TASC_Q-A_19_Oct_16.pdf

HTC711-16-R-R023

TASC

Questions and Answers 1-100

Number Document Reference Question Response

1 Soliciation Standard Form 1449, page 1 of 78, Block 6 Solicitation

Issue Date indicates 30 Sep 2016. Block 8 Offer Due Date/Local Time indicated 2:00 PM 28 Oct 2016.

Question: Request for Proposal (RFP) was posted 4 Oct 2016 in lieu of the 30 Sep 2016 date referenced on the SF1449. Will the Government consider an extension in light of this delay in release of the final RFP? Request an extension to the Offer Due Date to 4 Nov 2016 to allow offerors adequate response time to prepare their proposals.

The Offer Due Date has been revised.

2 RFP

Section:52.212-1 Addendum, Page:

51, Para: (b)(3)(D)(1)(i)

The paragraph referenced states "“A current listing of DoD Approved Air Carriers can be found at: http://www.amc.af.mil/Home/AMC-Commercial-Services.” However, a current DOD-Approved Air Carrier (CARB) list is not available on this website.

Historically, the DOD Approved Air Carrier list had to be officially requested via a FOIA or from AMC/A3B directly. Will the government clarify if the link provided in the paragraph is correct?

Language has been revised to remove the inaccurate link.

3 RFP

Section: 52.212-1 Addendum, Page:

52, Para: (b)(3)(D)(1)(vii)

The paragraph referenced states "The proposed aircraft shall be on the aircraft operator's Operations Specification at the time of proposal submission." However, this conflicts with 52.212-1 Addendum paragraph (b)(3)(D)(1)(iii), which states that "Examples of proof include a letter of intent to sell or purchase aircraft, or an option to lease or purchase." and "shall provide adequate assurance to the Government that each proposed aircraft will be available for the contract period of performance." (A) Does the government require an offeror to have all proposed individual aircraft on their Operations Specifications prior to IDIQ proposal submission? (B) Does the gov’t require an offeror to have at least one aircraft capable of meeting each of the five (5) aircraft types required by IDIQ 1.3.711?

The solicitation has been revised

4 RFP

Section: 52.212-1 Addendum, Page:

52, Para: (b)(3)(D)(2)(a)

The paragraph referenced stipulates a 10-page limit for the IDIQ Technical Approach and requires the offeror to submit minimum experience and qualification it will require of personnel. Given the scope of requirements and level of detail required to provide the government assurance of the offerors ability to perform, will the government allow offerors to provide the qualification requirements for personnel as an attachment to the Technical Approach since those requirements may comprise several pages?

Increased Page Limit to 15 pages

5 RFP

Section: 52.212-1 Addendum, Page:

54, Para: (b)(3)(E)(2)(a)

The paragraph referenced stipulates a 10-page limit for the TO Technical Approach and requires the offeror to submit a personnel matrix and contingency evacuation plan. Given the scope of requirements and level of detail required to provide the government assurance of the offerors ability to perform, will the government allow offerors to provide the personnel matrix and evacuation plan as attachments to the TO Technical Approach since those requirements may comprise several pages?

Increased Page Limit to 15 pages

6 TASC PWS

Section: IDIQ PWS, Page: 4-5, 27 Para 1.2.1.8, 3.2.3

Paragraph 1.2.1.8 stipulates CONUS Replacement Center (CRC) training or a DOD-approved equivalent process is required for personnel prior to departure. The solicitation does not provide a CLIN Detail and the schedule does not provide detail as to whether CRC and the associated costs of medical/dental/vision screening required during CRC and acknowledged as required for the AOR in paragraph 1.2.1.14 are reimbursable expenses. Paragraph 3.2.3 states "The government will not reimburse expenses which are considered normal operating costs and are not unique to this requirement." This implies that expenses unique to this requirement will be reimbursed and the previously referenced paragraphs establish CRC and the associated medical screenings as required uniquely based on this requirement. It is standard within this type of contract to reimburse the contractor, at cost, for the expenses associated with CRC and associated screening. Will the government please clarify if it intends to authorize CRC and associated screenings under the Reimbursable

- Other than fuel CLINs?

The offeror is responsible for all costs associated with CRC and associated screening.

7 TASC PWS

Section: IDIQ PWS, Page: 21, Para:

1.3.7.4

The paragraph referenced states: “Aircraft must be Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) capable…” There are significant differences between mission profiles flown by FW aircraft and RW aircraft in view of altitudes flown and requirements for flying in IFR conditions. The current incumbent USTC contract for RW services in Central Africa, HTC711-13-R-R017, does not contain a requirement for IFR equipped rotary wing aircraft. The incumbent contractors in Central Africa are also currently flying Day VMC and Night VMC aided by NVGs. Additionally, the current USTC contract for RW services in Afghanistan, HTC711-11-D-R021, which is a dramatically different terrain environment does not require IFR equipped aircraft. On the contrary, most FW aircraft are IFR capable because the nature of FW flight operations is airfield-to-airfield, often with air traffic control infrastructure to support IFR operations. This necessitates splitting the requirements to describe what is required equipment for FW and RW separately. (A) Is the government’s intent to require RW aircraft to be IFR equipped despite a lack of IFR infrastructure to conduct IFR operations in the AOR?

(B) Will the government please specify equipment requirements for FW and RW aircraft equipment separately?

PWS Language updated to differentiate between FW and RW requirements

Questions and Answers 1-100

8 TASC PWS

Section: IDIQ PWS, Page: 21, Para:

1.3.7.4

This paragraph referenced states the aircraft must be equipped with Traffic Collision Avoidance System (TCAS). TCAS is a regulatory requirement for FW aircraft with seating capacity accommodating between 10-30 passengers. Per 14 CFR Part 135.180, TCAS is required for “airplanes” only; in Part 135, “airplanes” is used to represent FW aircraft only. This necessitates splitting the requirements to specifically describe what is required equipment for FW and RW separately. (A) Will the government please clarify the requirements for FW and RW aircraft separately? (B) Is it the government’s intent to require RW operators to install equipment that is not required by regulation or standard?

