Industry_Day_Q_and_A_Sheet.pdf

C-17 Roll-On Conference Capsule (ROCC) Industry Day Notes and Questions and Answers

NOTES FROM INDUSTRY DAY PRESENTATIONS

The primary and vital requirement of this acquisition is providing capsules to the USG that are airworthy on the C-17.

Total Evaluated Price will be inclusive of all options

Use of a 463L pallet is not required, but is used as reference for shape; must be able to lock into the existing rail system and not inhibit the locks.

No luggage included in the CR/SA when factoring weights.

Air Force will be the certification agency, not FAA.

TEMPEST testing requirements are defined in the TEMPEST specification; laying out cabling.

EMI/EMC is tested at the ROCC level in the C-17.

INDUSTRY DAY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

Q1: Steel Eagle is essential to the program, but not much information is provided. Specifically, as related to power, how many lines, how much power, what happens if it fails, what is the duty cycle?

A1: The Government recognizes offerors will not have access to Steel Eagle. Information on power has been updated in SRD paragraph 3.5.1 and SRD Table A-2 describes the interface connectors. Testing that is related to interfacing with Steel Eagle will occur after DD-250 of the First Article ROCC because the contractor will not have access to Steel Eagle.

Q2: There is a requirement for occupants to be able to vacate the capsule within 90 seconds. Is the offeror required to ensure Steel Eagle personnel exit in the same timeframe?

A2: No.

Q3: Who was the prime contractor for Steel Eagle?

A3: SelectTech

Q4: Who was the prime contractor for Silver Bullet?

A4: SelectTech provides the support for Silver Bullet.

Q5: At one point an Associate Contractor Agreement (ACA) was required with SelectTech and interaction may be necessary. We see this as a competitive advantage.

A5: The ACA requirement has been removed. By identifying all connectors required between the ROCC and Steel Eagle, the USG has eliminated what advantages we could and provided all necessary information related to Steel Eagle for an offeror to be able to propose for the ROCC effort. There is no anticipated need for communication with SelectTech after award to be able to build the ROCCs.

Q6: At Developmental Test and Evaluation, will Steel Eagle be provided or will the contractor need to provide a portable power supply at Edwards AFB for testing?

A6: Steel Eagle will be provided for testing at Edwards AFB; no separate power supply will be needed.

Q7: Is there any transport of the current silver Bullet on aircraft other than a C-17 for pre-positioning?

A7: SRD paragraph 3.8.1.5 has been updated to address requirement for cargo transport on C-5 aircraft.

Q8: CR/SA and SLS have specific lengths called out in the SRD. Can the total ROCC be one unit that is only divided internally? Can the ROCC be more than two pieces if it still meets the CR/SA and SLS requirements?

A8: SRD paragraph 1.2 has been updated to state the ROCC must be “comprised of exactly two (2) hardware capsules”.

Q9: Level III drawings are options, but those drawings need to be created from the beginning. Also, training plans should be created early. Why are these items listed as Option CLINs? If a contractor knows up front these things are required, there may be an opportunity for efficiencies that could lower the price. Adding drawing later would cost more.

A9: The requirement for Level III drawings and associated data rights has been updated in SOW paragraph 3.4.2.6. The drawings are no longer a separate Option CLIN.

Q10: Is there any requirement for more than two ROCC units?

A10: USG only has a requirement for two ROCC units.

Q11: Does the USG understand efficiencies are lost if the two ROCC capsules are built with a gap rather than concurrent? Would a decision to build the second ROCC be made by PDR? Want to get good prices with suppliers.

A11: The USG understands efficiencies may be lost and cannot specify whether the decision to build the second ROCC will be made by PDR. There is the possibility the option CLIN for the second ROCC unit could be executed early, which could allow for some efficiencies. However, offerors should be aware that the USG cannot make progress payments for any items the contractor may decide to buy at risk (for example, for the second ROCC), and the USG will not authorize advance payments. FFP and Cost-type

CLINs are being utilized because of potential changes to design.

Q12: Are noise attenuations levels still in effect if ECS fails?

A12: No; levels are for conditions when all components are working.

Q13: No spec on conference table. Can we be innovative there?

A13: Yes.

