C-130 ISO Stand Questions 8 Jul 08.doc

Questions on RFP FA8533-08-R-20817

1. RFP

Page 6 of 64 Item No. 0002AD

Notice of Revision: Is there a specific Revision this is referring to?

In accordance with ELIN A004, the contractor shall submit Notice of Revision for any specification changes to the base-lined unit.

2. RFP

Page 9 of 64 Item No. 0002AK

Engineering Change Proposal: Is there a specific ECP or Revision that is to be priced for this line?

In accordance with ELIN A00A, the contractor shall submit Engineering Change Proposals for any changes to the base-lined unit.

3. RFP

Page 13 to 28 Item No. 1002AA to 1002AD; 2002AA to 2002AD;

3002AA to 3002AD

Conference Agenda, PDR & CDR Design, Conference Minutes, Engineering Change Proposal, and Notice of Revision: Why do these line items exist for the options I through IV? Shouldn’t all the costs associated with these items be incurred in the first Production Unit?

Conference Agenda, Conference Minutes, ECPs, and NORs are included in the option periods in the event these items are needed. In accordance with ELINs A005 and A006, the contractor shall schedule and conduct quarterly Program Management Reviews (PMRs) with the Government to provide a review of the contractor’s program status and progress toward completion of the contract. PMRs shall occur throughout the life of the contract. Changes to the based-lined unit may occur during the life of the contract; therefore, in the event changes do occur, the ECP and NOR line items will be needed.

4. RFP

Note 6 indicates the maximum increase for an upward economic price adjustment is 10% Does this apply to all option years possible which could be potentially 6 years or through the year 2014? Is there a maximum price adjustment percentage that is more sensitive to the number of years associated with the later options? Raw material prices in 2008 alone have increased by more than 30% in the first six months.

FAR 52.216-4 limits the PCO authority to a 10% increase for an upward economic price adjustment; however, the Government is not limited to 10% when there is a decrease to material costs exceeding .0300 (3.00%). The EPA adjustment is not applicable to the basic year, only the option periods.

5. RFP

Note (b) indicates to see the clause “Delivery Requirements” for pertinent information relative to the Government’s required deliveries. Where deliveries are indicated for the pre-production units, are there established dates or time frames for the delivery of the optional production units? What will be the allowable time frame given from when an award is made for any of the options and when the units need to be delivered? Will the time frame for delivery vary if more units are ordered?

See Amendment 0001 to the RFP posted 3 Jul 2008 to the FBO.

6. RFP

Note (c) indicates that overseas locations will make up approximately 10% of the total C-130 ISO Maintenance Stand Shipments as estimated by the BEQ Option years. There appears to be no means to price these units any differently than the balance of the domestic units, is this correct? If this is correct, it will be required for Suppliers to absorb this additional cost for oversea shipments and installation in the proposal, does the contracting agent care where or how in our proposal these additional costs are addressed?

Since the inspection/acceptance of the units must be at destination, the FOB must also be destination; therefore, the shipping charges must be included in the price of the unit.

7. RFP

The offeror's proposal shall describe and demonstrate utilizing accurate supporting explanations, calculations, conceptual layout drawings, or 3-D modeling the conformance to the adjustable deck sections (3.3), mobility (3.7), vertical actuator (3.9.1), fall protection/railing (3.9.6), stairs (3.9.7), deck surface (3.9.8), working load (3.9.10), and substructure (3.9.12) in accordance with the Purchase Description (PD). The offeror shall also show the overall configuration of the stands. The overall configuration can be demonstrated through accurate supporting explanations, calculations, conceptual layout drawings or 3-D modeling. The offeror shall specify the following:

Adjustable deck sections (3.3) – the offeror needs to specify what type(s) of adjustable decking they are using, and how it will interface around all jacks, external fuel tanks, and refueling pods.

a. For paragraph 3.3, are the refueling pods applicable and physically located on all C-130 models outlined in the Purchase Description?

There are two sets (4 total) refueling pods on the C-130. Depending on the model type dictates if some or all pods are utilized. Therefore all the C-130 models do not use all the refueling pods, but the stands shall be able to interface with a C-130 model that does have all refueling pods.

b. What are the locations of the refueling pods for each model of the C-130 aircraft outlined in the Purchase Description?

