QA Response (8 - 10) 10Feb21_Final.pdf

Solicitation No. FA8232-21-R-0001

Questions and Answers

(8 – 10)

Question 8: The SoW refers to 16PR145 for the procedures required for FO. 16PR145 states, “Any fiber optic link that is to be installed into a production F-16 shall be manufactured, assembled into a harness, tested and maintained per the below listed specifications.” It lists:

- 16PR15634 – Instructions for Fiber Optic Termination and Assembly

- 16PR15635 – Instructions for Assembly and Installation of Fiber Optic Harnesses

- 16PR15636 – In-Process Fiber Optic Testing

- 16PR15637 – Maintenance and Repair of Fiber Optic Harnesses

Reading these specifications generated a few more questions:

a. 16PR15634 states in paragraph 1.0 that “This document applies only to the termination of the cable to associated termini part number(s) listed in the Table 1.” In Table 1 it lists

Cable Spec C20827 and Termini Spec C20849. The sample task does not use these specs for Cable and Termini. It uses Cable C80637 and Termini G719987. Does the material in the sample task cross reference to the materials referred to in the 16PR15634, or is there a different spec that we need to utilize? We understand that the termination procedures are most likely very similar to the ones called out in the spec, is the intention for our teams to follow the spec or the manufacturers procedures and those outlines in the TO 1-1A-14-4?

Answer 8a: The engineering drawings, then the C-Specs, then the “16PR15634,” is the order of precedence of what should be followed. The termini and the cable needs to meet the specifications. The Government is currently aware ITT Cannon and Glenair have the data rights and/or the knowledge, tools and processes to meet the termini requirements of the engineering drawings and C-Specs. There may be others out there but those two vendors are known to the have the capability.

The OEMs are listed in the cable C-Specs. However, the specifications are what need to be met to fulfill the requirement.

b. 16PR15635 deals more with the FO Harness assembly process, but in paragraph 3.4.1.2 it states, “All fiber optic cable shall be terminated in accordance with

16PR15634.” Reverting us back to question 1 above. Is the intention for us to follow the more general guidelines of this spec, is there a different spec that covers this type of harness, or shall we follow the procedures and those outlines in the TO 1-1A-14-4?

Answer 8b: The statement that “All fiber optic cable shall be terminated in accordance with 16PR15634” is correct. The engineering drawings, then the C- Specs, then 16PR15634 and 16PR15635 is the order of precedence that should be followed. 16PR15634 and 16PR15635 deal with different processes that are both necessary to fulfill the requirements as applicable.

c. 16PR15636 states in paragraph 1.0 that “This document covers the C20827-3 (5.8/125), C20827-2 (50/125) and the C20827-1 (200/230) micron optical fibers terminated per the

Lockheed Martin 16PR15634 document.” The sample task does not use these specs for

Cable and Termini. It uses Cable C80637 and Termini G719987. Is there a different spec that we need to utilize? We understand that the testing procedures are most likely very similar to the ones called out in the spec, is the intention for our teams to follow the spec or the manufacturers procedures and those outlines in the TO 1-1A-14-4?

Answer 8c: The engineering drawings, then the C-Specs and G-Specs, then

16PR15634 and 16PR15636 is the order of precedence that should be followed.

d. The connectors and termini called out in the sample task require specific test equipment and adapters to properly inspect and test them. Paragraph 3.0 of 16PR15636 provides a list of the test equipment and adapters needed. Most of the equipment listed is outdated and no longer procurable and the adapters needed are not part of this list. While we do have the correct equipment on hand to accurately inspect and test these components, it will not be IAW 16PR15636. Is the use of more modern equipment that meets and/or exceeds the specifications outlined in the equipment list of 16PR15636 acceptable?

Answer 8d: The order of precedence of documents is: Engineering drawings, then

C-Specs, and then the 16PR15634, 16PR15635 and 16PR15636. The first two deal primarily with the parts that are more up to date and should be used. The

16PR documents outline the process that should be followed. We anticipate updated equipment will be used to perform the needed testing as far as it follows the process outlined in 16PR15635. An updated part list for cleaning, inspection and assembly (File Name: “Fiber Cable Tools Updated Part List.xlsx”) is attached. These can be found by NSN, Cage Code or an equivalent test part may be used.

Question 9: Section L, Paragraph 4.2 states “the offeror should keep the Technical Volume as anonymous as possible. Please refrain from including your company name and location other than on the title page.” Our assumption is that this requirement applies only to Volume III Technical, and that we are able to include our company name in all other volumes, including Volume II Executive Summary. Can the Government please clarify this Section L requirement?

Answer 9: Yes, the specified Section L reference only applies to the Technical Volume (i.e.

Volume III).

Question 10: Are there any plans to revise the drawings for WWMEL2019-E-094 and WWMEL2019-E-

095 to include a different part number and / or an equivalent? Since there is no NSN data available we do not have all the information needed to provide accurate pricing.

Answer 10: For Fiber requirements, the F-16 Program has updated the necessary part numbers within the engineering documents and C-Specs. The 16PR15634 outlines the process that should be followed for production of harnesses. The appropriate part numbers are outlined in the sample task provided with the RFP and have not changed.

There is no plan to currently revise the documentation as the engineering and C-Specs take precedent over the 16PR15634/5/6 for parts needed. Engineering documents specify a vendor Cage Code for any parts needed not listed under a NSN.