SAWS Draft RFP Questions and Answers.pdf

FFL Type 11 Requirements Question Answer

1 Is a type 11 necessary? Federal Firearms License (FFL) type 11 is required at the time of proposal submission.

If type 10 were the required FFL type would they still be able to meet other requirements? They say yes it would get them in the door.

Federal Firearms License (FFL) type 11 is required at the time of proposal submission.

3 On the Type 11 license for FFL, do we need the importer license as well? Federal Firearms License (FFL) type 11 is required at the time of proposal submission.

Ammunition, Explosives, and Energetics Experience Question Answer

Given that the contracting for Ammunition and Explosives is similar, is the U.S. Government interested in companies with experience in Explosives (rather than Ammunition (alone)) as an FSC Code?

The USG will accept sourcing and delivery of ammunition and /or components with energetics as relevant experience.

What definition of “ammunition” is applicable and would any defense article (including ammunition components) with an FSC code count towards this score?

The USG will accept sourcing and delivery of ammunition and /or components with energetics as relevant experience.

Would corporate experience for related FSC's be considered? For example, they have experience in nuclear experience?

The USG will accept sourcing and delivery of ammunition and /or components with energetics as relevant experience.

Would the Govt be willing to loosen the go/no go criteria to allow for having delivered items to the Govt not associated with weapons or ammunition?

The USG will accept sourcing and delivery of ammunition and /or components with energetics as relevant experience.

10 Do we look at components when reviewing EUCs for the matrix? Or end items only?

The USG will accept EUC's of ammunition and /or components with energetics.

Is the FSC List on page 10 of the Industry Day Materials meant to be the only FSC codes that can be used in the Self-Score Matrix?

The USG will accept ammunition and /or components with energetics as relevant experience.

Multiple Awards, HTRO Scoring, and Tie-Breakers Question Answer

Do you have a minimum hrto score or number of companies you plan on awarding?

The USG will award up to 5 of the highest rated technical Offerors that meet the MTTR (80% of possible points), in the event of a tie - see Tie-Breaker Procedure in Section M of the Draft RFP.

Does the Government know how many awards they should make? They suggest 3 primes to encourage competency among the providers

The USG will award up to 5 of the highest rated technical Offerors that meet the MTTR (80% of possible points), in the event of a tie - see Tie-Breaker Procedure in Section M of the Draft RFP.

Will we determine a specific number of awardees or will everyone who is qualified be awarded a contract?

The USG will award up to 5 of the highest rated technical Offerors that meet the MTTR (80% of possible points), in the event of a tie - see Tie-Breaker Procedure in Section M of the Draft RFP.

How many awardees will there be? The USG will award up to 5 of the highest rated technical Offerors that meet the MTTR (80% of possible points), in the event of a tie - see Tie-Breaker Procedure in Section M of the Draft RFP.

The HTRO, do we plan on having a cut off for awardees or once the minimum is met are they automatically given a contract?

The USG will award up to 5 of the highest rated technical Offerors that meet the MTTR (80% of possible points), in the event of a tie - see Tie-Breaker Procedure in Section M of the Draft RFP.

SAWS Draft RFP Questions and Answers https://goto.google.com/no https://goto.google.com/no

What if there are multiple companies with the same MTTR? The USG will award up to 5 of the highest rated technical Offerors that meet the MTTR (80% of possible points), in the event of a tie - see Tie-Breaker Procedure in Section M of the Draft RFP.

Are all offerors who meet the MTTR guaranteed to receive a base award? The USG will award up to 5 of the highest rated technical Offerors that meet the MTTR (80% of possible points), in the event of a tie - see Tie-Breaker Procedure in Section M of the Draft RFP.

If an Offeror’s HTRO self-scoring matrix scores higher than the MTTR? what is the USG’s evaluation process to determine potential awardees?

The USG will award up to 5 of the highest rated technical Offerors that meet the MTTR (80% of possible points), in the event of a tie - see Tie-Breaker Procedure in Section M of the Draft RFP.

What is the evaluation process for contractor selection, if there are multiple Offerors who have the same MTTR?

The USG will award up to 5 of the highest rated technical Offerors that meet the MTTR (80% of possible points), in the event of a tie - see Tie-Breaker Procedure in Section M of the Draft RFP.

