Virtual Industry Day for The Royal Saudi Air Force (RSAF) F-15SA Program Depot Maintenance (PDM) program 27 May 2026 - Minutes (Updated 06162026).docx

Meeting: Virtual Industry Day: Royal Saudi Air Force (RSAF) F-15SA Program Depot Maintenance (PDM) Date: 26 May 2026 Attendees:

· US Air Force / US Government:

· Leon Castellano Contracting Officer: leon.castellano@us.af.mil

· Chante’l Cummings Contracting Specialist: chantel.cummings@us.af.mil

· Jeremiah Johnson Program Manager: jeremiah.johnson.65@us.af.mil

· Ryan Patterson Lead Engineer: ryan.patterson.1@us.af.mil

· Brandon Lundmark Engineer: brandon.lundmark@us.af.mil

· Jeff Owens Program Management Analyst: jeffrey.owens.16.ctr@us.af.mil

· SAMI AAI:

· Sultan Alharthi, BD Director for Military Fixed Wing Aircraft

· Shareef Al-Qufaidi, Technical Team

· Mohammad Al-Fozan, Technical Team

· Khalid Al-Hommadi, Director, Fighter Programs

· Alaa Jazzar

· Abdul Majeed, BD Team

· ATEC:

· Ricky Wooden

· Amentum:

· Christine Peyton (substituting for Paul Sturgis)

Agenda

1. 12:30 EST Introduction & Purpose: Overview of the Industry Day's objectives

2. 13:00 EST Contractor Presentation: SAMI AAI

3. 14:00 EST Contractor Presentation: ATEC (no show)

4. 15:00 EST Contractor Presentation: Amentum

5. 16:30 EST Open Q&A and Debrief: Consolidated question and answer session.

Key Discussion Points

1. Purpose of the Meeting

· Leon Castellano opened the meeting, welcoming attendees and stating the purpose was to allow industry partners to present their capabilities to meet the draft Performance Work Statement (PWS) for the F-15SA PDM program and Work Specifications (WS).

· The US Government is seeking input, concerns, and recommendations from the industry to refine the PWS and WS.

· All questions and answers from the sessions will be recorded and posted publicly on sam.gov.

2. SAMI AAI Presentation & Discussion

· Proposal Security: SAMI AAI's Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM) was initially marked "Top Secret" and could not be reviewed by the USG team. SAMI AAI agreed to consult their legal team to relabel and resubmit the document. This has since been done.

· Proposed Schedule:

· SAMI proposed a program start in January 2028, handling 15 aircraft over 18 months in two batches (7 aircraft, then 8).

· The first batch would have a 140-working-day flow time per aircraft, and the second would be 125 working days.

· Key Concerns & Questions from SAMI AAI:

· Work Specification: The PWS references the F-15E model, which differs from the fly-by-wire F-15SA. The USG confirmed that requirements would be updated to be SA-specific.

· Aircraft Type: SAMI asked if the initial work would be on converted or new production aircraft. The USG stated the plan is to induct the converted jets first due to the urgent need for the upper inboard longeron inspection.

· Upper Inboard Longeron (UIL): The plan is a 100% replacement of the UIL, not just an inspection. The estimated 90-day addition to the schedule for this work was discussed, with the USG clarifying it was a rough estimate and would need to be refined. The kit for the replacement is the responsibility of the USG/RSAF.

· Vertical Stabilizer: Replacement will only occur if it fails inspection; it is not a standard part of the PDM.

· Government Furnished Equipment (GFE): SAMI AAI noted the need to identify and retain GFE from the current conversion program to reduce costs. The USG acknowledged this and stated the RSAF has requested a review of existing GFE for reuse.

· Exclusions: SAMI AAI's proposal currently excludes all TCTOs (Time Compliance Technical Orders), non-routine material, engine R&R, and repairable parts (T-code), assuming they will be the customer's responsibility.

3. ATEC Presentation & Discussion

· ATEC did not attend at their designated time slot.

4. Amentum Presentation & Discussion

· Company Overview: Christine Peyton presented Amentum's extensive experience with PDM, including managing the entire C-130 PDM program for the US Coast Guard. The company has significant experience with F-15, F-16, and other platforms, with over 200 sites worldwide and existing contracts in Saudi Arabia.

· Key Questions from Amentum:

· PDM Work Package: Amentum requested access to the PDM work package referenced in the PWS, which was not provided. The USG will verify and provide if releasable.

· Mission Essential Services: Amentum asked for clarification on whether the contract would involve mission-essential personnel. The USG is leaning towards "no" but has not finalized the decision.

· Customs and VAT: Amentum inquired about support or exemptions for customs duties and taxes. The USG confirmed there are processes to reclaim some costs and specific paperwork for clearance.

· Security Clearances: The processing timeline for required US and Saudi secret clearances is estimated at three to six months.

· Flow Day Calculation: Amentum asked for the standard calculation method for flow days. The USG stated this would largely depend on the contractor's proposed maintenance philosophy.

