LTRaC_QA_Final.pdf

LTRaC – 1 on 1 Questions and Answers

1) After X 1-on-1’s and feedback received, are you still on the fence of merging Lots 3 and 4?

Answer: The Government will not merge lots 3 and 4 or any other lots.

2) Based on the requirements and proposed qualification criteria (experience) for Lot 4

– Do you anticipate having to meet every requirement to qualify, or would some set of proven capabilities make you potentially eligible? Encourage not to overly restrict past performance criteria to only be for Live Ranges.

Answer: Government is still determining the qualification criteria for all Lots. Intent is to maximize competition within each Lot. The Government will also balance the risk of including vendors in Lots 3 and 4 (DRTS & CTC/HITS/JPMRC) with no or limited prior

Live Training experience.

3) Where do you (contract vehicle) anticipate future work for CTIA and HITS happening?

Answer: The Government’s intent is to keep software centric work (i.e. CTIA) under the

CPM + contract. Hardware centric work will be contracted under LTRaC. This was shown during the Industry Day presentation under the dual path arrow of “new development” on the contract decision tree.

4) Where does the line end between CPM, LTRaC Lot 4, and BEST MAC Lot 2?

Answer: In general terms, CPM is software centric. LTRaC is hardware centric and does not include MILES. The BEST MAC includes tech refresh/SLEP of MILES.

5) Encourage the team to press for less prescribed small business participation at award and to focus the effort historically or in performance to not overly prescribe teaming scenarios that layer pass thru and complexity.

Answer: Small business participation requirements are still being determined but will most likely vary by lot and even Task Orders. The Government intends to evaluate past experience for various lots, that experience can be achieved by the large business or small business partners. The Government wants to ensure the team will be able to perform the task at hand.

6) Encourage a simplified pricing evaluation and methodology at the base IDIQ level to prevent an overcomplication during evaluation and limiting contractor flexibility to respond in an agile manner (remember MAC) in out years and for unique efforts?

Answer: The Government does not intend to evaluate price for the base LTRaC award.

Price evaluation will be part of each Task Order.

7) Encourage the use of a sample task DO as an evaluation criterion on Lot 4.

Answer: The Government does not intend to release a sample DO as part of the evaluation criteria for any of the Lots, but a final decision has not been determined.

8) Overall, we would like to encourage the team to keep your aperture open when it comes to complex integration and not beholden the team towards CPM.

Answer: As previously stated, CPM would only be utilized for software centric items.

With regards to LTRaC, if an effort requires delivery of Government software, it would be made accessible through the LT2 Portal.

9) Whitespace on ranges, do you have backup equipment for configuration?

Answer: If the task order calls for delivery of new equipment, backup equipment would not be available. If the delivery order is for the replacement of existing equipment, there may be instances where the contractor would like to keep the legacy equipment available until the new system is accepted. In addition, for a lot of the CTC work, there are redundant systems in place to ensure the mission can continue if one system goes down.

10) Joint Ventures?

Answer: The Government will allow joint ventures.

11) Availability of parts, does that fall on Government or Vendor? Will vendors be responsible for spare parts? Or will the government provide spares to the range? Will vendors or range personnel be responsible for installing replacement parts?

Answer: Availability of parts would fall on the vendors to confirm prior to proposing. The

Government would expect the contractor to meet the timelines and costs that they proposed. The Government will include the requirement for spares in each delivery order and the vendor will be expected to deliver those items. Depending on the situation

(i.e. warranty claim or outside of warranty), the contractor or the range personnel may be responsible for installing replacement parts. If a component fails after the warranty period due to normal wear and tear, the range personnel would be expected to swap it out with a spare component.

12) Has the Government considered Lot 1 to be a small business set aside?

Answer: Currently, no. The Government is working with the small business office and still finalizing market research.

13) How are we going to be setting up tooling?

Answer: The Government is still investigating possible options for ways to ensure maximum competition while maintaining affordability.

