C-130J_MATS_OandS_RFI-Sources_Sought.docx

C-130J Maintenance and Aircrew Training System (MATS) Operations and Sustainment (O&S) Recompete Request for Information/Sources Sought Notice

Solicitation Number: FA8621-13-R-6305 5 October 2012

Request for Information (RFI) for Planning Purposes This is an RFI only in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 52.215-3 – Request for Information or Solicitation for Planning Purposes (Oct 1997). Responses to this notice are not offers and cannot be accepted by the Government to form a binding contract. Only United States companies will be considered for contract award.

The Government is conducting market research to identify, as potential sources, companies that may possess the expertise, capabilities, and experience to competently and competitively respond to requirements to provide sustainment of the C-130J Maintenance and Aircrew Training Systems (MATS).

The Government does not intend to award a contract on the basis of this RFI/sources sought or to otherwise pay for the information solicited except as an allowable cost under other contracts as provided in subsection 31.205-18, Bid and Proposal costs, of the FAR. Companies responding to this sources sought are advised that participation does not ensure involvement in future solicitations or contract awards. The Government will not reimburse any company or individual for any expenses associated with preparation or participation in this RFI/sources sought. Respondents are solely responsible for all expenses associated with responding to this RFI/sources sought.

Although “proposal” and “offeror” are used in this RFI/sources sought, your response will be treated as information only. It shall not be used as a proposal.

Program Requirements Program Description The C-130J MATS Operations and Sustainment (O&S) contract’s primary mission is to train C-130J aircrews and maintain C-130J maintenance and aircrew training devices. The C130J MATS users are represented by Air Mobility Command (AMC), Air Education and Training Command (AETC), Air Force Reserve Command (AFRC), Air National Guard (ANG), United States Coast Guard (USCG), United States Marine Corps (USMC), and potential international students.

The O&S requirements of this contract will consist of Contractor Logistics Support (CLS) and aircrew training for pilots and loadmasters. Aircrew training also includes maintenance engine run instruction for maintenance technicians. Aircrew training represents approximately 75% of the requirements under this effort with CLS encompassing the remaining 25%. The CLS and instruction functions will be required at Little Rock AFB, Arkansas; Keesler AFB, Mississippi; Dyess AFB, Texas; Ramstein Air Base (AB) Germany; and potentially Yokota AB, Japan.

The current contract supports all fielded USAF C-130J MATS and devices listed below:

Little Rock AFB, AR

· 4 Weapon System Trainers (WST); Additional WST Ready For Training (RFT) ~ March 2016

· 1 Cockpit Procedures Trainer (CPT)

· 1 Avionics Systems Management Trainer (ASMT)

· 2 Fuselage Trainers (FuT)

· 2 Loadmaster Part Task Trainers (LMPTT)

· 1 Engine & Propeller Trainer (EPT)

· 1 Flight Controls Trainer (FCT)

· Various Training Aids

· 6 Virtual Flight Decks (Multi Function Training Aids [MFTA])

· 2 Enhanced Cargo Handling System Training Aids (ECHS-TA) Keesler AFB, MS

· 1 WST

· 1 LMPTT

Dyess AFB, TX

· 1 WST

· 1 LMPTT

Ramstein AB, Germany

· 1 WST (WST#7 RFT ~ May 2015)

· 1 LMPTT (on call maintenance until May 2015) Yokota AB, Japan – This is a potential future training site Capability Required The contractor will be responsible for operating, updating, and maintaining the C-130J MATS aircrew and maintenance training devices. The logistics support system provides the capability for maintenance data collection, inventory control, logistics support analysis, data collection, trend analysis, and technical publications/engineering data management and distribution. The contractor will also be responsible for relocating any training devices identified by AMC, if necessary.

The contractor will be responsible for providing the resources necessary to train C-130J aircrews (pilots, loadmasters, and engine-run technicians) using provided courseware and training devices. The contractor will be responsible for providing a guaranteed student capable of operating the C-130J aircraft.

Aircrew and Engine Run Maintenance Training. The contractor will be required to:

Provide initial, continuation, refresher, and transition training for both C-130J pilots and loadmasters at designated C-130J bases.

Provide engine run training to maintenance technicians at designated C-130J bases.

Provide Virtual Threat Recognition & Avoidance Training (VTRAT) support at designated C-130J bases.

USAF Maintenance. The contractor will be required to:

Provide scheduled and unscheduled operational/maintenance support for USAF Aircrew Training Devices (ATD), including Computer Based Training, to support guaranteed student throughput, mishap and accident investigations, simulator certification, and other USAF simulator use. Also, ensure the C-130J MATS achieves its throughput requirement (including surge), guaranteed student qualification requirements, and levels of training to ensure certification.

Provide operation/maintenance support for USAF Maintenance Training Devices (MTD).

Adhere to the Information Assurance (IA) requirements and documentation for USAF devices.

Manage and maintain Government-provided spares, support/test equipment and technical data required to sustain C-130J MATS.

Each training device will need to be maintained to support C-130J aircrew and maintenance training up to 20 hours-per-day, seven days-per-week, 52 weeks-per-year.

