, what are the AF’s anticipated requirements for preparing and maintaining the courseware library on the specified networks?

Answer: The workload to develop and maintain a courseware library for Special Access Program materials will be determined by the contractor’s choice for design and implementation of the library.

24. Question: Ref PWS Para. 1.7.12. This information is needed to determine the amount of Overtime that will be required to accommodate the AF’s travel needs and requirements. a. What is the duration and frequency of travel required? b. Is the AF willing to reimburse for incurred OT such as when the employee would need to travel on Sunday or Saturday to meet the AF’s Monday‐Friday training schedule?

Answer: The contract is fixed price and it is up to the contractor to manage his workforce and provide the services required. Any overtime costs are the contractor’s responsibility. It is the Contractor’s responsibility to manage overtime costs and employees within the Fixed Price. Contractors travel to the geographically separated units approximately twice per year. Other travel will be IAW PWS para A1.4.

25. Question: Ref PWS Para. 1.7.13.2.1. The paragraph states that Government Training and Courseware SMEs will provide all specific requirements for each deliverable. Is this beyond what is stated in the Style Guide?

Answer: The referenced paragraph is describing the content of the Style Guide.

26. Question: Ref PWS Para. 1.7.14.13. Provides that the FECOC Registrar will “troubleshoot Teaching Equipment and maintain training aids.” This task falls outside the SCA L/Cat dictionary for Registrar duties. Will the AF support a conformance action under the SCA?

Answer: This topic will be addressed if required by the awardee’s proposed solution for the Registrar workload, as well as if the Optional CLIN were exercised. The position of FECOC Registrar and Security Manager are not in the current CBA. We have added an area wage determination (WD) to the RFP to cover the possibility that work may be performed by service employees not covered by the CBA.

Offerors are reminded of their complete responsibility to determine appropriate staffing solutions, and to classify employees according to the work performed subject to the Service Contract Act.

27. Question: Ref PWS Para. 3.2.2.1.1. The paragraph lists GFP/E that the AF will provide but it does not include the academic training database that the AF paid for under the incumbent contract.

a. Why is the existing academic training database not utilized and included as GFP/E? b. Will the incumbent contractor be permitted to make any use of the existing academic training database for purposes of this contract? c. If yes, how will the AF neutralize the unfair competitive advantage that the incumbent contractor has by virtue of its possession of the existing data base?

Answer: Per PWS 3.3.1 all courseware and data will be transferred to the contractor in its existing format. Per PWS para 3.5.1 and 3.5.2 the contractor is responsible to provide all the hardware and software required to implement their proposed unclassified and SIPRNET‐based Academic Databases. It is not listed as GFP/E because the Government cannot provide fully functional database(s) directly to an incoming contractor. If a proposal includes continued use of the current system, transfer from the outgoing contractor to the incoming contractor must be explained in the proposal.

28. Question: Ref PWS Para. 3.4.1. In addition to the cleanliness standards the Government holds itself or its service provider to, will the government impose on the successful contractor any additional cleanliness standards? In other words, can the contractor safely assume that it will not have to provide for contracted custodial services?

Answer: Contracted custodial services are not part of this solicitation.

29. Question: Ref PWS Para. 4.6.1. What circumstances are anticipated that could require expanding the normal hours of operation? a. Will the government pay overtime for shifts exceeding 8 hours when normal work hours are expanded?

Answer: Hours may be expanded to accommodate the needs of the USAF Weapons School or 6 CTS; i.e. hours may shift to ensure on time class graduation, accommodate crew rest requirements, respond to emergencies, etc. While most academic instruction occurs during the normal duty day from 0730‐1700, at times the schedule does require instruction before or after these times. The contract is fixed price and it is up to the contractor to manage his workforce and provide the services required. It is the Contractor’s responsibility to manage overtime costs and employees within the Fixed Price.

