Questions_and_answers__1.pdf

Questions and Answers #1 30 Sept 14

These answers are preliminary. These answers are subject to change as changes are made to the strategy.

DRAFT RFP – QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS:

Question #1: The Government’s Market Research from April 2014 had a question which stated that “The USAFA fleet is comprised of commercial derivative aircraft and will be maintained in accordance with FAA processes and procedures”. The Draft PWS states “The Contractor shall maintain to a level of a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 145 repair station standard at the Academy and Peterson” AFB. AFI 21-101, Chapter 15, Para 15.3.3 states that for commercial derivative aircraft HQ AFMC/EN “Ensures that only FAA-certified repair stations or the original manufacturer perform contractual depot maintenance.” It is our understanding that the current Part 145 repair certification belongs to the incumbent Contractor, not the physical repair location and time to obtain a new part 145 certification can be quite lengthy. Will the government clarify the FAA repair certification requirements? Is compliance with AFI 21-101 mandatory? If so, how soon after contract award is the Part 145 certification required? If required at contract start, does the government have (or are they in the process of obtaining) a waiver to AFI 21-101 for the period required for us to obtain certification?

Answer: The Government does not require a Part 145 repair station certification; however, we do require all aircraft to be maintained at that level. Yes, AFI 21-101 is mandatory guidance in accordance with Attachment E to the PWS. It is the responsibility of the contractor to ensure any work not performed on a Government installation is performed IAW the AFI and FAA regulations.

Question #2: In addition to the GFE list provided in the Draft PWS, does the government have a list of required/recommended CFE (Contractor Furnished Equipment) such as trucks, furniture, tools etc.? It appears the provided GFE list does not have all tools/equipment required to perform the described services.

Answer: No. This is a performance-based requirement. It is up to the contractor to determine the required contractor furnished equipment to meet the requirements of the PWS.

Question #3: The Government’s RFI states “Contractors must establish Associate Contracting Agreement (ACA) or necessary working relationships with Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) in order to access necessary data to support the fleet and allow the Contractor to maintain each aircraft airframe, engines, accessories and systems so that the FAA certification is not compromised.” The requirement to maintain the T-53 (Cirrus S-20) aircraft is unique in that it requires that, in order to maintain a Cirrus Certified Repair station, the contractor shall have at least 20% of the workforce as Factory Training Technicians. Given that the T-53 is operated as a military aircraft, will the government eliminate the requirement or, if not, will the government make arrangements with Cirrus to provide access to data while the contractor get 20% of the workforce factory trained?

Answer: This is not a requirement for Government installations. The Government will not make arrangements with any OEMs.

Question #4: The PWS (PARA 1.18.6) states “The Contractor shall have the ability to lease and purchase parts, tools and support equipment when validated by the COR and directed by the CO.

The Contractor shall add the Contactor Acquired Parts (CAP) to the GP inventory list.” Can the government provide, at any given time, the approximate dollar value of the Contractor exposure (reimbursable cost outstanding, over and above cost outstanding, etc.) and the average time to receive reimbursement?

Answer: No, the Government cannot provide this information. At no time should the contractor purchase any parts, tools and support equipment for the Government without prior approval from the PCO. If the Government requires the contractor to purchase any parts, tools and support equipment in support of the contract, the Government will request a proposal, negotiate, and issue a task order. Items purchased will be placed on the GFE/GFP inventory list.

Question #5: PWS Para 1.3 states "The Contractor shall maintain to a level of an Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 145..." however does not state that a Contractor must be in possession of Part 145 repair station certificate - please clarify maintain vs. must and if the government intent is to have the awardee possess a FAA part 145 certificate at the time of award? Given that to obtain a Part 145 for a specific location one has to being operating at that location first, it is highly unlikely that anyone other than the incumbent will have it and must surrender it first – this give a large business an advantage. Recommend change to either Part 145 certificate allowing (given the timeline by the FAA) a minimum of 6 months to a year to obtain OR only providing FAA certificated A&P and IA.

Answer: Part 145 certification is not a Government requirement; however, we do require all aircraft to be maintained at that level.

