N00024-20-R-2211 T_ARC QA 03AUG2020.xlsx

XLSX spreadsheet 19 KB Posted Aug 3, 2020

Attached to: Navy Cable Ship Replacement T-ARC(X)
Solicitation number: N00024-20-R-2211R1
Issued by: Department of the Navy Naval Sea Systems Command

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Written by GovTribe AI · Dec 27, 2023

This document contains questions and answers regarding a solicitation for a Navy cable ship replacement program. The solicitation seeks proposals to conduct industry studies and preliminary design work for Phase I of the T-ARC(X) program to replace the USNS Zeus. Questions covered topics such as the distribution statements on technical attachments, requirements for facility security clearances and purchasing systems, and clarification on requirements for resumes of key personnel and major subcontractors prior to their selection. The Navy provided responses to help potential offerors prepare their proposals, which were due by 2:00 PM EST on 31 August 2020 following an amendment extending the deadline from 18 August originally stated in the solicitation.

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Other files

File	Type	Posted
N0002420R2211 Amend 0004 091420.pdf	PDF	Sep 14, 2020
N00024-20-R-2211 T_ARC QA 26AUG2020.xlsx	XLSX spreadsheet	Aug 26, 2020
N00024-20-R-2211 T-ARC(X) Conformed through Amendment 0003.docx	DOCX document	Aug 25, 2020
N00024-20-R-2211 T-ARC(X) Amendment 0003.docx	DOCX document	Aug 25, 2020
N00024-20-R-2211 T_ARC QA 21AUG2020.xlsx	XLSX spreadsheet	Aug 21, 2020
T-ARC RFP Amendment 0002.pdf	PDF	Aug 19, 2020
N00024-20-R-2211 T_ARC QA 13AUG2020.xlsx	XLSX spreadsheet	Aug 13, 2020
N00024-20-R-2211 T-ARC Conformed.pdf	PDF	Aug 3, 2020
N00024-20-R-2211 T-ARC Amendment 0001.pdf	PDF	Aug 3, 2020
T-ARC(X) System Spec Appendix B Model Test Requirements.pdf	PDF	Aug 3, 2020
TARC RFP FINAL 17 Jul 2020.pdf	PDF	Jul 22, 2020
Attachment J-3 Key Requirements Verification Matrix Rev B.xlsx	XLSX spreadsheet	Jul 22, 2020
Attachment L-2 Resume Template (T-ARC(X)).docx	DOCX document	Jul 22, 2020
Attachment J-4 T-ARC(X) Specification Change Recommendation Form Rev A clean.docx	DOCX document	Jul 22, 2020
Attachment J-1 and J-2.docx	DOCX document	Jul 22, 2020
Attachment L-1 Bidders Question Form.xls	XLS spreadsheet	Jul 22, 2020

