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Questions Received from Industry for F-15 Supply Services FA8505-16-R-0004 US Government Response
| 1 |
| Can the USG define Bin Fill Rate (per base) as referred to in PWS 2.0 Services Summary, Performance Objective? |
| The Bin Fill Rate will be calculated by: (Full Bins/Total Bins)x100; This measurement will be taken per shop at each base to get an overall base total fill rate. |
| 2 |
| Can the USG clarify the ownership status of additional property purchased in support of these requirements in which the contractor has not received payment (reference PWS 3.2 Government Property to be Provided)? |
| Any additional property purchased in support of these requirements should be invoiced at the time of receipt. Until such a time that payment is received, the Contractor will be held financially liable for risk, loss, damage, and/or destruction of material until payment is received. |
| 3 |
| Can the USG clarify if PWS 4.15.1 Consumable Material Catalog refers to the F-15_Supply_Services_Catalog.xlsx, and if so kindly standardize the terminology in both products? |
| These are the same documents. Anytime the PWS references the "catalog" it is referencing the "F-15 Supply Services Catalog". |
| 4 |
| Can the USG clarify if Tab 1 (NSN Listing) in PWS 4.15.1 Consumable Material Catalog refers to the 2015 Consumable Catalog tab in the F-15_Supply_Services_Catalog.xlsx, and if so kindly standardize the terminology in both products? |
| Tab 1= 2015 Consumable Catalog Tab 2= Catalog Annual Requirement Tab 3= Bin Locations and Quantities |
| 5 |
| Can the USG clarify if (paragraph 4.15.1.1.4) is the correct reference in PWS 4.15.1 Consumable Material Catalog, Tab 1 (NSN Listing), RQMT, Bench Stock and Common, for item is part of the Bench Stock Requirement, and if not correct? |
| Yes, this is the correct reference. |
| 6 |
| Can the USG clarify if Estimated Annual Rqmt and Contractor Warehouse Authorize Qty are correctly identified under Tab 1 (NSN Listing) in PWS 4.15.1 Consumable Material Catalog or should they be identified as part of the Catalog Annual Requirements tab in the the F-15_Supply_Services_Catalog.xlsx, and if so kindly standardize the terminology in both products? |
| Tab 1= 2015 Consumable Catalog Tab 2= Catalog Annual Requirement Tab 3= Bin Locations and Quantities |
| 7 |
| Can the USG clarify if Tab 2 (Bin Location and Quantity Summary (LQS)) in PWS 4.15.1 Consumable Material Catalog refers to the Bin Locations and Quantities tab in the the F-15_Supply_Services_Catalog.xlsx, and if so kindly standardize the terminology in both products? |
| Tab 1= 2015 Consumable Catalog Tab 2= Catalog Annual Requirement Tab 3= Bin Locations and Quantities |
| 8 |
| Are the Duty Descriptions identified in PWS Appendix E, all-inclusive for the solicitation and is the offeror limited to only proposing positions based on these duty descriptions? |
| These duty descriptions are all inclusive for all requirements associated with PWS paragraph 4.14, which is CLIN 0002. Any additional manpower, management, etc. should be captured under CLIN X001. |
| 9 |
| Are the Labor Category's identified in RSAF Supply Services Price Matrix, Attachment XX, all-inclusive for the solicitation and is the offeror limited to only proposing the number of contract positions within the minimum and maximum numbers specified? |
| These duty descriptions are all inclusive for all requirements associated with PWS paragraph 4.14, which is CLIN 0002. Any additional manpower, management, etc. should be captured under CLIN X001. |
| 10 |
| Can the USG clarify PWS 5.2.1 (the first paragraph identifies knowledge and/or generation of classified information and/or Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) are not expected to be necessary for performance of the contract/order, but the next paragraph identifies knowledge and/or generation of classified information and/or Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) are required for performance of the contract/order)? |
| The second paragraph was removed. |
| 11 |
| Can the USG define the term "ce" in the first sentence of PWS 5.2.5 Security Incident or Violation? Will "ce" be added to 6.2 Appendix B: Acronyms? |
| This was a typo in the PWS and has been removed. |
| 12 |
| Can the USG clarify PWS 5.2.6 Security of Contractor System(s) (the first paragraph identifies access to Government system(s) will not be required to perform tasks under the contract/order, but the next paragraph identified the Government will provide Contractor personnel access to system(s) necessary to perform tasks under the contract/order)? |
| This has been updated to the following: Access to Government system(s) will not be required to perform tasks under the contract/order. |
If it becomes necessary for the Contractor to have access to any Government systems, the Government will provide Contractor personnel access to system(s) necessary to perform tasks under the contract/order. The Contractor shall ensure Contractor personnel who require access to an unclassified or classified Government AIS have the appropriate background check or security investigation conducted. The Government will provide system access subject to approval of the DD Form 2875, System Authorization Access Request (SAAR). Upon completion/termination of the contract/order or transfer/termination of Contractor personnel, the Contractor shall ensure the system account(s) are closed.
