Question_and_Answer_for_Posting_51_through_54.docx

Question and Answers Solicitation HTC711-13-R-C003

Question 51 Reference: Section 3.6.5, page 10 of 24 (Amendment 0002, Attachment 1), Aircraft shall be capable of taking off and landing with 1,750 lbs. of cargo on an unimproved runway of a minimum of 2,500 feet in length.

During our research, we were only able to locate airfields at the FOLs and the base that had unimproved runways of 3,500 feet in length or more. Can this requirement be amended to a minimum 3,500 feet in length? If not, would it be possible to split the requirement to allow one of the two aircraft to be capable of taking off on an unimproved runway of a minimum of 3,500 feet in length?

Answer 51 The Government’s need is for the capability for both aircraft to take off and land with 1,750 lbs. of cargo on an unimproved runway of a minimum of 2,500 feet in length. The requirement remains as is.

Carriers are reminded that the Government intends to award a single Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract using Low Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA) Source Selection Procedures. Specifically, contract award will be made in accordance with the terms of FAR Part 15.101-2, Appendix A of the Department of Defense Source Selection Procedures, as implemented on July 1, 2011, and the provisions contained herein. Award will be made to the offeror whose technical and past performance proposals are determined acceptable and who offers the lowest Total Evaluated Price (TEP). This strategy does not permit the Government to pay a higher price for a technical approach which exceeds the Government’s minimum requirement.

Question 52 PWS paragraph 3.6.6 poses significant risk to a contractor and jeopardizes FAA Part 135 compliance. As such, recommend this paragraph be revised to state, “Aircraft shall be capable of taking off and landing on unprepared and unsurveyed surfaces (for personnel recovery under emergency conditions during daylight hours), provided that sufficient information is made available to determine safe operations are possible in accordance with FAA guidelines.”

Answer 52 Requested revision incorporated via Amendment 0004.

Question 53 Based on the language in the current SOFA for Burkina Faso (attached), can you confirm whether this SOFA exempts the carrier from taxes assessed on the purchase of articles for personnel?

Answer 53 The phrase "contractors shall not be liable to pay any tax or similar charge assessed within Burkina Faso in connection with activities under this Agreement" is very broad. However, it is not a given that this would extend to personal purchases of food, lodging, clothing etc. made by contractor employees. The agreement is broad enough to say with confidence that contractors purchasing goods and services for their employees should not be assessed any taxes. However, we don't think it is safe to assume that direct purchases by contractor employees of items or services for personal use/consumption would be exempt. Recommend addressing any further concerns with the Embassy.

Question 54 In reviewing the Information Assurance & Cyber Security subfactor language, it is unclear whether we would be required to potentially modify our systems/infrastrucure in order to be determined technically acceptable. Please advise as to the intent of this subfactor.

Answer 54 The criteria in paragraph (a)(i)(3) of FAR 52.212-2 states:

The measure of merit for this subfactor is met when the offeror submits an Information Assurance Report that describes their environment for adequately safeguarding DOD non-public information resident on or transiting on the contractor's unclassified information systems from unauthorized access and disclosure AND address the SANS (SysAdmin, Audit, Network, Security) Institute's Twenty Critical Security Controls for Effective Cyber Defense: Consensus Audit Guidelines (http://www.sans.org/critical-security-controls).

Per this criteria, the offeror need only to submit an Information Assurance Report which includes the required description of their environment for adequately safeguarding DOD non-public information resident on or transiting on the contractor's unclassified information systems from unauthorized access and disclosure and addresses all SANS controls. If one or more controls are not currently in place or are not applicable to this requirement, the offeror shall state as such in their proposal, including any plans for potential future implementation. Technical acceptability is determined based on submission of the required report and addressing the stated controls.