RFP14812_Q_and__A.docx

RFP 14812 Lease of Gulfstream 550 (G-550) Questions and Answers

1. QUESTION: Where will the aircraft be based?

ANSWER: A suitable airport in the Washington, DC area.

2. QUESTION: Does the plane needs a minimum configuration of 14 passengers?

ANSWER: Yes.

3. QUESTION: Who will hold the certificate; the Offeror, under Part 91, or the FBI?

ANSWER: The FBI will operate the aircraft under Part 91. The Lessor will be responsible for the Airworthiness certification for all modifications and all certifications required to operate internationally to include all ICAO compliances, carbon utilization, etc. Copies of all certifications shall be provided to the FBI upon request. The FBI will pay carbon offsets.

4. QUESTION: The RFP cover letter schedule of events states the proposal must be delivered by 10:00 am July 3, 2015. Will the FBI have personnel available on July 3 to receive since this is a Federal holiday?

ANSWER: An amendment to the solicitation was posted on Tuesday, June 30, extending the response date until Monday, July 6, 2015, 10:00 am, and was extended again on Friday, July 2, until Wednesday, July 8, 2015, 10:00 am.

5. QUESTION: In reference to RFP paragraphs 2.1, 6.6.1, and 6.8, do the G-550 modifications and maintenance have to be performed at Gulfstream or a Gulfstream service center? Could the modifications and maintenance be performed at an FAA Part 145 repair station which as the Gulfstream 550 on their repair station and adequate experience with the G-550?

ANSWER: A Part 145 Repair Station is acceptable if approved on a case-by-case basis by the FBI.

6. ISSUE: Section 2.2 of the RFP, Schedule of Supplies/Services, references an exception at 6.12e. of the PWS. Review of the RFP Section 6.12, although not identified as a Performance Work Statement, shows that Section 6.12, Contract Administration, does not have a paragraph e.

ANSWER: Correction: 6.11 e states the exceptions.

7. QUESTION: Will the Government please clarify or provide the exception identified in Section 2.2 Schedule of Supplies/Services and the associated PWS reference?

8. ANSWER: See the answer to question 7 above.

9. ISSUE: Per the cover page of the RFP dated 17 June 2015, proposals are due to the Government by 10:00 Eastern time on 3 July 2015.

QUESTION: Per the Office of Personnel Management, 3 July 2015 is the date by which the 4th of July holiday will be recognized for most Federal employees. As such, will there by Government personnel available for receipt and confirmation of hard copy proposals that are delivered to the required location by the required time on 3 July 2015?

ANSWER: See response to question 4 above.

10. ISSUE: Section 3.1.1 of the RFP, Aircraft Availability, states that the aircraft and its support shall be complete and ready for acceptance on September 30, 2015, and required modifications to the aircraft will be completed prior to the aircraft acceptance date. However, Section 10.1 of the RFP, Delivery, states that the aircraft shall be available for pick up on September 16, 2015 and that the contractor shall use the time between date of award and aircraft pickup to complete the modifications to the aircraft.

QUESTION: What date will the aircraft be required as ready for acceptance and pick-up by the Government?

ANSWER: Acceptance of the proposed aircraft is September 16, 2015. Delivery of the proposed aircraft is September 30, 2015. The time for each will be determined at the Kick-off meeting.

11. ISSUE: Section 6.6.1 a. discusses the addition of a C-37B Communications System, but no specifications of the type of system are included with the RFP.

QUESTION: Will the Government elaborate with additional details regarding the components of C-37B Communications System it would like to see in the G-550?

ANSWER: The solicitation states in Section 6.6.1 C-37B Communications Systems, “It is preferred, but not required. . .” and “if, after delivery, the FBI decides to modify the aircraft in any way, these modifications will be made at government expense and shall be performed by Gulfstream or a Gulfstream approved maintenance facility, . . .”

12. ISSUE: Section 9.3 (b) includes FAR clauses that the Contracting Officer has indicated are being incorporated in this contract by reference to implement provisions of law or Executive orders applicable to acquisitions of commercial items. The RFP indicates in (14) (i) that 52.219-6, Notice of Total Small Business Set-Aside, shall apply to this procurement. The RFP also includes in (20) 52.219-16, Liquidated Damages—Subcontracting Plan.

QUESTION: Since this procurement is a Small Business Set-Aside, will the Government consider deleting FAR 52.219-16, Liquidated Damages—Subcontracting Plan and any requirement to provide a Subcontracting Plan?

