Atch_V_MEUAS_IV_QnA_17Oct19.pdf

H9240819R0001 Amd 1 QnA 17Oct19

Number Reference Question Government Response

1 RFP Table L-2, Page 88; Table M-2, In the RFP document, Section L references one version of the Cross-Reference Matrix(Page 88, Table L-2), and then in Section M, it references a different version(page 94, Table M-2). Please clarify that the table on page 88 is the correct one.

Please see corrections.

2 RFP Attachment IV PP Questionnaire

No Past Performance Questionnaire was posted with the final RFP documents, are contractors to use the noted Attachment IV posted with draft RFP documents or will there be an updated document posted as an FBO amendment to the Final RFP?

Please see amendment.

3 RFP Attachment III MEUAS IV Capabilities Demonstration Plan

For planning purposes, would the Government consider providing the relative timing or potential scheduling date estimates for U.S. SOCOM’s Capability Demonstrations, for example Demo to be conducted Dec 2019-Feb 2020?

Capabilities Demonstration are anticipated to begin starting mid-December 2019. No capability demonstrations will be held from 22 Dec 19 - 3 Jan 20

4 RFP, Section L 5652.215-9007 Bill of Materials (1998)

Would the Government please clarify the intent of Section L Clause - 5652.215-9007 Bill of Materials (1998). It is understood that no pricing information is to be provided with the base IDIQ proposal. However, is it the Governments intent for a priced bill of materials to be provided at the Task Order level only?

5652.215-9007 will be utilized at the Task Order level.

5 Attachment 1, MEUAS IV PWS, Section 3.2.2

In reference to item 3.2.2 where the remote GCS shall have the same capabilities as the main GCS, does the remote GCS have the same video distribution requirements referenced in 3.4.5 for PED distribution?

Yes.

6 Attachment 1, MEUAS IV PWS, Section 3.2.2

In reference to item 3.2.2 where the remote GCS shall have the same capabilities as the main GCS, does this imply the video storage requirements of 1500 hours should be available at each location?

Yes, unless waived at the Task Order level.

7 Attachment 1, MEUAS IV PWS, Section 3.3.11

For the Demonstration, will the Government provide key loaders and key material for UAS platforms that have SAASM GPS as a standard capability and thus cannot operate without keys loaded?

Capabilities Demonstration shall include unkeyed SAASM.

Number Reference Question Government Response

8 Attachment 1, MEUAS IV PWS, Section 3.4.5

Would the Government kindly clarify what software will be in use receive and decode the RS-232 KLV metadata?

The requirement is to produce some version of KLV. The Government deliberately set this requirement at an over-arching level to provide flexibility.

9 Attachment 1, MEUAS IV PWS, Section 3.4.5

Is it the Governments expectation that each site will have the same host units monitor type (e.g. NTSC, HD-SDI and HDMI) or will there be variance on a site by site basis?

Monitor type will be established at the Task Order level.

10 Attachment 1, MEUAS IV PWS, Section 3.4.5

Would the Government please clarify if the "network stream" means a MISB compatible MPEG-2 Transport Stream with Video AND MISB ST0601 KLV metadata?

Clarification would benefit the customer with a reduced GCS components.

Network stream means an Ethernet accessible video stream that is not proprietary and includes metadata.

11 Attachment 1, MEUAS IV PWS, Section 3.4.6

Is a requirement for the option of exported clips to be free of burned in metadata or to have burned in metadata present?

Please reference PWS 3.4.7.

12 Attachment 1, MEUAS IV PWS, Section 3.4.9

Will the Government provide USB external hard drives to the contractor for weekly data copies? No

13 Attachment 1, MEUAS IV PWS, Section 3.6.7

Can the Government clarify if each task (install, removal, etc.) is allocated a specified time?

The install, removal, replacement, and pre-flight operational check of secondary payloads at all deployed locations (operational level maintenance) in less than two hours (T), 10 min (O).

14 Attachment 1, MEUAS IV PWS, Section 3.11.5, 3.11.6

The Government makes a reference to, USSOCOM 380- 3 Performance Standards. Would the Government please provide the document or a link where it can be accessed?

Please see correction.

