RSAF_QA.pdf

Q# SOL Reference Offeror Question Government Response Q1 RFP, Sect M, Part III, Technical Proposal, Sub-Factor 2 – Training states “This sub-factor is met when the offeror provides a training plan to meet all required training needs as described in the PWS.” Table 7-3 Deliverables requires the training plan to be delivered NLT 45 days after contract award.

Is it the government’s intent for the offeror to describe the training plan within the proposal or to provide the entire training plan within the proposal and not submit this document 45 days after award?

A draft training plan is required to be submitted as an attachment to the proposal. A finalized training plan will be submitted as described in Table 7-3, 45 days after contract award.

Q2 RFP, Sect M, Part III, Technical Proposal, Sub-Factor 3 – Quality Management:

states “This sub-factor is met when the offer provides a Quality Control Plan (QCP) which acknowledges its ability to meet all PWS requirements”. Table 7-3 Deliverables requires the QCP to be delivered NLT 45 days after contract award.

Is it the government’s intent for the offeror to describe the QCP within the proposal or to provide the entire training plan within the proposal and not submit this document 45 days after award?

A draft QCP plan is required to be submitted as an attachment to the proposal. A finalized QCP plan will be submitted as described in Table 7-3, 45 days after contract award.

Q3 PWS, Para 6.1.0 Strike Plan: states “The contractor shall establish and maintain a strike plan for the services required in this PWS, to be used if its employees belong to a union. The plan shall be kept current with all changes to the plan submitted to the CO for approval (see Table 2).” Table 7-3 Deliverables state a Strike Plan is required as part of the contract proposal.

Since there is no Union CBA in effect for the current workforce, is it the government’s intent that a Strike Plan is still required to be submitted with the proposal?

Offerors will be responsible for having a draft strike plan, to be submitted as a part of the proposal. Currently, there is no union and no CBA.

However, offerors should have a general plan to continue to provide services in a situation where a union is formed and employees choose to strike.

Q4 PWS, Table 7-3 Appendix 2: Deliverables: requires Flight Operations Procedures, Ground Operations Procedures, and Small Business Subcontracting Plans be submitted as part of the contract proposal. The Part 3 Technical Proposal is limited to 25 pages.

Since these documents alone will far exceed the Technical Proposal 25-page limit, is it the government’s intent that these requirements be submitted as attachments?

They can be submitted as an attachment to the proposal which will not count against the 25 page limit.

Q5 PWS, Table 7-2 Appendix 1: Manpower Requirement: displays the government’s

PWS manning requirements.

Is this the government’s mandatory minimum manning requirement? If the offeror can provide the government justification for a more advantageous manning solution, is the offeror allowed to deviate from the mandated skill sets and quantities of personnel in Appendix 1?

This is the government’s mandatory manning requirement, which is set, in part, by international agreement between the United States and Singapore.

Proposals should address the positions listed in Table 7-2.

Q6 PWS, Table 7-2 Appendix 1: Manpower Requirement: displays the government’s PWS manning requirements by FAC Title, OSC Title and AFSC. There is no indication of what SCA labor category the government deems acceptable for any of the positions listed in Table 7-2 Appendix 1.

Is it the government’s intention to allow contractors to bid the SCA rate that they determine is appropriate and if so what metric is the government going to use in the evaluation process to determine price reasonableness to achieve the desired performance?

Yes, contractors should bid the labor rates that they determine are appropriate, consistent with the law, to provide the services as described in the PWS. The government will evaluate total cost of proposals in line with the process described in Sections L and M of the RFP.

Q7 RFP, Sect M, Part III, Technical proposal, Sub-Factor 1 – Recruitment /Retention:

requires a list of “qualified contacts” along with related forms and documentation.

Is it the government’s intent that these lists and required supporting documents be attachments that are not counted in the 25-page limit of the technical proposal?

They can be submitted as an attachment to the proposal which will not count against the 25 page limit.

Q8 PWS 4.3.3 QASP Non-Conformance: the PWS references dealing with Non-conformance in the QASP but no QASP was provided with the solicitation.

Does the government intend to provide a QASP?

No.

Q9 RFP, Sect L, Part II, para 2(b): the pricing proposal instruction in the Sect L states:

“It is imperative that mathematical calculations are correct; particular care should be taken to ensure the amounts match when using the EXCEL program and the rounding of figures, limited to two decimal places.

Is it the government’s intent to provide an EXCEL program pricing template or requirement for bidders to provide pricing build up for each CLIN in an EXCEL spreadsheet?

No. It is up to each offeror to provide their own calculations for each proposal.

Q10 RFP, Sect L, Part II, para 2(b): The pricing proposal instruction in the Sect L states the Unit Prices for the TDY - Travel/Training and Overtime CLINS will be provided by the Government. In addition, the TDY - Travel/Training and Overtime CLIN Amounts are already populated with NTE Amounts.