14) Supply chains? Current suppliers? Lead Time Constraints? What if a vendor part is not readily available? Who will be blamed for delays? Will alternative parts be included in the TDP? How will that affect inventory management of spare parts?

Answer: Each Task Order will include a delivery date as part of the contract. It is incumbent on each vendor to determine their ability to provide that item in the time frame of the contract. As previously stated, the contractor will be accountable for any delays in their ability to meet the schedule. The Government intends to include language in the Lot 1 Task Order RFPs that addresses and identifies any known issues with supply chains, etc. Vendors would also be requested to advise the Government of any issues they encounter when preparing their proposals.

15) For lot 1, who will specify new parts if parts are obsolete from a vendor? Will contractors be required to track and maintain inventories for obsolete parts?

Answer: The Government will maintain configuration management of the Technical

Data Package for Lot 1. Vendors are encouraged to inform the Government if they discover obsolete parts. The Government will then verify and update the drawings, as required. The Government does not intend to require vendors to maintain inventory of spare obsolete parts, which is a vendors’ internal business decision.

16) Recommendation Base year and 1 option year plus Lot every 2 years.

Answer: This will be handled on a case by case basis, but the Government does agree there may be delivery orders with lengthier periods of performance and option CLINs.

17) LTRaC Working Group Monthly Meeting? Discuss phasing of DOs throughout the year.

Answer: The Government agrees this would be beneficial for everyone. The

Government is still determining the best frequency for this meeting.

18) Government library of relevant information.

Answer: There will be a repository on the LT2 portal for LTRaC relevant information.

19) How will CDRLs be handled on each DO?

Answer: Relevant CDRLs will be included on each TO and the list will be provided to the vendors with the TO’s RFP.

20) Product Line Approach? Would the government allow awarded vendors to sell the government TDP devices to other branches of the military, Federal agencies, and foreign allies – not under the LTRaC contract? (Subject to ITAR and Dept of State list of allies) Or would we need to maintain our current product line as well for business outside the LTRaC contract?

Answer: The Government is still investigating this, but currently does not see a problem with the above groups (other branches of the military, Federal agencies, and foreign allies). It would be a vendor’s internal decision whether or not to keep their current product lines on the market.

21) How will the GATs be conducted for Lot 1?

Answer: The Government is still determining this.

22) What criteria will be used to evaluate vendor capabilities? I.E., manufacturing, Assembly, engineering staff, sub-contractors, past experience?

a. What will be included in a facility site survey?

b. Will it include sub-contractor facilities?

Answer: The Government is still determining this for Lot 1. For the base Lot 1 award, the Government only expects the contractor to have the means to utilize a production facility but does require the contractor to have it available. If it is not readily available, information on the facility and when it will be made available for the task orders will be required. As for sub-contractor facilities, the Government would only do an inspection of these facilities if the prime-contractors’ proposal was dependent on utilizing them. The

Government will not have to survey every sub-contractor that is included in the teaming arrangement just because they are a part of the team.

23) How much weight will be given to vendors with previous range install experience vs.

companies with little to no range install experience?

Answer: For qualifying into the lots, past experiences within the domain and similar efforts will be considered. The Government does not intend to limit competition to only vendors that have done install work in the past.

24) Will the prime contractor or major sub-prime contractor that developed the SIT/SAT/MIT/MAT TDP’s and LRIP ranges be eligible to bid on LOT 1?

Answer: The Government is still determining. Since the Government has released the design documents from the Preliminary Design and Critical Design reviews and has published the current lifter drawing packages and requested industry comment on all of this data, what issue does industry see with the prime or subcontractors bidding on Lot

1?

25) Pricing – How will pricing matrix be structured for an 8-year contract? Will it be a ceiling price per CLIN and competitive bid per task order as it currently is in ATS-III?

Answer: The Government does not intend to have a pricing matrix for any of the Lots.

Each task order will be competitively bid under the specific Lot and a price evaluation will be conducted at that time. The Government does not intend to have a ceiling price on Lot 1.