Number Reference Question Government Response

15 Attachment 4 MEUAS IV TO Guide, Section 1.b(3)

Given the latest DFARS 215-101-2 change regarding use of LPTA, How will SOCOM adjust their desired process to use LPTA when 215.101-2-70 states that there are limitations on its use: “(a) Limitations. (2) In accordance with section 813 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017, as amended by section 822 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018 (Pub. L. 115-91) (see 10 U.S.C. 2305 note), contracting officers shall avoid, to the maximum extent practicable, using the lowest price technically acceptable source selection process in the case of a procurement that is predominately for the acquisition of— (i) Information technology services, cybersecurity services, systems engineering and technical assistance services, advanced electronic testing, or other knowledge-based professional services; (ii) Items designated by the requiring activity as personal protective equipment (except see paragraph (b)(1) of this section); or (iii) Services designated by the requiring activity as knowledge-based training or logistics services in contingency operations or other operations outside the United States, including in Afghanistan or Iraq. “(b) Prohibitions. (1) In accordance with section 814 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017 as amended by section 882 of the National Defense Authorizations Act for Fiscal Year 2018 (see 10 U.S.C.

2302 note), contracting officers shall not use the lowest price technically acceptable source selection process to procure items designated by requiring activity as

The ordering process complies with all relevant statutes and regulations.

16 Attachment 4 MEUAS IV TO Guide, Section 3.d(2)

Would the Government consider updating the standard requirement when requesting a Task Order Total Evaluated Price (TO-TEP) to exclude the Pre- Deployment Price?

No, PreDeployment will remain in the TO-

TEP.

Number Reference Question Government Response

17 Attachment II MEUAS IV Capabilities Demonstration Plan, Table 1

If an offeror is offering more than one platform for a proposal, will each separate platform be evaluated during one time slot for that company, or broken up into separate time slots per platform?

Each platform will be evaluated separately at its own scheduled capabilities demonstration.

18 Attachment II MEUAS IV Capabilities Demonstration Plan, Section 4.6.1

Paragraph 6/mission planning/special instructions is missing from the CDP. Recommend the Government provide clarification via an RFP amendment.

See amended PWS.

19 Attachment II MEUAS IV Capabilities Demonstration Plan, Section 4.6.2

Will the Government provide DEMO test cards and/or a test plan with the RFP/prior to the DEMO date?

A Capabilities Demonstration plan has been provided. Further details will be provided to those Offerors invited to demos. Detailed test cards will be provided on Day 1 of the Capabilities Demonstration.

20 Attachment II MEUAS IV Capabilities Demonstration Plan, Section 4.6.3

To what extent will the Government require the LOL demonstration to proceed? (AV reports LOL, AV changes course to LOL route, etc.)

LOL demonstration will require to change LOL route and orbit a predetermined location.

21 Attachment II MEUAS IV Capabilities Demonstration Plan, Section 4.7.1

The payload remove/replace demonstration notwithstanding, what are the allotted times for each demonstration activity?

Singular demonstration activities will not be individually limited to an allotted time.

22 PWS Section 3.6.6

The requirement states, “The UAS shall have data rates for secondary payload(s) capable of delivering 500 kilobits per second (total) to the GCS from 70 nm(T) and 15 megabits per second (total) to the GCS from 150 nm

(O) …” Is there a requirement for a data rate from the GCS to the UAS? As written, there is no requirement for a bi-directional link.

The phrase "(total)" refers to the combined data rate for uplink and downlink between the GCS and aircraft of the secondary payload.

Number Reference Question Government Response

H9240819R0001_1Oct19 Section H.7

Atch_1_MEUAS_IV_PWS_1Oct19 Section 4.9

The MEUAS IV RFP "CLAUSES INCLUDED BY REFERENCE" cite U.S. Code "48 CFR 252.225-7012 Preference for U.S. Domestic Commodities" (AKA Buy American Act) and "52.225-13 Restrictions on Certain Foreign Purchases." PWS 4.9 seems to contradict these clauses, stating "Air vehicles designed and manufactured in foreign countries are ineligible for the MEUAS IV contract." Will the Government please confirm that US Code cited above is the governing law for MEUAS IV material suppliers, and remove the last sentence of PWS

4.9 contractor service-delivery standards?

