Draft_Request_for_Proposal_(DRFP)_Questions_and_Answers.pdf

Question # Question Answer

From a cultural perspective, how does the Afghan Air Force (AAF) maintain the C-208B Maintenance Task List

(MTL) & Military Type Certificates (MTCs). Do they see these documents as their own?

The AAF maintains the MTLs.

Can you provide insight into the potential career progression for an AAF maintainer? Is there something equivalent to an A&P certificate in their culture?

There is a slide in the "TAAC-Air CJ-4M CLS Maintenance Slides" that explains the AAF career path.

This brief will be posted to the Bidders' Library once available. The level 1 certificate is the top certificate, and earning certificates affects their pay.

Where is the Pre-deployment Center for the procurement? Must processing staff through this Center be accomplished during the Phase-in Period? Can you provide additional insight into this timeline for the Phase-in Plan?

The contractor must be stood up and ready to perform by the 91st day. US Citizens must go through the Contractor Readiness Center. Please see the Theater Business Clearance Clauses in the

Draft Request for Proposal (RFP) on FBO. Also see:

https://www.2.centcom.mil/sites/contracts/Pages/GCP.aspx

Where do you want to see the offeror's management structure/program management function reflected in the Total Evaluated Price (TEP) Spreadsheet?

The USG is contemplating adding a management CLIN for management activities that are not dependent on the levels of aircraft identified in the TEP spreadsheet for USG-Responsible a/c sustainment.

5 Is maintenance On-the-Job Training (OJT) being performed now on USG-Responsible a/c? Yes.

How do you envision Maintenance Training course completion/graduation being determined, or how is it determined currently?

It is a contractor evaluation and recommendation for graduation and skill level upgrades that is confirmed by TAAC-Air CORs.

Can the allocation of Past Performance Citations between Prime and Subcontractor team members be adjusted to reflect overall work share? E.g. Prime - 2, Sub 1 - 2, Sub 2 - 2. = 6 total citations We are considering adjusting the Past Performance citation allocation.

8 Will the USG relax the font size in figures and tables to 8 font? We do not anticipate relaxing the font size restrictions.

Has the USG performed a review of all materials procured against the current contract and made a determination as to what was contractor acquired property (CAP) and shall be recognized as Government furnished equipment (GFE)?

The USG is still researching the answer to this question.

10 Recommendation: Provide transition-out requirement on all contractors. The USG will take this recommendation into consideration.

What type of contractor performance metric will be placed on a company to ensure the small business plan is met?

The Small Business Participation Plan becomes contractually binding upon award, and the USG is still considering the small business participation requirement.

12 If a small business primes this work, are they required to draft a small business plan?

The small business Prime would need to provide a Small Business Participation Plan, but not a Small

Business Subcontracting Plan. However, the small business Prime would automatically meet the % requirement.

13 When will the USG post all attachments on FBO? These tend to generate a lot of questions. Example - MTL.

As soon as possible. The attachments will be coming out as they are made available and determined releasable. MTL was released on FBO on 12 Nov 15.

14 Will the USG provide information on the security requirements for DD254? Yes, as soon as the information is available.

These are commercial a/c trained to Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) standards. Why would third-country nationals (TCNs) be prohibited from working on this contract?

Other-Country Nationals (OCNs) are not prohibited from working on this contract. However, FAA-certification is required for all maintainers and some positions must hold a US Security Clearance.

PWS 3.5.8, Contractor shall deliver engineering change proposals (ECPs) as directed. Only original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) can perform ECPs?

The USG is still researching the answer to this question.

17 Should PWS 3.5.5-3.5.10 be over and above (O&A)? No.

PWS 3.6.4 - Is the requirement for providing all petroleum, oil, and lubricants, nitrogen, and oxygen, excluding aviation fuel, for USG-Responsible and AAF-Responsible a/c?

USG-Responsible - yes; AAF-Responsible - if the specific repair task requires these items, then they would need to be provided.

19 PWS 3.6.8.5 - What are the parts that have been excluded from FAA certification?

Currently, there are no parts excluded. Some parts may later become excluded during the course of the contract.

20 Are the dates of the Phase-in Plan correct on CLIN 0027? No, the CLIN description will be updated.

21 Is it possible that we could be required to operate at more than 2 bases? i.e. 3 or 4 bases. Yes.

Concerning use and replenishment of consumables for training: Can the USG define consumables for this purpose? Such as hardware, bench stock, rags, etc.?

Yes, the USG will provide definitions for consumables.

