RFI (24July2025).pdf

W50S81-25-Q-A011, Aircraft Sunshades

Q&A for RFI

Q: Other than the proposed layout attached, will there be any additional drawings released for this solicitation?

A: Please reference updated attachments.

Q: The PWS indicates at paragraph 5.1.1 “Each Structure shall be of galvanized steel, 60’ wide at the front and rear, 70’ long at each side, 23’ in height at the column/leg”. Is this intended to be the exterior height of the leg or the interior clearance at the sidewall haunch?

A: The 60'x70' reflects the outside dimensions of the structures. The 23' is at the outside of the leg before the roof pitch starts.

Q: Is this Indefinite Delivery, Definite Quantity (IDDQ) contract tax exempt for my final pricing?

A: The tax exemption for state and local governments depends entirely on the laws enacted by each state legislature.

A Massachusetts ST-2 (Certificate of Exemption) or ST-5 (Sales Tax Exempt Purchaser Certificate) may or may not be accepted in other states, depending on the state's specific sales tax exemption rules.

Q: FAR 52.212-1(e) encourages submission of alternative quotes, including those proposing different commercial products or services. The 8July25 RFI response states that only metal-covered sunshades will be considered technically acceptable, explicitly excluding fabric-covered options.

UFGS 13 31 33 was specifically developed to address technical, safety, and durability concerns in DoD sunshade projects and is referenced by the UFCs cited in the PWS. Designed per the requirements in UFGS 13 31 33 Frame Supported Membrane Structures for Aircraft Protection, a tension fabric sunshade will meet all the performance requirements set forth in the MA ANG’s Statement of Work and offer potential cost savings. Will you consider accepting fabric covered sunshades designed to comply with UFGS 13 31 33?

A: FAR 52.212-1(e) does encourage submission of alternative quotes. That said, based on a review of past Air Force requirements for both fabric and metal covered sunshades for F-35 aircraft, the 104 FW selected metal as a best fit for its requirement. Quotes offering fabric covering will be considered Technically Unacceptable.

Q: To prevent corrosion to the steel, it is standard practice to require post-production hot-dipped galvanized steel. Is galvanization in accordance with ASTM A123 a requirement for these sunshades?

A: Yes, material is to be galvanized per the PWS. Material should be galvanized in accordance with ASTM A123 standards.

Q: To determine if new concrete footings are needed or not, vendors need to confirm the existing concrete pad can resist the loads generated from the sunshades. Please provide complete as-built drawings for the existing concrete pad, including all relevant dimensions, thicknesses, reinforcement details, and locations of any construction or control joints. If as-built drawings are not available, are there any site survey records, concrete test reports, or field sketches that could be provided to document the existing conditions?

A: Please reference attached drawings.

Q: Statement of Work Section 5.1.2 states, “Sunshade shall meet all base, county, and state building codes for wind and snow loads (NE region) and/or as determined by the BCE”. Do these referenced codes include IBC and ASCE- 7?

A: Yes, those would be applicable codes.

Q: Do you require the vendor to provide a signed certification of completion document that the sunshades provided meet and were built to the PE stamped drawing and calculation package?

A: Reference paragraph 5.1.16 for required documentation at completion of work.

Q: The solicitation indicates that this is an IDDQ contract with a 5-year ordering period for the installation of up to

(14) sunshades. Can the government clarify the anticipated number of mobilizations expected for this effort?

A: The Government intends to award an initial task order for 5 aircraft sunshades upon award of the IDDQ. Follow-on task orders for the remaining 9 units will be wholly dependent on the available funding during the IDDQ Period of Performance (5 yrs). The Government is not able to declare when the number of future task orders, or how many units will be order for each task order, beyond fiscal year 2025 other than to say the total number of units needed is

14. The solicitation has been updated to include a separate CLIN for mobilization.

Q: Does the government anticipate a single mobilization during which all 14 sunshades will be installed?

