Attachment 5 - RSR QSL Questions and Answers_10.28.2025.pdf

ID DOCUMENT SECTION QUESTION RESPONSE

1 sam.gov notification III. RSR OBJECTIVES Bullet 2 - Does "modernize" refer to the replacement of all main legacy radar electronics (Tx, Rx, Processing as a minimum) in each radar system?

Per the announcement, the FAA seeks to "Reutilize existing tower, rotary joint and antenna configurations to the greatest extent possible." Please refer to the following attachments for clarification on modernization requirements:

-Attachment 1 - RSR Performance Work Statement (Section C.4.1.2 Demarcation Points) -Attachment 2 - RSR System Specification Document (Figure 1-1 RSR Context Diagram)

2 Attachment 4 Manufacturing Delivery Schedule The count for the number of non-cooperative radar systems (Terminal) is zero over the total of 612 systems, yet pricing for these systems is being requested in CLIN 0001. Please clarify the need to price non-cooperative radar systems (Terminal)

A non-cooperative–only radar is not included in the 612 system replacement. However, the FAA is assessing future opportunities to enable this configuration within the NAS, and potential approaches for integrating a non-cooperative solution with previously installed cooperative systems. Vendors should provide pricing for all non-cooperative–only CLINs, including Production System, Implementation and Activation Activities, Maintenance, and Depot CLINs.

3 Attachment 4 General Should the requested MoQs and BOEs be included as part of the vendor assumptions column in the CLIN pricing worksheet, or can separate supporting worksheets be included? Is there a specific format to be used for MoQs and BOEs? Are MoQs and BOEs required for FFP CLINs?

Vendors should provide their Method of Quotation (MoQs) and Basis of Estimate (BOEs) for each priced CLIN. Additional sheets may be added to the QSL Eligibility Workbook to include MoQs and BOEs. There is no specific format to be used for MoQs and BOEs.

4 Attachment 4 CLIN Pricing What is the total project duration (years of support) that CLIN 0003* has to cover?

The FAA plans to transition First-Level Maintenance responsibilities from the contractor to the government as soon as practical. The duration is based on the vendor’s maintenance training plan for transitioning maintenance responsibilities to government personnel. This transition will occur only after at least two government maintenance technicians per site have been trained to sustain the system. The FAA is interested in both traditional and hybrid training approaches that support an efficient and effective transition to government-led maintenance.

5 Attachment 3 Please define what TDIA refers to in the MVP Matrix (column E)?

TDIA refers to the verification method used to verify the requirement. Test (T), Demonstration (D), Inspection (I) or Analysis.

See Section 3.8.3 of Attachment 2 for definitions of these methods.

6 Attachment 1 C.4.2.9.7 Please clarify the contents of the Acceptance Data Package (ADP)

ADP contents must include:

-FAA Approved SAT report -Final Product Configuration Document (PCD) -Complete appraisal of system operational performance -Completed CAI checklist -All punch-list items are closed -Site Specific Site Adaptation Description Document (SADD)

7 Attachment 4 QSL CLIN Structure Should CLINs 0002AF and 0002AG be costed under “Implementation and Activation Activities (Cooperative Radar Sites)”? If not, should it be costed instead under both “Implementation and Activation Activities (Non-Cooperative Surveillance Radar (NCSR) Site)” and “Implementation and Activation Activities (Integrated NCSR and CSR Site)”?

No, CLINS 0002AF and 0002AG for the Cooperative only solution should not be priced under Implementation and Activation Activities. Instead, these CLINs should be priced under both the Non-Cooperative and Integrated solutions. For Cooperative-only optimization activities, only a single Site Optimization price is requested. Vendors may update the QSL Eligibility Workbook to account for these additional CLINs.

C.3.1.4 C.3.4.1.2

Attachment 3- MVP Matrix

RSR-SPEC-SR0833

9 Section C: PWS C.4.2.7 Please confirm reference to Attachment J.1 Minimum requirements Document should be reference to Attachment 3- MVP Matrix. If not, please provide attachment J.1.

The FAA confirms that the Attachment J.1 Minimum requirements Document identified in the PWS, dated 10-17-25, is the same as the announcement Attachment 3- MVP Matrix.

Attachment 3- MVP Matrix

RSR-SPEC-SR0528

RSR-SPEC-SR0533

RSR-SPEC-SR0535

Should SR0528 state 0.5NM minimum slant range? No, the requirement is correct as stated.