23 Will the Draft RFP Conference slides be available on FedBizOps? Yes, they were posted on 4 Nov 15.

24 Will the USG add a list of required safety items/equipment, HAZMAT storage equipment, etc.?

The USG will require a safety plan, but the Government does not plan to provide a specific list.

Safety items/equipment should be utilized as per OEM standards.

Draft RFP Conference Questions & Answers DISTRIBUTION D. Distribution authorized to Department of Defense and U.S. DoD contractors only. Refer other requests for this document to AFLCMC/WLZI.

Will the USG consider moving students or aircraft to support certain/major maintenance and/or training events?

Yes, this is something that can be considered.

Will there be a Government Flight Representative (GFR) or a Ground Government Flight Representative

(GGFR) assigned to the contract?

There currently is no GFR or GGFR for this contract. There is some Quality Assurance involvement.

27 Will the contract require a set of approved Ground Operating Procedures (GOPs)? Yes, a set of GOPs will be required after contract award.

28 Will current training materials be made available to the winner? The USG anticipates making training materials available to all offerors in the Bidders' Library.

29 How many FSRs are required and where?

There will be a requirement for 1 FSR at contract award at Kabul with ability to travel to Kandahar.

It is possible that in the future additional FSRs will be required.

30 Will transitioned a/c remain at a main operating base (MOB)? Transitioned aircraft can remain at a MOB or be moved elsewhere.

31 Remobilization - if Kabul is moved, what happens to the 2 A/C left behind? The USG is not speculating an answer to this question at this time.

32 What are the audit requirements for time & materials (T&M)?

The contractor will be required to provide receipts/proof of price paid for parts and shipping. There will be Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA) involvement. See the Final RFP for additional audit requirements.

If the 1st optional Aircrew Training Device (ATD) support CLIN is not exercised, can the 2nd (CLIN 1026) be exercised?

It is unlikely that the ATD option would be exercised in the first option year if it is not exercised in the base year.

ATD Option CLIN: Can the current in-country ATD be utilized for specific training to the AAF maintenance staff if the CLIN is not exercised?

Yes

35 If the CLIN is not exercised, who will hold responsibility of the ATD and how would one be able to utilize it?

Responsibility of the ATD should a separate contract be awarded for maintenance is unknown at this time. Procedures for utilization requests and arrangements will be devised in such a case.

36 If the incumbent wins, how will the 90-day "Set Up" period be handled?

The incumbent would still propose Phase-in costs needed for this effort due to requirements changes.

37 Do we assume there will ever be training capability at all 6 bases?

Training will be required at all operating locations identified in the PWS. Currently, the PWS identifies 2 operating locations, and there is no current anticipation to operate at all 6 locations.

38 Does the contractor provide laptops for training?

The offeror is responsible for submitting its approach to classroom training, including any needed training materials/aids. No laptops are provided by the USG.

39 Do you expect an increase in number of aircraft based on the number of support bases? Currently, the requirement is for 24 aircraft.

40 Will the USG allow non-OEM, FAA-approved parts? All parts must be FAA-approved parts.

41 How will current USAF/USG Leadership assist in securing long-term AAF training involvement? That is a determination made by TAAC-Air and the AAF.

42 How will the contractor work with the AAF culture to maintain a certain level of proficiency? The contractor should propose its approach to this question.

What expectation does the USG have to bring the AAF into 21st century (Internet access, computer usage, avenue for supply operations to procure spares & provisions)?

This is not a requirement for this contract.

Regarding USG Bases (PWS 1.2.3), How will the contractor be able to site survey in order to properly propose

(security, is the contractor liable for access to each base or is USG providing transport, life support availability, etc.)?

The contractor can expect the same level of Government support at each operating location for this contract. There may be the potential for a site visit should remobilization become a reality.

45 Will the contractor be required to maintain and/or train students on the maintenance of the ATD? No, this is not a requirement.

46 How should the contractor encourage AAF self-sufficiency? The contractor should propose its approach to this question.

47 Will remedial training be necessary? Yes, the AAF students will be taught until they are proficient at each task in the MTL.

48 Will the contractor be required to repair/maintain AAF ground support equipment (GSE)? Yes, at coalition operating locations. A list will be placed in the Bidders' Library.

There is potential for a future requirement to maintain a Maintenance Training Device (MTD), what would be necessary to maintain an MTD?

The contractor should utilize the MTD for training as they see appropriate and as approved by the

COR. Consumables are to be repaired and the MTD should always be returned to a "safe for training" status.

