A02_Draft_RFP_Responses_W911SR-16-R-0002_4_Jan_16.pdf

# DRFP Paragraph Title Vendor Question / Comment USG Response

C.3.1.1.4 Shared Data Environment (SDE) Since the Shared Data Environment is hosted on AKO, can the Government provide guidance on the procedures that are involved to upload web pages and files (including any network security / file review rules and processes) so that the SDE development and maintenance effort and schedule can be accurately estimated?

USG anticipates changing the SDE requirement. USG anticipates the contractor providing Government access to the contractor's developed and managed SDE.

C.3.1.1.4 Shared Data Environment (SDE) Will there be a limitation on the number of Contractors with access? Not applicable. See answer to Question 1. Government anticipates a minimum of 10 Government users.

C.3.1.2.2 System Mounted Design Referring to the last sentence dealing with the UGV. In the performance spec, the unmanned vehicle is an Objective requirement [O], but in this work statement it appears to be part of the baseline program bid. This is inconsistent. Also, how can the contractor submit a firm, baseline bid to interface to a vehicle that has not been selected, specified?

USG anticipates removing the UGV requirement.

C.3.1.2.3 System Test and Redesign Assuming a design failure occurs, three months is not enough schedule time to complete all TFT2-C testing plus assess a design failure, redesign, retest and then prepare for a CDR. This is especially true for specialized hardware.

USG will consider giving the contractor additional time.

C.3.1.2.5.1.3 Environmental Laws and Regulation Compliance

Is NEPA documentation available for fog oil to support development of the safety and hazardous material documents?

Yes. Govt requires the use of fog oil as the obscurant material in this RFP.

The contractor is responsible for ensuring that the fog oil only experiences phase changes rather than chemical changes, as a result of the use in the contractor's design. Govt will provide NEPA GFI upon contract award at start of work.

C3.1.2.5.2.4 Corrosion Prevention This system requirement belongs in the System Performance Spec rather than a work statement.

USG will relocate this requirement to the Performance Specification.

C.3.1.3.4.1 Data Rights Was it the Governments intent to eliminate DFARS 252.227-7017 which allows a contractor to protect technology that was developed at private expense?

The USG will include DFARS 252.227-7017 in the Final RFP.

C.3.1.3.4.3.1 Software Data Rights The requirement states “The Government will approve any proposed change to Government-owned software.” Question: At what point in the timeline does change approval begin? This would start after development is completed. Recommendation: Require change approval after CDR or just prior to TFT2-G when the software is no longer in development.

The USG will remove the following requirement: “The Government will approve any proposed change to Government-owned software”.

C.3.2.3.1 Configuration Management

(CM)

When referencing a Government approved CM process and procedures, does this mean a CM Plan and our normal CM processes are to be provided for approval?

Contractor CM Plan and normal CM processes are not to be provided for USG approval; USG will address in final RFP.

C.3.2.3.2 Configuration Management

(CM)

C.3.2.3.2.7.1-refers to established baseline. Is this referring to the Product baseline? Also does the reference to proposed changes mean Class I changes only?

The USG will maintain the CM role during this phase of the life-cycle. The contractor shall submit ECPs for Government approval.

C.3.2.3.2 Configuration Management

(CM)

Before we establish the product baseline can we process class II changes on an ECN?

The product baseline is established at the end of TMRR (prior to the option).

C.3.2.3.2 Configuration Management

(CM)

Will we be required to submit class II ECN changes to the Government?

Since the USG will maintain the technical data, the contractor will be required to submit Class II ECNs.

15 C.3.2.5.4.5.2 Technical Manuals (TMs) What systems will be used for TM verification? First Article Systems

Table 1 Schedule The Government has shortened the schedule for production of TFT2-C prototypes and production-representative prototypes from what was originally laid out in the February RFI. In light of the scope of work, and the fact that the number of prototypes has also increased, we respectfully request that the Government consider lengthening the available schedule from Award to TFT2-G by 30 weeks and have Cold Region be first in the test cycle.