The Government will not remove the last sentence of PWS 4.9. The sections of the CFR cited in your question govern the subject matter addressed by those sections, which are obvious. The clause at 48 CFR 52.225-13 involves the enforcement of economic sanctions. Awardees will be required to abide by the provisions of that clause. The clause at 48 CFR 252.225-7012 will be removed because MEUAS IV does not involve the acquisition of commodities.

Your question about the relevance of these clauses to “material suppliers” is unclear.

MEUAS IV is a services contract, not a contract to acquire materials. These clauses are not related to the last sentence of PWS 4.9.

24 Atch_1_MEUAS_IV_PWS_1Oct19 Section 4.9

PWS 4.9 states, "Air vehicles designed and manufactured in foreign countries are ineligible for the MEUAS IV contract." PWS 4.10 and 4.11 require the UAS pass an IA vulnerabilities assessment. Given that IA testing is an existing requirement, would the Government please remove the last sentence of PWS

4.9 on the basis that it unnecessarily limits competition.

The Government has the discretion to set requirements relating to national security so as to achieve not just reasonable results, but the highest possible reliability and effectiveness. We shall retain PWS 4.9, 4.10, and 4.11, in their entirety.

25 Atch_1_MEUAS_IV_PWS_1Oct19 Section 4.9

Does the last sentence of PWS 4.9 apply to the entire UAS AISR data path, or only to the air vehicle, and at what level is it intended: the system level, subsystem level, or the component level such as firmware and computer chips embedded in the GCS and AV equipment, etc.?

The last sentence of PWS 4.9 cannot be made more clear. It applies to the air vehicle.

Number Reference Question Government Response

DRFP Questions Answers

Atch_1_MEUAS_IV_PWS_1Oct19 Section 4.9

In DRFP QnA #23, regarding "partnering with foreign companies" the Government answered "Only companies meeting the requirements of the DD 254 (DoD Contract Security Classification Specification) and the National Industrial Security Program (NISP) for all aspects of the MEUAS IV contract and its task orders will be eligible for contract award," resulting in PWS 4.9. Please confirm that the requirements of PWS 4.9 requires "subcontractors, teaming partner, and/or joint venture partners" who are providing AISR services to meet the requirements of the DD 254, and not to various suppliers of materials?

If contract performance requires a subcontractor to access classified information, then that subcontractor must meet the relevant security requirements.

Atch_1_MEUAS_IV_PWS_1Oct19 Section 3.11.7 and 5.0

Exhibit_A_MEUAS_IV_CDRL_Portfoli o_20Sep19 CDRLs A009 and A010

PWS 3.11.7 Deliverables requires "A009 Spectrum Certification Data Submission(s)" while the Deliverable table in Section 5 lists A009 as the "MEUAS IV Daily Status Report" and A010 as the "MEUAS IV Spectrum Certification Data."

Exhibit A CDRLs A009 and A010 align with the deliverable table in PWS Section 5.

Will the Government please confirm PWS 3.11.7 requires submission of CDRL A010 (Spectrum Certification Data) and identify which PWS paragraph(s) require CDRL A009 (Daily Status Report)?

See corrected PWS.

Number Reference Question Government Response

28 H9240819R0001_1Oct19 Section L.2.2.1 and M.2.2

Tables L-2 and M-2 include PWS References for each of the Volume 2 subfactors. Table M-2 maps PWS section

3.2 (AISR Hours Operations) to Subfactor 2 and PWS sections 3.5 (Datalink) and 3.6 (Secondary Payload) to Subfactor 3. Table L-2 does not include these 3 PWS sections.

Will the Government please confirm which proposal response sections/Subfactors should address PWS 3.2, 3.5, and 3.6 requirements?

Please see correction.

29 Atch_3_UCC_3Sep19 Will the Government please provide a capability demo calendar window for planning purposes?

Capabilities Demonstration are anticipated to begin starting mid-December 2019. No capability demonstrations will be held from 22 Dec 19 - 3 Jan 20

30 RFP L.1.4.3.f

Section L.1.4.3.f states: "…For tables, charts,graphs, and figures, the text shall be no smaller than Times New Roman or Arial, 10 point size." An 8 point font is standard for graphics. Will the government please consider allowing offerors to use font size 8pt for graphics only?

The standard for MEUAS IV remains unchanged.