50 Is there any other information offerors would like to see in the Bidders' Library?

Yes; curriculum, safety guidance, a/c utilization rate, insight into the MIS system, how many students have been trained and their current proficiency levels.

Is personnel protective equipment required and is it International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) restricted?

Body armor is required at both MOBs currently and it is ITAR restricted. It is not allowed to be flown into country by commercial airlines.

52 Is battle damage covered under O&A? Yes

53 During the 30-day period with no flying operations for remobilization, is training still required? Training requirements will only be alleviated for the affected location.

54 Is the contractor required to move the a/c during remobilization? No

55 Will FSRs be required at Shindand? FSRs will not be physically located at Shindand, but will be provide assistance to the AAF there.

56 What is the timeline for proposal submission? The USG is still researching, but contractors have suggested at least 45 days.

57 Will the contractor be taxed once they obtain an Afghan Business License? The USG is still researching the answer to this question.

58 At what point will the licenses be required?

Whenever necessary in order to stand up full operations in-country by the 91st day after contract award.

59 Is there a limitation on the number of people the contractor can have in-country?

There is a limited amount of space at both operating locations. There currently is no set number of individuals allowed in country per program.

60 Will all tools and equipment be shipped to Kabul?

There is a DoDAAC for commercial shipments into Kabul. That is where AAF spares, tools and GSE should be sent to as the ASD is located in Kabul. There is also a DoDAAC for shipment directly to

Kandahar that will be available to the awardee.

61 Should Fenti be Jalalabad in the CLIN structure? Yes, the PWS and CLIN structure will be updated.

62 Are training documents on paper or inputted electronically? Currently, student training records are paper.

Will the contractor be required to create a new MIS system for the Aviation Supply Depot (ASD) or integrate into the current one?

The contractor will be required to integrate into IFS' MIS system currently in the ASD. No MIS system will need to be created.

64 Will the contractor need associate contractor agreements (ACAs)? It is likely that ACAs will be necessary.

65 Does the MIS vendor provide sustainment of the system? Yes

66 Will there be a requirement to use a specific amount of TCN/other-country national (OCN) labor? No

67 Is the TEP Spreadsheet within the 5-page Price Volume limitation? No

68 What is the current cadre at Shindand? This information will not be provided.

69 How strict will the USG stay to the clauses currently in the Draft RFP? The Draft RFP was a draft, and clauses will be updated prior to final RFP release.

70 What is the policy for medical treatment? See PWS 3.10.3.1.

71 What security is provided (Guardian Angel, what level, US-based security)?

There is Guardian Angel (GA) support in n Kabul and Kandahar. Gun trucks and Quick Reaction Forces also support the C-208B flightline and hangar areas.

72 Can contractor personnel be armed?

Most are not, but they could be armed by exception as necessitated by their duties. It is the exception, not the norm. Usually contractor arming is restricted to contract pilots.

73 Are AAF armed and where are they storing their weapons?

Most are not. It is restricted to duty only. Maintainers are not armed. AAF has its own armory, and only NCOs and Officers can unlock weapons.

74 What is the arrival time, agenda, and will there be aid for visas regarding the site visit? The agenda was sent prior to the site visit and there was no aid given for visas.

75 Can the MTL be uploaded into the Bidders' Library? Yes, it is currently available in the Bidders' Library.

76 For AAF fleet sustainment, will the contractor have to certify airworthiness of the a/c?

An A&P mechanic will have to certify each task performed to FAA standards and per OEM specifications, but the contractor will not be certifying airworthiness of the entire aircraft. The

USAF has airworthiness authority, and the Afghan Government will take that role once aircraft titles are transitioned. The contractor should certify all jobs performed and confirm the aircraft is ready for "return to flight".

77 Will data submittals only be for the data developed under this contract? The USG is still researching the answer to this question.

78 Does the USG verify A&P certification?

Yes, currently the CORs verify A&P licenses. This will be done during the Phase-In period and whenever new personnel rotate into country

79 Should propeller repairs be under contractor logistics support (CLS) sustainment or an O&A? The USG is still researching the answer to this question.

80 Have Contract Data Requirements Lists (CDRLs) been released? CDRLs will be uploaded into the Bidders' Library once available.

81 Can personnel have dual responsibilities? Yes

82 Are there any mod kits in country? There are no relevant mod kits in country.

83 What is the definition of Aircrew Flight Equipment and when is replenishment necessary?

The only Aircrew Flight Equipment required under this contract is pilot headsets. They shall be replenished no more than 2 per aircraft every 6 months.

