QA_Document_1_for_14_R_8013.pdf

MILITARY SEALIFT COMMAND

N00033-14-R-8013

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

The following are answers to questions received from potential offerors. The answers provide clarification only and DO NOT constitute an amendment to the solicitation.

1. Would it be possible for MSC to facilitate a Lewis and Clark Class ship visit for company Executive Management Group during solicitation period?

ANSWER: The Military Sealift Command (MSC) will work on scheduling a visit. If feasible, all Offerors will be notified.

2. Section B 1.2.4 - Dynamic Interface Testing (DIT) Ground School- Is the intent of the DIT Ground School to provide aircraft knowledge or include flight training (Aircraft qualification/type) so Navy Test Pilot meets Para C 2.7.3 to serve as DIT Test Pilot/PIC?

ANSWER: DIT Ground School is for the ground school portion of the DIT Test Pilots’ training.

Flight training in preparation for DIT (familiarization, type check, and Part 135.293/297/299 check rides) will be billed at the completion of training for each base year and option year at billable Flight Rate CLIN, in accordance with Section B-1.2.2.

3. Section B 1.2.5/Section E 6.0- Request clarification on the Third Party Audit process and MSC vetting process for the approval of a Third Party Auditor - credentials, certifications, experience, expertise, etc…?

ANSWER: Changes made to Section C-2.9.4(i) in Amendment 001 include that Offerors shall propose a list of Third Party Auditors which includes credentials, certifications, experience, and expertise in conducting independent aviation safety inspections. This list, which is part of the Safety Plan, will be incorporated into the contract upon award.

4. Section M 1.0 Basis for Award - Solicitations awarded on Technical Acceptable, Acceptable Past Performance, and Lowest Price award criteria have also included “best value” in order to ensure the Government received lowest price based on best value.

ANSWER: As per Section M-1.0, this solicitation will be evaluated on a Lowest Price, Technically Acceptable basis. Technical tradeoffs will not be made and no additional credit will be given for exceeding the minimum requirements of the solicitation.

5. Will the Contract Award Authority afford consideration to best value and lowest price in the award of this solicitation?

ANSWER: As per Section M-1.0, this solicitation will be evaluated on a Lowest Price, Technically Acceptable basis. Technical tradeoffs will not be made and no additional credit will be given for exceeding the minimum requirements of the solicitation.

6. Section M 1.0/M 2.0/M 2.3 - “Award will be made to the lowest priced technically acceptable offeror with acceptable past performance. An unacceptable rating in any non-price factor will render the entire offer unacceptable and ineligible for award.” Request clarification of criteria of Acceptable Past Performance.

ANSWER: Acceptable past performance means that based on the Offeror’s performance record, the Government has a reasonable expectation that the Offeror will successfully perform the required effort, or the Offeror’s performance record is unknown.

7. Will current VERTREP performance play significantly into the determination of Acceptable Past Performance?

ANSWER: No.

8. Are performance expectations for this VERTREP solicitation higher than previously awarded VERTREP solicitations?

9. Will ability to meet past and current Readiness For Tasking (RFT) contract specifications be used in the determination of Acceptable Past Performance?

ANSWER: As per Section M-2.3, the Government will consider the following:

(1) “The Government will consider the recency and relevancy of past performance information compared to the requirements detailed in the PWS, the source of the information, the context of the data and general trends in the offeror’s performance and any associated risk.

(2) The Government will consider the extent of the offeror’s ability to perform a previous contract successfully in the areas of; (a) quality of product or services; (b) timeliness or scheduling of supplies/deliveries; (c) business relations/customer satisfaction; and (d) key personnel and staffing (including subcontractors).

(3) The Government will consider the company itself, predecessor companies, key personnel who have relevant experience and subcontractors who will perform major or critical aspects of the requirement.

The Government reserves the right to consider Past Performance Questionnaires received after the due date for receipt of proposals. The Government reserves the right to contact references for verification or additional information and the right to consider other relevant past performance information. The Government may call customers, whether or not provided by the offeror, to inquire about the offeror’s past performance. The Government does not assume the duty to search for data to cure the problems it finds with the information provided by the offeror. The burden of providing thorough and complete past performance information remains with the offeror.”

10. Given the solicitation emphasis on maintaining readiness throughout the performance period is it safe to assume that readiness performance will be a determining factor in option years?

ANSWER: The Government is unable to speculate on future option periods at this time.

11. Will a history of penalty/deduction for failure to meet and maintain contract technical specifications (RFT) be used in the determination of Acceptable Past Performance?

ANSWER: See response to Question 9.

12. Will CARB/Commercial Airlift Division be consulted in the determination of Acceptable Past

ANSWER: As per Section M-2.3, “To develop an overall rating, the Government’s evaluation will take into account relevant information submitted by each offeror as part of its proposal and the Government’s assessment and evaluation of other sources of information. Other sources of information for past performance may include, but are not limited to, Past Performance Information Retrieval System (PPIRS) reports, the Federal Awardee Performance and Integrity Information System (FAPIIS), Electronic Subcontract Report System (ESRS), other databases, questionnaires and interviews.”