USG will considering additional time if possible.

L.1 Executive Summary An objective requirement for MTBSA of 69 hours was given. No comparative threshold MTBSA requirement was given.

The threshold for MTBSA will be 46 hours.

L.4.6.1.3.6 Cost/Price (Volume VI) – Sub-offerors/Consultants

Please confirm that it is the Governments intent to receive both an electronic upload from proposed subcontractor as well as the required hard copy’s to support subcontractor cost if the subcontractor meets the threshold of major subcontractor. Can hard copy(s) be provided to the prime contractor in a sealed package marked for “Government Use Only” to be submitted with the Prime’s hard copy submittal?

Yes, the Government requires both an electronic upload from proposed subcontractors as well as the required hard copies to support subcontractor cost. Hard copies may be provided to the prime contractor in a sealed package and included in the Prime's hard copy submittal. Section B will not be provided as Draft for review.

L.4.6.1.3.8 Cost/Price (Volume VI) - Incentive Fee

Is this going to be a CPIF program? Will Section B of the RFP be provided as Draft for review and comments?

The USG anticipates the TMRR phase will be CPFF and the first production option will be FPI with the remaining production options FFP. Section B will be provided with the final RFP.

NOT SPECIFIED Will L.4.10 be provided to describe the Volume X submittal requirements?

The final RFP will be revised to include Volume X submittal requirements instructions as L.4.10.

21 GENERAL Why is the interested vendor list not visible on Fed Biz Opps? The interested vendor list is now available to view.

# PSpec Paragraph Title Vendor Question / Comment USG Response

3.3.1.5 Controlled shutdown and restart Can immediate restart be clarified? Is it permissible to allow moving components to come to a complete stop prior to a restart?

USG will address immediate restart in the final RFP. USG will not allow the SOM to come to a complete stop prior to immediate restart.

3.3.2 Orientation Para states “shall operate in any orientation”? We do not believe this is possible without some exceptions. For example no unit will operate with the smoke outlet sitting on the ground when dismounted.

USG will clarify in the Performance Specification.

3.3.2.2 & 3.3.2.3 Mounted Operational and Controls

In the mounted configuration, if the wireless remote cannot work through an armor hull, para 3.3.2.3 allows provision for use of a tether? Who makes the decision on penetration of the platform hulls, if at all allowed?

USG requires remote controller to work inside the armored hull. The USG also requires use of tether when wireless control is not desired. USG will decide on penetration of hulls if at all allowed.

3.3.2.3 Operator controls How is the tether utilized when controlling more than a single SOM at a time?

A single wireless remote controller incorporating a tether only has to control one SOM. A separate controller for the tether is not acceptable.

3.3.2.3 Operator controls Can the 2400 MHz transmission requirement be removed so currently fielded equipment can be utilized?

No. The SOM has been approved to use 2400 MHz frequency.

3.3.2.4b Wireless Connection time We Assume {15 sec} is the objective requirement but it is not stated in the format specified in 3.3.1.4 with an [O]. Same comment for c Connection Duration {48 hrs} and f Software Upgrades {in the field by operator}.

USG will address the format inconsistencies in the final P-Spec.

3.3.2.4g Data-in-transit encryption Can the data be encrypted at some government classification level (e.g SECRET) as governed by NSA standards, or is commercial encryption acceptable (e.g. RSA, DES, etc.)?

The data-in-transit encryption will be sensitive data and be categorized as FIPS 140-2 level 2 compliant.

3.3.2.4h Data-at-rest encryption Can the data be encrypted at some government classification level (e.g SECRET) as governed by NSA standards, or is commercial encryption acceptable (e.g. RSA, DES, etc.)?

The data-at-rest encryption will be sensitive data and be categorized as FIPS 140-2 level 2 compliant.