30. Question: Ref PWS Para 4.9.1. Requires the contractor to have computers capable of Unclassified and Classified up to SECRET work. a. What is the anticipated number of classified lessons or other classified materials? Without this information it is not possible to determine the number of computers required to process classified materials. b. Will the AF pay for and take ownership of the computers at the end of the contract?

Answer: The classified (up to Secret) and unclassified desktop computers are contractor furnished equipment (CFE) under the current contract. This requirement remains unchanged in solicitation PWS para 3.5.1. The current number of PC’s is part of the incumbent’s proprietary proposal and will not be released. Your proposal must include sufficient equipment for your proposed personnel to be able to perform the work in the PWS. Disposition of CFE is the responsibility of the contractor.

31. Question: Ref PWS para A1.2. AF states that estimated workloads may vary by up to 10% without a modification to pay for the extra work. a. How are offerors to compete on a level playing field without a statement by the AF of its actual requirement? b. As a LPTA contract, it appears unfair for the AF to reserve the right to demand additional work over and above its specified requirements that it does not intend to pay for. c. Also, does this requirement implicate the Anti Deficiency Act?

Answer: The workloads in PWS appendix 1 are categorized as “estimates” as in approximations.

Hence the potential 10% variation mentioned in PWS version 0.3 para A1.1. The intent is for the contractor to provide the hours of academic instruction and new lesson equivalents specified in the PWS, while allowing the flexibility to make small adjustments (less than 10%, plus or minus) without requiring a contract modification.

32. Question: Ref PWS Para. A1.3. The paragraph states that the government CWSME’s may direct hours to be reallocated to develop courseware in preparation of an Optional CLIN start up. a. Given that this is a fixed price effort, what relief from other contract requirements will the contractor receive if and when the AF reallocates its work force? b. Will the AF equitably adjust the contract schedule and price when this occurs? c. Also, how often may the CWSME mandate “unscheduled” updates, and what will they consist of? d. For unscheduled updates requiring immediate action will the AF relax required schedules due to the disruption caused by the need to take immediate action in support of the unscheduled updates?

Answer: By their nature these actions are infrequent and unpredictable. When these items occur, the Government Subject Matter Experts will work with the contractor to determine if the work can be accommodated within the PWS workloads by revising the courseware delivery schedule or if a contract modification is required In accordance with PWS para A1.1.1 to accommodate the work.

33. Should PWS reference A1.2.1.2, 57WG Instrument Refresher Course CAT, within Appendix 1 map to CLIN 0101, ACC Weapons School CAT, under the SF 1449 CLIN structure?

Answer: Yes.

34. Should CLIN no. 0101 (and the associated Option Year CLINs) make reference to Courseware Development (CWD) within the description when that CLIN only refers to Contract Aircrew Training (CAT) within the PWS (Appendix 1)?

Answer: No. CLIN 0102 (and subsequent Option Year CLINs) is for ACC‐funded USAFWS courseware development.

35. Should CLIN no. 0102 (and the associated Option Year CLINs) make reference to Contract Aircrew Training (CAT) within the description when that CLIN only refers to Courseware Development (CWD) within the PWS (Appendix 1)?

Answer: No. CLIN 0101 (and the associated Option Year CLINs) is for ACC‐funded USAFWS CAT.

36. Is the WS Reproduction annual plug inclusive or exclusive of any associated General & Administrative expense?

Answer: The CLIN amounts provided are “NOT TO EXCEED” amounts which includes any General and Administrative charges.

37. Is the Weapons School Travel annual plug number inclusive or exclusive of any associated General & Administrative expense?

Answer: The CLIN amounts provided are “NOT TO EXCEED” amounts which includes any General and Administrative charges.

38. The Government refers to the TSME and CWSME throughout the PWS. Sometimes they are referred to in the singular and other times as plural. During the Pre‐Proposal Conference the Government provided a slide illustrating USAF Key Personnel. Also, a previous Q&A listed the USAF Key personnel that should be addressed in the proposal. The TSME/CWSME were not called out as relating to any of the USAF Key personnel.