Attachment 3- MVP Matrix

Please provide the following documents referenced:

FAA Order 6950.2G FAA Order 6950.2E FAA Order JO 6950.22A FAA Order 6050.19G FAA Order 3900.64A FAA Order 3900.67 NAS Security Advisory for USB Devices, dated February 13, 2013

The requested documents will be provided to those companies determined eligible for the QSL prior to contract award.

Attachment 4- QSL Pricing Workbook

QSL CLIN Structure Tab It is assumed that the CLINs listed are for year 2026. How should prices be shown for years 2027, 2028 or beyond?

The CLINs listed should cover year 2025 and beyond. Additional sheets may be added to the QSL Eligibility Workbook to provide a breakdown by year with escalation methodology.

13 Announcement V. Instructions for QSL Eligibility Considerations d) iv.

Please indicate the number of FAA maintenance personnel to be trained. Please assume a minimum of 2 maintenance personnel per site prior to transition to FAA support.

14 RSR SSD

RSR-SPEC-SR0789

Through RSR-SPEC-SR0799 Please indicate whether provision of PARROT equipment shall be provided as part of scope of deliverables.

At this time, PARROTS do not have to be delivered as part of vendor scope for the initial LOT. PARROTS may be required for future LOTS.

RSR-SPEC-SR0003

RSR-SPEC-SR0004

RSR-SPEC-SR0005

Given the uncertainty surrounding tariffs, especially over the anticipated timeframe of the FAA’s radar system replacement program, please confirm the FAA requests pricing net of the impact of tariffs. Doing so prevents contractors from having to predict changes in tariffs given their dynamic nature over the past several months and to add risk contingencies to their equipment pricing, resulting in improved pricing to the Government.

Vendor pricing should take into consideration and document assumptions, including costs, associated with tariffs.

17 C.2.1 Could the FAA provide the documents listed in Section C.2.1? The requested documents will be provided to those companies determined eligible for the QSL prior to contract award.

18 Attachment 4 Schedule tab In attachment 4, schedule tab, the instructions indicate completing row 11-18 (yellow highlighted cells). Is this intended to say lines 10-18 (yellow and orange highlighted cells)?

Yes. Vendors are to complete rows 10–18 (yellow and orange highlighted cells).

19 Attachment 4 CLIN Structure tab, 0002AA In attachment 4, CLIN Structure tab, 0002AA Site Survey is white. Is this intended to be yellow and not a NSP item? Yes. CLIN Structure tab, 0002AA Site Survey is intended to be yellow and not a NSP item. CLIN 0002AA must be priced.

RSR QSL QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

Site power supply is only Alternating Current (AC).

Vendors should provide documentation describing how their system interfaces and controls an antenna. Legacy antenna documentation will be provided to those companies determined eligible for the QSL prior to contract award.

Section C: PWS Can we assume only AC power supply for radar sites?

Attachment 3- MVP Matrix

Please provide technical documentation relative to antennas to be integrated.

20 C.4.2.8.5 Per Section C.4.2.8.5., is the initial set of technical information, user manuals, instruction books and training support materials to be delivered with the proposal or as part of the contract?

Please provide any supporting documentation as part of the QSL eligibility response.

Will this QSL be used by the FAA solely for the Radar System Replacement effort, or will applicants with relevant capabilities that do not fully meet all requirements be reviewed or considered for other FAA opportunities?

Per the announcement, the FAA intends to use the QSL to procure radar replacements.

Interface Documentation

For the integration with the new system, the Interface Control Document NAS-IC.34203403 is required.

This document is not included among the tender documentation.

Please confirm whether it will be provided as part of the contractual data package.

The requested documents may be provided to those companies determined eligible for the QSL prior to contract award.

23 [RSR-SPEC-SR0403]

“The RSR must disable radio frequency transmission while the system state is offline.

[MVP]”

Please specify the intended definition of “offline” state in this context — does it refer to a system powered-on but not operational, or to a complete power-off condition?

Offline refers to system powered on, but not radiating and offline.

24 RSR-SPEC-SR0539]

“The RSR-NCSR system must detect Aircraft Types with a Radar Cross-Section from 1 m² to 10,000 m² with a ground speed between 25 to 700 knots.