Language updated to differentiate between FW and RW requirements

9 TASC PWS

Section IDIQ PWS, Page: 21, Para:

1.3.7.4, 1.3.7.5

Paragraph 1.3.7.4 states the aircraft must be equipped with “…two (2) Very High Frequency (VHF) radios, Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) navigation equipment and weather detection capable radar. All aircraft must have satellite communication capabilities.” Paragraph 1.3.7.5 states the aircraft must be equipped with “…GPS flight following capability. Aircraft shall be equipped with an Emergency Locator Transmitter…” and “…UHF, VHF, FM two-way radios (frequency range 30-400 MHZ), and SATCOM capable…” These paragraphs are not harmonious and stipulate different equipment. Will the government consider creating a list of equipment required for FW aircraft and a list of equipment required for RW aircraft to remove ambiguity?

Language updated to differentiate between FW and RW requirements

10 CA PWS

Section: CA TO PWS, Page: 4, Para:

1.2.1.8, 3.2.3

Paragraph 1.2.1.8 stipulates CONUS Replacement Center (CRC) training or a DOD-approved equivalent process is required for personnel prior to departure. The solicitation does not provide a CLIN Detail and the schedule does not provide detail as to whether CRC and the associated costs of medical/dental/vision screening required during CRC and acknowledged as required for the AOR in paragraph 1.2.1.14 are reimbursable expenses. Paragraph 3.2.3 states "The government will not reimburse expenses which are considered normal operating costs and are not unique to this requirement." This implies that expenses unique to this requirement will be reimbursed and the previously referenced paragraphs establish CRC and the associated medical screenings as required uniquely based on this requirement. It is standard within this type of contract to reimburse the contractor, at cost, for the expenses associated with CRC and associated screening. Will the government please clarify if it intends to authorize CRC and associated screenings under the Reimbursable

- Other than fuel CLINs?

The offeror is responsible for all costs associated with CRC and associated screening.

11 CA PWS

Section: CA TO PWS, Page: 18, Para:

1.3.7.2.5

The paragraph referenced states: “Aircraft must be Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) capable…” There are significant differences between mission profiles flown by FW aircraft and RW aircraft in view of altitudes flown and requirements for flying in IFR conditions. The current incumbent USTC contract for RW services in Central Africa, HTC711-13-R-R017, does not contain a requirement for IFR equipped rotary wing aircraft. The incumbent contractors in Central Africa are also currently flying Day VMC and Night VMC aided by NVGs. Additionally, the current USTC contract for RW services in Afghanistan, HTC711-11-D-R021, which is a dramatically different terrain environment does not require IFR equipped aircraft. On the contrary, most FW aircraft are IFR capable because the nature of FW flight operations is airfield-to-airfield, often with air traffic control infrastructure to support IFR operations. This necessitates splitting the requirements to describe what is required equipment for FW and RW separately. (A) Is the government’s intent to require RW aircraft to be IFR equipped despite a lack of IFR infrastructure to conduct IFR operations in the AOR?

(B) Will the government please specify equipment requirements for FW and RW aircraft equipment separately?

Language updated to differentiate between FW and RW requirements

12 CA PWS

Section: CA TO PWS, Page: 18, Para:

1.3.7.2.5

This paragraph referenced states the aircraft must be equipped with Traffic Collision Avoidance System (TCAS). TCAS is a standard for FW aircraft with seating capacity accommodating between 10-30 passengers. Per 14 CFR Part 135.180, TCAS is required for “airplanes” only; in Part 135, “airplanes” is used to represent FW aircraft only. This necessitates splitting the requirements to specifically describe what is required equipment for FW and RW separately. (A) Will the government please clarify the requirements for FW and RW aircraft separately? (B) Is it the government’s intent to require RW operators to install equipment that is not required by regulation or standard?

Language updated to differentiate between FW and RW requirements

IDIQ Price

Table

Section: Attachment (3) – IDIQ Price Table, IDIQ Positioning/Depositioning

The IDIQ Price Table section titled IDIQ Positioning/Depositioning requires the offeror to provide pricing for positioning/depositioning costs based on category of aircraft, but does not specify a location for positioning/depositioning. Positioning/depositioning costs will vary greatly between locations and do not solely include the aircraft, but also the spare parts, tooling, and GSE equipment required to reliably maintain and operate the aircraft. For example, positioning an aircraft, its required spare parts, tooling and GSE to a location such as Entebbe has significant cost differentiators than positioning the same aircraft, spare parts, tooling, and GSE to a location like Nzara or Obo. (A) Is it the government’s intent for the offeror to assume the highest imaginable positioning/depositioning cost of any location on the continent for this pricing? (B) Will the government consider the logistical challenges associated with different locations and specify specific locations for positioning/depositioning cost estimates?

Provide the highest cost expected for any location. Positioning/depositioning costs proposed for task orders are expected to be reflective of the location of performance for that specific task order.

Questions and Answers 1-100

14 RFP

52.212-1(3); Page 53; Paragraph c.

Past Performance References.

The offeror shall submit no more than three (3) past performance references from different contracts or efforts it has performed which are similar to the scope and complexity of services described in this solicitation. This includes work for commercial customers, DoD and other Federal agencies, and subcontracts that are similar to the Government requirements. Additionally, offerors shall provide the following for each reference submitted.

Question/Clarification: For Offerors in a teaming arrangement, is it permissible for a subcontractor teammate to provide a past performance reference as one of the three references? Is there a limit to the number of references that can cite subcontractor/teammate contracts? For example, would an Offeror (Prime) submitting one reference and two from the subcontractor be compliant in providing the three references?

Yes, past performance references can be submitted for subcontractors.

