Attachment_L-9_Offeror's_Question_and_Answers_04_April_2017.pdf

N00014-17-R-2209 (PB-X)

Attachment L-9: Offeror’s Questions and Answers

09 March 2017

1. Question: None of the J Attachments were issued with the solicitation. Are we to use the J Attachments issued with the DRAFT RFP on 17 February 2017 that match the titles of the J Attachments listed on page 118 of the RFP? Please advise soonest so we can move forward with our proposal efforts.

Answer: No you are not to use the J Attachments issued with the DRAFT RFP on 17 February 2017 that match the titles of the J Attachments listed on page 118 of the RFP. Per the amended Section L of the RFP (L.1.1 (b) (19)) “For Offerors- All Section J Attachments will be provided upon email request. For Specification Section 164, Ballistics (Attachment J-5) and Attachments under J-4, Offerors must email their requests along with a signed Use and Non-Disclosure Agreement (Attachment L-6). Please note that Offerors are limited to builders classified as small businesses. For vendors- Section J Attachments, J-1 through J-3 only, will be provided upon request. All requests should be sent via email to abigail.peregrino@navy.mil and roxie.thomas@navy.mil.”

2. Question: Can vendors request attachments and how long does it take to receive the attachments after my request?

Answer: Per the amended Section L of the RFP vendors will be able to receive Attachments J-1 through J-3 only. After receipt of request for Attachments from an Offeror the Attachments will be sent out via the Government secure website ARMDEC within 2 hours of requests received during normal business hours.

3. Question: If I completed an NDA for the DRAFT RFP Attachments do I have to complete another

NDA to receive the current Attachments?

Answer: Yes

4. Question: Have Attachments changed from the DRAFT RFP to the FINAL RFP and do I need the FINAL RFP Attachments if I still have the DRAFT RFP Attachments.

Answer: Yes, Attachments released with the FINAL RFP on 3 March 2017 may have changed since issuance of the DRAFT RFP Attachments.

[THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS WERE ADDED 09 MARCH 2017]

5. Question: Will the Government consider splitting solicitations N000024-17-R-2462 and N00024- 17-R-2209 such that one is due a minimum of 40 days after the other one?

Answer: No. Solicitation schedules are determined based on the needs of each individual end user and the Buying Activities. Market research has indicated there is sufficient competition for these procurements. Offerors are encouraged to analyze their capabilities and make the business decisions appropriate to their individual circumstances.

[THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS WERE ADDED 4 APRIL 2017]

6. Question: PB-X specification rev a. Jan. 2017 and PBX- Data Requirement list (DRL) rev. Jan.

2017. These versions were not included in the FBO announcement. Please provide.

Answer: Per the amended Section L of the RFP (L.1.1 (b) (19)) “For Offerors- All Section J Attachments will be provided upon email request. For Specification Section 164, Ballistics (Attachment J-5) and Attachments under J-4, Offerors must email their requests along with a signed Use and Non-Disclosure Agreement (Attachment L-6). Please note that Offerors are limited to builders classified as small businesses. For vendors- Section J Attachments, J-1 through J-3 only, will be provided upon request. All requests should be sent via email to sarah.belt@navy.mil and roxie.thomas@navy.mil.”

7. Question: Should the IMS cover just the initial year of the IDIQ contract (First 6 boats) or should it cover option years also? How far should the IMS cover?

Answer: The IMS should cover all option years assuming maximum quantities shown on the Pricing Worksheet. For the purpose of developing an IMS for the proposal, assume Delivery Orders will be awarded as follows:

Contract year 1: Qty (3) October 2017, Qty (3) January 2018 Contract Year 2: Qty (10) January 2019 Contract Year 3: Qty (12) January 2020 Contract Year 4: Qty (12) January 2021 Contract Year 5: Qty (10) January 2020

IMS should include the key events as defined in SOW C-3.042-3, Table C-3. Per Instructions to Offerors (L.1.2.1.5.2), identify assumptions used in the development of the proposed IMS. Build rate and assumptions impacting build rate can be provided as amplifying information to the IMS iaw L.1.2.1.5.2. IAW SOW C-3.042-3(b), upon award of initial and follow-on delivery orders, the IMS will be re-baselined using the proposed Delivery Schedule, proposed IMS with amplifying assumptions as guidance.