31 RFP, Capabilities Demonstration

Previously posted information indicated that the capabilities demonstrations would occur between Nov 2019 and Jan 2020. With the delayed release of the final solicitation, have the dates for the capabilities demonstration changed?

Capabilities Demonstration are anticipated to begin starting mid-December 2019. No capability demonstrations will be held from 22 Dec 19 - 3 Jan 20

32 RFP, Capabilities Demonstration Will the government please identify the time frame for the capabilities demonstration notice?

The Government intends to release invitations to the Capability Demonstrations by mid-November.

33 RFP L.2.2.1

Table L-2 does not indicate a Section M reference for Subfactor 1. We believe that the correct Section M reference is M.2.2.1.

Please see correction.

Number Reference Question Government Response

34 RFP L.2.2.1

Table L-2 indicates that the Section M reference for Subfactor 2 is M.2.2.1. We believe that the correct Section M reference is M.2.2.2 vs. M.2.2.1. Please provide clarification.

Please see correction.

35 RFP L.2.2.1

Table L-2 indicates that the Section M reference for Subfactor 3 is M.2.2.2. We believe that the correct Section M reference is M.2.2.3 vs. M.2.2.2. Please provide clarification.

Please see correction.

36 RFP L.2.2.1

Table L-2 indicates that the Section M reference for Subfactor 4 is M.2.2.3. We believe that the correct Section M reference is M.2.2.4 vs. M.2.2.3. Please provide clarification.

Please see correction.

37 RFP L.2.2.1

Table L-2 indicates that the Section M reference for Subfactor 5 is M.2.2.4. We believe that the correct Section M reference is M.2.2.5 vs. M.2.2.4. Please provide clarification.

Please see correction.

38 RFP L.2.2.1

Table L-2 indicates that the Section M reference for Subfactor 6 is M.2.2.5. We believe that the correct Section M reference is M.2.2.6 vs. M.2.2.5. Please provide clarification.

Please see correction.

39 RFP L.2.2.1

Table L-2 indicates that the PWS reference for Subfactor 3 is 3.4. We believe that the correct PWS reference is 3.4, 3.5, 3.6. Please provide clarification.

Please see correction.

40 RFP L.2.2.5

Section L.2.2.5 states: "…meets or exceeds PWS requirements for simultaneous Imagery Intelligence (IMINT) and Electronic Warfare (EW) in PWS 3.6…" We believe that the correct PWS reference should be 3.4, 3.5, and 3.6. Please provide clarification.

Please see correction.

41 RFP M.2.2

Table M-2 is not in sync with Table L-2. Table M-2 indicates that the PWS reference for Subfactor 2 is PWS 3.2-3.3. We believe the correct PWS reference is PWS

3.3. Please provide clarification.

Please see corrections.

Number Reference Question Government Response

42 RFP M.2.2

Table M-2 is not in sync with Table L-2. Table M-2 indicates that the PWS reference for Subfactor 5 is PWS 3.1, 3.7-3.0, 3.11. We believe the correct PWS reference is PWS 3.8, 3.9, 3.11. Please provide clarification.

Please see corrections.

43 RFP L.1.4.3.a, L.1.4.3.g

Section L.1.4.3.a states: "Proposal Volumes shall be submitted in electronic format on one CD-ROM/DVD..."

Section L.1.4.3.g. states: ""All sub-volumes (one for each subfactor) will be tabbed..." Volume 1- Preliminary Qualifying Criteria: Volume 1 states “shall be organized in tab format” again Section L.2.2.2 Volume 2 Ex.

Summary “tab dividers are not included in page count” We believe the tab references should be deleted for an electronic submission. Please provide clarification?

Please see corrections.

44 RFP L.1.4.1

Section L.1.4.1 states "...All hand-carried proposal documents, to include CD ROMS/DVDs, shall be delivered to the address below..." Will the government please consider allowing offerors to submit electronic proposals via the Safe Access File Exchange (SAFE)?

Proposal delivery methods remain unchanged.

45 RFP L.2.2.8.2

Section L.2.2.8.2 states: "The offeror shall submit a maximum of five (5) PPQs to the points of contact…" Section J indicates that Attachment IV is the MEUAS IV PP Questionnaire. Attachment IV was not provided with the final solicitation documents. Please provide Attachment IV.