4. General Q&A and Debrief (Link to video in USG only SharePoint Part 1 & Part 2)

· Fuel: The RSAF will have to determine if fuel will be provided by them. If so, the PWS will be adjusted.

· Warranty: The standard implied warranty only covers the specific items worked on. The USG will research and provide additional details on warranty terms.

· Delivery Schedule: The draft PWS mentions delivering 15 aircraft within nine months. The USG is open to adjusting this based on the contractor's proposed flow times and learning curve, which should be detailed in their proposal.

· Contract Award Timeline: The USG is projecting a contract award date of 2028.

Action Items

· SAMI AAI: Resubmit their ROM with the appropriate security classification. (Completed)

· Contractors: Email any further questions for the USG to review and respond to by 1200 on 27 May 2026

· US Government: Review and provide answers to all questions submitted by contractors on sam.gov by COB on 02 Jun 2026.

Questions and answers to be posted to sam.gov

AAI/SAMI

1. F-15E Model PDM Reference:

· Work Spec mentions F-15 E model PDM requirements.

· Is this applicable to F-15SA?

· USG Response: References to F-15 E will be removed and the Work Spec provided is applicable to the F-15SA.

2. Fly -by-cable vs Fly by Wire:

· Work Spec (3.2.1.16) and others refer to fly-by-cable PDM - F15SAis fly-by wire. Clarification required.

· USG Response: References to fly-by-cable will be removed.

3. Converted vs Production aircraft:

· Any PDM requirement differences between converted aircraft and production line aircraft?

· USG Response: This will be based on A/C need. The current plan is to induct conversion jets and after completion of all conversion jets to then do PDM production jets. This is subject to change and RSAF direction. It is projected that the Converted Aircraft and the Production Aircraft will have a difference between them for their PDM package. The current package includes all possible workload options.

4. Wing PDM Material Sourcing:

· Do F15 SA converted aircrafts wings require PDM?

· Wing PDM material will be added after conformation

· USG Response: Initial PDM for converted jets will require wing dollies. Production jets will require wing maintenance stands and wing dollies. The wing PDM is based on flight hours at time of planned induction.

5. External Fuel Tanks:

· Maintain and store external fuel tank requirement - is this part of the aircraft configuration scope? Will the aircraft induct "slick" configuration?

· USG Response: Current planning does not require this action in the PDM effort. The RSAF will do this. Aircraft should be arriving in the “slick” configuration which means aircraft will arrive without conformal fuel tanks, external fuel tanks, or armament.

6. Vertical Stabilizer Replacement:

· Work spec 3.2.1.4.1 requires identification prior to starting. Does this apply to all aircraft of specific tails only? Vertical Stabilizer and longeron Replacement

· USG Response: This will depend on A/C flight hours at time of planned induction and RSAF direction.

7. Time Compliance Technical Orders & None Routine Materials

· Can we determine the TCTOs that will be part of the PDM as routine, and will materials be provided in advice?

· All CSTCTOs, Depot-level TCTOs, and Urgent/Immediate Action TCTO kits and incremental labor. Subject to kit availability and USAF COTR / RSAF PLO approval.

· USG Response: RSAF is responsible for implementing TCTOs. If the RSAF determine they would like the aid of the contractor to complete the TCTOs adjustments to the PWS will be made to account for this. Applicable TCTO and TCTO compliance can be determined closer to contract award.

8. Government Furnished Property

· Will the GFE, GFM, and GFP currently provided by USG / RSAF under the conversion program be utilized under the PDM effort.

· USG Response: RSAF have directed the USAF to identify potential cost savings to the program by utilizing existing GFE, GFM, and GFP. Some of this is expected to come from the conversion contract close out.

· PVS-Supplied Spare Parts

· Will N&P coded items will be supplied by RSAF?

· Non-recoverable XB3 and recoverable XF3 (N&P) coded parts supplied via the WR-ALC Prime Vendor Support program. SAMI AAI provides storage only.

· USG Response: See 5.1.4.2 of the PWS. “The Contractor shall be responsible for providing local purchases which include, but are not limited to, expendable, consumable items, manufacturing services, heat treating, welding, office supplies, and aircraft fuel.”

9. FUEL AND GASES

· Will the Aircraft fuel to be provided by RSAF?

· USG Response: If the RSAF determine they would like to provide fuel adjustments to the PWS will be made to account for this.

10. Off-Site Field Team Support

· Will Field team deployments to RSAF operating bases for PDM issues (delayed discrepancies, quality issues, SDR, or other discrepancies identified after aircraft acceptance) be covered on the scope of the program?

· USG Response: Please see sections 5 and 6 of Figure C5.F8 within the ESAMM.

11. Program Schedule

· Should the program maintain the 15 A/C deliveries within each 9 months period? Note: Base on the assumption we worked on, we will be able after delivering 22 jets.

· USG Response: The vendors anticipated ability to conduct the PDM and deliver A/C faster than outlined requested throughput should be identified within their proposal when submitted. The current required quantities are subject to change.

amentum

1. Clarification of Period of Performance

· The PWS in Section 4.1.1 references the contract/order period of performance as 'The period of performance for the contract/order will extend _XXX_,' leaving the duration undefined. Could the USG please confirm the expected base and option periods, including start and end dates, and any anticipated phasing or overlapping of aircraft induction and delivery schedules?

