HTC711-13-R-R016_Questions Answers_2nd_Round.pdf

Date

Received RFP Page # RFP Para # Question Comment Category US Government Response

1 9-Sep-13 38 52.212-1(1)

Are you requiring companies to be CARB certified at time of proposal submission or time of award for the AFRICOM Dedicated Fixed Wing requirement? CARB Approval

In accordance with (IAW) 52.212-1(1) "Pursuant to DoDI 4500.53, to be eligible to receive a contract award, the offeror must be an approved Department of Defense (DOD) air carrier as determined by HQ AMC/A3B and the Commercial Airlift Review Board (CARB) at time of proposal submission for the aircraft type proposed under this Solicitation."

2 9-Sep-13 N/A N/A

Is there a breakdown available of where current contractor personnel are located in support of this contract throughout the AOR? Personnel Contractor personnel are located in Entebbe, Uganda.

3 9-Sep-13 N/A N/A Is there any baggage scanning equipment available in Entebbe or any of the outstations? Equipment No.

4 9-Sep-13 N/A N/A Is there a list of any equipment that will be left in place from the previous contract holder? Equipment No.

5 9-Sep-13 3 SF 1449 When is the contract award date scheduled? Award Date

26 November 2013. This date was added to Technical Subfactor 5 - Operational Date in

Addendums 52.212-1 & 52.212-2 via Amendment 0002.

6 9-Sep-13 N/A N/A

Will there be a site survey of the facilities and outstations in the AOR prior to or after the award date? Site Survey

The acquisition office does not have the authority to grant/facilitate offeror site visits, however, does not object to arrangement made directly by bidders.

7 9-Sep-13

Attch 1 -

PWS pgs 5

& 7

Attch 1 - PWS paras 1.3.2, 1.3.3, 1.3.5, 1.9.3

Is there a training requirement from the Govt. to be maintained by the Contractor for key

Contractor personnel? (Pilots, Medical, etc.) If so, when will those requirements be made available? Training

Yes, there are multiple training requirements listed in Attachment 1 - Performance Work

Statement (PWS). IAW PWS Para 1.3.2. "Aircrew members shall be trained, qualified, and maintain proficiency in accordance with FAR 135, and 32 CFR 861." IAW PWS Para

1.3.3. "Aircraft maintenance personnel shall be trained, qualified, and maintain proficiency in accordance with FAR 135. IAW PWS Para 1.3.5. Training, "Contract employees will be afforded the opportunity to attend code of Conduct training IAW

DoDD 1300.7 dated 8 Dec 2000." IAW PWS Para 1.9.3. "Aircrew shall be air drop qualified in accordance with the contractor’s training program as approved by the FAA."

8 9-Sep-13 40 & 43

52.212-1 (II)

Part I -

Technical (e) &

52.212-2 (a) (1)

Part I -

Technical (v) After award, is the Contractor expected to be FMC on 28 Dec 13? Award Date

Yes, IAW 52.212-1 (II) Part I - Technical (e) Operational Date, the offeror must "submit confirmation two aircraft will be operational and ready to conduct missions in Africa on

28 December 2013." IAW 52.212-2 (a) (1) Part I - Technical (v) Technical Subfactor 5 -

Operational Date, "To be rated acceptable the offeror must submit confirmation two aircraft will be operational and ready to conduct missions in Africa on 28 December

2013."

9 9-Sep-13

Attch 1 -

PWS pg 5 1.5.2 Which areas will be provided security by PNF or USF? Security

United States Special Operations Forces (USSOF) provides security at each outstation.

AFRICOM COUNTER LRA COMMAND ELEMENT (ACCE) policies set security postures at

Entebbe.

10 9-Sep-13 N/A N/A

Is there an APO available for mail? If not, what is the plan for sending and receiving mail for contractors? Assets Yes. Mail is sent and received through the Embassy in Kampala, Uganda.

11 9-Sep-13 N/A N/A Is there a list of OFF LIMITS AREAS in Entebbe? Security

Yes. The current off limit locations are in Entebbe. They are The Trap, The Bellagio, and

The Four Turkeys.