Would the government please confirm Offerors are not to provide price data for CLINS 0002, 0003, 0005, 0006, 1002, 1003, 1005, 1006, 2002, 2003, 2005, 2006, 3002, 3003, 3005, 3006, 4002, 4003, 4005 and 4006?

Confirmed. Offerors are not to provide price data for CLINS 0002, 0003, 0005, 0006, 1002, 1003, 1005, 1006, 2002, 2003, 2005, 2006, 3002, 3003, 3005, 3006, 4002, 4003, 4005 and 4006. All of those are NTE CLINs, funding for which is set by international agreement between the United States and the Republic of Singapore.

Q11 RFP, Sect L, Part II, para 2(b): The pricing proposal instruction in the Sect L states the Unit Prices for Overtime CLINS will be provided by the Government.

Would the government please describe the process for establishing pricing and invoicing rates for Overtime?

Unit Price (i.e., lot) has been provided in the RFP as stated.

To the extent that the question is about individual employees’ overtime hourly pricing and invoicing rates, the government will work with the contract awardee prior to the start date and during the period of performance to establish and affirm overtime rates.

Q12 RFP, Sect M, Page 62, Para C, Sub-Factor 1: contains the following table:

Position AFSC Req’d # of

Instructor-Pilot* 11F3K 3 Instructor-WSO* 12F3K 2 Simulator/Platform

11F3K/12F3K 3

Training Instructor/Manager 2A3X3 3

*Must be qualified with respect to the F-15E or F-15SG.

**Must be qualified with respect to any 4th-generation fighter aircraft, to include flight-line experience and engine run experience.

Is it the government’s intent that the Simulator/Platform Instructor be qualified as indicated by the dual asterisk in 4th generation fighter aircraft, have flight line experience, and engine run experience or are those requirements intended for the Training/Instructor Manager?

The Training Instructor/Manager should be qualified as indicated by the dual asterisk in 4th generation fighter aircraft, have flight line experience, and engine run experience. RFP Amendment #2 will reflect this change.

Q13 RFP, Sect M, Page 62, Para C, Sub-Factor 1: contains the following table:

*Must be qualified with respect to the F-15E or F-15SG.

Since there is only a requirement in Appendix 1 for one Training Instructor/Manager, is it the government’s intention to still require three contacts for that position?

Yes, there should be three contacts provided for that position. The RFP’s requirement for a number of contacts for these 4 positions speaks to the cruciality and relative scarcity, based on historical experience, of qualified personnel for these critical positions.

Q14 RFP, Sect M, Page 62, Para C, Sub-Factor 1: contains the following table:

*Must be qualified with respect to the F-15E or F-15SG.

Additionally, should there be additional asterisks after that position for the required experience of that position?

The Training instructor should have two asterisks, and the Simulator/Platform Instructor should have no asterisks.

Amendment #2 to the RFP will reflect this change.

Q15 PWS 6.12 - Strike Plan - Table 7-3 directs a Strike Plan to be provided as part of contract proposal. However, no Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) was provided with the RFP.

Are the current employees in a Union? If so, will the Government release the current CBA?

No, the current employees are not part of a union.

Q16 PWS Para 4.1.6 - “Quality Control Inspectors: The CM shall appoint Quality control Inspectors (QCI). Contractors performing in 366 MXG/QA positions shall not be assigned as QCI’s. Quality control inspectors shall be actively engaged in the QC program and perform inspections at least quarterly.”

Please clarify, will assigned contractor QCI’s be doing inspections or not?

Yes.

Q17 RFP page 62 states: Acceptable submissions will identify the following number(s) of qualified contacts (made within sixty days prior to proposal submission) for the following positions, each of which is identified by AFSC in the PWS, Table 7-2, Appendix 1 Position AFSC Req’d # of contacts Instructor-Pilot* 11F3K 3

Does the GOV want a copy of the AF Form 8 and DD 214 or equivalent submitted with the proposal? If so should it be an attachment?

Yes, it should be submitted as an attachment, and will not count against the 25-page limitation.

Simulator/Platform Instructor** 11F3K/12F3K 3 Training Instructor/Manager 2A3X3 3 *Must be qualified with respect to the F-15E or F-15SG.

**Must be qualified with respect to any 4th-generation fighter aircraft, to include flight-line experience and engine run experience.

For the purpose of this sub-factor, a “qualified contact” is an individual (1) who is at the time of proposal submission fully qualified to perform the duties set forth for each position as described in the PWS, and

(2) who has been contacted by the offeror within the past sixty (60) days.

Identification of each qualified contact shall be made as follows:

Instructor-Pilot: Provision of the individual’s most recent AF Form 8, or equivalent document.

