N0042124R0001 Q and A.pdf

Contracted Air Services (CAS) Propeller Aircraft Services N00421‐24‐R‐0001 Questions And Answers From

12 July 2022 Industry Day

# REF/#: Industry Question/Comment Government Response

1 PWS Table 3.1.1 What is the maximum approximate total weight of all government furnished materials to be installed in each of the vendor’s aircraft (including the Link 16 interference trainer components)?

The following approximate weights per Government Furnished Property (GFP) item have been added to PWS Table 3.1.1 (except as noted below, each aircraft must be provisioned for the following GFP):

‐ [1] Internal LSRTU box (approximate weight 40 lbs) ‐ [1] COMET UHF or L‐band UAV emulator (approximate weight 36 lbs) ‐ [1] Link‐16 Interference Trainer (one aircraft per coast) (approximate weight 65 lbs, add 50 lbs for a suitable housing that can be strapped to the floor (30”x24”x15”) if the aircraft cannot mount a standard rack unit) ‐ [2] Secure Communications Relay System (approximate weight 24 lbs)

Note that the Tactical Air Navigation (TACAN) Foster 970 has been removed from Table 3.1.1 as a GFP item.

2 PWS 6.1

Please confirm the coordinates (draft PWS, section 6.1) defining the West Coast basing location.

The currently listed coordinates appear to plot approximately 100 nm off the coast of Baja California and there doesn’t appear to be a basing option within 50 nm of those coordinates.

The West Coast GPS coordinates identified in PWS Section 6.1 have been revised to N 32° 43.37’ W 117° 48.98’.

3 PWS 6.1

PWS 6.1 Basing “The contractor may be permanently based at locations of the contractor’s choosing, but the government will not reimburse the contractor’s ferry expenses for distances greater than 50 NM from the following:

East Coast N 33° 45.0’ W 078° 30.0’ West Coast N 31° 55.0’ W 119° 30.0’”

The West Coast coordinate is 150NM offshore, in Mexican airspace SW of North Island. We request that the Government update the coordinates to represent exact intended locations.

The West Coast GPS coordinates identified in PWS Section 6.1 have been revised to N 32° 43.37’ W 117° 48.98’.

4 PWS 6.1 Is basing at a Government or DoD installation an option?

No, permanent basing at Government or DoD installations will not be provided in support of this contract and will not be an option.

12 July 2022 Industry Day

5 PWS 6.1 What is the rationale for aircraft basing?

The selection of basing locations are determined by the typical time required to arrive at the on station area. Additional basing information is listed in section 6.0 of the PWS.

6 PWS 3.2.2.e.

Will the government provide the 19” rack assembly described in the draft PWS, Section 3.2.2.e.

as government furnished material? If not, can the government provide dimensions for height and depth of the rack (to include how many 19” slots are needed) or provide a photo of the current implementation of the Link 16 interference trainer?

Yes, per PWS 3.2.2e "Each link 16 interference unit is planned to be configured as 19” equipment rack assemblies", provided as GFP.

7 PWS 3.3

Draft PWS Section 3.3 states the Stand Up period as three months from contract award. Given recent aviation supply chain delays, and to increase competition, will the government consider extending the Stand Up phase to six months and potentially advancing the estimated award timeline to Q2/FY23?

The PWS has been revised to allow up to six (6) months from contract award for Capability Stand Up. The projected award timeline remains unchanged.

RFP Section C

CLIN 0001

Does CLIN 0001 include stand up costs?

Yes; a description of the costs to be included in each CLIN is contained in RFP Section C, Extended CLIN Descriptions.

9 PWS 3.1

Why were the performance requirements relaxed, specifically why the change from turbine to piston powered?

The requirements were reduced to more effectively perform Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) Escort missions which typically occur at lower air speeds.

10 N/A Has PMA‐226 ever had a project go to the FAA's Military Certification Office (MCO)? No, PMA‐226 has never had a project go to the FAA's MCO.

11 PWS 3.3 and 7.0 In a scenario where the contractor requires government sponsorship of a new Facility Clearance (FCL), can we assume that the processing time for the FCL validation is part of the Stand Up phase?

