Responses_to_Questions_TA_Services.docx

Responses to Questions

1. Who is the current incumbent for this effort?

The incumbent is International Logistics Group LLC.

2. What is the value and duration of current contract?

Original contract award amount was $3,651,136.96. This information was made public on FBO on 18 Sep 2009. The duration of the contract is five years.

3. Ref: 2.4. Certification: Contractor shall ensure employees possess certification (Reference Section VIII) that validates knowledge of military aircraft flight line practices and procedures before starting work.

Section VIII contains no reference to employee’s certification requirements. Please clarify!

Certification of applicable skills/experience is verified through resumes and interviews conducted by the contractor. Some requirements are also met by showing course completion certificates such as the F-35 CDDAR course.

4. Ref: Page 51 Service Delivery summary states minimum of 2 people per aircraft and references paragraphs. 1.1.1, 1.1.2, 1.1.4. Nothing refers to staffing in these paragraphs. Are a minimum of 2 people required at all time for each aircraft?

No, 2 people are required only for tasks that require 2 people as identified under the Performance Threshold. The capability to provide 2 people for required tasks must be maintained.

5. Does WD 96-0458 (rev.-23) apply to this solicitation?

Yes. WD 96-0458 (rev.-23) applies to this solicitation. Both Wage Determinations 05-2531 and 96-0458_sca apply to this solicitation.

6. Ref: Para. 1.1 Transient Alert Services: Transient Aircraft Services will be OPEN on federal holidays, unless directed by the 75 OSS Commander or designee. Para. 2.12.2 Recognized Holidays: Holidays will be recognized using the latest revision of the Wage Determination. Please clarify if TA Services are required on holidays.

Most of the time TA services are required on holidays. These times will be coordinated with TA squadron leadership and the COR. If the airfield closes, then TA services are not required for that holiday. It all depends on the arrival of scheduled aircraft.

7. Paragraph 1.7 CDDAR. The solicitation package includes separate lines items to reimburse the contractor for F-35 CDDAR training and travel. Why is specialized F-35 CDDAR training required as part of this contract?

New airframe. Course completion certificates or other evidence of experience with the new airframe is required. It is assumed that personnel are already familiar with all other aircraft so specific certifications are shown by resume and interviews documenting experience.

8. Where is the specialized F-35 CDDAR training held?

Eglin and Edwards AFB. Perhaps Nellis.

9. How long is the training session (day, days, weeks, etc.)?

2-3 days for CDDAR training.

10. How many technicians will the contractor be required to send through F-35 CDDAR training each year?

As many as funding and manning constraints allow. Training is one time only.

11. CLIN 0003 allocates up to $5,600.00 for F-35 CDDAR training during the Base Year of the Contract, while CLINs 0103, 0203, 0303 and 0403 allocate up to $56,000.00 for F-35 CDDAR training per year. Is one of those figures incorrect? If the training costs shown are correct, why are they so much higher during the Option Years when compared to the Base Year?

The correct amount is $5,600 for all Training & Travel CLINS. The Solicitation has been amended to reflect the correct amount.

12. Paragraph 1.9 Snow Removal. The PWS requires that the “contractor shall remove snow from within 75 ft. of assigned facilities." What is the total square footage of the area in which the contractor shall be responsible for snow removal? Is there any covered parking for AGE equipment and contractor follow-me vehicles?

Snow removal entails the walkway around building 2 and around the AGE equipment parking area. Actual square footage around the building is approximately 300 sq. ft. The AGE yard is about an acre in size. There is no covered parking for AGE equipment and vehicles.

13. Paragraph 2.6.3 Security Clearances. Should we be the successful offeror, can we apply for employee security clearances during the period between contract award and the beginning of the Base Year of the contract?

Yes. An interim clearance can be granted based on Local Files Checks, etc. while waiting for the clearance to go through. All personnel should be immediately submitted upon winning the contract.

14. Paragraph 2.12.1 Normal Hours of Operation. The current solicitation calls for 8 hours of transient alert coverage per day, 365 days per year. How many hours per day/week/year of transient alert coverage are mandated in the current Transient Aircraft Services contract at Hill AFB?

The government is requesting Monthly coverage. Contractor can calculated Man Hour based on workload estimates in Section VI of the PWS. Man hours are typically based on 2080 hours minus holidays and contractor provided leave. Contractor Man hours may vary depending on individual contractor’s company policy.

15. How many man hours did the current contractor log during the most recently completed option year (Option Year Three) on this contract?

This information is releasable by the Government.

16. Paragraph 2.12.1.1 Outside Normal Hours of Operation. CLINs 0002, 0102, 0202, 0302 and 0402 provide for contractor reimbursement for services performed beyond normal hours of operation. Is it the government's intent that these CLINs be billed as man-hours expended (i.e. 2 technicians performing 3 extended hour of service would be billed as 6 hours), or as service hours expended (i.e. 2 technicians performing 3 extended hours of service would be billed as 3 hours)?

