N61339-10-R-0035 Questions Answers Document.docx

SECTION B – SUPPLIES OR SERVICES AND PRICES:

1. A new CLIN For Lone/Non-Paired Navy Pilot SIC Duties:

Question: Please incorporate a Line Item to cover the cost for the contractor to provide an additional instructor to perform SIC duties for a lone/non-paired Navy pilot.

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: New CLINs YY12 and YY13 had been inserted to reflect C-20A/D Single Pilot Initial Training and C-20A/D Single Pilot Recurrent Training.

SECTION C - STATEMENT OF WORK:

1. C-20A/D Pilot and Crew Chief Initial Training Course:

Statement: Pilots completing this training /course shall have reviewed all areas necessary to satisfactorily prepare for Navy C-20A/D Co-pilot (T3P,T2P) and Transport Aircraft Commander (TAC) syllabi.

Question: Not familiar with the terms T3P, T2P, and TAC. Please provide a copy of the Navy C-20A/D Co-pilot (T3P,T2P) and Transport Aircraft Commander (TAC) syllabi for contractor's review or remove this reference.

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: The Navy Instruction 3500.4D (See Q&A Attachment 1 – Navy Instruction 3500.4D)governing the T3P, T2P and TAC program is attached. However, this document is currently under revision. The program as referenced is: T3P = right seat only co-pilot; T-2P = left or right seat CP; and TAC (Transport Aircraft Commander) is essentially the signing Captain. However, the burden of these program upgrades is essentially on the Government and is generally managed in-house. As a result, the statement referencing these programs can be deleted without impact. The reference to T3P, T2P and TAC will be deleted.

2. C-20A/D Pilot and Crew Chief Initial Training Course:

Statement: FAA requirements for Pilot-in-Command and Second-in-Command under 14 CFR Part 61can be used as an evaluation standard for training with syllabus deviations as necessary to qualify pilots in accordance with the C-20A USAF Series TO 1C-20A-1 and the C-20D NATOPS manuals and applicable Navy training instructions.

Request: For contractor's review, please provide a copy of the C-20A USAF Series TO 1C-20A-1, the C-20D NATOPS manuals, and applicable Navy training instructions.

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: Navy Instruction 3500.4D is included in Questions & Answers Document as Attachment 1, however due to size constraints the C-20D NATOPS and C-20A USAF Series T.O 1C-20A-1 are not capable of being sent electronically. A disc containing these documents can be provided upon sending an email request to Mr. John Tran, Contract Specialist, at email address binh.t.tran@navy.mil.

3. C-20A/D Pilot and Crew Chief Initial Training Course:

Statement: Crew Chiefs (when scheduled) must attend concurrently with a C-20A/D Pilot Initial attendee and will sit behind the pilot during simulator periods and perform duties per the USAF Series TO 1C-20A-1 or C-20D NATOPS, as applicable

Question: Crew chief will perform duties per the USAF Series TO 1C-20A-1 or C-20D NATOPS, as applicable. What is meant by "as applicable" ?? i.e., which manual will be followed, Air Force or Navy ??

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE This is dependent on which platform (C-20A or C-20D) is being trained on. USAF Series TO 1C-20A-1 will be used for those receiving training for the C-20A, and the NATOPS manuals will be used for those training on the C-20D.

4. C-20A/D Pilot and Crew Chief Initial Training Course:

Statement: Simulator training shall minimally include: all Navy checklists; ground, Visual Flight Rules and Instrument Flight Rules procedures and events; balanced/unbalanced flight; emergency procedures; and Crew Resource Management.

Request: Please explain and/or provide an example of balanced/unbalanced flight.

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: The reference to Balanced/Unbalanced flight has been deleted.

5. C-20A/D Pilot and Crew Chief Recurrent Training Course:

Statement: Training shall be performed at a contractor provided facility within a continuous period not to exceed 5 consecutive training days for C-20A pilots, and 4 consecutive training days for C-20D pilots.

Question: Why the difference in the number of simulator hours and hence training days for the C-20A (3 simulator periods, 5 days) and C-20D (2 simulator periods, 4 days).

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: The Government feels that unless the contractor-provided simulator is equipped with a Honeywell, Primus Epic cockpit, it is our position that the additional training for C-20D pilots yields negative results. Dissimilarity between cockpits inhibits skill transfer to line operations. As a result the Government is requesting fewer simulator periods for the C-20D training.

