12 Feb - CSO Questions and Answers.pdf

2021 USAFE-AFAFRICA Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO)

Solicitation Number: FA564121SC001

Date: 12 Feb 2021

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

1. What is the final destination of the unit?

Government Response: Delivery will be to Royal Air Force Mildenhall (United Kingdom)

2. What aircraft fleet will this unit will be used with?

Government Response: KC-135 and C-130

3. What is the gradient (% slope) of the surface on which the unit will be operated?

Government Response: 2% grade at most, mass majority of towing will be done on less than 1% grade.

4. Will the unit be stored indoors or outdoors?

Government Response: Indoors

5. Is there a local fuel source? 50 PPM or less (Tier 4) 1500 PPM or less (Tier 3)?

Government Response: Local fuel sources are not known, as towing capability in unknown forward operating locations is the primary need. Electric, conventional fossil fuels, hybrid technologies and all other solutions will be considered, and an offeror’s solution should address the impact of fuels availability on the overall deployment capability in their whitepaper.

6. Can you please let us know for what types of aircraft will the unit need to tow?

Government Response: See response to Question 2 above.

7. Is it towing the aircraft on a paved concrete/asphalt ramp or on gravel/dirt?

Government Response: Primarily paved concrete/asphalt is anticipated, but as with the response to Question 5 regarding the impact of unknown forward operating locations, offerors are encouraged to address the potential impact of these unknowns on overall deployment capability in their whitepaper.

8. Is there a known gradient (% slope) of the surface on which the tug will be operated? 2% grade at most, mass majority of towing will be done on less than 1% grade.

Government Response: See response to Question 3 above.

9. Are you able to share the NLG diagrams showing ground clearance of NLG doors, width of

NLG wheels and wheel dimensions?

Government Response: No

10. Is there flexibility around the dimensions and weight of the unit—absolutely understand the

MTOW must be complied with.

Government Response: Flexibility is possible -- as is customary for a Commercial Solutions

Offering, the Government does not possess an exhaustive set of firm requirements and instead presents a capability gap to industry for innovative solutions that may otherwise be unknown to the Government. Offerors are encouraged to submit solutions that address the capability gap in whole or in part.

11. Kindly share the loading/offloading process.

Government Response: A solution that integrates strap down attach points is preferred as noted in the capability gap and desired end state statement. The Government does not have specific requirements for loading/unloading, but requests that solutions are designed to maximize ease of use and mobility in a forward operating location.