Request the Government clarify which USAF Key personnel are filling the roles of TSME(s) and CWME(s).

If none, request the Government identify the USAFWS and/or Squadron personnel performing this function.

Answer: There are one or more Government TSMEs and/or CW SMEs in each supported unit with CAT or CWD requirements in the PWS. USAF key personnel currently performing Government SME duties are: USAFWS Deputy Commandant for Academics (T/CWSME), USAFWS Chief of Integration Office (T/CWSME), 6th Combat Training Squadron Commander (T/CWSME); ACC TRSS Detachment 8 Director (CWSME).

39. Will the Government be releasing a conformed RFP?

Answer: No

40. Because this effort is under the Service Contract Act, shall offerors propose in compliance with the current FY18 (10/01/17) CBA hourly rates for the Base Year as set forth in the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) attached in the RFP, and not include escalation for adjustments of covered employees under the CBA, even though escalation for FY19 is included in the CBA for proposed positions?

Answer: Yes

41. In other words, should offerors price Phase‐In using the 10/01/16 CBA rates, price the Base Year with 10/01/17 CBA rates and “straight line” the 10/01/17 CBA rates throughout the remaining Options since offerors are entitled to a SCA wage price adjustment paid under FAR 52.222‐43.

Answer: Yes. for the non‐exempt and labor, straightlined throughout the remaining options since offerors are entitled to a price adjustment under 52.222‐43.

42. Question: Should PWS reference A1.2.1.2, 57WG Instrument Refresher Course CAT, within Appendix 1 map to CLIN 0101, ACC Weapons School CAT, under the SF 1449 CLIN structure?

Answer: Refer to question 33

43. Question: Should CLIN no. 0101 (and the associated Option Year CLINs) make reference to Courseware Development (CWD) within the description when that CLIN only refers to Contract Aircrew Training (CAT) within the PWS (Appendix 1)?

Answer: Refer to Question 34

44. Question: Should CLIN no. 0102 (and the associated Option Year CLINs) make reference to Contract Aircrew Training (CAT) within the description when that CLIN only refers to Courseware Development (CWD) within the PWS (Appendix 1)?

Answer: Refer to Question 35

45. Question: Is the WS Reproduction annual plug inclusive or exclusive of any associated General & Administrative expense?

Answer: Refer to Question 36

46. Question: Is the Weapons School Travel annual plug number inclusive or exclusive of any associated General & Administrative expense?

Answer: Refer to Question 37

47. Question: The Government refers to the TSME and CWSME throughout the PWS. Sometimes they are refered to in the singular and other times as plural. During the Pre‐Proposal Conference the

Government provided a slide illustrating USAF Key Personnel. Also, a previous Q&A listed the USAF Key personnel that should be addressed in the proposal. The TSME/CWSME were not called out as relating to any of the USAF Key personnel.

Request the Government clarify which USAF Key personnel are filling the roles of TSME(s) and CWME(s).

If none, request the Government identify the USAFWS and/or Squadron personnel performing this function.

Answer: Refer to Question 38

48. You did not make the change in the Supporting Price Backup Data Instructions as stated in Q&A #29.

Question: In the SF1449, Section 6, Subsection 8.4, Section 8 instructions for Volume 2 – Price Proposal. Subsection 8.4 Supporting Price Backup data states, “Supporting data shall be provided in a table format, to include, at a minimum, a breakdown (by CLIN) of labor (labor category, number of positions and productive hours), breakout of Other Direct Costs (ODC), direct and indirect rates, and subcontract costs. Supporting data may be submitted in a format selected by the offeror, but should not exceed 3 pages.” “Will the Government increase the page limit to 10 to allow offerors to provide sufficient supporting price backup data?”

Answer: The RFP has been amended to remove the three page limit requirement. See Revised Section 6 Instructions to Offerors, Paragraph 8.4. (Amendment 0002 is forthcoming)