Yes. PWS Section 3.3 has been revised to add this information.

PWS Table 3.1.1 and Appendix E

How is the Government‐furnished URC‐200 radio integrated to support different mission types?

Specifically:

‐ What are the power requirements for the URC‐200?

‐ What are the URC‐200 antenna requirements?

‐ Does the URC‐200 have a pilot/operator interface or is it automatically activated?

‐ Which missions require the use of the URC‐200?

See response to each point below (note that the PWS terminology for the URC‐200 has changed to "Secure Communications Relay System":

‐ Power requirements for the Secure Communications Relay System are identified in PWS Table 3.1.1 ‐ Secure Communications Relay System antenna requirements are identified in PWS Table 3.1.1 ‐ The Secure Communications Relay System has a pilot/operator interface that is configured prior to the start of each mission (see PWS Appendix E) ‐ Encrypted Communications Relay missions require use of the Secure Communications Relay System

13 PWS 4.1.4 Can the Government do monthly vs weekly scheduling?

The Government aims to finalize schedules with the contractor 30 or more days in advance;

however, due to many factors (some outside the Government's control) schedule changes occur more frequently as the time for a mission approaches. The scheduling picture is too dynamic to guarantee or set a 30+ day schedule in advance of a mission.

12 July 2022 Industry Day

PWS 3.2.1 and 4.4.1

PWS 3.2.1 Typical Profiles:

“Typical profiles may require extended flight and loitering up to three (3) hours as far as 50 NM off‐shore (services radius), operating between 500 feet and 15,000 feet MSL during daylight hours, and between 1,000 feet and 15,000 feet MSL at night.”

4.4.1 “Minimum Qualifications: PIC and Second in Command (SIC) (Regardless of the type of aircraft, all flights shall have a PIC and SIC):”

O: We request the government reconsider the two pilot requirement.

Flights are relatively short duration (loitering up to 3 hours) and do not dip below 500ft during the day or 1,000ft at night. The two pilot requirement would be more reasonable if conducting flights for longer duration or lower altitudes. This requirement will create an unnecessary burden on small businesses. US Airlines are trying to hire 12,000 pilots this year.

We recommend removing, or altering this requirement. Consider making 2 pilots a conditional requirement for complex missions (conditions such as night, low‐level, distant from land, or intense maneuvering, etc.). For simple, non intense flights, a single pilot is reasonable, safe, and less expensive for the government. If 2 pilots remain a requirement, we recommend allowing the SIC (2nd pilot) to act as the Special Crew Member as needed. Any reduction to the number of aircrew required results in savings to the government and the taxpayer.

The PWS requirements for one (1) PIC, one (1) SIC and at times as defined in the PWS one (1) Special Mission Operator remain unchanged.

15 PWS 4.4.1.6

For the PIC and SIC, will the Government consider aligning their minimum qualifications with the ATP requirements?

No, the PIC and SIC qualifications are not aligned to the minimum qualifications of the ATP.

16 PWS 4.4.1 Is the SIC a hard requirement? Yes, for safety of flight and crew workload considerations.

12 July 2022 Industry Day

17 PWS 4.4.1.6

PWS Table 4.4.1.6 Qualification In regards to “Total PIC / SIC Time: 1,500 hours total pilot time experience”, will the Government consider altering this hours requirement? If properly qualified (Commercial, Instrument Rated Pilot Certificate with appropriate category and class ratings, and if appropriate the type rating for the aircraft.), the hours requirement is redundant (more stringent than FAA requirements) and will compete directly with the FAA ATP (Airline Transport Pilot) rating. There is a nationwide pilot shortage of 250,000 pilots which is expected to take 6 years to remedy.

https://www.nbcboston.com/news/local/pilot‐shortage‐forcing‐airlines‐to‐cut‐back‐on‐ flights/2742610/#:~:text=%22Upwards%20to%20250%2C000%20pilot%20shortage,down%20pil ot%20training%20and%20hiring.

This requirement will hinder small business staffing efforts due to the current pilot shortages, and cost the government and taxpayer significantly more than appropriately qualified aircrew with lower accumulated hours.