· USG Response: USG is anticipating contract start in 2028. Current efforts are focused on 15 aircraft in 9 months, but quantity and timeline are subject to change.

2. Attachment One and PDM Work Package

· Section 5.1.12.1 states that PDM must be performed within specifications/requirements identified in 'Attachment One (1)' and the current PDM work package, but these are not provided in the PWS. Could the USG provide these referenced attachments and indicate if any updates are anticipated prior to award or post-award?

· USG Response: The PDM work spec (PDM work package) is available within the Sources Sought linked to this Industry Day. Items are subject to change depending on aircraft configuration (converted vs production), time on aircraft at induction point, applicable TCTOs, and RSAF direction.

3. Interpretation of Mission-Essential Services

· The PWS includes two alternate sections on mission-essential services, both marked for possible inclusion, with one stating services are not mission-essential and another allowing the FSM to designate such services. Could the USG clarify which section applies and, if any services are mission-essential, provide a definitive list?

· USG Response: The mission-essential portion will be utilized.

4. Quality Control Plan (QCP) Structure

· Section 5.9 requires submission of a QCP addressing detection, correction, and prevention of quality problems/defects, but does not specify any required formats, metrics, or referenced standards. Does the USG anticipate providing a template or further guidance for the QCP format beyond the requirement for “100% compliance with the QMS,” or should offerors propose their own methodology?

· USG Response: This will be updated in future PWS revisions.

5. Access to Government and RSAF IT Systems

· Section 5.2.9 and 5.2.10 state that access will be required to Wide Area Workflow (WAWF) and GOLDesp, with specific mention of system limitations (only 2-3 user accesses for GOLDesp) and government coordination for software. Can the government clarify the instructions for account provisioning, access duration, and expectations for data reporting when access is restricted or under temporary loss?

· USG Response: This will be updated in future PWS revisions.

6. Security Clearance and Vetting Processes

· Per 5.2.4, U.S. contractor personnel require both U.S. Secret and Saudi secret clearances for access to certain spaces and information. Could the USG share any anticipated processing timelines, points of contact, and requirements for advance vetting or pre-approval to prevent work delays due to the dual security process?

· USG Response: As RSAF clearance requirements and time vary the RSAF have suggested engaging with the RSAF Foreign Leason Office and the Saudi Embassy for this information.

7. Component Replacement and Reuse Policy

· Section 4.2.3 stipulates that components/accessories removed only for work accessibility must be reinstalled unless found defective, but does not elaborate procedures for documenting findings or defective items. Could the government clarify documentation, approval, and disposition protocols for both defect discovery and component substitution?

· USG Response: This has been updated.

8. Definition and Calculation of Flow Metrics

· Section 5.1.12 requires a “standard flow of 117 Flow-Days per aircraft” and completion of “15 aircraft in nine (9) months.” Does the USG have a standard calculation method for flow-days or consider certain excusable delays separately (e.g., late induction, government property, CPIN delays), and should bidders propose a mitigation plan for schedule variances?

· USG Response: See below

TAKT= AVAILABLE TIME/CUSTOMER DEMAND

THRU PUT = CUSTOMER DEMAND/AVAILABLE TIME

WIP= THRU PUT x FLOWDAY (CALENDAR DAYS)

FLOWTIME= WIP x TAKT

9. Responsibility for Customs, Duties, and VAT

· The PWS tasks the contractor to assume all customs duties/taxes, including VAT. Will any government-provided support, exemptions, or cost-recovery mechanisms be offered to facilitate or offset these obligations, and are there specific documentation templates to be used for customs claims?

· USG Response: See section 3.8 of the PWS and the Saudi Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority.

10. Flight Operations and Inspection Compliance

· Section 5.1.8.3 references compliance with DCMAI 8210.1 for flight and ground operations, monitored by DCMA Aviation Program Team. Can the USG clarify how audit pass rates are calculated, which surveillance plan elements apply, and if there are penalties for not achieving the required “> 79 percent” audit pass rate?

· USG Response: This will be updated in future PWS revisions.

11. Place of Performance:

· Section 4.1.2 says, “services will be performed primarily at the Contractor’s Installation Facility located in XXX, Saudi Arabia. The Contractor shall travel to RSAF operating bases to perform aircraft Pre-induction inspections and home station bases after PDM as directed by program office.” Where is this maintenance currently performed? What GFE was provided for F-15 PDM maintenance?

· USG Response: RSAF are currently performing F-15C/D PDM at AAI/SAMI and F-15S depot level maintenance was previously performed at AAI/ SAMI facility in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, with some additional work at KAAB base in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia. RSAF are converting F-15S models to F-15SA models at AAI/SAMI; GFE for this effort is anticipated to be reused for F-15SA PDM. A list is available but will only be released after industry request is reviewed by USG.

5/26/2026 Industry Day notes image1.emf