Instructor-WSO: Provision of the individual’s most recent AF Form 8, or equivalent document.

Simulator/Platform Instructor: Provision of the individual’s most recent AF Form 8, or equivalent document. Training Instructor/Manager: Provision of the individual’s DD214 (or equivalent) along with training records and EPR/OPR.

Q18 FAR 52.222-62 - Paid Sick Leave Will FAR 52.222-62 “Paid Sick Leave Under Executive Order 13706 (Jan 2017)” apply?

Yes, per FAR 22.2110, it will be included due to the inclusion of FAR 52.222-41.

Q19 Section L, paragraph C.4(d)(3) - Section L, paragraph C.4(d)(3) allows the past performance evaluation to “take into account past performance regarding subcontractors that will perform major or critical aspects of the requirement when such information is relevant to this acquisition.” Section M, paragraph D provides that “Past performance regarding … subcontractors that will perform major aspects, as identified in PWS, Paragraph 1.1 of the requirement, if applicable (see Sec L, paragraph C.4(d)), will be rated as highly as past performance information for the principal offeror.” Section M, paragraph D.(3)(ii) provides that “for

How does relevant subcontractor past performance contribute to the Past Performance Evaluation?

Paragraph 1.1.1 of the PWS lists the following major or critical aspects of the requirement:

“…flight and simulator training of all assigned F- 15SG aircrew and Ground Control Intercept (GCI) personnel…[and] maintaining all assigned F-15SG aircraft prime-subcontractor(s) partnerships, the prime must be rated ‘Acceptable’ in order for the partnership to be rated ‘Acceptable’ as a whole.”

and components, support equipment, and munitions.”

For evaluation purposes only, subcontractor past performance need not relate only to the F-15SG, but may relate to any of the above-referenced major or critical aspects of the requirement performed on 4th-generation fighter aircraft.

Subcontractor past performance as to any of the requirement’s major or critical aspects is only relevant when the prime offeror intends for the subcontractor to perform those same major or critical aspects on this contract, if awarded to the prime offeror.

Q20 Table 7-3 Appendix 2 - Deliverables states Flight Operating Procedures and Ground Operating Procedures are to be provided as part of contract proposal.

Since creating these procedures requires intimate knowledge of factors peculiar to a specific contract which only an incumbent can have, will the government please explain what level of detail it expects from an offeror (whose team does not include the incumbent)? Section M states that “each offeror also must provide draft plans described in DCMA Instruction 8210.1c, Change 1 and DFARS 252.228-

Will these procedures be evaluated and if not will the Government move this requirement from “part of contract proposal” to “required during Phase- In”?

Offerors must provide draft Flight Operating Procedures and Ground Operating Procedures as an attachment to their proposals. Evaluation of these documents is limited to a cursory review to ensure offerors’ understanding of the requirement. Final Flight Operating Procedures and Ground Operating Procedures will be required during phase-in prior to the beginning of the period of performance.

Q21 RFP Section M Sub-Factor 1 states acceptable submissions will identify the following number(s) of qualified contacts…Training Instructor/Manager 2A3X3 –

3. PWS Table 7-2 calls for a single Training Instructor/Manager.

What specifically are the other 2 candidate positions

There will only be one Training Instructor/Manager position under this contract, required to meet the 3 qualified contacts per the

RFP?

but three qualified contacts are to be provided to ensure a qualified hire can be made.

The RFP’s requirement for a greater number of contacts for this position speaks to historical experience with the relative scarcity of qualified personnel for this critical position.

Q22 Section M C.SF1 - “Provision of the individual’s most recent AF Form 8 or equiv” Does the Government intend the word “Provision” to mean “offeror shall provide . . . “ If yes, where and how does the Government want offerors to submit candidate Form 8s?

Attached to Sf1, or to Tech Vol, or in a separate binder?

Since we assume names are not required nor is their an implicit obligation, does the Government want a “sanitized” document?

Yes, it should be provided as an attachment to SF1, which will not count against the page limit. A “sanitized” document may be provided which excludes all identifying personal information except for the last 4 SSN of the individual, which should be provided in order to ensure the requisite number of contacts are made.

Q23 PWS, Appendix 2 - “Provide as part of contract proposal.” In which volumes does the Government intend offerors to provide the 6 documents? Should we attach them to the applicable Subfactors, or Tech Volume, or in a separate binder? Will the Government please confirm attached plans and procedures do not count in page limits?

Please provide as an attachment to the applicable subfactors. The Strike Plan should be submitted as an attachment to the Tech Volume. These attachments will not count toward page limits.

Q24 Past Performance Volume Will CPARs be accepted instead of PPQ?

Yes.

