Interested Parties QA 2.pdf

KC-46 Initial Spares (KIS) Common Questions and Answers #2

Should an RFP be issued, any information contained within the final RFP supersedes this document.

Please carefully review the final RFP which will include all conclusive decisions made by the Government.

(1) Question: Do I need to provide the information in draft Section L, para. 4.3.2 for more than 90 parts?

Answer: Yes, if your company is capable of providing more than 90 parts please provide the information in Section L, para. 4.3.2 for all the parts your company can provide while still meeting the requirements of the SOW. The USAF will evaluate this information IAW Section M.

(2) Question: If I get a KIS contract, will I only get a FOPR or be able to propose to the items I have on my Capability Statement?

Answer: No, you would be able to propose to whichever parts on the FOPR that you can provide at that time. A KIS contract holder is not limited to proposing to just the information provided in their Capability Statement. Note: Only KIS contract holders that are in the small business pool will be able to provide an offer to a FOPR set aside for small business. All businesses will be able to provide an offer to a FOPR designated for the unrestricted pool.

(3) Question: My Company only provides commercial parts. In reviewing the list of parts on the capability statement, I can provide some of the parts that are designated as non-commercial. Should I provide the information in Section L, para. 4.3.2 for those as well?

Answer: Yes, if your company is capable of providing more than 90 parts please provide the information in Section L, para. 4.3.2 for all the parts your company can provide while still meeting the requirements of the SOW. The items listed as commercial on the capability statement are for those parts that the USAF was able to pre-determined commercial. If an Offeror believes an item that is listed as non-commercial is commercial and can provide it, then it will be responsible for providing the proper documentation IAW Draft Ordering Procedure paragraph 1.3.2.1.4 if the Offeror is awarded a KIS contract and provides a quote for that item in response to an future

FOPR.

(4) Question: If I become a KIS contract holder, can I quote a price that is different than what is on my Capability Statement?

Answer: Yes, if you are awarded a KIS contract and sent a FOPR, the offer shall be current based on the requirements outlined in the FOPR.

(5) Question: What are the deliverables for the source selection proposal?

Answer: Please refer to the final version of Section L to determine the required deliverable should

be. Based on Section L, the deliverables include but are not limited to:

- Executive Volume, Reference Section L paragraph 3

- Technical Volume, Reference Section L paragraph 4 o Capability Statement w/ lead times included o Quantity 1 (excludes shipping) o Shipping costs to Travis AFB

-Price Volume, Reference Section L paragraph 5 o Post Award Conference (only initial event)

Contract Documentation, Reference Section L paragraph 6 o Responses to all applicable requirements in paragraph/subparagraph 6 (i.e.

Provisions and Clauses, Representations and Certifications, Small Business Subcontracting Plan (if applicable))

(6) Question: Traceability/pedigree info on used parts – will this be required? Mentioned that hours/time used will be a factor for considering a tie – expect that we need hours/miles/field service data for all used parts?

Answer: The only factor the USAF is considering for “usage” is number of service life cycles remaining when there is a tie – the other traceability features should be part of the 8130-3 tag.

Please carefully review the final RFP which will include all conclusive decisions made by the Government.

(7) Question: FAR Clause 52.212-4 a (1) – Inspection/Acceptance C – Define reasonable time for rejection. Appears on page 29, A) (1) Draft-solicitation 27 Sep 21

Answer: Due to the large variety of supplies that could be ordered under this contract, it is impractical for the Government to further define “reasonable time” under this clause.

(8) Section J, Attachment 1

2.2.5 – PMA. Meaning, built by a vendor using the OEMs specifications?

2.2.6 – Where do we find the predetermined number of times a unit can be repaired WRT Service Life Cycle? Where is the KC-46 Life Cycle Support Plan document in “section 11”?

Answer:

2.2.5 – PMA meaning built by a vendor using OEMs specifications.

2.2.6 – The KIS contract holders should be able to find the predetermined number of times a unit can be repaired as part of the OEM specifications. The information from the KC-46 LCSP, that is required for this acquisition, is provided under paragraph 1.2 of the Statement of Work (SOW).

The KC-46 LCSP in its entirety will not be made accessible.

(9) Question: I’m still unclear how the source selection team will determine “price reasonableness” per M.2.5.1 (M.2.1 Factor 2) as a calculus to determine competitive best value per M.1.1.