An updated PWS has been posted.
| 13 |
| Based on the combining of the different technical requirements (logistics support personnel, supply consumable items, and operation/maintenance of Print Plant equipment) which of the following carries more weight in the determination of the relevancy of the submitted past performance contract: 1) Criteria identified in Table 2: Past Performance Relevancy Ratings; or 2) the technical features and characteristics, and the programmatic/ logistical scope and magnitude of the effort? The ability to submit a Very Relevant past performance contract reference that meets the criteria as specified in Table 2, as well as meeting the programmatic / logistical scope of all three requirement areas is likely limited to only the incumbent contractor. Therefore, should other offerors place more emphasis on Table 2 relevancy requirements or ensuring all areas of programmatic / logistical scope are addressed? The Table 2 requirements could be considered mutually exclusive of the programmatic/logistical scope. For example, an offeror with a qualified MIS and with experience in management of multiple subcontractors is not necessarily consistent with the demonstration of Print Plant equipment maintenance/operation past performance within the same contract effort. Offerors, other than the incumbent, who do possess experience in all of these areas are not able to have demonstrated each of the areas on one contract effort. Will the Government consider revising wording to reflect the potential for increased competition? |
| The relevancy criterion was carefully considered based on the scope of the effort. The team reviewed all industry comments and concerns when developing the evaluation criteria. The USG does expect teaming arrangements will be necessary in some instances to fill gaps where the prime contractor may not have expertise or experience. Additionally, the past performance evaluation will be conducted in accordance with Section M. |
A critical subcontractor is defined as an entity (subcontractor and/or teaming member), other than the offeror itself, that will perform more than 30 percent of the overall effort, based on the sum of the price proposed for each contract line item and/or possesses the Saudi Business License (if other than the prime contractor). If our critical subcontractor is identified as a company that possesses the Saudi Business License, must one of the three (3) recent contracts submitted in the proposal be from that subcontractor?
A critical subcontractor is defined as an entity (subcontractor and/or teaming member), other than the offeror itself, that will perform more than 30 percent of the overall effort, based on the sum of the price proposed for each contract line item and/or possesses the Saudi Business License (if other than the prime contractor). If our critical subcontractor is identified as a company that possesses the Saudi Business License, must one of the three (3) recent contracts submitted in the proposal be from that subcontractor?
All Critical subcontractors must submit three recent contracts for the past performance evaluation. This is in addition to the three recent contracts that must be submitted by the offeror/joint venture member(s).
| 15 |
| Please confirm the requirement is for a total of three (3) recent contracts versus three (3) from the Prime Offeror AND three (3) from each critical subcontractor. Additionally, if the requirement is for additional past performance contracts for any critical subcontractor(s), is the requirement a maximum of three (3) or exactly three (3) contracts. |
| All Critical subcontractors must submit three recent contracts for the past performance evaluation. This is in addition to the three recent contracts that must be submitted by the offeror/joint venture member(s). |
| 16 |
| Will the Government consider allowing a smaller font size (such as 8 or 10) for tables, charts, graphs, and figures? |
Also, will the Government consider allowing a different font (such as Arial) for text?
Times New Roman font should be used. Font size for tables, charts, graphs, figures, etc. should be no smaller than 8.
| 17 |
| Will the Government please clarify that the data from the MIS will become the sole property of the USG and not the MIS system itself? This can significantly impact the pricing of the proposed effort as well as limit the technical solution to an internally developed MIS and not an off-the shelf software solution. |
| The data contained within the MIS will become the property of the USG. The MIS system itself will not be required to be a deliverable to the USG. |
| 18 |
| Will the Government please clarify the personnel requirements? Did the USG mean to reference Section 6.5, Appendix E: Duty Descriptions for the provided functions? Also, will the USG confirm the personnel positions/requirements since the list in PWS paragraph 4.14 does not match the position identified in Section, 6.5, Appendix E. It is assumed that OLR (Operating Location-Riyadh) government representative position is not applicable? |
| Attachment E to the PWS is a list of all positions that support PWS paragraph 4.14. There is no OLR position. |
| 19 |
| Will the USG provide further pricing instructions and specifically guidance regarding Attachment 5? CLIN X001 includes Operations, Management and Materials. Based on the PWS requirements, an offeror can estimate the Operations and Management costs on a monthly basis and this is assumed to go in Column J. However, what is the basis for Material costs which is assumed to be filled in Column K. Also, can you please define the acronym “COM.” It is assumed that this is Cost of Material. |
| Column K of the F-15 Supply Services Price Matrix is the unit Cost of Money. |
| 20 |
| Please clarify and provide additional pricing instructions. Attachment 5 does not allow for pricing of specified ranges. |
| Please ensure you have reviewed the price matrix attached to the latest revision of the solicitation, which does include separate prices for the ranges. |
| 21 |
| Please confirm that all material costs are “straight pass through” with no fee added. Fee is only added to “Unit Cost” which is assumed to be all other costs (Operations & Management). |
| Column K refers to the Unit Cost of Money. |
| 22 |
| PWS sections 4.14 and 6.5 (Appendix E: Duty Descriptions) outline logistics support personnel required by the RSAF. PWS section 4.14.4 states all employees in support positions shall be approved by the RSAF, and PWS section 4.14.3 states the Contractor shall make every effort to satisfy RSAF requests for specific personnel. |
a. Are support personnel (i.e. the 18 labor categories listed in CLIN 0002) only hired if requested by the RSAF to support RSAF staffing needs? Or, are the support personnel positions listed inclusive of all positions required to support PWS requirements for this program, including program management positions the Contractor will need to hire for the management and operation of consumable material procurement and PPSD and POD requirements as well?
