MK 41 Canisters RFP QA _ Industry Posting FINAL 08112022.xlsx

XLSX spreadsheet 23 KB Posted Aug 11, 2022

Attached to: MK 41 VLS Canister Requirements (FY23-27) RFI Industry Q&A Part II _08/11/2022
Solicitation number: VLS002B
Issued by: Department of the Navy Naval Sea Systems Command

View the file

Other files

File	Type	Posted
MK 41 Canisters RFP QA _ Industry Posting FINAL.xlsx	XLSX spreadsheet	May 12, 2022

On GovTribe

Work with this file

Download the original file
Contacts named in this file
Similar government files
Ask GovTribe AI about this file

Try for free Login

Text version

The file's text, extracted by GovTribe without its formatting.

Table 1

	#	Reference	Question	Answer
	1	Draft RFP	What is the estimated MK 41 VLS Solicitation date?	The expected solicitation release timeline is end of 3rd QTR of the Government's FY
	2	Draft RFP	What is the estimated proposal response time once RFP is released?	A minimum of 60 days will be proivded.
	3	Draft RFP	Multiple questions were submitted regarding the challenges of proposing and pricing the canister renew SLINs.	The Government intends to remove the canister renew CLINs from the solicitation.
	4	Draft RFP	Can you provide additional clarification of Minimum order quantities (MOQ)?	The minimum order quantities (MOQs) are intended to set a floor for the minimum quantities across multiple canister types that must be procured in the base and each option period. The MOQs differ from the bottom stepladders on individual CLINs in that the MOQs include multiple canister types (as specified in the RFP). The reason to include MOQs in addition to stepladders is that the Government consistently purchases large numbers of canisters every year. The inclusion of MOQs, then, assures industry they will have a significant amount of work.
	5	Draft RFP	What price would NAVSEA would like to pay for each MK41 canister type?	The Government does not intend to publish an estimated price for each MK 41 canister type. Instead, the Government will rely on adequate price competition to provide an affordable price.
	6	Draft RFP	If a new supplier is selected to build any of the three separate bid groups, does the US Navy intend to transfer any current tooling and test equipment from the incumbent supplier to the new supplier (in addition to the GFP items listed in draft RFP Attachment 3).	The Government intends to provide only the items specified on the GFP list. Any item not on the GFP list will not be provided by the Government. The Government has already made an effort to include as many items on the GFP list as possible to enhance competition. Therefore, the Government does not anticipate being able to add any additional tooling or test equipment beyond that already specified.
	7	Draft RFP	Will the government consider providing the missile simulators, encanning and decanning services, as well as the execution of FAT tests like shock and vibration testing as a Government Furnished service? That would be similar to how these kind of qualification tests are executed in the ESSM program.	The Government has updated the SOW to reflect that these are not requirements of FAT (i.e. shock and vibration testing, encanning and decanning services). The contractor will be responsible for testing the canister using the GFP provided fit check tool as part of FAT.
	8	Draft RFP	After reviewing the Mk41 VLS Canister TDP, some part numbers do not list a current source or list of qualified suppliers. Can this information be provided?	Where applicable, approved suppliers are provided on the drawings. A historical supplier list for some parts was provided for informational purposes only. At this time, the Government does not anticipate being able to provide a large number of additional historical suppliers.
	9	Draft RFP	If Canister final assembly and integration occurs at a US manufacturing site, can sub-assemblies or lower lever part numbers be built outside the US?	It is potentially possible for such items to be built outside the US if a number of requirements are met. First, the offeror must comply with the signed Terms of Use Agreement (TOUA). This currently includes a prohibition on the following: "Disclos[ing] the above documents [TDP] to foreign nationals or transmit[ting] said enclosures outside the geographical bound or custom territory of the United States of America unless a valid Technical Assistance Agreement (TAA)/Export License is in place." Second, all markings on individual TDP drawings would have to be followedl. Third, the offeror would have to review and comply with any contractual clauses that might prohibit or restrict building certain items outside the US. Finally, the offeror would be responsible for complying with any other applicable laws or regulations not previously mentioned.
	10	Draft RFP	As noted, the CLIN covers all canisters together while other CLINS separate each canister type. Are there separate quantities for each canister assembly? Please clarify the quantity required for the MK 29 Mod 0 and MK 29 Mod 1.	While code plugs align to the number of canisters (1:1 ratio), this solicitation will buy code plugs separate from the MK 29 Mod 0 and MK 29 Mod 1 canisters under a separate CLIN.
