6973GH-24-R-00180, AVS Safety, Analytical and Technical Support Services

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides revised answers and clarifications to questions submitted by potential offerors regarding Solicitation SIR 6974GH-25-R-00221 for AVS Safety, Analytical and Technical Support Services.

• Past Performance (Question 66 REVISED): The government will now allow offerors to utilize two (2) contracts where at least twelve (12) months of performance has been completed, an increase from the previous limit of one (1) contract. This change aims to provide a more comprehensive evaluation of offeror capabilities.
• Teaming Arrangements (Questions 67a, 67b, 67c): Teaming Arrangements will be included in Volume II, Technical Proposal, Sub-factor 1.1 – Technical Approach/Program Management/Supervision Plan. They are not subject to a page limitation and can be placed in an Appendix. The government acknowledges that multiple signed teaming agreements may be necessary and encourages combining them where possible.
• Subcontractor Price Build-up (Question 68): Offerors are required to provide a price build-up for each labor category, including those performed by subcontractors. This applies regardless of teaming arrangements.
• Environmental, Safety, and Health Clause (Question 70): The clause AC0090 ENVIRONMENTAL, SAFETY AND HEALTH (JULY 2016) is not a required clause and will be deleted in Amendment 0003.

These clarifications and revisions, particularly regarding past performance and teaming arrangements, may affect how offerors structure their proposals and present their qualifications. The deletion of the AC0090 clause simplifies a requirement. Offerors should review these updates carefully to ensure their submissions align with the revised guidance.

Amendment / Modification

This amendment (0003) to the solicitation makes the following changes:

• Incorporates Questions and Answers (Q&A): Includes responses to Q&A items 66 through 70.

• Revises Solicitation Provisions: Modifies applicable Section L (Instructions for Preparation and Submission of Proposals) and Section M (Evaluation Factors) clauses.

• Extends Proposal Due Date: The deadline for proposal submission has been extended.

• Provision L.7 (Teaming Arrangements): The "To" section regarding teaming arrangements has been revised.

• Provision L.3 (Instructions for Preparation and Submission of Proposals): This provision has been superseded and replaced.

• Provision L.5 (Factor 2 Past Performance/Experience): Paragraph b.(i) regarding Past Performance Surveys (PPS) has been superseded and replaced.

• Provision M.3 (Past Performance Evaluation - Factor 2): Paragraph b has been superseded and replaced.

• Proposal Due Date Extended: The due date for receipt of proposals and completed PPS evaluations has been extended from March 23, 2026, to March 30, 2026.

• Period of Performance: The period of performance remains 08/20/2026 to 08/19/2027.

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides responses to vendor questions regarding Solicitation SIR 6974GH-25-R-00221 for AVS Safety, Analytical and Technical Support Services.

• NAICS Code: The Contracting Officer has determined that NAICS code 541611 (Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services) most closely aligns with the scope of work, after reviewing 541330 and 541715. The size standard for 541990 is $19M.
• Past Performance References: Subcontracting plans are required for subcontracts exceeding $750,000. Offerors are limited to one in-progress contract for past performance, which must have at least one year of completed performance.
• Labor Rates: Labor rates are to be based on the geographic location of Washington, DC.
• Safety Management Software: The FAA/AVS does not intend to procure safety management software as part of this effort.
• Industry Communication: Prior to issuing the SIR, the FAA/AVS communicated with industry solely through responses to a Sources Sought announcement posted on SAM.gov on July 3, 2024.

These clarifications refine the understanding of applicable NAICS codes, past performance requirements, and labor rate calculations. No changes to proposal deadlines or submission rules are indicated by these Q&As.

Amendment / Modification

This amendment (0002) to the solicitation incorporates Questions and Answers 61 through 66.

• Questions and Answers 61-66 are incorporated.

• The due date for receipt of proposals remains March 23, 2026, at 1500 CT.