8. Question: Arrangement Drawing data requirements List (DRL) DI-020-03. Shouldn’t this be corrected to read (DRL)-DI-17?

Answer: Yes. Paragraph L.1.2.1.3.4(a) reference to DI-020-03 to be corrected to read DI-017-03 Paragraph L.1.2.1.3.4(b) reference to DI-020-07 to be corrected to read DI-017-07.

9. Question: None of the J Attachments were issued with the solicitation. Are we to use the J Attachments issued with the DRAFT RFP on 17 February that match the titles of the J Attachments listed on page 118 of the RFP? Please advise soonest so we can move forward with our proposal efforts.

Answer: Per the amended Section L of the RFP (L.1.1 (b) (19)) “For Offerors- All Section J Attachments will be provided upon email request. For Specification Section 164, Ballistics (Attachment J-5) and Attachments under J-4, Offerors must email their requests along with a signed Use and Non-Disclosure Agreement (Attachment L-6). Please note that Offerors are limited to builders classified as small businesses. For vendors- Section J Attachments, J-1 mailto:sarah.belt@navy.mil mailto:roxie.thomas@navy.mil through J-3 only, will be provided upon request. All requests should be sent via email to sarah.belt@navy.mil and roxie.thomas@navy.mil.”

10. Question: Using a notional contract award date of 1 October 2017, the approximate delivery date is 04/19/2025 for the last boat OY-4-10. How is this accomplished with a five year contract?

Answer: The five year contract limitation is on the ordering period for placing new Delivery Orders, not on the period of performance. If a Delivery Order is placed on the last day of the fifth contract year, the proposed delivery schedule will define the period of performance for delivery of that boat.

11. Question: It appears there is a typographical error in the callout to the DRL item – DI-017-07 is the transportability and handling drawing item in the DRL.

Answer: Yes, Paragraph L.1.2.1.3.4(b) reference to DI-020-07 to be corrected to DI-017-07.

12. Question: The confusing language is ‘Dimensioned Transport Drawing as described in DRL DI- 020-07’. The scope of the drawing described in the DRL is much more extensive than that which appears to be requested/required in Section L. Are we to assume the required data for the proposal is limited to what is described in sub-paragraphs (1) and (2) of paragraph (b)?

Answer: Yes, the Preliminary Arrangement Drawings required for the proposal is defined by Section L, para L.1.2.1.3.4. The reference to the DRL is to assist understanding the intent of the drawing to be provided with the proposal. The DRL's describe the content of the final approved drawing after contract award per the Statement of Work.

13. Question: Please confirm that you intend to not allow Green Card holders to work on the PBX project without extra approval. If this is your intent, please provide the process in which we request the exception.

Answer: Please see HQ C-2-0005 ACCESS TO VESSELS BY NON U.S. CITIZENS (NAVSEA) (Modified JUN 2016) for processes regarding Access to Vessels by Non US Citizens.

14. Question: Are non-security compliant prime contractors required to follow the National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual (DOD 5220.22-M) during the proposal phase?

Answer: The intent of the solicitation is that no classified information is required in response to the data requirements of Section L during the proposal phase. DOD 5220.22-M (NISPOM) requirements are to be implemented upon award of the contract.

15. Question: Am I prohibited to transmit RESTRICTIVE DATA to sub-contractors who are non U.S.

Citizens who may have offices outside of the US?

Answer: To be updated NLT 04/05/2017

16. Question: Is the use of Attachment L-6 Use and Nondisclosure NDA acceptable with ALL potential sub contactors during this pre bid phase?

mailto:sarah.belt@navy.mil mailto:roxie.thomas@navy.mil

Answer: Attachment L-6 is an agreement between the Government and the Offeror. Per Attachment L-6 Use and Nondisclosure Agreement… “The Recipient shall: Require its subcontractors or suppliers, or prospective subcontractors or suppliers, to sign a use and non-disclosure agreement prior to disclosing or releasing these Data to such persons. Such agreement must be consistent with the terms of this agreement”

17. Question: Can the boats be transported from place of fabrication to the final delivery point using the boat individual trailer and its own wheels? Is there a maximum number of miles permitted to transport the boats using boats own trailer?

Answer: Yes, the boat can be transported on the trailer with it trailer's wheels.

