Q&A_20Feb.pdf

Q&A

FA4890-18-R-0001

MQ-9 CAT/CWD

ADVANCED QUESTIONS

ANSWERS

Advance Questions Question 1 Reference. CAE USA, Inc. and Local Lodge SC-711, International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), Effective September 1, 2017 for Creech AFB, NV. Article 9, Section 13 - Payment Calculations. Severance Pay and Loyalty Pay will be calculated on the current hourly wage, the SQP wage and the dual qualification wage rate as defined in Article 12, Section 2.

Observation. The reference to Article 12, Section 2 does not include a “dual qualification wage rate”. In addition, there are no other references to a “dual qualification wage rate” in the CBA.

Question: Can the Govt please identify and explain the “dual qualification wage rate” and which labor categories this rate applies?

Answer (Correction): The dual qualification wage rate does not apply, however, “SQPs” will apply for the appropriate skill level.

Question 2 Reference: CAE USA, Inc. and Local Lodge SC-711, IAM, CBA, Effective September 1, 2017 for Creech AFB, NV. Article 13, Section 2 -Rates of Pay.

Observation: The table with the rates of pay in the CBA does not include several labor categories called out in the RFP/PWS. Offerors will need to know all wage rates applicable to all labor categories to generate accurate pricing. The following labor categories are listed in the RFP/PWS, but there are no pay rates listed in the Creech AFB CBA.

Question: Can the government please provide the pay rates for all labor categories in the PWS but not listed in the CBA for Creech AFB, NV?

Answer:

a. Scheduler (PWS (A3.2.1.7) (Only Lead Scheduler is listed in the CBA) For purposes of this solicitation use the “Lead Scheduler” pay rate at Creech.

b. Learning Management System (LMS) Specialist (PWS paragraph 4.2.6) (Is this position not required at Creech AFB?)

LMS Specialist is not required at Creech

c. Operational Training Support Instructor (PWS paragraph 1.2.4)

This was updated in the PWS to read “Simulator Instructor”.

d. Operational Training Simulator Instructor (PWS paragraph 1.2.4.8) This skill is paid at the applicable (IP/SO) Instructor/SME wage rates identified in the CBA.

e. Training Specialist (PWS A3.2.1.7) This skill has two categories for Creech (GTIMS Specialist and Squadron Operations Support Specialist). These positions are not covered in the current CBA. Amendment is forthcoming to incorporate the applicable Department of Labor Wage Area Determination.

Question 3 Reference: PWS paragraph 4.2.4. The first sentence states that “Instructors shall be competent SMEs (for definition of term, refer to Section 4, paragraph 4.7.44)”.

Observation: The reference to Section 4, paragraph 4.7.44 explains the Syllabus. It appears that the correct reference in parenthesis should be paragraph 4.7.43 instead of paragraph 4.7.44.

Question. Will the government verify the reference to paragraph 4.7.44?

Answer: Reference should be 4.7.43

Question 4

Reference: PWS A1.2.3.2. Hancock and March Training Days.

Observation: The PWS states that there will be an estimated 251 Academic and Simulator training days and 208 estimated Flying training days (4-day fly week). The 208 estimated flying days for a 4 day fly week suggests that flying could possibly occur on holidays.

Question. Does the government plan to fly on holidays at March and Hancock? If so, how many holidays per year could be fly days?

Answer: The Government does not plan on flying on Federal Holidays at any of the work sites.

Question 5 Reference. CAE USA, Inc. and Holloman Aircrew Trainer Employee Association (H.A.T.E.A) CBA, Effective August 1, 2017 for Holloman AFB, NM. Article 14, Section 2 -Rates of Pay.

Observation. The table with the rates of pay in the CBA does not include several labor categories called out in the RFP/PWS. Offerors will need to know all wage rates applicable to all labor categories to generate accurate pricing. The following labor categories are listed in the RFP/PWS, but there is no pay rate listed in the Holloman AFB CBA.

Question. Can the government please provide the pay rates for all labor categories not listed in the CBA for Holloman AFB, NM?

Question 5 Answer (Correction):

a. GTIMS/LMS Training Specialist (PWS paragraph 1.2.4) (The CBA has a GTIMS Training Specialist, but there is no combined GTIMS/LMS Training Specialist).

Experience with Unions is that they will not allow companies to unilaterally introduce a new position and then combine it with a current position.

