C-17 Globemaster Operational Enhancements (GLOBE)

1. Sources Sought Synopsis: This announcement constitutes a Sources Sought Synopsis (SSS), no solicitation exists; therefore, do not request a copy of a solicitation. This is not a Request for Proposal (RFP) or an Invitation for Bid (IFB), nor is it to be construed as a commitment by the US Government to form a binding contract. Companies that respond will not be paid for the information submitted and responses will not be used as proposals. a) The Government is conducting market research to identify, as potential sources, companies that may possess the expertise, capabilities, and experience to competently and competitively respond to this SSS. b) The results of this market research will contribute to determining the method of procurement. The Government does not intend to award a contract on the basis of this SSS or to otherwise pay for the information solicited. Companies responding to this market research are advised that participation does not ensure participation in future solicitations or contract awards. The Government will not reimburse any company or individual for any expenses associated with preparation or participation in this market research. Respondents are solely responsible for all expenses associated with responding to this SSS. c) Notice to foreign-owned firms: Such firms should be aware that restrictions apply which exclude foreign participation at the prime contractor level. d) Although "proposal" and "offeror" are used in this Sources Sought Synopsis, your response will be treated as information only. It shall not be used as a proposal. 2. Background/Requirements: a) The current sole-source C-17 Aircraft Globemaster Operational Enhancements (GLOBE) contract is currently being performed by The Boeing Company (Contract FA8614-13-D-2002). It is an indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contract with an ordering period of five (5) years (Dec 2012 through Dec 2017). This effort provides for the development of integrated software and hardware upgrades to the Boeing-developed C-17 aircraft and provides infrastructure support necessary to support development efforts. Boeing has been the sole designer, manufacturer, and integrator of the C-17 air vehicle since program inception. No data package is available for other contractors. b) Unless there are viable respondents to this SSS that can meet the requirements specified herein, the Government, in accordance with DFARS 217.204(e)(i), plans to extend the ordering period for Contract FA8614-13-D-2002 an additional five (5) years (Dec 2012 through Dec 2022), and the period of performance accordingly (through Dec 2027). Both large and small businesses are encouraged to participate in this market research. Please provide information regarding capabilities (e.g. - a brochure or description of capabilities and nature of the goods and/or services the company provides). Respondents are asked to self-identify or express interest to valerie.wetzel@us.af.mil no later than 7 Dec 2016. The Boeing point of contact for subcontracting possibilities is Sonia Saxena-Patel, 2401 E. Wardlow Road, Long Beach, CA 90807-5309; telephone number is 714-896-1091. 3. In response to this SSS, please provide the following information: a) Business Information: Please provide the following business information for your company and for any teaming or joint venture partners: - Company Name: - Address: - Point of Contact: - CAGE Code: - Phone Number: - E-mail Address: - Web Page URL: 4. Small Business Set-Aside Determination: a) In accordance with (IAW) DFARS 210.001, market research results will be used to determine whether the criteria in FAR Part 19 are met for setting aside the acquisition for small business. b) Firms responding to this announcement should indicate whether they are: - Other Than Small Business - Small Business - Small Disadvantaged Business (SDB) - Woman-Owned Small Business (WOSB) - Economically Disadvantaged Women-Owned Small Business (EDWOSB) - 8(a)-Certified Business - Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) - Veteran-Owned Small Business (VOSB) - Historically Underutilized Business Zone Small business (HUBZone). c) The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code for this action is 336 - Transportation Equipment Manufacturing / 336411 - Aircraft Manufacturing. This U.S. industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in one or more of the following: (1) manufacturing or assembling complete aircraft; (2) developing and making aircraft prototypes; (3) aircraft conversion (i.e., major modifications to systems); and (4) complete aircraft overhaul and rebuilding (i.e., periodic restoration of aircraft to original design specifications). The size standard associated with this NAICS code is 1,500 employees; please indicate number of employees relative to the indicated size standard. d) If it is determined that a small business set-aside is appropriate, FAR 52.219-14, Limitations on Subcontracting, will apply. Please provide rationale as to how compliance with these limitations would be achieved, including specific details regarding teaming arrangements, etc. If subcontracts are to be used, provide anticipated percentage of effort to be subcontracted and whether small or large businesses will be used. e) Please be advised that the rules governing affiliation and ostensible subcontracting apply when determining size under the Limitations of Subcontracting, as does the Non-Manufacturer Rule if a supply NAICS is chosen. Respondents should consider how the primary tasks identified in this RFI will be broken out between prime and sub-contractors to avoid ostensible subcontracting, and address in their response if necessary. 5. Small Business Subcontracting Opportunities: IAW FAR 19.201, it is the policy of the Government to provide maximum practicable opportunities in its acquisitions to small business, including the opportunity to participate as subcontractors. Please recommend a reasonable expectation for small business subcontracting as a percent of total contract value, as well as supporting rationale for the recommended percentage. 6. Small Business Breakout Opportunities: If your company is capable of meeting some, but not all of the requirements stated in this RFI, please provide a response detailing the requirements you are capable of meeting. This will allow an assessment of whether or not breaking out a portion of the requirement for Small Business is possible and practicable. Any issues regarding Limitations on Subcontracting (including issues of affiliation and ostensibility) should be considered in your response. 7. Ombudsman: An Ombudsman has been appointed to hear concerns during the proposal development phase of this acquisition. As stated in 5352.201-9101, Ombudsman: a) An ombudsman has been appointed to hear and facilitate the resolution of concerns from offerors, potential offerors, and others for this acquisition. When requested, the ombudsman will maintain strict confidentiality as to the source of the concern. The existence of the ombudsman does not affect the authority of the program manager, contracting officer, or source selection official. Further, the ombudsman does not participate in the evaluation of proposals, the source selection process, or the adjudication of protests or formal contract disputes. The ombudsman may refer the party to another official who can resolve the concern. b) Before consulting with an Ombudsman, interested parties must first address their concerns, issues, disagreements, and/or recommendations to the Contracting Officer for resolution. Consulting an ombudsman does not alter or postpone the timelines for any other processes (e.g., agency level bid protests, GAO bid protests, requests for debriefings, employee-employer actions, contests of OMB Circular A-76 competition performance decisions). c) If resolution cannot be made by the Contracting Officer, the interested party may contact the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center Ombudsman: Lt Col Kenneth Decker, Jr. 1790 10th Street Wright-Patterson AFB, OH 45433-7630 Telephone: 937-255-5512 Email: kenneth.decker.1@us.af.mil. d) Concerns, issues, disagreements, and recommendations that cannot be resolved at the Center/MAJCOM/DRU/SMC Ombudsman level, may be brought by the interested party for further consideration to the Air Force Ombudsman, Associate Deputy Assistant Secretary (ADAS) (Contracting), SAF/AQC, 1060 Air Force Pentagon, Washington DC, 20330-1060, Telephone: 571-256-2395, facsimile number 571-256-2431. e) The ombudsman has no authority to render a decision that binds the agency. f) Do not contact the ombudsman to request copies of the solicitation, verify offer due date, or clarify technical requirements. Such inquiries shall be directed to the Contracting Officer.