Q14: Any requirement for a shower in the ROCC?

A14: No.

Q15: Water specs drive weight. Can the USG provide more specifics as related to water?

A15: SRD paragraph 3.9.2 specifies the water requirements; offerors should determine the appropriate amount of water needed to meet the requirements.

Q16: Is Steel Eagle airworthy? Want to make sure, once the ROCC is connected to Steel Eagle the entire system is airworthy.

A16: Yes, Steel Eagle is airworthy.

Q17: Has there been consideration to price schedule? Is the FFP final on CLIN structure? CPFF allows flexibility.

A17: The CLIN structure is finalized in the RFP.

Q18: Will there be consideration for milestone payments. Ex. Plan for after PDR to order long-lead materials.

A18: Progress payments will be used.

Q19: Will there be opportunities for design changes (ergonomics) post-award?

A19: At CDR, the design has to be nailed down. The Government will measure against the SRD on whether something is technically acceptable.

Q20: Any cyber-security requirements?

A20: Only cyber-security requirements are in the TEMPEST specification.

Q21: Will there be an opportunity to physically go on a C-17 pre-RFP release or pre-proposal due date?

A21: No.

Q22: The ROCC may potentially be transported on a trailer. Do we need to factor in any ground loads for transportation?

A22: Transporting the ROCC via ground transportation would be rare, but the option is needed. Most aircraft limitations are more restrictive than anything for ground transportability.

Q23: The ROCC is required to be able to sit outside for up to three days. When sitting outside, can a tarp be used as part of the protection from elements?

A23: The RFP does not preclude an offeror from proposing a tarp as part of their proposed ROCC solution. All other RFP requirements related to protection from the elements, including those in SRD paragraph 3.6.2 related to protective caps to cover external outlets, must be met.

Q24: If the ROCC is moved via a crane, what attachment mechanism will be used (D-rings, chains, forklift holes, etc.)?

A24: The offeror should determine which attachment mechanisms are most appropriate for their design. The mechanism does not have to be the same as what is used for a forklift. The majority of the time, movement will be roller to roller.

Q25: Related to acoustics, there is aircraft specific information (engine, vibration, frequencies) that would be needed for build, but not to put together a proposal. Can that data be made available?

A25: The USG does plan to provide vibration data for the engines at this time.

Q26: The SOW does not specify what the interior coverings need to look like. Is a particular style required?

A26: The RFP is intentionally silent about any specific style aside from the requirement of SRD 3.10.7.

There is no tradeoff for aesthetics.

Q27: The timeframe for delivery of the first article ROCC was 18 months or 15 months. Would a shorter timeframe be beneficial to the USG?

A27: The requirement is for 18 months, but a strength would be provided if an offeror proposes 15 months. There is no “sliding scale” and no additional source selection credit would be provided for less than 15 months. However, the proposed delivery date would be put on contract.

Q28: How much depth/detail is needed in the Level III drawings for support or a follow-on contract?

A28: A description of what is required in Level III drawings can be found in MIL-STD-31000A paragraph

5.3.1.3, referenced in SOW paragraph 3.4.2.6 and CDRL A008.

Q29: Is there flexibility in the number of pallet positions?

A29: There is not much flexibility in the number of pallet positions. The pallet positions described in

SRD paragraph 3.8.1 allow for maximized utilization of the ADS rail locks. The number of locks the modules are able to utilize defines the allowable weight of the modules, and the required G-loading is dependent on the weigh.

Q30: EPOS is required in the SRD. Why not connect the ROCC to the C-17 oxygen system?

A30: The ROCC unit must be self-contained (with electronic and communication support from Steel

Eagle). Using the C-17 oxygen system for the ROCC would require a re-design to the current system.

Q31: Can the USG verify once the contractor delivers the First Article ROCC to Edwards AFB and transports it back to contractor’s facility, then the USG will come pick it up at the closest military or commercial airstrip?

A31: No; final delivery of P-1 ROCC to Joint Base Andrews, MD will be the responsibility of the contractor. See SOW paragraph 3.4.5.6.

Q32: Is a Hazards Analysis only required for when the ROCC is on the aircraft or also other transportation methods, such as crane, truck, or forklift?