13. Will CARB/Commercial Airlift Division safety record and compliance with Commercial Airlift Division Part 135 Additional Standards be used in the determination of Acceptable Past

ANSWER: See response to Question 12.

14. Section F 1.3 – Bahrain Delivery – Delivery cost of providing personnel, aircraft, equipment, and Pack-Up-Kit (PUK) to Bahrain is substantial. Significant advantage is provided if Detachment is physically located in the 5th Fleet Area of Responsibility (AOR).

ANSWER: Port availabilities are dependent on fleet requirements.

15. Will Lowest Cost award criteria take into consideration significant costing advantage of not requiring delivery?

ANSWER: As per Section M-2.4, “To determine the lowest priced offeror, the Government will use the Total Evaluated Price, as identified in Attachment C.”

16. Bahrain delivery shortens the time between solicitation award and delivery date. There are specific solicitation deliverables that incur costs that require lead time – Scheduling of Antonov flights, Aviation Facilities License, Aviation Fire Fighting, Water Survival, Helicopter Control Officer (HCO) Course, and Landing Signal Enlisted (LSE Course). Will there be any consideration given to delaying the start of work performance period?

ANSWER: There will be no delay in the start of the performance period. However, upon contract award, MSC will try assist the successful Offeror’s personnel in attending a formal Navy course of instruction (HCO, LSE, etc.).

17. Section C 2.8 – “Approved Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approved Operations Specifications (OpSpecs) shall authorize the class and type helicopter to operate under Instrument

Flight Rules (IFR), and under the conditions of flight and geographic regions required under this Contract” and Section C 3.4 requires C 3.4 DoD/CARB/HQ AMC/A3B approval no later than 01OCT14. Are OpSpecs contractual specifications required at bid submission, solicitation award or start of work performance period?

ANSWER: Offeror’s FAA approved Operations Specifications (OpSpecs) are required at offer submission, per Section L-3.2.1(i).

18. Section C 2.8 - Authorization to operate under Part 135 is approved by the FAA by geographic location OpSpec B-050. Solicitation specifically states 5th AOR. Can offeror expect to operate in 2nd, 3rd, and 7th Fleet AOR’s?

ANSWER: Yes.

19. Section C 2.8 – “The Contractor shall provide the COR documentation showing at least two (2) years’ experience flying Part 135 IFR preceding the commencement of the contract performance period.” Is the requirement for at least two (2) years’ experience flying Part 135 IFR over the period of time holding Part 135 IFR OpSpecs or the (2) years immediately preceding the start of work performance period (01OCT12 – 01OCT14)?

ANSWER: Documentation showing at least two (2) years immediately preceding the start of work performance period on 01 October 2014.

20. Can MSC provide TACAN Approach and Carrier Controlled Approach (CCA) minimums so that approaches can be added to Part 135 IFR OpSpecs?

ANSWER: Information is available upon request. Requests shall be emailed to Stefani Nick at stefani.nick@navy.mil.

21. In the event the contractor flies less than 288 flight hours does contractor get paid for 288 flight hours or only flight hours flown to the nearest tenth of an hour?

ANSWER: Only flight hours flown to the nearest tenth of an hour. Annual flight hours are now programmed at 240 hours vice 288 hours. See Amendment 001.

22. Are there any DOT waivers or are there any DOT waivers required for VERTREP for the transportation of cargo under Title 49 USC Transportation?

23. Request additional information on the shipboard Aviation fuel filtration system.

ANSWER: A technical manual of the ship’s JP-5 service filter/separator is available upon request. Requests shall be emailed to Stefani Nick at stefani.nick@navy.mil.

24. Is standard gasoline and diesel fuel available onboard?

ANSWER: Only NATO F-44 (JP-5) and F-76 (Diesel Fuel Marine) are available onboard.

25. Are there any USN/MSC restrictions to operations of a gasoline/diesel powered equipment in the helicopter hangar?

mailto:stefani.nick@navy.mil

ANSWER: Gasoline is not available onboard MSC ships. Diesel powered equipment can be run in the hangar depending on the size of the equipment. MSC uses diesel forklifts afloat.

26. Will DOD/USN/MSC provide Government fuel identaplates for purchase of fuel at Government facilities and overseas locations where contract requires refueling in support of ashore operations– Example – Bahrain, Djibouti, etc?

27. Will the Detachment be able to turn over disposable fluids for consolidation and disposal by the vessel?

ANSWER: Most likely, once onboard, the ship's HAZMAT coordinator is the POC for the turnover of waste fuel, lubricants, and hydraulic fluids.

28. Request applicable DON instruction (Section C 3.1 (d)) and/or publication that defines compliance requirements and verification procedures.

29. Solicitation Bid is based on compliance with all applicable Department of the Navy (DON) rules and regulations. When can the offeror expect to be provided the Navy instructions and publications listed?

a. OPNAVINST 3100.8B

b. OPNAVINST 3710.7U

c. OPNAVINST 3750.6R

d. COMPACFLT Instruction 3124.31

e. NAVAIR 00-80T-122

f. (NAEC-ENG)-7576 Revision BH

g. APP 2(F)/MPP 2(F) Volume II

h. MSC SMS 7.11-001-ALL Rev 4.0

i. MSC SMS 7.11-002-SQ Original

30. In Section C 3.6 Orders, are the “Orders” referenced FAA Orders or Department of

Transportation Orders pertaining to the transportation of hazardous material?

