IndustryQuestions.docx

Questions from Industry 08 May 2020 Q: Does the cartridge case under this solicitation need to meet Insensitive Munitions (IM) requirements?

A: Though IM reduces the technical risk of the contract, the Government does not have a requirement that the cartridge case meet IM requirements.

18 May 2020 Q: Will any of the planned awards be Set Aside for Small Business Concerns?

A: The award(s) will not include Set Asides for Small Businesses. Though, there is a Small Business Subcontracting Plan requirement as noted in Sections L/M of the Solicitation.

Q: Is there a directed source for the Low Vulnerability Ammunition propellant?

A: The pre-solicitation referenced Low Vulnerability Ammunition propellant. This, however, was removed in the solicitation as it is not a requirement to use this specific propellant. The contractor must use a propellant that meets the requirements in the weapon specification (WS 35719) and one that has satisfied USN qualification requirements prior to delivery.

Q: Is there source control for any other component?

A: Scepter (CAGE 36976) is the only approved source of supply for the MK 806 57mm Container per drawing 53711-8215628. Also, Bofors (CAGE H9121) and BAE Systems (CAGE 44114) are currently the only approved sources for the MK 8 Clip per drawing 53711-8215627.

Q: Will the USG provide Chamber Gauging, or pre-production access to the Mk110 as GFE or GFM?

A: The only GFE/GFM provided will be MK 12 pallets. Drawing 53711-8479618 is provided as an interface control drawing.

Q: What are the component and cartridge level critical characteristics for the Mk296 Mod 0 cartridge?

A: The Government does not own the TDP for the MK296 MOD 0 Cartridge, a contractor-specific 57mm TP design. In addition to the characteristics identified in WS 35718A, Table V, the contractor must assign characteristics for their 57mm design in accordance with WS 35718A, paragraph 4.4.1.

· Please clarify the submittal method of submittal. Due to COVID-19 limitations and delays with freight shipments, it is recommended electronic submittal be the preferred method.

· Electronic submission of proposals is the only method accepted.

· 52.209-4: FA Approval. No time stated for USG approval. This is requested to assist in development of the IMS.

· Within 30 calendar days after the Government receives the test report

· Section L: Paragraph 2.0: Notices to Offerors

· The published Statement is not complete. It is edited as such, “The Offeror shall clearly identify the proposed kit(s) within each separate volume., if they choose to propose to more than one kit their submittal shall…… “

· WS35718_A:

· 4.3.1. Lot formation: Consider updating paragraph to reflect WS35805 allowance of 14 calendar days, vs. the current 3

i. The Government is agreeable to allow 14 calendar days

· Table V: Classification of Characteristics: Can you please verify if correct, or can you please confirm why “propellant charge weight” is classified as a critical vs. Major 100%.

i. This topic is currently being discussed. If there is a change, it will be communicated.

· Drawing: 53711-8479620: Current: “Critical 1: Primer Shall be Flush to .014 (0.36MM) below flush of surface A”. Reword to match WS35718_A:

· The requirement in the specification takes precedence. Per paragraph 2.3 of WS 35718A, “In the event of a conflict between the text of this document and the references cited herein, the text of this document takes precedence.” This discrepancy is noted.

· There are no FAT CLINs in the out “option” years. Should there be a lapse in production due to unavailability of orders, would the contractor be required to perform FAT before starting?

· In general, if there is a lapse in production of more than 24 months, FAT may be required. The Gov’t does not expect this to happen. Though, if it does, the x001 CLINs have been reserved for this purpose. A Contract Modification would be issued against the Base, adding the FAT CLIN; then, an Order will be placed against it.

· Section L- Volume II- “Past Performance” includes a reminder that pricing files should have a unique identifying name. However, there is no reference pricing files in the Past Performance requirements. Please identify what pricing data is required as part of the Past Performance Volume.

· IF, and only if, pricing-type files are included to back up past performance information, those pricing files MUST be labeled/identified as containing pricing information. This information is handled differently during the source selection process. So, we have to be mindful that only the person handling this information is the one authorized to do so.

· Section L- Volume III- “Price” requests the inclusion of pricing information (i.e. price breakdown, catalog pricing, past pricing history, etc.). Further, Cost Accounting Standards FAR Clauses 52.230-2; 52.230-3; and 52.230-6. It is understood this solicitation effort is a FFP, competitive effort. Therefore, this effort shall fall under an exception for CAS coverage. Please confirm CAS compliance and pricing information is not required.

· CAS compliance is not expected to be required since award(s) will be FFP based on adequate competition without submission of certified cost or pricing data. Though, the Government may still request Other Than certified cost or pricing data.