SSS_RFI FA813426R0001 Addendum 1 .docx

Addendum 1

This is Addendum 1 to Sources Sought ID FA8134-26-R-0001. There is not a solicitation available at this time. Requests for a solicitation, or information regarding the solicitation, will not receive a response. This Sources Sought addendum welcomes any new respondents and introduces additional questions in support of the above Sources Sought. The United States Air Force (USAF) is conducting market research to determine a strategy to replace the current Contractor Logistics Support (CLS) contract supporting the sustainment of the E-4B aircraft. It is anticipated the contract will provide CLS for the E-4B National Airborne Operations Center (NAOC) aircraft. Responses and/or questions must be emailed to Melony Adamski, melony.adamski.1@us.af.mil, Lisa Murrell, lisa.murrell@us.af.mil, and Ali Srader, ali.srader@us. af.mil. Cutoff date for receiving questions and responses is 10 December 2023 by 1600L Central Time; after this date no further questions will be allowed or entertained. Phone calls will not be accepted.

PLEASE RESPOND TO THESE QUESTIONS:

Request for Information:

This is a Request for Information (RFI) issued by the Commercial Derivative Aircraft Division, AFLCMC/WVK located at Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma.

Background:

The current E-4B fleet size is four highly modified and specialized Boeing 747-200 aircraft stationed at Offutt AFB, NE. Due to the small fleet size, aircraft availability is of primary importance to the E-4B community and should be thoroughly considered by prospective offerors.

The primary mission of the E-4B is Strategic Command and Control, providing the President of the United States, the Secretary of Defense, and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff a highly survivable command, control, and communications center to direct U.S. forces, execute emergency war orders and coordinate civil authorities’ activities. The E-4B provides a worldwide, survivable enduring node of the National Military Command System to fulfill national security requirements throughout the full spectrum of conflict. The E- 4B aircraft is powered by four General Electric CF6-50 engines. The E-4B is Military Type certified, and some systems are common to the commercial 747-200. The E-4B carries a complex, integrated suite of mission systems originally developed and installed by a variety of contractor and government organizations.

The E-4B CLS contract is part of an Integrated Weapon System approach utilizing multiple contracts to meet all requirements that were previously combined. There are three major contracts that fulfill these requirements, the CLS contract, the Engineering Support Services contract, and the National Nuclear Communication Support contract. Each Contractor shall establish appropriate Proprietary Information Agreements, Associate Contractor Agreements and/or Original Equipment Manufacturer Agreements (OEM) with each other and other system OEMs as described in each PWS to support E-4B requirements.

The CLS contract (this contract) shall provide E-4B sustainment for the aircraft, including Program Management, Aircraft Depot Maintenance, Supply Chain Management, Field Service Representatives (FSRs), and Engine Maintenance and Overhaul.

The Contractor shall provide CLS with Federal Aviation Agency (FAA) certified/non-certified parts and maintenance for the E-4B fleet.

This is a Request for Information only:

This RFI is issued solely for informational and planning purposes. It does not constitute a solicitation (Request for Proposal or Request for Quotations) or a promise to issue a solicitation in the future. As stipulated in FAR 15.201(e), responses to this notice are not considered offers, shall not be used as a proposal, and cannot be accepted by the Government to form a binding contract. This RFI does not commit the Government to contract for any supply or service whatsoever. Furthermore, we are not seeking proposals at this time. Responders are advised that the Government will not pay for any information or administrative costs incurred in response to this RFI. Any information provided by industry to the Government as a result of this notice is strictly voluntary. No entitlements to payment of direct or indirect costs or charges to the Government will arise as a result of contractor submission of responses. All costs associated with responding to this RFI will be solely at the responding party’s expense.

The Government requests that non-proprietary information be submitted in response to this RFI. However, should proprietary information be submitted, it should be marked “PROPRIETARY”, and will be handled accordingly. The Government shall not be liable for or suffer any consequential damages for any proprietary information not properly identified. Proprietary information will be safeguarded in accordance with the applicable Government regulations. Proprietary information or trade secrets should be clearly identified.