	11	Draft RFP	Is it anticipated that a small business set aside be considered for the MK 29 Mod 0 and Mk 29 Mod 1 canister types?	No, this is intended to be a full and open competition based upon market research.
	12	Draft RFP	Will the contract be structured to be in line with the recently announced Federal Procurement process change (i.e. “category management”)?	The Government does not intend on changing the contract structure.
	13	SOW 4.2	What ATE over and above the CMTS is required?	All ATE is listed in Attachment 3, GFP. There is no additional ATE required.
	14	SOW 4.1	Is the government going to provide maintenance and calibration standards for the Canister Internal Fit Check Tool(s)?	Yes, the maintenance and calibration standards are identified in the technical data package. The Contractor will provide calibration and maintenance for fit check tools.
	15	SOW 8.1	Is the Government going to provide an indentured BOM for each variant?	The Government intends on providing indentured BOMs for each canister variant. The Government will send BOMs to potential offerors who have signed the terms of use agreement.
	16	Draft RFP	Has the Government considered establishing Non Recurring CLINs for the non OEM or non incumbent competitors that would be excluded from the Total Evaluated Price in order to establish a fair and open compeitition?	The Government is considering this but if a NRE CLIN is established it would not be excluded from the Total Evaluated Price.
	17	Draft RFP	CLINs 1101, 1201, 1301, and 1401 have a max quantity of 80 units each for delivery within 12 months of award, but Draft RFP Page 113 of 182 restricts production of units under these CLINs to 6 units per month. At this rate, only 72 units may be produced within the specified 12 months. Can the production rate restriction be increased to no more than 7 per month, or the period of performance be extended to 14 months in order enable compliance with both the production rate restriction and the Period of Performance?	The max quantity has been increased to 105 per year, production rate increased to 9 per month. The final solicitation will correct this discrepancy.
	18	Draft RFP - Section I // 52.233-1 & Alt I Disputes (May 2014) - Basic & Alternate I	Both the basic and alt clauses are included, which clause does the Government intend to use?	The final solicitation will use 52.333-1 Alternate I
	19	Draft RFP - Section I // 52.246-24 & Alt I - Limitation of Liability - High Value Items (Feb 1997) Alternate I	Both the basic and alt clauses are included for FAR 52.246-24. which clause does the Government intend to use?
If the contract is for both high-value items and other end items, the contracting officer shall identify the high-value items by line item.	52.246-24 Alternate I applies to this acquistion. Canisters are high-value items and all other items under solicitation will not be high-value items
	20	52.209-3	45 days for a FAT Report is not a realistic timeline for any competitor other than the incumbent. Will the Government provide an extension?	The Government intends to revise the FAT report timeline in the final solicitation.
	21	Draft RFP	The draft solicitation indcated on the bottom of Page 2, but no DD254 was indicated in Section J. Can the USG confirm if a classified facility clearance will be required in the performance of this effort, and if so, will the classification be "Secret"?	This requirement is unclassified. Any reference to facility clearance and/or DD Form 254 will be removed prior to solicitation release.
	22	B-215-H002	Some of the quantities specified in Section B and Section F differ. For example, Section B CLIN 0001 lists a quantity of 64 Each, while the same CLIN in Section F indicates 75 Each. Which set of quantities is correct?	This will be corrected in the solicitation prior to release. Also, the Government intends to provide a summary of updated quantities prior to final RFP release.
	23	Section B - NOTE A	What attachment is JS-4? Are CDRL(s) provided?	JS-4 is intended to allow offerors to fill out the estimated cost/price for each CDRL. The CDRLs will be provided as part of the solicitation release as a separate attachment.
	24	Section B - NOTE C	Section B, Note C, states "…If any line item is exercised more than once within a 90 day period from the date the Option was initially exercised, the unit price of the CLIN shall be adjusted downward to reflect the appropriate stepladder unit price for the entire quantity purchased within that 90 day period and funds will be realigned, as necessary." Would the USG entertain reducing the 90 day period to 30 days in order to ensure quantities are included in subcontract orders in a timely manner?
	The Government intend to reduce the period to 60 days.
	25	Section B - NOTE C	The 90 day period appears excessive given the 12-month period of performance on these CLINs. Raw material would likely have already been purchased, negating any savings anticipated by bulk purchases.