26) In the PPT slide presentation it stated that Delivery orders will be awarded at lowest price until past performance is established. Will vendors be limited on quantity of task orders awarded until they establish past performance history?

Answer: The PPT slide may have not used the most precise of language. The

Government does not intend to limit the methods available for selecting the contractor to perform each delivery order. Lowest price methods, trade off methods, or some other evaluation scheme may be used at the Government’s discretion. It is anticipated that lowest price methods will be used for the initial delivery order competitions for Lot 1, 2 and 3 and best value for Lot 4. The Government will monitor / assess contract performance and consider contractor performance, as well as other factors, when deciding each delivery order competition approach.

27) With regards to Past Performance, how far back is required?

Answer: The Government will specify in the draft RFP.

28) What will be included in each TDP per device? I.E. Mechanical design, electrical design, BOM’s, Firmware, Accessories (Cables, hit sensors, muzzle flash, adjustable base).

Answer: The Government is still finalizing the TDP and what will be included. All the latest draft drawings for the TDP are available on the LT2 Portal (lt2portal.mil). The

Government encourages vendors to obtain these drawings for reference and to provide feedback on issues or concerns with the drawing.

29) Variants per range – I.E. Berm height, track length, TDP/MTDP variants, who will be responsible for generating design deviations to accommodate PD requirements like 90 percent visibility and SIT adjustability?

Answer: The Government is determining how to address non-standard ranges, but will most likely handle similarly to how it is being done in ATS III. Unique range requirements will be detailed in the Lot 1 RFPs like the ATS 3 approach used today.

30) What design standards will be used in the development of the new TDP devices? (ATS-III Performance Document, FASIT ICD’s) Will the devices be held to the current standards for lift speed, weights, dimensions, temp specs, etc.?

Answer: The new Government TDP utilizes a combination of the FASIT and ATS-III

Specifications. If there were conflicts between the two, the Government adjudicated them on a case by case basis. Additionally, the FASIT performance specs and TDP

RTVM are also available on the LT2 Portal.

31) Will some range upgrades include VDSL modems? If so, will the government design standard Technical Data Packages (TDPs) for the Master Target Data Panel/Target Data Panels (MTDP/TDP) with all the hardware necessary for power, communication, surge protection, heat dissipation required for VDSL ranges currently being fielded?

Answer: The Government will tech refresh ranges, under Lot 1, which may require modems or other types of communication solutions. The TDP only includes the SIT, SAT, MIT, and MAT. The Government may prescribe a RF solution as well but has not determined that.

32) Will some ranges be wireless (Wi-Fi) or RF (UHF/VHF)? Will the TDP include firmware to ensure all devices can raise/lower within the proper times on RF Ranges?

Answer: Yes, there will be wireless ranges included in Lot 1. The Government is still working out the details on the wireless path forward and will post the final decisions to the LT2 Portal.

33) Will KD ranges be included in LOT 1, and will the government release a TDP for KD Lifters, Infantry Lifter shields (ILS), Indirect Handheld Controller (IHHC) wireless infrastructures, Self-Contained Units (SCU’s) and other various ATS-III Items?

Answer: Yes, KD ranges are included in Lot 1. The Government will only specify the

SITs, SATs, MITs and MATs in the TDP. Each task order will detail if any other components need to be specific items (i.e. HHCs) in order to comply with existing

ATOs. All other requirements on Lot 1 will be provided by the vendor. The work intended to be performed in Lot 1 is the same as the current ATS 3 contract.

34) Will LOMAH or MILES ranges be included in Lot 1?

Answer: LOMAH will be part of Lot 2 (small bus). MILES work will NOT be part of

LTRaC and is being contracted for under the BEST MAC.

35) Why does the government anticipate 30 ranges per year when ATS II or ATS III has not been that active historically?

Answer: The Army fielded many new ranges during the Gulf Wars era and they are in need of tech refreshment. With the establishment of the FASIT program, the Army is now committing to tech refreshing these ranges on a ~ 20-year cycle vs the current approach of unique projects being submitted by the installations.

