FY13-17 MK 41 Vertical Launch System (VLS) Launcher Production Mechanical and Electronic Contract(s) for launchers and ancillary hardware for US Navy, AEGIS Ashore and Allied Navy requirements.

The Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) has completed the initial evaluation of proposals submitted in response to solicitation N00024-13-R-5332 for the Vertical Launching Systems (VLS) Electronic and Mechanical Launcher Production requirements.  The purpose of this amendment is to provide public notice that only an Offeror that had previously submitted a proposal by 21 November 2013, was determined to be in the competitive range and received a letter from the Government of its intent to enter discussion may address the changes listed in the solicitation as amended through Amendment 0002.  This solicitation is closed to all others.

Disclaimer: This notice is for information only, and shall not be construed as a commitment by the Government to award contracts.  Future updates and information will be announced via FedBizOpps and interested parties must comply with those announcements.  The Government will not reimburse respondents for any questions submitted or information provided as a result of this notice.

An Amendment to Solicitation N0002413R5332 is provided herein.  Responses to potential Offeror's questions are also provided.  The date for receipt of proposals is hereby extended to 21 November 2013.  Proposals must be received prior to 2:00PM EST on 21 November 2013.

All questions shall be submitted via email to david.lubrano@navy.mil, and nicole.gerow@navy.mil, subject line should contain: N00024-13-R-5332 RFP Questions.  All such questions shall be received electronically.  Only questions transmitted electronically will receive a response.  It is the Government's intention that questions and responses will be provided via an amendment to the solicitation or posted directly to FedBizOpps/NECO.

Disclaimer: This notice is for information only, and shall not be construed as a commitment by the Government to award contracts.  Future updates and information will be announced via FedBizOpps/NECO and interested parties must comply with those announcements. The Government will not reimburse respondents for any questions submitted or information provided as a result of this notice.

The Government anticipates providing responses to all potential Offeror's questions submitted on or before 25 August 2013, by 30 October 2013.  The date for receipt of proposals is hereby extended to 20 November 2013.  Proposals must be received prior to 2:00PM EST on 20 November 2013.

The Government sent a supplemental DVD containing TDP updates on 18 September 2013 to all potential Offerors who received the original TDP. All terms and conditions of the approved Non-Disclosure Agreements will remain in full force and effect. 

All questions shall be submitted via email to david.lubrano@navy.mil, and nicole.gerow@navy.mil, subject line should contain: N00024-13-R-5332 RFP Questions.  All such questions shall be received electronically.  Only questions transmitted electronically will receive a response.  It is the Government's intention that questions and responses will be provided via an amendment to the solicitation or posted directly to FedBizOpps/NECO.

Disclaimer: This notice is for information only, and shall not be construed as a commitment by the Government to award contracts.  Future updates and information will be announced via FedBizOpps/NECO and interested parties must comply with those announcements. The Government will not reimburse respondents for any questions submitted or information provided as a result of this notice.

The Government anticipates providing responses to all potential Offeror's questions submitted on or before 25 August 2013, by 29 October 2013.  The date for receipt of proposals is hereby extended to 19 November 2013.  Proposals must be received prior to 2:00PM EST on 19 November 2013.

The Government sent a supplemental DVD containing TDP updates on 18 September 2013 to all potential Offerors who received the original TDP. All terms and conditions of the approved Non-Disclosure Agreements will remain in full force and effect. 

All questions shall be submitted via email to david.lubrano@navy.mil, and nicole.gerow@navy.mil, subject line should contain: N00024-13-R-5332 RFP Questions.  All such questions shall be received electronically.  Only questions transmitted electronically will receive a response.  It is the Government's intention that questions and responses will be provided via an amendment to the solicitation or posted directly to FedBizOpps/NECO.

Disclaimer: This notice is for information only, and shall not be construed as a commitment by the Government to award contracts.  Future updates and information will be announced via FedBizOpps/NECO and interested parties must comply with those announcements. The Government will not reimburse respondents for any questions submitted or information provided as a result of this notice.