Q25 Solicitation - The solicitation identifies the source selection as Lowest Price Technically Acceptable. However, emphasizing price over all other factors is likely to create future problems in retaining qualified F-15 pilot instructors and WSO instructors.

We respectfully recommend considering a best-value approach, to provide contractors the flexibility to provide attractive compensation packages for these personnel.

The government will employ the LPTA process described in the RFP.

Q26 Solicitation - No transition period is identified in the RFP or CLINs. How long is the anticipated transition period, and how does the government wish for contractors to provide pricing for this period?

The anticipated transition period is 45 days. A solicitation amendment will be released after the Thanksgiving holiday outlining details for the transition, including pricing instructions.

Q27 RFP - The RFP does not specify a proposal validity period. How long would the government like prices to remain valid for?

180 days

Q28 Attachment 2 Are the required plans identified in Attachment 2 included in the Technical Volume Page count?

No.

Q29 RFP With questions unanswered, and the Thanksgiving holiday constraining the deadline, will the Government grant an extension of both the Past Performance due date and the Proposal submittal due date?

Yes, we will extend the requested submission date for the past performance volume to 6 Dec 17, and the deadline for the entire proposal to 18 Dec 17.

Q30 Will prospective offerors be permitted to contact current employees of the incumbent contractor in advance of proposal submission re:

Pursuant to FAR 22.1205(a), a contracting officer has directed that the predecessor contractor provide written notice to the employees on the existing contract of their employment opportunities under new contract?

possible right to an offer of employment with the successor contractor.

Additionally, the government has asked the current contractor to make this information available to potential offerors, provided the employees consent to such disclosure.

Q31 For Aircraft maintenance activities, is the contractor required to purchase any proprietary data agreements from the OEM (Boeing or other Companies)?

No.

Q32

M, Subfactor 1 - Training Instructor/Manager “Provision of the individual’s DD214 (or equivalent) along with training records and

EPR/OPR.”

How does the individual’s DD214 and personal evaluations apply to their qualifications as outlined and documented in their training records?

The purpose of requiring these documents for this position is to ensure that the individual contacts identified are qualified. The DD214, which may be submitted without personal identifiers other than the individual’s last 4 SSN, will show the individual’s AFSC. Any other official document which shows the individual’s AFSC is equivalent for evaluation purposes and will be accepted.

Q33

M, Subfactor 1 - Training Instructor/Manager “Provision of the individual’s DD214 (or equivalent) along with training records and

EPR/OPR.”

Why are personal evaluations (EPR/OPR) a requirement for this contract?

The personal evaluations requested will serve as a record of the individual’s training. If the contractor prefers, the contractor may submit alternate official proof of relevant training, including without limitation teaching certificates, and/or F-15 maintenance training records.

Q34 Sub-factor 4 - Experience requires “employment for at least two (2) years out of the last five (5) years of each of the following…at least one (1) qualified pilot-instructor who possessed all proper qualifications, certifications and currencies (as described in the PWS, paragraph 3.2.1.1.et seq.). PWS 3.2.1.1.2, Flying Currencies, requires aircrew that maintained currency per AFI 11-2F-15Ev1 and the F-15E Ready Aircrew Program tasking memorandum.

Eval criteria requires 4th generation fighter aircraft and then points to the PWS (3.2.1.1) that states only F- 15E quals are acceptable.

Eval criteria also will not accept an employee who was previously qualified in a 4th generation aircraft (F15E), even if during 2 of the last 5 met the majority of the currency requirements, except for the actual flight requirements. This employee would be acceptable to hire per the PWS and then would enter a recurrency program per PWS 3.2.1 – “If the IP/IWSO is not current, they will compete appropriate recurrency/transition training.” The Sub-Factor 4 Experience requirements are overly restrictive giving the incumbent a significant advantage.

Will the Government remove (b) from the Sub- Factor 4 eval criteria or else change it to match the PWS allowing for non-current employees that meet the majority of 3.2.1.1.et seq.

requirements.

Please see amendment #2 to the RFP, which standardizes the relevant references to 4th generation fighter aircraft, and removes reference to PWS paragraph 3.2.1.1.

Because (1) the F-15 IP position is both historically hard-to-fill and a critical position under this contract,

(2) management of F-15 flying operations is a critical piece of this contract, and (3) a lapse in service is unacceptable, the contractor must show that it approaches this contract with existing familiarity with the employment, training, and qualification requirements of an instructor pilot. Please note that this familiarity may be demonstrated by “(1) an offeror as prime contractor,

(2) an offeror’s subcontractor subject to a signed agreement for the purpose of fulfilling this requirement, (3) a teaming arrangement participant subject to a signed agreement for the purpose of fulfilling this requirement, and/or (4) a joint venture participant subject to a signed agreement for the purpose of fulfilling this requirement.”

