Ground Support Equipment QA Aug 29th.pdf

Q&A Contractor's Question Government Answer

Reference:

52.212-1-Instructions_Ground_Support_Equipment Component 1 - Price Discussion:

In Section C under Component 1 - Price paragraph D, it states that information other than cost or pricing data may be required.

Question:

Does the offeror need to submit anything other than the completed TEP worksheet for pricing?

No, The TEP is what is required to be filled out for pricing.

Reference:

575_AMXS_(T-38)_GSEM_PWS_9Jul25 – Section 2.3 Minimum Team Complement (MTC) and Table 2.3 Minimum Team Complement (MTC) Discussion:

The Government provides requirements for availability and Contractor Manpower Equivalent (CME) for the MTC.

Question:

Would the Government please provide a seniority roster for compensation and benefits purposes?

An official seniority roster cannot be provided. It is up to the Contractor to hire their employees upon award which may or may not be the same employees currently employed on the active contract. When someone was hired may not reflect their capabilities and value to the contract. Employees hired on the current contract started in 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025.

Reference:

Each of the separate sections shall count against the page limitation and shall be individually tabbed and properly marked.” Part b provides Sub-factor 2: Quality Management Plan requirements of, “The offeror shall provide documentation detailing a clear methodology to manage its workforce and maintain communication regarding identification of employees, quality standard reporting, and deficiency resolution IAW PWS paragraph 8.2.1”.

Looking at PWS 8.2.1, the Government states, “The contractor shall provide a Quality Management Plan (QMP) as part of the proposal and will be evaluated at the basic contract level.”

Question:

We read “clear methodology to manage its workforce” found in the Instructions as a requirement to provide a narrative of our quality program which is in contradiction to the requirement “shall provide a Quality Management Plan” found in the PWS. Would the Government please clarify what is required in the response to be compliant with Sub-factor 2?

The PWS as been updated to better distinguish between the quality management Plan and the Quality Assurance Plan. Compliance would consist of submitting a quality management plan in accordance with PWS section 2.1 that addresses what is stated in subfactor 2.

Reference:

52.212-1-Instructions_Ground_Support_Equipment Component 2 – Technical Evaluation, Sub-factor 2: Quality Management Plan – AND - 575_AMXS_(T-38)_GSEM_PWS_9Jul25 – Section 8.2.1 Discussion:

In section 2, on page 2, Government provides the following, “Limited to no more than twenty (25) pages. This component shall contain a Submitted:

glossary of all abbreviations and acronyms used, with an explanation of each. This glossary shall not be counted against the 25 pages. Each of the separate sections shall count against the page limitation and shall be individually tabbed and properly marked.” Part b provides Sub-factor 2: Quality Management Plan requirements of, “The offeror shall provide documentation detailing a clear methodology to manage its workforce and maintain communication regarding identification of employees, quality standard reporting, and deficiency resolution IAW PWS paragraph 8.2.1”.

Looking at PWS 8.2.1, the Government states, “The contractor shall provide a Quality Management Plan (QMP) as part of the proposal and will be evaluated at the basic contract level.”

Question:

If the Government does in fact want a full Quality Management Plan (QMP) for Sub-factor 2, we politely request an additional 10 pages added to page count (bringing the maximum allowed up to 35 pages) to allow for a comprehensive QMP’s inclusion.

A management plan is required to be submitted with the proposal as mentioned in section 2.1 and in association with CDRL 0004. Whereas a quality assurance plan is required to be submitted within 30 days after award.

These are two different plans with 2 different CDRLs. The page limit will be increased to 35 pages as requested.

5 What is the current staffing? The table in the PWS 2.3 states what we expect

6 Please clarify the purpose of using WD 1999-0316 which is applicable to aircraft and their systems vs what we believe is the correct WD for Bexar county 2015-5253. Recommend change the WD to reflect the effort?

This is the WD used on the current contract and so we are keeping it on the follow on. WD 1999-0316 is nationwide and has a higher minimum rate than the WD for Bexar which should help with recruitment and retention.

7 Given the proposed WD for this effort can the government clarify what was the WD used on the previous effort?

WD 1999-0316 is what is being used on the current contract.

Para PWS 2.3 states “Minimum Team Complement (MTC) and correlate with Para 4.4. The MTC is defined as the required minimum amount of staffing necessary for effective performance on this requirement. A MTC is provided in this PWS (Table 2.3) **The MTC will be filled with CMEs. A CME is an employee who works a typical 40-hour work week or 80 hours in a 2-week period. Please clarify how to correlate the MTC showing 8 FTE at 8 hr vs the operating hours of `0530-1900. From a pure calculation standpoint the MTC vs Hours of operation is not mathematically possible. The governmnt states 8 personnel at 1912 productive hours = 15,296 hrs vs per pws para 4.4 indicates hrs of operation 0530-1600 ( 10.5 hrs a day with a shift being 8 hrs, Not sure 10.5hrs x 8 person x 5 days (week) = 21,840 hrs while only allowing for 100hrs of OT. Please explain the governments intent?