84 What housing facilities and hangar space will be provided?

Currently, contractor personnel have rooms in hardened facilities and usually it is 2 individuals to a room of the same gender. Hangar space is available in JAF 3. Please reference Infrastructure Brief given 22 November 15.

85 Where would pricing be submitted for AAF GSE maintenance? This requirement is covered under the AAF Fleet Sustainment T&M CLIN.

When determining Fully Mission Capable (FMC) rate, is the 2 a/c for training allowance per location or per fleet?

Currently, the 2 a/c is for each location.

87 Is the Afghan Supply Tech or Afghan Maintainer trained on supply operations? The Afghan Maintainers are the students trained on supply operations.

88 How will you evaluate the training metrics in the Services Summary?

The USG is still researching the answer to this question. The USG is discussing evaluating the offeror's Training Management Plan in the Services Summary.

89 Are there any military avionics boxes? No

90 Are AAF-Responsible a/c co-located with USG-Responsible a/c?

Currently, the AAF-Responsible a/c are not located at the same base as the USG-Responsible a/c, but the USG is not speculating as to future a/c locations.

91 Describe what is required for the Technical Data Library? Please review PWS 3.2.3. The USG is in the process of updating this list.

Will the data in the Data Accession List (DAL) need to be maintained on a separate server or how will it be communicated to the USG?

The DAL will not need to be maintained on a separate server.

How will the contractor be able to retrieve AAF-Responsible a/c data listed in PWS 3.2.5.7 for the engine monitoring program?

Data can be requested from Shindand. Monitoring the Shindand aircraft is not a requirement under this contract. The contractor will provide assistance to the Shindand aircraft when needed under the T&M CLIN. The USG is working to establish regular communication with Shindand.

94 How does the USG expect the contractor to handle student retention? The contractors should address their approach to student retention in their proposals.

95 What are the roles and responsibilities of the FSR? The USG is still researching the answer to this question.

96 Clarify the requirement in PWS 3.6.8.4 to replenish AAF Spares?

AAF spares replenishment is addressed by using a Time and Materials (T&M) CLIN and the specific procedures will be identified by the time the Final RFP is released.

97 Clarify PWS 3.6.8.10 regarding AAF site visits? The USG is still researching the answer to this question.

98 Clarify PWS section 3.7 regarding Over & Above?

The USG is in the process of reevaluating the O&A Section and will provide further detail by the time the Final RFP is released.

Clarify PWS 3.1.2.5.4 regarding quarterly submittals of the Pilot Operating Handbook, and Pilots Normal and

Emergency Checklists?

One copy of each document will be provided quarterly.

100 Is PWS 3.2.1.1 referring to the AAF-Responsible a/c, or just USG-Responsible a/c? Both, but not the Shindand aircraft.

101 Where should the offeror propose the requirement for AAF support per PWS 3.2.8? This effort will be included in the AAF Fleet Sustainment T&M CLIN.

102 Clarify the definition of Fully Mission Capable (FMC) in accordance with PWS 3.2.6.1.1? The USG is evaluating the definition provided for FMC.

103 Clarify PWS 3.6.8.7 regarding supply support facilities at AAF locations? The USG will remove this paragraph from the PWS.

104 In PWS 3.6.12.4, what will be the data access method? The USG is still researching the answer to this question.

105 In PWS 3.10.1.1, can the contractor follow their own procedures rather than come up with a new plan? The contractor should propose its approach to this question.

106 Does the USG require a training plan to be submitted? Yes, in Section L and as a CDRL.

107 How should the contractor propose USG sustainment prices in the TEP Spreadsheet?

The USG requires a price per aircraft entered into each yellow cell. The USG will provide an example in the Final RFP.

108 How will the not-to-exceed (NTE) prices be addressed?

The prices on the T&M CLINs are ceiling prices, not NTE prices. The TEP Spreadsheet and Section

L&M address how these will be evaluated.

109 Will remobilization be firm-fixed price (FFP)? Only the remobilization option for MIL-Air and for 8 aircraft.

110 Will transition CLINS 2-4-6-8 be FFP?

The USG is reviewing the CLIN structure relating to transition. More information will be posted to

FBO when available.

111 When is the start of the contract? The start of the contract is the beginning of the Phase-in Period.

112 Are In-country personnel required to have a secret clearance? Site lead, scheduler and possibly I/T may need secret clearance.