i. For example, the Contractor may require a Material Handler to deliver consumables to each base. Is this Material Handler the same as the Material Handler listed in CLIN 0002, or is the position in CLIN 0002 to be hired only if the RSAF request a Material Handler for their use (the Contractor would have to hire a separate Material Handler)?
b. If it is the case that program management positions are not included in PWS 4.14 and 6.5 and the Contractor needs to hire additional personnel to support the program, should all program labor costs be in CLIN 0002, or should Contractor labor costs be in CLIN 0001?
c. Who determines the quantity of CLIN 0002 Labor Categories to be hired after contract award: the RSAF or the Contractor?
4.14.3 Language has been amended. Please review updated PWS. Only personnel identified via amendment E, as identified by PWS paragraph 4.14 will fall under CLIN X002. Any additional personnel required in support of this effort, to include management, etc. should be included under CLIN X001 (those in support of PWS paragraph 4.15 and 4.16). Minimum and maximum quantities have been identified for the positions in support of PWS paragraph 4.14. The Contractor is not to exceed these maximum quantities. It will be the Contractor’s responsibility to hire personnel in support of these positions.
| 23 |
| The Duty Descriptions in Appendix E do not exactly match up to the Labor Categories in CLIN 0002. Appendix E includes all of CLIN 0002 Labor Categories plus Administrative Support, Administrative System, PPSD Digital, and PPSD Darkroom and Laboratory. Should these labor costs be included in CLIN 0001 or added to CLIN 0002? |
| See attached chart |
| 24 |
| Are the Annual_Consumables_Requirement_List and Print_Plant_and_POD_Equipment_listing that were provided with the draft solicitation the most current lists? Or did the final solicitation include updated attachments? |
a. Will the Government provide types and quantities of printers at each POD location?
b. Will the Government provide historical information on quantity of print jobs at each location to aid offerors in determining staffing levels at each POD location?
The Print Plant and POD Equipment Listing in the final RFP is the most up to date. The most up to date supply catalog is the F-15 Supply Services Catalog, as posted with the final RFP. The USG will not be providing a list of printers at each location. The USG will not be providing historical information as to the number of print jobs at each location.
| 25 |
| Section L requires no more than three contracts to be submitted in Volume III – Past Performance. If proposing a critical subcontractor, shall the offeror submit only three contracts combined or six totals (three for the prime and 3 for the critical subcontract)? |
| All Critical subcontractors must submit three recent contracts for the past performance evaluation. This is in addition to the three recent contracts that must be submitted by the offeror/joint venture member(s). |
| 26 |
| The Q&A posted regarding the DRAFT PWS stated “The management/labor and materials will all be supported via a Fixed Price Incentive Firm (FPIF) CLIN in accordance with FAR 16.403-1 and 52.216-16. Although the USG will not be requesting pricing for individual parts, this pricing should be included in the FPIF Target Ceiling. Contractor's must adhere to all requirements associated with managing a FPIF CLIN structure. Format for submitting pricing will be available at RFP release.” |
a. In the RSAF F-15 Supply Services Price Matrix does Unit COM mean “Cost of Material”?
b. Should offerors provide the price for the 439 commercially sourced items in column K on the spreadsheet? Or should offerors provide unit cost per commercially sourced item in the F-15 Supply_Services_Catalog spreadsheet?
c. Of the 439 commercially sourced items, 289 are currently inactive and 181 items are Offeror items that Offeror may not quote to all offerors. How should these NSNs be priced in the initial proposal?
d. Why is the Unit COM excluded from the Unit Target Profit? Is it allowable to add profit to the cost of material?
The individual cost of items does not need to be provided. As individual costs of items does not need to be provided, it will be up to each offeror to provided their FPIF price. This should include the cost to replenish stock. Unit COM stands for Unit Cost of Money.