ANSWER: FAA Orders.

31. In regards to Section C 3.9, request clarification and all applicable DON instructions and/or publications that defines HAZMAT compliance requirements and shipboard procedures (Acceptance, storage, and disposal).

ANSWER: COMSCINST 5100.17D is MSC's Safety and Occupational Health Program Instruction. It references SECNAVINST 5100.10, OPNAVINSTs 5100.19, 5100.23, 3500.39, COMSCINSTs 5042.1 and 4700.1. The SECNAVINST and OPNAVINSTs are available online.

Copies of the COMSCINSTs are available upon request. Requests shall be emailed to Stefani Nick at stefani.nick@navy.mil.

32. In regards to Section C 4.4.6(e), request clarification on the requirement and mission scope that would require (2) Mk-105 pendants simultaneously? This question is asked because in the history of commercial VERTREP the use of (2) Mk-105 pendants simultaneously has never been required and/or used.

ANSWER: Per Section C-4.4.6(e), minimum requirement is that the cargo hook system shall be capable of handling two (2) Mk-105 pendants simultaneously.

33. Will MSC support temporary loan of (2) Mk-105 pendants during the solicitation period in order to validate compliance? Offeror will pay for shipment of Mk-105 pendants.

ANSWER: Upon contract award, MSC will try to provide temporary loan of up to two MK-105 and cargo net assets for shore-based VERTREP training, if requested.

34. The rating for the Mk-105 pendant is 6,000 lbs. Does the Navy/MSC have in inventory a pendant with a rating of greater than 6,000 lbs?

35. In regards to Section C 4.4.8, it lists passenger requirement as (5) passengers and associated baggage. Section C 2.7.2 (b) lists “a minimum of (5) passengers with associated baggage.”

Section C 4.4.8 lists “(5) or more passengers with baggage.” Request clarification.

ANSWER: The aircraft shall be able to carry a minimum of five (5) passengers with associated baggage in addition to the Detachment personnel. Please see Amendment 001 and revision to Section C-4.4.8.

36. In the event contract requires passenger in excess of contract technical specifications requiring additional short term insurance (Ex – Human Assistance Disaster Relief (HADR) mission) would the associated cost be reimbursable?

ANSWER: Conducting missions (VERTREP, pax transfer, MEDEVAC, etc.) in a Humanitarian Assistance Disaster Relief (HADR) operational environment is intrinsic to afloat aviation logistics support and historically, cost(s) related to additional short term insurance for these missions have been non–reimbursable from the Government.

37. In regards to Section C 6.4 Contractor & Detachment Personnel Requirements -“In all cases, transient personnel shall not perform aircrew duties earlier than 72 hours after reporting to the Detachment when Detachment is OCONUS.” Transient is defined in Section C 1.0 as the “term to describe aircraft or personnel not officially part of the Detachment. Examples of include manufacturer maintenance personnel, aircraft being cycled into or out of a Detachment, Contractor personnel temporarily assigned to the Detachment for observation purposes.” Despite transient definition request clarification that (72) post travel crew rest applies to Detachment aircrew?

ANSWER: Yes, it does. Please see Amendment 001 and revision to Section C-6.4.

38. Would like to clarify that (72) hour crew rest period commences upon completion of travel and not when reporting onboard the ship to join the Detachment

ANSWER: The Government views reporting onboard the ship to join the Detachment as the same as completion of travel.

39. Request clarification of compliance with a DFARS 252.223-7004 drug screening. FAA does not require mandatory drug screening for International safety sensitive positions.

ANSWER: While 14 CFR 120.123(1) states that “each employee who is assigned to perform safety-sensitive functions solely outside the territory of the United States shall be removed from the random testing pool upon the inception of such assignment,” MSC’s Commercial Helicopter detachments are embarked on USNS vessels, which are recognized as sovereign U.S. territories under international Freedom of Navigation laws, in almost all of the ocean.

40. With Detachment delivery in Bahrain will there be an opportunity for initial shipboard qualification prior to work performance period and initial embarkation?

ANSWER: The Government will attempt to arrange for a USN DLQ platform and instructor for Ground School and initial shipboard DLQs, if necessary. Note that per Section C 8.1.1, DLQs are secondary to fleet operations. Location will be in CONUS, can be either West Coast or East Coast, and is at the discretion of the Government.

41. Is the USN/MSC going to make available a USN DLQ instructor for Ground School & initial shipboard DLQ’s in accordance with OPNAVINST 3100.8A dtd 30MAR10 Para 5. (h), (i), and (j)?

ANSWER: See response to Question 40.

42. If there is not a USN DLQ instructor and a ship is not made available what provisions does MSC expect to make in order to facilitate initial shipboard qualifications?

ANSWER: Per Section C 8.1.1, the Government may provide platforms for the performance of shipboard DLQs so long as such training does not conflict with the operational needs of the Government. MSC expects the awardee to execute the new contract on 01 October, 2014.