The minimum qualifications for the SIC have been reduced and will be reflected in PWS Section

4.4.1.6 at RFP release.

PWS 3.2.2.e, 3.2.2.f and Appendix A

Is the third crewman, Special Mission Operator, a hard requirement for Link 16 Interference Trainer and UAV Emulation missions?

Yes, for safety of flight and crew workload considerations. In particular, the UAV COMET System requires a dedicated operator to move about the aircraft cabin to keep the COMET camera pointed at the ship.

PWS 3.2.2, 4.1.1

and Appendix A

Can the Special Mission Operator and the SIC be combined?

No, for safety of flight and crew workload considerations. In particular, the UAV COMET System requires a dedicated operator to move about the aircraft cabin to keep the COMET camera pointed at the ship.

PWS 3.2.2, 4.1.1

and Appendix A

Will the Special Mission Operator be a contractor or Government employee? The Special Mission Operator will be a contractor employee.

PWS 3.2.2, 4.1.1

and Appendix A

PWS Table 3.1.1 Propeller Aircraft Performance Requirements:

“2 x High Frequency (HF) antennas”

Is the HF capability still required? Please clarify if the requirement is satisfied with a blade antenna or wire antenna, or tower bar antenna, and give examples of acceptable equipment?

https://www.aero‐access.com/products/Bell‐412‐412EP‐HF‐Antenna‐Towel‐Bar‐Style.html

Yes, the HF antenna is still required. Any of the three types of antennas identified in the question meet PWS requirements.

22 PWS Table 3.1.1 Are 2 High Frequency Antennas still a requirement? Yes, 2 HF anteannas are still required.

23 PWS Table 3.1.1 Are any aircraft mold line changes required for the antennas? No aircraft mold line changes are required for the antennas.

12 July 2022 Industry Day

PWS 3.1.1 and 3.2.1

PWS 3.2.1 Typical Profiles vs 3.1.1 Additional Performance Criteria The “Typical Profiles” paragraph states “as far as 50 NM off‐shore (services radius)”, and the Additional Performance Criteria in table 3.1.1 lists: “Capable of over‐water operations up to 150 NM from nearest land.” Please clarify the radius of required operation.

PWS 3.2.1 has been clarified to align with the language in Table 3.1.1 concerning the 100 NM "Service Radius". The separate statement in Table 3.1.1 "Capable of over‐water operations up to 150 NM from nearest land" is intentionally different in that it refers to the maximum distance an aircraft may be tasked to fly from the nearest land; it also excludes a minimum loiter time requirement. However this statement has been clarified to add "(300 NM service radius)".

RFP Section C

CLIN 0006

DRAFT Solicitation Page 7 CLIN 006 Non Flying Status “CLIN 0006 ‐ NON‐FLYING STATUS: This CLIN shall include all costs associated with each flight crewmember for days when no flight operations are conducted while an assigned aircraft is in an operational status pursuant to active TO(s). The contractor may only invoice this CLIN when an assigned aircraft is in an operational status pursuant to at least one active TO and with written advance authorization from the SO. CLIN 0006 will be billed on each of the SO‐approved dates at 4 hours per flight crew member per day.”

Please explain justification for limiting flight crew billing to 4 hours a day per flight crew member in an operational status, but not conducting flight operations? We recommend changing this CLIN 006 pricing to allow for billing of 8 hours per day per flight crew member when not flying in an operational status. Aircrew are committed to the full work day when in an operational status, and cannot bill another client or do work outside the contract. As it stands, this puts an undue burden on the small business, and the aircrew.

The rate of 4 hours per flight crew member per day billable to the applicable task order remains unchanged.

26 PWS 3.1

“Certified to fly in actual and forecast icing conditions In Accordance With Title 14 CFR 23.1419.”

As part of this contract, are contractors required to fly in known icing conditions?

While efforts are made to reduce the likelihood of operating in icing conditions, there still remains a possibility and therefore this remains a performance requirement.

27 N/A How many hours has the incumbent contractor flown per year?

The Government is not able to provide the number of hours flown by the incumbent contractor per year.