Revised language to allow up to 6 references, which will include any subcontractor references.

15 RFP

Solicitation Page 52 IDIQ Subfactor 6 – Medical Service Accreditation.

The air carrier proposed for CASEVAC services shall be accredited by: 1) the Commission of Accreditation for Medical Transport (CAMTS), or 2) the National Accreditation Alliance of Medical Transport Applications (NAAMTA). The Offeror shall identify on RFP Attachment 8 which accreditation the air carrier holds.

a. Will the Government waive this requirement as it, when combined with the CARB requirement, severely limits competition in this type of operating environment?

b. Will the Government consider suspending this requirement at the IDIQ level and include it at the Task Order level?

c. Are air carriers able to bid at the IDIQ level if they do not currently possess CAMTS / NAAMTA at the time of proposal submission?

d. Are air carriers able to bid at the Task Order level if they do not currently possess CAMTS / NAAMTA at the time of proposal submission?

e. Can air carriers receive a notice to proceed if they are awarded a Task Order, yet do not possess CAMTS / NAAMTA accreditation?

The solicitation has been revised

16 TASC PWS TASC IDIQ PWS Section 1.2.5.4

The Contractor shall have medical providers for the CASEVAC missions, unless otherwise specified in the Task Order. Such medical providers may consist of Physicians, Physician Assistants, Paramedics, and Intensive Care Unit (ICU) Nurses.

a. Will the Government consider Nurse Practitioners as acceptable under the Physician Assistant labor category?

The PWS has been revised.

17 TASC PWS TASC IDIQ PWS Section 1.3.5.5

Physician personnel shall maintain active clinical privileges and work in a hospital-based emergency or critical care environment in order to maintain proficiency.

a. Can the Government legally require contract personnel to maintain employment outside of this contract?

b. Will the Government consider modifying this section to “Physician personnel shall maintain proficiency in emergency or critical care skills”?

The PWS has been revised.

18 TASC PWS TASC IDIQ PWS Section 1.3.5.6

Physician Assistant personnel shall maintain active clinical privileges and work in a hospital-based emergency or critical care environment in order to maintain proficiency.

a. Can the Government legally require contract personnel to maintain employment outside of this contract?

b. Will the Government consider modifying this section to “Physician Assistant personnel shall maintain proficiency in emergency or critical care skills”?

The PWS has been revised.

19 TASC PWS TASC IDIQ PWS Section 1.3.5.

Nursing Personnel shall a licensed Registered Nurse and have a minimum of four (4) years work experience, to include two (2) years of ICU level care.

a. Will the Government accept 2 years of experience in a critical care environment that is not performed in the ICU ward?

The PWS has been revised.

20 TASC PWS TASC IDIQ PWS Section 1.3.5.9

Contractor shall have provisions to store and administer controlled substances and blood products.

a. Will the Government provide the blood products as well as all required equipment for blood banking?

b. How many units of each blood type will the contractor store at any one time?

c. What is the required length of time the blood will be stored in the contractor’s storage unit?

d. Will the medical staff sign out small amounts of blood products from the Government and store them during the execution of a CASEVAC mission or does the Government expect the contractor to provide larger (ground based) refrigeration units for all blood banking storage to support US forces in the primary operating area.

Each Task Order will identify the specifics on whether controlled substances and blood products will be provided by the Government. Offerors are to have the capability to store and administer controlled substances and blood products if ordered under a Task Order.

21 RFP

Section: Solicitation, Page: 29, Paragraph: 52.212-5 (b)(1)(x)

Is a wage determination applicable to this procurement?

SCA does not apply to this solicitation.

22 RFP

Section: Solicitation, Page: 29, Paragraph: 52.212-5 (b)(1)(x)

Assuming a SCA Wage Determination is going to be applicable:

1) Is the Minimum Wage requirements applicable to US Nationals performing in Africa or in other non-US regions in support of this contract?

2) Does the Minimum Wage requirements apply to contractor personnel who are Local Nationals/Third-Nation persons (i.e. non-US citizens)?

SCA does not apply to this solicitation.

Questions and Answers 1-100

23 RFP

Section: Solicitation, Page: 43, Paragraph: 5552.247-9000(a)

"(a) ... Contractor must also satisfy Department of Defense (DOD) quality and safety requirements as described in 32 CFR Part 861, Section 861.4." Is it required that the Prime Contractor of a Team submitting a response be a CARB Approved FAA Part 135 Air Carrier at time of proposal submission?

No, the prime does not have to be CARB (DoD) approved at the time of proposal submission for the IDIQ. However, non- DoD approved carriers will not be eligible for award of the task order issued with the solicitation.

24 RFP

Section: Solicitation, Page: 46, Paragraph: 52.212-1(a)

Regarding the last sentence of paragraph (a), when considering the fulfillment of PWS services utilizing subcontracted services from either Team Members, Vendors, or Local Nationals/Third-Nation Entities, the small business threshold constriction from 1500 employees to 500 employees is being contemplated.

Is contractor delivery of services being fulfilled by others (subs/vendors/third-parties) considered furnishing of items that it did not itself manufacture? Or, given this procurement is for a service fulfillment contract, the manufacturing context of the subject paragraph, causes the considered threshold constriction to be not applicable?

This is language from the standard clause.

Since this is a service only contract, references to manufacturing do not apply.

25 RFP Section 52.212-1 (b)3.B Is there a dimension size limit on fold-out pages (i.e. 11H x 17W)?

Foldout pages exceeding 8.5 inches X 11 inches will be counted as two pages.

26 RFP Section 52.212-1 (b)3.B When considering use of fold-out pages, if charts, diagrams, or other graphics exist on both sides of the fold-out page, how many pages does that count as?

Each side exceeding 8.5 inches X 11 inches will be counted as two pages.