43. If DLQ training will be completed on the helicopter landing trainer (IX-514) are the expenses associated with this period reimbursable?

44. In regards to Section C 6.8.1 (xi), request clarification that no more than two (2) pilots means two

(2) of the ten (10) Detachment pilots and not two (2) per rotation?

ANSWER: Yes, it is no more than two (2) SICs out of the ten (10) Detachment pilots.

45. In view of minimum personnel requirements in Section C 6.8.1(d) (ii) will accommodation be made in the contract if no platforms are available for Detachment Pilots to complete initial DLQ qualification during first underway period?

ANSWER: See response to Question 42.

46. In a typical instance of crew rotations the Contractor shall notify the COR of the departure and arrival of the crew member(s)?

ANSWER: Yes, the Contractor shall notify the Government in daily reports.

47. In view of the frequency of personnel travel on rotation and break does the COR want all travel itineraries?

48. Will shipboard personnel make government forklifts available for the movement of Detachment equipment?

ANSWER: Yes, if available and coordinated in advance with ship’s Cargo Mate.

49. Is it possible for Detachment personnel to be qualified on shipboard forklifts?

ANSWER: Yes; however, Detachment personnel need to meet MSC's training and certification requirements, including a physical exam, in order to be qualified.

50. Request clarification of shipboard hangar and working spaces AC & DC specifications – 28 V DC power and 120 V / 3 Phase / 400 Hz AC power?

ANSWER: A technical manual of the ship’s aviation power supply is available upon request.

Requests shall be emailed to Stefani Nick at stefani.nick@navy.mil.

51. What are the specifications of shipboard low pressure and high pressure service air?

ANSWER:

• Total of two (2) cylinders of oil-free nitrogen (Type 1, Grade A of Grade B, Specification [Commercial Item Description] A-A-59503) including stowage provided

• 120 PSI low pressure air (with drier, regulator and hose) ship service air system to support the A/M 34M-2 nitrogen servicing hand truck provided in the hangar

52. Can offeror provide company owned IT/IS computers, printers, scanners, etc…?

53. If company provided IT/IS equipment can it be hooked into the Government provided shipboard Navy Marine Corps Internet System?

ANSWER: No. Contractor/personally owned IT/IS computers, printers, scanners, and peripherals (USB data storage device) shall not be connected to the ship’s IT/IS network at any time.

54. What is the bandwidth of the ship’s internet system and are there any limitations to import/export data size?

ANSWER: The ship’s internet system has a 128K bandwidth and normally can support up to 2MB of data file transfers.

55. Is it possible for offeror IT/IS personnel to discuss shipboard capabilities with MSC IT/IS personnel directly? The purpose would be for subject matter expert to subject matter expert discussion so the correct questions, additional information, and clarification are addressed.

ANSWER: All IT-related questions shall be submitted to the Contracting Officer and Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR).

56. Can MSC provide SECNAVINST M-5510.36 and SECNAVINST M-5510.3?

ANSWER: The instructions are available at the following links:

SECNAVINST M-5510.30

http://doni.daps.dla.mil/Directives/05000%20General%20Management%20Security%20and%20S afety%20Services/05-500%20Security%20Services/5510.30B.pdf.

SECNAVINST M-5510.36

http://doni.daps.dla.mil/Directives/05000%20General%20Management%20Security%20and%20S afety%20Services/05-500%20Security%20Services/5510.36A.pdf.

57. Will CAC Cards provide access to overseas Exchange, Commissary, and MWR facilities?

58. What GS Pay Grade will Detachment personnel be considered equivalent to while on contract?

ANSWER: GS-14 for Det OIC, GS-13 for all other Detachment personnel.

59. The Solicitation states CARB certification for carrying Government passengers and cargo (32 CFR 861) no later than 01Oct14. Is the same date (commencement of performance work period) applicable to specialized contract FAA OpSpecs (1) IFR OpSpec for class and type; (2) B-050 OpSpec for geographic location?

ANSWER: No. Per Section C-2.8, documentation showing at least two (2) years immediately preceding the start of work performance period on 01 October 2014for the FAA IFR OpSpec.

FAA B-050 OpSpec for geographic location due no later than 01 October 2014.

60. Will MSC activate 14 CFR 198 for war risk insurance?

61. In view of delays and lead time for DOD Secret Security Clearance process are Interim Secret Security Clearances acceptable throughout adjudication process awaiting clearance?

ANSWER: Yes, Interim SECRET Security Clearances are acceptable. Please see Amendment 001 and revised Section H-2.3.

62. Is unsecured wireless web access to the Government internet available? If unsecured wireless web access is not available is it allowed and can the offeror provide unsecured wireless web access?