Will the USG evaluate price or past performance based upon a sample delivery order?

The USG will award up to 5 of the highest rated technical Offerors that meet the MTTR (80% of possible points), in the event of a tie - see Tie-Breaker Procedure in Section M of the Draft RFP.

What is the discriminating factor for making an award selection after reaching the MTTR?

The USG will award up to 5 of the highest rated technical Offerors that meet the MTTR (80% of possible points), in the event of a tie - see Tie-Breaker Procedure in Section M of the Draft RFP.

Past Experience, Teaming, and Subcontractors Question Answer

Due to the complex nature of this requirement? can a Prime contractor utilize the capabilities of the entire “Team”? in answering the requirement?

Refer to updates in General Submission Requirements for Past Experience of the Draft RFP.

Is it going to be considered that teammate past performance is going to be used in filling out the matrix??

Refer to updates in General Submission Requirements for Past Experience of the Draft RFP.

Can we utilize our OEM / Teammates past performance with regards to all categories for the self scoring matrix?

Refer to updates in General Submission Requirements for Past Experience of the Draft RFP.

What type of teaming arrangements would the Govt like to see to allow small businesses to team to add competition?

Refer to updates in General Submission Requirements for Past Experience of the Draft RFP.

Can a sister company or teammate provide documentation that counts toward the scoring matrix?

Refer to updates in General Submission Requirements for Past Experience of the Draft RFP.

If teaming with another company how do we allocate what work gets credited to which party?

Refer to updates in General Submission Requirements for Past Experience of the Draft RFP.

How do we see a teaming arrangement? If it is done with multiple smaller companies? Could they use each others past experiences?

Refer to updates in General Submission Requirements for Past Experience of the Draft RFP.

Will it only being the bidding company that can use its past experience in a teaming or partner arrangement?

Refer to updates in General Submission Requirements for Past Experience of the Draft RFP.

Is the Government going to pull CPARS? Refer to updates in General Submission Requirements for Past Experience of the Draft RFP.

Can delivery to an ammunition manufacturer count towards this score? Refer to updates in General Submission Requirements for Past Experience of the Draft RFP.

Offerors can submit only one proposal as prime; may we also submit as sub on another’s proposal?

Refer to updates in General Submission Requirements for Past Experience of the Draft RFP.

Can industry contracts be used in addition to government contracts? Refer to updates in General Submission Requirements for Past Experience of the Draft RFP.

Are the any issues with sharing supporting documentation with the parent company?

Refer to updates in General Submission Requirements for Past Experience of the Draft RFP.

If the USG evaluates past performance, will supporting documentation from a parent company be acceptable?

Refer to updates in General Submission Requirements for Past Experience of the Draft RFP.

Verification of Classified/Confidential Records Question Answer

Consider how to handle confidential documentation/contracts? How do we count that past performance?

Any documentation that cannot be independently verified by the USG will not be evaluated.

How do we apply for the SAWS contract when all of their past performance fall in the Classified realm??

Any documentation that cannot be independently verified by the USG will not be evaluated.

Is there some type of form we can internally get that could confirm their contributions and performances on related but classified requirements.

Any documentation that cannot be independently verified by the USG will not be evaluated.

Something to think about - Could they ask their customers if they could redact their documents accordingly??

Any documentation that cannot be independently verified by the USG will not be evaluated.

Could we get together with a POC from their previous governmental office to verify how they might submit or score on the matrix?

Any documentation that cannot be independently verified by the USG will not be evaluated.

If a foreign manufacturer deems their ESSP confidential, is it possible to deliver the ESSP after contract award?

Any documentation that cannot be independently verified by the USG will not be evaluated.

Can supporting documentation contain redactions due to customer confidentiality requirements?

Any documentation that cannot be independently verified by the USG will not be evaluated.

Documentation Validity Period (Lookback) Question Answer

Can TDPs older than 5 years be accepted? Documents must be valid from January 1, 2019 through date of proposal submission. See Draft RFP for updates.

Would the U.S. Government consider extending the 5-year time horizon on U.S. Flag Vessel movements?

Documents must be valid from January 1, 2019 through date of proposal submission. See Draft RFP for updates.