The expectation is that Contractor employees will work 8 hours per day and 40 hours per week. The hours of operation is meant to show the daily timeframe in which the 8 hours can be worked. Section 4.4 might be updated for clarity.

Para PWS 3.1.8 states “The contractor shall prioritize the maintenance and inspection on the Aircraft Jig I & II (AJI and AJII) to ensure prompt support.” What is the procedure for “prioritizing”?

section 3.1.8 has been updated with more information. As far as setting priorities for performing maintenance and inspection on the jigs, there normally isn’t a conflict of needing to prioritize one aircraft jig inspection over another, unless two aircraft happen to be cleared from a jig within the same week. Then we’ll prioritize a jig that only needs a “minor” inspection versus a “major” inspection as a minor = 3 days to perform vs a major = 5-7 days.

Para PWS 4.5 states “NOTE: Good Friday is listed in the Utah / TX Wage Determination (WD) as a holiday; however, since Good Friday is not a Federal holiday, the Government facilities will be open for work that day. The contractor shall plan accordingly (as authorized in the Utah / TX WD) to have employees work business as usual on that day. We are confused on several layers – Randolph AFB is in TX and is not applicale to UTAH. Nor is there a Utah/TXE wage determination;

Secondly the effort is in Bexar Count and should be using the specific WD Not the Nationwide for work on aircraft systems, etc.Recommend re-look for the applicable WD

The Note under section 4.5 is not applicable and will be removed from the PWS. Good Friday is not a holiday and not mention on the wage determination 1999-0316

5.10 Required Workforce.

Indicates existing vs new- please clarify what is this effort considered

PWS will be updated to 90% expected workforce ready at contract start and 100% after 30 days.

Per TEP indicated 1912 hrs however this will not cover 40/wk at 52weeks (minus 11 holidays) which is 2000 hrs. Please clarify how we can cover holidays, vacations, etc?

1912 hours is equal to a 40/wk at 52 weeks minus 11 holidays and 10 vacation/sick days

PWS 3.1.3 states “The contractor shall use Government-prescribed automated maintenance systems (i.e. FEMS)” which is just an Asset Management tool. Please specify exactly what system is currently being used? Secondly please clarify and list the approved Government-prescribed automated maintenance systems. So if we use a non-government approved system - QuickBooks -does this make us ineligible? Is the intent to maintain accountability of assets?

We believe this requirement is unduly restrictive since- having experience in one system is not a guarantee of success using another. We believe Para 3.1.3 is self explanatory and need no further detail. It is up to the contractor to utilize the system as stated. Recommend this be removed and only to state must comply.

Currently FEMs is what is being used and is what will be used during the contract. There are no other systems being used, just FEMS.

ADDENDUM to FAR 52.212-1. Instructions to Offerors (ITO) Ground Support Equipment Maintenance Sub-factor 3: Inventory Listing: The offeror shall provide an example of experience managing and maintaining at least one (1) electronic inventory database, such as TCMAX, CACRL or FEMS as referenced in paragraph 3.1.3. & 3.1.5. Please clarify how does the government wish us to provide an example especially with a page limit?

We require that an example such as evidence of the inventory system that was used be provided, describe how it worked, and what you did to manage it so that we can understand that you have experience working an inventory database.

Q# RFP Section Topic RFP Text Question Government Response

PWS 5.1 Site Supervisor The contractor shall identify a site supervisor who shall be responsible for the performance of this contract.

Is the site supervisor required to be identified in the proposal? If yes, is a resume required?

No, it is not required to identify the site Supervisor in the proposal but it will need to be identified during the contract.

PWS Table 2.3 SCA Wages Does the Government expect the contractor to provide special clothing/uniforms in accordance with the SCA Wage Determination for labor categories in Table 2.3, in addition to PPE required under the PWS? If so, can the Government confirm the specific WD line item requirements that apply?

Updated 5.3 Contractor Employees "When contractor employees are outside of the secure work area within Randolph Air Force Base (JBSA), they shall wear visible contractor provided identification either as a part of, or attached to, their outer clothing. The identification shall clearly identify the individual as being a contractor employee. The applicable labor code on the WD is 23380 ground support equipment mechanic

5.10.1; 5.10.2 Required Workforce For existing TOs the contractor shall have no less than 90% of the required workforce fully prepared to perform the TO NLT the start of the TO. The remaining 10% shall be fully prepared to perform not to exceed NLT 30 days following TO award.

For new workload TOs the contractor shall have no less than 80% of the required workforce fully prepared to perform the TO at the start of the TO.

The remaining 20% shall be fully prepared to perform not to exceed 30 calendar days following TO award.

The PWS references ramp-up requirements for both “existing TOs” (90/10 workforce requirement, Section 5.10.1) and “new workload TOs” (80/20 workforce requirement, Section 5.10.2). Since this solicitation was issued as a stand-alone requirement and not under an IDIQ contract, we assume this effort constitutes the “existing work” referenced in Section 5.10.1 and would therefore be subject to the 90/10 requirement.