The GTIMS/LMS Training Specialist is equivalent to the GTIMS Training Specialist in the current CBA . PWS will be updated.

b. Learning Management System (LMS) Specialist (PWS paragraph 4.2.6 and A2.2.5)

Deleted. (Correction)

c. Operational Training Simulator Instructor (PWS paragraph 1.2.4.8) This skill is paid at the applicable (IP/SO) Instructor/SME wage rates identified at the CBA.

d. Instrument Refresher Course Instructor (PWS paragraph 4.2.4.1.3) This skill is paid at the applicable (IP) Instructor/SME wage rates identified at the applicable CBA and as required by PWS para 4.2.4.1.3.

e. Training Specialist (PWS paragraph A3.2.1.7) This is deleted on the revised PWS.

f. Curriculum Developer (PWS paragraph 4.2.5) This is a category of personnel not a specific position. See PWS para 4.2.5.

g. Courseware Manager (PWS 1.2.1.2 (13) and 4.6.2) There is no specific requirements for a courseware manager.

h. Learning Center Monitor (PWS 4.7.23) Per the PWS para 4.7.23. an IP or ISO

i. Audio/Visual Library Attendant (PWS 1.2.1.2 (15) This is not a specific work category.

j. Educational Technician (PWS paragraph 4.2.5.2) (The CBA has an Educational Technologist, but not an Educational Technician)

It is the same for this contract.

k. Lead Scheduler/GTIMS Associate (PWS paragraph A2.2.5) (The CBA has a GTIMS Associate and a Scheduler, but there is no “Lead Scheduler” or combined Scheduler/GTIMS Associate) GTIMS Associate position has been deleted. The GTIMS Training Specialist and Scheduler are paid at the same rates.

Question 6 Reference: CAE USA, Inc. and Holloman Aircrew Trainer Employee Association (H.A.T.E.A) CBA, effective August 1, 2017 and AOCE, Inc. and H.A.T.E.A. effective August 1, 2017 for Holloman AFB, NM. Article 14, Section 2 -Rates of Pay.

Observation: The table with the rates of pay in the CBA includes several labor categories that are not called out in the RFP/PWS. Offerors will need to know the PWS requirements that these labor categories are responsible for and the minimum qualification levels. The following labor categories are not listed in the RFP/PWS, but they are listed in the Holloman AFB CBA.

• Programmer/CBT

• Educational Technologist

• Graphic Artists/Illustrator

• Word Processor II

• Administrative Assistant

• Tactical Scenario Support Specialist

• White Cell (WCO)

Question. Can the government please provide the exact PWS requirements that these labor categories are responsible for and the minimum qualification levels?

Answer: IAW paragraph A.6.9. Workload Table, the contractor is required to produce the identified types of courseware. It is up to the contractor to provide the appropriate personnel to meet the PWS requirements.

The following positions (Administrative Assistant, Tactical Scenario Support Specialist, and WCO) are no longer PWS requirements.

Question 7 Reference: PWS, Section 4, General Information and Contractor Personnel.

Observation: Section 4 lists many of the minimum qualifications for contractor personnel such as years of experience, education levels, and other qualifications for most of the labor categories. However, some labor categories are not included and do not have minimum qualification requirements listed.

Question: Can the government please provide the years of experience required, education levels, and minimum qualification levels for the labor categories above?

Answer:

Program Manager (PWS 1.3.5 (5)) This is a contractor management level position and is up to the company who they decide to manage the contract.

Security Manager (PWS 4.3.1.6) The contractor can identify whomever they want to be a security manager.

Courseware Manager (PWS 1.2.1.2 (13) and 4.6.2) There is no specific requirements for a courseware manager.

Lead Scheduler (PWS 1.2.4.5.1.1 and A2.2.5) See PWS para. 4.2.9

Learning Center Monitor (PWS 4.7.23) See IP and ISO Instructor qualifications.

Graduate Training Information Management System (GTIMS) Training Specialist (PWS 1.2.4 and 1.2.4.2) See GTIMS Specialist PWS para. 4.2.7.

Graduate Training Information Management System (GTIMS) Associate (PWS 1.2.4.5.1.1) See PWS para. 4.2.7.

Operational Training Simulator Instructor (PWS 1.2.4.8) See Operational Training Simulator Instructor PWS para. 1.2.4.8. and subparagraphs.

Squadron Flying Operations Support Specialist (PWS 1.2.4.10) Person must be able to do the work required IAW PWS para. 1.2.4.10.

Audio/Visual Library Attendant (PWS 1.2.1.2 (15)) No such position.

Question 8 Reference: DRFP Page 156, Sub-factor C, Aspect 2. “Demonstrates that proposed CFE is compliant with the Air Force Network Integration Center approved product list.” As this list is only available from a .mil computer, will the Government provide the approved products list?

Second Reference: Attachment 1 PWS Section 1.2.3.4.3

Question: Can the Government provide the Air Force’s approved equipment list?

Answer: No. The Equipment List can change daily so a contractor must go online to the Air Force Network Integration Center (AFNIC) site and request approval.

Website is as follows: https://www.disa.mil/Network-Services/UCCO https://www.disa.mil/Network-Services/UCCO

Question 9 Reference: RFP 8.1 states The offeror shall complete Section 3 of the solicitation (Schedule of Supplies and Services (CLINS)) by inserting the price elements (unit price and extended amount) for all Firm Fixed Price (FFP) contract line item numbers (CLINS), including Phase-In, Base Year, Option Years, and Optional CLINs. For ease of administration, all TOTAL pricing should be rounded to whole dollar amounts and divisible by 12. The solicitation will provide a pre-established NTE amounts for the Travel CLINs that will become part of the total evaluated price for all offerors. Section 3 shall be submitted using Microsoft 2010 or later.