Response:

The Draft PWS will be provided with this RFI under the following conditions:

The PWS for the E-4B CLS requirement is considered CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION (CUI) AND REQUIRES LIMITED DISSEMINATION CONTROLS

INSTRUCTIONS FOR REQUESTING THE PWS:

The USAF E-4B CLS PWS is considered a controlled RFI item and has not been posted on Sam.Gov due to it being marked as CUI requiring Limited Dissemination Controls as well as Export Controls. Therefore, only vendors who are current DoD contract holders are eligible to receive Controlled information. The dissemination of Export-Controlled information is restricted by the Arms Export Control Act or the Export Administration Act of 1979. Export-controlled items shall not be disseminated outside the U.S. Government or to U.S. Government contractors without first verifying the recipient’s eligibility and authority to receive export-controlled information by verifying they have a current, valid DD Form 2345. Interested vendors must provide their CAGE Code, DoD contract number, a copy of the DD2345, or their Joint Certification Program (JCP) number and Point of Contact info to Contracting Officer Melony Adamski @ melony.adamski.1@us.af.mil. Once the contract number, CAGE Code, and JCP data are verified, the Controlled RFI item will be sent via DoD SAFE. Requests for the above information are due no later than 1 December 2023 at 1600 PM Central Time.

For more information regarding the JCP approval process and the DD Form 2345 click or copy and paste the link below into a web browser.

https://www.dla.mil/HQ/LogisticsOperations/Services/JCP/SpecificDD2345Instructions.aspx Interested parties are requested to submit questions, comments, or recommended changes regarding the E-4B CLS requirement or PWS document with your RFI response. Verbal questions will NOT be accepted. To promote equal exchanges of information with Industry, Government answers to vendor’s non-proprietary questions may be posted to Sam.Gov. The Government does not guarantee that questions received after 5 December 2023 @ 1600 Central Time will be answered.

RFI Responses shall address the following:

1) What challenges would your company expect to face while supporting the E-4B program?

a. Explain how your company is best equipped to successfully overcome these challenges.

2) What challenges do you foresee in supporting an aircraft that processes highly classified information? Please explain.

a. Does your company expect to see any information assurance challenges while supporting the E-4B? How will these challenges be successfully mitigated?

b. Does your company have the ability to handle a Protection Level 2? How?

c. Does your company have a COMSEC account with the ability to store classified equipment at the COMBS both at home station and depot?

3) What experience does your company have with troubleshooting and restoring complex electrical equipment?

a. What experiences does your company have supporting the repair of obsolete electrical components for aircraft communication systems?

4) What experience does your company have with Government business practices?

a. Provide examples of DCMA surveillance for Cost Type contracts.

b. Describe your Government approved accounting system.

5) What are your company’s thoughts on small business inclusion and subcontracting opportunities?

a. Provide examples of small business plans previously approved.

6) What previous experience does your company have utilizing Federal Acquisition Regulations?

a. Is your company familiar with Government processes of contracting, billing, and accounting? If so, please provide examples.

7) Are all your company’s capabilities to support an E-4B located within the United States?

a. If not, where?

8) What type incentives does your company believe would best motivate you to offer continuous improvements while driving down cost?

9) How would your company gain access to Boeing 747-200 and other E-4B data proprietary to aircraft, mission systems, and engine Original Equipment Manufacturers that would provide the ability to build a technical proposal for depot maintenance of an E-4B?

a. How would you estimate the cost of obtaining that data?

b. In order to write a technically acceptable proposal in response to an USAF Request for Proposal, the Offerors must already have access to all OMIT (Operation, Maintenance, Installation, Training) data to prove their ability to interpret the information and accomplish the work.

10) Does your company have access to a minimum of two 747-200 (E-4B) Maintenance Hangers that could completely enclose the E-4B at the same time?

a. What are your capabilities to hanger in inclement weather?

b. Do you have access to additional hanger space for modifications?

c. What security level is your facility maintained?

d. Does your depot facility have a runway for a minimum takeoff weight of 710,000 pounds and maximum landing weight of 630,000 pounds?

e. Is runway wide enough for an E-4B to turn around in one full continuous turn, E-4B requires 199 feet?

f. What is your power and air capabilities?

g. What is your companies paint experience?

11) What is your companies experience with FAR part 145 Depot Maintenance?

a. Example?

12) How will your company hire qualified personnel?

a. Field Service Representatives (FSRs) and aircraft maintenance technicians?

b. Program Managers

c. Logistics personnel

d. Planning personnel

13) What software products does your company use to schedule work, such as Programmed Depot Maintenance (PDM)?

a. What is your companies experience with schedule depots, modification, and multiple work?

b. What scheduling software do you use?

14) What is your company’s experience with Contractor Operated and Maintained Base Supply (COMBS)/Supply Management?

a. How long have you managed a COMBS?

b. What is your experience with parts maintenance and procurement as originally installed and certified by Type Certificate or Supplemental Type Certificate?

c. What is your warehouse space capability?

15) What is your experience with FAA Certification Standards?

16) What is your experience with engine maintenance?

a. Vendor?