ANSWER: Answer to both questions is no.

http://doni.daps.dla.mil/Directives/05000%20General%20Management%20Security%20and%20Safety%20Services/05-500%20Security%20Services/5510.30B.pdf http://doni.daps.dla.mil/Directives/05000%20General%20Management%20Security%20and%20Safety%20Services/05-500%20Security%20Services/5510.30B.pdf http://doni.daps.dla.mil/Directives/05000%20General%20Management%20Security%20and%20Safety%20Services/05-500%20Security%20Services/5510.30B.pdf http://doni.daps.dla.mil/Directives/05000%20General%20Management%20Security%20and%20Safety%20Services/05-500%20Security%20Services/5510.36A.pdf http://doni.daps.dla.mil/Directives/05000%20General%20Management%20Security%20and%20Safety%20Services/05-500%20Security%20Services/5510.36A.pdf http://doni.daps.dla.mil/Directives/05000%20General%20Management%20Security%20and%20Safety%20Services/05-500%20Security%20Services/5510.36A.pdf

63. What if any limitations will be placed on AFF in view of operational security concerns?

ANSWER: Assuming AFF stands for Automated Flight Following, it is not a requirement of this solicitation.

64. Would MSC consider adding contracting FAR Clause 52.251-1 to the VERTREP Solicitation N00033-14-R-8013?

ANSWER: The clause is not applicable to this solicitation.

65. In regards to Section C-2.4, will the government please clarify what is meant by “the detachment shall be available and ready to perform missions at any time, day or night, on a 24-hour per day basis, except as otherwise provided.”? Does this mean the contractor shall maintain day and night flight crews for both aircraft?

ANSWER: No. However, the Detachment may be tasked to support missions during the day and the night.

66. In Section C-2.7.2, the PWS requires the ability to perform water rescue as part of the described

SAR capability. In PWS 8.6.2, the PWS allows 4 flight hours per month for proficiency training.

If the government intends the contractor to conduct flight training for proficiency conducting operations on a vessel underway, will you allow an additional 4 flight hours per month for proficiency training conducting the SAR portion of this mission?

67. The PWS requires the contractor to provide the COR documentation showing at least two years experience flying Part 135 IFR preceding commencement of the contract performance period.

Will the government require this documentation as part of the RFP for evaluation?

ANSWER: Yes, as per Section L-3.2.1(j).

68. Per CARB regulations, “Additional Standards for Department of Defense (DOD) Contract

Aircraft Operations Under FAR part 135 (noncommuter) (passenger), and 32CFR 861.4 (e) (1) (i)

(ii) (iii)” carriers “are required to possess 12 months continuous service equivalent to the service sought by the DOD” Will the government confirm offerers are required to demonstrate 12 months of service providing ship based operations with a medium twin engine helicopter to be eligible for evaluation on this requirement?

ANSWER: That is confirmed and required as per Section L-3.2.1(p).

69. Per Section C-2.11.2, the contractor is responsible for purchasing or reimbursing the government for fuel used in support of this contract. Due to the nature of this mission, fuel is typically procured from a US Navy vessel or source? Will the government consider accepting the responsibility for fuel as it is provided by the government in most cases? In the event the contractor conducts training flights, or uses fuel for any other non-billable flight, those fuel costs can be credited back to the government in the way described in Section C 2.11.2.

ANSWER: Due to its state of deployment (whether embarked or shore-based), fuel is typically procured from a USNS/USS vessel or Government facility ashore. Flight Rate already includes the fuel cost, therefore, fuel used for any other non-billable flight or event (i.e. ground runs) cannot be credited back to the Government and are for the Contractor’s account.

70. The PWS states, “…At the sole discretion of the Government, war risk insurance may be provided pursuant to 14 CFR 198, as required.” Will the government please clarify if it is their intention to provide war risk insurance on this contract?

71. Will the government require defense base act insurance on this contract? If yes, is that a reimbursable item?

72. States that the resulting contract will be a FFP contract awarded in accordance with FAR Part 12, Acquisition of Commercial Items. FAR Part 12 requirements are not currently identified in the solicitation.

ANSWER: The resulting contract will be a firm-fixed-price contract awarded in accordance with FAR Part 15. The synopsis description on FEDBIZOPPS was modified.

73. CLINs 0001 and 4001 state 365 days; however, Att. C lists 366 days for these entries. Please correct and ensure that the number of days in the CLINs corresponds to the number of days in Att. C.

ANSWER: A typographic error was made. Please see Amendment 001.

74. CLIN 0001, 1001, 2001, 3001, and 4001 - Quantity in CLINs shows only one day. Will this be changed to correspond to the number of days (corrected per question above) as shown in Attachment C?

75. CLIN 0002 and 2002- Quantity shows only one Hour. Will this be changed to 288 hours?

ANSWER: Please see Amendment 001. Annual flight hours were changed from 288 to 240.

76. CLIN 0003, 1003, 2003, 3003, 4003 - CLIN identifies this as a FFP CLIN. Will the contractor be paid the entire FFP amount proposed or will this be a Cost Reimburseable CLIN?

77. B 1.2.2 Flight Rate References C-8.7.2. However, there is no C 8.7.2. Do you mean C 8.6.2.?

ANSWER: Yes, reference is corrected to reflect Section C-8.6.2. Please see Amendment 001.

78. Section B.1.2.6 and B.1.2.7 describe CLINs 5000 and 5001 that are not included in the previous section of CLINs. Could you please clarify if CLINs 5000 and 5001 are required and will they be evaluated?