6. C-20A/D Pilot and Crew Chief Recurrent Training Course:

Statement: Pilots completing this training /course shall have reviewed all areas necessary to satisfactorily prepare for Navy C-20A/D Co-pilot (T3P,T2P) and Transport Aircraft Commander (TAC) syllabi.

Question: Not familiar with the terms T3P, T2P, and TAC. Please provide a copy of the Navy C-20A/D Co-pilot (T3P,T2P) and Transport Aircraft Commander (TAC) syllabi for contractor's review or remove this reference.

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: Reference Government response to Question 1 above.

7. C-20A/D Pilot and Crew Chief Recurrent Training Course:

Statement: FAA requirements for Pilot-in-Command and Second-in-Command under 14 CFR Part 61can be used as an evaluation standard for training with syllabus deviations as necessary to qualify pilots in accordance with the C-20A USAF Series TO 1C-20A-1 and the C-20D NATOPS manuals and applicable Navy training instructions.

Request: For contractor's review, please provide a copy of the C-20A USAF Series TO 1C-20A-1, the C-20D NATOPS manuals, and applicable Navy training instructions.

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: Reference Government response to Question 2 above.

8. C-20A/D Pilot and Crew Chief Recurrent Training Course:

Statement: NATOPS/instrument checks shall be administered under the authority of the Model Manager by qualified, Government provided NATOPS Instructor pilots and facilitated by the contractor.

Request: To avoid interfering and/or disrupting recurrent training, request NATOPS/instrument checks be administered under the Line Item for C-20A/D Simulator Period.

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: This is the original intent and is acceptable. Any NATOPS/Instrument check flights will be administered using additional simulator periods as identified under section C, paragraph(d)(1).

9. C-20A/D Maintenance Manager Training Course:

Statement: The C-20A/D Maintenance Manager Initial Training Course shall minimally be 35.0 hours in length consisting of administration/check-in; classroom and practical training in aircraft systems; the aircraft Automated Information Maintenance Systems (AIMS); and ATA-100 and Gulfstream Aerospace GIII Maintenance Publications/Maintenance Plans/Programs; Part Task Trainer or simulator training; and cockpit familiarization (using a Cockpit Familiarization Trainer).

Question: What is the aircraft Automated Information Maintenance Systems (AIMS) ??

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: The reference to Automated Information Maintenance Systems (AIMS) is outdated and will be deleted from the RFP.

10. Pilot Initial International Procedures Course:

Statement: The Pilot Initial International Procedures course shall be scheduled and completed immediately following C-20A/D Pilot/Crew Chief Initial training.

Request: The initial International Procedures course is a standalone program and is not part of and/or an extension of the pilot initial course. Thus, similar to the recurrent International Procedures course, request the initial International Procedures training shall be conducted at a contractor provided facility in accordance with the contractor's published training schedule.

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: The Government understands that the International Procedures courses are “independent” of the Pilot Initial and/or recurrent training courses. As such, the Government will “strive” to schedule these courses concurrently in order maximize training while minimizing student travel. The Government understands the possibility that this scheduling may not always be possible or that the student may have to take these courses at a different contractor facility.

11. Pilot Initial International Procedures Course:

Statement: The Pilot Initial International Procedures course shall minimally be 17.0 training hours in length and will include training in International and Special Use Airspace procedures as specified in the current FAA Order 8700.1, Chapter 222, General Aviation Operations Inspector's Handbook.

Request: Please change FAA Order 8700.1, Chapter 222, General Aviation Operations Inspector's Handbook to read FAA Order 8900.1. Inspectors Handbooks 8300.10, 8400.10, and 8700.1, have been incorporated into FAA Order 8900.1.

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: The SOW paragraphs (b)(1)(iv) and (v) have been changed to read..” FAA Order 8900.1, Flight Standards Information Management System (FSIMS).

12. Pilot Recurrent International Procedures Course:

Statement: The Pilot Recurrent course shall minimally be 7.0 training hours in length and include a review of International and Special Use Airspace procedures as specified in the current FAA Order 8700.1, Chapter 222, General Aviation Operations Inspectors Handbook.

Request: Please change FAA Order 8700.1, Chapter 222, General Aviation Operations Inspector's Handbook to read FAA Order 8900.1. Inspectors Handbooks 8300.10, 8400.10, and 8700.1, have been incorporated into FAA Order 8900.1.

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: The SOW paragraphs (b)(1)(iv) and (v) have been changed to read..” FAA Order 8900.1, Flight Standards Information Management System (FSIMS).

13. OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

Statement: The normal length of a training day is 9.5 hours including lunch. It may be increased up to 3.0 additional hours for a total of 12.5 hours with the trainee's written consent and the telephone/telefax consent of the Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) or C-20A/D Model Manager.

Request: For scheduling flexibility, request the normal length of a training day to be 10.5 hours including lunch and that it may be increased up to 2.0 additional hours for a total of 12.5 hours

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: The Government will not change the RFP and the requirement for a standard training day of 9.5 hours remains. However, if there is a specific training day that may require more than 9.5 hours, the offeror is free to make the case for this requirement.

14. OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

Statement: All maneuvers/procedures shall be in accordance with the FAA approved Gulfstream III OEM's AOM, USAF Series TO 1C-20A-1 and C-20D NATOPS; however, USAF Series TO 1C-20A-1 and the C-20D NATOPS manual and/or Navy Standard Operating /Supplemental Procedures (provided by the Government) shall take precedence over the AOM. Contract instructors shall be familiar with Navy training methodology and applicable Navy manuals, procedures and checklists, which shall take precedence over the OEM's AOM. Government provided NATOPS/USAF checklists shall be used for all initial and recurrent simulator evaluations.

Question: The Government is requiring contractor instructor's to be familiar with Navy training methodology and applicable Navy manuals, procedures and checklists, which shall take precedence over the OEM's AOM.

a. Do the Navy's training methodology and applicable Navy manuals, procedures and checklists take precedence over the contractor's FAA approved training programs, pilot training manual, materials, etc. ?? Is so, FAA checks cannot be offered and thus, all references to FAA checks and contractor's approved training programs, pilot training manual, materials, etc. should be deleted.

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: The Government is not requesting any FAA checks. However, courses and standards shall be in accordance with FAA and NATOPS/USAF standards and requirements as applicable. USAF Series TO 1C-20A-1 for the C-20A and the C-20D NATOPS manual and/or Navy Standard Operating /Supplemental Procedures (provided by the Government) shall take precedence over the AOM for training purposes only and no FAA checks are authorized under this contract.

b. Do the Navy's training methodology and applicable Navy manuals, procedures and checklists take precedence over USAF Series TO 1C-20A-1 ?? If so, reference to the over USAF Series TO 1C-20A-1 should be deleted.

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: The C-20A uses the USAF T.O 1C-20A-1 and the C-20D uses the Navy’s NATOPS manuals. A Navy NATOPS manual was never written for the C-20A when it was acquired. Instead, the Navy acquired and uses the USAF Series TO 1C-20A-1. The C-20D however, established a NATOPS program and maintains it through appropriate change procedures. If a student is bound for C-20As, they will train with the Air Force publications and the C-20D student will train using the applicable NATOPS manual. These documents will be provided by the Government to the contractor.

c. Reference is made to NATOPS/USAF checklists. Is this one checklist, two separate checklists, etc. ?? If these are two separate checklists, which one should be used for training and evaluation ??

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: Since the configuration of the C-20A (a DC, analog aircraft) is different from the C-20D (AC, EFIS), there are certain checklists that are slightly different. The appropriate checklists (USAF or NATOPS) shall be used dependent upon which aircraft type crew is training. As previously mentioned, the C-20A student shall use the USAF Series TO 1C-20A-1 and the C-20D shall use the applicable NATOPS checklist.

15. OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

Statement: For C-20A trainees, where syllabus events have been completed for the TAC upgrade or annual NATOPS/instrument checkrides, applicable Navy evaluation sheets shall be given to the trainee or NATOPS instructor pilot immediately following course completion.

Question: Navy evaluation sheets shall be given to the trainee or NATOPS instructor pilot. If the NATOPS instructor pilot is completing the Navy Evaluation sheets, how is the contractor involved with this paperwork ??

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: The statement: “For C-20A trainees, where syllabus events have been completed for the TAC upgrade or annual NATOPS/instrument checkrides, applicable Navy evaluation sheets shall be given to the trainee or NATOPS instructor pilot immediately following course completion.” …has been deleted from the RFP.

16. OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

Statement: No FAA check-flights shall be administered unless scheduled and purchased separately by the Navy trainee.

Request: Since the Government is not requiring or paying for FAA checks under this contract, the Government cannot require the contractor to enter into any commercial transaction with the Navy trainee. It is solely the contractor's discretion/option to offer/provide any additional training and/or evaluation conducted outside a Government contract. Thus, request the statement above be deleted.