Question: If the Navy exercises initially, and does a second exercise 80 days later, we understand the price is adjusted. If the Navy exercises a 3rd time 20 days after the 2nd exercise (100 days after initial), the Government would not be able to price adjust after that. If the Government were to do a 4th exercise 10 days later, even though it is within 90 days of the 3rd, the Government could not price adjust that either… Is that correct?

Based on the current RFP language, Government would only get the quantity discount within 90 days of initial option exercise or contract award. (Furthermore, as stated in question 24, the Government intends to reduce the period to 60 days.)
26	Section C - Option Items 0001, 0101, 0201, 0301 and 0401– MK 13 MOD 0 Canisters w/PHS&T:
If the contractor must fabricate the canisters to the TDP and the SOW, how can it warrant or commit to meet the CIPS WS-20318, without having been the OEM or the Design Authority of the current configuration?	The SOW will be updated to reflect that the requirement shall be delivered in accordance with the requirements of the Technical Data Package, removing the need for the offeror to determine whether the build to print design meets the CIPs.
27	C-204-H001	In regards to NAVSEA clause C-204-H001, is it possible to add a requirement for the procuring office to notify the Contractor of new service contractors?	Paragraph d of C-204-H001, places the burden on the contractor to contact the PCO for contractor specifics. The Government does not intend at this time adding a requirement for the PCO to notify the contractor.
28	C-217-H003	How does a contractor plan for NTE amount if PCO can unilaterally determine that the NTE is too high?	The contractor can take exception to the ceiling amount and/or delivery schedule within 10 calender days of receipt of the order.
29	C-246-H003	What items do the Government anticipate adding to the list on this clause?	Canisters are the only high-value items, all other CLINs are not considered high-value
30	E-246-H021	Does the government agree that this should not apply to a FFP Contract?	NAVSEA Clause E-246-H021 will be removed prior to solicitation release.
31	52.211-16	Variation in Quantity clause incorporated by reference, but it contains fill-ins. Can the US Government either provide the Percent Increase/Decrease and what they apply to, or confirm the clause will be removed from the solicitation?	FAR Clause 52.211-16 will be removed prior to solicitation release.
32	52.242-15 Alt I	Alt 1 to this clause appears to apply to Cost-Reimbursement contracts. Will this clause be remved from the solicitation, or does the US Government anticipate entering into cost-type orders?	FAR clause 52.242-15 Alt I will be removed prior to solicitation release.
33	Draft RFP	Would the US Government entertain FOB Origin and transportation by DCMA in order to mitigate program costs?	No.
34	52.247-48	Would the Government consider eliminating FAR clause 52.247-48 to allow invoicing upon shipping?	No.
35	252.211-7008	End item only or is there a list of components that must also be serialized?	The Government will define the items to be serialized in the schedule.
36	C-233-H003	Can the Release of Claims language contained in Section H clause C-233-H003 be removed from the RFP and contract, and instead be included in modifications as required?	NAVSEA Clause C-233-H003 will be removed prior to solicitation release.
37	252.225-7015	Hand or measuring tools delivered under this contract shall be produced in the United States or its outlying areas. Are commercial tools exempted?	DFARS Clause 252.225-7015 will be removed prior to solicitation.
38	252.234-7004	To what level will the cost reporting be required. Is there a CSDR plan that wil be issued with the RFP?	The CSDR been added as an attachment on the latest submission of the RFP.
39	52.219-9	Should we assume that a Subcontracting Plan is required?	A subcontracting plan will be required for this procurement.
40	52.246-18	Is it correct to assume that the warranty repair is a "repair and return" and not a field repair?	The clause assumes return to contractor facility to repair
41	ISO 14000	Will the government consider eliminating this requirement as it will impact non-recurring?	ISO 14000 will be removed prior to solicitaiton.
42	SOW 4.2 -- Automatic Test Equipment - The MK 680 Combined Missile Test Set (CMTS) along with associated interface cables, fault isolation boxes and software will be provided as GFE.	Do we need any ATE other than the MK680? Attachment 17 in the Draft RFP is not the Operation and Maintenance Overview, where is this document. When will the CMTS upgrade be completed?	No other ATE is required. The CMTS upgrade is completed. The operation and maintenance overview will provided to all interested parties prior to solicaation release.