Question. Will the Government allow use of Microsoft Excel as a substitute to producing this in Microsoft Word to significantly reduce the size of the Cost Volume?

Answer: Yes, Microsoft Excel will be used for the pricing information. Attachment 5- Price Spreadsheet has been incorporated to the Final RFP for offerors to input their pricing proposal. See Section 8.0 Instructions for Volume III for details.

Question 10

Reference: Past Performance Relevancy.

Draft Solicitation Reference: Table 4, Past Performance Relevancy, page 174 Issue: Although this is a small business set-aside acquisition, the descriptions associated with adjectival ratings in the past performance relevancy table – including those related to size, scope, complexity, student throughput, and contract value – reflect performance activity levels that normally can only be demonstrated by large businesses.

Question: Will the Government revise the performance relevancy descriptions for adjectival ratings to more realistically reflect performance qualifiers at all relevancy levels that could be demonstrated by highly qualified small businesses?

Answer: No

Question 11 Reference: CBA-Based Pricing Consistency.

Draft Solicitation Reference: Paragraph 8.0, Instructions for Volume III – Price Proposal (Factor 3); and Paragraph D) Factor 4–Price, Section 7 Issue: Current CBAs include rates of pay and associated labor costs at established escalation levels through 30 September 2020, encompassing the base and first option year of the new contract.

Question: Will the Government require pricing for the base and option years of this acquisition that is based on currently established CBA rates?

Answer: For pricing purposes, offerors are to use the applicable FY19 CBA rates for base and all option years.

Question 12 Reference: Learning Management System (LMS) and SIPRNET.

Draft Solicitation Reference: Paragraphs 1.2.3.4 and 1.2.3.4.1, Learning Management System (LMS) Issue: Paragraph 1.2.3.4 calls for an LMS that is “an internet based knowledge portal which provides student, instructor, and other required personnel access to approved courseware for each unclassified course of instruction specified in the PWS.” Subparagraph 1.2.3.4.1 indicates that “classified material shall be located on a classified server that can be accessed via a SIPRNET web page. . .”

Question: Would the Government clarify and provide more detail about the requirements for SIPRNET content and access in the LMS?

Answer: Some of the material we work with is classified. The SIPRNET reference refers to a parallel system similar in structure that would reside on SIPRNET and enable our ideal training program. Long term, our winning contractor does need to support SIPRNET requirements and be able to do work in that medium.

Question 13 Reference: Instructional Systems Development Management Plan due date. Draft Solicitation Reference: Appendix 4 of PWS and Section 1.3.2 of PWS.

Issue: Appendix 4 of PWS states that Instructional Systems Development Management Plan is due with proposal but section 1.3.2 of PWS states it is due 10 days after contract award.

Question: PWS Section 1.3.2 and Appendix 4, Table 1 have conflicting due dates for the Instructional Systems Development Management Plan (ISDMP) (“within ten

(10) business days of contract award” and “Within proposal”, respectively). Can the Government please confirm our understanding that the ISDMP is NOT required with proposal submission (consistent with Sections 6a and 7 of the DRFP)?

Answer: Initial ISDMP is due 10 days after contract award. Any modification required to the ISDMP at any time are due within 15 business days of notification.

Question 14 Reference: DRFP Section 6a, paragraph 7.5 PPI Contents, subparagraph D.

Question: Can the Government please confirm our understanding that the 1 page “Summary” referenced in subparagraph D should include only “the nature or portion of work performed” and “the percentage of the total effort performed” for each contract reference submitted, and should NOT include the information requested in subparagraphs E and F?

Answer: See revised paragraph 7.5 PPI Contents of the official RFP. The one (1) page limit for the Summary applies and yes, it does not include the information requested in subparagraphs E and F.

Question 15 Reference: DRFP Section 6a, paragraph 7.5 PPI Contents, subparagraphs E and F.

Question: Can the Government please clarify where the information requested in subparagraphs E and F should be included in Volume II (i.e. as a standalone section or integrated into the individual Past and Present Performance Contract References referenced in subparagraph G)?

Answer: See revised paragraph 7.5 PPI Contents of the official RFP. The information requested on subparagraphs E and F of the draft RFP should be included in the revised subparagraph D, Table of Past Performance Information Contract References.

Question 16 (3-Part) Reference: DRFP Section 6a, paragraph 7.5 PPI Contents, subparagraph G.1.

Question (a): Can the Government please clarify if the instruction to “Submit one

(1) sheet for each contract reference” constitutes a 1 page limit for each Past and Present Performance Contract Reference for the information requested subparagraph G.1.?

Answer: Yes, contractor will submit one (1) sheet for each contract reference. See revised paragraph 7.5 PPI Contents of the official RFP.

Question (b): If there is a 1 page limit, can the Government please clarify if the information requested in subparagraphs E and F is part of the page limitation?