• The Period of Performance remains 08/20/2026 to 08/19/2027.

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document summarizes the minutes and key discussions from the Pre-Proposal Conference for the AVS Safety, Analytical and Technical Support Services acquisition (SIR 6973GH-25-R-00221), held on March 4, 2026. It also outlines revisions to the Solicitation Information Release (SIR) based on questions received.

• Teaming Arrangements: SIR Provision L.7 will be revised to require teaming arrangements to be included as part of Volume I – Contract Documentation. Offerors must detail how teaming enhances their technical capability in the Technical Proposal (Sub-factor 1.1).
• Key Personnel Resumes: Resumes for Key Personnel (Sub-Factor 1.3) will be excluded from the 75-page limitation and will have a separate page limit of 3 pages per resume.
• Past Performance Information: Volume III (Factor 2) Past Performance Information is not subject to a page limitation. Offerors should provide comprehensive documentation of relevant experience.
• Compensation Plan: The requirement for the prime and all teaming partners to propose a single compensation plan for all employees will be removed.

An amendment (Amendment0001) will be posted to include these minutes, all 60 questions and answers, and revised SIR sections. Bidders should refer to this amendment for updated details. All questions must be submitted in writing. Recordings of the conference are not permitted. The SIR package remains unchanged unless formally amended.

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides responses to questions submitted by potential offerors regarding Solicitation (SIR) 6974GH-25-R-00221 for AVS Safety, Analytical and Technical Support Services.

• NAICS Code: The NAICS code will be corrected to 541990 (All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services) in an upcoming amendment, as 561612 was initially listed but does not align with the scope of work.
• Teaming Arrangements: Teaming arrangements apply to Subcontractor Teaming Agreements and should be addressed in the Technical Proposal under Sub-factor 1.1 – Technical Approach/Program Management/Supervision Plan.
• Page Limitations: Key Personnel Resumes are excluded from the 75-page technical proposal limitation, with a separate 3-page limit per resume. Past Performance Information (Volume III) is not subject to a page limitation.
• Proposal Formatting: Single spacing will be allowed for tables, graphics, and callout boxes on a limited basis, though proposals that are difficult to read due to size and spacing may not be favorably evaluated. Double spacing remains the standard for the proposal.
• Teaming Agreements: The 10-page limit for Teaming Agreements has been removed. Full copies of executed Teaming Agreements are to be provided as part of Volume I – Contract Documentation.
• Compensation Plan: The requirement for a single compensation plan covering the prime and all teaming partners will be removed in an upcoming amendment.
• Past Performance Surveys (PPS): Offerors cannot submit CPARS in lieu of the required PPS. The recency requirement of the last five years applies to all projects submitted.
• Contract Type: Approximately 90% of anticipated Delivery Orders/Task Orders will be Firm-Fixed Price.

Several sections of the SIR will be revised via amendment to reflect these clarifications, including NAICS code, teaming arrangement placement, page limitations for resumes, and the removal of the single compensation plan requirement. Offerors should ensure their proposals adhere to the clarified requirements, particularly regarding page limitations and submission formats.

Amendment / Modification

This amendment (0001) to Solicitation No. 6973GH-25-R-00221, dated 02/19/2026, incorporates the minutes from the Pre-Proposal Conference and addresses Questions and Answers 1 through 60. Key changes include:

• NAICS Code Update: NAICS code 561612 (Security Guards and Patrol Services) is removed and replaced with NAICS code 541990 (All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services).

• Teaming Arrangements: The page limitation for teaming plans has been removed, and executed teaming agreements are now required as part of Volume I, Contract Documentation, within the technical proposal for Sub-factor 1.1.

• Technical Proposal Page Limitations: The 75-page limit for the technical proposal is revised to exclude Key Personnel resumes, with offerors allowed three pages per resume.

• Subcontracting Plan Reference: The reference to the Subcontracting Plan is updated from "(July 2019)" to "(April 2025)".

