Solicitation Questions_Answers Set 2.pdf

Solicitation FA4890‐22‐R‐0007 – Question Set 2

1) The Solicitation requires the Offeror to provide pricing for the initial contract year (2022) as well as all option years (to 2026). There is no provision for escalation defined in the solicitation. In a post‐COVID environment, inflation is in the short‐term highly elevated, but likely to remain unpredictable as governments wrestle with economic policy. In the absence of a standardized measure of calculating inflation, Offerors will have to price in inflation risk as an unknown, which will increase cost to the customer. In order to ensure that the Government receives the fairest price, will the Government accept to implement a standardized measure of escalation? If so, it is suggested that “CPI excluding energy” as published in Government of Canada (Statistics Canada) Table: 18‐10‐0005‐01 – CPI Annual Average.

A standardized measure of escalation is acceptable. The offeror needs to demonstrate fair pricing and fully explain the methodology used in the proposal.

2) Can an administration fee of any form or amount be added to the reimbursable cost (CLIN‐*) of this project?

All fees/costs should be included in the pricing made by the offeror when the proposal is submitted.

3) The RFP speaks to aircraft operating simultaneous in all 5 Zones. Is it possible for an Offeror’s response to this RFP to be compliant if simultaneous operations cannot be demonstrated?

The offeror needs to demonstrate the ability to meet the mission requirements as defined in the

RFP.

a. Should a response to the RFP demonstrate that all 5 zones can be operated simultaneous or is it the obligation of the bidder to do so after the award?

The RFP response shall satisfactorily demonstrate the offeror is able to operate in all 5 zones simultaneously at contract start.

b. Will an Offeror’s bid be considered compliant if the offeror cannot demonstrate that all 5 Zones operate Simultaneously?

The offeror needs to show the ability to operate in all zones in accordance with the RFP at contract start date.

c. Does “operating simultaneously” mean that an aircraft matching the criteria outlined in the RFP be based in all 5 Zones of the NWS?

No requirement exists for basing location of aircraft. However, the offeror needs to demonstrate the ability to operate in all 5 zones simultaneously and adhering to the 48 hour notification requirement as outlined in the RFP should the mission require it.

4) The RFP speaks to “Plan in” and “Plan out”. Is it intended that award would follow the closing and “Plan in” to occur in the 2022 operational season set for 1 April 2022 start of operations?

The offeror needs to show how they will be able to begin full operations on 1 April 2022. This plan should include the prepositioning of any required material or personnel needed to support operations.

5) The Cross Zone aircraft is described in the RFP is described as flying from Zone 1 to Zone 5, LSS.

Will this aircraft be operated outside the LSS to Southern Airports that are not included in the NWS project area?

No. The cross zone 6000 pound airlift aircraft will be required to fly to each LSS as described in the RFP.

6) Is there any preference given to Indigenous‐owned businesses that meet the RFP requirements?

No.