This is a labor-hour CLIN. Two technicians performing three extended hour of service would be billed as six hours.

17. Paragraph 2.12.1.2 Additional Services. This paragraph states that "contractor services may be required to support off base ground handling of military aircraft". When the contractor is required to provide off base ground handling of military aircraft, where will these services be performed?

Idaho, Wyoming, and/or Nevada.

18. How many times per year, on average, is the contractor required to provide off base ground handling of military aircraft?

One or two times per year as requested.

19. Paragraph 3.2.2 Equipment Storage. This paragraph lists 19,500 sq. ft. of operation/storage space for aircraft support equipment. Is this storage space inside a structure, or outside?

It is outside.

20. Paragraph 3.3 Appendix F. This paragraph states that "the contractor and a COR shall conduct a joint inventory of all government-furnished equipment listed in Appendix F". We are unable to locate an Appendix F in the PWS supplied with the solicitation. Will the government please provide the Appendix F for this solicitation?

This has been corrected in the attached PWS. It is now Appendix A.

21. Paragraph 7.1.3 Noise Protection. This paragraph states that "the contractor shall furnish adequate ear protection/noise suppressers for each employee". Typically, the government has provided ear protection/noise suppressers when required for contract operation. Is it the intent of the government that the contractor provides these devices for employee use?

Yes. Contractor shall provide ear protections for their employees.

22. Are ear protection/noise suppressers available for purchase through the government?

No, they are not.

23. Paragraph 7.3 Follow-Me Vehicles. This paragraph indicates that the contractor will be required to provide three follow-me vehicles for use on this contract. Given the level of activity at the base, is it truly the government's intent that the contractor provide three follow-me vehicles for this contract?

Yes, it is.

24. The PWS states that the contractor will be responsible for purchasing follow-me vehicles. May the contractor choose to either purchase or lease vehicles for this contract?

The contractor may choose either to purchase or lease.

25. Paragraph 7.3 Follow-Me Signs. Is it the government's intent that all contractor vehicles be fitted with a follow-me sign, or that at least one vehicle be fitted with a follow-me sign?

All three.

26. Does the government intend to furnish follow-me signs for contractor use on this contract?

No, the contractor must purchase the signs for themselves.

27. If the contractor is required to furnish follow-me signs for the follow-me vehicles, will the government please provide the manufacturer/supplier name and model number of a follow-me sign which would be acceptable for use on this contract?

The government does not endorse any particular manufacture/supplier. There are many sources for these signs. The contractor must research suppliers.

28. Will the government please provide detailed specifications for the follow-me signs?

See PWS 7.3.

29. Paragraph 7.3.1 Pintle Hooks. Will the government provide pintle hooks for contractor use on this contract?

No, the government will not.

30. If the government will not provide pintle hooks for this contract, will the government please provide specifications for the pintle hooks which the contractor shall use on this contract?

Pintle hooks are sized in accordance with the towing capacity of the vehicle they are attached to. On the current contractor vehicles, the current capacity is GTW 4800LBS MAX.

31. Paragraph 7.3.2 Fuel. This paragraph states that "the contractor shall be responsible for ... fuel and oil for the three follow-me vehicles". Will the contractor be allowed to purchase fuel on base?

No. The contractor will not be allowed to purchase fuel on base.

32. Solicitation Pg. 18 Total Evaluated Price. This paragraph states that "the TEP shall be calculated as the sum of the offeror's proposed prices for the base year, all option years, and the six month period covered by FAR clause 52.217-8, Option to Extend Services". It does not appear the supplied Bid Schedule includes CLINs for the six month period covered by FAR clause 52.217-8, Option to Extend Services.

a) How should the contractor include pricing for a six month optional period on the Bid Schedule contained in the solicitation package?

b) Should the contractor provide pricing for "TA Services-Non-Business Hours" as part of the Option to Extend Services? If so, how many hours should the contractor include in the Bid Schedule?

c) Should the contractor include a figure for "F-35 CDDAR Training and Travel Costs" as part of the Option to Extend Services?

For evaluation purposes only, the Government will evaluate the additional six months of “TA Services-Normal Business Hours” at the monthly rate of the last year (option year 4) of the contract period. Because services outside normal hours vary year to year, “TA Services-Non-Business Hours” will NOT be evaluated as part of the Option to Extend Services. However, the clause “Option to Extend Services” allows the government the right to extend the service (including all CLINs) at any time during the contract at the current rate. E.g. If the government needs to extend services for 30 days at the end of option year 2, the rate (including all CLINs) for the additional 30 days will be at the monthly rate for option year 2. “F-35 CDDAR Training and Travel Costs” will NOT be evaluated as part of “Option to Extend Services.”