[MVP]”

Please confirm whether "detection of aircraft types" refers to:

(a) detection of aircraft within the specified RCS and speed range, regardless of type, or

(b) the capability to classify aircraft categories (e.g. light, medium, large, ecc) .

Detection of aircraft types refers to detection of aircraft within the specified RCS and speed range. Aircraft types are defined in Appendix B of Attachment 2. There is no requirement to classify the type of aircraft that is detected.

25 [RSR-SPEC-SR0780]

“The RSR-NCSR system must have a Mean Time Between Critical Failures (MTBCF) greater than 5000 hours. [MVP]”

Please confirm whether the MTBCF requirement applies only to the supplied RSR equipment, excluding any legacy components interfaced with the system.

Correct, the MTBCF requirement excludes legacy equipment (e.g., antenna).

26 [RSR-SPEC-SR0782]

“The RSR-CSR must have a Mean Time Between Critical Failure greater than or equal to 50,000 hours. [MVP]”

As per [RSR-SPEC-SR0780], please confirm whether this requirement refers only to the newly supplied RSR-CSR equipment, excluding legacy subsystems.

Correct, the MTBCF requirement excludes legacy equipment (e.g., antenna).

27 [RSR-SPEC-SR0879]

“The RSR operating system must use cryptographic modules that are validated under the NIST Cryptographic Module Validation Program (CMVP) and listed as compliant with FIPS 140-3.”

Please clarify whether encryption of transmitted data using certified ciphers is explicitly required, or whether compliance with FIPS 140-3 is limited to the operating system’s cryptographic library without mandatory data encryption.

The encryption refers to the operating system used on the system.

28 [RSR-SPEC-SR0833]

The RSR equipment must operate with the input power conditions defined in FAA-G-2100J, Electronic Equipment, General Requirements, Paragraph 3.1.1.6. [MVP]

Please confirm whether it's possible to install a transformer downstream of the UPS to adapt the American mains voltage to the value required for radar equipment.

If a transformer is required for the vendors system to comply with FAA power requirements, then this should be included in the vendors system cost.

The document “Attachment+1+-+RSR+Performance+Work+Statement+-+101725.pdf” refers to several documents like “Attachment J.1” or “Attachment XX. Would it be possible to get access to these references?

Attachments referring to the MVP or Specification were provided as attachments to the announcement.Other referenced documents will be provided to those companies determined eligible for the QSL prior to contract award.

Would FAA consider a non-compliant solution (specifically RSR-SPEC-SR0624) if it is a proven capability with other global ANSPs and utilized as a gap-filler in the vicinity of active wind farms? Specifically, would FAA consider an X-band solution that operates within the spectrum currently owned by the FAA, 9000-9200 MHz? This would require a new antenna system and rotary joint to be installed vice reuse of the current parabolic antenna system.

No, the FAA requires vendor solution to operate in the frequency ranges specified.

Based on the requirements and desire for maximum reuse of existing infrastructure, would the FAA consider a different solution than what is specified in RSR SSD? Specifically, with performance requirement stated in RSR-SPEC-SR0543 for detection probability in the vicinity of wind turbines, an X-band solution may provide the better solution in that specific operational environment, which would preclude the ability to be compliant with RSR-SPEC-SR0003/0004/0005

No, the FAA requires vendor solution to operate in the frequency ranges specified.

Will the RSR acquisition be issued as a full and open competition, limited to OEMs, or through an existing contract vehicle (e.g., SE2025 or an IDIQ)?

Please refer to the announcement. The QSL will be used for competitive sourcing. The FAA will conduct competition between those companies that are determined eligible for the QSL.

Does placement on the QSL guarantee eligibility for subsequent RSR solicitations or task orders, or will there be additional qualification steps?

The QSL will be used for competitive sourcing. The FAA will conduct competition between those companies that are determined eligible for the QSL. The contract will be awarded on a best value tradeoff or lowest price technically acceptable (LPTA) basis per system LOT. The FAA reserves the right to award one or more or no contracts against the QSL. Prior to award of any contract under the QSL, the company must be deemed responsible.

34 What is the anticipated timeline between QSL qualification and release of the formal RFP?

The QSL will be used for competitive sourcing. The FAA will conduct competition between those companies that are determined eligible for the QSL. The contract will be awarded on a best value tradeoff or lowest price technically acceptable (LPTA) basis per system LOT. The FAA reserves the right to award one or more or no contracts against the QSL. Prior to award of any contract under the QSL, the company must be deemed responsible. As also announced, the FAA plans to initially award contract(s) for system LOTS no later than December 2025.