Q35 Past Performance Volume Page 59, Table:

When is Volume IV due? We ask that Volume IV be submitted no later than 6 Dec

17. However, see answer to Q36, below.

Q36 Past Performance Volume Page 59, Table:

Will the entire Volume [IV] be accepted at due date of December 6?

In keeping with the original intent of the RFP, although we prefer for the Past Performance Volume (Volume IV) to be submitted no later than 6 Dec 17, we will accept it along with the other portions of each proposal on or before 18 Dec 17. Please see Section L, subsection C(4) of the RFP, as amended.

Q37 PWS - Table 7-3 Appendix 2: Deliverables lists many deliverables due with the RFP.

1. Flight Operations Procedures

2. Ground Operations Procedures

These deliverables were not listed in the RFP Section L. Are they required to be submitted

Flight Operations Procedures and Ground Operations Procedures are described in Sub-Factor 3 – Quality

3. Small Business Subcontracting Plan

4. Recruitment and Retention Plan

5. Strike Plan with the proposal and if so what are the instructions for doing so?

Management in Section M.

The Small Business Subcontracting Plan is a requirement under FAR 52.219-9, Small Business Subcontracting Plan

(DEVIATION 2016-O0009).

The Recruitment and Retention Plan requirement is satisfied by a complete submission of information and documents under Technical, Sub-Factor 1. The instructions for submission of each of these documents may be found within the RFP itself, as supplemented by this Q&A document.

The Strike Plan should be submitted as instructed in the answer to Q23, above.

Q38 PWS - Table 7-3 Appendix 2: Deliverables lists many deliverables due with the RFP.

1. Flight Operations Procedures

2. Ground Operations Procedures

3. Small Business Subcontracting Plan

4. Recruitment and Retention Plan

5. Strike Plan

Why a Strike Plan if there is no union on the contract?

The present absence of a union does not ensure that no union will ever be formed/joined by the contractor workforce. The possibility of a strike may lead the unprepared offeror/contractor to the possibility of a lapse in service. Since a lapse in service on this contract has an added logistical dimension because of the international agreement between the U.S.

and the Republic of Singapore, it is critical to ensure continued operations.

Q39 PWS - Table 7-3 Appendix 2: Deliverables lists many deliverables due with the RFP.

1. Flight Operations Procedures

2. Ground Operations Procedures

3. Small Business Subcontracting Plan

4. Recruitment and Retention Plan

Strike Plan

How are we to write a FOP and GOP without access to current contract operations?

Access to current contract operations are not necessary to the preparation of draft

FOP/GOP.

Q40 PWS - Strike Plan There is no union, but the government requests a strike plan. Is this an indicator that the contract will go union soon?

The government is not aware of any ongoing union votes or discussions at this time.

Q41 PWS - Strike Plan Has there been a vote for the employees to go union?

The government knows of no vote by the employees on this contract to form or join a union.

Q42 PWS - Strike Plan Has a union been soliciting for this contract?

No.

Q43 PWS - Strike Plan Can the government provide the name of the union?

Since no union has been soliciting for this contract, the government cannot provide this information.

Q44 RFP Section L - 4.c, Pg 57 Past Performance Information: “Provide a list of no more than five (5) of the most relevant contracts”

Please clarify for proposals with teaming arrangements if the requirement is five past performance information per team member or a total of no more than five for the team.

The requirement is for no more than five per team.

Q45 RFP Section L - 4.c, Pg 57 Past Performance Information: “Provide a list of no more than five (5) of the most relevant contracts”

If no Past Performance is provided for a bidding contractor how will that be evaluated?

Per Dept. of Defense Source Selection procedures, a lack of Past Performance for a bidding contractor will be evaluated as “neutral.”

Q46 RFP Section L - 4.c, Pg 57 Past Performance Information: “Provide a list of no more than five (5) of the most relevant contracts”

Past performance need not be evaluated if the PCO documents the reason past performance is not an appropriate evaluation

Per (c)(3)(i)(B) of FAR

15.304 (Deviation 2013- O0018), Past Performance must be evaluated in source selections for negotiated factor for the acquisition (FAR 15.304(c)(3)(iii)).

Why ask for Past Performance information when the is an LPTA RFP?

FAR 2.3.4.2.2 Past Performance.

competitive acquisitions for services in excess of $1,000,000.00. There is an exception under FAR 15.304(c)(3)(iii) if the contracting officer makes a determination that past performance is not an appropriate evaluation factor for the acquisition. However, no such determination has been made.

Q47 RFP Section M Sub-Factor 1 “Acceptable submissions will identify the following number(s) of qualified contacts (made within sixty days prior to proposal submission) for the following positions…”

This requirement seems very slanted to the incumbent contractor who already has that information. Can the government provide contact information to those employees on the contract that are considered “qualified contacts”

Please see response to Q30, above.