| 27 |
| Should any facility cost, such as warehouse space and office space, be included in CLIN 0001 or are all facility costs part of the CRNF CLIN 0003? |
| Your in-Kingdom warehouse costs should be included under CLIN X003. Additional office space should be considered normal costs of doing business and not explicitly or individually priced. |
| 28 |
| Can the Government please provide more detail on the IGE for CLIN 0003 such as number and size of facilities? |
| No additional information will be provided associated with the facilities in-Kingdom. Please note this CLIN is a cost reimbursable CLIN, will not be proposed to, and actual costs will be reimbursed with/without approval as indicated in the PWS. |
| 29 |
| Are there any printer vendor maintenance contracts/warranties in place or is the contractor required to self-perform all printer maintenance? |
| The offeror should assume no warranties are in place to support maintenance of any printers. |
| 30 |
| For the CRNF CLINS, will the Contractor be reimbursed for costs over the IGE? And are the costs fixed or can they be adjusted as prices fluctuate? |
| Costs associated with CRNF CLINs will be reimbursable at actual costs. Offeror's are not required to propose to CRNF CLINs. Please reference the PWS for instances in which approval is required prior to purchases being made. |
| 31 |
| The Section M column in the Cross Reference Matrix does not match section numbers in Section M. For example the fifth column references Section M 2.A.4.c.i. Please clarify the Section M references in the Cross Reference Matrix. |
| The Cross Reference Matrix is correct. |
| 32 |
| The Cross Reference Matrix lists PWS 4.9 for the Integrated Master Schedule. Section 4.9 is Contract Demobilization. Should a Demobilization Plan be provided with the initial proposal? |
| This reference has been corrected to reference back to the transition paragraph, 4.8. An integrated master schedule has been requested as apart of the proposal. |
| 33 |
| PWS section 4.12 states the MIS will become the sole property of the USG. Does this only pertain to the data within the MIS? Some modules in the Contractor’s MIS may be commercial off the shelf or proprietary applications that will not be able to become property of the USG. |
| The data contained within the MIS will become the property of the USG. The MIS system itself will not be required to be a deliverable to the USG. |
| 34 |
| The RSAF F-15 Supply Service Price Matrix does not have inputs for the three ranges in CLIN X001. Will the USAF provide a new spreadsheet so we can insert prices for the ranges? Or should offerors fill out section B, calculate the average and insert the average into the spreadsheet? |
| Please ensure you are reviewing the most up to date documents. The F-15 Supply Services Price Matrix does contain areas for prices to be submitted for each range. |
| 35 |
| In the RSAF F-15 Supply Service Price Matrix shall offerors price only commercially sourced items in the Unit COM or should that value also include USG priced items? |
| Unit COM stands for Unit Cost of Money. |
| 36 |
| Section M, page 69, section 3.3 states “the quantity is multiplied by the applicable Target Price for each range to derive the Extended Price. The Extended Prices for the three ranges will be added together and divided by three to derive a simple average, which will represent the evaluated CLIN price.” The TEP example on page 70 of Section M shows the evaluated CLIN is the average of the ceiling prices. Please clarify the evaluation of CLIN X001. |
| Please ensure you are referencing the latest Section M. For convenience, the most up to date Section M is attached to latest RFP amendment. |
| 37 |
| Does the contractor own USG-sourced material that is stocked prior to delivery to the customer? When/ where does the Point of Sale take place? |
| Once material is delivered, invoiced, and paid for, the property is owned by the RSAF and considered GFE until delivered to the RSAF/input into a bin. |
| 38 |
| Are the authorized quantities for both the warehouse and bin listed in the solicitation the maximum or minimum quantities? |
| The authorized quantities listed are the minimum quantities the bins should be filled to. These quantities were provided to ensure each offeror has an idea of the scope of work required. |
| 39 |
| Was Attachment 12 Pre-award Accounting System Adequacy Checklist provided with the solicitation? |
| The RFP has been updated with this document. |
| 40 |
| If a company has a contract with the RSAF, why is that not considered as relevant as an FMS contract in the KSA when it is to the same customer? We suggest a contract with the RSAF should be considered Very Relevant. |
| The relevancy criterion was carefully considered based on the scope of the effort. The team reviewed all industry comments and concerns when developing the evaluation criteria. The USG does expect teaming arrangements will be necessary in some instances to fill gaps where the prime contractor may not have expertise or experience. Additionally, the past performance evaluation will be conducted in accordance with Section M. |
| 41 |
| In reference to FAR 52.204-8 on page 80, please confirm the small business size standard for a concern which submits an offer in its own name but which proposes to furnish a product which it did not itself manufacture is 500 employees. |
| This is a services contract. Please refer to the NAICS code and size standards on the front page of the RFP. |
| 43 |
| Some NSNs on the F-15 Supply Services Catalog are either incomplete or invalid and the part numbers listed are not associated with the corresponding NSN. Please clarify the NSN’s and/or part numbers.” (Refer to Exhibit) |
| A position of parts are local stock numbers created by the RSAF; the specifications associated with these items will be provided by the RSAF. Some items are F-15SA items; information pertaining to these items will continue to be updated until support for these items is needed. |
| 44 |
| Can you please provide additional clarification with regards to Past Performance requirements as stated in Section M Factor 2: Past Performance? |