Answer: Information requested in subparagraphs E and F of the draft RFP is not part of the page limit. This information is included in subparagraph D.

Question (c): If there is a 1 page limit, will the Government increase the page limit to 5 pages per Past and Present Performance Contract Reference to allow for a full discussion of relevance to the Relevancy Criteria in Section 7 of the RFP as instructed in subparagraph G.1.?

Answer: No, the page one (1) page limit summary for each reference remains.

Question 17 Reference: DRFP Section 6a, paragraph 7.5.G.2 and 7.6.

Question: As completed CPARS may contain proprietary and / or confidential information, will the Government allow completed CPARS for subcontractor Past and Present Performance Contract References to be sent directly to the Government or in a sealed envelope addressed to the Government with the proposal submittal?

Answer: Yes, the Government will allow subcontractor completed CPARS in a sealed envelope addressed to the Government with the proposal submittal.

Question 18 Reference: Attachment 1 PWS Section 1.2.2.8.(4)

Question: What authoring system is currently used for MQ-9 courseware (PowerPoint only or other software?)?

Answer: CWD also used Word, Adobe Acrobat and CBT-based programs.

Question 19

Reference: Attachment 1 PWS Section 1.2.2.8.(5)

Question: Does the MQ-9 program currently make use of the USAF cloud-based Enterprise System for courseware development?

Question 20

Reference: Attachment 1 PWS Section 1.2.3.4.4

Question: Is the current LMS (Moodle) used to serve courseware to the other MQ- 9 sites? If not, how are the sites now obtaining access?

Answer: Yes

Question 21

Reference: Attachment 1 PWS Section 1.2.3.4.4

Question: Is the current LMS (Moodle) hosted on the NIPRNET (.mil)?

Answer: Yes, it is available on NIPRNET to hang courseware.

Question 22

Reference: Attachment 1 PWS Section 1.2.3.4.4

Question: Has the version of Moodle being used for MQ-9 been modified in any way from the open-source product openly available?

Question 23

Reference: Attachment 1 PWS Section 1.2.3.4.4

Question: Does Moodle interface directly with TIMS, or is there an air-gap that requires transfer of information from Moodle to TIMS?

Question 24

Reference: Attachment 1 PWS Section 1.2.3.4

Question: What is meant by “multi-site collaboration”? Is it connecting multiple networks, synchronizing databases, or remote data manipulation (lessons, materials, contents, etc.)?

Answer: No, the courseware development system is hosted on a server that all sites have access to.

Question 25

Reference: PWS 1.3.6 (2) and RFP Section 6 (ITO), Para 6.2, Sub-factor A, Aspect 3

PWS reference states in regard to the Recruitment/Retention Plan that the plan “At a minimum, the plan shall address ”three items, to include: “Training capability to provide training for new instructor pilot and sensor operators if Government training resources are not available.” However, the RFP Sub-factor A, Aspect 3 does not contain that training capability requirement.

Question: Should this training capability requirement be included in Sub-factor A, Aspect 3?

Answer: In PWS para 1.3.6., (2) is deleted. PWS will be amended.

Question 26

Reference: Optional CLIN 0135, X035

Cites PWS reference as A4.3.3.1 (same as given in CLIN 0134)

Question: Should PWS reference be A4.3.3.2?

Answer: No, CLIN 0135, X035 are duplicates. They will be deleted.

Question 27

Reference: Optional CLIN 0136, X036

Cites PWS reference as A4.3.3.2.

Question: Should PWS reference be A4.3.4.2?

Question 28

Reference: Optional CLIN 0137, X037

Cites PWS reference as A4.3.3.2.

Question: Should PWS reference be A4.3.4.2?

Answer: Yes, RFP Price Schedule will be corrected

Question 29

Reference: Optional CLIN 0102, X002

Cites PWS reference as A6.8

Question: Should PWS reference be A6.9?

Question 30

Reference: RFP Page 125 CLIN 1042

Lists POP as “01-OCT-2019 TO 21-SEP-2020.”

Question: Should end of POP be 30 SEP 2020?

Answer: Yes, RFP will be amended.

Question 31

Reference: RFP Page 126 CLIN 2026

Lists POP as “01-OCT-2019 TO 21-SEP-2020.”

Question: Should end of POP be 30 SEP 2020?

Question 32

Reference: RFP Page 128 CLIN 3002

Lists POP as “01-OCT-2021 TO 21-SEP-2021.”

Question: Should end of POP be 30 SEP 2022?

Question 33

Reference: RFP Page 129 CLIN 3020

Lists POP as “01-OCT-2021 TO 21-SEP-2021.”

Question: Should end of POP be 30 SEP 2022?

Question 34

Reference: Page 155, RFP Section 6A, ITO, Para 5.3

Paragraph titled “Pages Not Included in Page Count” lists “…,and Volume I

– Technical, Section 1-Prerequisite Documentation will not be included in the page count.”

Question: What does the Section 1-Prerequisite Documentation refer to?

Answer: Section 1 does not apply and will be deleted.