No, assuming fabrication in CONUS, there is no maximum delivery miles. All other warranties and criteria required by the statement of work must remain intact.

18. Question: Attachment L-4 is currently listed as L-4a (CLIN Price Sheet) and L-4b (CLIN 1004 and 1025 Price Sheet. Please advise on where the USG wishes Past Performance References and program relevance should be documented.

Answer: L.1.2.1.6 reference to L-4 corrected to L-2. Reference to L-5 to be corrected to L-3.

19. Question: Does the Government mean to use Attachment L-2 vice L-4 as stated? L-2 was issued as the Past Performance Information and L-4 is (are) the pricing workbooks. On page 143 it does reference L-2 as the correct form to use.

Answer: L.1.2.1.6 reference to L-4 corrected to L-2. Reference to L-5 to be corrected to L-3.

20. Question: Does the Government mean to use Attachment L-3 vice L-5 as stated? L-3 was issued as the Past Performance Questionnaire and L-5 was issued as the Question Submittal Form (the one being used to ask this question).

Answer: Yes, that is correct. L.1.2.1.6 reference to L-4 corrected to L-2. Reference to L-5 to be corrected to L-3.

21. Question: If all three contracts used are entered into CPARS, do we need to send any questionnaires out?

Answer: No, Past Performance Questionnaires do not need to be sent out.

22. Question: How many past performance references out of the three does the Offeror have to submit?

Answer: Offerors must submit an additional past performance reference for each subcontractor exceeding 35% of contract value.

23. Question: Can the Government please explain how the Offeror, who must be a small business in the NAICS for this solicitation cannot be the builder when it states, “if the Offeror will not be the builder for the proposed boat (more than 50% of the boat will be built by a subcontractor or more than 50% of the boat will be built at a subcontractors facility)” when this is a small business set-aside procurement which mandates that the small business must accomplish over 50% of the value of the contract? Are we mistaken here?

Answer: This contract is a small business set aside and as such the Prime Contractor agrees to a percentage of the cost of the contract performance will be incurred by the Prime Contractor in accordance with FAR 52.219-14 “Limitations on Subcontracting”.

24. Question: Can an Offeror be successful without a SECRET facility security clearance and then initiate appropriate security clearance action upon award through the Government’s initiation?

If so, what is the meaning of, “The Government is not obligated to delay award pending security clearance of any Offeror,” and specifically the word “delay”?

Answer: Yes, the Offeror can be successful without having an existing facility clearance. If needed, NAVSEA will initiate clearance request and reserves the right to award the contract prior to the clearance being granted (i.e. obtaining the clearance won't necessarily hold up the contract award).

25. Question: The solicitation does not indicate a requirement for personnel to possess a security clearance, why is there a requirement for the small business to possess a Secret facility clearance?

Answer: Paragraph C-3.042-9 SECURITY of the SOW provides the security requirements including the requirement for personnel to possess a security clearance.

26. Question: We respectfully request clarification on the issue of security clearance as listed in L.2.

(a). It is our understanding, that at time of proposal, is not required that the proposer possess facility security clearance at the Secret Level. However, prior to the issuance of award, the Naval Sea Systems Command will initiate appropriate security clearance to the successful proposer.

Consequently, the absence of the required security clearance level, will not affect the evaluation process. Can you confirm this is an accurate statement?

Answer: Yes, the Offeror can be successful without having an existing facility clearance. If needed, NAVSEA will initiate clearance request and reserves the right to award the contract prior to the clearance being granted (i.e. obtaining the clearance won't necessarily hold up the contract award).

27. Question: Does the Government intend on supplying classified data or materials to the awardee as part of the program?

Answer: No, the Government will not provide classified data to the contractor. IAW C-3.042-9 SECURITY, the contractor will generate classified data and provided to the Government. It is the intent to provide an approved Security Classification guide to the successful Offeror upon award.

28. Question: Will a revised Section B and SOW be provided to include CLIN 3014 PB-X Extended Warranty, or show this line be deleted from Attachment L4a?

Answer: CLIN pricing sheet, Attachment L-4a will be revised deleting CLIN 3014.

29. Question: The dimensions of the M2A1 and M548 are drastically different in size and weight.

Please clarify the desired ammunition storage requirements. In addition, please define the canister to be positioned at the remote weapon system position.