| The relevancy criterion was carefully considered based on the scope of the effort. The team reviewed all industry comments and concerns when developing the evaluation criteria. The USG does expect teaming arrangements will be necessary in some instances to fill gaps where the prime contractor may not have expertise or experience. Additionally, the past performance evaluation will be conducted in accordance with Section M. |
| 45 |
| Section L states "print shall be Times New Roman and no smaller than a font size of 12." In order to ensure legibility and improve graphics, we respectfully request the Government allow for the use of the Arial font with a minimum type size of 8-point within graphics, tables and charts. |
| Times New Roman font should be used. Font size for tables, charts, graphs, figures, etc. should be no smaller than 8. |
| 46 |
| Section L states "Paper size shall be 8 1/2 x 11, excluding any drawings, diagrams, supporting illustrations, charts, or spreadsheets which may be on 8 1/2 x 17." Please confirm that any drawings, diagrams, supporting illustrations, charts or spreadsheets can be on 11x17 sheet paper instead of 8 1/2 x 17 sheet paper. Please clarify whether an 11x17 sheet will count as 1 page or 2 pages. |
| 11x17 paper is acceptable; If 11x17 sized paper is used, it will count as one page per side. Please reference updates to Section L for paper size allowances. |
| 47 |
| Please clarify if an Integrated Master Schedule (IMS) is required as part of the Transition Plan. If so, can it be submitted as an appendix to Volume II Written Technical Proposal, with an unlimited page count? |
| An integrated master schedule is required as a part of the transition plan. It should be submitted as a part of Volume II, which does have a page limit of 40 pages. |
| 48 |
| Will a pre-proposal conference be held in order for industry to ensure they understand all requirements as well as an opportunity to ask additional questions and meet one-on-one with customers? |
| A pre-proposal conference will not be held. |
| 49 |
| Will the contractor be able to ship utilizing a state-side freight forwarder or will the contractor be required to ship in-country and be the exporter of record? |
| Regardless of location materials are shipped from, the Contractor will be held liable for all shipping. |
| 50 |
| Will the U.S. Government apply for Export Licenses? |
| The Contractor will be held responsible for export licenses, as required, for material being shipped in Kingdom. |
| 51 |
| Page 1 of the Standard Form 33 does not have Section D marked as part of the RFP. Please confirm that the solicitation will be updated to include Section D, Packaging & Marking, with appropriate FAR Clauses. |
| This was a formatting issue on this original solicitation, which has been corrected in the latest RFP amendment. |
| 52 |
| Will a CLIN be added for remobilization costs? If not, where should the remobilization costs be included? |
| If remobilization has to occur, it will be covered under the demobilization CLIN (X006). |
| 53 |
| Are we limited to the part number and cage code referenced in the catalog as the source of supply? |
| The Contractor will be held liable for purchasing items identified in the proper configuration, as identified via the F-15 Supply Services Catalog. As identified via PWS paragraph 4.15.5.6, the Contractor shall utilize in-Kingdom sources if available, DLA, if available, and then source from any viable outsides sources of supply. The Contractor is not limited to the CAGE code identified in the current catalog, but if a CAGE code is identified, it has been a viable source for that part in the past. |
| 54 |
| Will PMRs be located both in-Country and/or United States? |
| The exact location for any future PMRs has not been determined. PMRs could be either in-Kingdom or states-side. Please note that the travel CLIN is cost reimbursable and the Contractor will be reimbursed for travel approved by the PCO. Please note offeror's are not required to propose to the travel CLIN as it is a cost reimbursable CLIN. |
| 55 |
| Management Information System: A “system” is typically defined as “a set of connected things or parts forming a complex whole” with an MIS being made up of both/either hardware and software. Under the following requirement specified in Section 4.12 of the PWS; “The Contractor shall provide secure, web-based access 24 hours per day to an MIS for management of this contract effort which will become the sole property of the USG for use in subsequent similar efforts.” Are you looking for the transfer of software licensing, which may be proprietary, or the output of the MIS system which can be something on the order of a spreadsheet or database? |
| The requirement will be to transfer all material within the MIS, as you have stated; the format(s) acceptable are identified in the coordinating CDRL. The MIS system will not be required to be either sold, given, etc. to the USG. |
| 56 |
| If during the transition delays are caused by the incumbent, how will the delays be treated? |
| If a transition is required due to the incumbent not being the awardee, and delays are caused, the Contractor should notify the USG immediately. |
| 57 |
| CLIN 0001 on page 2 of the RFP indicates providing a unit price for 24 months and on page 13 under CLIN 1001 it indicates providing a lot price for 1 to 7000. CLINS 2001, 3001, and 4001 also indicate providing lots. Is it the Government’s intention to have these all be unit prices based upon a unit of measure of months? |
| This should be 12 months and has been updated in the latest amendment to the RFP. |
| 58 |
| In Section L, Page 21 refers to the RSAF F-15 Supply Services Price Matrix as attachment 5, but page 43 refers to it as attachment 3. Which is correct? |
| It should be attachment 3; this has been updated in the latest amendment. |
| 59 |
| For CLIN X005, should we propose a fixed fee or fixed fee percentage or will this fee percentage be provided by the Government? |
| A fixed-fee for this CLIN does not need to be provided; the fixed fee will be determined post award. |
| 60 |
| Please confirm all Technical Data required for operations of the POD / PPID will be provided by the U.S. Government. |
| The USG will not be providing an technical data. |
| 61 |
| In the event the contractor purchases excess inventory due to demand forecasting or in order to secure a better rate from our suppliers, will the USG consider adding a buyback clause to the contract so that inventory purchased but not "sold" to the USG will be bought by the USG or follow-on contractor at contract end? |
