HQ0682-13-R-0006_Questions_ _Answers.pdf

18 March 2013

RFP HQ0682-13-R-0006 Questions and Answers:

1. Q - In attachment #3 (page 50), item 3. The pass/fail criteria are based upon 3 or 4 DOFs. Why would the pass or fail not be written as being able to accomplish the required task instead of how many degrees of freedom the arm has?

A - This is the specification that came from EOD units in theater.

2. Q - Will the government dictate the required frequencies or is this being left to contractors to decide?

A - Government will assess your current configuration and provide feedback to the proposal if adjustments are required.

3. Q - How will the government ensure an unbiased evaluation during field evaluations? Will field evaluations be open to interested parties to observe or will an independent representative conduct the evaluations?

A - Field evaluation will be conducted by independent agency such as ATEC or

NAVEODTECHDIV.

4. Q - What measures will the government take to ensure all evaluations are conducted under the same environments? (i.e. possible jamming from other devices, older systems, weather, etc.)

A - All field evaluations will be conducted in the exact same scenarios on the same range in a controlled environment.

5. Q - Are there trade-offs between weight and overall performance since the purpose of the JUONS is to reduce overall system weight to be carried by the troops?

A - No.

6. Q - The solicitation is “Unrestricted” yet FAR Clause 52.219-14 is incorporated by reference. The contracting officer shall insert the clause at 52.219-14, Limitations on Subcontracting, in solicitations and contracts for supplies, services, and construction, if any portion of the requirement is to be set aside or reserved for small business and the contract amount is expected to exceed $150,000. This includes multiple-award contracts when orders may be set aside for small business concerns, as described in 8.405-5 and 16.505(b)(2)(i)(F).

A - Removed FAR Clause 52.219-14.

7. Q - Why isn’t this procurement set-aside for Small Business Concern?

A - Market research conducted determined that there is no reasonable expectation of obtaining offers from two or more responsible small business concerns that are http://farsite.hill.af.mil/reghtml/regs/far2afmcfars/fardfars/far/52_215.htm#P1488_264058 http://farsite.hill.af.mil/reghtml/regs/far2afmcfars/fardfars/far/08.htm#P268_44372 http://farsite.hill.af.mil/reghtml/regs/far2afmcfars/fardfars/far/16.htm#P464_78757

18 March 2013 competitive in terms of market prices, quality, and delivery; therefore the contracting officer made a decision to solicit as unrestricted.

8. Q - If left as unrestricted and award is made to a Large Business, will a Small Business Subcontract Plan be required?

A - No

9. Q - Throwability is listed as an Option in the specifications, but it appears throw-ability is not being evaluated, as it’s not covered in the performance testing or evaluation factors. Can you please explain how you will evaluate this JUONS requirement?

A - This is an optional requirement and is not rated.

10. Q - How will durability be evaluated as listed in Sub-factor 4d?

A - Durability will be assessed as to the system’s ability to complete the scenarios. System’s durability will be deemed unreliable based on issue occurrences in the mission scenarios.

11. Q - Is it a coincidence that this specification EXACTLY matches the DR10 specification?

A - It is a coincidence. It is the specification listed by EOD units in theater.

12. Q - Why would you specify 3 or 4 DoF on an accessory instead of specifying what the required objective or capability is and allows the manufacture to determine the necessary DoF to meet the requirement? Are you saying ONLY a 3 or 4 DoF arm can meet mission objectives?

A - The requirement was generated based on expert opinion from EOD units in theater. This degree of dexterity is what the EOD user has requested as their threshold.

13. Q - When is the expected notification date for the invitation to Fort Leonard

Wood for testing?

A - The estimated date of notification is to be no later than (NLT) 5 April 2013

14. Q - When are the expected testing date(s) at Fort Leonard Wood?

A - The expected testing dates are estimated 15-30 April 2013.

15. Q - When is the expected award date after successful testing?

A - The expected award date after successful testing is to be determined.