Answer: IAW Sec M, paras 2.5 and 2.5.1, the price volume will be evaluated for reasonableness only in order to award and satisfy the IDIQ initial/minimum order for each awardable Offeror, using one or more of the techniques defined in FAR 15.404. As a result, this price evaluation is not part of the best value assessment for the IDIQ award determination purposes, as specified in Sec M, para 1.1. (“Award will be made to each and all qualifying Offerors”).

(10) Question: M.1.1, M.2.5, and M.2.5.1 only applies at the delivery/task order level and not the overarching IDIQ level. And that the price volume is essentially a task order. So if this be the case, what will happen if you find a bidder’s PAC pricing is deemed “unreasonable” under the FAR 31.201-3? Will this preclude an award at the IDIQ level?

Answer: Per FAR 16.504 (a)(1), an IDIQ contract is not binding until the minimum quantity is fulfilled, and per AFFARS 5316.504(a)(2), the Air Force is required to issue and obligate funding for the minimum order amount contemporaneously with IDIQ award. The minimum quantity cannot be fulfilled unless it is determined to be fair and reasonable IAW FAR Subpart 15.4.

Therefore, while the price evaluation will be only for purposes of determining fair and reasonable price of the initial/minimum order for each IDIQ awardee, theoretically, yes it is correct that if the Offeror’s PAC pricing cannot be deemed reasonable a binding contract cannot be awarded to that bidder.

(11) Question: Per M.1.2., “[t]o be considered for award under KIS, a “qualifying offer” is an Offeror who: . . … 3) The contracting officer has no reason to believe would be likely to offer other than fair and reasonable pricing at the delivery order level.

The requirement of M.2.5.1 (M.2.1 Factor 2) seems to conflict with the requirement of M.1.2. 3).

Answer: The definition of “qualifying Offeror” in Sec M is derived from FAR 2.101, which contains the requirement that the Government make this finding (that “the contracting officer has no reason to believe would be likely to offer other than fair and reasonable pricing”) when using this approach under FAR 15.304(c)(1)(ii). As a result, this determination will occur as part of the “qualifying Offeror” assessment for IDIQ award purposes, before the initial/minimum order is assessed for price reasonableness.

(12) Question: FAR 15.304(c)(1)(ii)(A)(3) is applicable to the IDIQ level award: “(A) The contracting officer may choose not to include price or cost as an evaluation factor for award when a solicitation— (3) States that the Government intends to make an award to each and all qualifying Offerors (see 2.101).”

Should Section M.2.5 Factor 2 stipulate this? Currently M.2.5 Factor 2: Initial / Minimum Order states this:

“The Price Volume will be evaluated for reasonableness only in order to award and satisfy the IDIQ initial/minimum order for each awardable Offeror. No other cost or price evaluation will be conducted for purposes of IDIQ award.

Answer: Correct. Per Section M, paragraph 1.1, “Award will be made to each and all qualifying Offerors, as defined in paragraph 1.2 below”.

(13) Question: Per L.5.1, it seems that the standard of reasonableness (M.2.5.1) for CLIN 0001 has been established as being between $1 and $1,000.

If a bidder submits a price for CLIN 0001 at $1,000 and another bidder submits a price for CLIN 0001 at $250, would the former be determined to be “unreasonable”?

Answer: IAW Sec M, paras 2.5 and 2.5.1, each Offeror’s price volume will be evaluated for reasonableness using one or more of the techniques defined in FAR 15.404.

(14) Question: Without understanding a bidder’s BOE for the PAC, how can the USG determine if a bidder’s price (=< $1000) is “unreasonable.”

Answer: Noted. The Government will verify that each Offeror’s proposal conforms to the parameters in Sec L, para 5.1. We intend to request each Offeror to state its concurrence that the PAC will be held virtually and how many attendees its price is based upon.

(15) Question: Seems the way the evaluation criteria is constructed, price reasonableness is essentially and entry gate or a determination under FAR 9.104-1/2.

Answer: The Government is using the “qualifying Offerors” approach IAW FAR 15.304(c)(1)(ii).

(16) Question: Given the scope of work that is being performed as part of this contract, if we are strictly supplying commercial off the shelf (COTS) / COMMERCIAL parts, is the DFARS 252.204.7012 still applicable given we are not generating, receiving, or sharing any CUI or FCI as part of the contract?

Answer: Per the prescription for this clause DFARS 204.7304 paragraph (c), this clause is not applicable if the “solicitation and contracts are solely for the acquisition of COTS items.” (Per the definition of a COTS item via FAR part 2.)

(17) Question: At one point, I thought we were supposed to quote a minimum of 90 items, but can quote as many as we want? But will that mean we would only receive RFQs for the 90 items we priced?