| Material purchased, once invoiced and paid, will become the property of the RSAF. |
| 62 |
| Section L, Page 38 calls out Attachment 12, Pre-Award Accounting System Adequacy Checklist as "Attached Separately". This attachment was not provided with the solicitation. The Contractor respectfully requests that the solicitation be updated to include Attachment 12. |
| This has been included in the latest RFP amendment. |
| 63 |
| Attachment 5 and/or 3, RSAF F-15 Supply Services Price Matrix, does not have ranges for CLIN 0001 pricing; however, on page 70 of Section M, the TEP example does show the ranges, which is correct? |
| Please ensure you have reviewed the latest RFP amendment. This has been reattached (as Attachment 3) to the latest RFP amendment for convenience. |
| 64 |
| Please confirm that the only additional licenses required under the Solicitation are the Saudi Arabian General Investment License and the Ministry of Commerce and Industry license issued by the Ministry of Commerce. |
| It will be the offeror's responsibility to ensure all required licenses are obtained to conduct business in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Specifically, only the Saudi Business License needs to be submitted as apart of the proposal package. |
| 65 |
| What tab and column from the Supply Service Catalog file is considered the contract minimum quantity (as mentioned on Page 1 of Section B, Item No. 5)? |
| There is no official "minimum quantity". The quantities listed under the tab titled, "Catalog Annual Requirements" and "Bin Locations and Quantities" show a warehouse authorized quantity and a benchstock authorized quantity. These quantities will be utilized as what the RSAF considers should be in the bins and/or warehouse and will be used to measure the bin fill levels. |
| 66 |
| How is the minimum order quantity determined for the NSNs that do not have an annual quantity? |
| Items with a minimum order quantity of zero, currently have a annual requirement of zero. These items may have had past usage or may have future usage, but current usage has been zero. |
| 67 |
| There are over 18,000 NSNs on the catalog but only 12,310 NSNs with annual demand quantities and only 4,233 with an authorized bin quantity. Will additional data be provided for the NSNs with no demand or bin quantity or will the ceiling price for CLIN 0001 need to be established for all 18,000+ NSNs with the information available in the RFP? |
| The data provided should be used to develop the price for CLIN 0001. |
| 68 |
| How are maximum efforts defined, as described in Section 4.15.5.6 of the PWS? |
| This is not a metric the USG will be measuring. |
| 69 |
| How do you define what NSNs go into what ranges? Are the ranges meant to dictate manpower levels? What is your intent with the ranges? |
| The ranges are meant to define manpower levels. Any set of NSNs could be requested to be supported within those ranges. |
| 70 |
| Please describe the role of the aircraft structural engineer listed in Appendix E. Will the aircraft structural engineer be provided all engineering data in order to support this role? |
| This position will be supporting the RSAF. Everything needed to accomplish this job will be provided by the RSAF. |
| 71 |
| Please confirm that the maximum of 88 employees can be employed to support all sites referenced in the PWS? |
| A maximum of 88 employees can be employed to support the requirements defined in PWS paragraph 4.14 (CLIN X002). Any additional manpower, labor, etc. to support any other requirements identified in the PWS should be included in CLIN X001. |
| 72 |
| Please provide examples of situations in which employees would be removed for cause. |
| This would be in accordance with Saudi Business Laws; understanding of these laws should be included as apart of the proposal. |
| 73 |
| Will the equipment needed for handling ESD be Government furnished? If not, where is it priced? |
| The vendor will be required to identify the items requiring ESD handling. This price should be included in the facility costs. |
| 74 |
| Will the storage aids necessary for storing environmentally controlled items be provided as GFE? If not, where is it priced? |
| This should be included in the facility costs. |
| 75 |
| Under Section 5.2, multiple paragraphs reference security requirements and contradict each other. Please confirm if classified information is required for performance of the contract. Are employees and/or subcontractors required to have a security clearance? |
| Classified information is not apart of this requirement and employees will not be required to have a security clearance; the PWS has been updated and attached to the latest RFP amendment. |
| 76 |
| Limited information was provided to support pricing development of the“Operation, Management, and Materials” CLINs in the RFP. These CLINs request that offerors provide one target cost value, for any possible range or depth of DPVS parts or Print on Demand Scope in the period of performance. Offeror believes the USAF will not be able to conduct a fair competition on the evaluation of price if offerors are not provided the contractually binding quantity of DPVS parts to be supplied and the Aircraft flight hours for each line item to be priced. Scope definition is necessary for any Contractor to develop an accurate proposal and execute efficiently upon contract award; therefore, Offeror believes the solicitation should be amended to account for these quantities and hours. |
| Any information the USG has pertaining to the quantities, hours, etc. has been provided. This information should be used to develop the prices associated with CLIN X001. |
| 77 |
