C-5 Large Aircraft Infrared Countermeasures (LAIRCM) Block 30 Upgrade

C-5 Large Aircraft Infra-Red Countermeasures (LAIRCM) Block 30 Request for Information/Sources Sought Solicitation Number: FA8625-16-R-6603 06 October 2016 1. Request for Information (RFI) for Planning Purposes This RFI is in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 52.215-3 - Request for Information or Solicitation for Planning Purposes (Oct 1997). (a) The Government does not intend to award a contract on the basis of this RFI/sources sought or to otherwise pay for the information solicited except as an allowable cost under other contracts as provided in Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 31.205-18 -- Independent Research and Development and Bid and Proposal Costs. Companies responding to this sources sought are advised that participation does not ensure involvement in future solicitations or contract awards. The Government will not reimburse any company or individual for any expenses associated with preparation or participation in the RFI. Respondents are solely responsible for all expenses associated with responding to this RFI. (b) Although "proposal" and "offeror" are used in this RFI, your response will be treated as information only. It shall not be used as a proposal. (c) The purpose of this solicitation is to conduct market research to identify companies that may possess the capabilities to; produce the C-5 LAIRCM Block 30 Group A kits, assemble the Block 30 Group A/B kits described below (Group B is Government Furnished Equipment (GFE)), and install the Block 30 Group A/B kits, provide Group A spares and provide Initial Contractor Support (ICS) once delivered. Potential offerors are expected to be capable of completing the non-recurring effort required to build the initial two Block 30 kits utilizing existing Block 20 technical data supplied by the Government and be capable of delivering formal technical data packages for Block 30 kit installations. Responses to this notice will not be accepted by the Government as a binding contract. The expectant future contract will require access to export controlled data and software in accordance with the Arms Export Control Act (Title 22, U.S.C., Sec. 2751, et seq.) or the Export Administrative Act of 1979, as amendment, (Title 50, U.S.C., App 2401, et seq.). The data and software will be provided in accordance with Department of Defense Directive 5230.25 enclosure 5. For prime and/or subcontractors under foreign ownership, control or influence (FOCI) the expectant contract award will be dependent on the agency's determination that the contractor has adequate controls in place to ensure the proper protection of the export controlled data and software. This determination will not be made prospectively as this would require advance knowledge of proposal content not yet received. In accordance with sections 2-307 and 10-509 of the DoD 5220.22-M, National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual (NISPOM), FOCI companies will be required to include with their proposal either a copy of their Cognizant Security Agency (CSA) approved Technology Control Plan (TCP) or documentation showing the CSA has determined procedures already in place at the contractor's facility are adequate. 2. Program Requirements 2.1 Program Description The C-5 aircraft's primary mission is to provide strategic airlift in support of Mobility Air Force's peace and war time missions. The C-5 users are represented by the Air Mobility Command (AMC), Air Force Reserve Command (AFRC), and Air National Guard. 2.2 Capability Required The contractor will be responsible for procuring, building, and delivering LAIRCM Block 30 modification kits for up to 52 C-5 aircraft. The first 2 aircraft kits will be installed by the contractor to proof the Group A and B kit and produce a final technical data package to be delivered to the government. The subsequent 50 installs will be accomplished by the organic Depot Repair Facility at Warner Robins Air Logistics Center according to the schedule below. The contractor will also provide ICS support for the LAIRCM system and technical support to the government during the time of all installs. Schedule. Contract award is scheduled to occur by March 2018. The Government requires modification kits to support the installation schedule. Deliveries should begin as kits are completed and each lot must complete delivery within 12 months of the lot's start date: o Lot 1, 2 kits delivered/installed starting not later than 1 May 2019 o Lot 2, 10 kits delivered/installed starting not later than 31 August 2020 o Lot 3, 10 kits delivered/installed starting not later than 1 June 2021 o Lot 4, 10 kits delivered/installed starting not later than 1 June 2022 o Lot 5, 10 kits delivered/installed starting not later than 1 June 2023 o Lot 6, 10 kits delivered/installed starting not later than 1 June 2024 Kit Builds. Potential offerors will be expected to deliver spares (TBD) and up to 52 installation kits. Potential offerors will also develop and submit a formal technical data package to include a Record TCTO for upgrading C-5 aircraft to LAIRCM Block 30 upon completion of the initial two aircraft upgrades. Potential offerors will also include Product Support Planning management which will consist of but may not be limited to Supply Chain Management, Technical Publications, Support Equipment and Training. The offeror should assume that Government Furnished Equipment (GFE) kit parts are limited to the LAIRCM Group B (Control Indicator Unit Replacement (CIUR), LAIRCM System Processor Replacement (LSPR), infrared missile warning sensors), special tooling, and miscellaneous parts (i.e. bench stock) - all items (minus reuse items) shall be provided as part of an individual kit per aircraft. Kit Deliveries. The final installation site for this effort has not been determined at this time. It is the company's responsibility to ship completed kits from the company's facilities to the installation location. For planning purposes, the Government will accept delivery at WR-ALC, Robins Air Force Base, Georgia. The Government plans to use priced contract "options" by Lot year that best meet the needs of the Program measured in cost, schedule, and technical performance. Lot 1 kits are scheduled to be on contract as soon as March 2018. Expressed or implied warranties provided through the vendor should begin once components are installed on the aircraft. Security Requirements. Contractors will be required to have a SECRET clearance to gain access to Government and/or contractor facilities. 