12 9-Sep-13 N/A N/A

Is there a DFAC (dining facility) available for contractors to use in Entebbe or any of the outstations? Assets

No. US personnel are allowed to shop and dine on the economy in Entebbe or utilize a subcontractor at the outstations, if necessary.

13 9-Sep-13

Attch 1 -

PWS pg 2 1.1.3

Is there past performance history available of the types of flights conducted and their frequency? (Day, Night, NVG, Airborne Ops, Waterborne Ops, etc) Historical Data

This information is not releasable. IAW Attach 1 - PWS para 1.1.3 "The Government anticipates contracting approximately 225 hours between two aircraft for 24 days per month and allows 6 days per month for scheduled/unscheduled maintenance."

14 9-Sep-13 N/A N/A Is there a list available of assets and or services available at each outstation in the AOR? Assets Please clarify and provide examples of "assets" and "services".

15 9-Sep-13 N/A N/A

With reference to subject solicitation, we hold interest in offering services as to meet the requirement and inquire as to whether our firm must be registered on a specific schedule in order to qualify for consideration by USTRANSCOM. If so, please advise which schedule we must be registered on and we shall apply expeditiously. General No, there is not a schedule.

16 9-Sep-13

Attch 1 -

PWS pg 5 1.3.1 Are Mechanics, Avionics and ALSE Techs required to have a SECRET clearance? Personnel

No. IAW PWS Para 1.3.1 "Some aircrew and site managers performing under this contract are required to possess a Secret security clearance unless otherwise waived on a case-by-case basis."

17 9-Sep-13 N/A N/A AMRs (Air Mission Requests) will come directly from the JSOAD, ACCE or whom? Missions Air Support Requests (ASR's) come directly from the ACCE.

18 11-Sep-13 N/A N/A

Since contractors cannot be armed for this contract. Are we allowed to subcontract force protection services for those areas that will not be provided security? i.e. living quarters, transportation. Security

The Government provides security at each outstation and at Entebbe. United States

Special Operations Forces (USSOF) provides security at each outstation. AFRICOM

COUNTER LRA COMMAND ELEMENT (ACCE) policies set security postures at Entebbe.

19 11-Sep-13

Attach 1 -

PWS pg 3 1.1.6

Please clarify the 1800’ minimum runway requirements to assist in Part 135 planning. Should we use Obo’s field elevation of 2,000’ MSL with a standard temperature of 25 degrees C.?

Aircraft

Requirements

Yes. See Amendment 0003 to the Solicitation which adds "contractor should use 2,000'

MSL with a standard temperature of 25 degrees C for planning purposes" to Attach 1 -

PWS para 1.1.6.

20 11-Sep-13

Attach 1 -

PWS pg 3 &

7 1.2.1 & 1.8

If the aircraft can fit a substantial amount of cargo in the baggage compartment, is Combi required?

Aircraft

Requirements

Passenger and Cargo Combination (COMBI) Service is required IAW PWS paras 1.2.1 and

PWS section 1.8.

21 11-Sep-13

Attach 1 -

PWS pg 10 4.2.5

In accordance with PWS section 4.2.5, the government requires the vendor to have a SECRET facility security clearance prior to award. Will the government allow the vendor to receive the facility clearance after award and before the period of performance begins? Clearance

No. IAW PWS para 4.2.5 "FCLs and Interim FCLs must be awarded by the Defense

Security Service (DSS) prior to proposal submission."

22 11-Sep-13

Attach 1 -

PWS pg 12 4.5.1

Please clarify section 4.5.1, Secure Communications requirement. What type of equipment and standard must be met?

Aircraft

Requirements See Amendment 0003 which removes PWS para 4.5.1.

23 11-Sep-13 N/A N/A Is fuel available at all government directed destinations? Fuel

Aviation Gas (AVGAS) is available via fuel trucks at Entebbe, Uganda and Dungu, DRC.