In lieu of a 5-year time horizon, would the U.S. Government accept a letter of cooperation from U.S. Flag Vessel providers??

Documents must be valid from January 1, 2019 through date of proposal submission. See Draft RFP for updates.

What definition of “prospective” is applicable and would any formal quotation to another company for an AA&E product count?

Documents must be valid from January 1, 2019 through date of proposal submission. See Draft RFP for updates.

Can ESSPs older than 5 years be accepted? Documents must be valid from January 1, 2019 through date of proposal submission. See Draft RFP for updates.

Request about the look back period (5 years currently), they request it be extended past 5 years?

Documents must be valid from January 1, 2019 through date of proposal submission. See Draft RFP for updates.

Pricing Requirements Question Answer

50 Is it expected that an Offeror provide a price for each Federal supply group/FSC?

Section L & M of the draft RFP has been updated to include Pricing requirements.

51 You mention pricing and cost in the video? Where does this pricing evaluation come from then?

Section L & M of the draft RFP has been updated to include Pricing requirements.

How does the Government expect to mitigate pricing risk? Over the different categories vs a CLIN list?

Section L & M of the draft RFP has been updated to include Pricing requirements.

In regard to pricing, will the government take into account the dynamic shifts in the market affect pricing with changes in supply and demand??

Section L & M of the draft RFP has been updated to include Pricing requirements.

Lot Acceptance Test Reports (LATRs) Question Answer

Does a Lot Acceptance Test Report toward a Foreign Government contract satisfy the requirement for a Lot Acceptance Test Report?

Reference updates to HTRO Matrix (6.a.1): Lot Acceptance Test Reports (LATRs) that demonstrate acceptance of ammunition and/or components with energetics production on a USG contract or a contract with a U.S. Prime Contractor.

?would the U.S. Government consider Lot Acceptance Test Reports against a production lot of Explosives to satisfy this contract?

Reference updates to HTRO Matrix (6.a.1): Lot Acceptance Test Reports (LATRs) that demonstrate acceptance of ammunition and/or components with energetics production on a USG contract or a contract with a U.S. Prime Contractor.

Does a Lot Acceptance Test Report toward a Foreign Government contract satisfy the requirement for a Lot Acceptance Test Report?

Reference updates to HTRO Matrix (6.a.1): Lot Acceptance Test Reports (LATRs) that demonstrate acceptance of ammunition and/or components with energetics production on a USG contract or a contract with a U.S. Prime Contractor.

P. 37, cat 6. Our LATs have been done through industry or foreign governments (Ukraine and UK). Are these acceptable?

Lot Acceptance Test Reports (LATRs) that demonstrate acceptance of ammunition and/or components with energetics production on a USG contract or a contract with a U.S. Prime Contractor will be accepted.

Category 6 - ?Do the LATS with other countries count or do they only count USG ones?

The USG is evaluating the Offerors experience completing LATs for a USG contract or a contract with a U.S. Prime. Contractor for Arms, Ammunition, or Explosives.

Foreign Documents and Matrix Experience Question Answer

Because PdD Saws testing and tech documentation are unique? can non-US work be used as documentation for this contract?

Each matrix factor is updated to defines the experience considered. See updated HTRO Matrix and Draft RFP.

They have done related work to the UK government, asking if other governmental experience can be counted?

Each matrix factor is updated to defines the experience considered. See updated HTRO Matrix and Draft RFP.

Will they allow Non-US government documents to be submitted and would they be weighted differently than US government approved documentation?

Each matrix factor is updated to defines the experience considered. See updated HTRO Matrix and Draft RFP.

Will there be a difference with regard to foreign vs domestic TDPs? Depending on the factor number, the USG clarifies what it is expecting for each experience submission. The details are updated in the Draft RFP.

Will we only accept US companies documents etc.? Or will we require a certain percentage of these documents to be from the US?

The USG explains which documents are required in either the HTRO matrix, or section L in the solicitation.

8a, 8b, 8c - If we ask for examples of them being Primes on AAE contracts with the USG would we allow for examples of being a prime with other countries?

The USG explains which documents are required in either the HTRO matrix, or section L in the solicitation.