3. Company Response Both large and small businesses are encouraged to participate in this RFI/sources sought. The results of this effort will enable the Government to assess the feasibility of a potential set-aside for small business for this effort and identify interested vendors. It is advised that all respondents provide sufficiently detailed answers to the capability questions to allow the Government to determine if your company has the ability to provide installation kits to support the current modification schedule. 3.1 Business Information In response to this RFI/sources sought, please provide the following business information for your company/institution and for any teaming or joint venture partners: Company/institute name: Address: Point of Contact Commercial and Government Entity (CAGE) Code: Phone number: E-mail address: Web page URL: Size of business pursuant to North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) Code: 336413, Other Aircraft Part and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing. Size standard: 1,000 employees. Based on this NAICS Code, state your company business size. If you are a Small Business (SB, Woman-Owned Small Business (WOSB), Small Disadvantaged Business (SDB), 8(a), HUBZone, Veteran-Owned Small Business (VOSB), Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned (SDVOSB)), please explain whether your company would be capable of meeting the requirements of FAR 52.219-14, Limitations on Subcontracting. Small Business (Yes / No) Woman Owned Small Business (Yes / No) Economically Disadvantaged Small Business (Yes / No) Small Disadvantaged Business (Yes / No) 8(a) Certified (Yes / No) HUBZone Certified (Yes / No) Veteran Owned Small Business (Yes / No) Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business (Yes / No) Large Business (Yes / No) System for Award Management (SAM) registered (Yes / No) Statement verifying company is domestically owned (Yes / No) 3.2 Capability Survey Questions General Capability Questions: 1. Describe your company's past experience on previous projects (no more than three examples) similar in complexity to this requirement. Include contract numbers, a brief description of work performed, the period of performance, agency/organization supported, and individual point of contacts (Contracting officer or Program Manager). Include your role in each of these projects. 2. Describe your company's capabilities and experience in managing technical data, engineering drawings, manuals, and media and your ability to deliver the Block 30 capability required. 3. Describe your company's capabilities and experience in manufacturing wiring harness and/or cabling in accordance with technical data, engineering, drawings, manuals, and media. 4. Describe your company's capabilities to work collaboratively with another Prime contractor. Provide examples of sub-contractor relationships (no more than three), including work performed and the agency supported. 5. Describe what data, other than the Block 20 technical data, your company believes is required to complete the non-recurring engineering effort for the Block 30 upgrade. 3.3 Small Business Utilization Considerations for All Potential Offerors Small Business Set-Aside Determination 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. 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. 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. 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. 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 extensibility) should be considered in your response. Small Business Evaluation in Source Selection If market research leads to a decision to competitively award this requirement, IAW DFARS 215.304, the extent of participation of small businesses shall be addressed in source selection. The contracting officer will evaluate the extent to which offerors identify and commit to small business performance of the contract, whether as a joint venture, teaming arrangement, or subcontractor. This evaluation factor will be separate from subcontracting plans submitted pursuant to the clause at FAR 52.219-9. Information submitted in response to this Small Business Utilization section will be used to inform the Government of Small Business opportunities available in the marketplace, and will lead to an evaluation appropriate to the acquisition. Per DFARS PGI 215.304, evaluation criteria may include the extent to which such firms are specifically identified in proposals, the extent of commitment to use such firms, the complexity and variety of the work small firms are to perform, and the realism of the proposal. 3.4 General Information In response to this RFI/sources sought, please provide the following general information for your company/institution and for any teaming or joint venture partners: 1. Describe briefly the capabilities of your company and the nature of the goods and/or services you provide. Include a description of your staff composition and management structure. 2. Describe the major risks you foresee in executing a production effort of this scope. What steps are you likely to tak in order to mitigate the risks? 3. What data will you require of the Government to assemble a proposal for this effort? Respondents should indicate which portions, if any, of their response are proprietary and should mark them appropriately. Formal responses should be e-mailed to the Contracting Officer, Mr. Daniel Andrews, at daniel.andrews@us.af.mil. Request responses by 1700 Eastern Standard Time on 20 October 2016. Technical questions regarding this sources sought/RFI should be directed to Mr. John Doepker, Program Manager, by e-mail at john.doepker@us.af.mil or called at (937) 656-7083. Direct and concise responses are preferred. Marketing material is considered an insufficient response to this RFI/sources sought. Please limit responses to no more than 25 single-sided, 8.5"x11", pages. A point of contact that can speak for the responding company should be identified to support further Government inquiries as well as explanations that might be needed in regard to the provided information.