See Amendment 0003 to the Solicitation which adds the statement "The contractor is responsible for making arrangements for fuel at all locations" to PWS para 1.1.2.

24 16-Sep-13

Attach 1 -

PWS pg 3 1.1.12

We understand the contractor is responsible for country flight clearances and landing clearances but are agreements in place between USG and the operating countries such that contractors will be allowed to operate without gaining host nation Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) approval - possibly through status of forces agreements? Clearances

There is a standing blanket clearance agreement within the four countries that states aircraft operating in support of Operation Observant Compass (OOC) are allowed into country. This agreement is worked with individual countries and includes aircraft information.

25 16-Sep-13

Attach 1 -

PWS pg 3 1.1.6

We have many of the airfield surveys normally used in support of missions in this area and all are longer than 1,800 ft in length. Please provide airfield surveys for the airfields that are 1,800 ft in length so that we can determine proper support with proposed aircraft. Airfield Airfield surveys are not releasable.

26 16-Sep-13

Attach 1 -

PWS pg 2 1.1.1

The PWS states, “Aircraft shall be available for services 24 hours per day, 7 days per week.”

Does the government intend to conduct night operations?

Aircraft

Requirements Yes.

27 16-Sep-13

Attach 1 -

PWS pg 2 1.1.1

The PWS states, “Aircraft shall be available for services 24 hours per day, 7 days per week.”

Will the government schedule one task per day per aircraft, or will the operator be required to maintain crewing for 24/7 availability?

Aircraft

Requirements

The Government may task one plane for one or more tasks per day depending on mission requirements. IAW Attch 1 - PWS para 1.1.1 "missions will be scheduled at least twenty-four (24) hours in advance, unless otherwise agreed to by the contractor and

COR." Therefore, contractor will be able to schedule crews appropriately. Additionally, IAW PWS para 4.5.1 "Crew duty day requirements are governed by Federal Aviation

Regulation Part 135 or applicable CAA regulations."

28 16-Sep-13

Attach 1 -

PWS pg 5 1.3.1

Will the government please verify, which flight crew members require secret level security clearances? Personnel

See Amendment 0003 to the Solicitation which requires "all aircrew and site managers performing under this contract" to possess a Secret security clearance unless otherwise waived on a case-by-case basis in Attach 1 - PWS para 1.3.1.

29 16-Sep-13

Attach 1 -

PWS pg 5 1.3.6 Will the government provide DBA as a reimbursable cost? DBA No. DBA Insurance should be bid into the contractor's fixed operation costs.

30 16-Sep-13

Attach 1 -

PWS pg 5 1.5.2

USTRANSCOM is currently soliciting for Rotary wing service in the same region. Will support materials and personnel be authorized on these aircraft on a space available basis? General

The Government may task the fixed wing aircraft to bring support materials, etc out to

Obo, CAR, however, these missions are at the Government's discretion.

31 16-Sep-13

Attach 1 -

PWS pg 7 1.9.3

The PWS states, “The contractor shall have the necessary Operations Specifications to perform air drop services at varying altitudes.” Will the government please clarify what varying altitudes means? Air Drop

Previously air drops have typically been accomplished between 100' and 500', however, altitude depends on the specific mission and is not limited to these altitudes.

32 16-Sep-13

Attach 1 -

PWS pg 7 1.9.4

The PWS states, “Air drop services are anticipated to be used sparingly throughout contract performance.” Will the government please further clarify the frequency of air drops for staff planning purposes? Air Drop The mission is too dynamic to clarify frequency and it depends on the operations.

33 16-Sep-13

Attach 1 -

PWS pg 7 1.9.4 Will the government require both aircraft to provide airdrop services simultaneously? Air Drop

Typically air drops are performed with one aircraft, however a requirement for simultaneous airdrop missions cannot be ruled out.

34 16-Sep-13

Attach 1 -

PWS pg 8 3.2

The government indicates they will reimburse the contractor for airport fees to include landing and parking fees, eurocontrol fees, and overflight fees. Does this include the parking and associated fees at the base location? Reimbursables

Yes. IAW PWS para 3.2, "The Government will reimburse the Contractor, at cost, for all airport fees assessed as a result of authorized performance under this contract."