A: Mobilizations are expected when each task order is executed. An initial task order for 5 aircraft sunshades will occur upon award of the IDDQ. Follow-on task orders and required mobilizations for the remaining 9 units will be wholly dependent on the available funding during the IDDQ Period of Performance. The solicitation has been updated to include a separate CLIN for mobilization.

Q: Are two mobilizations expected, one for the Row of 5 sunshades and one for the Row of 9 sunshades?

A: Mobilizations are expected when each task order is executed. An initial task order for 5 aircraft sunshades will occur upon award of the IDDQ. Follow-on task orders and required mobilizations for the remaining 9 units will be wholly dependent on the available funding during the IDDQ Period of Performance. The solicitation has been updated to include a separate CLIN for mobilization.

Q: Is there potential for additional, smaller mobilizations beyond these?

A: Mobilizations are expected when each task order is executed. An initial task order for 5 aircraft sunshades will occur upon award of the IDDQ. Follow-on task orders and required mobilizations for the remaining 9 units will be wholly dependent on the available funding during the IDDQ Period of Performance. The solicitation has been updated to include a separate CLIN for mobilization.

Q: Given the indefinite delivery nature of this contract and the potential for long delays between award and task order issuance, please clarify the expected lead time between issuance of an NTP and required site mobilization. To allow adequate time for material procurement, fabrication, and coordination requirements, we recommend a minimum lead time of 90 days. Will the government allow at least 90 days between NTP issuance and expected mobilization to support procurement, staffing and logistics?

A: A lead time of a minimum of 90 days is allowable.

Q: Due to the complex slopes observed in the concrete apron during the job walk, please confirm whether the contractor is responsible for providing site surveying services to support the structural and electrical engineering effort. Specifically for layout, anchor bolt placement, and structural tie-in to the existing concrete.

A: Reference paragraph 5.1, the contractor is responsible for the installation, if this requires surveying services then the contractor is responsible.

Q: The PWS notes the existing concrete is assumed to be 12" thick and adequate for direct bolted installation, with the potential for additional footing work if required. To support structural engineering and connection design, please confirm whether the contractor is expected to perform GPR scanning to verify actual slab thickness and consistency prior to finalizing engineering and anchor design.

A: Please reference attached drawings. Vendor to make their own determination if they require the performance of GPR scanning

Q: The PWS states that a Fall Protection system shall be installed on each sunshade “roof” for future inspection/repairs. Please clarify the government’s intent for usage of the Fall Protection system. PWS reads, “Installed on top of the roof to support personnel performing roof inspections and maintenance or Installed under the roof structure (within the rafters) to support aircraft maintenance activities conducted beneath the sunshade.”

A: The intent of the fall protection is for personnel performing roof inspection and maintenance. Aircraft Maintenance will not utilize fall protection from the sunshades.

Q: The PWS specifies the use of low-profile barricades with lighting attached. Please clarify if low profile barricades are to be interlocked.

A: Low profile barricades can be spaced, but no more than a 3ft spacing is authorized.

Q: Please confirm whether the government has an approved laydown yard available for contractor use, and if so, provide its location.

A: A laydown yard will be available. Exact location to be determined after contract award.

Q: Is there a secure indoor storage option (hangar, warehouse, or similar facility) available for long term storage for lighting fixtures, electrical gear, or fabricated steel components?

A: Secure indoor storage is available depending on the footprint of items needing storage. Coordination can occur after contract award.

Q: Given the sloped metal roof design and the project’s location in a heavy snow region, please confirm whether snow guards are required to prevent shedding of snow and ice.

A: This is dependent upon the vendor’s design of the sunshade. Per revised PWS, section 5.1.2.1, the Government has not declared the style of roof (gabled, skillion, etc.). Slope and direction of the roof will dictate if there should be a need for snow guards. If the slope is to the entrance/exit of the sunshade, care should be taken to protect entrance and exit of aircraft.