| If it is determined that based on the information provided in response to number one above that an FPIF contract type is appropriate based on the scope of work, the following issues need to be addressed: The target profit percentage, profit adjustment formula percentage, and ceiling price percentage has been predetermined in the solicitation for the Fixed Price Incentive (firm Target) CLINs. The FAR contemplates a negotiation of these values—it does not complete that they be determined up front prior to receipt of proposals. FAR Subpart 16.403-1, states, “A fixed-price incentive (firm target) contract is appropriate when the parties can negotiate at the outset a firm target cost, target profit, and profit adjustment formula that will provide a fair and reasonable incentive and a ceiling that provides for the contractor to assume an appropriate share of the risk.” Establishing these values prior to receipt of proposals does not give offerors an opportunity to distinguish themselves among the competition or propose values they believed to be fair and reasonable. If the contract type remains unchanged, offerors should be given the opportunity to propose these values and the proposed values should be subject to negotiation and evaluation by the USAF. |
| This question is still under review and a response will be posted separately. |
| 78 |
| In addition, out of the six (6) CLINs within each base and option year, three (3)are predetermined as cost-reimbursable no fee. The costs under these CLINs are allowable and are required by the Performance Work Statement (PWS) and should therefore be fee bearing. FAR 16.302(b) provides that cost-no-fee contracting may be appropriate for research and development, but it does not indicate that it is appropriate for this type of work. Rather, FAR 15.404-4recognizes that an opportunity for fee is more appropriate. FAR 15.404(a)(2)states, “It is in the Government’s interest to offer contractors opportunities for financial rewards sufficient to stimulate efficient contract performance, attract the best capabilities of qualified large and small business concerns to Government contracts, and maintain a viable industrial base.” FAR 15.404(a)(3) further states: Both the Government and contractors should be concerned with profit as a motivator of efficient and effective contract performance. Negotiations aimed merely at reducing prices by reducing profit, without proper recognition of the function of profit, are not in the Government’s interest. Negotiation of extremely low profits, use of historical averages, or automatic application of predetermined percentages to total estimated costs do not provide proper motivation for optimum contract performance. Consistent with the forgoing, Offeror requests that the solicitation be amended to allow for fee for these CLINS. |
| CLINs currently identified as Cost Reimbursable No Fee (CRNF) will remain as such. The USG position is that a CRNF pricing arrangement for this work is appropriate. |
| 79 |
| Offeror requests additional information on the range pricing requested for the“Operations, Management and Materials” CLINs as well as the expected quantities of each part in these ranges. Offeror is unable to determine what parts would be included in each range, if the USAF is looking for one price for the top range value(i.e. 7,000, 14,000 and 20,000), or the value for just one consumable in each range. Offeror is unsure how this type of CLIN structure will be contracted and executed. Offeror is unable to price without additional information. |
| The ranges refer to the amount of items to be supported under each range. Although the USG will not dictate which parts would be/could be supported under each range, the offeror’s should provide pricing to include supporting any mix of parts under each range, as well as any management or operational costs associated with doing so. |
| 80 |
| Attachment 5 – Price Matrix includes a price breakout for Supply Support Labor in CLINs 0002, 1002, 2002 and 3002. The RFP asks for the Contractor to propose monthly price for Expats and Saudi Nationals, and provides a minimum and maximum quantity that differs in total by 65 heads. Is the USAF requesting the unit price for one (1) personnel in each labor category for either an expat or Saudi National? |
| For CLIN X002 pricing, the offeror should provide a fixed price for one person per month (both an expat cost and a Saudi National cost). |
| 81 |
| Offeror requests the ability to propose the cost and fixed fee for the “Other Direct Cost” CLINs under a Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type. This allows for the contract to be established with an accurate cost based on the Contractors assessment of the scope required, as well as the correct fixed fee applied. |
| The IGE for this has been provided; the fixed fee portion of this CLIN will be determined post award. |
| 82 |
| The RFP requires the contractor to maintain PPSD and POD facilities at seven (7)locations but printing requirements are only F-15 specific. Is Offeror to assume these facilities are F-15 specific or do they produce other RSAF material and is the Contractor responsible for that effort as well? |
| Offerors should assume any work conducted at the Print Plant and/or Print on Demand locations will be in support of F-15 requirements only. |
| 83 |
| Is Offeror correct in assuming that all Travel requires approval? The timing of travel approval or disapproval could hinder contractual performance. |
| Yes; any travel required in support of this effort will require PCO approval. |
| 84 |
| Section 4.14.3 states personnel positions must be filled within 50 business days of award. Does this just mean hired or in place in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia? This is also somewhat in conflict with section 4.8 Transition which allows 120 calendar days. |
| The total time allowable for initial transition is 120 days. In accordance with 4.14.3, the personnel in support of PWS paragraph 4.14, 90% of personnel shall be hired within 50 days on order award of a new requirement to fill a position. The remaining 10% of personnel shall be hired within 60 days. For the purposes of this requirement “hired” refers to a when a person is in place in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia ready to begin work. |
| 85 |
| In Paragraphs 4.14.3 and 4.14.4, there are numerous references to RSAF approval for hiring all personnel on this contract. This will significantly lengthen and complicate the process and timing for hiring and transitioning to execution of this contract. Offeror recommends that the USAF only review hiring lists with the RSAF, not seek approval. |
| A revised copy of the PWS has been attached to the amended solicitation. Please review changes associated with RSAF approvals. |
| 86 |