27 RFP

Section: Solicitation, Pages: 58, Paragraphs: 52.212-2 (b)(1)(C) & 52.212-2 (b)(1)©

Considering IDIQ Evaluation Factor 1 Basic Eligibility, Subfactor 3 - Certification Documentation evaluation which states “To meet this basic eligibility requirement, ...

The offeror demonstrated the proposed aircraft was on the aircraft operator’s Operations Specification at the time of proposal submission.”

[and] Considering IDIQ Evaluation Factor 1 Basic Eligibility, Subfactor 4 - Aircraft Ownership language which facilitates offeror demonstration of aircraft availability via a binding conditional lease for the entire [Task Order] contract period of performance.

1) Please confirm that a binding lease, which meets Evaluation Factor 1 Basic Eligibility Subfactor 4 requirements, for any proposed aircraft that is the same or similar to a type of aircraft already on the bidders Op-Spec, is acceptable and satisfies both Evaluation Factor 1 Basic Eligibility Subfactor 3 and Evaluation Factor 1 Basic Eligibility Subfactor 4 requirements (assuming other certification documentation is provided and approved).

The solicitation has been revised

28 RFP

Section: Solicitation, Pages: 3-23, Paragraph: CLIN Structure

All pricing sheets

In the absence of a guaranteed monthly standing fee per aircraft in the pricing CLIN structure there must be a guaranteed minimum number of flight hours, blade hours, miles flown or pound flown specified over the contract pricing period in order to reasonably calculate a price per unit.

Will the government please provide a minimum number of flight hours, blade hours, miles flown and pounds flown for each contract period requested?

Basing is the monthly fee per aircraft.

29 TASC PWS Section 1.2.1.3

All Aircrew and Site Managers are required to have Secret Security Clearances in order to receive threat briefings. 1) Are medical personnel, load master and rescue specialist considered to be part of the Aircrew? 2) Can the contractor use foreign nationals for non-aircrew positions such as aircraft mechanics, logistics specialists, ground transportation, etc.?

If the Task Order Requires a SECRET level of work, all participating companies and their employees performing services with SECRET-access must have applicable FCL and security clearances.

30 TASC PWS

Section: 1.2.2, Page: 8, Paragraph:

1.2.2.8

Will the USG please make an example SITREP report available to Offerors?

SITREP reports will be established after award of the Task Order

31 TASC PWS

Section: 1.2.5, Page: 9, Paragraph:

1.2.5.3 Reference similar language

from PWS Paragraph 1.3.5.11 on

Will the USG consider amending the last sentence to read: The Contractor shall be liable for injury or death to passengers while those passengers are being transported by the Contractor except for: friendly fire incident, enemy fire incident, a patient expires enroute from pickup to medical facility or any other circumstance outside of the Contractor or Subcontractor’s control.

The PWS has been revised.

32 TASC PWS

Section: 1.3.1 Page: 10, Paragraph:

1.3.1.7.1

The Contractor shall retain responsibility for furnishing appropriate agencies all required manifest, immigration, and border clearance documents, covering all personnel and cargo aboard the aircraft upon entry into the U.S. or a foreign country.

1) Is the USG responsible for generating the Immigration, Border Clearance Documents, for DoD Passengers and Cargo, providing same to Contractor for use as detailed in the cited paragraph?

The PWS has been revised.

33 TASC PWS

Section: 1.3.1 Page: 11 Paragraph:

1.3.1.7.2

Landing rights. Comment - If it’s required for the Contractor to obtain in-country landing rights at civilian airfields it will require the operator to have access to a local CAA / AOC to authorize the operation of aircraft.

Will the COCOM assist the operator with acquisition of the required approval/authorizations?

Yes

Questions and Answers 1-100

34 TASC PWS

Section: 1.3.2 Page: 12 Paragraph:

1.3.2.7

HAZMAT + Pax

1) If there are any specially trained personnel required to manage/handle these goods, who supplies such personnel?

2) If there is any special equipment required to manage/handle emergencies WRT these goods, who supplies such equipment (HAZMAT Suits/containment units/explosive blankets etc.)?

3) In the event hazardous material is not handled by USG/Passengers as expected, and there are special requirements for proper storage or handling of these types of materials – who is responsible for defining the related requirements, providing requisite materials / supplies / equipment, and ensuring that the handling and storage requirements are fulfilled? (question posed from recent historical developments on incumbent contracts)

The Offeror is responsible for movement of the cargo and ensuring tranportation is in compliance with the applicable regulations. See 1.3.3.6., and subparagraphs, for more information.

35 TASC PWS

Section: 1.3.3 Page: 13, Paragraph:

1.3.3.3

Limited Door-to-Door Ground Transportation Cargo Service

1) Is the delivery of these non-aerial services to be included in Offeror pricing on any of the pricing tables?

2) If so, which pricing table should these non-aerial services be included on?

3) If not, is the fulfillment of these non-aerial services to be billed out against X005?

If needed, these services will be specified in the task order and should be included in those rates.

36 TASC PWS

Section: 1.3.5 Page: 16 Paragraph:

1.3.5.4

The type of medical provider is noted and detailed in the para’s that follow but no quantities of each qualification are given. Is there a minimum medical personnel number of medical personnel required on light and medium helicopter missions?

See PWS paragraph 1.3.5.12 and 1.3.5.13.

The task order will specify the number of attendants.

37 TASC PWS

Section: 1.3.5 Page: 17 Paragraph:

1.3.5.9

Equipment

• Equipment needs to be portable and battery powered – Compliant

• Provisions to store controlled substances – Compliant

• Provision to Store blood products o There are a lot of technical requirements around storage and transportation of blood products: Storage facilities, temperature controls, monitoring, equipment, sterility, procedures etc. Different blood components have different storage requirements.

Can USG specify what type of blood components will require storage on the aircraft?

If so, please provide relevant details.

The specific storage requirements will be identified in the Task Order.