The Government anticipates providing responses to all potential Offeror's questions submitted on or before 25 August 2013, by 25 October 2013.  The date for receipt of proposals is hereby extended to 15 November 2013.  Proposals must be received prior to 2:00PM EST on 15 November 2013.

The Government sent a supplemental DVD containing TDP updates on 18 September 2013 to all potential Offerors who received the original TDP. All terms and conditions of the approved Non-Disclosure Agreements will remain in full force and effect. 

All questions shall be submitted via email to david.lubrano@navy.mil, and nicole.gerow@navy.mil, subject line should contain: N00024-13-R-5332 RFP Questions.  All such questions shall be received electronically.  Only questions transmitted electronically will receive a response.  It is the Government's intention that questions and responses will be provided via an amendment to the solicitation or posted directly to FedBizOpps/NECO.

Disclaimer: This notice is for information only, and shall not be construed as a commitment by the Government to award contracts.  Future updates and information will be announced via FedBizOpps/NECO and interested parties must comply with those announcements. The Government will not reimburse respondents for any questions submitted or information provided as a result of this notice.

The Government anticipates providing responses to all potential Offeror's questions submitted on or before 25 August 2013, by 18 October 2013.  The date for receipt of proposals is hereby extended to 8 November 2013.  Proposals must be received prior to 2:00PM EST on 8 November 2013.

The Government sent a supplemental DVD containing TDP updates on 18 September 2013 to all potential Offerors who received the original TDP. All terms and conditions of the approved Non-Disclosure Agreements will remain in full force and effect. 

All questions shall be submitted via email to david.lubrano@navy.mil, and nicole.gerow@navy.mil, subject line should contain: N00024-13-R-5332 RFP Questions.  All such questions shall be received electronically.  Only questions transmitted electronically will receive a response.  It is the Government's intention that questions and responses will be provided via an amendment to the solicitation or posted directly to FedBizOpps/NECO.

Disclaimer: This notice is for information only, and shall not be construed as a commitment by the Government to award contracts.  Future updates and information will be announced via FedBizOpps/NECO and interested parties must comply with those announcements. The Government will not reimburse respondents for any questions submitted or information provided as a result of this notice.

The Government sent a supplemental DVD containing TDP updates on 18 September 2013 to all potential Offerors who received the original TDP.  The date for receipt of proposals is hereby extended to 17 October 2013.  Proposals must be received prior to 2:00PM EST on 17 October 2013.

The Government anticipates providing responses to all Offeror's questions submitted on or before 25 August 2013, by 27 September 2013.  All terms and conditions of the approved Non-Disclosure Agreements will remain in full force and effect.  

All questions shall be submitted via email to david.lubrano@navy.mil, and nicole.gerow@navy.mil, subject line should contain: N00024-13-R-5332 RFP Questions.  All such questions shall be received electronically.  Only questions transmitted electronically will receive a response.  It is the Government's intention that questions and responses will be provided via an amendment to the solicitation or posted directly to FedBizOpps/NECO.

Disclaimer: This notice is for information only, and shall not be construed as a commitment by the Government to award contracts.  Future updates and information will be announced via FedBizOpps/NECO and interested parties must comply with those announcements. The Government will not reimburse respondents for any questions submitted or information provided as a result of this notice.

The subject solicitation was released on 26 July 2013.   Based on industry RFIs, a supplemental DVD containing TDP updates will be issued.  The TDP updates will not significantly impact proposal development.  All potential Offerors who received the original TDP will receive the updated DVD directly.  These Offerors will not be required to submit any additional information, and all terms and conditions of the approved Non-Disclosure Agreements will remain in full force and effect.  The Government anticipates providing a revised TDP, as well as responses to all Offeror's questions submitted on or before 25 August 2013, by 24 September 2013.  The date for receipt of proposals is hereby extended to 30 days after the release of the supplemental TDP*.   

*Example: If the revised TDP is released on 24 September 2013, then proposals must be received prior to 2:00PM EST on 23 October 2013.