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T-ARC(X) Q&A

Solicitation N00024-20-R-2211 - T-ARC(X) Industry Studies Bidder's Q&A

3 AUG 2020

		Solicitaion Section	Question	Draft Response
	1	Section J - Attachments	Please clarify if the information contained within Attachment J-1 can be shared with companies who are proposing to become DoD Contractors even if they are not currently classified as such?	Yes, with appropriate export licenses and NDAs as necessary.
	2	Section J - Attachments	For Attachment J-1, please clarify if additional authorization from PMS 325 is required to release this document to entities that are already covered via an approved Export License issued by the Department of Commerce as a subcontractor to a DoD Contractor?	No, Department of Commerce makes the final determination on export licenses for T-ARC(X) with input from PMS325.
	3	Section J - Attachments	Can the specific RFP sections related to Model Testing be shared with non-US model basins for purposes of obtaining FFP quotes ?	The Government will provide Attachment J-1 Appendix B appropriate for non-US distribution; the specification as a whole will remain Distro D. The Government has reviewed distribution requirements for DRL and has determined that it can be released with Distribution C markings; this revision does not require an export license and will be provided upon request and submittal of appropriate NDAs. Additionally, due to the change to distribution markings and provision of additional information, proposals are to be submitted by 2:00 pm ET on 31 August 2020. An amendment will be issuded to update RFP information.
	4	Section L.1.1.6	The RFP states that all Bidder's Questions must be submitted by 2:00 pm ET on 18 August 2020 which is also proposal due date and time. Is it the Government's intent to state '2:00 pm ET on 14 August 2020' to allow the Government sufficient time to issue responses before the proposal due date.	All bidder's questions are due 21 August 2020. An amendment will be issuded to update RFP information.
	5	Section J - Attachments	Will the Government consider changing the distribution Statements of all Attachment J documents to 'Distribution A- Approved for public release’? This will allow Prime Contractors to distribute the Attachment J documents to experienced Foreign Design Subcontractors or experienced Vendors pending approval of an export license.	The Government has reviewed distribution requirements for DRL and has determined that it can be released with Distribution C markings; this revision does not require an export license and will be provided upon request and submittal of appropriate NDAs. The specification will remain Distro D. All Contractors SHOULD BE PREPARED to have an approved Technical Assistance Agreement (TAA) through the Navy International Programs Office UPON AWARD in order to share any of the J-1 documentation with foreign teammates (regardless of whether it is marked Distribution D or not). Once an approved TAA is in place, technical data may be exported in accordance with the TAA and all associated provisions.
	6	Section J - Attachments	How will updates to Attachment J-2 be received?	The Governmenrt will email all contractors who received Attachment J-2 with Distro D and updated J-2 with Distro C. If you do not receive by 2:00 PM ET, 4 August 2020, please email roxie.thomas@navy.mil.
	7	Section I
DFAR Clause 252.225-7048 Export-Controlled Itmes (JUN 2013)	Does the Government concur that the T-ARC(X) industry study technical data and hull designation is of a commercial design and is controlled by the Export Administration Act of 1979, as amended, Title 50, U.S.C., App 2401, et seq. e.g., Export Administration Regulations (EAR) per BIS.	Yes. Since this ship is considered an auxiliary ship, it is our opinion that it falls under Commerce Control List (CCL) Export Control Category Number 8A609 so the technical data is subject to the Export Administration Regulations. The Bureau of Industry and Security in the Dept. of Commerce, not the Defense or Navy Department, is responsible for the export license process. BIS makes the call on categorization of exported items and the export license requirements (if any), and is the final authority when it comes to export licenses so we recommend that you contact them directly to make sure you are complying with those regulations.
	8	Sections L & M	Will the Government consider revising the RFP and removing the sited DFAR requirement from Section L and M, specifically, M.5.2.3's evaluation?	No. The Government is not requesting rights to the existing commercial data, but is requiring unlimited rights in technical data to the analyses and reports conducted by the Contractor under this contract, and the conclusions drawn from them. Per 252.227-7013 Paragraph 1.ii, The Government shall have unlimited rights in technical data that are... "Studies, analyses, test data, or similar data produced for this contract, when the study, analysis, test, or similar work was specified as an element of performance...."
	9	Section L.1.1.6	Will the Government clarify the facility security clearance level required of the offeror in L-204-H001, and issue a draft DD-254 with the RFP attachments so that Prime Offerors can review and determine what, if any Subcontract DD-254 flowdowns are required for its applicable subcontractors and consultants if needed?	Classified facilities are not required, this will be corrected in a solicitation amendment.
	10	Section L.1.4.1.7.1	L.1.4.1.7.1 states the past performance in relation to industry studies, design or construction. However, 7.2 states past performance for design and construction.