• Teaming Compensation Plan: Paragraph 3 of Provision L.7 (Teaming Arrangements) is removed, eliminating the requirement for a single compensation plan for all employees across teaming partners.

• Period of Performance Correction: The Base Period and Option Periods of Performance dates have been corrected.

• Attachment Update: SIR Attachment 1 Section B dated 2-19-26 is superseded by Attachment 1 Section B dated 3-9-26.

• PPS Forms Due Date: The due date for submission of completed PPS forms is corrected from March 24, 2026, to March 23, 2026.

• Item 00001 Description: The description for Item 00001 is updated to reflect Safety, Analytical and Technical Support Services.

• Option Line Item Descriptions: Descriptions and periods of performance for Option Line Items 00002 through 00005 have been updated.

• NAICS Code

• Provision L.7 (Teaming Arrangements)

• Provision L.3 and L.4 (Technical Proposal Page Limitations)

• AMS 3.6.1-4 (Subcontracting Plan reference)

• SIR Attachment 1 Section B

• PPS Forms due date

• Item descriptions and periods of performance for Base Period and Options.

Proposal deadlines remain March 23, 2026. Offerors must acknowledge receipt of this amendment and ensure their proposals reflect the updated requirements, particularly regarding teaming arrangements and technical proposal page limitations.

Statement of Work (SOW) / Performance Work Statement (PWS)

This Statement of Work (SOW) outlines the requirements for providing administrative, analytical, and technical subject matter expert services to support the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) Associate Administrator for Aviation Safety (AVS) and its investment teams. The goal is to promote continued operational safety, establish safety rules, and certify aviation competency.

The contractor will provide personnel, supplies, equipment, and services to assist AVS in its mission. Key areas of support include:

• Safety and Capacity Improvements
• New Flight Technology and System Engineering
• Business Processes, Program Management, and Analysis
• Information and Data Analysis
• AVS portfolio investment management
• Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) integration
• Operational Concepts
• Standards and Criteria for Communication, Navigation, and Surveillance (CNS)
• Instrument Flight Procedures
• All Weather Operations
• Aviation Safety Inspector Support
• Aviation Weather Initiatives
• Data and Aeronautical Communications
• Systems and processes to enhance operational safety
• National Air Space (NAS) plan, research, and development
• Flight simulation capabilities
• Automated Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) and Multilateration support
• Introduction of new aircraft and air traffic enhancements
• Systems to forecast NAS trends on safety performance
• Enhancements to aviation safety analysis methodologies
• Coordination of regulatory and guidance material updates
• Support for Safety Management System (SMS) transition
• Development of a common safety framework
• Providing aviation safety expertise for assessments at FAA Certificate Management Offices (CMO) and other facilities.

Services will be performed at the Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center (MMAC) in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, FAA facilities in Washington, D.C., and other designated FAA facilities. The contract effort is to be performed using Government-provided facilities and materials.

• The contractor must fill vacancies within 5 to 60 calendar days.
• The contractor may be required to interface with other subject matter expert contractors, industry representatives, equipment manufacturers, airport personnel, aircraft pilots, and various U.S. Government and international organizations.
• The contractor must assist the FAA in developing integrated plans, updating regulatory materials, and reviewing draft documents.
• Deliverables include Monthly Status and Financial Reports, and Monthly Leave/Travel/Training Schedules.
• Computer program deliverables require source code and necessary libraries.
• Travel and training are considered Other Direct Costs (ODCs) and must be approved.
• The contractor must establish and maintain a Quality Control Plan.
• Key personnel include a Senior Program Manager and Project Manager, with specific experience and education requirements outlined.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a "Sample Client Authorization Letter" intended to authorize clients of an offeror to respond to inquiries from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regarding the offeror's past performance and experience. This is in relation to the "Aviation Safety (AVS), Analytical and Technical Support Services" acquisition (SIR/RFO No. 6973GH-25-R-00221).