Q: The PWS references UFC 3-530-01 for lighting but does not specify performance criteria such as target average horizontal illuminance or uniformity ratios. To ensure appropriate fixture selection, please confirm the required average illuminance levels / uniformity ratios for the following:

Overhead lighting under the sunshade Task lighting along each side wall Exterior safety/egress lighting around the perimeter

A: Overhead lighting under the sunshade: shall comply with UFC 3-530-01- Para 3-8.2 through 3-8.2.3, whereas lighting shall be uniform, shall have an average Horizontal Illuminance of 50 fc (500 lux) at 2’-6” (762 mm) AFF, have an average Vertical Illuminance of 50 fc (500 lux) at aircraft surface and shall have Horizontal Illuminance Uniformity of 3:1 average to minimum. There shall be minimum shadows to create a safe work environment.

Task lighting along each side wall: shall comply with UFC 3-530-01-Para 5-9.2 through 5-9.2.3, whereas lighting shall be uniform, shall have an Average Horizontal Illuminance 1 fc (10 lux) at grade and a Uniformity of 5:1 maximum to minimum.

Exterior safety/egress lighting around the perimeter: shall comply with UFC 3-530-01, Para 5-9.1 through 5-9.2.2, whereas Average Horizontal Illuminance of 2 fc (20 lux) at grade and a Uniformity of 4:1 average to minimum.

Q: Please confirm whether payment and performance bonds will be required.

A: FAR clause 52.228-5, Insurance-Work on a Government Installation, applies to this requirement. This requirement is classified as a commercial commodity purchase subject to FAR Part 12 regulations. IAW FAR Part 28, Performance and payment bonds are not required.

Q: For projects of similar scale (~60,000 SF of Aircraft Sunshade coverage), recent aircraft sunshade contracts at other Air Force Bases have required that both the structural steel fabricator and erector hold current AISC certification. Please confirm whether the government requires AISC certified fabricators and erectors for this contract?

A: Not Required

Q: Please confirm whether structural and electrical engineers must hold Massachusetts specific PE licensure, or if licensure in another U.S. state is acceptable provided the design complies with all applicable local codes, loading, and permitting requirements.

A: The installation is on federal property and therefore are not required to have a Massachusetts specific PE licensure.

Q: PWS section 5.1.1 states that the Base Civil Engineer will provide the exact location of sunshades. Please verify that no signed and sealed siting or other civil plans will be required to be provided by the contractor as part of project delivery.

A: Reference attached revised PWS

Q: The PWS states that the Government will provide power from an adjacent structure to the first leg of the sunshades for permanent connection. However, no layout or depiction is provided showing the exact location or path of the electrical service entry point. To support accurate electrical design, conduit routing, and material takeoffs, please provide a site layout or drawing indicating:

The origin points of the Government provided power.

The exact location where the contractor is expected to make the permanent connection at the first sunshade.

A: Reference revised proposed sunshade layout to determine proposed column to attach main connection point for electrical panels in that sunshade group. The government is responsible for the final connection at the specified location.

Q: How are the IDDQ orders going to be spread over the five years (for cost escalation and install mobilizations)?

A: The Government intends to award an initial task order for 5 aircraft sunshades upon award of the IDDQ. Follow-on task orders for the remaining 9 units will be wholly dependent on the available funding during the IDDQ Period of Performance (5 yrs). The Government is not able to declare the number of future task orders beyond fiscal year 2025.

Q: Can the Super be the QC and SSHO due to the limited scope?

A: Yes, that is acceptable

Q: What is the PSI rating of the concrete we are building on?

A: This will be in the drawings provided

Q: What is allowable for barrier layout to cordon off the construction site? Can we go from blast shield to blast shield or does the base need access through this area?

A: This is variable depending upon when the sunshades are awarded, coordination will be accomplished prior to work.

Q: Are there any special snow/wind load requirements since this is in such close proximity to jet aircraft?

A: Structure required to withstand snow loads of 55 psf and wind load of 120 mph

Q: Will each sunshade get its own electrical panel with circuit breakers, etc. to operate independently from the others?