The locations of the refueling pods can be obtained from 3-D software, one source is http://www.turbosquid.com/. The locations can also be obtained from the attached drawings.

c. What are the dimensions of the refueling pods for each model of the C-130 aircraft outlined in the Purchase Description?

The dimensions of the refueling pods can be obtained from 3-D software, one source is http://www.turbosquid.com/. Dimensions can also be obtained from the attached drawings.

8. Extended Versions? C-130 H(S) Stretched 15 feet. ????

Dimensions can be obtained from 3-D software, one source is http://www.turbosquid.com/. Dimensions can also be obtained from the attached drawings.

9. What is the difference between the versions of C-130’s?

The contractor is responsible to research the various C-130 models to obtain the differences.

10. Gates? Where and how many?

The PD has been updated concerning gates.

11. What surface arc is needed to allow the nose radome to lift without moving stand away and not interfering with access to crew door?

Dimensions can be obtained from 3-D software, one source is http://www.turbosquid.com/. Dimensions can also be obtained from the attached drawings.

12. Drain system? Where and what type of network will be required?

The contractor will decide the type of network required for the drain system.

13. Over wing bridge? Where must the overwing bridge be placed and will it need to be movable over the wing?

The position of the over wing bridge is up to the contractor. The government is assuming that “movable” is in the vertical direction. The over head bridge will need to be re-adjustable because the vertical distance from the wing to the platform can vary.

14. Substructure equipment? (Explain and usage) Can we get dims to make models to test for interference?

The largest substructure equipment in the horizontal direction is the ALL TV Molt which is 168” long X 59” wide X 60” high. The highest equipment height is 6 feet.

15. How are the stands supposed to contour to C-130 body? (stations, waterlines, and buttlines). Are the stands supposed to follow the contour of the airplane at a particular station, waterline, or buttline?

Dimensions can be obtained from 3-D software, one source is http://www.turbosquid.com/, and from the attached drawings.

The following sections from the PD comprise every entry where “contour” is found:

3.9.1 Vertical Actuator: Actuators shall be manually driven and capable of at least two (2) feet of adjustment for all stands. The starting height for the fuselage and tail stands shall be 93 inches. The wing and engine stands shall follow the contour of the wing within 6 inches.

3.10.7 Forward Fuselage Area: These stands shall provide fall protection from top of fuselage and access to side windows on the front of the aircraft. The stand shall allow the nose radome to lift without moving stand away from aircraft and not interfere from gaining access to crew door when installed. Stand shall have non-marking bumper pads located on surface adjacent to aircraft. Shaped decking shall be used to contour to aircraft. Substructure shall allow nose jacks to interface with aircraft.

3.10.8 Aft Fuselage Area: These stands shall serve for fall protection from the top of fuselage. Stands shall have two (2) foot sliders to eliminate the opening of flap area on the wings. The platform does not have to be accessible from other stands. Non-marking rubber bumper pads shall be located on surfaces adjacent to the aircraft. The stand shall have sliders to interface with aircraft when the air deflector door is closed. Sliders shall be used to contour to the aircraft.

4.5.3 Starting heights: The starting height for the fuselage and tail stands shall be 93 inches. The wing and engine stands shall follow the contour of the wing within 6 inches.

16. Will Type I Fuselage and Shoring Support Cradles need storage in/on stand?

No

17. How much space is required around an engine to be removed?

All stands in front of the engine will need to be removed.

18. What is the overall cube that the stand must be shipped in?

There is no overall shipping dimension for the stand.

19. CLIN 0002AD calls for us to price a NOTICE OF REVISION (NOR) by the lot. How are we to price an NOR when the scope of the NOR is not known?

SEE ELIN A004. The price for a NOR is typically the cost associated with preparation of the paperwork itself rather than the scope of the NOR.

20. CLIN 0002AK calls for us to price an ENGINEERING CHANGE PROPOSAL (ECP) by the lot. How are we to price an ECP when the scope of the ECP is not known?

SEE ELIN A00A. The price for an ECP is typically the cost associated with preparation of the paperwork itself rather than the scope of the ECP.

