RFP_QUESTIONS_10-15-2010.docx

Vendor Questions on RFP PWS Paragraph 4.12.2; ATRS weekly aircrew/controller meeting when qualified Contractor crewmembers (maintenance personnel) only fly “5-6 times” annually. Does the government want the maintenance personnel pulled from the job to attend weekly aircrew/controller briefings on a weekly basis or as required to support mission parameters?

Answer: The requirement to attend the weekly 82 ATRS aircrew/controller meeting is deleted. Change reflected in RFP Amendment 0002, Appendix A, PWS Revision 1, dated 22 Sep 10.

ITO Table 2-2, Proposal Organization; The Cost/Price Volume IV references paragraph 6.2.6 for “6 – Copy of Model Contract Schedule of Supplies/Services”. Paragraph 6.2.6 does not exist.

Answer: On page 4 of ITO Change table to read as follows:

Item 6 under Volume IV Cost/Price to;

Unlimited

Change reflected in RFP Amendment 0002, Attachment 3, ITO Revision 1, dated 22 Sep 10 ITO Paragraph 7.1 Model Contract/Representations and Certifications – “… The Offeror’s proposal shall include a signed copy of the Model Contract (SF 1449) containing the data required by paragraphs 7.1.1 through 7.1.7.” Paragraph 7.1.7 does not exist.

Answer: Change last line of paragraph 7.1 to read “….7.1.1 through 7.1.6. Change reflected in RFP Amendment 0002, Attachment 3, ITO Revision 1, dated 22 Sep 10 ITO - 6.3.5 Management Reduction “If estimated costs to perform the proposed effort have been decreased due to a management decision, provide a summary of the reduction by major cost element summary. Also provide complete rationale for the reduction.”

What is the government asking and why?

Answer: In order to determine the reasonableness of the proposed price, the Government must understand the costs used to develop the price. If the Offeror makes "a management decision" to reduce a cost element below the normal level used for estimating costs, this decision needs to be identified and explained. Since unreasonably low or high prices may be cause for eliminating a proposal from competition, the Government needs to understand that a price may appear low as a result of "a management decision."

PWS Attachment E indicates two different types of Telemetry antenna systems referencing Aircraft 047 only. Have both aircraft been modified with the new Telemetry system?

Answer: Disregard all notes with reference to “Aircraft 047 only” (notes 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 13, and 16). Notes referencing “Aircraft 048 only” apply to both aircraft (notes 5a and 7a). Both aircraft have been modified with the new Telemetry System.

Information to Offerors paragraph 4.2.5 states:

4.2.5. Subfactor Three: Mission Systems Logistic Support

The Offeror shall provide an approach for Mission Systems Logistics Support for the E-9 CLS program. As a minimum, the approach shall provide the following essential components:

(a) Written verification of the proposed mission system maintainer’s qualifications and experience and written verification from the candidate stating intentions to work for the Offeror if awarded the E-9 contract. (PWS: 4.1.3) We are currently attempting to acquire such information but have been turned down once from the incumbent. Would the Government consider relaxing this requirement?

Answer: No, the Air Force will not consider relaxing this requirement. The Mission systems maintenance personnel candidate must meet one of the minimum qualification and experience levels in paragraph 4.1.3.1, Intermediate Mission Systems Maintenance Personnel or paragraph 4.1.3.2, Organizational Maintenance Technicians, as appropriate.

CLINs 0007AA, 1007AA, 2007AA, 3007AA, 4007AA and 5007AA combine Engine Hot Section Inspection (HSI) and Overhaul as the same event. Normally, an HSI occurs: halfway to a full engine overhaul, is a separate event and priced separately. Does the government want a combined price as though an HSI and Overhaul are a single event?

Answer: Provide a price for HSI inspections and a price for engine overhauls.

When can the contractor submit its invoice(s) for CLIN 0001? Although several other CLINs indicate invoices should be submitted at the “end of each month”, CLIN 0001 does not state the requirement. Is it also to be submitted at the end of each month?

Answer: The unit of issue for CLIN 0001, Transition is a “lot.” As such the entire transition effort will be priced as a whole. The invoice needs to be submitted at completion of the transition effort.

The following information relates to questions 9 - 14 CLINs 0003, 1003, 2003, etc. state that the contractor shall provide all labor and material necessary to operate the COMBS facilities and provide the logistics requirements to support the E-9 fleet IAW PWS paragraph 1.16. Paragraph 1.16 – Supply Support Services- therein states:

a. The contractor shall provide and maintain a range and quantity of both repairable and expendable, repair parts, peculiar (special) hand tools, and SE necessary to support the performance requirements listed in this PWS.

b. The contractor shall manage, repair, replace, and replenish government provided spares and support equipment listed in Appendix B.

c. The contract shall supplement the GFP with contractor furnished spares, repair parts, time-change items, bench stock consumables, hazardous items, tools, and support equipment necessary to meet logistics support requirements of this PWS.

In view of the fact that these CLINs are shown as FIRM FIXED PRICE-not cost reimbursable plus the material mark up factor - for the materials/spares/SE, we have the following questions:

Is the three year parts usage history information that is provided in Attachment 2 intended to be the baseline for proposing the Firm Fixed Price per month for all the materials/spares needed to be used, as requested in Paragraph 1.16 of the PWS?

Answer: No, CLIN X003 covers the cost of personnel and equipment such as computers, printers, software, paper and other office equipment/supplies required to operate the COMBS facility. The parts usage history information applies to CLIN X005.

What usage basis/history is to be considered the baseline for the other items included in Appendix B - GF Equipment and GF Software?