A32: Hazard analyses are required for all environments and operations the ROCC will encounter – ground, flight, transport, etc.

Q33: Will sensitive information travel through Ethernet and/or POTs, or only through fiberoptics?

Worry about data escape.

A33: Sensitive / classified information will travel back and forth from Steel Eagle and ROCC via copper

Ethernet and fiber optic cabling. The contractor must design the ROCC in accordance with the Tempest specification.

Q34: Is the USG anticipating just one WiFi unit will be carried on? Which module will it be in? Shutting the door will lessen the signal to the other capsule.

A34: SRD paragraph 3.8.7.5 has been updated.

Q35: What is the expected power load of the printer/fax? Use of the term “duplex” is unclear. How many three-prong outlets are needed? Is it two per seat?

A35: It is not possible to know the power load of all current and future printers/fax machines to be used.

Offerors can assume equipment would draw similar power to those found at big-box office supply retailers. A “duplex” outlet means there are two three-prong outlets.

Q36: Who inspects workmanship of coverings? Is interior inspection part of the inspection process?

A36: A Government representative will inspect to ensure the ROCC meets the SRD requirements.

Q37: How much data or code would be needed on electronics from a supplier?

A37: No component software affecting cybersecurity is permitted (SRD 1.2). For electrical components that do not affect cybersecurity (e.g. the thermostats and clocks) no data or code is required from the subcontractor. The prime contractor would deliver a Vendor Control Drawing (CDRL A008) that defines the item and approved sources of supply.

Q38: The SRD specifies one environmental control unit (ECU), but perhaps two would be better. There are concerns about the power required for a single unit; two smaller ECUs could provide a lower power draw off the two separate circuits coming from Steel Eagle. Although the cumulative power used may be more, less would come from each of the two circuits. Additionally, there could be two thermostats, allowing for the different temperatures in the SLS and CR/SA, if desired. Two ECUs would also give the capability to fly the two halves (SLS and CR/SA) separate if the USG wants to do that in the future.

A38: The requirement in SRD paragraph 3.9.6 was changed to include an ECU in each module.

Q39: Does the USG intend to provide any more input on the desired interior design or finishes for the

ROCC?

A39: No, the USG does not intend to provide more information on interior design or finishes.

Q40: The Federal Aviation Regulation cited requires an ashtray in the lavatory and fire detection and suppression systems for waste containers. Does the USG want an ashtray? Are fire extinguishers acceptable as a fire suppression system in the lavatory?

A40: An ashtray is not required. SRD paragraph 3.4.3.1 on fire extinguishers has been updated.

Q41: Silver Bullet has three water tanks and the SRD requires three water tanks (white, gray, black).

However, in the past, the Silver Bullet had a shower. Without the shower, are the three water tanks really required or would potable water and a black water tank suffice? Additional water tanks drive space and cost.

A41: SRD paragraph 3.8.6 has been updated to allow for two tanks.

Q42: Does the notional layout provided in previous draft documents still apply or will offerors be provided the flexibility to design the ROCC with a different layout (e.g. move the lavatory)?

A42: The offerors have flexibility in the proposed design. The notional layout has intentionally been removed from the current documentation for that reason.

Q43: The bottom of the pallets that will be used for the base of the ROCC will suffer wear and tear.

With a 35-year life expectancy of the capsules, is re-skinning of the bottom of the pallet allowed?

A43: There is no expectation for the bottom of the pallet to last 35-years without maintenance or repair. The details of when the pallet would need to be re-skinned should be included in the offeror’s maintenance plan.

Q44: Can you expand of the data rights?

A44: The H-clauses related to data rights have been removed. Offerors must comply with the standard

DFARS data rights clauses.

Q45: The DID for RM&A does not balance with the SOW and SRD. The DID looks like it should be for a full aircraft, rather than the ROCC.

A45: The USG has tailored the DID to make it more appropriate for the ROCC

Q46: Federal Acquisition Regulation 52.204-22 calls for an alternative line-item proposal. How will the

USG evaluate this?

A46: This provision is required for all solicitations. This provision is intended to allow offerors to submit

“one or more additional proposals” if the line items in the model contract do “not conform to the

Offeror’s practices”.

