SAMDaily.us | PRESOL | 10 | Remote Weapon Systems (RWS)

SAMDAILY.US - ISSUE OF OCTOBER 24, 2021 SAM #7267
SOLICITATION NOTICE

10 -- Remote Weapon Systems (RWS)

Notice Date: 10/22/2021 6:58:05 AM
Notice Type: Solicitation
NAICS: 332994 — Small Arms, Ordnance, and Ordnance Accessories Manufacturing
Contracting Office: W6QK ACC-PICA PICATINNY ARSENAL NJ 07806-5000 USA
ZIP Code: 07806-5000
Solicitation Number: W15QKN-21-R-0025
Response Due: 11/22/2021 1:00:00 PM
Archive Date: 12/07/2021
Point of Contact: Angelica Merino, Stephanie Kless
E-Mail Address: usarmy.pica.acc.mbx.crows-team@mail.mil, usarmy.pica.acc.mbx.crows-team@mail.mil
(usarmy.pica.acc.mbx.crows-team@mail.mil, usarmy.pica.acc.mbx.crows-team@mail.mil)
Description: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------10/22/2021--------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Questions and Answers Ref:�Solicitation, SF 33, Item 9 Item 9 states offers are due to the Government by 4:00 PM 2021NOV22. While the final count is undetermined, a significant number of technical drawings are written in a language other than English, are missing parts of drawings, are missing distribution lists, and some are missing specifications. The deficiencies and missing data result in Offerors being unable to adequately estimate each system without undue risk to the Government and Offeror. QUESTION: Request the Government extend the due date of proposals 30 days beyond the time necessary to complete an in-depth review of drawings, technical documents, instructions, and specifications to translate documents where foreign language is found, replace missing drawings, and complete the technical specifications and instructions. This review and correction will result in Offerors having an equal opportunity to reasonably price systems in response to the solicitation. Answer:�The GOV will not be extending the proposal date at this time for this reason.� The alleged issues are stated generally and without specifics, thus preventing the GOV from addressing or explaining any perceived issues. �For TDP issues that have been specifically identified and addressed please review the answers to other questions posted concurrently with this answer. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------10/21/2021--------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Questions and Answers Q: We do not see that there is access to foreign companies could you please confirm this? Also if the system that must be produced is the Kongsberg system, or if the technical evaluation will support others. A: Proposals will be evaluated IAW section L and M of the RFP, this acquisition is being solicited Full and Open Competition. Q: In reference to Attachments 10 and 11 (GSPEC00008) in page 8. I understand that first I need to sign the NDA and NON-USE agreement, correct? After that we should send the receipt of the Technical Data Package to be able to receive the technical documentation? Could you please explain this process? A: Attachment 0002 Form 1350, 0004/0006 (NDAs) and 0003 approved DD 2345. These forms need to be submitted in order to receive the TDP. Q: Is there a certification we need to have by the US and Canada JCO? A: Yes, DD2345 Q: We did not see the DD form 441 � Security Agreement or DoD5220.22-M and any revisions to it can Foreign Companies apply and how the rules about access to the information for only US nationals work? Also, if foreign companies can register in ATCTS? A: The solicitation provides the list of all documents that need to be filled out and submitted to the Government. Additional information relating to registration in ATCTS is available at the website. Ref: RFP, 2. PROPOSAL FILES b. RFP states: Files shall be in read-only format, using PDF files. Accomplishing this requires setting the security permissions on each PDF file, i.e., passwords need to be applied to the file so that the security setting can�t be changed (two unique passwords in fact, one password to open the file and the other password to prevent changes). To meet this requirement, the Government must be provided the first password to open the file.� Q: Request provide instructions for passing this information securely to the Government. A: At least 7 days prior to the solicitation closing date, request a DOD safe from the Government to submit the files securely. Make sure to take into account upload times when submitting the submission. Ref: RFP, 2. PROPOSAL FILES b. RFP states: Each file of the proposal shall consist of a Table of Contents, Summary Section, and the Narrative discussion. Q1: Is the Table of Contents excluded from page count restrictions? A: Yes Q2: May offerors include other typical front matter exclusive of page count? (Title Page, List of Tables, List of Figures, Acronym List, Cross-Reference Matrix if included) A: Yes Ref: RFP, Section K, (a) (1) and RFP Section L, (v) VOLUME V Past Performance RFP states: The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code for this acquisition is 332994. In Section L, (v) VOLUME V Past Performance, line 5 states: Relevant efforts are defined as services/efforts that are the same as or similar to the effort (as compared to North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 332994, Small Arms, Ordnance, and Ordnance Accessories Manufacturing) required by the RFP. Q: Will the Government confirm that �similar to� Is interpreted to mean that similar programs can have a NAICS code other than 332994 as long as they were similar work, and therefore can be provided as past performance? A: Yes Ref: RFP, B.1 Ordering Periods Q: For pricing purposes, what date should be used for the period of performance start date? A: Assume a start date of August 31, 2022 for the purposes of pricing the proposal. Ref: RFP, M Factor 4 Cost/Price Factor, section (d)(iv) Evaluated Royalty Amount Q1: Given the significant competitive advantage the incumbent has due to the $10K per system royalty on all other offerors, will the government provide the evaluated royalty amount that will be added to the total evaluated price of offerors other than KDA? A: The added evaluated amount for the royalty is $10k per unit. Q2: Will the Government identify what the royalty is for?