Question 35

Reference: Page 161, RFP Section 6A, ITO, Para 7.5 E 1

States, “. Submit one (1) sheet for each contract reference…”

Question: Does a sheet constitute one page?

Question 36

Reference: Page 183, RFP Section 7, Evaluation Factors for Award, Subfactor C, Aspect 1 a), last sentence.

States, “Remove “you” and “your” from the Section 6 and 7. Should not be writen (sic.) in first person.”

Question: Is this an edit comment that should be removed?

Answer: Yes.

Question 37

Reference: PWS Para 1.2.4.8

Discusses duties of Operational Training Simulator Instructor at Creech AFB; however, Section 4.2.4.1, Instructor Qualifications, does not list any qualifications for this position.

Question: Is the position a future requirement or was it inadvertently omitted from the qualifications section?

Answer: This position is not a future position. See PWS para 1.2.4.8.1.

Question 38

Reference: PWS Para 4.3.1.1

List of contract performance sites includes White Sands Missile Range, NM. However, White Sands is not list in Para 1.0, Scope of Work.

Question: Is White Sands a correct performance location for this contract?

Answer: Yes. A change will be made to the PWS para 1.0 to add White Sands Missile Range as a place of performance.

Question 39

Reference: PWS Para A2.1. Footnote #1 below table.

States, “FMA and FMS classes are integrated…”

Question: Should “FMA” be changed to “FAM”?

Answer: Yes. A change will be made to the PWS to reflect FAM.

Question 40

Reference: PWS Para A3.1.

States, “…requirements at Creech AFB are broken down into four separate sections: 11 ATKS, 432nd OSS, AFRS, and 26th WPS.

Question: Should “AFRS” be changed to “AFRC”?

Answer: Yes. A change will be made to the PWS to reflect AFRC.

Question 41

Reference: Attachments 1, 3, 4, & 5

Each attachment references AFMAN 36-2236, Guidebook for Air Force Instructors, as the Authoritative Reference. AFMAN 36-2236 was rescinded.

Question: Is there a replacement directive?

Answer: No. AFMAN 36-2236 is not rescinded, it is obsolete. It is not mandatory but there is relevant information in this regulation that can be used. A change will be made to the PWS to reflect that it is not mandatory.

Question 42

Reference: RFP Sec 3, page 24 and 25

CLIN 0140 cites PWS A5.3.4. This PWS paragraph regards Hancock ARB FTU SUPPORT, which is called out in CLIN 141.

Question: Please confirm if this PWS reference should be deleted from

CLIN 0140?

Answer: Yes, and should be the reference for CLIN 141.

Question 43

Reference: CBA: Creech AFB, Article 14, Section 2

Question: Please confirm for those instructors earning SQP pay that SQP is paid for all hours worked and that this applies to all sites?

Question 44

Reference: PWS A.3., page 55

Question: Please confirm all instructor CLINS at Creech AFB should be priced using LR SQP?

Question 45

Reference: PWS 4.1.1, PWS 4.1.3

Dedicating 75% of training days to Site Manager duties seems excessive and unnecessary.

Question: Can this requirement be removed since the goal appears to be to have the SM or his representative available on short notice for meetings, which is already addressed in 4.1.3 "The SM or alternate..."?

Answer: No. The requirement remains as written.

Question 46

Reference: PWS A2.2.5

Question: Can a requirement for an administrative assistant be added to Holloman FTU support? We believe this is highly appropriate based on the projected contractor head count.

Answer: This is not a required position in the PWS.

Question 47

Reference: Attachment 3 - Wage Determinations Each page 1 of 1

Question: The provided Wage Determinations (WD) contain only the cover page, and the link at bottom of each WD does not list the WD/SCA labor cats/wages. Please provide the entire WD listing all labor cats and wages for each location.

Answer: Attachment 3 is the WDs for the CBAs. An amendment is forthcoming to incorporate the applicable Department of Labor Wage Area Determination.

Question 48

Reference: Attachment 1 – PWS 17 Jan 18 Section AT3.5, Frequency and Milestones, page 79 “A Lesson Plan shall be prepared for each academic lesson PMATS and flight event.” Section A6.9, Estimated CWD for FY19-FY23, Note 2, page 70 “PMATS/Flight Lesson Package normally consists of a training manual for each syllabus, electronic grade sheet, and may occasionally contain a Lesson Strategy Report and Lesson Plan, when required.”

Question: For courseware labor scope purposes, request clarify if Lesson Plan is required for each PMATS and Flight Event, or if it is occasionally required? If it is occasionally, request USG define “occasional” as a percentage of 100%.

Answer: Will be discussed at the conference

Question 49

Reference: Attachment 1 – PWS 17 Jan 18 Section A6.9, Estimated CWD for FY19-FY23, Note 2, page 70 “PMATS/Flight Lesson Package normally consists of a training manual [Att 7] for each syllabus, electronic grade sheet [Att 8], and may occasionally contain a Lesson Strategy Report [Att 1] and Lesson Plan [Att 3], when required.”