ANSWER: In accordance with FAR 19.702 (b), yes.

13. ISSUE: Section 2.1 states that the FBI will not be charged for the loss of use during any time period, regardless of reason.

QUESTION: Will the Government provide the calculation that shall be used for the loss of use adjustment?

ANSWER: The loss of use amount will be a pro-rated amount calculated from the monthly lease amount.

14. ISSUE: Section 6.4 states that the aircraft shall be available to the maximum extent practicable, while taking into account scheduled maintenance, performance of FAA Airworthiness Directives, manufacturer-recommended inspections, or aircraft modifications, but does not specifically state that maintenance is not considered loss of use.

QUESTION: Will the Government confirm that maintenance is not considered loss of use when calculating aircraft availability in accordance with Sections 2.1 and 6.4?

ANSWER: There will be no reduction in lease payments for scheduled or unscheduled maintenance up to 10 business days, but if such maintenance exceeds 10 business days, then the FBI will not make a lease payment for each consecutive day beyond the 10th day. This reduction in lease payment will be pro-rated in accordance with each day beyond the 10th day the aircraft is out of service.

15. ISSUE: Reference RFP 6.6.2, Performance Characteristics, i., “Have a crew rest area, forward of the galley, equipped with a 60 Hz power outlet, minimum of six (6) ports, on two separate circuits, and data port.

QUESTION A: May the crew rest area be located in an area other than forward of the galley?

ANSWER: Yes.

QUESTION B: Is it the Government’s intent to have the crew rest area or the cabin configured with a 60 Hz power outlet, minimum of six (6) ports, on two separate circuits, and data port?

ANSWER: This applies to the crew area.

16. ISSUE: Reference RFP 6.6.2, Performance Characteristics, n: “Include TACSAT UHF Antenna or capability to install.”

QUESTION: What part number or performance characteristic TACSAT UHF Antenna does the Government prefer?

ANSWER: The Magnavox ARC- 164 UHF antenna.

17. ISSUE: Reference RFP 6.6.2 Performance Characteristics, q: “Include a security container GSA-certified for storage of classified material

QUESTION: What are the specifications for an acceptable GSA-certified container?

ANSWER: Federal Specification AA-F-358H (approximate internal dimensions 10”x12”x13”).

18. ISSUE: Reference RFP 10.0, Instructions to Offerors

QUESTION: If Offerors submit an electronic response, are duplicate copies of Part I and II files required?

ANSWER: No.

19. ISSUE: Reference RFP 6.6.2, Performance Characteristics, t., Provide Maintenance and safety records for offered primary aircraft.

QUESTION: What type documents do the Government desires to receive for safety records related to the offered primary aircraft?

ANSWER: The FBI requests access to CAMP or gulfstream CMP along with any damage history and paper logs, if any are available.

20. ISSUE: Reference RFP 6.0 Requirements, specifically subscription services.

QUESTION: Will the Government cover the cost of the required aircraft subscription services, or should the contractor include the cost of aircraft subscription services in the proposed lease price?

ANSWER: The Government will cover the cost of required subscription services.

21. 6.6.2 Performance Characteristics.

m. APU Thermal Barrier installation (ASX 090/090A).

QUESTION:

Gulfstream shows that ASC 090/090A has been Cancelled:

http://www.gulfstream.com/images/uploads/technical_publications/G550pubs_3.pdf

ANSWER: Yes. This has been cancelled and is not applicable to the G550.

22. 6.6.2 Performance Characteristics.

The G-550 aircraft shall have the following performance characteristics:

b. With or without interior modification, the aircraft shall provide executive-style seating and accommodate a minimum of 14 passengers and up to 19 passengers and associated baggage (minimum of 2 per passenger/large duffle-type bags).

h. Potable water supply, food storage and meal preparation space must be able to support 19 passengers 1 meal per flight. Galley shall include microwave and convection oven capabilities, a sink with hot water and a coffee maker.

j. The aircraft shall have two vacuum toilet lavatories capable of supporting 19 passengers. One shall be forward and one aft of the main passenger seating area.

6.6.3 Ancillary Maintenance.

Include ancillary maintenance equipment along with the leased aircraft to include -

m. Aircraft shall be able to take off with a full fuel load, and fly a range of 6,700 nautical range carrying up to 19 passengers and baggage as described above, at ISA with no wind and NBAA IFR fuel reserves.