All questions shall be submitted via email to david.lubrano@navy.mil, and nicole.gerow@navy.mil, subject line should contain: N00024-13-R-5332 RFP Questions.  All such questions shall be received electronically.  Only questions transmitted electronically will receive a response.  It is the Government's intention that questions and responses will be provided via an amendment to the solicitation or posted directly to FedBizOpps/NECO.

Disclaimer: This notice is for information only, and shall not be construed as a commitment by the Government to award contracts.  Future updates and information will be announced via FedBizOpps/NECO and interested parties must comply with those announcements. The Government will not reimburse respondents for any questions submitted or information provided as a result of this notice.

See Solicitation.  

May 24, 2013 Updated Questions:



Q11: If a formal solicitation is posted, will the government allow offerors to request additional NDA's after the 27 February 2013 deadline? Given the magnitude of this procurement, and depending on the TDP's classification requirements, it is expected that company-wide NDA's may be required if a bid decision is made.



A11: Additional TDPs may be request after 27 February 2013. Each individual requiring access (necessary for evaluation of the TDP for the purposes of proposal bidding/planning) will still be required to sign an NDA as per the terms of the NDA. A Company-wide NDA will not be acceptable.





Q12: A RFP was anticipated to be released in March 2013.

We’ve been monitoring FBO but haven’t seen anything. Did we miss it? Or has it been delayed? If delayed, is there a new timeframe available?



A12: The RFP has not been released yet. The pre-solictation synopsis has been unarchived. The Government intends to release the RFP in June 2013.





Q13: A Prime Contractor has submitted signed NAVSEA NDA(s) and executed DD Form 2345 to SEA02 for approval. A prospective Prime Contractor Supplier has submitted signed NDA(s) and completed DD Form 2345 to SEA02 for approval. In response, both parties have received the NAVSEA TDP and may desire to discuss the information contained on the NAVSEA TDP.

Paragraph (1)(a) states, “The Recipient shall not release or disclose this Data to any third party, including any individual within the aforementioned company who have not signed a NDA.†Can the SEA02 approved Prime Contractor and the Supplier discuss the information contained on the NAVSEA TDP or does this action conflict with the NDA requirement, “Recipient shall not released or disclose Data to any third party…� The approved Prime Contractor or Supplier can be viewed as a third party in this case.





A13: If both parties have submitted signed NDA(s), DD Form 2345 and received NAVSEA SEA02 approval for receipt of the TDP, then those parties may discuss the TDP with each other once it is received. However, please note that only those individuals from each party that have received confirmation of an approved NDA, from NAVSEA SEA02, may discuss and/or view the TDP, no individuals within the company without these approvals may discuss and/or view the TDP.





Q14: This question surrounds the termination of the NDA. Paragraph (7) is clear if not awarded a contract. However, if awarded a contract, does the NDA expire upon award?



A14: Please refer to paragraph (5) of the NDA. "(5) If awarded a contract, the Recipient may retain all TDP data files for the period of contract performance.

Within 10 days of contract completion the Recipient agrees to permanently delete and remove all TDP data downloaded to any and all EDs, LANs and IDEs. If not awarded a contract, the Recipient agrees to permanently delete and remove all TDP data downloaded to any and all EDs, LANs and IDEs, no later than 10 calendar days after notification of contract award or from the date of RFP cancellation. In the event the Recipient elects not to propose on solicitation N00024-13-R-5332, the Recipient shall return the TDP to the aforementioned address above in paragraph (4) and permanently delete and remove all TDP data downloaded to any and all EDs, LANs and IDEs, no later than 10 calendar days after solicitation N00024-13-R-5332 closes."

This serves as an update to the pre-solicitation synopsis posted on February 12, 2013.



NAVSEA intends to issue solicitation N00024-13-R-5332 in May 2013 for the MK 41 Vertical Launch System (VLS) Launcher Production Contract for (FY13-17) launchers, ancillary hardware, and associated support equipment in support of US Navy, AEGIS Ashore, and Allied Navy requirements.