Technical Data Package (TDP) Specifications Question Answer

“Technical data package” (TDP) is a non-official definition, what level of detail is required for each ammunition deliverable for this contract?

Technical Data Package requirements are detailed in the Appendix of the corresponding General Specifications for PdL SAWS.

To fulfill the TDP requirement, what level of sub-component detail? is required to qualify as a “compliant-TDP” for the U.S. Government?

The requirements for a complaint TDP are detailed in the Appendix of the corresponding General Specification for PdL SAWS.

Cat 5.1 - Given that these are non-NATO weapons, is it necessary to demonstrate a draft TDP?

An Offeror's ability to produce a TDP that is in compliance to the SOW and the applicable General Specification is necessary and required.

Delivery Orders and FFP Pricing NumberQuestion Answer

Based on the requirement, is it is FFP for each delivery order? It is anticipated that all delivery orders will be FFP, but the USG will determine on an order-by-order basis

What would be the incentive for underrunning a CPFF CLIN? It is anticipated that all delivery orders will be FFP, but the USG will determine on an order-by-order basis

Order-by-Order Mission Logistics Question Answer

Do we foresee a company taking on an order and holding onto the items in storage?

There is the potential that storage may be necessary but this is determined on an order by order basis.

Does the Government anticipate any of the lots being sent directly to the United States? Will there be immediate deliveries or will it need to be stored?

There is the potential requirements may be sent directly the US and that storage may be necessary but this is determined on an order by order basis.

Are we looking domestically or foreign for UAVs and Vehicles? Requirements will be established on an order-by-order basis and the USG will consider both

CONUS and OCONUS sources.

Would we have items brought into the US and then shipped OCONUS? Requirements will be established on an order-by-order basis and the USG will indicate both CONUS and OCONUS destinations.

74 Will we be using HRTO for the DO's or LPTA etc? The USG will determine evaluation criteria on an order-by-order basis

Category 8 Definition Updates

For Category 8 of the HTRO matrix? please define how contract value is calculated. Is cumulative contract value acceptable?

Category 8 has been updated in the draft RFP.

For Category 8? please define subcontractor? Could a Prime be considered a subcontractor under an FMS order with the USG?

Category 8 has been updated in the draft RFP.

77 For section 8 of the HTRO matrix? define contract value? Is a cumulative contract value acceptable?

Cumulative contract value is acceptable.

For section 8? Define subcontractor? Could a Prime be considered a subcontractor under a FMS order with the U.S. Government?

"Subcontractor" means any supplier, distributor, vendor, or firm that furnished supplies or services to or for a prime contractor or another subcontractor.

Industry Engagement and Meetings Question Answer

Will the Government consider arranging 1-on-1 conference calls to clarify additional HTRO-related items?

A Virtual Industry day will be offered prior to release of the official RFP.

80 Please let me know if there is any option for a virtual meeting as we would love to collaborate?

A Virtual Industry day will be offered prior to release of the official RFP.

Transportation Planning Question Answer

81 “Transportation plan” is a non-official definition, what level of detail is required??

Evaluation criteria for transportation plans is updated in the Draft RFP.

Can the USG please define the criteria for Transportation Plans? What specific elements constitute a complete / acceptable plan?

Evaluation criteria for transportation plans is updated in the Draft RFP.

Document Submission Quotas NumberQuestion Answer

83 Can they provide more than 10 submissions of examples of works delivering items or LoCs?

The USG will only review the number of documents requested.

84 Can more documents be provided over the listed “Up to” quantity? The USG will only review the number of documents requested.

Category 4 Removal (ESSPs) Question Answer

85 In 4.a.1, what is the age limit for the approved ESSPs that can be submitted?? Category 4 has been removed from the HTRO Matrix.

Cat 4 - Our manufacturers' ESSPs are based on their country's requirements?

Are country-approved ESSPs acceptable?

Category 4 has been removed from the HTRO Matrix.

U.S. Government Reference Definitions Question Answer

The HTRO makes reference to “Government-approved”? is the U.S.

Government requesting a formal Foreign Government approval??

Government-approved references the U.S. Government. Refer to Draft RFP for updates.

Regarding ‘government contracts’, are we able to use foreign government contacts? I.e. UK, Ukraine, etc.