Q47: In the latest Draft RFP, Past Performance is rated on an Acceptable/Unacceptable scale, with the criticality of the mission and most other aspects of the evaluation being pass/fail, the USG may lose value on important mission support pieces (less tradespace). Suggest rethinking the Past Performance rating scale, specifically on logistics support to better determine risk.

A47: The USG has had many internal discussions regarding Past Performance, and it is rated

Acceptable/Unacceptable. Review of risk is included in the technical evaluation.

Q48: Are there any required commonalities between the ROCC and the blue and white fleet?

A48: There are no requirements for the ROCC aside from those found in the RFP. Any potential future requirements for commonality of AMC assets are not part of this acquisition.

Q49: Do the C-17s that will fly the ROCC have FISA? Worried about adequate bandwidth for things such as VTC.

A49: The ROCC only interfaces with the Steel Eagle for electrical power and communications. The Steel

Eagle interfaces with the applicable C-17 antenna(s). The ROCC and Steel Eagle will be on the modified

C-17s with appropriate antenna(s).

Q50: Will the USG provide more information, or possibly an ICD, for the Steel Eagle? Will an internal network be required?

A50: All intended Steel Eagle documentation/information has been provided in the RFP. If there is specific information an offeror does not have that would prevent the ability to bid, please let the USG know. No internal network is required or desired; Steel Eagle and the travel teams will provide all network equipment.

Q51: Is this project funded?

A51: Yes.

Q52: Are there requirements for building security? Do the personnel working on the ROCC need security clearances?

A52: There is no requirement for the contractor to maintain classified information in their building/facility. OPSEC requirements must be met. Background checks will be required for contractor employees that will be going to USG facilities in support of the program.

Q53: FAA certified seats are only certified to 170lbs, but the ROCC requires seats be certified to 250lbs.

Additional testing or a re-design of FAA seats may be required. Can the USG explain the reasoning behind a certified weight of 250lbs?

A53: MIL-HDBK-516C requires seats be certified to 250lbs for airworthiness.

Q54: Where are the testing standards specified? Where will EMI/EMC and TEMPEST tests be performed?

A54: The SRD specifies the testing. EMI/EMC will be conducted on the aircraft with Steel Eagle.

Verification of meeting TEMPEST requirements (cabling) can be done anywhere.

Q55: Once past CDR, who pays for re-work and re-testing?

A55: Testing is a cost-type CLIN to account for uncertainties, including the contractor not having access to Steel Eagle or a C-17. The contractor would be responsible for defects and things not designed to meet the SRD requirements.

Q56: In one of the presentations, it was stated the offeror had to be ISO 9001 or AS9100 certified by contract award, is an FAA equivalent acceptable?

A56: SOW paragraph 3.4.5.2 has been updated to allow equivalent quality management systems.

Q57: How is the 51% requirement of the small business rules measured? Is it over the life of the contract? Can the small business buy a large percentage of components from a large business?

A57: The small business is required to manufacture 51% and also comply with the ostensible subcontractor rules ensuring the prime is performing the primary and vital aspects of the contract (an airworthy capsule). This is not based on dollar amount. The small business has to add value to the materials/components purchased from vendors.

Q58: Does the USG anticipate many changes from the current Draft to the Final RFP?

A58: RFP was released 31 May 2018.

Q59: Does the Government have a requirement for the center of balance of the final SLS and CR/SA to be clearly marked by the contractor on the outside of each capsule?

A59: SRD paragraph 3.8.2.2 specifies this requirement.

Q60: Would the Government accept a ROCC design that incorporates a software application which controls audio and video displayed on ROCC wall monitors and/or workstations?

A60: No component software is permitted to have an effect on cybersecurity other than what is already stated in the SRD (e.g. the monitors).

Q61: Will the Government allow for the contractor to market/sell ROCC to others after completion of this contract?

A61: Yes.

Q62: Would the USG consider offering a site visit to see and take pictures of the Silver Bullet System as it exists today? For those companies that are not currently involved with the Silver Bullet this would be extremely helpful.

A62: No site visit will be planned. The ROCC requirements are not the same as what is currently in Silver

Bullet.

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