Question #6: PWS 1.3 follow up – Please clarify that the PRIME must possess the Part 145, thereby preventing a non-aviation business of subcontracting DOSS Aviation – since the certificate is nontransferable.

Answer: Part 145 certification is not a Government requirement; however, we do require all aircraft to be maintained at that level.

Question #7: PWS 1.6.1 states "These inspections shall be accomplished by FAA certificated ..." which IAW Federal Aviation Regulations requires the same due diligence as a "Part 145".

Please advise the reason for the redundancy since any FAA A&P can work, IA can sign off whether Part 145 or not - the same regulations apply? We currently perform the same functions on like aircraft without a Part 145 for the USAF and Civil Air Patrol thus is not an issue.

Answer: The PWS paragraph 1.6.1 refers to the type of labor needed to perform basic pre-flight and post-flight inspections. These inspections are not DEPOT level inspections.

Question #8: PWS 1.20.1 is redundant to having a Part 145.

Answer: This PWS paragraph defines the type of labor and mix of labor categories this program will requires.

Question #9: PWS 1.20.3 Please clarify why the flight line expediter needs to have a FAA A&P license? Nothing he does requires certification; Recommend changing to a minimum of 5 years as a flight line expediter and 10 years maintenance experience either commercially or in military.

Answer: The PWS will be updated.

Question #10: PWS 1.27.2 Please clarify that the contractor must provide tow aircraft (not USAFA owned)? What is type and quantity being used currently?

Answer: Yes, the contractor must provide tow aircraft and tow pilots. This requirement is performance-based and it is up to the contractor to determine the necessary quantity to meet the mission capable rates. The type of tow aircraft is also up to the contractor as long as they meet the specifications outlined in the PWS para 1.27.2, and 1.27.2.1.

SITE VISIT QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS:

Question #1: When do you anticipate final RFP drop?

Answer: We anticipate release at the end of Oct or sometime in Nov; however, it could change.

Question #2: Should we assume that if equipment seen during the tour such as tools, golf carts, tugs, etc. must be purchased by contractor, if not on GFE list?

Answer: Yes. This is a performance-based contract. The contractor must purchase any items they deem necessary to perform the requirements of the contract and to meet mission capable rates.

Question #3: Are service bulletins considered Over and Above?

Answer: Yes.

Question #4: Do contractors provide Flight Check pilots?

Answer: No.

Question #5: Is there compressed air in the hangars?

Answer: Yes, but not all hangers. There is compressed air in Bldg. 9218 and 9203.

Question #6: Are contractors required to provide snow and ice removal and if so what is the distance?

Answer: Yes, there are some areas of snow removal, the distance is 10 feet? Also refer to the base support agreement for what the contractor is provided.

Question#7: Is there a clean room for composite repairs or are the composite repairs done in the hangar?

Answer: No, there is no designated clean room for composite repair.

Question#8: Does the base take care of HAZMAT?

Answer: Yes. See base support agreement for details.

Question #9: So all HAZMAT solutions have to be taken to the base HAZMAT office?

Answer: Yes.

Question #10: Is the breakdown assembly for the Gliders the responsibility of the contractor?

Answer: The breakdown duties are shared between the contractor and active duty military depending on the mission and location.

Question #11: Where is the Cessna maintenance performed?

Answer: Primarily in Bldg. 9203 currently

Question #12: Is the radio system provided by Government?

Answer: There are radios provided and they are listed on Appendix B

Question #13: Who does the maintenance on the tow aircraft?

Answer: Tow aircraft are contractor provided and maintained.

Question #14: Can you send me a list of visitors at the site visit?

Answer: List of visitors will be posted on FedBizOpps.

Question #15: Can you provide the list of Operating Instructions (OIs) (i.e. Monthly Status reports and the Airfield Operations and Base Flying Procedures)? These are not available on the public internet and if we have access to these docs, we will be able to prepare a more complete proposal response.

Answer: Yes. OIs that can be distributed will be posted on FedBizOpps for your convenience.