36) How many devices will be fielded and tested before designs have been approved and released? Explain the process of fielding and testing (quantities, locations, duration in operation etc.)

Answer: The Government has not determined how many systems will be fielded / tested prior to the TDP design being finalized. The Government has not finalized its approach to the issue of approving the vendors systems under Lot 1. The intent is for fielding and testing to be similar to how it is done on the current ATS 3 contract. Fielding and Testing will be part of every Task Order under the LTRaC.

37) How will Task order warranties be defined? Who will be responsible for determining hardware failure vs. workmanship? On the vendor? How does that apply?

Answer: The Government has not determined the warranty approach and welcomes feedback from industry as to their recommendations. The Government will determine if it is a hardware failure or workmanship issue similar to the way the ATS 3 contract works, workmanship is on vendor.

38) Will vendors be able to view or conduct hardware tests or 3rd party test results for each device?

Answer: The Government has not determined whether the TDP design will be an exact build to print, form/fit/function equivalents, or some variation in between. The

Government welcomes industry feedback on this. The Government may release the results of test events.

39) Who will be responsible for generating manuals:

a. Tech manuals

b. Training manuals

c. Operator manuals

d. Spare parts lists (exploded view diagrams)

e. Installation instructions

f. Assembly instructions

Answer: The contractor will generate manuals per the requirements of each Task

Order. For Lot 1, the Government intends to provide the manuals and instructions as

GFI to the vendors who will then deliver to the installations during the fielding. The spare parts lists will be specified in each Task Order.

40) If a company wishes to bid on multiple lots, will they be evaluated independently from each other?

Answer: Yes

41) What are the primary NAICS codes for LOT 1 and LOT 2?

Answer: The NAICS for Lot 1 is 332999 and Lots 2, 3, and 4 are 333310. Lot 2 has been changed to 333310, as 333318 is no longer in use.

42) What if the TDP is not ready by the end of ATS III (SEP ’23)? Will range upgrades be halted? Will ATS III be extended again, or would another contract vehicle be used? If so, what vehicle would be used?

Answer: The Government expects to execute sufficient orders to fulfill requirements until the LTRaC contract is in place. An extension of ATS III is also a possibility.

43) New SIT silhouette that is currently being tested compare to current silhouette, will the TDP allow for larger height, weight, and Center of gravity for SIT and Double Target Arm (DTA SIT)?

Answer: Yes, the Government will test the new silhouette with the TDP lifters.

44) What is the minimum quantity award contract per vendor? Will ramp up time for fabrication/assembly be given for initial contracts?

Answer: The Government is still determining minimum quantities. Reasonable lead times will be allowed for in initial contracts.

45) Will vendors be required to FAT each new CLIN one time or per delivery order? Will FAT test for form/fit/function or go into precision detail for machine component dimensions, weld inspections, solder inspection, drawing compliance?

Answer: The Government will provide testing requirements at the time of Request for

TO proposals.

46) Please clarify, we do not need to bid on all Lots and that we can select the Lots that best suits us and only bid those lots.

Answer: Correct, it is the vendor’s decision to bid on a specific or multiple lots, the

Government does not require a vendor to propose on all lots if they do not have interest in all lots. The Government has not yet determined how vendors will propose to multiple lots.

47) Do we expect the prime to have the lifter manufacturing capability for Lot 1 or could it be a subcontractor?

Answer: The Government will review the proposals from a teaming perspective. If the subcontractor has the capability and that is who the prime will utilize for producing the lifters, then the Government will consider the sub-contractor’s production capability.

48) How is complexity determined?

Answer: Complexity was defined in the Industry Day briefing slides, please refer to them for the definition of complexity.

49) How many types of ranges under FASIT?

Answer: All the Army’s live fire ranges fall under the FASIT program. There are close to

1100 ranges in the Army’s portfolio ranging from pistol ranges through tank and aviation collective training ranges. Of the 1100 ranges, there are approximately 30 different types of ranges.

50) What is the qualification criteria for Lot 1?