17) Any issue with signing Non-Disclosure Statements with other contractors?

18) What are your company’s recommendations and/or concerns with this source selection?

19) Provide any other comments you like.

20) What is a detailed description of your physical security of the facilities/aircraft during the PDM process? Include perimeter and internal security. Outline the processes and procedures to gain access to the aircraft and equipment by cleared personnel during the PDM.

21) What is the method of personnel security certifications and procedures for individuals working in the facility and on the aircraft.

a. What detailed documentation can be provided describing security processes and procedures?

22) Describe in detail your tool control and support equipment control/equipment maintenance system.

23) With the requirement for E-4B/747 heavy maintenance/PDM support equipment, describe how and what equipment is available at your facility and how you will acquire the additional unique support equipment and tooling required to support E-4B at your facility. For instance, E-4B specific PDM work platforms, test equipment, tooling etc. It is contemplated that support for the E-4B PDM will be immediately needed at contract award. Most support equipment and tooling for PDM is not owned by the USAF and would need to be supplied by the contractor. How long will it take for your company to acquire all the support equipment and tooling necessary to support the E-4B during a PDM? What would be a rough estimate of the cost to acquire all the necessary support equipment and tooling? If you were unable to acquire the necessary support equipment and tooling, does your company have the capability to engineer and manufacture the necessary support equipment? What would be a rough estimate of the cost to engineer and manufacture the necessary support equipment needed for PDM?

24) Describe your quality control/monitoring system. Include Quality handbook, personal quality procedures, etc.

25) Describe your safety and personnel protection system. Include Safety handbook detailing equipment and procedures.

26) Describe your personnel system to include the clearance of individuals, their FAA certification and the ratio of FAA certified vs. noncertified employees that will perform the work on the aircraft. Also, provide the ratio or permanent company employees vs. contract or short-term employees utilized to work on aircraft.

27) Period of Performance. The Government is contemplating awarding an 8 to 10-year contract.

a. Can your company accurately reflect your costs for an 8 to 10-year contract?

b. What are your concerns regarding this period of performance?

c. How long is your typical contractual arrangement established with vendors and subcontractors?

d. What length of contract would be preferred to help amortize the cost expended for a spares pool?

28) Contract Incentives.

a. The Government is contemplating incentivizing the transition period for this effort. Under this type of incentive structure, the contractor would be eligible to earn additional money by shortening the transition period and getting up to full performance faster. How does your company view this type of incentive?

b. What other type of incentives do you believe would best motivate you to offer continuous aircraft availability improvements while driving down program costs?

29) Contract Transition Period. The Government is contemplating a 60-90-120-day contract transition period.

a. How long of a transition period do you think would be adequate for contract start up?

b. How long would it take to have personnel relocate to sites?

c. Do you anticipate Security Clearance issues?

d. Do you anticipate hiring issues?

e. How long would it take to acquire/make all the necessary equipment for a program depot maintenance?

f. How long would it take to put in place an adequate number of spare parts to support a PDM?

30) What items/data/usage history/technical data do you need access to provide a proper bid? Please be specific.

31) Does your company anticipate issues providing HVA’s for the E-4B program to include APU/Engines and Landing gears when required? If so, what are the challenges?

32) For PDM, the contractor will have to coordinate a schedule with other OEMs for modification work, what challenges do you anticipate?

33) Do you foresee any LRUs or HVAs not being available for depot maintenance for this aircraft and how would you mitigate that risk? How could the contract be structured to allow for innovative support strategies?

34) What issues do you foresee with contract transition? How could the contract be structured to allow for innovative transition strategies?

35) What issues do you foresee with subcontractor management? How could the contract be structured to help minimize risk in this area?

36) Small Business participation will be evaluated during source selection. What would you expect to be appropriate goals for each category:

a. Small Business

b. SDB

c. WOSB

d. VOSB

e. SDVOSB

f. HUBZone

37) Third Party Contractors. There are times the program office will have third party contractors installing modifications at the PDM facility. Will this be an issue, if not, provide an example how your company accomplished this in the past.