Answer: Per Section L paragraph 4.3.2.1, “A completed capability statement shall include documenting all the required fields listed below, in the appropriate space designated on the Capability Statement for all the parts the Offeror is capable of providing while still meeting all the requirements of the SOW.” IDIQ MAC awardees will be able to propose to all part numbers provided to them in each FORQ/P's regardless of the data provided in their Capability Statements.

Note: Awardees will only be able to propose based upon the pool in which they are initially awarded to. (SB or Unrestricted)

(18) Question: If we price something now, I understand that would be our price? Or are we allowed to price differently (higher or lower) when we receive a formal RFQ? Sometimes market availability changes.

Answer: IAW with Attachment 6 Section M, paragraph 2.4.2.1, “the data being provided in the Capability Statement is for evaluation purposes only and will be used to verify that the Offeror is able to provide a minimum of (90) individual parts.” Furthermore, IAW Section L paragraph 4.3.2.1, “Once the multiple-award ID/IQ is established, each contract holder will be required to provide similar information that is current based on the quantities and delivery locations outlined in each Fair Opportunity Proposal Request (FOPR). It will be at that time that this information will be evaluated in accordance with the Ordering Procedures (FA8609-21-R-XXXX, Section J, Attachment 2) to determine which contract holder will be awarded an order for specific parts.”

(19) Question: Will all orders ship to Travis?

Answer: No, all orders will not ship to Travis. Orders will be shipped to various bases and our FMS customers desired locations depending on the demand.

(20) Question: Will any orders have to be shipped out of the country?

Answer: Yes, this acquisition will require initial spares to be shipped out of the country since it will support Foreign Military Sales.

(21) Question: Will the Government be open to Exchanges on Cores for overhauled parts.

Answer: There is no core exchange on this as it is the initial spares outfitting of the bases not a repair contract – the bases do not possess the cores to exchange and if they did that would occur through the USAF supply chain item manager commodities repair pool.

(22) Question: There is a 2 year shelf:

If an 8130 can be issued to bring the parts current will that be acceptable, including Over Hauled Serviceable parts that can be Bench tested and pass with an 8130-3 as well as New Surplus?

Answer: Yes, the two year shelf life refers to not being inspected of serviced for two years – if those parts are serviced and given 8130-3 tag then it is our understanding that the shelf life resets.

(23) Question: For the Capability Spread sheet, do you just need to know for factory new parts only to start or ca they be FN, NS, OH, SV with 8130-3??

Answer: The Capability Statement shall include prices/delivery times/shipping costs for only one type of part and it shall be the type of part the Offeror would most likely offer for each Fair Opportunity Proposal Request (FOPR).

(24) Question: Referencing KC-46 Initial Spares (KIS) pre-RFP document Section J Attachment 1 Section 3.3 Item Unique Identification (IUID): The Contractor shall mark reparable LRUs with an IUID in accordance with the December 2007 MIL-STD-130N (Appendix A, Reference 4). Radio frequency identification (RFI) is not applicable to KC-46 Reparable LRUs and is not considered an equivalent replacement for IUID.

Is the intent of the KIS program to deviate from the KC-46 baseline requirement for IUID of spares and move to the MIL-STD? If so, has the Government considered the impact to the life cycle cost of the KC- 46 program given the spares delivered, those that are managed by DLA, and the non-recurring impact to the supplier base?

Answer: Spares will be IUID marked consistent with the IUID plan for components on the aircraft.

(25) Question: If we have to submit a SB plan, how can we do it from a monetary standpoint without actually submitting pricing?

Answer: The Small Business Subcontracting Plan shall identify the Offeror’s subcontracting goals expressed in dollar/percentages at the Indefinite Delivery/ Indefinite Quantity (ID/IQ) contract level for the spare parts it identified as capable of providing on its FA8609-21-R-XXXX, Section J, Attachment 3, Capability Statement.

(26) Question: Many of the KC-46 parts are still listed as F46 managed by Boeing. Is this an interim source of supply management that will be transferring to AF Managed at some point? If so, when?

Answer: The Program Office expects to have most all the NSNs transferred to AF Management NLT Jun 22. There may be a few NSNs that do not transfer and we will work with Boeing and the AF 424 SCMS to get these transferred.

(27) Question: Are the FAA certifications included in the page count? (Ref. Section L, Attachment 5, paragraphs 4.3.1.1, 2.7 and 2.7.1)

Answer: IAW with Attachment 5 Section L paragraph 2.7 and table listed below para 2.7, the FAA certifications are included in the 20 page limit.