Presolicitation Notice Questions and Answers:



Q1: Can you tell me if these services are currently (or previously) being performed by a contractor? If so, could you please provide the Incumbent name as well as the contract number? If this is a new requirement, is there an estimated dollar value, or NTE value associated with this requirement?

A1: The incumbent contract for the mechanical requirements is BAE Systems Land & Armaments under contract N00024-11-C-5301. The incumbent for the electronic requirements /final module assembly and test is Lockheed Martin Maritime Systems and Sensors under contract N00024-11-C-5302.



Q2: I am interested in submitting a quote for the MK 41 Vertical Launching Systems.

I would like to know, however, whether I should send a NDA for all of the personnel in my shop prior to getting the TDP; or if you would rather me send NDAs for only the personnel that would actually have access to the information for the bidding process and then, if awarded the contract, send NDAs for the remaining personnel.

A2: Any and all personnel who will access the TDP shall submit an NDA. If additional personnel will require access to the TDP only in the event a contract is awarded, then the contractor shall submit NDAs for those individuals as appropriate at the time of award, prior to those individuals accessing the TDP.



Q3: On 7 August 2012, the Government had conducted an MK41 VLS Launcher Production Industry Day to increase industry understanding and appreciation of MK 41 VLS Launcher design, Fleet utilization, safety features and production requirements and to provide industry the opportunity to ask questions and obtain feedback from the Navy.

With the recent changes to the FY13-17 planned procurements, does the government intend to conduct another industry day to further brief the industry on these upcoming production requirements?

A3: At this time, the Government does not intend to conduct an industry day for N00024-13-R-5332.



Q4: In response to questions received from the previous MK41 VLS Launcher Production Industry Day, the Government had indicated that, “At this time, the Government's intent is to limit participation of each subcontractor to no more than 20% of the overall effort based on the contract's total dollar value.†The latest pre-solicitation Number: N0002413R5332 does not indicate the Government’s intention to limit participation of each subcontractor as indicated above.

Will the formal solicitation include a limitation percentage as previously indicated?

A4: Under N00024-13-R-5332, the Government does not intend to limit subcontracting; however, the final solicitation will set forth the Navy's requirement. The previous synopsis and industry day for MK 41 VLS under N00024-12-R-5320 has been cancelled and is no longer applicable or valid.



Q5: If/when a formal solicitation is released, what length of time does the Government expect to allow for submission of a proposal? It is expected that a competitive proposal of this magnitude should warrant 60 to 90 days allowance.

A5: The solicitation will govern proposal submission time. The Government intends to allow approximately 75 days for proposal submission from the date of RFP release.



Q6: The Government NDA indicates that, “The MK 41 Vertical Launching System (VLS) Technical Data Package (TDP) for Reference (a) will not be provided until each individual contractor employee requiring access to the TDP signs and certifies compliance with the attached Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA).†It is expected that this proposal will require approval from upper-management officials prior to submission of offer.

This may include reference material to the Government’s MK41 VLS Technical Data Package (TDP). If this is the case, will the Government accept additional NDA’s after 27 February 2013 for witness of the proposal/offer?

A6: The Government will accept NDA requests after 27 February 2013.



Q7: Do I have to have special access to get to Attachments N0002413R5332 N00024-13-R-5332 – FY13, I am unable to open.

A7: No special access is needed. Attachments are publicly available on FedBizOpps. Attachments will open when clicked on.



Q8: When will I receive a countersigned NDA?

A8: The Government will not return countersigned NDAs to the potential offeror.



Q9: When can we expect access to the Technical Data Package?

A9: The TDP will be provided to the potential offeror after all the required documentation is received, and approved, by the Navy.

In accordance with the synopsis, potential offerors interested in receiving the export controlled technical data will be required to submit a copy of a valid DD Form 2345 (Military Critical Technical Data Agreement) in addition to the NDA forms. After all required documentation is approved, the Navy will begin the process to provide the TDP. At this time, the Contracting Officer will inform the offeror, via email, that its NDA(s) and DD Form 2345 have been approved and that TDP will be provided. It is anticipated that the TDP will reach the offeror approximately 3 business days after the approval of all required documentation.