3.3.2.4 g and h Encryption Encryption standards need to be specified or referenced (i.e. 256 bit something, etc.). We would also like guidance from the Government on how the encryption is enabled – passcode or key or dongle or CAC card? If a separate item like a dongle is needed, is this another accessory per para 3.3?

The offeror may propose the options it thinks would provide the government with the best solution to enable the encryption. The offeror can propose a passcode, key, dongle, CAC card, combination, etc. If a separate item like a dongle is needed this is not an additional item but a component of the system.

3.3.2.6 Fuel First sentence is not clear “The SOM shall operate using JP---8 diesel fuel”; should it be “JP8 fuel”?

Yes, should be JP-8 fuel. The USG will clarify in final P-Spec.

3.3.2.6 Fuel States “JP-8 diesel fuel”. Please clarify that this is JP-8 Aviation

Kerosene.

Reference USG Response to Item 32. The USG will clarify in final P-Spec.

3.4.3 Platform Mounting Please clarify the meaning of Infantry Brigade Combat Team (IBCT) with no apparent platforms included? Please be advised that the M160 Robotic Platform is included within the Engineer Companies being attached to each IBCT formation and will be fielded in FY16/17. As such we kindly request the M160 be listed as a platform for SOM integration.

The USG will clarify in final P-Spec. The USG anticipates removing the UGV mounting requirement.

3.4.3 Platform Mounting This paragraph states “the SOM and its components shall be mountable on, interoperable with, and removable from the following platforms (and Unmanned Ground Vehicles [O]): With the emphasis being made on utilization of Unmanned Ground Vehicles we suggest making integration of the SOM with UGVs a Threshold [T] requirement to include Programs of Record such as the M160 versus an Objective [O] requirement.

See answer to Question 33.

35 3.5.1 M.5.5.1 and Pspec 3.5.1 Please clarify the Mean Time Between System Aborts (MTBSA) between the SOW and Performance Specification.

USG anticipates redefining reliability in the P-Spec.

3.5.8.3 Noise hazard What is the distance at which the 75 dB requirement applies? Is this a threshold or an objective (threshold plus) plus requirement?

75 ft (T), 50 ft (O). Not part of the Threshold - Threshold Plus evaluation.

3.3 & 3.6.16 Operating Requirements/Ballistic Protection

Will the Government modify para 3.6.16 to add “by use of a ballistic protection accessory” as shown here “shall be hardened against the effects of conventional weapons, by use of a ballistic protection accessory so as to operate after exposure to small arms fire through

7.62 millimeters.

The requirement for a ballistic protection provision eliminates the need for the base unit to meet ballistic protection requirement.

3.6.16 Ballistic protection Paragraph should clarify that this is satisfied through us of the accessory per definition in 3.3.

See answer to Question 36.

38 3.6.16 Ballistic protection What distance shall the 7.62 millimeters shell be fired from? The USG will specify the distance in the final RFP.

4.6.3 Interface and operability

requirements verification.

Platform mounting

Should Platform Mounting be verified by method of Demonstration instead of Test?

No.

4.7.7 Support and ownership

requirements verification.

Transportability

Similar to the Safety requirement, can Transportability be verified by methods of Analysis and Demonstration instead of Test as a more cost-effective verification path.

No.

4.8.9.1 Light blowing dust Is the system disseminating obscurant during the test? The system will be disseminating obscurant during the test, but only for a period TBD within the last hour of the test.

4.8.9.1 Light blowing dust If the system is disseminating, is it satisfactory to perform periodic resupply and cleaning of filters at a 12 minute mission interval?

USG will clarify this in the final RFP.

N/A Gov't Test Facilities Are Government Test Facilities available to the contractor for First Article Test and Design Verification? Who will pay for these facilities, the Contractor or Government?

Contractor may conduct these tests wherever the contractor wishes provided it is within the law. They can use USG facilities that they pay for and arrange through a test support agreement (TSA).