TIGER Readiness Q and A 06 AUG 26.docx

Q&A TIGER Readiness AoI This publication compiles the official United States Government (USG) responses to inquiries submitted by industry partners regarding the TIGER Readiness Area of Interest (AoI). Please be advised that any subsequent questions or requests for clarification must be submitted exclusively via email to Christine Marr christine.m.marr.civ@army.mil. The USG retains sole discretion regarding the evaluation of submitted inquiries and reserves the right to decline response to any question, in whole or in part, without obligation or further notification.

Question: For 12271565, the material callout is nickel alloy casting spec 91547-M3610, which is Inconel 713C. Can any other nickel alloys be considered for this part?

Answer: Technical justification for the material substitution would need to be provided, particularly creep rupture performance, CTE, a fatigue life at elevated temperature.

Question: For the same as above, Honeywell and Therm Inc. are called out as approved sources of supply. It seems pretty logical that this part wouldn't be on the list if only those two companies could be approved to produce this part, but I just want to confirm that approved sources of supply callouts on all of the drawings are more-or-less non-applicable. Am I right about that?

Answer: This is open up sourcing, the ability to become a qualified vendor is on table. SAR and other options that might be available via this contract.

Question: For 12286224, there are no dimensions on this single-page drawing. We're assuming the full TDP will fix that but just wanted to point that out. Same thing for 12286233.

Answer: Correct as this is the assembly, the down parts would contain the dimensions.

Question: There’s duplication the questions/requirements outlined in the Excel and the white paper AOI. Do we need to submit both? If yes, there are some contradictions in how they outline the answer.

a. Can we submit one?

b. Can you confirm that you are expecting all sections completed for each component as stated in the AoI?

Answer: Both are required to expedite review of the proposals.

Question: We are bidding on a lot of parts (~70), and we need more government furnished data and TDPs (that we haven’t gotten access to yet) to be able to fully answer many of the questions, including unit cost estimates, raw material sources, NRE costs, proposed test plans, and various schedule estimates. How important is it to provide potentially low accuracy estimates of these items at this phase for every component? We are happy to provide a best estimate, but want to make sure we will have a later opportunity to revise this once we receive more information - ultimately we want to avoid committing to something we cannot uphold once we get more data about the parts in question.

Answer: As we are currently at the white paper phase, it is expected that further revisions will be forthcoming in response to information exchanged.

Question: Similar to the above, is there another phase after this where we can provide more detail and with higher fidelity estimates of cost and schedule once we receive more information, or are contracting decisions being made at this stage?

Answer: There is a subsequent phase.

Phase 2 is strictly a non-binding evaluation and down-selection gate. The government is evaluating submissions to decide which vendors will be invited to Phase 3 (Request for Prototype Proposal - RPP).

Due to final pricing not being locked in until Phase 3, you are only required to provide Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM) estimates at this time. To assist with incomplete data, you may leverage the dual-deadline structure:

· August 5, 2026 (First Deadline): Submit initial ROM pricing and capability ranges based on your current data and documented assumptions.

· [August 31, 2026] (Second Deadline): Submit updated, higher-fidelity ROM data or add newly analyzed components to your package as more information becomes available.

Question: Do we need to submit section 2.3 (supply chain due diligence) if we didn't submit under objective 3 that it references? We are submitting as objective 1 (traditional second source) and some objective 2 (adv mfg)

Answer: Supply chain due diligence will still impact the feedstock procured in support of conventional and advanced manufacturing in accordance with Buy American and Berry Amendment and Dodd-Frank Act 2010 requirements.

Question: What qualifies as “confirmation” of a critical raw material source? We understand and agree with the idea to perform some due diligence in identifying a robust raw material supply chain, but to what degree do we take this diligence?

Answer: Many material suppliers can provide a Conflict Mineral Statement in conjunction with their material certification document. It is also frequently included in the material test report.

Question: Since we don't have complete TDPs and most of the current drawings we have lack the information to determine the raw material, do we still need to perform due diligence on risk on some of the known material since the unknown material can greatly change the answer?

Answer: Yes, due diligence must still be performed on all known materials. While incomplete Technical Data Packages (TDPs) and unknown raw materials introduce uncertainty, assessing known materials is critical for establishing a baseline risk profile, ensuring regulatory compliance, and proactively mitigating supply chain vulnerabilities.

Question: When can we expect full TDP access?

Answer: In August.

Question: Are there quantity requirements already identified for each part? During the industry day presentation, 45 parts per month was mentioned but unclear if that was each part.

Answer: Yes, we can provide an Average monthly demand for each part. Please see TIGER Readiness AoI attachment “Average Monthly Demand 166 Critical and Single Source Components.”

Question: For the 8/5/2026 submission deadline, are full cost breakdown for each part due at that time? I do not believe that date is attainable for 1 part not to mention my team is eager to provide bid for ~45.

Answer: Based on Requirement 2.4 Financial & Capacity ROM, you do not need to submit final, binding, or absolute pricing on August 5, 2026, an estimate is required. A Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM) is explicitly requested, which, by definition, represents an estimate. However, you must still provide the structured breakouts (both NRE and Unit Price Component Breakouts) for whichever parts you select to bid on.