JQR Qualification Process QandA supplement Amend 2.pdf

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.

Q7: can the 8 fired motors stated in the JQR be waived?

Q7 Government Response: some or all of the 8 motors being fired can be waived at the governments discretion.

Q8: what is the government process in granting a waiver to fire the 8 motors?

Q8 Response: it rests on the contractor to submit enough evidence that the contractor’s rocket motor is a “similar item” and will be able to meet everything stated in the performance specification.

Q9: Are the 8 motors stated in the JQR different than the 8 Motors in the Draft RFP for FAAT?

Q9: response. Yes. 8 motors are required (at contractor expense) for qualification. Then, as stated in the draft RFP, FAAT will require 8 motors (government will price these items on a CLIN).

Q10: is the Technical Data Package (TDP) that the contractor submits for qualification purchased by the government?

Q10 Response: No. The government owns the Specifications that need to be met. The drawing/design used by the contractor remains the contractors data.

Q11: Table 2 on the SP test matrix mentions flight testing. Is this part of qualification?

Q11 Response: No, Qualification and flight certification are different. If a contractor is qualified and wins the contract, the government will pay to have the rocket motor flight certified. this process is an internal government process and does not impact qualification.

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.