The PWS also references Instructor Guides (IGs), Briefing Room Interactive (BRI), and Squadron In-Flight Guides

Question a: Which PMATS Training Device Packages and Flight Lesson Packages deliverables include IGs, BRIs, and Squadron In-Flight Guides?

Question b. Are there deliverable attachments (including content requirements) for IGs, BRIs, IFGs?

Answer: Will be discussed at the conference

Question c. Is there any type of presentation (ILT PPT or ICW) that is a required deliverable for PMATS Training Device Package/Flight Lesson Package? What Attachment is it?

Question 50

Reference: Attachment 1 – PWS 17 Jan 18 Section 4.1, Site Manager, page 29 ”The contractor shall provide a Site Manager (SM) at each place of performance who shall be responsible for the performance of the work.”

CBA Hancock 2018 V4 (Attachment) Section 2, Job Classifications, page 12, “All employees shall fall within one of the following job classifications: a. Pilot Instructor;

b. Sensor Instructor; c. Administration (Includes Scheduler, Registrar, and Training Specialist positions).”

Question a: Site Manager (SM) is not explicitly included in the Hancock CBA under Section 2, item c. Is the Hancock Site Manager considered an “Administration” position and rate for purposes of Hancock CBA?

Answer: Yes, an administrative position for the company. See answer to question b.

Question b. Please verify Hancock SM is/is not covered under CBA.

Answer: No, SM positions are management level positions and are not covered under CBA’s. It’s up to the contractor to determine and price this position.

Question 51

Reference: Attachment 4 – Collective Bargaining Agreements, Holloman Section 2 – Rates of Pay, page 15

Question: Holloman CBA lists “Administrative Assistant”, but the PWS does not list requirement for this position/labor cat. Please define the Administrative Assistant’s role and requirement?

Answer: There is no administrative assistant requirement in this solicitation.

Question 52

Reference: Attachment 4 – Collective Bargaining Agreements, Holloman Section 2 – Rates of Pay, page 15 Attachment 1 – PWS 17 Jan 18 Section 1.2.4.3 GTIMS Specialist (Holloman AFB/Creech AFB), page 11

Question: Holloman CBA does NOT list “LMS/GTIMS Specialist” as required in the PWS 1.2.4.2. Which Holloman CBA listed position is fulfilling the requirement of PWS 1.2.4.2 LMS/GTIMS Specialist?

Answer: The GTIMS/LMS Training Specialist is equivalent to the GTIMS Training Specialist in the current CBA . PWS will be updated.

Question 53

Reference: Attachment 4 – Collective Bargaining Agreements, Holloman Section 2 – Rates of Pay, page 15 Attachment 1 – PWS 17 Jan 18 Section 1.2.4.3 GTIMS Specialist (Holloman AFB/Creech AFB), page 11

Question: Holloman CBA lists “GTIMS Associate.” Is this the “GTIMS Specialist” as required in PWS 1.2.4.3? If not, which Holloman CBA listed position is fulfilling the requirement of PWS 1.2.4.3 GTIMS Specialist?

Answer: GTIMS Associate position has been deleted. The GTIMS Specialist is equivalent to the GTIMS Training Specialist in the current

CBA.

Question 54

Reference: Attachment 1 – PWS 17 Jan 18 Section 1.2.4.6, Joint Interface Control Officer (JICO) (Creech AFB/Holloman AFB)

Question: Please verify that JICO position is not a CBA position, and not covered under some other labor category listed on the Holloman CBA?

Answer: Yes, JICO is not covered in the CBA. Amendment is forthcoming to incorporate the applicable Department of Labor Wage Area Determination.

Question 55

Reference: Attachment 1 – PWS 17 Jan 18 Section 1.2.4.3, GTIMS Specialist, page 11 Section 1.2.4.8, Operational Training Simulator Instructor, page 15 Section 1.2.4.10, Squadron Operations Support Specialist, page 18

Question: Please verify that the GTIMS Specialist, Operational Training Simulator Instructor, and Squadron Operations Support Specialist positions are not Creech CBA positions, and not covered under some other labor category name already listed on current Creech CBA.

Answer: GTIMS Specialist is a new position at Creech and not covered in the current CBA. Amendment is forthcoming to incorporate the applicable Department of Labor Wage Area Determination.

Question 55 (Cont)

Question: Please verify that the GTIMS Specialist, Operational Training Simulator Instructor, and Squadron Operations Support Specialist positions are not Creech CBA positions, and not covered under some other labor category name already listed on current Creech CBA.

Answer: Operational Training Simulator Instructor is identified in the CBA as a Sensor or Pilot L/R Flight Instructor.

Answer: Squadron Support Specialist is a new position at Creech and is not covered in the current CBA. Amendment is forthcoming to incorporate the applicable Department of Labor Wage Area Determination.

Question 56

Reference: Attachment 1 – PWS 17 Jan 18 Section 1.2.4.10, Squadron Operations Support Specialist, page 18

Question: Please verify that this position is not a Hancock CBA position, and not covered under some other labor category name already listed on Hancock CBA?