Answer: The Government has not determined the qualification criteria for each specific lot.

51) What will a lifter purchase consist of?

Answer: In a Lot 1 task order, some examples of potential work that the Government may include are:

• Production of TDP lifters and ancillary hardware

• Removal of existing equipment

• Installation of delivered equipment

• Integration

• Testing

• Delivery of manual

• New equipment training

• Warranty documentation

52) Will DLA be used to purchase targets for Army new/CTR ranges if there is a gap between ATS III & LTRaC?

Answer: The Government has not determined its approach if there is a gap.

53) Is double arm lifter being considered under TDP DO?

Answer: Yes, the Government lifter TDP includes double arm lifter drawings.

54) Will there be production tests to qualify contractor for each target type/FAT;

fabricated components only?

Answer: The Government is still determining how it will qualify vendors into lot 1.

55) Can foreign vendors be used?

Answer: No special restrictions on the use of foreign vendors are anticipated for the

LTRaC effort. However, standard security and contract policies/regulations will apply.

For example, the Buy American Act, State Department registration when required, and various statutory/regulatory based limitations related to specific countries will apply to this acquisition.

56) There were multiple concerns with TDP lifter failures down the road after “X” cycles or time in the field causing redesigns in the future.

Answer: The Government will continuously monitor the lifters that have been fielded and if systemic issues are discovered, the Government will update the lifter TDP.

57) Could DRTS use block upgrades?

Answer: The DRTS program does not do block upgrades to its systems. The program works with the vehicle and aircraft APMs and TPO Ranges to ensure that new capabilities can be utilized / trained on the ranges as the platforms roll them out. An example of this is the current migration of the Abrams interface from 1553 to Ethernet.

The DRTS program is updating the Player Units at the installations as the new Ethernet based tank variant is fielded. The DRTS program does not do a block upgrade of all player units at one time as this would be unaffordable.

58) With regards to the LT2 product line, is PM ST going to try to maintain a product line for SW/HW?

Answer: PM ST has established CTIA as its SW baseline and intends to continue this approach. The Government has not made a determination of how to handle the HW product line.

59) Should cameras be included in Lot 3 or separate Lot 5? What would scope for a separate camera lot be?

Answer: The Government has not made a final decision on cameras. The scope for camera work would likely include:

• Production

• Delivery

• Integration with existing hardware/software

• Testing

• Manuals

• New equipment training

• Warranty materials.

60) Can performance payments be allowed for a DO; could also use progress payments for a DO?

Answer: The Government will consider performance and progress payments by specific delivery order. The Government requests the vendors inform the Government when they believe they are necessary.

61) Has the Government considered having a lot for cybersecurity?

Answer: The Authorities to Operate (ATO) for the various programs under LTRaC will be managed by PEO STRI personnel or through other contracts. When new capabilities are provided through LTRaC any required cybersecurity documentation will be made part of the LTRaC task order’s requirements.

62) Lot 2 – How will past performance be presented? Many small business that may be fully capable of performing all the task on Lot 2 but may not have direct past performance. Suggest not making past performance mandatory but optional to help build the case for less risk. Use past performance as a risk mitigator.

Answer: The Government is still determining the qualification criteria for each lot.

With regards to past performance, if a vendor does not have relevant past performance history, the Government will treat that neutrally (i.e. will not hurt or help the vendor qualify) during the evaluation. The Government would like to point out that relevant past performance and range experience are two different things. If the Government requires range experience to qualify into a lot, the contractor will have to show it and it will be evaluated.

63) How is hardware going to be purchased with a hardware product line?

Answer: The Government has not made its decision on how it will handle the current hardware product line.

64) Are Associate Contractor Agreements (ACA) going to be mandatory on some DOs?

Answer: The Government has not made its decision on whether or not some orders will require ACAs.

65) With pricing fluctuations in today’s economy, what will be the government’s expectations of adjustments on extended awards?

Answer: The Government will make the determination on whether or not to allow price adjustments due to variability in the economy on a case by case basis.