Answer: Since repair, replacement and replenishment of support equipment is covered under the flying hour CLIN there is not a historical record to use as a baseline. Of note, all government furnished Test, Measurement and Diagnostic Equipment (TDME) requiring calibration will be sent to the Tyndall AFB Precision Measurement Equipment Laboratory (PMEL). Costs associated with the calibration and repair of government furnished TDME will be provided by the Government Program Management Office directly to the Tyndall PMEL How is the contractor going to be paid for materials/spares/SE replacement for deviations from the three year parts history baseline?

Answer: The three year parts usage information is provide to aid vendors in developing their cost per flying hour rates for CLIN X005. The government does not guarantee usage levels will be at or below the levels shown in the parts usage information. The contractor will not be paid for deviations except as outlined in PWS paragraphs 3.3, 3.6, and 4.15.

What amount/quantity of supplemental spares/repair parts/etc. – as noted in Item C above - are required of the contractor?

Answer: The government does not require a set level of “supplemental spares/repair parts/etc.” The amount/quantity of supplemental spares/repair parts/etc. is determined by the contractor in their approach to meeting contract requirements.

Are any of the materials/spares/SE requested in paragraph 1.16 going to be handled as Over and Above Work/Material from the baseline?

Answer: Only as outlined in PWS paragraphs 3.3, 3.6, and 4.15.

How is the reimbursement for contractor provided materials/spares/SE/etc. being handled under the current contract?

Answer: While the structure of the current contract is different than what is being used in the solicitation, similar rules apply.

Block E on the Past Performance Information Sheet requests we fill in the “Estimate at Completion”.

Answer: Estimated Completion is to be a dollar amount.

Please provide status of the following inspections:

Answer:

40,000 Cycle Inspection: These inspections have not been performed. Both aircraft have less than 6000 cycles logged in over 25 years of operation.

30 month Inspection: The aircraft has around forty eight 30 month inspections. They are completed during the annual scheduled maintenance cycle.

12 Year Inspection: There are five 12 year inspections for the Nose Landing Gear. These inspections were completed on the aircraft in 2005 & 2006. Next due 2017 & 2018 15 Year Inspection: There are five 15 year inspections for the Main Landing gear. These inspection were completed on the aircraft in 2005 and 2006 also. Next due 2020 & 2021.

3 Year/36 Month Inspection: There are twenty five 3 year/36 month inspections. They are completed during the annual scheduled maintenance cycle.

Structural Inspection Program (NDT/NDI): NDT and NDI Structural/bonding inspections are completed on a 2 and 3 year cycle. The next Empennage inspection is due Jan 2011 and the Wing and Fuselage inspections are due Jan 2012. All NDT/NDI requirements will be performed by a qualified and approved FAA NDI technician.

See Inspections_due_thru_Sep11.pdf for a listing of inspections due during the next 12 months.

Will it be the responsibility of the contractor or the Government to maintain the Products Liability and Completed Operations Insurance for both the E-9A aircraft and any applicable ground support equipment?

Answer: Please refer to the clause entitled: Indemnification of Government assets (July 2010) on page 69 of the solicitation.

What is the operability status of the current telemetry antenna system, including the receive, recording, and retransmit capabilities? Is it Mission Capable at this time?

Answer: The upgraded telemetry system is installed and is mission capable on both aircraft Is there a Test Plan document for full system flight testing with the new system? Does the test plan include performance measurement for tracking on all channels or targets?

Answer: The government accepted the new system using an Operational Utility Evaluation developed and performed by Air Combat Command What is the status of the legacy system; is the system complete and appropriately stored assuming it is no longer installed on the E-9A platforms?

Answer: The surplus items removed from the aircraft as part of the Telemetry System upgrade have been disposed of.

What is the status of the Ground Support Van and ground based test and maintenance equipment?

Answer: The equipment is serviceable.

WE are unable to get repair/replacement cost information on some of the mission systems equipment to use in CLIN X005 Flying Hours.

Answer: Paragraph 4.15.3.3 of Appendix A, PWS, to Solicitation FA810610R0013 states:

“Depot Level Repair of Mission Systems The contractor shall accomplish depot level mission system component repair through applicable vendor IAW PWS Attachment E. The contractor shall submit an O&A request to the PCO or ACO for approval of depot level repair of mission system components performed by a vendor.

PWS 1.6 - Mission Systems Maintenance Support - “The contractor shall maintain capability and accomplish mission systems maintenance IAW PWS Attachment E, TM-3255 and applicable vendor manuals as listed in PWS Attachment C…” TM-3255 requires in-flight maintenance procedures that experienced or in-experienced Air Force Mission Systems operators are not qualified or trained to accomplish.

Question: Are the Contractor Mission Systems technicians required to have the associated aircrew training and flight physicals? Is the contractor responsible to pay for this training?

Answer: Contractor Mission Systems technicians are not required to have the associated aircrew training and flight physicals.

Shouldn’t CLIN X010AD Airworthiness Directives and Service Bulletins Pricing fall under CLIN X009 DATA?

Answer: No, CLIN X010AD Airworthiness Directives and Service Bulletins Pricing covers the work performed under Paragraph 4.15.8 of Appendix A to Solicitation FA810610R0013

I looked in the bidders Library and couldn’t find drawing 99-9010 Paint Scheme.

Answer: Paint Scheme 99-9010 was referenced in PWS and was available upon request during Bidder’s library site visit.

The Government Attachment 1 CLIN Pricing Matrix appears to be incomplete. For example: It doesn’t include fields for base operations. Does the government intend in providing a complete CLIN pricing matrix or should the offerer?

Answer: The CLIN Pricing Matrix is applicable only for the Over and Above CLINS. Price all other CLINS, unless otherwise annotated, within the model contract.