38 TASC PWS

Section: 1.3.5 Page: 18 Paragraph:

1.3.5.12

PWS quantifies 3 medical attendants for 1 litter patient in the FW where as for the RW PWS requires at least one medical attendant to four patients (2 ambulatory and 2 requiring litter/stretcher). Please clarify how many medical personnel are required per litter patient for RW under max patient conditions?

PWS language has been revised.

39 TASC PWS

Section: 1.3.7 Page: 19 Paragraph:

1.3.7.1

Comment: The 500 NM unrefueled range requirement for the Medium Lift Rotary Wing aircraft is quite constraining as there are only 2 or 3 aircraft that can meet this performance with 19 passengers. Is 500 NM a hard requirement for 19 passengers or will the use accept and offer for more cost-effective solutions for 19 passengers at 400 NM range?

PWS language has been revised.

40 TASC PWS

Section: 1.3.7 Page: 21 Paragraph:

1.3.7.4

"All aircraft must have satellite communication capabilities."

1) Does the required SatCom capabilities need to support voice only communication, or is data connectivity an expected capability to be provided by the required SatCom.

2) Is the use of 'aircraft' intended to convey Fixed-Wing platforms only, or is it intended to be inclusive of Rotary Wing aircraft also?

1) Yes

2) Both. The PWS as been revised.

41 TASC PWS

Section: 1.3.7 Page: 21 Paragraph:

1.3.7.5

"NOTE: The individual Task Order PWS will stipulate whether SATCOM is required, the frequency range and antenna needs required to accommodate, and whether the Government will provide the equipment. Contractor shall ensure each aircraft has a satellite mobile phone in case of an emergency landing outside of a secure area." Will the USG please clarify the perceived conflict of the cited language with the language of paragraph 1.3.7.4 (which imputes a SatCom requirement on all [platforms])?

Satellite mobile phone is necessary due to austere locations or for use if A/C is non-powered.

The PWS has been revised.

42 TASC PWS

Section: 1.4 Page: 13, Paragraph: All 1.4.x

Given Task Area 3 being a set of deliverables that would be able to be leveraged across multiple task orders to yield favorable economies of scale,

1) Does the USG anticipate any Task Area 3 deliverables to be awarded independent of aerial fulfillment deliverables in the interests of instantiating a C2 framework that can be leveraged across multiple Task Orders?

2) If so, does the USG anticipate having a C2 Task Order be competed shortly after IDIQ Award?

Not at this time, but it is possible.

43 TASC PWS

Section: 1.4.1 Page: 24, Paragraph:

1.4.1.1

"The Contractor will produce all-source intelligence, situation estimates and other reports and studies. The Contractor will assemble maps, charts, and perform risk/threat analysis in support of mission planning and prepare and presents reports and briefings."

Is it a correct interpretation that the USG expects TASC Offerors to include All-Source IC/IA and Intel Product Fusion/PED services in support of Offeror deliverables and USG needs?

Yes

Questions and Answers 1-100

44 TASC PWS

Section: 1.4.2 Page: 25, Paragraph:

1.4.2.1

"The Contractor shall operate atmospheric and space-sensing instruments and computer workstations to interrogate data from weather radars, meteorological satellites, and products provided by military, national, and international weather agencies"

1) What Atmospheric and Space-Sensing Instruments are Offerors expected to Operate?

2) Is the USG able to advise what products are expected to be produced by the Atmospheric and Space-Sensing Instruments?

The PWS has been revised.

45 TASC PWS

Section: 1.4.2 Page: 26, Paragraph:

SDS Table, NVG Row - 1.3.7.5.2

Contemplating the 20% NVIS utilization anticipated for each aerial asset when coupled with the 90% per month ORR rate Does the 90% NVG ORR Performance Threshold pertain to the 20% of flights that are anticipated as being NVG Missions, or to 100% of all flights?

It is applicable to the 20% of flights that are anticipated as being NVG missions.

46 TASC PWS

Section: 1.4.2 Page: 26, Paragraph:

SDS Table, Platform ORR and On- Time Rows - 1.3.8.2 & 1.3.7.8

Contemplating the 97% On Time Rate for each aerial asset when coupled with the 80% ORR rate Does the 97% on-time rate apply to those flights during the 80% ORR for each platform, or does it apply to 100% of all flights?

100% of the flights; not per airframe.

47 TASC PWS Section: 4, Page: 30, Paragraph: 4.2 "4.2. Facilities Clearance (FCL). The Contractor and any subcontracted air carriers must have a valid FCL at the SECRET level." Is it required that the Prime Contractor of a Team submitting a response hold a Facility Clearance at time of Proposal Submission?

Carriers are not required to have a FCL at proposal submission to be eligible for and IDIQ award. However, FCL's are required to be eligible for award of the task order.

48 TASC/CA PWS

Section: 1.3.5 Page: 17 Paragraph:

1.3.5.9

Section: 1.3.5 Page: 14 Paragraph:

1.3.5.7

Considering initial supply and resupply of patient drugs and IV's etc.

1) Is the DOD going to provide initial stock and follow-on restocking of the consumable patient care items (Drugs, IV's, etc.), or does the USG expect the Offeror to source the initial and follow-on restocking of these items?

2) If the Offeror is expected to provide the initial stock and follow-on restocking of the consumable patient care items, will the USG provide a list and initial stock quantity of the required items (Drugs, IV's, etc.)?

The PWS has been revised to remove this from the Task Order.

49 TASC/CA PWS

Section: 1.3.7 Page: 19, Paragraph 1.3.7.1 Section: 1.3.7.5 Page: 21, Paragraph 1.3.7.5.2 Section: 1.3.7 Page: 21 Paragraph:

1.3.7.2.8

"- Capable of Night Vision Goggle (NVG) Operations (Est. 20% of missions)" "Upon approval by the FAA, and the USTC-CO, the Contractor shall obtain the capability to fly at night with the use of Night Vision Goggles (NVGs)on fixed and rotary wing aircraft."

