CV-22 CMS Augmentation

This notice is issued by AFSOC to post a Request for Information (RFI) via the internet, and solicit responses relating to; initial qualifications standards in order to quantify qualified in the primary specialty. This document is for information and planning purposes only. Industry is invited to submit written comments, suggestions via email to Diana R. Graziano at diana.graziano@hurlburt.af.mil no later than 12 October 2011 at 4:00 CST. When responding reference FA0021SS0002-RFI-CV-22-CMS. This Request for Information is not to be construed as a commitment by the Government. Respondents will not be notified of the results, as the information will be considered and potentially incorporated into a solicitation (if any follows). It is the respondent's responsibility to monitor the Internet site https://www.fbo.gov for the release of a solicitation (if any follows). Requirement: HQ AFSOC is seeking qualified sources capable of providing CV-22 aircraft maintenance support services to augment organic maintenance units. Related information: NAICS: 488190, FSC: J016. The potential requirement is for non-personal Contractor Maintenance Support (CMS) services at Hurlburt Field, Florida, Kirtland AFB, New Mexico, Cannon AFB, New Mexico, and RAF Mildenhall, United Kingdom with potential for a second OCONUS location. The CV-22 aircraft covered under this requirement have the primary missions of combat and training. These missions drive both CONUS and OCONUS support requirements. The CV-22 is a weapons system that currently has limited organic maintenance capability. Because of that limited capability and the complexity of the aircraft, the maintenance concept is a combined effort of Air Force and Contractor Maintenance Support (CMS) technicians. Both Air Force and CMS technicians are responsible for Organizational level (O-level) and Intermediate level (I-level) maintenance. The CV-22 aircraft at Hurlburt Field, FL, Cannon AFB, NM, and RAF Mildenhall, UK, are operational assets that will be deployed overseas to conduct and support AFSOC operations. CMS personnel assigned at these locations will be required to deploy or perform temporary duty world-wide in support of CV-22 mission requirements. Secret Security Clearances are required. Mechanical Specialty Maintainer: Overall intent of the Mechanical Specialty Maintainer is to have the primary background/qualifications equivalent to the Air Force "APG" mechanic with secondary skill sets of Engines, Hydraulics, and Fuels specialties. This requires the skill set of maintaining and managing all aspects of aircraft maintenance. The Contractor shall submit Mechanical candidates who possess the knowledge, experience and equivalent certifications of a 7-level Air Force APG mechanic and are at least 80 percent qualified/proficient on the Mechanical Specialty tasks listed at Attachment 1 of this RFI. Candidates/employees shall become fully qualified in the secondary skill sets within a reasonable and realistic period. Electrical/Avionics Specialty Maintainer: Overall intent of the Electrical/Avionics Specialty Maintainer is to have the primary background/qualifications equivalent to either of the aircraft Electrical/Environmental or Aircraft Avionics specialties, but ultimately shall be qualified in both skill sets identified. The Contractor shall submit candidates who possess the knowledge, experience and equivalent certifications of a 7-level Air Force Electrical/Avionics Technician and are at least 80 percent qualified/proficient on either the Electrical/Environmental or Avionics Specialty tasks listed at Attachment 2 or Attachment 3 of this RFI. Candidates/employees shall become fully qualified in the secondary skill sets within a reasonable and realistic period Please provide comments, suggestions etc... relating to the following: 1. Qualifications: Is it reasonable to industry that the Government expects; upon initial hiring of Mechanical Specialty Maintainers and Electrical/Avionics Specialty Maintainers, that the caliber of mechanics be required to be able to perform 80% of the Job Qualification Standards for the respective Primary Specialty? Eighty percent is based on the attached Job Qualification Standards (JQS). If the candidate is being proposed as an Electrical/Avionics Maintainer, they must be capable of performing at least 80% of either; the Electrical JQS or the Avionics JQS, tasks upon hire. If they are being proposed as the Mechanical Maintainer, they need to be capable of performing at least 80% of the Mechanical JQS tasks upon hire. QUESTION: Is this reasonable? Provide comments, questions and suggestions.