A: Each group of sunshades can have one electrical panel at the designated government connection point.

Q: Is there a maximum height restriction for the aircraft sunshades?

A: There is no maximum height restriction, but we would like the roofs to be as low as possible as long as the requirements of UFC 4-211-01 are met.

Q: Do the gable ends need to be enclosed from the 23’ opening level to the ridge?

A: If a gable roof is utilized, then it would need to be enclosed. Per the revised PWS, section 5.1.2.1, the Government has not declared the style of roof (gabled, skillion, etc.).

Q: What is the magnitude of this project?

A: This requirement is classified as a commercial commodity purchase subject to FAR Part 12 regulations.

Therefore, the Government is not required to provide the magnitude of this project.

Q: May the Contractor leave equipment/supplies properly secured within the footprint of the project site for the duration? This would apply to the Contractor’s tool & consumable supply trailer, powered equipment (telehandler / boom lift)?

A: Yes.

Q: Can Contractor coordinate with operational authority (104 FW) to optimize working hours with the aim of reducing installation period of performance to most efficient duration? E.g. 0700-Sunset Monday-Saturday.

A: The standard workday is defined as 0730-1630, Monday-Friday. Requests for additional hours outside of the standard workday may be considered but will depend on the available 104 FW staffing.

Q: Is 60’ the “net clear opening” between columns, a center-to-center distance, or an overall width (outside edge to outside edge) of columns? Same question for length.

A: 60’ is overall width, length overall is 70’

Q: This requirement has defined a 4:12 roof pitch. Typically, our engineering analysis drives the optimum pitch to meet environmental loads. Is this pitch a firm requirement?

A: For proper snow and ice removal we would like at least a 4:12 pitch.

Q: The SOW references self-locking nuts. Typical structures do not use “locking nuts” but are fastened per AISC guidelines-the fasteners are either “snug-tight” for non-slip critical points, or “turn of nut” vs. having a specific torque value. Adding traditional torque stripes once fasteners are secured is possible if Customer desires. Is there a “self-locking” nut that Customer is requesting? Otherwise, traditional structural hardware would be used (ASTM F3125 Gr A325). There is also a “Direct Tension Indicator” type washer that extrudes an orange indicator material when tightened sufficiently. These washers are typically in lieu of “turn of nut” procedures vs. snug tight.

A: The intent is to prevent FOD around the aircraft. If the industry standard is color indication, then that is acceptable.

Q: Is there specific guidance regarding providing reflective markings on corner structural supports? Is DOT-C2 reflective Conspicuity Tape an acceptable solution?

A: DOT-C2 is acceptable.

Q: 5.1.2 of the SOW calls for “metal sheathing” in choice of 10 colors. Is basic ribbed panel (R-panel) sheathing acceptable, or must Contractor use Purlin Bearing Ribbed panel (PBR-panel)? Kynar coatings come in multiple color options.

A: We are good with the 10 color options –Roof will be PBR for additional rigidity

Q: Per UFC 3-530-1 §4-9, Installation Airfield Safety Office must approve airfield lighting. The reference covers every aspect of Lighting Systems and does not provide explicit guidance, rather it lists a wide range of possible requirements/specifications superseded by the caveat that local Installation Airfield Safety Office has final approval authority. Please provide specific requirements for the required roof mounted lighting.

A: Roof mounted lighting shall comply with UFC 3-530-01- Para 3-8.2 through 3-8.2.3, whereas lighting shall be uniform, shall have an average Horizontal Illuminance of 50 fc (500 lux) at 2’-6” (762 mm) AFF, have an average Vertical Illuminance of 50 fc (500 lux) at aircraft surface and shall have Horizontal Illuminance Uniformity of 3:1 average to minimum.