Q10: What is the government's preferred method of accepting this information from the offeror (i.e.

electronically, hard copy, etc?) If hard copy is preferred, please specify if copied originals are acceptable.

A10: In accordance with the synopsis, information should be submitted via email to Mr. David Lubrano, Contracting Officer, at david.lubrano@navy.mil and Mr. Edgar Lee, Contract Specialist, at edgar.lee@navy.mil.

This synopsis is being posted to both the Federal Business Opportunities (FedBizOpps) page located at http://www.fbo.gov and the Navy Electronic Commerce Online (NECO) site located at http://www.neco.navy.mil. While it is understood that FBO is the single point of entry for posting of synopses and solicitations to the internet, NECO is the alternative in cases when FBO is unavailable. Please feel free to use either site to access information posted by the Naval Sea Systems Command. Interested offerors should monitor both the FBO and the NECO site for the release of the solicitation. Hard copies of the solicitation will not be provided or mailed. Since this solicitation, and any applicable amendments, will be issued electronically, the Government is under no obligation to maintain a bidder’s mailing list.



Disclaimer: This pre-solicitation notice is for information only, and shall not be construed as a commitment by the Government to solicit contractual offers or award contracts.

The Government is not soliciting, nor will it accept, proposals as a result of this synopsis. The Government will not reimburse the cost of any submission in response to this announcement -- the entire cost of any submission will be at the sole expense of the source submitting the information. If a solicitation is issued in the future, it will be announced via FedBizOpps/NECO and interested parties must comply with that announcement. The Government will not reimburse respondents for any questions submitted or information provided as a result of this notice.



The Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) intends to issue a single solicitation in March 2013 for the MK 41 Vertical Launch System (VLS) Launcher Production Contract for (FY13-17) launchers, ancillary hardware, and associated support equipment in support of US Navy, AEGIS Ashore, and Allied Navy requirements.

This solicitation will encompass separate mechanical and electronic MK 41 VLS requirements. The Government may award separate contracts for the mechanical and electronic requirements from this one solicitation or the Government may award a single contract for both the mechanical and electronic requirements.



The MK 41 Vertical Launching System (VLS) is installed onboard United States Navy (USN) surface combatants (CG 47 and DDG 51 Class ships) and multiple allied Navy platforms. MK 41 VLS stores, selects, prepares for launch, and launches STANDARD Missile, TOMAHAWK, Vertical Launch Anti-Submarine Rocket (ASROC), and Evolved SEASPARROW missiles.



USN DDG 51 Class launchers consist of 12 modules composed of eight cells each.

Allied Navy MK 41 VLS launchers typically consist of fewer modules with eight cells each. The FY13-17 requirements consist of up to 120 modules (10 USN DDG 51 Class shipsets), 3 AEGIS Ashore modules, up to 48 Allied Navy modules, and VLS upgrade kits and spares for Aegis Modernization (AMOD) and DDG modernization programs. The FY13 - FY17 DDG 51 Class module production requirements are planned to be procured via multi-year contracting concurrently with the FY14 AEGIS Ashore and Allied Navy requirements under the mechanical and electronic Firm Fixed Price contracts. The AMOD Mod kit requirements, starting in FY14, will be via annual contracting with base plus option requirements procured under the mechanical and electronic contracts.





The requirements under this possible effort are build-to-print and include, but are not limited to, design, fabrication and/or procurement and assembly of all special tooling and test equipment required to manufacture, assemble, and test MK 41 VLS Launchers, ancillary hardware, and associated support equipment. If separate contracts are awarded, the mechanical contractor will be required to procure all mechanical requirements outlined in the solicitation and deliver them to the electronic contractor as GFE after Government acceptance. NAVSEA will provide proprietary electronics as GFE to the electronic contractor. The electronic contractor will be required to procure all electronic requirements outlined in the solicitation and integrate these electronics with all GFE.



