Questions FA940125Q0025.pdf

Number Question Answer

Training Syllabus Approval: Will the Government provide the training syllabus and lesson plans for the Military Block and Military Coaching prior to award? If so, what is the expected timeline for review or revision if the contractor proposes updates for instructional quality or safety?

When training SW students, the government will provide the training syllabus and all coaching/instruction. When receiving coaching during SWTS instructor professional development events, the vendor will provide approved syllabus/instruction for the IBA skill/level(L1-L4) by an IBA certified instructor.

Instructor Credential Verification: Is there a preferred or required format for submitting instructor resumes and certifications (e.g., IBA Military Coach, MFFI, etc.) with the quote?

Instructors must be certifified through the IBA at the appropriate level (L1-L4 or T rated) for the required skills and approved by the VWT being utilized.

Government Equipment Use: Will students use government-issued equipment (helmets, military rigs, weight vests) during the VWT training sessions, or is the contractor expected to provide training-specific gear for each participant?

SW students will utilize flightsuits and helmets, and googles(if needed) provided by the VWT/vendor. When required, the government provides IFly approved, military tunnel rigs. During "coached" time, all other equipment is provided by the government.

Video Playback Requirements: Does the Government have technical specifications for the required video playback system (e.g., resolution, playback delay, coverage angles), or may the contractor use best commercial practices?

The video playback system is typically pre-intalled and approved by the VWT provider and linked to a delayed playback system that can be viewed from inside the tunnel. Additionally, video can be downloaded to removable media device provided by the government when required.

Annual Rate Adjustment Timeline: Is there a specific month in which the Government expects to receive the updated BPA pricing rate card annually for review and approval?

The annual rate will coordinated prior to the anniversery of the BPA establishment and go in effect upon the anniversry date.

Solicitation FA9401-25-Q-0025 Vertical Wind Tunnel

Additional Hours Protocol: If the Government requests additional VWT hours beyond the initially scheduled sessions, what is the expected lead time and approval process for modifying an existing BPA call or issuing a new one?

The Government intends to schedule for use by the hour.

Pricing should be the standard hour rate. Invoicing should reflect actual use (i.e. 45 minutes = .75 x hourly rate). The hours stated in the PWS are an estimate, not a minimum or a maximum. Any additional VWT time, outside of the scheduled time of the call, will be subject to availability of the vendor to provider services and not required.

Invoicing and Payment Preferences: Does the Government have a preference for WAWF versus GPC-based payments for calls under $25,000? Are there thresholds where one is preferred over the other?

Payment made by WAWF or GPC shall not exceed $25K unless made by the contracting officer listed on the authorized callers.

Authorized Callers List: Will SEI receive the initial authorized callers list upon award, and how frequently can this list be updated or modified throughout the BPA period?

Yes. The vendor will be notified when callers are added/removed within 30 days

BPA Task Order Cadence: Does the Government intend to issue BPA calls on a recurring (e.g., quarterly or annual) basis, or will orders be placed on an as-needed basis depending on unit requirements?

Orders will be made on an as needed basis. Currently, 3 Apprentice courses are conducted per year and 2-4 professional development events.

Student-to-Instructor Ratio Flexibility: While the maximum class size is listed as 15 students, may the contractor propose smaller groups for safety, instructional optimization, or facility constraints?

The daily class size is 15, however this will be broken in to 3 groups of 5 students each, flying approximately 30 minutes at a time. Typical training days are 6-7 hours per day. There is no requirement for the vendor to provide coaching during student training, only a safety instructor, as required by the IBA for safe VWT operations.

Instruction Scheduling: What is the minimum lead time preferred between the submission of a service order request and the scheduled date of instruction?

Training will be scheduled 30 days in advance, and final scheduling changes made no later than 10 days prior to execution of training.

Facility Access Requirements: Will contractor instructors require access to Kirtland AFB facilities for any portion of the instruction or coordination, or will all services be performed off-base?

No. This effort requires the use of VWTs within the contractors facility.

Wind Tunnel Location Preferences: a) Will the Government evaluate or score wind tunnel proximity to Kirtland AFB, NM as a technical or logistical advantage? b) Does the Government prefer a single wind tunnel location for continuity of operations, or is there value in offering multiple regional options to facilitate alignment with jump operations or student travel?

a) No. The Government intends to make multiple awards to ensure flexibility and encourage competative rates

b) Multiple locations for flexibility, availability, and/or mission requirements

Performance Feedback and Evaluation: Will SEI receive regular performance feedback (e.g., CPARS evaluations) at the call level, or will evaluations occur annually at the BPA master agreement level?

If CPARS is required, it will be at the BPA level to capture the most data for reporting. This effort is below the CPARS required reporting threshold, however, the Government may report CPARS at any dollar threshold if the contracting officer prefers to report.

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