QUESTION: Does the Bureau actually mean “19 passengers”? There are no G-550’s produced with interior configurations that can accommodate 19 passengers. Or does the Bureau mean “19 souls on board” or “19 total belted seats certified for TAL (Takeoff and Landing)?

Additionally, an interior configuration that provided for 19 passenger seats would – per the FAA - move the aircraft to the Part 121 Category – which has different associated requirements.

ANSWER: The 19 passengers represent the maximum certifiable configuration. The 14 passengers is the minimum.

23. 6.8 Lessor’s Responsibilities and Obligations.

Under the terms of this contract, the aircraft Lessor shall be responsible for provision and cost necessary to deliver the aircraft to the FBI will all appropriate operating certifications and letters, to include-

f. Broadband Satellite capability.

QUESTION: Does this refer to Swift Broadband? Or Gulfstream Broadband Multi-Link?

Gulfstream Broadband Multi-Link - BBML

Honeywell HD-710 High Speed Data System - Swift Broadband Capable

ANSWER: Certifications and letters are required for both Swift Broadband and Gulfstream Broadband Multi-Link.

25. 6.6.2 Performance Characteristics.

r. Never have been previously titled outside of the United States of America, with offeror’s notarized certification validating requirement.

QUESTON A: Does titled also mean ‘registered outside of the United States of America?’

ANSWER: Yes. Titled means registered in this context.

QUESTON B: Would an aircraft be disqualified it if were held in a US trust for/on behalf of a foreign national?

ANSWER: Yes, this would be disqualifying.

26. 6.6.3 Ancillary Maintenance.

Include ancillary maintenance equipment along with the leased aircraft to include –

m. Aircraft shall be able to take off with a full fuel load, and fly a range of 6,700 nautical range carrying up to 19 passengers and baggage as described above, at ISA with no wind and NBAA IFR fuel reserves.

QUESTION: Does the Bureau require that the plane be capable of flying 6,700 nautical miles with 19 passengers and baggage?

(It’s not possible) ANSWER: No, the range requirement is independent of the 14 passenger requirement. A Gulfstream 550 meets the requirement.

27. QUESTION: During the past 5 years of fuse of the current GV, what has been the ration of flight hours to flight cycles?

ANSWER: Based on a 4-year, 8 month, 17 day period, the airplane flew 1.945 hours per cycle.

28. QUESTION: During the past 5 years of use of the current GV, what has been the ration of APU hours to flight hours?

ANSWER: Based on a 4-year, 8 month, 17 day period, the airplane flew 1.699 hours for each hour of APU operation.

29. QUESTION: Can the plane maintenance be tracked on CAMP or GCMP (Gulfstream Computerized Maintenance Program?)

(Oftentimes governmental agencies don’t allow this because it can reveal information about aircraft usage. Some governmental agencies have and use “in house” proprietary maintenance tracking software for security reasons. It would be impossible to accurately ensure proper and timely maintenance without having the plane on MX tracking software).

ANSWER: The FBI expects the airplane to be tracked on an electronic record keeping system and either CAMP or Gulfstream CMP is fully acceptable and no preference will be given between the two.

30. QUESTION: Will the FBI accept an interior configuration that incorporates two opposing 3 or 4 place divans?

ANSWER: Because the use of the divan is not optimal from a passenger comfort or safety perspective, the FBI will negatively evaluate aircraft that use opposing divans but such aircraft will not automatically be disqualified from the competition.

31. QUESTION: Will the Contractor’s/Lessor’s Director of Maintenance, or designee, have access to the aircraft in order to perform maintenance on the plane during the course of the lease period(s)? Or, must all maintenance be performed at a Gulfstream or Gulfstream (General Dynamics-GDAS) authorized facility?

ANSWER: The contractor/lessor will have access to the airplane to perform maintenance provided the maintenance facilities are acceptable to the FBI.

32. QUESTION: The below states that the FBI will not be charged for the loss of use, regardless of reason. What if the FBI were to cause permanent damage to the aircraft rendering it unusable for a long period of time? Would the lessor be responsible for paying for the original leased aircraft and the backup simultaneously for any period of time?

In the event of a need to perform scheduled and/or unscheduled maintenance, or any other unanticipated event that removes the primary leased G-550 out of service, the contractor shall supply a backup Gulfstream G-550 aircraft, similarly configured to the primary aircraft, to the FBI within 14 days after date the loss of service/loss of use of the primary aircraft occurs, or pay the lease of a temporary aircraft with comparable specifications to the G-550. The FBI will not be charged for the loss of use during any time period, regardless of reason.