28 PWS 4.1.4.1 How often do flight operations last for 14 hours per day?

It is anticipated that flight operations will not last for 14 hours per day. However, in the event that they do the Government and contractor will comply with crew day and rest requirements.

PWS 4.1.4 and 4.1.7

How many detachment events occur per year? Typically there are 3 to 5 such events per year, but there could be more in the future.

PWS 4.1.4 and 4.1.7

If the detachment site is a DoD airfield, or if the aircraft has to land at a DoD airfield, is AVGAS available?

There is no guarantee that AVGAS will be available at a DoD airfield detachment site.

31 N/A Will Industry Day participants receive a copy of the Government's briefings?

Yes, all 3 briefings are approved for public distribution and will be posted along with Industry Questions and Answers to SAM.gov.

12 July 2022 Industry Day

32 N/A Request example of a typical mission, including a notional schedule of events.

Here is an example of a typical mission with a notional schedule of events:

Day 1 depart home field (one aircraft 0800 and the other 0900) and perform Low Slow Flier (LSF) event as well as COMET UAV simulation. Land Wilmington, NC (KILM). Both aircraft remain overnight (RON). Day 2, again one aircraft LSF and one COMET, land KILM. Day 3 is a no fly day.

Day 4 involves participation in an Air Defense Exercise (ADEX) where the prop aircraft plays the part of a UAV; Return to Base (RTB) Naval Air Station (NAS) Jacksonville (Jax). Day 5 support LSF and COMET operations out of NAS Jax, one aircraft RTBs, the other remains south at NAS Jax for COMET and LSF support.

Note: Prop aircraft would have supported encrypted communications relay missions as well during these days.

33 PWS 4.4.1.2

The wording of this section of the PWS makes it appear that a pilot can only be qualified on up to 2 aircraft T/M/S.

While this is correct, the PWS has been clarified.

34 PWS 3.4e Is 14 CFR Part 135 a requirement of the RFP?

There are no Part 135 operations in this acquisition; paragraph 3.4e of the PWS which referenced 14 CFR Part 135 has been removed.

35 N/A Is the Government seeking a single Type / Model / Series (TMS) of aircraft?

The offeror is responsible for proposing aircraft Type / Model / Series (TMS) solution(s) that meet PWS requirements.

36 N/A Are submission of resumes required? No, submission of resumes is not required.

37 PWS 3.4.2.3

If a company already possesses a Navy Interim Flight Clearance, can it be transferred to support the proposed props contract?

No, but PMA‐226 will develop and issue a new IFC leveraging the previously issued NAVAIR IFC (assuming it is the same aircraft being proposed) to the maximum extent practicable.

PWS Table 3.1.1 and Appendix C

Is the Government‐furnished Large Area Tracking Range Shipboard and Rotary Wing Technology Upgrade (LSRTU) internal or external?

The Government‐furnished LSRTU is installed internally.

39 PWS 3.4.2.2 Is the Public Aircraft Operations requirement in the PWS driven by the LSRTU? No, PAO operations are not driven by the Government‐furnished LSRTU equipment.

40 PWS Table 3.1.1 As the PAO requirement is only driven by the Link 16 Interference Trainer mission, confirming that the PAO requirement will only apply to 1 aircraft on each coast?

Yes, per PWS Table 3.1.1 only 1 aircraft on each coast (west and east) shall be capable of hosting the Government‐provided Link 16 Interference Trainer that may require PAO.

PWS 3.2.1 and 3.2.2

Will the aircrafts that are set up to host the Link 16 Interference Trainer be the same aircraft used for the UAS Escort mission?

Yes, as all of the contractor's aircraft are required to meet PWS requirements that include the UAS Escort mission.

42 PWS 3.4.3.3 Will unscheduled GFR inspections remain in the RFP?

Yes. Based on DCMA INST 8210.1C Change 1 guidance, unscheduled inspections are not performed often but they are used when tracking and following up on a prior issue for resolution.

43 PWS 2.0

If the aircraft is not based onboard a Navy installation, why does the contractor have to have an explosives program?

PWS 2.0 reference pp "NAVSUP PUB 722 Consolidated Hazardous Material Reutilization and Inventory Management Program (CHRIMP) Manual" has been removed.