35 Will implementation sites be domestic only, or will the FAA require support for overseas or U.S. territories? Implementation will include NAS sites that are both within and Outside of the Continental United States (OCONUS).

36 At what phase does the FAA plan to transition maintenance from contractor to government personnel per PWS C.4.2.8.2?

The FAA plans to transition First-Level Maintenance responsibilities from the contractor to the government as soon as practical. The duration is based on the vendor’s maintenance training plan for transitioning maintenance responsibilities to government personnel. This transition will occur only after at least two government maintenance technicians per site have been trained to sustain the system. The FAA is interested in both traditional and hybrid training approaches that support an efficient and effective transition to government-led maintenance.

Will the FAA accept modular radar systems that can evolve from cooperative to non-cooperative configurations, or must each be separate baseline units?

No, the FAA will not accept modular radar systems that can evolve from cooperative to non-cooperative configurations.

What documentation or test evidence will FAA consider sufficient to verify TRL-8 and MRL-8 compliance (e.g., internal OEM reports, third-party validation, or prior operational data)?

Vendors should identify and provide the relevant information necessary to support TRL-8 and MRL-8 compliance verification.

Can FAA confirm the acceptable percentage of COTS versus custom components for radar systems to meet “COTS-based” expectations?

The FAA does not prescribe a specific percentage of Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) versus custom components. The intent is for offerors to offer a solution that is primarily commercially available and represents a COTS-based system.

40 Does FAA require unlimited rights or Government-purpose rights to system data and software deliverables under the QSL? The FAA is seeking vendor input on available data rights and associated costs as part of the response.

Will FAA conduct independent verification and validation (IV&V) or rely on contractor-provided Production Acceptance Tests (PAT) and System Requalification Tests (SRQT)?

The FAA will rely on contractor-provided Production Acceptance Tests (PAT) and System Requalification Tests (SRQT), however, independent verification and validation (IV&V) may be conducted to verify critical performance requirements.

Must proposed systems achieve a fully accredited FISMA High Authority to Operate (ATO) prior to deployment, or is a POA&M with milestones acceptable at award?

POA&Ms are acceptable at award.

Will FAA provide a baseline System Security Plan (SSP) template or expect OEMs to propose one aligned to NIST SP 800-53 Rev. 5?

The FAA anticipates providing a System Security Plan (SSP) template.

44 Is FAA requiring CMMC 2.0 or DFARS 252.204-7012 compliance for suppliers and subcontractors?

The FAA is required to abide by FAA Order 1370.121B FAA Information Security and Privacy. Vendors must comply with this order.This document will be provided to those companies determined eligible for the QSL prior to contract award.

Do radar systems or components have to meet U.S.-only sourcing or manufacturing requirements under Buy American or TAA compliance?

The Buy American Act (BAA) does not apply to RSR. The Buy American Preference (BAP) does apply. The Trade Agreements Act (TAA) does not impose compliance requirements on RSR.

What is the target maximum lead time for delivery, site readiness, and installation per site as envisioned in the Integrated Master Schedule (IMS)?

Vendors must provide their schedule that aligns with the announcement.

Can FAA confirm the minimum Operational Availability (Ao) threshold required for system performance, and whether penalties or incentives will apply to Ao metrics?

The minimum Operational Availability (Ao) thresholds required for system performance are as follows:

NCSR≥.996

CSR≥.999

Integrated≥.995 The contractor must comply with these requirements.

48 Does FAA intend for OEMs to train government maintainers only, or also provide “train-the-trainer” certification capabilities?

Recognizing that each vendor may have unique maintenance training materials and processes, the FAA is interested in both traditional and hybrid training approaches, including "train-the-trainer," to support an efficient and effective transition to government-led maintenance.

49 Should OEMs assume interim contractor support (ICS) for depot-level maintenance during the transition period? Yes, vendors should assume interim contractor support (ICS) for depot-level maintenance during the transition period.

Does FAA expect ROM pricing to include both production and lifecycle support costs, or only procurement and installation phases?

CLINs must be priced in accordance with Attachment 4. Vendor pricing should include both production and lifecycle support costs and procurement and installation.