"All aircraft must have satellite communication capabilities."

1) In the event a contractor must modify aircraft to meet the PWS's Night Vision Goggle (NVG) requirements, what pricing sheet should be used to capture related costs and to generate billable/payable invoicing for same?

2) Does the USG expect that the IDIQ Pos & Depos CLINS will be burdened with PWS compliant platform modifications?

The proposed rates should be fully burdened to meet the requirement.

50 TASC PWS

Section: 1.3.8 Page: 24 Paragraph:

1.3.8.1

Section 1.3.8's opening language leads one to believe that the USG may be considering Per Mile and Per Pound pricing models ONLY for AD-HOC charter efforts.

1) Will the price per mile and per pound in the IDIQ be used solely for ad hoc requirement only that will not require positioning de positioning and basing.

2) And if so will ferry miles also be reimbursed?

3) Is the Per Pound and/or Per Mile pricing to be inclusive of any non-aerial transport charges, such as the first/final mile ground handling and delivery, customs/brokering/statutory fees, etc.?

The solicitation has been revised

IDIQ Price

Table All pricing sheets

In review of Section L, Instructions to Offerors (FAR Inclusion 52.212-1, as amended by ADDENDUM), specifically sections 52.212-1(b)D(4), there is some genuine confusion surrounding the USG intents for FAA FAR Part 135 offerors populating these pricing tables - specifically the IDIQ Per Mile and IDIQ Per Pound sheets.

It presents that USG may not have provided adequate details on what costs are to be

Instructions have been revised.

IDIQ Price

Table Per Flight Hour / Per Blade Hour pricing sheets

1) Are the hours reflected on the Flight/Blade Hour Ops sheets representative of minimum monthly guaranteed billable flight hours?

2) If the IDIQ Flight/Blade Hours cited on the respective sheets are not guaranteed minimum monthly hours, is the USG going to provide any guarantees of minimum Flight/Blade Hours, Miles Flown, or Cargo Weight transported on a monthly, quarterly, or annual basis, when IDIQ Task Orders are competed?

The Flight Hours and Blade Hours are the estimated monthly quantity. Task orders will identify the estimated number of hours anticipated for that particular requirement. There are no minimum hours.

IDIQ Price

Table All pricing sheets

Please confirm that Offerors are not to include the cost of fuel burn as a cost element in any of the offeror submitted pricing, given fuel is on a reimbursable CLIN.

Correct.

54 CA PWS

Section: 1.3.1 Page: 10 Paragraph:

1.3.1.8

"When operating missions, the Contractor’s operations center shall maintain secure voice communications."

1) What secure voice comms systems are required to achieve this?

2) Will the Government provide these systems as GFE?

See CA TO PWS 1.3.7.2.5., as revised.

55 CA PWS

Section: 1.3.1 Page: 9 Paragraph:

1.3.1.1

"Aircraft shall be available for services 24 hours per day, 7 days per week."

1) Are aircraft maintenance days allowed and if so how many per month?

2) Does the government expect dual crews for each aircraft to support two shift day and night 24/7 operations?

PWS Language revised. The intent is for aircraft to be available to fly scheduled missions at any time; not be on alert 24 hours.

Questions and Answers 1-100

56 CA PWS

Section: 1.3.5 Page: 14 Paragraph:

1.3.5.3 Section: 1.3.5 Page: 14 Paragraph:

1.3.5.5 Section: 1.3.5 Page: 14 Paragraph:

1.3.5.6

"1) the Commission of Accreditation for Medical Transport (CAMTS), or 2) the National Accreditation Alliance of Medical Transport Applications (NAAMTA)" "Physician Assistant personnel shall be certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA)" "Nursing Personnel shall be a licensed Registered Nurse"

1) Can a CAA-accredited (non-US) and registered Air Ambulance providers meeting comparable or more stringent 3rd nation air ambulance accreditations be considered as compliant providers of the CASEVAC [MEDEVAC] services?

2) Can the medical staff be comparably credentialed by reputable 3rd nation medical accreditation firms in lieu of the cited US entities?

Response Pending

57 TASC/CA PWS

Atch_5_- _CA_TO_PWS_(Revised_1007).docx 1_TASC_IDIQ_PWS_(Revised_1007) .pdf

"Task Area 2, Subtask 5 – Casualty Evaluation (CASEVAC) Service."

"Task Area 2, Subtask 5 – Casualty Evaluation (CASEVAC) Service" CASEVAC is not equal to MEDEVAC (the Aero Medevac/Air Ambulance Services, as detailed in cited PWSs).

Will the USG please clarify the use of the term CASEVAC vs. MEDEVAC (or AIR AMBULANCE) when considering the PWS requirements delineated in each of the cited PSWs?

See PWS paragraph 1.3.5.1. of both documents for definition of CASEVAC.

58 CA PWS

Section: 1.3.5 Page: 15 Paragraph:

1.3.5.11

“The aircraft shall be capable of transporting a minimum of six personnel: 4 patients (2 ambulatory and 2 litters or combination thereof) and associated medical personnel how many medical personnel do they expect to have on board for the 4 patients.”

1) What level of care does the government require for each patient?

2) Is one Doctor per patient required or one doctor and one Nurse/EMT, etc?

1) The level of care is dependent upon the injuries

2) This requirement for medical staffing has been removed from the Central Africa Task Order.

59 CA TO

CENTRAL AFRICA AIRLIFT SUPPORT

TASK ORDER

1) Is the Task Order in the Solicitation a Sample Task Order or is it a Task Order that will be awarded based on the evaluation of Solicitation Responses received during the IDIQ procurement?

2) If it is a Sample Task Order, will the Task Order, as presented in the IDIQ Solicitation, be competed subsequent to IDIQ awards?

It is not a sample task order.