Could the Government please clarify:

How it anticipates adding “new workload TOs” under this contract?

Under what circumstances would the 80/20 ramp-up requirement apply?

Section 5.10 has been updated. The expectation is that personnel be ready at on the contract 30 days after contract award or the PoP start date whichever is later.

PWS 2.1, CDRL004; PWS 8.1 Management Plan and the Quality Assurance Surveillance/Human Resource Management Program

PWS 2.1: Provide a management structure that ensures employees are present and engaged in appropriate tasks PWS 8.1 The contractor shall maintain clear organizational authority and responsibility to effectively manage and control personnel.

Please differentiate between the Management Plan and the Quality Assurance Surveillance/Human Resource Management Program.

PWS 2.1 (Management Plan) The management plan describes the contractors organization management structure, assignment of functions, duties, and responsibilities, management procedures and policies, and reporting requirements for the conduct of contractually-imposed tasks, projects, or programs. This plan is to be submitted with the proposal. Section 2.1 has been updated and the old section 8.2.1 has been deleted. New section 8.2.1 deleted conflicting language and meaning with section 2.1 and now focuses solely on the Quality Assurance Program Plan the contractor should have a program in place for Quality Assurance with the plan to be provided within 30 days after award.

PWS 8.2.2 Quality Assurance Plan (QAP)

"provide a Quality Assurance Plan (QAP) to the PCO and COR thirty (30) calendar days ARO as part of the initial status report" "The QCP shall demonstrate"

Please confirm that the QAP and QCP are the same plan.

Corrected QCP to QAP in section 8.2.2 now 8.2.1.

COMPONENT II -

TECHNICAL EVALUATION

Page limitations Limited to no more than twenty (25) pages. Can the Government clarify if the page limit is twenty

(20) pages or twenty-five (25)?

Page limit will be increased to 35 pages

Solicitation #: FA822425R0014 Solicitation Title: GSE Mechanic

Q# RFP Section Topic RFP Text Question Government Response

COMPONENT II -

TECHNICAL EVALUATION

Table requirements Pages shall be typed with 1.5 line spacing. Does the spacing requirement apply to tables as well? line spacing and font size don’t apply to tables, but the size of the tables should be kept within reason.

PWS Supervision on Day 1 Supervisor must be on-site day 1 of PoP If there is a delay in CAC issuance or security clearance? Will there be flexibility for interim supervision?

5.8 The contractor shall ensure all employees possess

required training, qualifications, proficiency and security clearances and satisfy all access requirements upon the start of PoP following the ramp-up period. If a temporary Supervisor needs to be designated by the Contractor, then that can be done in a pinch.

PWS Surge The PWS allows workload to increase up to 125% or decrease by 25% with notice. Will the contract include a Surge CLIN with pre-negotiated rates, or must this be absorbed within fixed staffing? What about overtime?

Increases and decreases will be made to the contract for surge or decreased workload based on the hourly rates included in the TEP. If overtime is authorized by the government, it will pay out under the Over & Above line on the contract.

PWS Clearances Can the Government define the minimum clearance requirement?

Appendix S and ATTACHMENT 03 Common Access Card Instrustions (T1) Contractor employees requiring access to Government computer systems will be required to pass an LFC, positive fingerprint results, a completed Form 306, Declaration of Federal Employment and a minimum of a T1 investigation through the Group Security Office

Q&A #

REFERENCE

P = PWS

A = Attachment G = General

REFERENCE QUESTION GOVERNMENT RESPONSE

25 P Table 2.3, 4.4

Under Table 2.3 of the PWS, it states "The MTC will be filled with CMEs. A CME is an employee who works a typical 40-hour work week or 80 hours in a 2-week period." But in Section 4.4 of the PWS, it states "The contractor employee(s) work shift is eight (8) hours per day, 40 hours per week. Day shift hours shall be 0530 through 1600 unless overtime is authorized." Table 2.3 of the SOW shows the shift schedule as 0530-1600, which is a total of 10.5 hrs per day. Will the Government please provide clarification as to which shift schedule would be executed? Either an 8 hour workday or 10.5 hour workday?

The shift is an 8 hour shift that starts on or after 0530 and then ends on or before 1600. In other words the 8 hours shift needs to be worked between 0530 and 1600 but can start later than 0530 or end earlier than 1600 so long as those 8 hours have been accomplished.

26 A GSE_TEP_Final

Will the Government allow for an OT rate to be developed for qualifying employees supporting the requirement? If so, will the Government provide the OT hours within the GSE_TEP_Final document?

The current TEP has a spot to enter the OT rate for the Lead ground support mechanic and the ground support mechanic.

It is not anticipated that overtime will be needed for the Supervisor position at this time and so Supervisor OT has not been included as part of the TEP.

27 G N/A

The file titled "Solicitation_-_FA822425R0014.pdf" lists the solicitation number as "FA822425R0014" but Sam.gov and Govwin list it as "FA8224-25-2GSE". Can the Government confirm what the solicitation number is?

The solicitation number is FA822425R0014