Can FAA confirm whether incomplete MVP Matrix elements (Attachment 3) for future-ready technologies will disqualify an OEM, or can they be annotated as “Planned Enhancements”?

To be determined eligible and placed on the QSL, companies must demonstrate that the product line(s) adequately meets requirements identified in Attachment 3 – MVP Matrix. Per the announcement, the established QSL will allow for continuous eligibility determinations for system offerings in the future and will be refreshed as systems are added to the QSL.

52 How frequently does the FAA plan to refresh or revalidate QSL eligibility (e.g., annually or as new systems are introduced)?

The FAA reserves the right to refresh and revalidate the QSL at any time. The FAA contemplates assessing the QSL on an ongoing, as needed basis.

Beyond delivery and installation deadlines, what performance metrics (e.g., uptime, MTBF, Ao thresholds) will govern contract performance and acceptance?

The FAA is in the process of finalizing performance metrics. This information will be provided to vendors that are deemed eligible for the QSL.

Which data format standards or protocols (e.g., ASTERIX, ADS-B integration) will FAA require for interoperability across CSR and NCSR systems?

As the FAA is procuring integrated CSR and NCSR systems, data formats are not specified for interoperability between the systems.

Will FAA provide detailed interface documentation for legacy antennas and shelters prior to proposal submission to facilitate design compatibility assessment?

Vendors should provide documentation describing how their system interfaces and controls an antenna. Legacy antenna documentation will be provided to those companies determined eligible for the QSL prior to contract award.

56 Will the FAA perform any post-installation performance audit or operational readiness review before system acceptance? Yes, the FAA will perform post-installation performance audit and operational readiness review before system acceptance.

Is there a desired capability for EMP/EMI shielding? Should structural improvements and power supply meet or exceed current TEMPEST v.3 guidance? What is the redundant power supply and battery storage duration for capability?

Please refer to section 3.5 of the RSR System Specification Document (Attachment 2) for power and EMP/EMI requirements.

Regarding Attachment 4 – QSL PRICING WORKBOOK 10172025 – WSL CLIN STRUCTION, the CLIN Type is listed as FFP. Due to the accelerated nature of the response, should we treat this as a budgetary ROM or an FFP?

Please see instructions in Attachment 4. Vendors should provide pricing for the QSL CLINs.

As the Prime Integrator has not been awarded, and we lack a definitive scope for the supply of equipment. Can parts of the CSR be considered for the QSL? As an IFF provider, we typically provide the Radar Processing Electronics, but work with the Prime Integrator to understand the scope of peripheral equipment (networking equipment, hard drives, computer stations, etc.).

No, parts of the CSR will not be considered for the QSL.

We understands that certain quantities of the 160 stand-alone systems will require Mode 5 operation, but there is no mention of Mode 5 in the SOW or spec. Does this QSL cover equipment that will be required to support Mode 5 operation, or is a separate QSL planned?

Mode 5 is not being considered for QSL eligibility. No separate QSL is planned for Mode 5.

Can we request an extension to the Oct 31st deadline so we may react accordingly to the responses to these questions above? Alternatively, will the FAA accept response submissions for the qualification beyond the advertised due date of 10/31 (or in other terms, is this an open QSL)?

The FAA does not intend to extend the response due date at this time. Per the annoucement, the established QSL will allow for continuous eligibility determinations for system offerings in the future and will be refreshed as systems are added to the

QSL.

62 Attachment 3 Requirement RSR-SPEC-SR0879 seems to be inadvertently in the MVP list because it includes the terms "Cryptographic Module Validation Program" which abreviated by CMVP, itself includes MVP. It might be a typo (replace all), please confirm.

Correct, this is a typo and RSR-SPEC-SR0879 is not a MVP requirement.

63 Attachment 1 C.4.2.8.2.2, C.4.2.8.4 Can we assume that government personnel will monitor the status of operational radars, and will capture critical and non-critical warnings and alerts to be logged in the customer support service?

No, do not assume government personnel will monitor the status and capture warnings and alerts. The FAA is seeking for vendors to provide their recommended approach.

64 Attachment 1 C.4.2.8.2.2 Can we assume that government site personnel can be trained to perform basic system tasks during each site installation phase? (e.g. power up, power down, restart, channel switchover)

No, do not assume government personnel are available to be trained during installation. The FAA is seeking for vendors to provide their recommended approach.

Questions & Answers