ANSWER: Yes, CLINS 5000 and 5001 are required. The price for delivery and redelivery will also be included in Attachment C and are part of the total evaluated price. Please see Amendment 001.

79. Delivery and Redelivery - these items are not included as CLINs in Section B, nor in the

Attachment C Pricing Sheet. Will these be evaluated factors as part of the Total Evaluated Price?

ANSWER: The price for delivery and redelivery will also be included in Attachment C and are part of the total evaluated price. Please see Amendment 001.

80. If the contractor exceeds the 288 flight hours, will there be "over and above" hours? Request inclusion of a CLIN for over and above hours in excess of the 288 flight hours identified.

ANSWER: Annual flight hours are changed to 240 hours. Please see Amendment 001. The Government does not expect annual flight hours to exceed 240 hours.

81. In Section B 2.1, request inclusion of a material handling fee or G&A rate applied to the costs to cover the administrative indirect costs in order to be compliant with Cost Accounting Standards identified in FAR Parts 30 and 31.

ANSWER: No, this contract is firm-fixed-price with reimbursable elements, which do not account for cost accounting standards.

82. Should the FAR clause 52.232-22 -- Limitation of Funds, be included in the solicitation?

ANSWER: No, this contract is not a cost reimbursable contract.

83. Will the detachment be required to operate with night vision devices?

84. Section C 2.7.1 States that both aircraft shall be equipped and available to perform VERTREP in accordance with Section C-4.4.6; C 2.7.2 states that at least one aircraft shall be equipped and available to perform SAR, Pax transfers, MEDEVAC, and internal cargo movement. Will the Detachment be considered FMC if only one aircraft can perform the latter?

ANSWER: Detachment’s readiness is based on each aircraft’s material condition, i.e. FMC, NMC, or PMC each day. Please see Amendment 001 and revision to Section C-2.7.2.

85. If an aircraft meets mission requirements as identified in C 2.7.1 or C2.7.2, please provide clarification on the process for declaring an aircraft FMC, PMC, or NMC. If only one aircraft is required to be FMC and the other aircraft is only required to meet some of the requirements, why is there a deduction of a maintenance day?

ANSWER: Please see Amendment 001 and revision to Section C-2.7.2.

86. Section C 5.14 identifies Attachment J-06 as the list of PUK specific contents. Attachment J-06 as attached to the RFP is identified as "Performance Plans". Please provide clarification.

ANSWER: PUK specific contents, as a subset of the Maintenance Plan, are incorporated in Attachment J-06(d) upon award.

87. In Section C 11.0, request that the a table be included, identifying each report, the date that it is due, the number of days the Government will have to review, and the number of days the contractor will have to correct any deficiencies.

ANSWER: Corrections were made to Section C-11.4 and Attachment J-01_Performance Assessment Plan to incorporate days for review. Please see Amendment 001.

88. In Section H 3.0, please clarify the term "loss of time". This terminology is not referenced elsewhere in the solicitation, and is not included in the FAR.

ANSWER: Generally speaking, a “loss of time” occurs when the detachment is not fully able to satisfactorily perform the specific services that the Government requires the detachment to perform.

89. In Section H 4.0, why is there a deduction from the Per Diem rate for failure to be FMC when

Section C-2.7.2 states that an aircraft may be Partially Mission Capable?

ANSWER: As per Sections C-5.9.2(b), the Detachment will be subject to scheduled deductions in accordance with Section H-4.0 for exceeding the four (4) maintenance days in a calendar month. Also, please see Amendment 001 and revision to Section C-2.7.2.

90. Should FAR 52.216-7 Allowable Cost and Payment be included in the solicitation for the reimbursables?

ANSWER: No, this contract is not a cost reimbursable contract.

91. Should FAR 52.232-7 Payments Under Time-and-Materials and Labor-Hour Contracts be included in the solicitation for the reimbursables?

ANSWER: No, this contract is not a time and material or labor hour contract.

92. DFARS 252.228-7000, Reimbursement for War-Hazard Losses Will this clause be included as part of the solicitation?

93. Please provide clarification on the inclusion of the Cost and Pricing data required in Section L-

6.0. Will the pricing in accordance with Table 15-2 be required? If not, request deletion of this reference.

ANSWER: The Government reserves the right to request certified cost and pricing data prior to Contract award.

94. In Section J-01, under Performance Assessment Plan (PAP), request that an alternate methodology be negotiated to include reward-driven incentives or positives. As identified in the PAP, there are no positive performance incentives identified in the metrics. Request that the contractor be rewarded for exceeding performance standards. Alternatives may include a Fixed Price Incentive Fee or Fixed Price Award Fee contract based upon a negotiated set of criteria on a weighted scale at the beginning of each option period.

ANSWER: No positive performance incentives will be incorporated.

95. In Section M.2.4, under Factor 3: Price, it references Attachment D; however, there is no Attachment D. Do you mean Attachment C?

ANSWER: Yes, it should state Attachment (C). A typographic error was made. Please see Amendment 001.