43	SOW 7.4.4 First Article Test - Test shall be performed with an inert Longitudinal Restraint Clamp Explosive Bolt.	Will this be GFM?	The inert longitudinal restraint clamp explosive bolt will not be GFP.
44	SOW - The Contractor shall assure that equipment is assigned identifying numbers, designators, and serial numbers in accordance with the TDP.	Is there clear direction in the TDP drawings as to what items require Serial tracking Does it require manufacturing equipment and/or tooling to be tracked also?	The TDP identifes where to mark Serial numbers. Manufacturing and tooling equipment are not required to be tracked.
45	SOW 9.3 - Military Specifications and Standards -- The VLS Canister and associated equipment TDPs reference and cite cancelled military standards and specifications. The Government has no plan to replace any such standard or specification with a commercial version.	Did the government intend to state version prior to cancellation or the version at the time of cancellation? Will the current supplier base accept standards that are no longer in effect?	The military standard or specification of the latest version prior to cancellation shall be considered applicable to this procurement. If the canceled standard causes an obsolescence issue that would impede proposal or performance of this requirement the contractor should notify the Government via the questions process.
46	SOW - The TDP contains Source Control Drawings that list approved sources. The Contractor may, at his option, qualify other sources for these items. Qualification of new sources selected by the Contractor shall be at the Contractors expense.	What would the qualification process be? Does that include the requalification of a canister?	Qualifications should be handled during FAT, there is no requalification for qualified systems. Any other qualifications will be handled post award.
47	SOW - The Contractor shall fabricate, procure and assemble all necessary tooling and test equipment to manufacture, test and dimensionally inspect parts, components, subassemblies and assemblies.	Will the Government provide all necessary test equipment and test tooling?	The Government will provide the property identified in the GFP list. All other property required in performance is the responsibility of the contractor.
48	SOW - The Contractor shall be responsible for maintaining and calibrating the Canister Internal Fit Check Tool(s)…	For both the Fit Check Tool and the ATE, will the government provide training after contract award? If the contractor is maintaining or calibrating either item and follows the procedure correctly, who is responsible to resolve the issue and will there be schedule and cost relief?	Matters of schedule and/or cost relief is a post-award matter and would be handled based on the facts of the issue at hand and in accordance with the contract terms and conditions. Training would be offered post-award. The solicitation will reflect training of ATE and fit check tools.
49	SOW - The Contractor shall be responsible for maintaining and calibrating the necessary Test Capability including Automatic Test Equipment, associated interface cables, test tools and calibration tools…	Will the government provide the ATE Calibration procedure with the RFP?	The Government will be responsible for ATE calibration.
50	SOW - FAI requirement waivers shall be submitted to the Government in accordance with attached CDRL for approval.	Are the FAI waivers allowed with the RFP /proposal submission?	The Government is considering whether FAI can be waived as part of the competition.
51	SOW - Technical personnel shall be required to have necessary tools, measuring devices and other equipment necessary for equipment disassembly, dimensional & tolerance verification and performance verification.	Can you clarify what is meant by"equipment disassembly". Should we expect to take things apart during the PCA?	Yes, equipment disassembly may occur during the PCA as identified in Statement of Work Attachment 1.
52	SOW - Following the conduct of the PCA, the contractor shall generate the necessary documentation to resolve all audit findings and provide these to the Navy audit team within the time frame specified by the Navy PCA lead.	We request the government change "Following the conduct of the PCA, the contractor shall generate the necessary documentation to resolve all audit findings and provide these to the Navy audit team within the time frame specified by the Navy PCA lead" to "… time frame mutually agreed upon by the Government and the Contractor"	Section C of SOW, specifies the timeframe (14 days).