Hypothetical Example: On day one of the lease, the contract aircraft wing is clipped by another FBI controlled aircraft, it is determined that the aircraft will require 8-12 months of repairs. How would FBI insurance respond and how would payments be handled?

ANSWER: The Government shall not be liable for any injury to the Contractor's personnel or damage to the Contractor's property unless such injury or damage is due to negligence on the part of the Government and is recoverable under the Federal Torts Claims Act, or pursuant to other Federal statutory authority. In the event the FBI caused damages, lease fees will discontinue while the aircraft is out of service. As the requirement for a backup aircraft has been eliminated, the FBI would be responsible for securing a replacement aircraft.

33. QUESTION: The RFP states that the total expected lease value/amount is $34,550,000 which is equal to one G550 lease. If the contractor is to keep an additional G550 on standby, how much additional money would the FBI expect the contractor to add in order to comply with this requirement? What is reasonable? What if the designated back up aircraft has a mechanical at the exact time the original G550 contract aircraft goes down for maintenance? Would the FBI be willing to charter back up aircraft in the charter market?

ANSWER: The requirement for a backup aircraft is eliminated.

34. QUESTION: Will the chosen aircraft owners have a chance to review a final contract with the FBI before a full commitment is made?

ANSWER: No. This is a combined synopsis/solicitation. All components of the subsequent contract are incorporated into the combined synopsis/solicitation. Any changes made prior to an award will be made by an amendment to the solicitation, and subsequently, the contract.

35. Ref: PWS Paragraph 3.1.1 – Aircraft Availability: Aircraft acceptance on 30 SEP 2015 and PWS Paragraph 10.1 – Delivery: Aircraft ready for pick up on 16 SEP 2015.

QUESTION A: Is there a difference between “Acceptance” and “Delivery”?

ANSWER: Yes. Acceptance constitutes acknowledgement that the supplies or services conform to applicable contract quality and quantity requirements. Acceptance is usually evidenced by execution of an acceptance certificate on an inspection and receiving report or commercial shipping document/packing list. Delivery is usually established as a set time, or a certain number of days after the date of award, acceptance by the Government, or from the date shown as the effective date in the contract.

QUESTION B: If no difference, which date is correct?

ANSWER: The delivery will take place prior to Acceptance in order for the FBI to inspect the aircraft, and discuss any issues with the awardee.

36. Ref: PWS Paragraph 5.0 – “the contractor shall furnish all facilities” … to fulfill the requirements of this PWS.”

QUESTION A: Please clarify that this is not to include the aircraft hangar at the FBI’s base.

ANSWER: The FBI will be fully responsible for hangaring the airplane and has a suitable hanger in the Washington, DC area.

QUESTION B: Will the customer provide other facilities (office space, storage facility, etc.)?

ANSWER: No.

37. Ref: PWS Paragraph 6.11(f) – What airfield will be the permanent station be for the aircraft?

ANSWER: A suitable airport in the Washington, DC area.

38. Ref: PWS Paragraph 6.2.2(i) – “Have a crew rest area, forward of the galley, equipped with ….. “ –: It would appear that this requirement was a carryover from the G-650 RFI in that it specifies that the crew rest area be located “Forward of the Galley” which is how the G-650 crew rest floor plans are laid out vice the G-550’s. Given the huge expense and substantial lead-time required to redesign the a crew rest area “forward of the galley” in an existing / used 2010 or newer G-550, assuming that the FBI does not want to incur substantial expense and delay, we recommend that the words “forward of the galley” be deleted from this requirement.

ANSWER: This requirement is waived as long as there is a crew rest area.

39. QUESTION: Should the 4 lease periods not run from 30 September to 29 September?

ANSWER: This firm fixed price contract provides for the firm fixed price lease of the aircraft from the date of acceptance of the aircraft for 12 months with four, one year option periods.

40. QUESTION: How can it be possible to put together a meaningful and accurate proposal in time for the 3 July deadline given that submitted questions – requiring responses that are critical in order to prepare a proposal remain unanswered just two days ahead of the proposal submission deadline?

ANSWER: The deadline has already been extended to July 6, 2015, 10:00 am Eastern, and is extended again to July 8, 2015, at 10:00 am Eastern, to give vendors more time to submit proposals.

41. QUESTION: Do you intend to extend the deadline for the acceptance of proposals?

ANSWER: Yes. The new deadline is Wednesday July 8, 2015, at 10:00 am, Eastern.

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