QA - Pitch Upgrade.pdf

Number Question Answer 1 Does the Government consider this requirement predominantly a supply contract, a service contract, or a mixed supply-and-service requirement for purposes of FAR 52.219-14?

The Government considers this to be a supply contract.

2 May the small-business prime purchase commercial hydraulic components and equipment from a large-business OEM and exclude the cost of those components from the applicable FAR 52.219-14 calculation as material costs, provided the small-business prime retains overall responsibility for system design, integration, fabrication, testing, quality control, installation, and contract performance?

FAR RFO 52.219-14(e)(2) states "Supplies (other than procurement from a nonmanufacturer of such supplies), it will not pay more than 50 percent of the amount paid by the Government for contract performance, excluding the cost of materials, to subcontractors that are not similarly situated entities. Any work that a similarly situated entity further subcontracts will count towards the prime contractor's 50 percent subcontract amount that cannot be exceeded. When a contract includes both supplies and services, the 50 percent limitation shall apply only to the supply portion of the contract."

3 If the OEM provides engineering, testing, installation, start-up, or commissioning support, should those labor and service costs be included in the amount paid to nonsimilarly situated subcontractors?

That would depend on the OEM size. FAR RFO 52.219-14(e)(2) states "Supplies (other than procurement from a nonmanufacturer of such supplies), it will not pay more than 50 percent of the amount paid by the Government for contract performance, excluding the cost of materials, to subcontractors that are not similarly situated entities. Any work that a similarly situated entity further subcontracts will count towards the prime contractor's 50 percent subcontract amount that cannot be exceeded. When a contract includes both supplies and services, the 50 percent limitation shall apply only to the supply portion of the contract."

Pitch Upgrade Solicitation #: FA910127QB0003

Questions and Answers Date: 6 November 2026

4 Will compliance with FAR 52.219-14 be evaluated separately for the base effort, Option 1001, and Option 1002, or cumulatively across the entire contract?

The Government will update the SF 1449 to show it for each line item.

5 The selection boxes in paragraph (f) of FAR 52.219-14 do not appear to be completed.

Please identify the applicable compliance period.

The Government will update the SF 1449 to show it for each line item.

6 Does the Government require the prime contractor to obtain advance approval before using a large-business OEM or technical-support subcontractor?

For engineering, before prime contractor acquires equipments to use or seek technical support subcontractor, Government must be aware and approve it.

For security, prime contractor will be responsible to ensure that the large business or subcontractor have the necessary security level for receiving and handling CUI.

7 Please confirm the CMMC level that must be flowed down to an OEM subcontractor if the OEM receives FCI or CUI, and whether the Government anticipates that the technical package furnished for this requirement contains

CUI.

This is depedent of how the work would be completed. The primary contractor is responsible for ensuring any supplier or subcontractor has the correct CMMC level if receiving FCI or CUI information.

8 Please identify whether any provided drawings, specifications, or technical data are subject to export-control restrictions that must be flowed down to subcontractors or suppliers.

They will not be export-controlled, but will be

CUI.

9 Please provide any technical documentation as none was included with the solicitation.

SOO was added and this vendor was informed.

10 Are CLINs 0002 and 0003 optional requirements to be exercised following successful completion and approval of the preceding phase?

The Government anticipates the need for the option line items. However, the options are dependent on need, funding, etc.

11 Does AEDC have an established Independent Government Cost Estimate or anticipated acquisition magnitude that may be disclosed to offerors?

The Government cannot disclose the indepdent estimate. There is not antncipated magnitude available to dislcose.

12 Are there existing hydraulic system drawings, component specifications, accumulator capacities, or previous engineering studies available to support equipment sizing and pricing?

Size equipment per SOO. Further info cannot be provided until verification of CUI dissemination.

13 Are offerers expected to provide firm fixed pricing for all components before completion of CLIN 0001 engineering design, or will design-based technical changes be considered through subsequent contract modifications?

The Government expects to receive FFP pricing for all line items.

14 Bid Extension: Is there any possibility of extending the November 6 deadline to allow additional time to review the requirements and prepare a complete proposal?

The SF 1449 will be updated to extend the deadline.

15 Site Visit: Would it be possible to schedule a time for members of our team to visit the facility and inspect the existing hydraulic system?

After review of bids, a site visit will be scheduled with all bidders to provide an opportunity to inspect the existing hydraulic system. (again, on-site walk through will be CUI Distro E level information).

16 Bidding Requirements: We noticed the solicitation references a more detailed CUI Statement of Work. Is this available through the Request Access option on SAM.gov, or is there another process we need to follow to obtain it?

A company must request access to the document by sending an email to the CS and CO with the CAGE Code and the company's preferred electronic method of receiving CUI.

The Government will review the request and verify information prior to releasing CUI data.

17 Are there any pictures of the existing system as a reference?

Pictures cannot be provided until verification of CUI dissemination. Refer to the SOO for further information.

18 Cylinder Design- What forces are you looking to achieve?

Forces cannot be provided until verification of CUI dissemination. Refer to the SOO for further information.

19 Cylinder Design- What are the connection ends? Clevis, spherical eye, head rectangular, cap rectangular, etc?

Clevis mount

Design of Piping & Tubing- What is the length of the run from the accumulator to the actuator?

Pipe size?

~2 ft length, 2" SCH80 pipe

Design of Piping & Tubing- What is the length of the run from HPU to the accumulator? Pipe size?

~5-10 ft length, 3/4" SCH80 pipe

Kidney Loop- Are you looking for a head space dryer, or a coalescing system?

Coalescing filtration should be adequate.

HPU- Will this HPU only control the cylinder?

If not, what are the flow rates of the other systems?

Flow rates of other systems (clamps, sled translation) are much less, so size for the pitch system. None of the systems are used simultaneously.

Q&A for Industry