21. What are your expectations in the program for Data to include Agendas (CLIN X002AA), Conference Minutes (X002AB), ECPs (X002AC), and NORs (X002AD) after the end of the basic period?

Conference Agenda, Conference Minutes, ECPs, and NORs are included in the option periods in the event these items are needed. In accordance with ELINs A005 and A006, the contractor shall schedule and conduct quarterly Program Management Reviews (PMRs) with the Government to provide a review of the contractor’s program status and progress toward completion of the contract. PMRs shall occur throughout the life of the contract. Changes to the based-lined unit may occur during the life of the contract; therefore, in the event changes do occur, the ECP and NOR line items will be needed.

22. Is the Government accepting responsibility for all shipping, to include shipments to overseas locations? If not, will we be able to assess shipping charges later?

Since the inspection/acceptance of the units must be at destination, the FOB must also be destination; therefore, the shipping charges must be included in the price of the unit.

23. Do you require past performance data on subcontractors who are not considered to be critical subs?

No.

24. In the Statement of Work, paragraph 3.4.7 Conceptual Design Drawings/ Models, should there be a sub-paragraph “c”?

There is no sub-paragraph “c”.

25. In the Evaluation Basis for Award, paragraph 2(c)(v), page 63, the Air Force indicates it will evaluate all past performance to the extent the offeror demonstrates compliance the FAR 52.219-8 and/or FAR 52.219-9. According to the RFP, FAR 52.219-8 applies to all offerors. Does this also apply to your subcontractors, especially when they are considered to be small businesses?

Yes. Did the sub carry out the policy of the US in awarding subcontracts to small business concerns, veteran-owned small business concerns, service-disabled veteran-owned small business concerns, HUBZone small business concerns, etc. to the fullest extent consistent with efficient contract performance?

26. We have concerns with the sloping deck under the wing stands and the interface to the engine stands which we presume will be parrallel to the ground. This will cause a trip hazard and poor join between main wing stand and engine stand. Could you please clarify.

The contractor has the freedom to decide how the stands are configured and will interface with each other. Because of this freedom, the contractor should be able to design an ISO stand that will solve any tripping hazards and poor join between the main wing and engine stands.

27. Can you please clarify the following

A. 3.10.6 Wing Tip Area

B. A two tier design shall be incorporated around the leading and trailing edges

The wing tip area is the area of the wing past the outside refueling pod. The government realizes that some of the wing tip areas will be occupied with OSHA compliant stairs.

28. Is this for the full length of the wings leading and trailing edges, please specify areas to be accessed ie areas on the leading edge and trailing edge around the wing tip only? What length?

See answer to question 27.

29. 3.9.8 Deck Surface

All decking surfaces shall be solid...

OSHA regulations 19.10.22(a) 2 stipulate drainage requirements.

Is drainage required? Yes

30. Purchase Description and notice the lighting circuit shall be 277/480V, 3 phase, 60 Hz and 30 amps. Can you clarify this is accurate?

This requirement is accurate.

31. Please Clarify the term “manually driven”. Does this mean a hand-crank system? Or is a switch for the vertical actuator mechanism considered “manually driven”? [PD06WRGBZOENF34 3.9.1 Vertical Actuator] Manually driven means that the platform can be raised or lowered only by human means and that no other power source is needed. An example is a hand-crank system.

32. What types of vents and drains are expected beside the 2 foot drip pan in the engine area? [PD06WRGBZOENF34 3.6 Fire Prevention, Safety, and Design & Construction Practices; 3.10.3 Engine Area] The only vent and drain is the drip pan.

33. Does the one hour setup of the work stands with six people include the vertical adjustment of the stands? [PD06WRGBZOENF34 3.7 Mobility] The one-hour requirement does not require the vertical adjustment of the stands.

34. What is the starting height of the wing stands? Do you expect the wing stands to also start at a height of 93”? [PD06WRGBZOENF34 3.9.1 Vertical Actuator] The starting height of the wing stands will mirror the wing of the aircraft. The bottom of the wing starts to increase past the inner engine so the starting height of every stand that is past the inner engine will be higher than 93 inches.

35. Please provide further clarification on the term steerable with regards to casters? Does a swivel caster meet the requirement or a further articulating system required? [PD06WRGBZOENF34 3.92 Casters] A swivel caster will meet the requirement for a steerable caster.