96. In Section B Items 0003, 1003, 2003, 3003, and 4003 each line item reflects FFP as the manner of pricing. This is in conflict with Article B-2.0 Other Direct Cost Procedures which states “The Government will reimburse the Contractor for the actual price paid for those supplies and services that are identified as ODC items by the Contractor, when approved by the Contracting Officer…” This makes the referenced CLINs Cost Reimbursable (CR) with no fee added, per the ODC Procedures stated in the solicitation. In accordance with Section B-2.5, this makes the pricing for the referenced items (Section B Items 0003, 1003, 2003, 3003, and 4003) to be NOT-TO- EXCEED. Offeror will have to notify the CO when 85% of the line item value has been reached for reimbursements, to allow the CO to either add funds to the CLIN or to cut off future reimbursements when the total NTE has been reached. Is this the correct interpretation of the solicitation wording and if so will the solicitation be amended?

ANSWER: The FFP designation is part of the procurement writing system that cannot be changed at this time. However, the nature of the CLINS is thoroughly described in Section B.

97. Should bidders price fuel into their Per Diem rate? What fuel price per gallon should be used by the offeror so that all bidders are on equal footing?

ANSWER: Yes. Section C-2.11.2(a) provides a website for current fuel prices per gallon.

98. Will the contractor purchase all or most of its fuel directly from the Government? If yes, then could the Government provide a pegged fuel price that all offerors could use for their fuel burn?

ANSWER: Yes, if the Detachment is embarked underway on a vessel, fuel is typically made available. Section C-2.11.2(a) provides a website for current fuel prices per gallon.

99. Will there be an economic price adjustment reimbursement for any fluctuations in fuel prices?

100. Reference C-2.11.2: Will the government review the administration of Fuel that is consumed on this contact? Operator is not in control as to where they buy the fuel. Thus, it makes most sense for the operator to estimate based on current Government Rates. However, when fuel prices change the operator will bill on actual use and actual price incurred. Suggestion is to add a line item CLIN to the Pricing Section. This will then reduce the total hourly that the operator would have charged the customer thus the total price to government should not be affected.

ANSWER: The Government is not altering the pricing structure in the solicitation.

101. Please provide a list all items the contractor can get reimbursement from the Government for, upon submission of proper documentation.

ANSWER: In accordance with Section B-2.2, the Contractor is eligible for all items under Joint Federal Travel Regulations (JFTR). Please see JTR par. U2510; Joint Travel Regulations, par.

C1310; and JFTR/JTR, Appendix O, par. T4050-B2, which require valid receipts for, but not limited to, any lodging, rental cars, and transportation expenses.

A receipt is a written acknowledgement that the vendor has been paid for providing goods or services. To be valid, it must show:

• The name of the company providing the goods or services

• When the specific services were rendered or articles purchased

• The unit price

• The final amount due and that it was paid

102. Can bidders provide alternate proposal solutions? That is, can a bidder provide two different aircraft solutions?

ANSWER: All pricing must in accordance with Attachment (C). However, yes, the Offeror can provide different solutions. Please note that each solution must have a complete proposal as outlined in Section L.

103. Is it confirmed that MSC does not desire nor hold any value on an aircraft solution that could fit into other hangars, such as AOE or AE or AO or AFS?

104. For sake of planning and costing analysis can you provide rough locations and duration that the incumbent aircraft / detachment has been located over past 60 months?

ANSWER: 52% in 5th and 6th Fleets, 28% in 7th Fleet, 20% in CONUS.

105. Reference C-2.3: Please confirm that if and when the detachment is located within a "war zone" as defined by insurance underwriters contracting officer will allow for reimbursable war risk insurance for known hostile areas, or war risk insurance should be included in our Per Diem price to the Government.

ANSWER: The Government will not allow for reimbursement of war risk insurance. It is at the Offeror’s discretion if it is included in the Per Diem rate.

106. Reference C-4.4.6: Confirm that the government does not desire an aircraft that can lift more than the minimum requirement set forth in this section. Previous RFI requirements stated a desire by MSC to have an aircraft that could lift over 9,000 lbs. Will the Government consider allocating more value to an aircraft that can lift over 9,000 as its more effective an economical with each load? Is there any value for having helicopters that can provide lift of over 9,000 lbs. as desired in the past RFI?

ANSWER: The Government does not place increased value on an aircraft that can lift over 9,000 pounds.

107. Will the Government consider giving great value to an aircraft that has more lift capability and that meets all the other requirements?

ANSWER: The Government does not place increased value on anything over the minimum requirements of the solicitation.

108. Reference C-4.4.7: Class D Hoist Operations: per contract and operation requirements the operator must be able to perform Class D operations. These operations are different from "typical" external load operations (use of a Belly Hook for static loads). Thus, this Class D requirement should also meet DoD / CARB Approval requirements. Confirm Class D Operations and requite experience and approvals are required under this contract.

ANSWER: Confirmed. There are no specific CARB requirements for hoist requirements. As hoist operations are considered operational support services, the agency contracting for or arranging the service is responsible for safety oversight. Refer to DODI 4500.53 Enclosure 3 para 5 for details. All hoist operators shall comply with FAA requirements for Class D operations.