Government contracts refers to the U.S. Government. Refer to Draft RFP for updates.

Individual/Technical Questions

Without a CLIN list how do they know what the expected requirement is going to be?

The expected requirements will be for ammunition and/or components defined in the FSC List - Attachment 0001

90 Are “domestic” test sites also considered toward this response? The USG is requesting the number of foreign test sites only.

Will delivery orders only be evaluated based upon price? Delivery Orders will be evaluated upon price. They also may be evaluated based on technical, delivery schedule and transportation plan.

If experience falls under a similar category but is in a different format how do we submit our version?

Format is defined is Sections L & M and the documentation version that is acceptable.

93 Do we have a timeline for the next draft? April 94 Will the matrix be evaluated by a committee like present here? The USG will evaluate the HTRO matrices with an approved source selection team.

95 Are there any benefits to Small Business designation? Small business will not be evaluated as part of the source selection criteria.

96 Will the consideration formula be included in the solicitation? Consideration (delinquency calculator) will be evaluated on a order-by-order basis.

97 Upon receipt of award does that bind you to bid on all awards? Receipt of award does not bind IDIQ holder to bid on each order.

According to the Security SOW? must all the contractor security employees be armed?

Adherence to the Safety SOW is required.

Should documentation of facility adequacy be provided at the time of proposal submission?

The procuring command will request a pre-award survey for safety and security prior to award.

Which authority approval is expected by the U.S. Government for the purposes of this contact?

Approval authority would be through either DDESB, DCMA, or provided through the ACO or PCO.

Is the reference to NATO specifically meant to incorporate TDP’s for the “standard ammunition”??

No, the intent is not to incorporate standard ammunition items into the procurement list.

What is the significance of the word “Draft” in this requirement? "Draft" is used here to have the offerors prove that they can develop TDP's for other NATO countries.

Would the USG consider “Quotations” in place of a “Letter of Commitment”? The USG would consider quotes as well as letters of commitment.

What qualifies a letter of commitment? ?Would a "Confirmation Statement" work?

A confirmation statement would satisfy the requirements.

105 Are there avenues for disputes outside of a protest?? The USG reserves the right to open discussions and ask for clarifications on submissions.

Will there be retrospective adjustments to scores?? Scores will be evaluated and downward adjusted if required documentation cannot be validated

107 Are EUC’s for Foreign Government Contracts applicable for this section? EUCs for Foreign Government Contracts are acceptable for category 2.a.1.

For GO / NO GO: Have you performed on an AAE contract, does this mean US Government performances?

The GO/NO-GO is not specific for U.S. Government performances, it is for any AAE contract performance.

110 How do Performance Based Payments work in this environment? PBP's are evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

111 Is there an estimated annual spend for this requirement? There is not an estimated annual spend for requirements of this contract.

Will there be set asides for SDB? And will there be a requirement for a small business subcontracting plan?

There will not be a Set asides for SDB and small business subcontracting plans will be required for large businesses, however, subcontracting plans are not required for small business primes in accordance with FAR 52.219-9

Does the Govt understand that updates to the Gen Specs? may limit the sources of supply across the globe?

Updates to the General Specifications are a result of past experience to ensure providing safe, effective and reliable ammunition.

114 Are all of the CDRLs totally necessary? CDRLs are derived from the data deliverables that the Contractor is required to provide.

115 What does the USG mean by “prospective” in 1.b.1, 2.b.1 and 7.b.1? "Prospective" is concerned with or applies to future usage.

116 What counts for different countries referenced on EUC’s? Both countries (issue and exporting) would count in these scenarios.

Does the Government prefer the prime vendor to hold [DoS DDTC] registration?

The Offeror that submits the proposal is required to have an active registration with the DoS DDTC.

Cat. 1.a.1 - What is the difference between Cat. 1.a.1 and Cat. 1.b.1? 1.a.1 requires past/current experience; 1.b.1 requires demonstrating capability for future requirements.

119 Cat 3 - Will the Government treat [export] certificates the same as licenses? The USG will only accept Export Licenses.

Will the USG release a draft contract before the final tender or with the final tender?

The USG will send draft contracts to the potential awardees before execution.