JQR Qualification Process QandA supplement Amend 1.pdf
PDF 110 KB Posted
- Solicitation number
- FA8213-RATO
About this file
This is a Q&A document dated January 15, 2025, providing clarification regarding the Justification for Qualification Requirements (JQR) for RATO motor and Initiator procurement. The document addresses key details about the qualification process for vendors seeking to supply rocket motors and initiators for the BQM-167 aerial target drone program.
The document specifies that qualification processes for initiators and rockets can be conducted concurrently, taking 180-360 days depending on whether qualification is for a similar item. Eight test articles must be tested according to SP201308358 Rev D requirements. The estimated qualification cost is $5M, though this may be reduced significantly if qualifying through a similar item. The EBH Chief Engineer makes final qualification decisions based on form, fit, and functional requirements. Vendors qualifying through similar items may be added to the 761 without additional test submissions, while those qualifying new items must submit test articles at their own expense. The JQR process demonstrates equivalence to performance requirements required in a First Article Acceptance Test (FAAT), with focus on RATO performance equivalence.
View the file
Other files
On GovTribe
Work with this file
- Download the original file
- Contacts named in this file
- Similar government files
- Ask GovTribe AI about this file
Text version
JQR Supplemental Q&As
Amend 1
Dated: 1/15/2025
This supplemental document is to provide clarification to common questions asked regarding the JQR documents for the RATO motor and Initiator
Q1: Can the qualification process for both the initiators and rocket motor be conducted concurrently?
How long is each process expected to take?
Q1: Government Response: Yes, both qualification processes for the initiator and rocket can be conducted concurrently. At minimum it is estimated that the qualification process will take 180-360 days dependent on if the qualification is for a similar item or not.
Note: the JQR was posted and available on SAM since the following:
• September 26, 2024 (Draft FRP)
• May 2023, Sources Sought issued.
Q2: The documents mention that “a qualification test procedure per DI-NDTI-81307A and a qualification test report per DI-NDTI-80809B shall be provided through the contracting office. Qualification testing must be accomplished IAW SP201308358 Rev D, Paragraph 4.2.” Are you able to share these documents?
Q2: Government Response: See attached DI-NDTI-80809B and DI-NDTI-81307A
Q3: The JQR mentions an estimated cost to get qualified of about $5M. Can you provide additional information regarding this estimated amount?
Q3 Government Response: The $5M cost estimate is based on prior, similar efforts of vendors producing and submitting test articles to the USG for evaluation. If a contract can become qualified through a similar item, that cost may be significantly decreased. If a new item must be qualified, then the test articles required for qualification are funded at the contractor’s expense. First Article Testing is a different step and will be proposed on its own CLIN (see Synopsis information attachment).
Q4: what constitutes a “similar item” in terms of achieving qualification? Is similarity determined based on form factor, performance, or what other metric? Who makes the determination whether a potential “similar item” qualifies as similar?
Q4 Government Response: Similarity is considered against the performance specification, SP201308358 Rev D. It is up to the offeror to put together convincing evidence showing that an already existing rocket motor will meet the form, fit, and functional requirements laid out in the performance spec. Please also note the requirements in the JQR (Justification for Qualification Requirements). The EBH Chief Engineer will make the final decision on qualification.
Q5: How many motors must be fired to become qualified?
Q5: Government Response: Eight (8) articles tested IAW with SP201308358 Rev D, Paragraph 4.2.
Q6: What testing constitutes a completed qualification? Is there a Test Matrix?
Q6 Government Response: SP201308358 Rev D Section 4.2 covers all tests required. Table 2 of the specification provides a Test Matrix.
Additional Information:
• A vendor uses the JQR process to become a qualified source on the 761.
• Verification (qualification) tests in the JQR demonstrate equivalence to performance requirements required in a FAAT. Note: the focus for the verification is RATO performance equivalence
If qualified through a similar item, a contractor may be added to the 761 with no additional test items submitted to the USG. If qualifying NOT through a similar item, additional test items shall be submitted to the USG at contractor expense.
File details come from the government source that posted it. Updated .