� Can a copy of the license be provided to the Offerors? A: The Government�s permission to release the CROWS TDP for competition purposes and the royalty for non-incumbent-made systems are both terms of license agreement with the incumbent.� The agreement itself is not releasable. Ref: Attachment 0006 - Recipient may disclose portions of the Data to a prospective or actual subcontractor or supplier for the purpose of obtaining proposals or quotations from such prospective subcontractor or supplier for use by Recipient in its own proposal for submission in response to the Solicitation. Recipient shall release to each such prospective or actual subcontractor or supplier only such portion of the Data that is necessary for such subcontractor or supplier to provide to Recipient the information necessary for Recipient to prepare its proposal for submission to the Government. Prior to such disclosure, Recipient shall obtain from each such prospective subcontractor or supplier a Use and Non-Disclosure Agreement executed by such prospective subcontractor or supplier which contains the same requirements and restrictions as are imposed upon Recipient by this Agreement, modified as necessary to identify properly the parties thereto. Recipient shall notify Stephanie G. Kless, Contracting Officer, usarmy.pica.acc.mbx.crows-team@mail.mil, of the identity of each subcontractor or supplier to whom a release or disclosure of any portion of the data has been made and the specific contents of such release or disclosure. Upon request, Recipient shall also provide a copy of the Use and Non-Disclosure Agreement executed by such subcontractor or supplier. Q: For any subcontractors that we may need to share parts of the TDP with, we should follow the Attachment 0006 instructions where each sub should complete this Attachment and then send to us, and then we will notify Stephanie G. Kless as described below.� Is that correct? � A: That is correct. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------10/7/2021--------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Questions and Answers Q: The RFP requires mandatory per unit rental pricing for all quantity ranges and for all line items. What shall we put in this field if our offer is not ""predicated on the use of Government Property"" to ensure fair evaluation of our price against other offerors? A: The rental value to be entered is 0 if your proposal is not ""predicated on the use of Government property"". Q: SOW section 3.4.2 does not include a schedule. Will the Government please confirm that completion of FAT for the three variants must be completed with in 18 months of Contract Award as stated during the Pre-Solicitation Conference, dated� 17 March? A: The completion of FAT for the three variants must be completed within 18 months of contract award. Need to change RFP to include schedule, currently missing. Q: The RFP requires pricing per unit and per unit rental value for all option periods (OP). Assuming FAT needs to be completed no later than 18 months after Contract Award, will the Government please provide guidance on how to treat option periods 2-5? Also, what shall we put in the ""rental value""� field if our offer is not ""predicated on the use of Government Property"" to ensure fair evaluation of our price against other offerors? A: Initial FAT needs to be completed no later than 18 months. Subsequent option periods are for subsequent FATs if ordered. The rental value to be entered is 0 if your proposal is not ""predicated on the use of Government property"". Q: Since Section B does not contain the majority of government identified CLINs will the government please identify FOB origin or FOB destination for each of the CLINs. A: Supply CLINs will be FOB origin and Service CLINs will be FOB Destination. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------9/30/2021--------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Questions and Answers Ref: ""Prices proposed in the Price Matrix will be utilized to compute a total evaluated price. A price reasonableness determination will be made on the total evaluated price based upon price analysis techniques in accordance with FAR 15.404-1(a). For a price to be fair and reasonable, it must represent a price to the Government that a prudent person would pay in the conduct of competitive business. The Offerors proposed fixed-price LINs may be evaluated, using one or more of the techniques described in FAR 15.404-1 in order to determine if they are fair and reasonable."" ""The Government will perform a cost realism analysis of the proposed indirect costs applied to the Government provided T&M Material and Travel to determine whether the proposed cost elements are realistic for the work to be performed, reflect a clear understanding of the requirements, and are consistent with the proposed method of performance described in the Offeror's proposal to determine the most probable cost of performance. If