Q A_15_Oct_12.pdf

Questions resulting from Solicitation FA8509-12-R-32444, questions received as of 15 Oct

2012, 2:45 PM EDT.

1. Q: Does present/past performance information have to come from an existing Joint Venture (JV) only or can this information come from members companies who formed a JV to compete for this award?

A: The last three sentences in paragraph D (1) of solicitation Section L address newly formed offerors/joint venture partners and defines these entities as “in existence less than three (3) years from the issuance date of this solicitation.” This definition includes JVs formed to compete for this award.

2. Q: Do the combined annual revenues of the members of the JV have to meet the criteria of NAICS CODE 541611 or just the revenue of the prime contractor in the JV?

A: For this acquisition the firms in the JV are not considered affiliated and each firm individually must meet (i.e. not exceed) the size standard of $14M for NAICS code 541611.

3. Q: Why did the government choose to not accept subcontractor present/past performance but did choose to accept present/past performance from members of a JV?

A: As a JVs partner, the Government has privity with all JVs. The Government does not have privity with critical subcontractors or subcontractor. A JV shares in the rights/risks with the prime whereas a subcontractor does not. Present/past performance of subcontractors will not be considered for this acquisition.

4. Q: Would the Government consider recognizing the past performance of critical subcontractors?

A: As stated in the answer to question 3 above, the Government will not consider present/past performance of any subcontractors for this acquisition.

5. Q: Is this a new or follow on procurement? If it is a follow on, please let us know the current contract number and incumbent name?

A: This is not a total follow-on requirement. There is no single incumbent.

6. Q: Please confirm that proposal submission is email or hard copy.

A: Proposals must be submitted in hard copy in accordance with the number of copies required in paragraph A of Section L of the solicitation. Email correspondence is requested to provide electronic copies of the proposal as long as test encryption emails are successfully exchanged.

7. Q: Please confirm SECRET facility clearance is required for contractor side or for proposed candidates?

A: SECRET facility clearance will not necessarily be required for each proposed candidate.

Contractor employees requiring SECRET clearance will be identified on each order.

8. Q: Will the Government allow past performance submissions from critical or key subcontractors to ensure an adequate level of competition? (The instant requirement lends itself to a Prime/Critical subcontractor teaming, lest competition be harmed or even stifled. Within industry, Joint Ventures for small businesses are considered high risk and expensive; striking a Joint Venture to propose on this procurement is costly and most unusual, and has both tactical and strategic business implications. This fact alone will limit competition among Service Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses).

A: As stated in the answer to questions 3 and 4 above, the Government will not consider present/past performance of any subcontractors for this acquisition. The Government’s market research did not determine the necessity of SDVOSB’s to have either critical subcontractors or JVs to meet performance specifications. There is no requirement for JVs, and the Present/Past Performance Factor, as stated under paragraph D is indicating the Government’s requirement IF a SDVOSB chooses to form a joint venture.

9. Q: Will the Government consider lessening the “C-130-centric” nature of the past performance relevancy determinations? (We believe that Section M definitions of Highly Relevant, Relevant, and Somewhat Relevant are too narrowly written and highly likely to limit/reduce competition).

A: The Relevant and Somewhat Relevant definitions, as written, allow present/past performance submissions demonstrating A&AS support of DoD fixed wing aircraft. These definitions allow submission of present/past performance information supporting a wide range of aircraft.

10. Q: The title page of this solicitation states that it is a 100% set aside for Service Disabled, Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) under NAICS Code 541611, with a size standard of annual revenue not exceeding $14M. Further, page 55, D. Volume II –Past Performance Factor, says: “The offeror shall submit Present and Past Performance Information for itself and any joint venture partner….” If an offeror does form a Joint Venture (JV) to pursue this opportunity, do all JV members have to conform to the SDVOSB, NAICS Code, and size standards, or can some JV members not conform, as long as the controlling interest in the JV does meet SDVOB, NAICS Code, and size requirements?

A: As stated in the answer to question 2 above, for this acquisition each firm individually must meet (i.e. not exceed) the size standard of $14M for NAICS code 541611. The JV agreement can be entered into with one or more other small businesses, but at least one firm must be a SDVOSB.

11. Q: The Air Force Proposal Adequacy Checklist (AFPAC) attachment states that the AFPAC must be completed and submitted with our proposal. In which Volume should the AFPAC be placed?

A: The AFPAC should be submitted with Volume I, Completed RFP.

12. Q: The AFPAC looks to be a checklist for Table 15-2. Are we to complete and submit a Table 15-2 as a part of the proposal as well? If so, in which volume is it to be placed?

A: Table 15-2 (see FAR 15.408) is not required to be completed and submitted as part of the proposal.

13. Q: Are civilian employees currently performing this work at each location?

A: There are a few civilians currently performing some of the work at each location.