(28) Question: Should the reference in this section be "Volume III," not "Volume IIII"? (Ref. Section L, Attachment 5, section 5.1 (c), pg.11)

Answer: It should be Volume III not Volume IV, USAF will correct for final RFP.

(29) Question: Section L, Volume III - Initial/Minimum Order Price- Paragraph 5.1.c. states, “under no circumstances shall this data and documentation be included elsewhere in the proposal”.

However, Volume II-Technical Acceptability, paragraphs 4.3.2.1(b) requires us to provide the price per unit at the time of proposal in column “D” of FA8609-21-R-XXXX, Section J, Attachment 3, Capability Statement.” While paragraph 4.3.2.1(c) requires us to document the cost to ship each unit in column “E” of FA8609-21-R-XXXX, Section J, Attachment 3, Capability Statement.

Are these two instances’ exemptions to Section L, Volume III, paragraph 5.1.c? If so, will the government identify them in the next update to the RFP? (Ref. Section L Attachment 5, Section 4.3.2.1 Subfactor 1.1: Procurement Standard, pg. 10; Section 5.1 Pricing Information, pg. 11)

Answer: IAW with Attachment 6 Section M, paragraph 2.4.2.1, the data being provided in the Capability Statement is for evaluation purposes only and will be used to verify that the Offeror is able to provide a minimum of (90) individual parts. It is not an exemption to Section L, Volume III.

(30) Question: Would the Government clarify what information is being requested for "labor surplus area designation"?

Answer: No clarity required. The USAF intends to removed this from Section L.

(31) Question: Would the Government clarify if this clause is anticipated to apply "to the extent that this contract involves access to information classified "Confidential", "Secret", or "Top Secret" IAW 52.204- 2(a)? If so, does the Government intend to add a DD 254 to the Section J attachments with the final RFP release?

Answer: At this time the USAF does not anticipate the need for a DD254 and will not require access to information classified "Confidential", "Secret", or "Top Secret". Please reference the final RFP attachments for any potential updates.

(32) Question: Would the Government consider amending the Unit of Measure for CLINs 0002, 0003, 1002, and 1003 from LOT to EA or Monthly, etc. so the Contractor can invoice against a QTY other than 1 LOT, IAW PGI 204.7103 (d)(ii)?

Answer: This is being considered. Please reference the final RFP CLIN structure for any potential updates.

(33) Question: PNs available to supply, pricing and quantity may change during the year. Can KIS prime contract holders provide capability statements more frequently than annually?

Answer: The USAF will consider rewording requirement documents to allow all KIS contract holders to provide Capability Statements more frequently but no less than the annual update.

Please reference the final RFP attachments for any potential updates.

(34) Question: For FORQ/Ps, will IDIQ MAC awardees be solicited for all PNs or only PNs contained in awardees' Attachment 3 Capability Statement?

Answer: IDIQ MAC awardees will be able to propose to all part numbers provided to them in each FORQ/P's regardless of the data provided in their Capability Statements. Note: Awardees will only be able to propose based upon the pool in which they are initially awarded to. (SB or Unrestricted)

(35) Question: Within Attachment 2 Ordering/Evaluation Procedures Section 1.2 Quote/Proposal Submission Process, it is unclear as to whether Offerors can propose multiple conditions/prices/lead times for each part number in order to achieve a compliant proposal based upon current market conditions and market availability or if they are limited to the conditions/prices/lead times specified within Attachment 2 Section J Capabilities Statement.

Can the USAF confirm that a submitted proposal can contain multiple line items for the same part with different condition codes and Offerors are in no way restricted during the “Quote/Proposal Submission Process” to the parts/conditions/prices/lead times specified within Attachment 2 Section J Capabilities Statement?

Answer:

For the capability statement, only one type of the spare part shall be selected and it shall be the type of part the Offeror would most likely offer for each Fair Opportunity Proposal Request (FOPR).

Future offers submitted by KIS contract holders for the FOPRs cannot include multiple prices/lead times for each spare part it is proposing to. The KIS contract holder may offer a mix of different types of parts to meet the total quantity being requested; however, the Offeror may only provide one extended price for each spare part (regardless of total quantity for the spare part being requested in the FORQ/P). Additionally, if the quantity is greater than one (1), then the Offeror shall only state and execute the delivery of all quantities to one delivery date.

(36) Question: For FORQ/P's, will the USAF solicit IDIQ MAC awardee to quote price, lead time and condition ("type of part") as opposed to extracting such data from basic contract awardee's original capability statement (Attachment 3) and subsequent annual capability statements?