Provide CLS to include, but not be limited to, the following:

a. Site inventory management

b. Inventory storage and control

c. Distribution and management of supportability assets

d. Logistics analysis and supportability assessment issues

e. Disposition and disposal of obsolete and condemned support assets using the Plant Clearance Automated Screening System (PCARSS)

f. Execution of supportability quality audits

g. Development and management of logistics data as a result of engineering sustainment or part obsolescence/replacement.

h. Support USAF testing of ATDs and other training aids for Simulator Certification (SIMCERT) and MTD evaluation

i. Visual system Mylar repair/replacement

j. VTRAT support Security Requirements. The contractor will be required to have a SECRET facility clearance. Personnel performing tasks for the C-130J MATS will require access to information contained in technical data, films, specifications, and/or related equipment.

Contract Specifications. It is anticipated that this effort for the C-130J MATS will commence on or about 1 October 2014 to allow for a 90-day transition period prior to current contract end of 31 December 2014. The Government anticipates contract period of performance to be five years.

The majority of the modifications and all Block Upgrades will be performed under another existing contract with Lockheed Martin Global Training & Logistics. The selected C130J MATS O&S contractor will be required to coordinate and cooperate collaboratively with Lockheed Martin Global Training & Logistics to minimize device down time and the impact to aircrew and maintenance training.

The selected C-130J MATS O&S contractor will be required to enter into an Associate Contractor Agreement (ACA) with the simulator prime contractor (Lockheed Martin Global Training & Logistics), subcontractors, and the C-130J aircraft prime contractor (Lockheed Martin Aero).

Company Response Both large and small businesses are encouraged to participate in this market research. The results of this market research will allow the Government to make a determination as to whether this effort can be set-aside for small businesses. It is advised that you provide a sufficient response to all capability questions to allow the Government to appropriately assess your capabilities.

Business Information In response to this RFI/sources sought, please provide the following business information for your company/institution and for any teaming or joint venture partners:

· Company/Institute Name:

· Address:

· Point of Contact:

· Commercial and Government Entity (CAGE) Code:

· Phone Number:

· E-mail Address:

· Web Page URL:

· Size of business pursuant to North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) Code: 336413, Other Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing. Size standard: 1,000 employees. Based on this NAICS Code, state your company business size. If you are a Small Business (SB, WOSB, SDB, 8(a), HUBZone, VOSB, SDVOSB), please explain whether your company would be capable of meeting the requirements of FAR 52.219-14, Limitations on Subcontracting.

· A statement verifying that your company is domestically owned.

Capability Survey Questions General Capability Questions:

Describe your company’s past experience on previous projects (no more than five examples) similar in complexity to this requirement. Include contract numbers, a brief description of the work performed, period of performance, agency/organization supported, and individual points of contact (Contracting Officer or Program Manager). Include your role on each of these projects.

Describe your company’s capabilities and experience in managing technical data, engineering drawings, manuals, and source code/media.

Describe your company’s capabilities and experience with site activation/startup for setting up and beginning training at a new site and/or simultaneously at multiple locations.

Describe your company’s capabilities to work collaboratively with another prime contractor.

Describe your company’s capabilities in IA and its associated documentation.

Describe your company’s capabilities for generating, handling, processing, and storing classified material and data.

Describe your company’s capabilities and experiences in worldwide deployment and support of complex training systems simultaneously at multiple locations.

Training/Instruction Questions:

1. Describe your company’s approach and capabilities in obtaining and retaining qualified and experienced instructors. Assuming a contract award in October 2014 how would your company secure qualified training resources?

1. Describe your company’s capabilities and experience in classroom instruction and simulator instruction. Describe the major risks you foresee in executing classroom and simulator instruction.

Repair Questions:

1. Describe your process for identifying and resolving parts obsolescence and Diminishing Manufacturing Sources (DMS) problems.

Describe your process for maintaining inventory records and reporting on hand/in work balances and repair status to your customer.

Financial Capacity Questions:

1. Describe your financial capacity to successfully perform this contract. Describe your capacity to support contracts ranging from $30 to $50 million per year.

General Information In response to this RFI/sources sought, please provide the following general information for your company/institution and for any teaming or joint venture partners:

Describe briefly the capabilities of your company and the nature of the goods and/or services you provide. Include a description of your staff composition and management structure.

Describe the major risks you foresee in executing an O&S effort of this scope. What steps would you likely take to mitigate the risks?

What data will you require of the Government to assemble a proposal for this effort?

Describe any other relevant topics, concerns, and information that will help the Government in forming an acquisition strategy.

Are there any commercial business practices unique to your industry? If so, please describe.

Respondents should indicate which portions, if any, of their response are proprietary and should mark them accordingly. Formal responses should be e-mailed to marcia.hall@wpafb.af.mil. Request responses by COB 6 November 2012.

Technical questions regarding this RFI/sources sought should be directed to Mr. Jeff Nicholson, Program Manager, AFLCMC/WNSPA, (937) 656-7152.

Direct and concise responses are preferred. Marketing material is considered an insufficient response to this RFI/sources sought. Please limit responses to no more than 25 single-sided, 8.5”x11” pages. A point of contact that can speak for the responding company should be identified to support further Government inquiries as well as explanations that might be needed with regard to the information provided.