Please see amendment.

Number Reference Question Government Response

46 CDP, Section 4.7.3

For CDP demo requirement 4.7.3 that refers to the PWS

3.2.2 requirement for remote GCS handoff. Will the remote GCS also be required to demonstrate meeting requirements 3.5.2 for >70nm range (T), 3.4.8 for > 1500 hours of high quality digital FMV (T), and/or other requirements following handoff to the remote GCS, if the primary GCS configuration allows demonstration of these requirements?

Please see revision.

Table L-2: Cross Referencing

Table M-2 - Technical Factor Cross Reference Matrix

Can the Government confirm the applicable PWS cross references for Subfactor 2, Subfactor 3, and Subfactor 5 as they are different in Table L-2 and Table M-2?

Please see correction.

48 L.2.2.8.2 Past Performance Questionnaire (PPQ)

Can the Government provide the Past Performance Questionnaire required in L.2.2.8.2? Please see amendment.

49 M.2.2.6.2 Relevancy

The Government states, “A very relevant magnitude of effort would be a contract value averaging at least $75 million per year. A very relevant scope of work may include but is not limited to efforts such as Department of Defense COCO ISR services and/or GOCO ISR Services requiring integration and management of Government payloads, and overseas logistics support network experience.”

However, the evaluation criteria states the overall subfactor rating is Acceptable or Unacceptable? Can the Government clarify the relevance level required to score an Acceptable rating?

Please refer to M.2.2.6.1.

An acceptable rating is earned with the consideration of all information gathered regarding the Offerors past or present performance.

Number Reference Question Government Response

50 PWS 3.2.5

Section 3.2.5 identifies a “flight failure” as an aircraft not recovered “within site recovery area”.

If the GCS at a “spoke” location has full capabilities to include takeoff and landing, will the “site recovery area” include any location deemed physically safe for personnel to access even if not the original launch point?

Site recovery areas are determined at the task order level and may or may not include spokes.

51 L.2.2.8.2

If an Offeror is a current subcontractor on MEUAS III and a prime contractor has refused to complete a PPQ for the work performed under a subcontract, citing competitive concerns, can the Government confirm that an Offeror will not be negatively evaluated in the case of a prime contractor/customer refusing to complete a PPQ?

Under these circumstances, will USSOCOM consider completing the PPQs for subcontractors supporting the MEUAS III program?

The Offeror will not be negatively evaluated in the case of a prime contractor/customer refusing to complete a PPQ.

USSOCOM does not have the required knowledge to complete PPQs on subcontractors.

Number Reference Question Government Response

52 L.2.2.7, Paragraph 1

Reference - Technical Subfactor 5, Program Management: Reference states in part…. The offeror shall demonstrate its understanding of the Government’s requirements by providing its approach to meet all PWS service requirements in support of Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR), pre- and post-deployment, transition of sites, maintenance (to include spares and repairs), and personnel requirements.

Question: Will the Government please clarify if the requirement is to address all PWS paragraphs or only those that pertain to Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR), pre- and post-deployment, transition of sites, maintenance (to include spares and repairs), and personnel requirements?

The Offeror shall address all paragraphs under Subfactor 5 in Table L-2, as well as all requirements in paragraph L.2.2.7.

53 L.2.2.7, Paragraph 1

Reference - Technical Subfactor 5, Program Management: Reference states in part…. The offeror shall demonstrate its understanding of the Government’s requirements by providing its approach to meet all PWS service requirements in support of Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR), pre- and post-deployment, transition of sites, maintenance (to include spares and repairs), and personnel requirements.

Question: Will the government please state by PWS paragraph number which PWS paragraphs are to be addressed for this requirement?

See Table L-2.

Number Reference Question Government Response

54 5652.237-9001 Key Personnel Requirements (2003)

Is there a page count limit on resumes or required qualifications for the 2 key positions of PM and LM? No.

55 L.2.2.8.2 Past Performance Questionnaires (PPQ):

#1) is there a template for the PPQs?

#2) When are these due? Prior to submission or after we submit? Please see amendment.

56 RFP

Since this is defined as “COCO”, and there is no formal Cost Volume with itemized hardware breakdown, please clarify if Contractor is advised to include purchase cost of UAS flight and ground systems into RFP Section B Item 0001 (or other) as “overhead/fee”, or will USG consider the cost of “leasing” UAS flight and ground systems for contract duration?