Answer: This is a typo. Should read "(M2A1 or M19A1)". The specification will be updated to reflect this. Ammunition canister stowage iwo the remote weapon system shall accommodate the M2A1 container. The specification will be updated to reflect this.

30. Question: Will the Government please define the phrase “in way of coxswain and navigator workstations”? Is the intent to verbally communicate through a side window?

Answer: Intent of specification requirement 150-1 is to permit verbal communication through the window, or monitor communication of crew on deck with off board personnel.

31. Question: Does the Government require all seat accessories listed above (arm rests, footrests and seat belts) to be in mitigation with the seat?

Answer: The specification does not dictate the configuration of the seat accessories, but as installed, the total system must provide shock isolation for the occupant.

32. Question: Will the Government allow the Offerors to place large page count technical support materials as appendices to the technical volume making the technical narrative easier to read?

Answer: Page count limitations for various sections are provided in L.1.1.1.(d) and in the respective sections within L.1.2 .Where requested information is identified as not counting towards the page count, the Offeror may organize outside the technical narrative. It is the Offeror's responsibility to draft a logical, practical, clear, and concise proposal (L.1.1.(b).(3).)

33. Question: It is anticipated that there could be several hundred pages of technical support data that would have difficulty fitting into a binder either as part of the technical narrative or as an appendix. Would the Government consider a separate three ring binder containing technical support material?

Answer: L.1.1.1.b.2 does not limit the number of binders submitted per each volume. It is the Offeror's responsibility to draft a logical, practical, clear, and concise proposal.

34. Question: Noting the 15-page limitation, will an IMS reflecting only the Base Year meet the Government’s requirement?

Answer: IMS should cover delivery of craft ordered in all 5 contract years. See answer to question 7 for amplifying information. For the IMS submitted with the Proposal, if page count is an issue, events for craft ordered in option years 3-5 may be rolled up to the following:

- Start of Production milestone

- PDITS event

- Boat Ready for Shipment to Delivery point milestone

35. Question: If major paragraphs are sequentially numbered, would the Government accept an alpha designator (a,b,c etc.) for subparagraphs to meet the paragraph numbering requirement?

Answer: The Offerors may use letters in addition to numbers for paragraph or subparagraph identification. Note that it is the Offeror's responsibility to draft a logical, practical, clear, and concise proposal.

36. Question: Recognizing that irrespective of what the FBO says because from time to time there are errors recognized, we just want to make sure that in fact as of 17 March 2017, there are only two Amendments that have been issues and ergo, at this time, we must return signed Form 33 and two signed Form 30’s. Would the Government please confirm that as of today’s date, we have a Standard Form 33 and two (2) Standard From 30’s to return with our offer?

Answer: Yes this is correct.

37. Question: Can the Government provide a Notional Completion Schedule for the planned eighteen (18) boats?

Answer: No, the builder is to provide a schedule for the maximum fifty (50) boats. See answer to question 7 for amplifying information.

38. Question: Can the Government please clarify the correct quantities of Crew Familiarization and OEM training classes required?

Answer: To provide context, the government intends to utilize a train the trainer methodology vice a train every crew methodology. Section C-3.089 quantities reflect the required number of training courses to train the trainers. The actual contract year the training related CLINS will be ordered will affected by the production schedule, the availability of Navy personnel and funding.

The maximum quantities shown on Attachment L-4A CLIN Pricing Worksheet for training outlined in SOW C-3.089 provide the government the flexibility to order training as the situation dictates. In summary, Attachment L-4A CLIN Pricing Worksheet provides the quantities to be used for a proposal (and matches quantities in Section B).

39. Question: Can the Government please clarify the planned schedule for the first Follow-on, and subsequent Follow-on Production Readiness Reviews (PPRs)?

Answer: The Offeror is to propose a planned schedule for the Design Reviews in in their IMS accordance with L.1.2.1.5.2 based on the Offeror's proposed approach, design maturity, etc.

within the timeline set forth in the Navy’s Integrated Master Plan. In the Navy's IMP, the Initial Production phase PRR is estimated to occur approximately (7) months (210 calendar days) after contract award. For planning purposes the Navy's IMP assumed the follow-on Production phase PRR will occur 120 days after the delivery of first two craft (BY-01 & BY-02).