35 16-Sep-13

Attach 1 -

PWS pg 8 3.6

Fuel quality in the region is not always up to DoD standards, meaning contractors must perform thorough testing to ensure fuel quality. Further, fuel logistics is an extremely difficult part of operating in these environments. In order to ensure flight schedules are not interrupted due to fuel constraints, will the government require contractors to provide their own prepositioned fuel depots at the forward operating locations? Fuel

The Government cannot predetermine how much fuel the contractor will need for operations, therefore, ensuring sufficient fuel is available at the outstations is the contractor's responsibility.

36 16-Sep-13

Attach 1 -

PWS pg 12 4.5.1

The PWS states, “When operating missions, the contractor’s operations center will be required to maintain secure voice communications.” Does this mean in the aircraft to ground forces?

From the operations center in Entebbe to the aircraft? Will the government please further define this requirement.

Aircraft

Requirements See Amendment 0003 which removes PWS para 4.5.1.

37 16-Sep-13

Attach 1 -

PWS pg 12 4.5.1

Will the government provide access to secure communication equipment at the operations center to allow contractor to communicate with secure communication equipment installed in aircraft?

Aircraft

Requirements See Amendment 0003 which removes PWS para 4.5.1.

38 16-Sep-13 30 252.225-7040

The government offers a Web-based source for deployment preparation. Will USTRANSCOM please clarify the access point and availability of this training source? Clause

Please refer to the AFRICOM website (http://www.africom.mil/staff-resources/travel-to-africa) for further information on training contractor personnel deploying to Africa.

Additionally, the State Department website (http://www.state.gov/) is another source for information on travel to Africa.

39 16-Sep-13 38-39

52.212-1

Paragraph

(b)(1) & (4)

In which section of the proposal should offerors include the following items?:

• CARB Certificate (52.212-1&2 Addendum, Paragraph(b)(1))

• Company contact info/ SCAC (52.212-1&2 Addendum, Paragraph(b)(3)(iv))

• CAGE Code, DUNS code, and size standard (52.212-1&2 Addendum, Paragraph(b)(4)(iv))

• Authorized individuals (52.212-1&2 Addendum, Paragraph(b)(4)(v))

• Online Reps and Certs (52.212-1&2 Addendum, Paragraph(b)(4)(vi))

• DD254 52.212-1&2 Addendum, Paragraph(b)(4)(vii)) 52.212-1

The items listed are considered "General Compliance" and shall be submitted as part of the offeror's overall proposal. The items listed do not need to be submitted under Parts

I - IV of the offeror's proposal.

40 16-Sep-13 31 252.225-7040

Where will this Joint Reception Center (JRC) be and is there an estimated timeline for an individual to “in-process” before they can begin work? Will these be required upon entry for every rotation? Clause

Information regarding the Joint Reception Center (JRC) will be provided at a later date, however, the contractors will be requried to in-process at Entebbe with the ACCE. This is generally accomplished in one day, however, for crew rotations should take less time.

Additionally, Please refer to the AFRICOM website (http://www.africom.mil/staff-resources/travel-to-africa) for information on deploying contractor personnel to Africa.

Additionally, the State Department website (http://www.state.gov/) is another source for information on travel to Africa.

41 16-Sep-13 28 252.225-7040

Will the government please provide a list of the Government Furnished Services to be authorized on the SPOT LOAs for personnel assigned to this contract? Clause

The Government will issue Letters of Authorization (LOAs) via the Synchronized

Predeployment and Operational Tracker (SPOT), however, no Government Furnished

Services are authorized under this contract.

42 19-Sep-13

Attach 1 -

PWS pg 12 4.5.1 Will secure HF radio (in addition to VHF and UHF) suffice? Or is SATCOM required?

Aircraft

Requirements See Amendment 0003 which removes PWS para 4.5.1.