Q48 RFP Section M Sub-Factor 1 “Acceptable submissions will identify the following number(s) of qualified contacts (made within sixty days prior to proposal submission) for the following positions…”

What are the instructions for submitting this data?

Please see answers to Q7, Q17, Q21, Q22, Q32, and Q33 above. Also, please see response to Q51, below.

Q49 RFP Section M Sub-Factor 1 “Acceptable submissions will identify the following number(s) of qualified contacts (made within sixty days prior to proposal submission) for the following positions…”

Why is there a requirement to provide 3 MX training resumes to include DD- 214s, EPR/OPR, and Training records? There is only one position.

Please see answer to Q21, above.

Q50 RFP Section M Sub-Factor 1 “Acceptable submissions will identify the following number(s) of qualified contacts (made within sixty days prior to proposal submission) for the following positions…”

DD214, EPR, OPR are privacy act information.

Why is this required?

Please see answers to Q32 & Q33, above.

Q51 RFP Section M Sub-Factor 1

Training records go away after you reach 9 skill

Offerors may provide training records, teaching certificates

“Acceptable submissions will identify the following number(s) of qualified contacts (made within sixty days prior to proposal submission) for the following positions…” level. What is the skill level required?

or formal training certifications. There is no specific numbered skill level necessary, but the contractor must provide qualified personnel who are able to provide the services required under the PWS.

Q52 RFP Section M Sub-Factor 1 “Acceptable submissions will identify the following number(s) of qualified contacts (made within sixty days prior to proposal submission) for the following positions…”

OEM people will not have any of these documents.

Suggest disregard these requirements.

The government will not disregard the requirement.

However, offerors may provide official training records, teaching certificates or formal training certifications sufficient to prove the individual has the requisite skills and experience to fill the position.

Q53 RFP Section M Sub-Factor 1 “Acceptable submissions will identify the following number(s) of qualified contacts (made within sixty days prior to proposal submission) for the following positions…”

This requirement seems unduly challenging for competing contractors.

Why would qualified individuals provide us with their; Most recent AF Form 8, DD214, Training Records, and EPR/OPR without a chance to work on the contract?

Contractors are bound to the right of first refusal rule under Executive Order (E.O.) 13495, “Nondisplacement of Qualified Workers Under Service Contracts,”.

The government is not involved in employment negotiations between the contractor and its prospective hires. However, many contractors tend to keep contact information, qualifications and other employment-related information on hand for prospective employees prior to being awarded a contract for which such a position exists.

Since the requested documents may be furnished with all requisite identifying information, except the person’s SSN last four, redacted, the government sees no reason a contractor could not obtain these documents from a prospective employee who is interested in a position.

Q54 RFP Section M Sub-Factor 1 “Acceptable submissions will identify the following number(s) of qualified contacts (made within sixty days prior to proposal submission) for the following positions…”

Are there open positions that need to be filled?

No.

Q55 RFP Section M Sub-Factor 1 “Acceptable submissions will identify the following number(s) of qualified contacts (made within sixty days prior to proposal submission) for the following positions…”

Wouldn’t past performance of employing those types of “qualified contacts” suffice as proof of a contractor’s ability to staff those positions?

No.

Q56 RFP Section M Sub-Factor 1 “Acceptable submissions will identify the following number(s) of qualified contacts (made within sixty days prior to proposal submission) for the following positions…”

Will the government remove this requirement from the RFP?

No.

Q57 PWS, Appendix 1 - Manpower Requirements Is the listing provided, the minimum staffing requirements for the contract?

That is the staffing level for this contract.

Q58 PWS, Appendix 1 - Manpower Requirements Can the government provide the wage determination job classification and number that coincides with each of the listed AFSCs?

No, because there is not necessarily a specific, one-to-one correlation between AFSCs and wage determination job classifications for positions described in the PWS.

Q59 PWS, Appendix 1 - Manpower Requirements Can the government provide the average length of employment for the incumbent workforce, so we can factor the correct vacation calculations into our bids?

The government can provide the maximum length of employment for the incumbent workforce (9 years), and can state that the majority of the incumbent workforce has been employed for 9 years.

Q60 RFP - Due Date – December 6, 2017 Will the government consider a 2-3 week extension?

Please see answer to Q29, above.

Q61 RFP - Section B Can the government provide a Transition

CLIN?

Please see answer to Q26, above.

Q62 RFP Section L and M, Part III, Sub-Factor 2 - RFP Section L addresses Part III, Sub-Factor 2, as follows: “Sub-Factor 2 – Training: This sub-factor shows the offeror’s ability to meet the training demands of the contract, including without limitation training foreign and USAF personnel from basic familiarization to advanced weapons-based and/or maintenance instruction.