Answer: Squadron Support Specialist is a new position at Hancock and is not covered in the current CBA. Amendment is forthcoming to incorporate the applicable Department of Labor Wage Area Determination.

Question 57

Reference: Attachment 1 – PWS 17 Jan 18.

Attachment 3, Lesson Plan, page 79 “The contractor shall prepare and deliver a Lesson Plan for each academic lesson identified in each course syllabus.”

Attachment 5, Student Study Guide, page 81 “The contractor shall prepare and deliver a Student Study Guide for each academic lesson.”

Question: Please verify that Attachment 3 and Attachment 5 are not required for Interactive Courseware (ICW), and that only Attachment 1, Lesson Strategy Report (LSR) and Attachment 6, Instructional Media Package (IMP) are required for ICW.

Question 58

Reference: RFP 8Feb18 (Attachment) Section 3, Schedule of Supplies/Services, CLIN 0134, page 22 Section 3, Schedule of Supplies/Services, CLIN 0135, page 22

Question: CLIN 0134 and CLIN 0135 are identically worded. Please clarify the difference between these CLINs.

Answer: CLIN 0135, X035 are duplicates. They will be deleted.

Question 59

Reference: RFP 8Feb18 (Attachment) Section 3, Schedule of Supplies/Services, CLIN 0140, page 24 Section 3, Schedule of Supplies/Services, CLIN 0141, page 25 Attachment 1 – PWS 17 Jan 18 Section A5.3.4, Hancock ARB FTU Support, page 68

Question: According to RFP Section 3, page 24 and 25, CLIN 0140 cites PWS A5.3.4. This PWS paragraph regards Hancock ARB FTU SUPPORT, which is called out in CLIN 141. Please confirm if this PWS reference should be deleted from CLIN 0140.

Answer: Yes, and should be the reference for CLIN 141.

Question 60

Reference: Attachment 4 – Collective Bargaining Agreements, Creech Article 14, Section 2 , page 17

Question: Please confirm for those instructors earning SQP pay that SQP is paid for all hours worked and that this applies to all sites?

Answer: Yes.

Question 61

Reference: Attachment 1 – PWS 17 Jan 18 Section A3. CREECH AFB Workload, page 55

Question: Please confirm all instructor CLINS at Creech AFB should be priced using LR SQP.

Question 62 Reference: RFP 8 Feb18 (Attachment) Section 3, Schedule of Supplies/Services, CLIN 001, CLIN 002, CLIN 003, pages 4-5. Contractor shall furnish all personnel, equipment, tools, materials, supervision, and all other items that are required to perform MQ- 9 Contract Aircrew Training (CAT) and Courseware Development (CWD) in accordance with the Performance Work Statement. Period of Performance is 01 Jul 18 - 30 Sep 18.”

Question a: It appears incumbent contractor is obligated to perform all work through 30 Sep 2018. Request USG cite specific PWS paragraphs for Phase-in CLINs, and describe exactly what work would be required of offeror during that 3 months?

Answer: The current contract period of performance ends on 30 Sep 2018. See PWS para 1.3.1.

Question b: In addition, RFP Phase-in CLINs do not mention “Support”.

Do Phase-in CLINs apply only to CAT and CWD exclusive of Support Positions?

Answer: See PWS para 1.3.1.

Question 63

Reference: PWS 1.3.6 (2) Recruitment and Retention Plan states, “Training capability to provide training for new instructor pilot and sensor operators if Government training resources are not available.”

RFP Evaluation criteria, Page 182, Sub-factor 3 removed this statement.

Question: Should this statement also be removed from the PWS?

Answer. Yes, PWS para 1.3.6 (2) will be removed.

Question 64

Reference: PWS Attachment 8 Electronic Grade Sheets

Question: Are electronic grade sheets currently in place at all four locations?

Question 65

Reference: Table A3.2 on PWS Page 55 seems to have errors in the 3rd and 4th rows of the data listing 42 students/year when it seems it should be 24 students/year in each row.

Question: Will the Government please verify the numbers should be 24 in each row?

Answer: This class will be scheduled to be instructed 8 times per performance year. The student per class will be amended to 5-6 per class.

Question 66

Reference: RFP Page 186, Section D) 2. states, “an assessment of affordability will be performed on the total evaluated price.”

Question: Will the Government explain the procedures that will be taken to conduct an assessment of affordability and what will constitute acceptable criteria for affordability?

Answer: The best value trade-off process allows the Government to accept other than the lowest priced proposal. The perceived benefits of the higher priced proposal shall merit the additional cost within the contractor’s proposal.

Evaluation will be based on the Government’s analysis of the perceived benefits of the higher price proposal.

Question 67

Reference: RFP Section 6a paragraph 7.1, paragraph 7.5, and Attachment 1

Question: (a): Can the Government please clarify whether hard copies of the pages generated from the PPI tool are required in Volume II (as hard copies of the PPI tool pages are not included in the minimum required sections listed in 7.5), or is the PPI tool only required to be submitted as part of the electronic copy?