TEP = (CLIN0001+CLIN0002+$5,600) + (CLIN0101+CLIN0102+$5,600) + (CLIN0201+CLIN0202+ $5,600) + (CLIN0301+CLIN0302+$5,600) + (CLIN0401+CLIN0402+$5,600) + (½ CLIN0401)

33. Aircraft Towing requires Hangar Keepers Insurance. Under Firm Fixed Price Contract, FAR 28.306, the Government must authorize the purchase of this insurance. Is the Government authorizing the purchase of insurance or is the Government electing to assume the risk and indemnify the contractor from any risk associated with towing aircraft?

No. The government is NOT indemnifying or accepting risk. The awardee will be required to carry appropriate insurance. Please refer to FAR Clause 52.228-5 and PWS 7.3.7.

34. PWS 2.12.1 (TA) provides 8 hour coverage Monday through Friday (0800 –1600) and 8 hour coverage on Weekends, Saturday and Sunday Day shift (0900 – 1700). Under Section VI Work Load Estimates, more than 40% of the work occurs after the “Normal Hours of Operations.” CLIN 0002 calls for 800 hours of Non Business Hours. Is the Government projecting a decrease in the number of Non Business Hours services? If the projected number is not decreasing, does the Government believe 800 hours is enough to cover more than 40% of the TA work?

Hours outside normal operating hours refers to hours worked outside of regularly scheduled shifts as per PWS. Hours worked on scheduled weekends are considered to be normally scheduled and do not fall under the 800 hours.

35. PWS 1.6. In-Flight Emergency: Contractor shall respond to all In-Flight-Emergencies (IFE’s) with appropriate tow vehicle, applicable tow bar, and follow-me vehicle, for removal of aircraft from runway. Aircraft will be towed past the runway hold line to the nearest taxiway stub. Contractor will follow Incident Commander (IC) guidance for recovery operations. What is the anticipated response time for the contractor to respond to ALL IFE’s Outside Normal Hours of Operations?

2 Hours if requested.

36. Will these hours be authorized by the Commander prior to contractor being called out to remain compliant with 2.12.1.1 of the PWS?

Yes

37. Does Executive Order 13495 Non-displacement of Qualified Workers Under Service Contracts apply? If yes can you provide the anniversary dates to allow contractors to bid the appropriate vacation?

That is not information the Government has available.

38. What is the incumbent’s contract number?

FA8201-09-C-0072

39. Can the incumbent bid on this contract?

This requirement is set-aside for SDVOSB. If the incumbent falls under this socio-economic category, then they are allowed to bid.

40. What was the incumbent’s contract award amount for the base year? What was the incumbent’s contract award amount for the base plus four options?

Please refer to Question #2 for total award amount. The government will not disclose any detailed pricing information.

41. Would the government like 1 or 2 copies of the proposal and SF1449?

Please provide one copy.

42. Reference pages: 4, 5, 7, 8, 10, 18 of 28, TEP (a) 9. Page 14 of 28 #8; Should the contractor send a copy of reps and certs printed from SAM.Gov or attest to reps and certs in proposal? What volume should the reps and certs be included?

As long as the contractor is registered on SAM, the contractor will NOT have to send a copy of its reps and certs.

43. Page 15 of 28 advised proposal is due by 4:30 local for submission. The SF 1449 reads 2:00 pm.

It is stated on Page 14 and Page 15, “If no time is specified in the solicitation, the time for receipt is 4:30 p.m.…” In this case, a specific time has been assigned-- proposals are due No Later Than 2pm MST on 17 July 2014.

44. Page 19 of 28 - How many dispatchers are required?

The Government will not define how the contractor should staff for monthly support. However, dispatching is required IAW PWS.

45. Can the contractor rent a follow me vehicle from the govt. If so, what are the historical rental fees?

The government does not provide rental vehicles. Please refer to Question #24. Contractor will have to provide their own vehicles.

46. Will the government provide de-icing solution?

De-icing solution is provided by the government.

47. How parking storage areas are available for contractors follow me vehicles?

Contractor vehicles are parked outside on the flight line.

48. Page 39 - Section 7.0 identifies items the Contractor shall provide in support of this contract...Does the contractor need to provide any other items to support this contract?

The PWS states what the contractor needs to provide.

49. Technical Proposal - Will submitted resumes be counted toward the 15 page limitation?

No. The resumes will NOT be counted toward the 15 page limit.

50. .Technical Proposal - Will the government accept enclosures?

Yes. We will accept enclosures.

51. Technical Proposal - Will the enclosures be counted toward the 15 page limitation?

No. Enclosures will not be counted toward the 15 page limit.