| Have the requirements of PWS section 4.15.2.5 been executed by the current incumbent contractor? If so, this will provide historical demand data that will help to support pricing development. |
| Documents associated with the current contract will not be provided. Please utilize the information provided by the USG to build your proposal for this effort. |
| 87 |
| PWS Section 4.15.4.5 states that “Spot Buys in excess of $3,000.00 per order shall be supported by adequate price competition.” Offeror would like to ask if this statement can be removed from the PWS. This levies a large administrative burden on the Contractor and the Government, significantly increases cost and this hinders the Contractor from supporting the Spot Buy order placement requirement of five (5)business days. |
| Competitive pricing is a requirement for the spot buy process. This requirement will not be removed. |
| 88 |
| What is the RSAF timeline for PPSD/POD as referenced in section 4.16? The Contractor is required to print and distribute 100% within the time frame, therefore this information is required in order to develop accurate pricing to support this requirement. |
| These timeframes will be determined by what is being printed and RSAF needs and may change. The Contractor should work to ensure the Print Plant/Print of Demand locations are operationally available to print as needed. |
| 89 |
| Under section 4.16.7, the Contractor is required to provide training to RSAF on POD equipment including system access and log-on within 120 day of Contract award. How will the Contractor be granted access and logon instructions upon contract award? In addition, will the current incumbent contractor provide training and access to the awarded Contractor or are there current RSAF personnel that provide that access as well as training? In addition, this PWS allows for a 120 day transition period; therefore, training of RSAF in the POD equipment should be after 120 days to allow for this scope to transition from the current incumbent to the newly awarded contractor. |
| It will be the Contractor’s responsibility to complete the required processes for base access to the Print Plant/Print of Demand locations. In the event the incumbent is not the awardee, the incumbent will not provide training to the new awardee. The offeror should hire appropriate personnel who have an understanding of operating a print plant, the equipment within the print plant, and be knowledgeable enough to provide the required training. |
| 90 |
| The “Other Direct Cost” CLINs within the RFP are contract type, Cost Plus Fixed Fee, and include a note that “Offerors are NOT required to propose an amount for this CLIN.” It is assumed the Contractor should still propose the fixed fee percent amount requested for this CLIN within the proposal. Please confirm. |
| The fixed fee for this CLIN will not be provided for the purpose of the proposal; the fixed fee will be determined post award. |
| 91 |
| Under each option year within the RFP, the following statement is included: “The Government reserves the right to exercise the following CLINs, in whole or in part, as needed throughout the Period of Performance of the option.” The majority of the CLINs (with exception of demobilization) are interdependent and all will need to be exercised in order to obtain an additional year of service. Please confirm this is the understanding of the USAF as well. |
| The statement as described stands as is, “The Government reserves the right to exercise the following CLINs, in whole or in part, as needed throughout the Period of Performance of the option.” |
| 92 |
| There are various Organizational Conflict of Interest clauses included in the RFP that reference applicability to a “Major Defense Acquisition Program.” Does the USAF classify this contract as a Major Defense Acquisition? |
| No, this is not classified as a Major Defense Acquisition Program. |
| 93 |
| Many of the Organizational Conflict of Interest clauses state that “the Contractor or any affiliate of the Contractor is prohibited from participating as a prime contractor or major subcontractor in the development or production of a weapon system under the major defense acquisition program or premajor defense acquisition program, unless an Organizational Conflict of Interest Mitigation Plan has been incorporated into the contract.” An Organizational Conflict of Interest Mitigation Plan was not called out in the RFP to be provided in support of this competition, please provide this requirement in the RFP or remove the applicable clauses. |
| If you are proposing and there is an OCI, please provide notice to the USG and, if applicable, provide an Organizational Conflict of Interest Mitigation Plan. |
| 94 |
| Per DFARS 252.204-7012, Safeguarding Covered Defense Information and Cyber Incident Reporting, has a requirement for Covered Defense Information (CDI). Has been identified for this particular contract and if so, please provide a listing? |
| Clause 252.204-7008 applies to the Supply Services effort. Per the DFARS, this clause must be used in all solicitations. Clause 252.204-7012 applies to the Supply |
Services solicitation. Per the DFARS, this clause must be used in all solicitations and contracts. Clause 252.204-7009 also applies to the Supply Services effort. Per the DFARS, this clause must be used in all solicitations and contracts for services that include support for the Government's activities related to safeguarding covered defense information and cyber incident reporting.
| 96 |
| Offeror requests a Table of Contents be added to the PWS. |
| A Table of Contents will not be added to the PWS at this time. |
| 97 |
| An additional requirement for MIS was added to section 2.0 of the PWS after the pre-solicitation was released. Offeror would like to request that this requirement be removed, as it is unrealistic for the large number of entries that will be entered into the MIS system that there will be only 5 inaccuracies every 3 months. |
| The Management Information System requirements stand as-is and will not be amended. |
| 98 |
| Offeror recommends that the USAF review the CDRLs provided due to inconsistencies found between the PWS and the CDRLs (at least 6 error found by Offeror). |
| The CDRLs have been reviewed and inconsistencies were not found. |