• Identifies the specific SIR/RFO and the contracting agency (FAA).
• States that past performance and experience are emphasized evaluation factors.
• Authorizes clients to provide information if contacted by the FAA.
• Designates a [Customer POC] within the client organization as the point of contact.
• Provides contact information for Cynthia L. Cooper, Contracting Officer, FAA Aeronautical Center.

This letter serves as a formal authorization for potential clients to engage with the FAA regarding the bidder's past performance. Bidders should ensure their clients are aware of this authorization and prepared to respond to FAA inquiries to support the evaluation of their proposal.

Other / Unclassified

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This document does not contain substantive information related to the SAM.gov opportunity. It serves as a technical notification for PDF rendering issues.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a "Travel Authorization Form" used to request and document authorization for travel. It serves as a pre-travel approval and a record for reimbursement.

• Employee Information: Employee Name, Contract/Task Number, Reason for Travel.
• Transportation Mode: Details for commercial travel or vehicle rental, including dates, times, carrier information, and estimated costs.
• Estimated Mileage: For privately owned vehicles, includes reimbursement rate and mileage estimates.
• Miscellaneous Expenses: Fields for estimated and actual costs of items like metro, taxi, and tolls.
• Hotel/Lodging: Per diem rates, hotel details, and estimated costs.
• CONUS Per Diem (M&IE): For Meals and Incidental Expenses within CONUS.
• Government Authorization: Section for Task Manager/POC, COR, and CO approval, referencing Federal Travel Regulations (FTR).
• Cost Summary: Sections for estimated and actual total costs, and the difference.

This form is likely an attachment to a solicitation or contract that requires specific travel procedures or reimbursement processes. Bidders may need to understand this form if the contract involves travel, as it outlines the expected documentation and authorization for travel expenses. It may also inform cost proposals related to travel.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This Solicitation, Offer and Award document (SIR) is a competitive solicitation for a five-year contract for Safety, Analytical and Technical Support Services. The contract will include a combination of Firm-Fixed Price (FFP) delivery (task) orders and Time and Materials (T&M) delivery (task) orders. The contract duration will be one base year with four one-year option periods.

The scope of work includes, but is not limited to, the following areas:

• Program and Project Management Support

• Program and Analytical Support

• Technical and Analytical Support

• Safety Management System (SMS) Support

• Surveillance and Broadcast Services (SBS) Support

• Performance Based Navigation (PBN) Support

• Data Communications (DATA COMM)/ Aeronautical Communications Support

• Aviation Weather Program Activities Support

• Low Visibility Operation Support

• Flight Procedures Support

• Flight Simulation and Safety Analysis Support

• Unmanned Aircraft Systems Integration Office (UASIO) Support

• Contract Type: Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) with a combination of Firm-Fixed Price (FFP) and Time and Materials (T&M) delivery (task) orders.

• Period of Performance: One (1) base year with four (4) one-year option periods. The base year is tentatively scheduled to begin August 20, 2026, following a 30-day transition period starting July 20, 2026.

• Offers must be submitted electronically via email to cynthia.cooper@faa.gov.

• Proposals will be evaluated on a "best value" basis, considering Technical Proposal (Factor 1), Past Performance/Experience (Factor 2), and Cost/Price (Factor 3). Technical is the most important factor, followed by Past Performance/Experience, then Cost/Price.

• Key deadlines:

  • Pre-proposal conference: March 4, 2026
  • Questions due: March 2, 2026
  • Offer submission deadline: March 23, 2026, by 1500 CT.

• The solicitation does not explicitly state set-aside requirements. However, it does reference AMS Clause 3.6.1-4 regarding Small Business Subcontracting Plans, indicating potential consideration for small businesses.

• The solicitation includes numerous clauses related to contractor responsibilities, including but not limited to, electronic commerce, data security, environmental/safety requirements, personnel suitability, and contract administration. Offerors are advised to review all sections carefully.