Can the past performance include work on a contract that was for industry studies only?	Yes, submitted past performance work can be for a contract that was for industry studies only.
	11	Section C.3.4.4.9	The requirement specifies compliance with "current Buy America provisions". Can the specific document be referenced? Current Buy America provisions vary by class. Please comment.	Buy American laws, including 10 USC 2534 (a)(6) Components for Auxiliary Ships, apply to T-ARC(X). All applicable laws and regulations must be complied with.
	12	Section C.3.4.4.9	Contractor proposes commerical items on its subcontracts and would consider the US Content requirements under 10 USC 2534 would be waived by DFARS 212.504. Please confirm.	Yes, for subcontracts for acquisition of commercial items or components only.
	13	Section L.1.4.2.3	CLIN 0001 is listed as a max award amount of $3M, but everywhere else in the soliciation package it says $4M. Please clarify.	The maximum total price for CLIN 0001 is $4,000,000. This will be corrected in a solicitation amendment.
	14	Section C.1.1	Does the estimated maximum construction cost of $340M include the costs for the ROV and Plow?	Yes, the $340M maximum construction cost assumption includes SeaPlow and ROV.
	15	Sections E, F & L	Clause L-215-H004 references DD1423 which was not attached. Please provide.	Clause L-215-H004 has been removed in Amendment.
	16	Section L.1.4.1.6	The RFP requests sand charts in the production approach section. The requirement for a labor capacity sand chart is clear. What is a facility sand chart?	The facility sand chart should provide an approximation how much facility capacity will be used by contracted and anticipated work in a metric analogous to headcount, e.g. by acres used per project.
	17	Section L	Are government approved purchasing systems required for independent contractors (e.g. subject matter experts) and for foreigh design agents?	Since this is a competitively awarded Firm-Fixed-Price effort an approved purchasing system is not required for either the Prime or subcontractor. Section L will be revised in the amendment.
	18	Section L.1.4.2.5	Section L.1.4.2.5 States 'The Offeror shall furnish the following for itself and for any subcontractor: Substantiation of Government approval of the Offeror’s purchasing system and date of approval; Substantiation of Government determination of adequacy on the Offeror's disclosure statement and date (if required) pursuant to FAR 30.202.Many of the Subcontractors and/or Team Members are small business and or foreign companies. Will the Government consider removing this requirement or revising it from 'All' subcontractors to those subcontractors who are Large Business and meet the simplified acquition threshold?	Since this is a competitively awarded Firm-Fixed-Price effort an approved purchasing system is not required for either the Prime or subcontractor. Section L will be revised in the amendment.
	19	Section J - Attachments	RFP Attachment J-1 System Specification is marked with ‘Distribution D’ and is deemed ‘Critical Technology’. In accordance with Directive 5230.25, Critical Technologies requires U.S. and Foreign Subcontractors to be registered with and hold current U.S. Canadian Joint Certification; and requires foreign Subcontractors to apply for and hold an N-Cage number (NATO Cage Number); and for US companies to obtain export licenses BEFORE issuing controlled Section J attachments to any foreign subcontractor for quotes, teaming agreements, etc. Cable Laying Technologies required by the T-ARC(X) System Specification is held by foreign companies who does not do business for the Department of Defense (eg., defense contractor) nor hold have JCP Certification. When contacting the JCP office, the requirements are FIFO (First in/First Out). Obtaining all of these new certifications could take an additional 3-4 months. Will the government consider granting a two (2) month extension to the proposal due date due to the current control markings of Attachments J-1 and J-2	A two (2) month extension will not be granted. All Contractors SHOULD BE PREPARED to have an approved Technical Assistance Agreement (TAA) through the Navy International Programs Office UPON AWARD in order to share any of the J-1 documentation with foreign teammates (regardless of whether it is marked Distribution D or not). Once an approved TAA is in place, technical data may be exported in accordance with the TAA and all associated provisions.
	20	Section J - Attachments	In light of the Government specifying all model test requirements in a Distribution D controlled document and approval delays to date, this prevents bidders from obtaining quotes from model tanks. Request the Government consider designating NSWC Carderock as the model test facility for all successful awardees to use and provide that model testing at no cost to the offerors.	The Government does not intend to designate NSWC Carderock as the model test facility for all successful awardees.
	21

Section C.3.1.1

Section L.1.4.1.5.2 The Contractor shall select and obtain the services of the Propulsion Single System Vendor (SSV) no later than the second Design Review.

Offerors shall provide resumes for no more than five (5) key personnel who will be assigned the following roles: Program Manager, Engineering Lead, Propulsion SSV Lead, Cable Systems Consultant, and Noise ControlConsultant.

The RFP states the SSV should be selected no later than Design Review #2, if SSV not selected at RFP submittal, please advise how the Government would like Offeror's to complete this resume requirement.	Resumes for proposed Key Personnel shall be submitted; the Government acknowledges that Key Personnel may change after contract award upon finalization of subcontracts.
	22	Section C.3.1.2

Section L.1.4.1.5.2 The Contractor shall select and obtain the services of a Cable Systems Consultant(s) no later than the first Design Review. Offerors shall provide resumes for no more than five (5) key personnel who will be assigned the following roles: Program Manager, Engineering Lead, Propulsion SSV Lead, Cable Systems Consultant, and Noise Control Consultant.