52. Please see factor 3 (Page 14 of 28) #10 gives instructions for past performance submission and Page 20 of 28 III 14. Past Performance - Is there a page limitation?

Contractor is NOT required to submit a past performance volume. In another word, no submittal of past performance is required from the contractor. The Government will obtain contractors past performance information from sources available to the Government (e.g. PPIRS, FAPIIS, and other government agencies, etc.) Past performance evaluation will be performed on the lowest priced offeror. Evaluation will cease if the lowest priced proposal receives an “Acceptable” past performance rating.

53. Reference: PWS 1.7 Crash, Damaged, or Disabled Aircraft Recovery, (CDDAR): Provide augmentee (within TAs capability and during normal business hours) to support the aircraft crash recovery team for basic CDDAR support on-runway aircraft crash or disabled aircraft requirements IAW applicable directives. Will the Government clarify if the contractor will support CDDAR off base and on the range?

Contractor does not support CDDAR off base or on the range.

54. Does the government have any historical data for number of CDDAR responses that have occurred in the past 2 years?

Yes. None.

55. Reference: PWS 1.8. Aircraft De-icing: De-ice aircraft utilizing deicing vehicles and equipment as required. PWS 6.1.5. Aircraft deicing October through April averages 15 deicing operation a month.

In 1.8 does this cover deicing transient aircraft only? And are the aircraft deicing averages in 6.1.5 only for transient aircraft?

Yes, to both questions.

56. Reference: PWS 6.1. Average Aircraft Workload: Average transient aircraft monthly arrival rate.

Does the workload data in 6.1 include the PDM aircraft listed in 6.1.4 for aircraft handled in an average month?

Yes

57. Section VI, para 6.1 Average workload data indicates there is significant number of aircraft during the "swing" shift, however the hours of operations basically one shift of 8 hrs. (Day), who is responsible for the "swing" shift aircraft? if it SP how is it reimbursed?

Aircraft arriving after scheduled hours are coordinated with TA and the commander. Hours worked outside normal operating hours are billed against the appropriate CLIN in the contract.

58. PWS, Para 7.3 states "Vehicles shall be of 2009 design or newer by start of contract period." Please confirm that the date 2009 is correct?

Yes, 2009 is correct.

59. What is the current staffing?

Current staffing is a combination of full time and part time workers. Applicants should use the supplied PWS to calculate what they think they would need to staff the schedule.

60. Has the Hrs. of Operation changed from the previous contract: from 24hrs to 8 hrs. a day?

Yes.

61. Section 7.3 of the PWS appears to instruct the contractor that the government wants 3 vehicles. Could you please confirm the contractor is required to provide 3 vehicles?

Yes, the contractor is required to provide 3 vehicles.

62. PWS Section VI 6.1 - Average Aircraft Workload; Please break down the monthly average aircraft arrivals by aircraft type.

This information is not readily available. The contractor must be able to handle any type of military aircraft from all services as well as civilian aircraft.

63. PWS Section VI 6.1.7 - Average Aircraft Workload; Please describe in greater detail the annual Open House event that the Transient Alert operation is required to support.

This refers to the HILL AFB airshow which happens, currently, every two years.

64. PWS Section VII 7.1 - Standardized Uniform; Please confirm that the Government is requiring the contract personnel uniforms to be cleaned commercially and not wash and wear.

Cleaned commercially. Commercial cleaning insures quality control and mitigates environmental concerns from hazardous materials such as fuel, hydraulic fluid, etc. which can contaminate TA personnel’s clothing.

65. Please confirm that normal services are to be provided 8 hours per day only. The PWS states this in several places; however Section VI Workload Estimates provide data for 3 different shifts.

Currently TA is operating 8 hours/day. A swing shift may be added, but is not currently authorized.

66. Section 2.12 of the PWS states that the hours of operation are 0800-1600 M-F and 0900-1700 Sat & Sun. If this is the case, why does the Workload Estimates in Section VI, show aircraft arrival totals on three shifts per day?

Originally the contract had three shifts. Due to budget cuts, the contract has been currently cut back to eight hours/day. Workload estimates are provided for reference in case we go back to more shifts.

67. Will the arrival estimates for day shift remain the same and the swings and graves totals go away or will the aircraft projected for swings and graves now come in on day shift?

Usually these aircraft are moved to day shift arrivals when possible. If an aircraft can’t meet that schedule, hours outside normal operating hours are negotiated with TA and the commander.

68. Can we still expect the total number of arrivals stated in section 6.1 to remain the same, just condensed into one 8 hour shift daily? Or, will these monthly estimates drop with the elimination of a swing and grave shift?

The total number of arrivals stated in section 6.1 will remain about the same, just condensed into one 8 hour shift daily.