RFP Section M addresses Part III, Sub-Factor 3 as follows: “Sub-Factor 2 – Training: This sub-factor is met when the offeror provides a training plan to meet all required training needs as described in the PWS, paragraphs 2.1.3.1, 2.1.3.1.1, 2.1.3.1.2, and 2.1.3.2, including due consideration for the number of hours spent by qualified personnel providing classroom instruction as well as curriculum development. Additionally, each offeror will need to describe its plan for integrating its instructor personnel with the proximate USAF AMXS instructor cadre in the Maintenance Training Section (MTS) to provide instruction to USAF, RSAF and other personnel as required in paragraph 2.1.3 of the PWS.”

Will the Government evaluate training that is not conducted under PWS paragraphs 2.1.3.1, 2.1.3.1.1, 2.1.3.1.2, and 2.1.3.2?

Since the training plan submitted for evaluation purposes is meant to be tailored to the needs of these sections of the PWS, the government will not evaluate any training which is not listed in the cited paragraphs.

Q63 RFP Section L and M, Part III, Sub-Factor 2 - RFP Section L addresses Part III, Sub-Factor 2, as follows: “Sub-Factor 2 – Training: This sub-factor shows the offeror’s ability to meet the training demands of the contract, including without limitation training foreign and USAF personnel from basic familiarization to advanced weapons-based and/or maintenance instruction.

RFP Section M addresses Part III, Sub-Factor 3 as follows: “Sub-Factor 2 – Training: This sub-factor is met when the offeror provides a training plan to meet all required training needs as described in the PWS, paragraphs 2.1.3.1, 2.1.3.1.1, 2.1.3.1.2, and 2.1.3.2, including due consideration for the number of hours spent by qualified personnel providing classroom instruction as well as curriculum development. Additionally, each offeror will need to describe its plan for integrating its instructor personnel with the proximate USAF AMXS instructor cadre in the Maintenance Training Section (MTS) to provide instruction to USAF, RSAF and other personnel as required in paragraph 2.1.3 of the PWS.”

Will the Government require discussion of all training in the PWS?

For evaluation purposes, the training plan is meant to be tailored to the needs of these specific sections of the PWS.

Q64 RFP Section L and M, Part III, Sub-Factor 2 - RFP Section L addresses Part III, Sub-Factor 2, as follows: “Sub-Factor 2 – Training: This sub-factor shows the offeror’s ability to meet the training demands of the contract, including without limitation training foreign and USAF personnel from basic familiarization to advanced weapons-based and/or maintenance instruction.

Do proposals need to address training conducted under PWS 3.2 et seq.? If so, how will training be evaluated?

No, not for the purposes of evaluation.

RFP Section M addresses Part III, Sub-Factor 3 as follows: “Sub-Factor 2 – Training: This sub-factor is met when the offeror provides a training plan to meet all required training needs as described in the PWS, paragraphs 2.1.3.1, 2.1.3.1.1, 2.1.3.1.2, and 2.1.3.2, including due consideration for the number of hours spent by qualified personnel providing classroom instruction as well as curriculum development. Additionally, each offeror will need to describe its plan for integrating its instructor personnel with the proximate USAF AMXS instructor cadre in the Maintenance Training Section (MTS) to provide instruction to USAF, RSAF and other personnel as required in paragraph 2.1.3 of the PWS.”

Q65 RFP Pg 34 - RFP states “Noting in the terms of this contract adds, changes, supersedes, or waives any of the requirements of applicable Federal laws, Executive orders…” Executive Order 13495, Nondisplacement of Qualified Workers Under Service Contracts requires all bidders to offer qualified workers to be given first refusal for employment with the successor contractor.

How can a new contractor abide by the Executive Order while simultaneously negotiating in good faith and making contingent offers to potential non-incumbent employees in order to fulfill the requirements of the proposal? If incumbents do not apply during the proposal submission, we must offer positions to other candidates in order to complete the proposal. If we are successful, we must then nullify those offers in order to comply with EO 13495.

Nothing in the RFP requires or suggests that contingent offers be made to potential non-incumbents. The only requirements are for information showing that the offeror has made contacts with individuals qualified to fill four different job classifications under the contract.

Q66 RFP Pg 34 - RFP states “Noting in the terms of this contract adds, changes, supersedes, or waives any of the requirements of applicable Federal laws, Executive orders…” Executive Order 13495, Nondisplacement of Qualified Workers Under Service Contracts requires all bidders to offer qualified workers to be given first refusal for employment with the successor contractor.

Is it the Governments expectation to have a complete changeover of aviators should the incumbent lose the contract and the potential winner arrives with 10 qualified employees who meet the requirements of the solicitation?

The government has no such expectation.