60 CA TO

CENTRAL AFRICA AIRLIFT SUPPORT

TASK ORDER

An omission of any X006 Ground Support Deliverables was noted. Is it a valid expectation that the Task Order in the IDIQ Solicitation will have no X006 Ground Support deliverables?

Yes

61 CA TO Task Order 1 sheet

1) Are the hours reflected on CLINS X002 and X003 representative of guaranteed annual minimum billable flight/blade hours for this task order?

2) If the X002 and X003 hours on the cited sheet are not guaranteed annual minimums, what are the guaranteed annual minimums for this task order by platform type?

1) hours are estimated hours per month

2) there are no guaranteed minimum flight hours.

62 RFP

RFP Section 52.212-1(3);

Page 52-53;

Paragraph c. Past Performance References

Please clarify if one or more of the three references for Offerors can be for a proposed subcontractor in a teaming arrangement with the Offeror.

If an Offeror may include subcontractor/teammate contracts, is there a limit to the number of references that can cite subcontractor/teammate contracts? For example, would an Offeror (Prime) submitting one reference and two from the subcontractor be compliant in providing the three references?

Yes, past performance references can be submitted for subcontractors.

Revised language to allow up to 6 references, which will include any subcontractor references.

63 RFP

Instructions to Offerors Section 52.212-1 3. D(1);

Page 51 of 78;

Paragraph D

Due to the complexity of various certifications required for Basic Eligibility, will the Government consider extending the proposal submission due date by two weeks, to November 11, 2016?

Soliciation has been extended to 4 Nov

64 TASC PWS

IDIQ PWS

Section 4.3;

Page 30, Para 4.3.1.2.1

Please specify the defined process for obtaining NACI equivalent background investigations in order to enable NIPR access and CACs for NATO country foreign nationals.

Please clarify if the Nation STATE sponsored criminal background check (such as the NEW Scotland Yard for Brits), fingerprints, and a letter requesting pseudo SSN submitted to USTRANSCOM suffice for the processing the NACI equivalent backgrounds.

Response Pending

65 RFP

RFP Section 52.212-1(3.E.2.a.);

Page 54-55;

Paragraph E. Task Order (TO) Proposal Instructions

Please clarify that the Offeror’s completed “CA Aircraft Identification Table, RFP Attachment 6”, the “Personnel Matrix (identifying number of personnel assigned, by labor category, to each location), and the “Contingency Evacuation Plan” do NOT count towards the TO Factor 2 page limit of 10 pages.

They are inclusive. Page limits have been increased to 15 Pages

66 RFP

RFP Section 52.212-1(3.E.2.b.);

Page 55;

Paragraph E. Task Order (TO) Proposal Instructions

Please clarify that the Offeror’s “Pre-Deployment Plan” does NOT count towards the TO Factor 2 page limit of 10 pages.

It is included; page limit has been increased to 15 pages.

67 RFP

RFP Section 52.212-1(3.D.2.a);

Page 52;

Paragraph (2). Volume II: IDIQ Factor 2 – Technical Capability Proposal

Please clarify that the Offeror’s completed “IDIQ Aircraft Identification Table, RFP Attachment 2”, does NOT count towards the 10 page limit for the IDIQ Factor 2 Technical Approach.

It is included; page limit has been increased to 15 pages.

68 CA TO PWS

Section: IDIQ/Task Order;

Page 18; Para. 1.3.7.2.8

Please clarify if the current incumbent is currently using RAMCC for clearances or are performing on a commercial basis.

Response Pending

69 TASC PWS

IDIQ TASC PWS, Appendix B Ordering Procedures

Please specify the typical timeline for Task Order requests and response submittal.

Depends on the urgency of the requirement, but 30 days is a typical response time.

Questions and Answers 1-100

70 TASC PWS

Attachment 5 Task Order PWS:

Section 1.2.4;

Page 8; Section 1.2.4

Please clarify if the use of, say, a particular DoD Approved Foreign Flag carrier will be approved for the duration of this project or the authorization will have to be sought for every mission.

Approval would be for a specific task order and would be based upon specific criteria to be in compliance with guidance on moving DoD passengers and the Fly America Act.

71 CA TO PWS

Attachment 5 Task Order PWS;

Section 1.3.3;

Page 11; Section 1.3.3.3

1.3.3.3. The Government may provide, at its discretion, manpower to load and unload cargo from the aircraft; however, the Contractor is responsible for advising the Government on positioning the cargo on the aircraft for weight and balance purposes.

The Contractor bears the responsibility for weight and balance configuration of the aircraft.

Please confirm that contractor is not expected to self-handle the cargo load and offload at each of 3 designated airfields (i.e., no positioning of personnel and equipment is expected).

Contractor will be responsible for weight and balance configuration. The Government will provide on/off load capability.

72 CA TO PWS

Attachment 5 Task Order PWS

Section 1.3.3;

Page 12; Section 1.3.3.5.3

1.3.3.5.3. As part of the airlift requirement, Contractor may be required to transport one or more of the below items. If the Contractor is required to transport any of the following items, the requirement to do so will be provided to the Contractor at the time of flight notification. (list omitted)

Under IATA DG Regulations, of the 38 items listed, only 12 can be carried with passengers, 8 are Cargo Aircraft Only items, and 12 are Forbidden for Air Transport. In order to fly the forbidden items, the state of the a/c registration DOT/CAA approvals and exemptions are needed. In addition, there may be a need to obtain overflight permits to carry such cargo. Please clarify if the Government assist the contractor in obtaining said permits.

The Government will assist with HAZDECS and other necessary documentation. If the shipment prohibits movement with passengers, then the shipment will be cargo only.

73 CA TO PWS

Attachment 5 Task Order PWS Section 1.3.3;

Page 12; Section 1.3.3

1.3.3.5.3. If Government personnel request any HAZMAT movement not listed in paragraph 1.3.3.5.1 then Government personnel will coordinate at least 10 calendar days in advance of that mission with Contractor.