the Offeror fails to support any portion of the indirect rates applicable to the proposed T&M Material and Travel costs, the Government reserves the right to adjust the costs to the higher of the proposed amount or readily available data in the cost realism position. The evaluated cost may differ from the proposed cost and will reflect the Governments best estimate of the cost that is most likely to result from the Offerors proposal. If the total evaluated cost is higher than the proposed, the evaluated becomes the probable cost. If the total evaluated cost is lower than the proposed, the proposed becomes the probable cost."" Q: FAR 15.404-1(d)(3) provides that:� �Cost realism analyses may also be used on competitive fixed-price incentive contracts or, in exceptional cases, on other competitive fixed-price-type contracts when new requirements may not be fully understood by competing offerors, there are quality concerns, or past experience indicates that contractors� proposed costs have resulted in quality or service shortfalls. Results of the analysis may be used in performance risk assessments and responsibility determinations. However, proposals shall be evaluated using the criteria in the solicitation, and the offered prices shall not be adjusted as a result of the analysis.�� The nature and complexity of the CROWS ACAT 1 Program, critical safety and performance requirements, need for high quality, define this as an ""exceptional case"", and supports conducting a price realism analysis on the fixed price elements. Will the government consider adding appropriate language and conducting such an assessment for the fixed-price CLINs and the Total Evaluated Price (TEP)? A: No, a price realism will not be performed on the FFP portion of the proposal, a cost realism will be performed on the T&M portion. Ref: Required Recapitalization/Overhaul/Reset Production Rates: Up to 50 systems per month no later than 180 days after award*. *For orders awarded in accordance with Section H0001 ""H.1. Cumulative Quantity Pricing"", ""after award"" shall be replaced with ""after the end of the award Cumulative Quantity Period as defined in H.1.2."" Ramp up from 50 per month to a surge requirement of up to 150 per month within four months of PCO direction. Required Conversions Rate: Up to 50 conversions per month after 180 days from award*. Ramp up from 50 per month to a surge requirement of up to 150 per month within four months of PCO direction. *For orders awarded in accordance with Section H0001 H.1. Cumulative Quantity Pricing, after award shall be replaced with after the end of the award Cumulative Quantity Period as defined in H.1.2. Q: The Statement of Work (SOW) and Section F requires the recapitalization and conversion of CROWS legacy units as part of the contractual effort at the rate of 50 units each per month. This exceeds the number of new units being delivered per month and therefore represents a significant portion of the contract scope. However, the current CLIN structure provides no CLIN in which to price this effort. How will the government establish price realism for the entire contract scope if upgrades and conversions are not priced? A: The recap will be taken into account in our price evaluation based on depot labor rates and LRU/SRU prices. Ref: I-60 52.230-6 ADMINISTRATION OF COST ACCOUNTING STANDARDS I-209 52.230-2 COST ACCOUNTING STANDARDS I-210 52.230-4 DISCLOSURE AND CONSISTENCY OF COST ACCOUNTING PRACTICES--FOREIGN CONCERNS52.230-1 COST ACCOUNTING STANDARDS NOTICES AND CERTIFICATION Q: Since the Cost Accounting Standards (CAS) Board has yet to offer guidance on how to handle ID/IQ hybrid contracts with respect to CAS application,� such as the one contemplated by W15QKN-21-R-0025, will the Government clarify how the relevant CAS clauses will apply to the contract? Specifically, the R-0025 solicitation requests Firm Fixed Price LINs under a competitive acquisition, generally exempt from CAS; and Time&Material LINs, generally non-exempt from CAS. A: CAS will not be applicable to the contract resulting from this solicitation. The clauses will be deleted at contract award. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------9/23/2021--------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Questions and Answers 1. Ref: Section L states, ""Format. The submission SHALL be clearly indexed and logically assembled. Each volume SHALL be clearly identified and SHALL begin at the top of a page. All pages of each volume SHALL be appropriately numbered and identified by the complete company name, date and Request for Proposal (RFP) number in the header and/or footer. A Table of Contents SHALL be created using the Table of Content feature in MS Word. MS Word (doc) files SHALL use the following page setup parameters: Page Size, Width 8.5 Page Size, Height 11"" Q: Section L requests a number of process charts and technical drawings that will not� fit on a single 8.5"" x 11"" page size even using 8 point font. Will the government please confirm that 11"" x 17"" (Ledger Size) foldout pages can be used for large drawings and tables as is standard practice on many RFPs? A: 11"" x 17"" (Ledger Size) foldout pages can be used for large drawings and tables, but the amount of pages allowed will remain the same. 2. Ref: Section L requires an IMS to be submitted as part of the Management Factor along with a narrative analysis as stated in paragraph L (i) 2.c, ""Provide an Integrated Master Schedule (IMS) that, at minimum, includes all activities required for FAT and all activities leading up to building the FAT systems and conducting a successful FAT; and other appropriate supporting events (e.g., test, approval, and key meetings). The IMS WILL also include major/key subcontractor and supplier schedules. An analysis SHALL be furnished that shows the proposed schedule is supportable and achievable considering other contract requirements, downtime, and delays. The IMS MUST clearly illustrate the interdependencies of all activities, events, and milestones; and explain the critical path and any factors affecting it."" Q: To ensure adequate detail to support effective government analysis, will the government allow the IMS to be presented as an .mpp file as an appendix and excluded from page count? A: The IMS can be presented in .mpp file as an appendix and excluded from page count. 