Answer: The PPI Tool is required only for electronic submission of the past performance.

Question 67 (cont.)

Reference: RFP Section 6a paragraph 7.1, paragraph 7.5, and Attachment 1

Question: (b): If hard copies of the pages generated from the PPI tool are required in Volume II, can the Government please clarify where they should be inserted in the Volume in relation to the minimum required sections listed in 7.5?

Answer: See Note under paragraph 7.1 of the RFP.

Question 68 Reference: Table 4, Past Performance Relevancy, page 184 Issue: NAICS code 611512, Flight Training has a size standard or 27.5M.

The Past Performance total contract value requirement for a Very Relevant rating is $50M, Relevant rating is $30M, and a Somewhat Relevant rating is $10M. These size standards are out of line with most small business portfolios in this NAICS code regardless of technical ability. This requirement may serve to limit competition on this procurement to primarily those businesses with an ANC-type corporate structure that have the benefit of being allowed to share Past Performance among companies.

Question: To ensure the Government can attract proposals from a wider pool of qualified, best-of-breed small business for this effort, we respectfully request that the final bullet in the Somewhat Relevant section of Table 4 – Past Performance Relevancy be changed to: Total contract value equal to or greater than $4 million.

Answer: No, the relevancy criteria will remain as is.

Question 69 Reference: PWS paragraph A2.2.4, FY19-23 Launch and Recovery training table, page 54 Issue: Para. A2.2.4 shows the requirement for 24 hours support per day for Launch and Recovery support with 8-hour shifts per the note below the table. Our understanding is that contractor aircrews are doing both launch and recovery. With a 10-hour fly day, one crew cannot do both the launch and recovery.

Question: How many sorties can we be expected to support each day, for both launch and recovery?

Answer: The L/R crew has an 8-hour shift and will support workload required for that shift. The “10-hour fly day” has nothing to do with the 8-hour shift.

Question 70 Reference: Section 6A, 7.1 & Attachment 1 Section 6

Question: Is it the Government's intent for offerors to provide electronic copies of the PPI data (Business Relationships and Past Performance" on a separate CD, or may offeror provide PPI data on the same CD used to submit the entire proposal?

Answer: See RFP paragraph 5.4. “All three volumes may be included on the same CD-ROM.”

Question 71 Reference: Section 6A, 7.1 & Attachment 1 Section 6

Question: If it is the Government's intent that the offeror provide PPI data and proposal submission on one CD, please indicate where the PPI data should be saved with regard to the existing file structure (i.e., as a separate file in Vol II, in a separate file for attachments).

Answer: Submit in a manner that can be easily identified, either as a separate file or as an attachment.

Question 72 Reference: Section 6A, 5.3, "Pages Not Included in Page Count“

Question: Under Section 6A, 5.3 Proposal Format, "Pages not included in Page Count," the solicitation states, "The organizational chart, glossary of abbreviation and acronyms, cross-reference matrix, and Volume I – Technical, Section 1-Prerequisite Documentation will not be included in the page count." Please clarify what items constitute the "Prerequisite Documentation" within Volume 1.

Answer: Section 1 does not apply and will be deleted.

Question 73 Reference: CLINs 0151 Shift Differential states, “NOT-TO-EXCEED”. As required in the performance of the PWS para. 4.5.1.2, the contractor will be paid shift differential for work performed at Holloman, Creech, March and Hancock based on actual hours worked from the previous month IAW current CBA Shift Differential rates. Invoices shall be submitted with the payroll information/back-up data to support and validate actual hours worked. The COR will review, approve and certify in the WAWF accordingly, PoP: 1 Oct 18 – 30 Sep 19.

Question: All Shift Differential CLINs are marked, but the shift differential is based on actual hours worked, Shouldn’t these CLINs be cost typed instead of FFP?

Answer: Cost Reimbursable CLINs are not allowed on commercial contracts. The FFP NTE CLINs are IAW our local directive.

Question 74 Reference: CLINs 0150 Travel states, “NOT-TO-EXCEED”. In the event the Government requests the contractor to travel in performance of this contract, the contractor will be paid under this CLIN IAW current Government Joint Federal Travel Regulation. Prior to scheduled travel, the COR and Program Manager shall approve all contractor travel in writing.

Contractor shall submit itemized travel cost on a monthly basis, if applicable, with monthly invoices. Funding for this CLINs will come from two agencies: ACC and ANG. The contractor shall notify the Government when 80% of the NTE amount has been exhausted. No profit will be paid in support of this CLIN. (Not-to-Exceed $40,000) PoP: 1 Oct 18 – 30 Sep 19.

Question: All Travel CLINs are marked, but travel is based on actual hours.

Shouldn’t these CLINs be cost typed instead of FFP?

Answer: Cost Reimbursable CLINs are not allowed on commercial contracts. The FFP NTE CLINs are IAW our local directive.