As stated in question 11, if HAZMAT item is listed in IATA DG regulations as Forbidden, the state of the a/c registration DOT/CAA approvals and exemptions are needed in order to fly these items. Historical data shows that these approvals may take longer than 10 days. Please confirm that Contractor performance rating will not be affected should the approvals and exemptions paperwork be received after 10 days.

The Contractor will not be responsible if the DOT/CAA approvals and exemption process takes longer than anticipated as long as the documentation is evident to show due dilligence.

74 TASC PWS

Attachment 5 Task Order PWS Section 1.3.6;

Page 16; Para. 1.3.6.2

1.3.6.2. The Contractor shall have the necessary FAA approved training program and operational standards, FAA Operations Specifications, or equivalent, to perform air drop services.

Please specify how this applies to a DoD Approved Foreign Flag carrier.

Response Pending

75 RFP

IDIQ Attachment 2, Aircraft Identification Table and HTC711-16- R-R023 Page 52 of 78, (2) a.

(a) QUESTION: IAW Attachment 2, IDIQ Aircraft Identification Table, only the specific aircraft by tail number listed will be allowed to perform on the contract. We understand the importance of identifying the actual aircraft type to perform but at the IDIQ level it should be limited to just the type not the specific tail number. The specific tail number should be required by the Task Order response. Suggest the USG modify the table and the language so that type is reflected but not specific aircraft by tail number.

(b) QUESTION: We request that IDIQ Attachment 2, Aircraft Identification Table, be submitted as a separate attachment or appendix not included within the 10 page Technical Approach page count.

(a) Tail numbers are used in determining whether the aircraft is capable of meeting the requirements. The Aircraft Identification Table does indicate these tails can be swapped out/replaced in the future.

(b) It is included; page limit has been increased to 15 pages.

76 RFP

HTC711-16-R-R023 Page 57 paragraphs (5) and (6)

HTC711-16-R-R023 Page 57 paragraphs (5) and (6) state the following:

(5) The following factors shall be used to evaluate each offer:

Factor 1: Basic Eligibility Factor 2: Technical Capability Factor 3: Past Performance Factor 4: Price

(6) Relative Order of Importance: Basic Eligibility will be rated as Acceptable or Unacceptable. Past Performance is significantly more important than Technical Capability, and when combined, non-price factors are significantly more important than Price. This order of importance is applicable to both the IDIQ and the Task Order.

QUESTION: As noted by bold-underline above, these 2 paragraphs are inconsistent.

We request revision for consistency in the evaluation criteria order of importance.

There is no conflict. Paragraph (5) lists the factors to be used for evaluation but is not an indication of the Order of Importance.

Paragraph (6) gives the importance, or weighting, of these factors when making an award decision.

77 RFP

Solicitation, page 52, factor 1 Basic Eligibility sub factor 6, ,: to meet the basic eligibility requirement requires the offeror to be accredited by either the CAMTS or NAAMTA. This new accreditation requirement takes 12 to 14 months to attain.

(a) QUESTION: Will the USG accept FAA OPSPEC A021 Helicopter Air Ambulance Operations and/or A024 Airplane Air Ambulance Operations as a substitute for the aforementioned accreditation? Alternatively, will the USG allow accreditation before performance vs upon submission of proposals?

(b) Question: Will the USG allow accreditation before performance vs upon submission?

a. No, the Air Ambulance OPSPEC will not be an acceptable substitute

b. The solicitation and PWS has been revised

Questions and Answers 1-100

78 TASC PWS 1.3.7.1.

Medium RW performance requirement requires up to 19 pax, 5,000lbs with an un refueled range of 500nm. The number of FAA certified AC that can meet this requirement is extremely limited, which will drive a larger aircraft solution and increased price.

QUESTION: To expand the number of AC solutions, would the USG consider reducing the number of seats to 18 and/or reducing the weight to 4,000lbs?

The PWS language has been revised.

79 RFP Pricing Sheet

QUESTION: We request that the language be standardized for consistency. The language for Fixed Wing flight hours is called Flight Operations in the Solicitation SF 1449 continuation sheet under CLIN item 0002 and in the TO pricing sheet, but on the IDIQ pricing sheet the expression Flight Hours is used. We suggest simply Flight hours FW and Flight hours RW in all documents to avoid any discrepancies in terminology.

Revised

TASC PWS /

Atch 6

1.3.7.1.1. (& Atch 6)

: Task Order PWS page 17, paragraph 1.3.7.1.1 and Attachment 6 TO Aircraft Identification Table.

(a) QUESTION: TO PWS 1.3.7.1.1 states: “Primary and Alternate Aircraft. Aircraft will be identified by make, model and tail number.” However, Attachment 6 does not include entries for Primary and Alternate. Will the government remove the distinction for Primary and Alternate?

(b) QUESTION: The fourth row of data to be provided on Attachment 6 TO Aircraft Identification Table is “Aircraft Type.” Since this is already listed under each location, and make, model, and variant are indicated for second and third rows, is this an error?

If so, please revise; if not, please clarify what further information is expected for “Aircraft Type.”

The Government does not require Alternate Aircraft so it is not listed on the TO Aircraft Identifiation Table. However, should a offeror propose an alternate aircraft, it will need to expand the table to include the alternate aircraft. The Government will need to know which aircraft are the primary because costs are not paid for alternate aircraft which are for the convenience of the carrier.

81 RFP

Solicitation, page 54, paragraph (1) Volume I: TO Factor 1, items a. and b.

For both of these requirements, the solicitation states: “The Government will use the information submitted for the IDIQ…” This indicates that no Volume I needs to be submitted for the TO proposal. Can you please confirm that this is the case and that only a Technical Capability and a Price volume are to be submitted?

Correct. Language has been revised.

82 RFP

Solicitation, pages 54 - 55, (2) Volume II: TO Factor 2, items a…