The RFP states the Cable Systems should be selected no later than DR#1, if not selected at RFP submittal, please advise how the Government would like Offeror's to complete this resume requirement.	Resumes for proposed Key Personnel shall be submitted; the Government acknowledges that Key Personnel may change after contract award upon finalization of subcontracts.
	23

Section C.3.1.3

Section L.1.4.1.5.2

The Contractor shall select and obtain the services of a Noise Control Consultant no later than the second design Review. Offerors shall provide resumes for no more than five (5) key personnel who will be assigned the following roles: Program Manager, Engineering Lead, Propulsion SSV Lead, Cable Systems Consultant, and Noise ControlConsultant.

The RFP states the Noise Expert should be selected no later than DR#2, if not selected at RFP submittal, please advise how the Government would like Offeror's to complete this resume requirement.	Resumes for proposed Key Personnel shall be submitted; the Government acknowledges that Key Personnel may change after contract award upon finalization of subcontracts.
	24	Section L Clause	L-215-H004 asks for completion of blocks 17 and 18 of each CDRL item in Attachment J-2. However, the J-2 provided by the RFP does not provide the items in DD-1423 format with blocks 17 and 18 to fill in. Please advise how the Government would like Offeror’s to complete this requirement.	Clause L-215-H004 has been removed from the solicitation in an amendment.
	25	Section J Attachments	Due to the non-U.S. manufactured shipboard equipment referenced in the ship specification documents, we will need to engage in technical exchanges with non-U.S. Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM). Since the T-ARC(X) program is subject to the export jurisdiction of the U.S. Department of Commerce, bidders will need to obtain relevant Export Administration Regulation (EAR) licenses before any such controlled exchanges take place. The average EAR license approval time is approximately eight (8) weeks, in addition to the time needed to write the license in collaboration with the OEMs.

In order to fulfill the requirements of the Technical Approach Section 1.1, export of the J-1 and J-2 files are necessary for the purposes of RFP submittal. Please advise how the Government would like Offeror’s to complete this requirement.	The Government has reviewed distribution requirements for DRL and has determined that it can be released with Distribution C markings; this revision does not require an export license and will be provided upon request and submittal of appropriate NDAs. The specification will remain Distro D. All Contractors SHOULD BE PREPARED to have an approved Technical Assistance Agreement (TAA) through the Navy International Programs Office UPON AWARD in order to share any of the J-1 documentation with foreign teammates (regardless of whether it is marked Distribution D or not). Once an approved TAA is in place, technical data may be exported in accordance with the TAA and all associated provisions.
	26	Section 3.1

Section L.1.4.1.5.1 The Section L requirement below conflicts with Section C.3.1 SSV and consultants requirement to have the SSVs and consultants selected no later than the first and second design reviews. Given the short response timeframe of the solicitation are teaming agreements required prior to proposal submission?

Section L.1.4.1.5.1. Management Approach (c) Copies of the Teaming Agreements for each major subcontractor as defined above (not included in page count).	Teaming agreements for major subcontractors are not required, but should be submitted if available; if not available, the offeror's approach to SSV and other major subcontractor teaming should be discussed. SSV and consultants may be subcontractors.
	27	Section L.1.4.1.5.i	Section L.1.4.2.5.i. requires that the Offeror shall furnish for itself and for any subcontractor: “Substantiation of Government approval of the Offeror’s purchasing system and date of approval. If the Offeror or a proposed subcontractor does not have a Government approved purchasing system, the Offeror shall submit a plan to obtain Government approval of their own and/or their subcontractor’s purchasing system.” However, the solicitation does not include the clause FAR 52.244-2 Subcontracts, and all CLINs are Firm Fixed Price. Please confirm whether Offerors must submit the purchasing system information required by L.1.4.2.5.i.	Since this is a competitively awarded Firm-Fixed-Price effort an approved purchasing system is not required for either the Prime or subcontractor. Section L will be revised in the amendment removing the requirment.

File details come from the government source that posted it. Updated Aug 4, 2020.