Q67 RFP Pg 34 - RFP states “Noting in the terms of this contract adds, changes, supersedes, or waives any of the requirements of applicable Federal laws, Executive orders…” Executive Order 13495, Nondisplacement of Qualified Workers Under Service Contracts requires all bidders to offer qualified workers to be given first refusal for employment with the successor contractor.

What is the rationale of providing qualified personnel when the Government likely wants to retain the incumbent workforce, or is the Government looking to remove the incumbent workforce for a fresh perspective?

The government requests proof that the contractor has made contact with a certain number of individuals qualified to fill a certain number of positions under the contract. Historically, these specific positions have been both hard to fill and critical to the continued operation of the mission partner, such that a failure to fill one of these positions would have an outsized negative impact on the mission partner’s ability to fulfill its mission.

Q68 RFP Page 62 -

In Table 7-2 APPENDIX 1: MANPOWER REQUIREMENTS the GOV is using active duty AFSC’s as skill requirement. As an example it states Aircraft Phase and EOR require 12 each 2A3X3. Typically the GOV uses the WD 15-5513 (Rev.-

3) REGISTER OF WAGE DETERMINATIONS UNDER | U.S. DEPARTMENT

OF LABOR THE SERVICE CONTRACT ACT as both GOV civilians and GOV contractors do not have an AFSC. The WD 15-5513 also allows for a skill level, as an example: 23021 - Aircraft Mechanic I. Using the AFSC 2A3X3 does not tell a GOV contractor the skill level needed and there for would be unable to properly price. Also, GOV civilians and GOV contractors do not have DD 214 or EPR/OPRs. By requiring a GOV contractor to hire only employees with previous military experience is discriminatory and opens them up to litigation as well as disqualify some very talented non-military career people.

Would the GOV re-due Table 7-2 Appendix 1 using the WD 15-5513 so we can know the number needed by position and skill level?

Please see answer to Q58.

Q69 RFP Page 62 -

In Table 7-2 APPENDIX 1: MANPOWER REQUIREMENTS the GOV is using active duty AFSC’s as skill requirement. As an example it states Aircraft Phase and EOR require 12 each 2A3X3. Typically the GOV uses the WD 15-5513 (Rev.-

3) REGISTER OF WAGE DETERMINATIONS UNDER | U.S. DEPARTMENT

OF LABOR THE SERVICE CONTRACT ACT as both GOV civilians and GOV contractors do not have an AFSC. The WD 15-5513 also allows for a skill level, as an example: 23021 - Aircraft Mechanic I. Using the AFSC 2A3X3 does not tell a GOV contractor the skill level needed and there for would be unable to properly

Will the GOV also change all areas where a potential employee in certain positions must provide a DD 214, Form 8 and EPR/OPRs and just provide a form of documentation that demonstrates required experience for the

Please see answers to the following questions, above:

Q48, Q49, Q50, Q51, Q52, and Q58. Alternative official proof of relevant training may be submitted as discussed in those answers and/or the answers referenced therein.

Additionally, the government will not equate individual price. Also, GOV civilians and GOV contractors do not have DD 214 or EPR/OPRs. By requiring a GOV contractor to hire only employees with previous military experience is discriminatory and opens them up to litigation as well as disqualify some very talented non-military career people.

position? As an example change the 2A3X3 AFSC for the Training Manager to a 15095 - Technical Instructor/Course Developer thus allowing career GOV civilian and industry trainers the opportunity to apply.

AFSCs to Wage Determination classifications for each individual position.

Where more than one WD classification may be applicable to fill a position, the contractor is responsible to determine which such employee classification would provide the level of service required under the PWS.

Q70 PWS paragraph 2.2.12.1. Functional Systems Administrator (FSA) / Commander Support Staff/Cybersecurity Liaison (CSS/CL) duties / Integrated Maintenance Information System (IMIS) Management / Technical Order Distribution Office (TODO): and paragraph 3.2.7. Functional Systems Administrator (FSA) / Commander Support Staff/Cybersecurity Liaison (CSS/CL).

These paragraphs describe several dissimilar taskings and a significant workload for the number of FSA FTE in the manning requirement depicted in Appendix 1. With the recent changes to cybersecurity scanning requirements directed by the 366 COMM Squadron

(TASKORD 17-0019):

base-wide requirement to complete a system scan of all computers, populating a log with all findings and making repairs where possible places a significant additional burden on the duties of the FSAs. Scans on all machines are required quarterly and each scan takes approximately 8 hours per machine to complete the scan and associated documentation (currently maintaining 300+ machines). This

The government is confident in the ability of the specified number of qualified individuals to accomplish the tasks set forth in the PWS.

Regarding TASKORD 17- 0019, the government is consulting with additional SMEs to determine what action, if any, should be taken to address the associated duty increase.

significant addition to the FSAs’ current workload presents a Very High Risk for failure in the critical area of cybersecurity.