Answer: Correct. Once IDIQ MAC is established, the USAF will solicit FORQ/P's to the awardees and it is at that time the awardees will quote price, lead time and type of part. See Section L para

4.3.2.1 (last paragraph).

(37) Question: Please confirm our understanding that parts subject to two service life cycles are those parts with a limited number of overhauls.

Answer: The USAF is requesting all parts have a minimum of at least two service life cycles – meaning that they can be overhauled at least two more times prior to being deemed unserviceable.

(38) Question: For FORQ/P containing more than one Part Number, will the USAF make split awards?

Answer: Correct. The USAF will make as many awards as necessary for each FORQ/P.

(39) Question: Request advise expected frequency of FORQ/P issuances per year.

Answer: The USAF is currently estimating two FORQ/P's per year.

(40) Question: Please confirm per 1.1.4 b. that set-asides for Small Business shall only be made to a Small Business verified under NAICS 336413 IAW 13 CFR Part § 121.406 ((a) (1) or (2)).

Answer: IAW with Section L para 1.1, a Offeror will be considered for the Small Business pool if they are classified as a small business under NAICS code 336413 and have elected to participate in the Small Business pool. Furthermore, per 13 CFR Part 121.406 (a)(2), the USAF has verified the class waiver applies to the NAICS code for this acquisition 336413 and the USAF intends to use it for this acquisition.

(41) Question: For military unique parts, is the manufacturers' Certificate of Conformance (CoC) acceptable as opposed to FAA Form 8130-3, correct?

Answer: Yes. Either from of documentation is acceptable.

(42) Question: Since the Government has established that there will be Small Business set aside delivery orders, is it the intent of the Government to place a Small Business goal or requirement on the awardee's at the IDIQ MAC?

Answer: Per Section L, para 6.5, The Small Business Subcontracting Plan shall identify the Offeror’s subcontracting goals expressed in dollar/percentages at the Indefinite Delivery/ Indefinite Quantity (ID/IQ) contract level for the spare parts it identified as capable of providing on its FA8609-21-R-XXXX, Section J, Attachment 3, Capability Statement.

(43) Question: Concern is a part of the Small Business Subcontract Plan (SBSP) submitted by an Offeror may include PNs that the Government may issue as a Small Business set aside delivery order. Will a large business Offeror be allowed to bid the part if our supplier is a small business and it was PN(s) that were associated with our SBSP?

Answer: No. IAW Ordering Procedures para 1.1.4(b), the spare parts that meet this criteria will be set aside and a FOPQ/P for those spare parts will only be sent to the prime contract holders in the small business pool. All other spares parts that did not meet this criteria will be included in a separate FORQ/P and sent to the unrestricted pool. All KIS prime contract holders are eligible to submit an offer under the unrestricted pool.

(44) Questions: Attachment 2 Ordering/Evaluation Procedures section 1.1.4.(b) Fair Opportunity Request for Quote/Proposal states “…KIS prime contract holder’s capability statement will be used to determine if some or all of the spare parts being acquired on each FORQ/P meet the criterial identified in FAR 19.505- 2 or 19.502-3. The spare parts that meet this criterial will be set aside and a FOPQ/P for those spare parts will only be sent to the prime contract holders in the small business pool.”

Question 1: Can the USAF please explain what steps will be taken prior to setting aside FOPQ/P requirements to confirm Small business Offerors are either the manufacturer of the product itself or in fact comply with the requirements of 13 C.F.R. § 121.406 paragraphs (b), (c) or (d)?

Answer: Per 13 C.F.R. § 121.406 paragraphs (b)(7), the USAF has verified the class waiver applies to the NAICS code for this acquisition 336413 and the USAF intends to use it for this acquisition.

Question 2: Would the USAF please confirm how the Attachment 2 Section J Capabilities Statement will provide sufficient information for the USAF determine whether a small business concern qualifies to provide manufactured products or other supply items under a small business set-aside when no data is available within Attachment 2 Section J Capabilities Statement which would be necessary to make a determination in accordance with 13 C.F.R. § 121.406?

Answer: The USAF intends to determine if some or all of the spare parts being acquired on each FORQ/P will be set aside for small business based on the information provided on each KIS contract holder’s Attachment 2 Section J Capabilities Statement. Per FAR 19.502-3, if two or more KIS contract holders that are in the small business pool reflect on its Capabilities Statement that it can provide the spare part being procured, then that part will only be solicited to those businesses in the small business pool.

Question 3: Does the Non-Manufacturing class waiver associated with the NAICS 336413 apply for this contract and the associated FORQ/Ps?

Answer: Yes.