36. What type of electrical power can be expected to be provided by the facility? [PD06WRGBZOENF34 3.9.3 Electrical Power] 120/208v, 3 phase, 400 Hz and 120v 1 phase, 60 Hz.

37. Please provide clarification on how much spacing is allowed between the wing tip and outer railing. [PD06WRGBZOENF34 3.10.6 Wing Tip Area] There is not a specified spacing between the wing tip and outer railing. Due to some of the hanger designs, there is not much space between the wing tip and the hanger wall. The contractor needs to keep the outside railing as close to the wing as possible while insuring that the railing will never interfere with wing if stand is raised.

38. Please provide further detail on the interface of the flaps and the aft fuselage area. Specifically, how the two foot sliders integrate with the aft fuselage stands and the flaps. [PD06WRGBZOENF34 3.10.8 Aft Fuselage Area] The 2 foot sliders will be utilized on the aft fuselage stand if the flaps are not extended. If the flaps are extended, the sliders will not be needed.

39. Please clarify the scheduled interval maintenance period. The PD states both 6 months and on an annual basis. [PD06WRGBZOENF34 3.11 Maintenance Concept] The specification should have read that the maintenance period is between the 6 month and year time frame.

40. Please reconcile the term (PD Section 3.1) “the entire package shall allow full access around the aircraft” with a statement in 3.10.8 of the Purchase Description that states the aft fuselage area “does not have to be accessible from other stands”. Are these requirements in conflict with each other? [PD06WRGBZOENF34 3.1 General, 3.10.8 Aft Fuselage Area] No

41. The proposal requires pricing to be valid for 90days. Since January 2008, we have experienced more than a 70% increase in the price of Steel. In an effort to provide the best price to the government by reducing supplier risk, would it be possible to have Economic Price Adjustment for materials on the base contract. With the steel market currently displaying volatile price changes, this EPA on the base contract will eliminate the need to add “risk” into the proposal.

See face page of the RFP. The prices are to be firm for 120 days rather than 90 days. The EPA is not applicable to the basic period.

42. Are we to assume the complete platform will be painted instead of just the handrails? Is that correct?

The whole stand is to be painted.

43. On page 41 of the solicitation it states that the EPA is only for Steel and Aluminum. In the example it states that the cap is at 10% for either steel or aluminum. At the current rate of increase for these items, in two years the price of steel will be well over double or 100% increase. According to the clause, the real economic impact for the increase in steel or aluminum would be at risk to the contractor. Is this correct?

FAR 52.216-4 limits the PCO authority to a 10% increase for an upward economic price adjustment; however, the Government is not limited to 10% when there is a decrease to material costs exceeding .0300 (3.00%). The EPA adjustment is not applicable to the basic year, only the option periods.

44. Will the price of fuel be added to the EPA? Shipping of the ISO Stand will be impacted by this item.

NO, the price of fuel will not be added to the EPA.

45. Item 0001: Where is the delivery or shipping of the Pre-Production Unit? It alludes to the fact that it will be in the CONUS but no particular location. Please specify location.

Item 0001 references delivery to FE6656 and specific information is listed on page 28 for delivery to Vienna, OH.

46. Item 4001: page 28 of 64 of the solicitation states that this is to ship to Vienna, OH. The other option years do NOT indicate an address for shipping. Please state where the base line cost for a unit is to based.

Ship To for 4001 – TBD. CLIN 0001, the preproduction unit, is being shipped to Vienna, OH. See attached C-130 ISO Stand Using Activities for potential shipping locations. Transportation charges should be included in overall price of unit.

47. Does the government require that the C-130 ISO Stand design provide "other fire prevention measures" in terms of actual fire suppression, specifically, sprinkler system, water cannons, etc.?

NO

48. Will the military bases and associated hangars provide all fire suppression required, specifically sprinkler systems, water cannons, etc.?

YES

49. Are the fire suppression systems identical at all installation bases?

NO

50. If the government requires the C-130 ISO stand design to provide fire suppression, what types of mechanical connections will be provided to the contractor for water and associated services? Are the connections identical at all installation bases? Are water pressure, flow rate and associated fluid properties identical at all installation bases?

N/A