53	SOW - The FAT requirement will be waived if the subassembly or components has been manufactured in identical configuration, in the same facility and delivered to the Navy within the past 24 months.	Here it is clear that the FATS occur down to the component level. If the FAT is performed against the end item, will that be sufficient to not perform FATs of the subassemblies and the components. Will the government provide all the current and historical suppliers by part number over the last 24 months, so competitors and the USG can forego the cost of the FATs?	The contractor could request a FAT waiver post-award for any canister assembly, subassembly, and component post-award.
54	SOW 7.0 - First Article Test	Is there a POC? Provided at not cost? GFE provided, but contractor arranged? Are we able to obtain access to the missile simulator from Raytheon during the RFP stage? Is this used also during the shock, vibration and/or transportation tests?	With the removal of shock and vibration testing, this requirement is no applicable to this acquisition.
55	SOW - Canister Assembly and PHS&T equipment shall be returned to like-new condition after test completion and prior to delivery.	Please define "like-new condition"	Since canisters are no longer being renewed under this contract, this question is no longer applicable.
56	SOW 7.5.4 - Contractor is responsible for obtaining missile shape encanning and decanning services.	Does the incumbent have a MK33 and encan/decan kits at their facility? If so, should this be a GFP item.	See response to question 7. Encanning and decanning requirements are not intended to be included in this solicitation. Any such requirements in the draft will be removed prior to final RFP release.
57	SOW - The Contractor shall assure that equipment is assigned identifying numbers, designators, and serial numbers in accordance with the TDP.	Is there clear direction in the TDP drawings as to what items require Serial tracking. Does it require manufacturing equipment and/or tooling to be tracked also?	The TDP identifes where to mark Serial numbers. The manufacturing/tooling are not required to be tracked.
58	SOW - The Contractor shall provide an As-Built Configuration Data List in accordance with the applicable Exhibit A, DD Form 1423…	Can the government supply the As-Built Configuration Data List from the last production contract?	No.
59	SOW - Engineering Change Proposals (ECPs) and Requests for Deviations shall be prepared in accordance with the applicable Exhibit A, DD Form 1423 and this Statement of Work.	Can deviations be submitted with the competitive proposal?	The competition is intended to be a build to print. Offerors shall propose to build in accordance with the TDP.
60	Draft RFP	Has the Government finalized the division of canisters into three groups?	Taking into consideration feedback from industry and other factors, Government is maintaining the same division of canisters into 3 groups that was briefed at industry day, and included in the draft RFP. The 3 groups will be (a) MK 13, MK 14, MK 21; (b) MK 25; (c) MK 29
61	Draft RFP	Requests for additional historical sources and/or suggested sources for various part numbers	The Government is considering these requests. However, it is unlikely that the Government will be able to provide a significant amount of additional historical sources beyond those already released
62	TDP	Please advise when the Government expects to release the final technical package for the MK 29, MK 13, MK 14, and MK21 canister variants.	The Government sent out an updated set of TDP CDs to all interested parties with a signed TOUA on 19 August 2022.
63	TDP	The technical package does not include the gerber files/schematics for the PCB board assembly.	These will be included in the updated TDP release.
63	Draft RFP	Are the fit check tools used vertically or horizontally?	Horizontally.
64	Draft RFP	At what point after award of a MK41 VLS canister contract is unit 1 due for delivery to NAVSEA? We are assuming roughly 12-14 months after award. Is this correct?	The Government anticipates providing the following time for delivery of first units: MK 13/14/21: 16-24 months, MK 25: 16 months, MK 29: 24 months. These times will not be finalized until RFP release, but the Government does intend to provide more than 14 months for first delivery of all canister types.
65	Draft RFP	Is there a CAS Disclosure Statement Requirement for this procurement?	Yes.
66	GFP	Will the Government provide a golden unit for each canister variant?	The Government may provide, although availability is not guaranteed.
67	Draft RFP	All questions related to CPFF CLINs in the draft RFP.	The Government does not anticipate including CPFF CLINs in the final RFP.
68	Draft RFP	Does the Government still plan to send the updated TDP out within the next two weeks?	The Government intends to release the updated TDP as soon as possible.

&"Calibri"&10&K737373Serco Business&1#

File details come from the government source that posted it. Updated Aug 11, 2022.