38) If two or more qualified capable small business sources are identified, this requirement shall be set-aside for small business.

a. As a small or large business, do you believe conditions exist for a set-aside in accordance with FAR 19.502-3(a) for the requirement described within this RFI and in the attached PWS?

b. What subcontracting opportunities by function (i.e., depot maintenance, painting, mods, COMBS, etc.) and percentage of contract value do you believe are appropriate for Small Business for this requirement? Please provide rationale.

c. Are you most interested in performing as a prime contractor or subcontractor for the requirement described above and in the attached PWS, and indicate whether you would qualify as a small or large business under the NAICS code you believe is most appropriate?

d. If you are a small business, are you capable of performing at least 50% of the work, to comply with FAR Clause 52.219-14, specifically 52.219-14(e)(1), "it will not pay more than 50 percent of the amount paid by the Government for contract performance to subcontractors that are not similarly situated entities.”

e. If you are a small business interested in performing the requirement as a set- aside, provide a brief summary of your company's experience and past performance within the past three years as a prime contractor as it relates to the magnitude of this anticipated requirement.

f. Do you anticipate needing contract financing? If yes, please explain.

g. Do you have any other thoughts or suggestions on ways to increase small business participation in this requirement?

39) Detail specific past teaming arrangements, i.e., partnering, joint ventures, etc.

a. Identify ways the Government can enhance teaming arrangement opportunities.

40) The Government is contemplating the Contractor shall provide all support required to fulfill this requirement, including but not limited to labor, materials, tools, equipment, parts, physical security, cyber security, and transportation. Do you see any risks associated with this approach? If so, explain.

41) The Government is anticipating the Contractor shall establish a local CCI/Crypto account at each location for storage, issue, turn-in, receipt, and maintaining these type assets to support the Covered Aircraft per NSA and AFI 23-101 requirements and procedures. Do you see any issues with this? If so, please explain.

42) The Government is anticipating that the Contractor shall need to maintain a "real time" or "updated daily" read only, with print capability, web- based Contract Funds Status Report. Please provide a brief description of your accounting system and if it will be able to meet this standard.

43) This potential requirement will require the CLS contractor to provide scheduled and unscheduled depot level maintenance services such as C-checks, engine/APU/landing gear overhaul and repair, aircraft strip and paint, drop-in maintenance, and Contract Field Team Support.

1. Identify and describe specific experience in providing depot level maintenance for 747-200 aircraft.

a. Engines

i. GE CF6-50 engines.

b. Drop-in/unscheduled maintenance.

2. Paint:

a. Identify and describe specific experience in performing aircraft paint services.

b. Specifically note any experience in meeting paint standards superior to commercial norm.

c. Does your firm have internal capabilities to paint aircraft to a VIP standard?

ii. If yes, please describe the facility and painting capabilities.

iii. If no, address your plan for aircraft painting to the VIP standard.

44) Facility Clearance Information: The Government is anticipating the offeror, and subcontractors as required, must possess, or acquire a facility clearance equal to the highest classification specification required for subject work identified in the PWS. The Industrial Security Facilities Database (ISFD) will be used to verify facility clearances. Please provide information regarding the facility clearance level for the location you plan to submit in your proposal and any subcontractor locations you plan on using.

45) Does your company currently have an FAA FAR Title 14 Part 145 facility certificated for the E-4B aircraft to conduct depot level maintenance and are you able to provide valid proof if/when required? If you do not have it today, how long would it take to obtain the certificate?

46) Does your company have an approved Government Property Management system to accurately account for Government property on site? If you do not have this system today, how long would it take to develop a system?

47) Does your company have commercial insurance to cover all losses to aircraft inducted at your company’s location due to your company’s negligence. If so, is there a limit to this liability? If so, please explain.

48) Does your company have the capability to provide an FAA FAR Title 14 Part 145 qualified depot level Contract Field Teams (CFTs) for worldwide repair/recovery of Aircraft on Ground (AOG) to include engine/landing gear replacement? If you do not have this capability today, what challenges do you anticipate in fulfilling this requirement on day 1 of the contract?

49) Can your company acquire data from the Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) to ensure capability to maintain aircraft, aircraft systems, avionics; aircraft engines, APUs, and Field Service Representative (FSR) requirements. Attach copies of Letters of Intent for data access/license, Proprietary Information Agreements, or other evidence of data access with the primes/OEMs.

50) In addition, is your company willing/able to sign/obtain a non-disclosure agreement with the OEM for the purposes of accessing bidders’ information.

Interested firms should also include the following in their response:

- Company Name and Address

- CAGE Code, NAICS Code, SAM.GOV certs and reps (if available)

- Point of Contact

- Size of Business (i.e., Large/Small Business, Small Disadvantaged Business, 8 (a) concern, Minority-Owned Business)

- U.S. or Foreign Owned Entity THOSE THAT WISH TO RESPOND SHALL PROVIDE AN ELECTRONIC COPY OF RESPONSE, ALONG WITH SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION IN ELECTRONIC FORMAT, TO THE POINTs OF CONTACT BELOW NO LATER THAN 10 December 2023 by 1600L Central Time.