40. Question: Can the Government please clarify these two apparently contradicting statements, relative to the “Governments initial production testing”?

Answer: There will be (2) Production Readiness Reviews. The first PRR is to ensure contractor readiness for initial production of the first two articles. After government acceptance of the first two articles, the government will conduct Initial Production testing to determine that a craft built to the government's specification meets the formal government requirements. The government may determine minor alterations to the craft specification are required and the design updated. The final design will establish the configuration baseline for follow-on production. The second PRR is to ensure readiness for follow-on production to the configuration baseline. See answer to question 39 for further clarification.

41. Question: Would this engine need to be in service for a certain length of time before it would be under consideration?

Answer: PIO CLINs are negotiated on an order by order basis and will not be priced in the proposal. Per Attachment L-4a.

42. Question: John Deere will be introducing a very compelling version of their 4045 4.5 Liter 4-cylinder propulsion engine late 2017. Would this engine need to be in service for a certain length of time before it would be under consideration?

Answer: No, there is no minimum length of time that an engine needs to be in service to be considered in the solicitation. Note that criteria for items on the Critical Equipment List are listed in Section L (L.1.2.1.3.3) and M (M.2.1.1) of the solicitation.

43. Question: Please confirm canopy can be folded/stowed for hoisting and rigging operations.

Answer: The canopy may be folded or stowed onboard for hoisting and rigging operations.

44. Question: Is it the Navy’s intention that three simultaneous .50 caliber weapons are installed, at the same time as an installed Remote Weapon System, summing to four weapons installed at a time; three .50 caliber weapons and one Remote Weapon System?

Answer: Yes, the craft must accommodate three (3) crew served weapons and one (1) Remote Weapon's system concurrently.

45. Question: Does the installation of the Remote Weapons System replace/utilize the footprint of one of the .50 caliber Heavy Machine Gun Mounts (700-1), summing to three weapons installed at a time; two .50 calibers installed with one Remote Weapon System installed?

Answer: No, the craft must accommodate three (3) crew served weapons and one (1) Remote Weapon's system concurrently.

46. Question: Section 303-1 DC Overcurrent Protection states: (1) All circuits shall be protected by individual breakers (no fuses, OEM supplied in-line fuses shall be removed with the exception of certain engine harness fuses or other fuses to be individually approved by the Government).

(2) Circuits shall be protected using double-pole, waterproof circuit breakers installed inside a NEMA 4X enclosure per Section 324-1. Please advise what you mean by “exception of certain engine harness fuses or other fuses to be individually approved by the Government”?

Answer: Certain engine OEM’s will not certify the installation if the engine wiring harness fuse is removed. There may be other component OEM’s that take a similar stance. Those cases are to be presented for review and Government approval for the exception to allow an in line fuse.

47. Question: Engine TOC Workbook instructions reference and Engine Maintenance worksheet and a Fuel Burn worksheet. The fuel burn worksheet appears to be omitted. Will an updated workbook be loaded to FBO or is the desire to no longer include fuel burn in the total ownership cost?

Answer: The fuel burn worksheet is Attachment L-8 Range and Endurance excel file.

48. Question: Can the Navy provide concrete examples of what types of information and other capabilities they expect to be classified and secured by the successful bidder?

Answer: The only expected classified information will be ballistic test results from SOW C-3.092- 1 and C-3.092-2 as captured in DI-028-02 of J-2.

49. Question: Please confirm that NSWCCD-80-TR-2015/010 Laboratory Test Reports are required to be included with the proposal?

Answer: Yes. Test results are required per section L.1.2.1.3.5.6. paragraph (b).

50. Question: Please confirm that the time history files are to be supplied with the impact test report from NSWCCD-80-TR-2015/10.

Answer: To be updated NLT 04/05/2017

51. Question: Since this is a Small Business set-aside, the majority of your qualifying boat builders do not have a substantial logistics analysis capability in-house. The decision to withhold information on potential bidders out of desire to enhance competitiveness has hindered teaming opportunities. Is it possible to get a list of Industry Day attendees, or to add our name to a list of small businesses interested in teaming?

Answer: The Navy will perform the bulk of the logistics analysis and will rely on technical data provided by the builder. The deliverables to be provided with the contract are listed in Attachment J-2. A list of companies attending Industry Day will be published to FBO.