All pricing will be addressed at the task order level. No entries in Section B is requested.

Past Performance Questionnaires (PPQ) L.2.2.8.2 If all of our PP have CPARS, are PPQs still required to be submitted with this proposal? Yes

Is there an updated acquisition schedule? Specifically are there dates for the capabilities demonstration, IDIQ awards, and task order competitions? This data is required for planning purposes.

The demo will begin in mid-December. IDIQ awards are anticipated June 2020. TO competition schedule has not been decided.

Solicitation H9240819R0001_1Oct19.pdf L.2.1.1 Is the Top Secret Facility Security Clearance required at time of proposal?

Please reference PWS 3.11.1, facility clearances will be required at the time of Task Order proposal.

Solicitation H9240819R0001_1Oct19.pdf L.2.2.1 and L.2.2.4

Is it correct to assume the PWS Paragraph reference provided in L.2.2.4 is limited to PWS Paragraph 3.3 as listed in Table L-2? Please clarify which PWS paragraphs are to be addressed in Subfactor 2.

Table L-2 has been revised.

Number Reference Question Government Response

Solicitation H9240819R0001_1Oct19.pdf L.2.2.1 and L.2.2.5

Is it correct to assume that Table L-2 should reference both PWS paragraph 3.4 and 3.6 and that both Payload Performance and simultaneous EW payload capability is to be addressed? Please clarify which PWS paragraphs are to be addressed in Subfactor 3.

See corrections.

Solicitation H9240819R0001_1Oct19.pdf M.1.3.2

Will contractors that qualify multiple platforms be invited to multiple demonstration events? If so, can each contractor's demonstration events be consecutive (i.e.

back to back)?

Yes to both questions.

Solicitation H9240819R0001_1Oct19.pdf, Attachment 3 4.7.4.4 Evaluation of

PWS 3.3.

If the contractor offers a different day and night payload, can we assume that the heavier payload will be used for the aircraft endurance demonstration?

Yes.

Solicitation H9240819R0001_1Oct19.pdf, Attachment 3 4.7.4.4 Evaluation of

PWS 3.3.

Is the PWS 3.6.5 requirement (Secondary payload power) going to be evaluated during the endurance flight? In addition to the contractor provided weight, is a load-bank required?

Secondary payload will be tested on the ground only.

The Offeror is not required to provide a load bank.

Solicitation H9240819R0001_1Oct19.pdf L.2.2.2 Volume 2 - Executive Summary

It is clear that the TOC, title page, acronym list, and page dividers are not included in the page count. Is there a page limit on the Executive Summary narrative?

The Executive Summary is included in the page count for Volume 2A.

66 L.1.4.3 Technical Volume 2A, Resumes

Please confirm that Resumes are excluded from the 45 page limit for Technical Volume 2A. Please confirm that individual resumes for each Key Personnel are not page limited.

Confirmed.

L.1.4.3.g and L.2.2.7 Volume 2A, Key Personnel Resumes M.2.2 and M.2.2.5 Volume 2 – Technical Subfactor 5

Section L refers to Key Personnel Resumes as “Appendix 1” while Section M refers to Key Personnel Resumes as “Addendum 1”. Please confirm how you would like this sub-volume (subfactor) section to be tabbed and labeled within Volume 2.

Please see revision to Table L-2.

Number Reference Question Government Response

68 Tables L-2 and M-2

PWS paragraph references called out in Table L-2 do not match Table M-2 for Subfactors 2 - Unmanned Air Vehicle Performance; Subfactor 3 – Payload Performance; and Subfactor 5 Program Management.

If we strictly follow L-2 instructions (missing PWS references) , there are areas that we would miss writing about which table M-2 states will be evaluated.

Suggest that the PWS references between the two match!

Please see correction.

69 PPQ

We noticed that the PPQ attachment provided in the draft solicitation was omitted from the final FRP. Shall offerors use the DRFP attachment IV (PPQ) or will you publish an amendment to the FRFP with the PPQ? If the format is the same, if you can confirm that the format is the same we will move ahead with transmitting the PPQ from the DRFP to our Government POCs.

Please see Amendment 1.