109. How is IFR currency handled currently when at sea? Is it a paid or unpaid training evolution?

ANSWER: If part of the current allocation of four (4) hours per month proficiency training (as per Section C-8.6.2), then IFR currency is a paid evolution.

110. Reference C-8.5: Stipulates aviation physiology and water survival acceptable to the government, can we get clarification if the Navy course is required or if MSC will approve commercial courses.

ANSWER: Upon review of the course and material covered, MSC may approve commercial courses.

111. Is the 3100.8A a reference document and applicable in its entirety?

ANSWER: OPNAVINST 3100.8B, which has superseded 3100.8A. The document is available upon request. Requests shall be emailed to Stefani Nick at stefani.nick@navy.mil.

112. Reference C-9.2: Is the field DLQ flight a paid evolution and is it required every crew rotation?

113. Reference C-6.2: The contractor shall provide sufficient personnel to secure the helicopters and perform the functions of “Landing Signalman Enlisted, Helicopter Control Officer, and Flight Deck Safety Officer”…Does this mean the Navy will cross train our staff, or individuals within our staff, to be qualified to perform these duties? Please clarify this paragraph.

ANSWER: Upon contract award, MSC will try assist the successful Offeror’s personnel in attending a formal Navy course of instruction (HCO, LSE, etc.).

114. For crew rotational concerns, please provide information about the frequency of MSC’s returning to port or an average timeframe for when we can expect rotational crew to meet ships at port locations.

ANSWER: There isn’t an average timeframe in between port availabilities as they are dependent on fleet requirements. For planning purposes, MSC ship maintenance cycles are:

1. Regular Overhaul (ROH) every 30 months, 45-60 day shipyard period with dry-docking.

2. Mid-Term Availability (MTA) every 30 months. 30-45 day shipyard period without dry-docking.

3. Voyage Repairs (VR) every quarter. Occurs every quarter without an MTA or ROH.

4. Emergent/Casualty Report (CASREP) support dependent on emergent work.

115. Does MSC require both a hard copy proposal (with electronic copy) and a soft copy sent by email?

ANSWER: As per Section L-2.1, proposals shall only be hand delivered or mailed. As per Section L-2.4, the Offerors shall provide one (1) hard copy labeled “ORIGINAL” and three (3) hard copies labeled “COPY” of Volume I, and one (1) hard copy labeled “ORIGINAL” of Volume II and Volume III. Additionally, an electronic copy of Volume I, Volume II, and Volume III shall be provided in either Microsoft Word or Portable Document Format (PDF) on one (1) compact disk. (Please note that other forms of electronic media (e.g., USB flash drives) will not be accepted.) If there is a discrepancy between the hard copies, the hard copy labeled “ORIGINAL” will prevail. If there are discrepancies between hard copies and electronic copies, the hard copy label “ORIGINAL” will prevail.

116. Please clarify that only one (1) hard copy and one (1) electronic copy is required for

Volume II and Volume III. Please clarify that only Volume I requires one (1) hard copy “Original” and three (3) hard copies, labeled copy 1, 2, and 3.

ANSWER: See response to Question 116.

117. Can bidders provide more than 3 past performance references?

ANSWER: No, as per Section L-4.1, the Offeror shall provide information on up to three (3) previous Government or commercial contracts.

118. Can bidders utilize the past performance from a Joint Venture partners? Can bidders utilize the past performance from a Teaming Partner?

ANSWER: Yes. The past performance information provided for the partners shall coincide with the effort the partner will be performing in the Offeror’s proposal for this solicitation.

119. Will the Government allow companies to form Joint Ventures to bid and perform on this contract, if it was structured so that the company that is the FAA part 135/133 DoD CARB approved air carrier is the prime contractor to meet RFP requirements?

120. If Joint Ventures are allowed, will the Government allow each parties/company’s past performance to be evaluated as one entity?

121. Will the Government allow aircraft that are leased?

122. Is there no Mobilization/De-Mobilization CLIN?

ANSWER: CLIN 5000 for Delivery and CLIN 5001 for Redelivery are incorporated via Amendment 001.

123. C 2.3 says, "If deployed to an area, port, place, zone or route involved in a state of war, warlike operations, civil strife, piracy, natural disaster or other hostilities (weather there be a declaration of war or not), the Contractor shall continue performance of this contract".

Question: We assume that under this scenario, the Port of Embarkation where our employees initially meet the client's vessel, or rotational employees rotate with active employees, is secure, with reliable commercial air servicing that location.

124. C 2.11.1 The Contractor shall provide and dispose of all fuel, lubricants, and hydraulic fluids to be used by Detachment aircraft during the Contract performance period. Disposal shall be in compliance with all applicable U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations.

Question: In prior VERTREP contract, the Navy provided an incinerator on each ship that is able to handle all waste fuel, lubricants, and hydraulic fluids. The role of our employees was to: turn in the waste materials to the ship’s environmental folks where the waste is then disposed of in accordance with Navy protocol. Will that same service be provided by the USN ships for this contract?

ANSWER: Most likely, once onboard, the ship's HAZMAT coordinator is the POC for the turnover of waste fuel, lubricants, and hydraulic fluids.