FAA AC 70/7460-1M states: Obstructions 200 feet (60.96 m) or less in either horizontal dimension. Three or more light units should be installed at the highest portion of the structure to ensure that at least one light is visible to a pilot approaching from any direction. Light units may be mounted on a single pedestal at or near the center of the obstruction. If the light units are placed more than 10 feet (3.05 m) from the center point of the structure, use a minimum of four light units

Q: Is Armored Cable (e.g. AC or BX) acceptable between electrical loads or is full EMT conduit required?

A: Full EMT conduit is required.

Q: The requirement shows two distinct groups of sunshades, oriented 90 degrees to each other, and separated by some distance. How will the Government bring power to the project site? Specifically, how will the Government span the gap between the two sunshade installations? Note: longer runs of conductor wire will require increased conductor diameter to prevent voltage drop and power loss.

A: Reference revised proposed sunshade layout to determine proposed column to attach main connection point for electrical panels in that sunshade group. The government is responsible for the final connection at the specified location.

Q: Regarding Lightning Protection, is an Early Streaming Emission system acceptable? This is a more elegant and easier to maintain system than antiquated Faraday systems. Other manufacturers have installed ESE systems on other DOD sites. The contractor proposes installing an ESE system with sufficient aerials on each shelter section to provide proper lightning protection. Contractor can provide Letter of Findings to demonstrate that system has proper minimal resistance path of travel to ground. Is this acceptable?

A: The source document for LPS is AFMAN32-1065 17 JULY 2020 25

12.2. General. Lighting Protection Systems must comply with NFPA 780 and UFC 3-575-01, whichever is more restrictive (except as modified herein). See Attachment 4. (T-0). Early streamer emission systems, charge dissipation systems, or other unconventional systems are not permitted.

Q: Does the Government have any documentation/drawings, structural or civil for the concrete apron upon which the TFS will be installed? The goal is to confirm uniform depth of concrete, as-built steel reinforcement pattern, location of any utilities, and storm water management features.

A: Please reference attached drawings.

Q: Anti-perching devices are either steel or plastic spikes embedded in a plastic base that is secured to a structure. In practice, the thin spikes weather quickly (rust or photo-oxidation, i.e. plastic failure) and break off, falling into the aircraft operating area below. In short, such devices often create more problems for aircraft operators than the occasional bird resting within the structure. If persistent bird nesting is a problem, then bird netting systems may be required. These systems are expensive and create their own maintenance burden, so this contractor does not recommend them unless the birds at a specific location are particularly persistent. It is often worth waiting to see if birds are a legitimate problem before committing to mitigation measures. Bird spikes or netting can be added later with no rework to the structure as these would be among the last tasks to be completed on a new shelter build. Refer to https://www.birdbgone.com/content/case-study-bird-netting-airporthangar.pdf. Can this requirement be deferred/ignored for purposes of the current solicitation?

A: Requirement cannot be deferred or ignored.

Q: Can you clarify if the Fall Protection System is for external roof inspection, or internal aircraft maintenance? Fall Restraint Systems are bespoke engineered items designed for a specific aircraft plan form. This is different than just building in capacity in the truss system to “catch” a falling worker tied off with a fall protection lanyard. A proper Fall Restraint System features rolling trolleys matched to the aircraft plan form. Is Government is asking for a bespoke F-35 Fall Restraint System or just to ensure that the truss system has adequate capacity to allow maintenance worker to tie off to the structural steel? Please provide number of personnel simultaneously attached to the fall protection system. Specific requirements are necessary to design in any additional truss capacity or aircraft specific features.

A: The intent of the fall protection is for personnel performing roof inspection and maintenance. Assume two personnel will be working together for the inspection of the roof assembly. Not used for aircraft maintenance.

Q: The attached concept images (*removed for RFI) shows a scale version of your acft with the dimensions given in the SOW. The height seems a bit higher than necessary. Certainly doable, but if not needed, it does add cost for more materials and higher environmental loads to be resisted. Lower height is less costly.

A: Dimensions for the sunshades need to meet dimensions/clearances as outlined in UFC 4-211-01; corresponding table for figures 2-1 through 2-4. Attached concept appears to meet requirements.