52. Question: Since an electronic version of L7 Financial Data is not desired/required, will you also change L-1.1.1 page 131 of 156 to indicate the number of copies required? Is there a desired title, volume/appendix number you would like on the binder cover and title page? Will this document also be required to have the paragraph and line numbering (i.e. bank statements, financial statements, etc.).

Answer: Yes instructions will be updated in RFP amendment to note that only one (1) copy is required for the Financial Data. Yes documents should be labeled and sorted to logically follow each area of concern as outlined in Attachment L-7. Per the RFP Contractor shall submit documentation as noted in Attachment L-7 in a separate sealed envelope with their proposal.

The envelope shall clearly be marked as follows:

RESPONSIBILITY DETERMINATION N00024-17-R-2209

PROPRIETARY DOCUMENTATION IN ACCORDANCE WITH ATTACHMENT L-7

TO BE OPENED BY CONTRACTING OFFICER ONLY

53. Question: Do parts of the proposal that discuss SOW elements count against the page counts listed in Section L?

Answer: Narratives to be submitted with the proposal are clearly identified in Sections L.1.1 and L.1.2 which include specific page counts for each respective sections. I f the Offeror’s wish to provide narrative on SOW elements not requested in Sections L.1.1. and L.1.2., the discussion must be incorporated into one of the respective sections and included in the page count.

54. Question: If the SOW elements do count against the page allocation, can we address SOW elements supporting our proposal as an appendix, provided it follows a logical format to support the proposal narrative?

Answer: See Q.53.

55. Question: Are there plans to have spare propulsion systems available for swing out of units needing to be overhauled, and if so, is there an approximate number of systems expected to be purchased as a percentage of the number of units in service? For example, the Navy has purchased anywhere from 20 to 50% of the fleet for spares for some patrol boat applications.

Answer: Historically, entire spare propulsion systems have not been required to support the existing configuration for operations. Only a few spare engines have been required (not transmissions, shafts or waterjets) have been utilized in the recent past. The objective of this procurement is to procure a simple, reliable, easy to maintain system that should not require 20 to 50% spare components to support the intended operation.

56. Question: Does the Navy plan to order the spare units from the boat builders or from the OEM engine dealer who will be providing the engine and transmissions to the boat builder?

Answer: A low number of initial spare engines may be procured through the builder to support initial fielding. After fielding, if entire assemblies are procured, it would be through one of several purchase mechanisms depending on the location of the boat.

57. Question: L.1.2.1.5.1. (a) and (b), IRT the requirement for “Key Personnel”, is it the government’s expectation that each of the Key Personnel positions be filled with an individual dedicated full-time to just PB-X? Would it be acceptable for an individual to be “dual-hatted” to more than one key position on the PB-X Program or “dual-hatted” to the same/similar positions on different programs?

Answer: It is the Offeror’s responsibility to determine the resources that will be implemented and administered to manage the efforts required by this RFP. The listing of personnel is meant to be descriptive, not prescriptive, of the responsibilities assigned in the execution of the planned effort. It is not the government’s expectation that each Key Personnel position be filled with a dedicated full-time person; “dual-hatting” personnel are acceptable. In the case of “dual-hatting” attention should be given to L.1.2.1.5.1. (b) (4) and clarity on percent of time assigned to given positions within PB-X Program.

58. Question: Is it possible to get a listing of the PB-X Industry Day points of contact?

Answer: PB-X Industry Day attending companies only will be released with this amendment.

59. Question: The Builder shall provide and install two (2) A&J Manufacturing Co. p/n 60-A1-1002, 19" W x 26"D x 60"H equipment racks, for TCAN equipment, with 8" minimum clearance behind racks for access to install cables and equipment.

The specification language above clearly calls for two (2) communications racks to be provided and installed, however, from Attachment J-3, it appears there is only sufficient equipment to fill one rack.

Will the second rack be left empty for future installations? Or has the requirement dropped from two (2) racks to (1) rack?

Answer: Two (2) racks are required to have room for future installations. Space in both racks will be available for initial installation of GFE pending Offeror's proposed arrangements (e.g. rack, equipment, antenna locations) and will be determined during the PDR/CDR process after award.

This may result in some space in both racks being utilized for the initial install and the remaining space in each rack available for future growth.