3. Ref: Required Recapitalization/Overhaul/Reset Production Rates: Up to 50 systems per month no later than 180 days after award*. *For orders awarded in accordance with Section H0001 ""H.1. Cumulative Quantity Pricing"", ""after award"" shall be replaced with ""after the end of the award Cumulative Quantity Period as defined in H.1.2."" Ramp up from 50 per month to a surge requirement of up to 150 per month within four months of PCO direction. Required Conversions Rate: Up to 50 conversions per month after 180 days from award*. Ramp up from 50 per month to a surge requirement of up to 150 per month within four months of PCO direction. *For orders awarded in accordance with Section H0001 H.1. Cumulative Quantity Pricing, after award shall be replaced with after the end of the award Cumulative Quantity Period as defined in H.1.2. Q: The Statement of Work (SOW) and Section F requires the recapitalization and conversion of CROWS units as part of the contractual effort but does not specify which legacy systems are to be converted and to which configuration. Will the government please clarify which legacy systems are to be converted? Will the government please clarify to which configuration these systems are to be converted? A: Following contract award, when a requirement for a conversion arises it will be handled via modification. 4. The Offeror shall provide information for small business participation and subcontracting in a table format in accordance with the following example: ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | Small Business Participation Table (in Millions) | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | Business Category | $ Cost All Contracts | % of SB Participation | Cost Total SubK | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | Contract Total Price | $43.00 | | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | SB | $10.34 | 24.00% | $10.34 of $43.00 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | SDB | $2.86 | 6.65% | $2.86 of $43.00 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | SDB | $2.36 | 5.50% | $2.36 of $43.00 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | WOSB | $1.55 | 3.60% | $1.55 of $43.00 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | HUBZone SB | $1.08 | 2.50% | $1.08 of $43.00 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | VOSB | $1.55 | 3.60% | $1.55 of $43.00 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | SDVOSB | $1.46 | 3.40% | $1.46 of $43.00 | Q: The Small Business Participation Table lists SDB twice with different percentage values for each. Will the government please clarify or correct the Small Business Participation table? A: This chart is to be used as an example only; offerors should submit their own numbers. Q: What is the anticipated award date for the CROWS RWS program? A: �Current plan is to award in 4th Quarter FY 2022 Q: Is there flexibility on the delivery timeline after ARO? The FRP lists ARO + 180 days for initial deliveries. Based on industry supply chain lead times and manufacturing schedules the contractor would propose ARO + 15 months for initial deliveries. A: No. Lead time at 180 days is essential for meeting customer requirements. �Q: Per the RFP, required RWS production rates will be 50 systems per month no later than 180 days after award. Is this 50 of each system variant, or 50 systems total? A: 50 systems total Q: Per the RFP, there is a requirement for first article testing and 4 systems of each configuration. Are the 4 systems of each configuration expected to be delivered prior to the ARO + 180 days schedule, or are they expected to be included in initial deliveries? A: The first article systems are expected to be delivered after successful completion of first article testing. Q: Is the expectation that the initial award will be for 4 First Article Test units for each system, and then a subsequent award of ARO + 6 months will follow for full rate production? A: the expectation is that the minimum delivery order (which will be placed at the time of contract award), will not be ARO + 6 months but instead will be delivered 6 months after successful completion of FAT. Additional orders will follow after successful completion of first article and the timeline of ARO + 6 months would become applicable again. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------9/3/2021--------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Question: Can the proposal due date be extended? Answer:� Given the reasoning in this request for an extension, the Government will not extend the 90 day proposal response time. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------8/31/2021------------------------------------------------------------------------- Note: The following language will be changed from: The POCs shall be instructed to electronically complete Part II of the questionnaire and e-mail the entire questionnaire to the Contracting Officer within thirty (30) calendar days of the release of the RFP. To: The POCs shall be instructed to electronically complete Part II of the questionnaire and e-mail the entire questionnaire to the Contracting Officer fifteen (15) calendar days prior of the closing of the RFP. Note: The following language will be changed from: The Government must receive this list within thirty (30) calendar days after release of the RFP. To: The Government must receive this list fifteen (15) calendar days prior to the closing of the RFP. The following are questions and answers received for the solicitation: Question: Reference (1) a. above: If an offeror proposes to use past performance as a major subcontractor to a Government program, and as the Government does not have privity of contract with a subcontractor, may the offeror request their Prime Contractor (to the Government program) to complete Part II of the questionnaire? The Prime Contractor is in a position to provide qualitative information. Answer:� Refer to Section L(1)(a) � (k), on page 97 of 121. Question: Reference (5) above: In some cases the subcontractor does not know the identity of the prime contractor�s Government Agency POCs and may not be able to provide the requested government POC information. In this case, can we submit the prime contractor POCs in lieu of Government POCs? Answer: �Refer to section L(5) on page 98 of 121. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Army Contracting Command - New Jersey (ACC-NJ), Picatinny Arsenal, NJ 07806-5000, on behalf of Project Manager Soldier Lethality (PM SL), issues this competitive request�for the procurement of the RWS.�This requirement is in support of new and existing RWS for continued support of the existing fielded Common Remotely Operating Weapon Station (CROWS).� CROWS is to be procured under this acquisition. The program will support new and emerging customer requirements to include RWS variants such as Abrams Low Profile, Navy Mk-50, United States Marine Corps (USMC) Amphibious Remote Weapon Station (ARWS) and Stryker.� This acquisition will also include requirements for kit spare parts, kits, conversions, shop replaceable units, line replaceable units, engineering services, depot labor, field service technician support, and logistics services. The applicable NAICS code is: 332994. The acquisition approach is to issue a full and open competitive (F&OC), Hybrid Firm Fixed Price (FFP) Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) and Time and Material (T&M) contract will be awarded to one (1) contractor.� For U.S. & Canadian Companies: In order to process a request for the data, each requester (U.S. & Canada) must complete and submit a DD2345 Military Critical Technical Data Agreement, AMSTA-AR Form 1350 Technical Data Request Questionnaire, and Non-Disclosure Agreement which will be provided. The agreement will include requirements for limiting distribution of data and the destruction of data provided or reproduced. For Other Foreign Companies: In order to process a request for the data, each requester (Other Foreign) must complete and submit a AMSTA-AR Form 1350 Technical Data Request Questionnaire and a Non-Disclosure Agreement which will be provided and also be compliant with the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). The agreement will include requirements for limiting distribution of data and the destruction of data provided or reproduced. This announcement serves as notification that export control procedures regulated by the ITAR are in effect on the above stated data. Contractors that are interested in receiving this data must be in compliance with the ITAR and possess the proper authorities to receive this data and are encouraged to do so as soon as possible. The data will be marked Distribution Statement B Distribution authorized to U.S. Government agencies only. All other requests for this data shall be referred to Project Manager Soldier Lethality. Foreign vendors and contractors shall comply with all applicable laws and regulations regarding export-controlled items, including, but not limited to, the requirement for Contractors to register with the Department of State in accordance with the ITAR. The Contractors responsibility to comply with all applicable laws and regulations regarding export-controlled items exists independent of, and is not established or limited by, the information provided above. The Government anticipates making one award. All information is to be furnished at no obligation to the Government. The contractor should ensure that all attachments are down loaded and reviewed carefully prior to submission. If a contractor is planning on submitting a proposal in response to the RFP, the contracting officer should be notified prior to the due date to arrange drop off. TELEPHONE INQUIRIES WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED Email: usarmy.pica.acc.mbx.crows-team@mail.mil The points of contact for this action are: Army Contracting Command � New Jersey Attention:� ACC-NJ-SL Attention:� Angelica M. Merino, Contract Specialist, Building 9, Phipps RD., Picatinny Arsenal, NJ�� 07806-5000 Email: �angelica.m.merino.civ@mail.mil AND Army Contracting Command � New Jersey Attention:� ACC-NJ-SL Attention:� Stephanie G. Kless, Contracting Officer, Building 9, Phipps RD., Picatinny Arsenal, NJ�� 07806-5000 Email: stephanie.g.kless.civ@mail.mil �
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10 -- Remote Weapon Systems (RWS)