Award of the mechanical and electronic requirements will be determined by Lowest Price Technically Acceptable criteria under full and open competition as outlined in the solicitation.

Offerors may propose on either the mechanical or electronic requirements or both. If an Offeror elects to propose for both efforts, two individual and separate proposals must be submitted for each of the mechanical and electronic requirements; the Government will not accept a combined mechanical/electronic requirement proposal. NAVSEA may award one Firm Fixed Price contract for mechanical requirements and a separate Firm Fixed Price contract for electronic requirements, or one Firm Fixed Price contract for both the mechanical and electronic requirements. Offerors who propose for both efforts may be awarded either the mechanical or the electronic requirements, or both in the event that each individual offer is selected under the source selection criteria.



 

For example:



Scenario 1:

Offerors Mechanical Electronic

A $10 $15

B $12 -

C - $14

D $15 $22

Award Offeror A Offeror C

Under this scenario, assuming all offerors are technically acceptable, mechanical requirements would be awarded to Offeror A and electronic requirements would be awarded to Offeror C.



Scenario 2:

Offerors Mechanical Electronic

A $10 $15

B $12 -

C - $14

D $9 $11

Award Offeror D Offeror D

Under this scenario, assuming all offerors are technically acceptable, mechanical and electronic requirements would be awarded to Offeror D under one contract. Note that in the event that one offeror is selected for both the mechanical and electronic requirements, the mechanical requirements will be Contractor Furnished Equipment vice Government Furnished Equipment.



NAVSEA intends to fully fund all base requirements in FY14 at the time of award.

Base contract requirements may include 108 USN DDG 51 Class modules, 3 AEGIS Ashore modules and 2 DDG AMOD kits. The anticipated contract period of performance for this requirement will be from the date of contract award, approximately March 2014, through approximately August 2020 (or upon delivery of all hardware).



IMPORTANT: To be considered for contract award, all offerors must be a United States (US) company or an independent US subsidiary. However, subject to the applicable laws, regulations, and the terms of the solicitation, foreign contractors may act as subcontractors to U.S. prime contractors. The export of defense articles, defense services, and related technical data is subject to the Arms Export Control Act and the International Traffic in Arms Regulations.





Potential offerors are advised that the solicitation attachments contain technical data whose export is restricted by the Arms Export Control Act (Title 22, U.S.C., Sec 2751, et seq.) or the Export Administration Act of 1979, as amended, Title 50, U.S.C., App. 2401 et seq. Violations of these export laws are subject to severe criminal penalties. Dissemination of the technical data shall be in accordance with provisions of DoD Directive 5230.25. This technical data will be supplied on a CD/DVD which will be mailed separately upon request per the instructions in the NDA attached to this synopsis. Only one copy of the controlled unclassified information CD/DVD will be distributed per interested company.

Potential offerors interested in receiving the export controlled technical data will be required to submit a copy of a valid DD Form 2345 (Military Critical Technical Data Agreement), signed by the US/Canada Joint Certification Office. Instruction for obtaining a DD Form 2345 can be found at: http://www.dlis.dla.mil/JCP/documents.aspx.



If a firm is interested in this planned procurement, it is advised that prior to the posting of the solicitation, contractors and potential subcontractors obtain the appropriate export control authority or dissemination authorization to handle technical data whose export is restricted by the Arms Export Control Act. NAVSEA has no control over the timing, or granting of the DD Form 2345.

Interested parties are encouraged to request the Technical Data Package (TDP) immediately following posting of this synopsis. Interested parties will be required to sign the attached Non Disclosure Agreement (NDA) before the TDP can be released.



Upon review of the above synopsis, signed NDAs for the subject TDP, as well as any questions or comments should be submitted in writing to Mr. David Lubrano, Contracting Officer, at david.lubrano@navy.mil and Mr. Edgar Lee, Contract Specialist, at edgar.lee@navy.mil no later than 27 February 2013.