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: The Government is only making clear that they are not contracting or paying for any student FAA certifications or ratings. Any student FAA rating or certification shall be paid for by the student and entered into contract outside and separate from any Government requirements under this contract. The Government, in no way, implies that the contractor agrees to or is responsible for contracting with the student in providing any FAA certifications or ratings. The Government does not feel that the statement as written is contradictory or implies in any way the contractors obligation or responsibility to provide the student any FAA certifications or ratings.

17. OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

Statement: For the purposes of assigning a grade of 'Proficient' in accordance with applicable Navy training instructions, simulator flight performance standards shall minimally be at the Commercial pilot level for the C-20A/D Pilot Initial Training course and the Type Rating/Air Transport Pilot (ATP) level for the C-20A/D Pilot Recurrent Training course.

Request: For consistency purposes, request all initial and recurrent C-20A/D simulator flight performance standards shall minimally be at the Type Rating/Air Transport Pilot (ATP) level.

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: The Government accepts this and has changed paragraph (b)(2)(viii) to read … “For the purposes of assigning a grade of ‘Proficient’ in accordance with applicable Navy training instructions, simulator flight performance standards shall minimally be at the Type Rating/Air Transport Pilot (ATP) level for the C-20A/D Pilot Initial and Pilot Recurrent Training courses.”

18. OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

Statement: Flight Simulator: For C-20A/D Pilot/Crew Chief Initial and Pilot/Crew Chief Recurrent Training courses, the contractor shall provide for courses, where identified, a Gulfstream III (GA-1159-A) flight simulator whose performance capabilities minimally meets all training and flight requirements defined in 14 CFR Part 121 and 61.

Request: Reference to Part 121 should be changed to read Part 142.

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: The Government accepts this and has changed paragraph (b)(2)(ix)(C). to read …”…14 CFR Part 142 and 61…”

19. OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

Statement: The simulator configuration shall be matched to the requirements of the C-20A/D crew being trained (e.g. C-20A: DC with analog configuration and the C-20D: AC with EFIS configuration).

Request: Please confirm the configurations identified in the statement above are correct i.e., analog configuration versus EFIS configuration.

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: The DC configuration refers to the C-20A aircraft complete with non-EFIS instruments and appropriate electrical power management panel (EPMP). The AC configuration refers to the C-20D aircraft with the appropriate EPMP and Electronic Flight Information System (EFIS). Analog was referenced generically in terms of being non-EFIS, as the engine gauges will be analog for either simulator configuration.

20. ADMINISTRATION

Statement: In the instance when the lone/non-paired pilot cannot be paired, he/she will only receive left seat/PF simulator and PTT training using the applicable NATOPS manuals/checklists.

Request: Referencing the above statement, the lone/non-paired pilot will need a qualified pilot in the simulator's right seat. Suggest the contractor provide a qualified instructor or SIC to perform non-flying SIC duties.

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: The RFP paragraph (c )(1)(ii) has been changed to read in part ….

“In the instance when the lone/non-paired pilot cannot be paired, he/she will only receive left seat/PF simulator and PTT training using the applicable NATOPS manuals/checklists with a contractor provided co-pilot sitting in the right seat/PNF position providing CRM procedures and practice.

A separate line item has been added under Paragraph (d)(1) of the RFP Section “C” for Single Pilot Initial and Single Pilot recurrent training in the case of a single pilot being scheduled for either training course and requesting the use of a contractor provided co-pilot (Instructor or SIC).

21. ADMINISTRATION

Statement: In situations where only one pilot is scheduled with a Crew Chief trainee, the contractor shall provide a co-pilot to train in the simulator with the Crew Chief CRM concept. Crew Chief training shall not be conducted in the case of a lone/non-paired pilot unless the Navy/Marine pilot can be paired with a contract Instructor or another military or civilian pilot who agrees to the Crew Chief training.

Question: Referencing the above, the contractor is to provide a co-pilot in one scenario and an instructor in another. What is the difference ?? Suggest the contractor provide a qualified instructor or SIC to perform non-flying SIC duties.

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: In both cases the Government is referring to a pilot who can sit in the right seat to provide PNF duties and crew coordination training. In both cases the first option is to provide another student pilot to sit in the right seat. If one is not available then a contract instructor will be required to sit in the right seat and perform normal right seat (co-pilot) duties. In this case “co-pilot” refers generically to any pilot sitting in the right seat performing normal PNF duties.