Common Armament Tester for Fighter (CAT-F)

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document contains questions submitted by industry and the Government's responses, providing clarifications on the solicitation.

• A-10 Level Tester Requirement: The requirement for an A-10 Level Tester is confirmed, despite the aircraft's scheduled retirement.
• Prototype CLINs: The solicitation includes Cost-Plus-Fixed-Fee (CPFF) CLINs for prototype design followed by Firm-Fixed-Price (FFP) CLINs for prototype build. The FFP prototype CLINs require full pricing for a physical prototype that can be tested on aircraft, not just general concepts.
• Proposal Due Date & Time: Proposal responses are due by 3:30 PM EDT on September 22, 2025.
• Contract Start Date: The estimated contract award date is August 13, 2027.
• Progress Payment Clauses: Progress Payment clauses have been added for FFP CLINs, and CPFF type CLINs may be invoiced monthly.
• Font Size Exception: An exception to the 12pt font size requirement will be updated in the RFP to allow smaller, legible fonts in charts, graphs, and supporting illustrations.
• DFARS 252.234-7003: This clause and DFARS 252.234-7004 have been removed from the solicitation.
• Prototype Testers: The RFP has been updated to require two prototype testers per aircraft (six total).
• Proposal Validity: The proposal validity date has been revised.
• DD Form 254: Offerors are not required to complete Attachment 1, DD Form 254.
• Surge CLINs: New Surge CLINs with estimated quantities have been added, and lead time will be based on the offeror's surge capability plan.
• Warranty Clauses: DFARS 252.246-7001 and its Alternate I will not be removed as they pertain to Warranty of Data, while FAR 52.246-19 is for Warranty of Systems and Equipment.
• F-15 I-Level Kits: CLIN 4004 has been renamed as RESERVED to address quantity discrepancies.
• Safety and Health Plan: Unless included in SOO Attachment 4, all CDRLs are at the discretion of the offeror. The Safety and Health Plan is required to be delivered with the proposal embedded in SOW Section 3.6.
• Font Size in Attachments: Offerors may use the font, margins, and formatting as-is in Government-provided templates for attachments.
• IUID Requirement: IUID will be required for every Flightline (O) and Backshop (I) tester produced.

Several clauses and attachments have been revised, removed, or added. Key sections related to proposal preparation, contract terms, and deliverable requirements have been clarified. Offerors should review the updated RFP and associated documents for precise details.

Forms / Attachments / Pricing Sheets

This document contains detailed Bill of Engineering (BOE) information for materials and labor, broken down by Contract Line Item Numbers (CLINs) and Government Fiscal Years (GFYs). It is intended to provide a comprehensive breakdown of proposed resources for evaluation purposes.

• BOE Material Summary: Requires offerors to provide a clear list of material resources (types and quantities) proposed, regardless of source (prime and subcontractors), time-phased by Government Fiscal Year and aligned with the Statement of Work (SOW) and CWBS. This section emphasizes that the proposed unit prices and extended costs should be a sanitized version of the Priced Bill of Material, to be provided in Volume IV Cost/Price.
• BOE Labor Summary (by CLIN): Provides detailed breakdowns of labor hours by labor category, BOE Reference, and Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) elements, time-phased across multiple Government Fiscal Years (GFY 1-5). It includes specific examples of labor allocation for tasks such as Design, Fabricate, Integrate, and Test for components and software.

This attachment is crucial for bidders to understand the government's expectations regarding the detailed breakdown of material and labor resources. It outlines the required format (Excel for material summary) and the level of detail needed for cost and price proposals. Bidders must ensure their proposals align with these BOE requirements, particularly concerning the types and quantities of materials and the labor hours allocated to specific WBS elements across the fiscal years.

Statement of Objectives (SOO)

This document outlines the government's objectives for developing, manufacturing, deploying, and sustaining a Common Armament Tester for Fighter (CAT-F) aircraft. The CAT-F is intended to support F-16, F-15, and A-10 fighter fleets, prioritizing F-16 requirements. It will be used for both Organizational (O-Level) and Intermediate (I-Level) maintenance. The system aims to replace or augment legacy testers, address Diminishing Manufacturing Sources and Materiel Shortages (DMSMS) and obsolescence issues, and incorporate cyber security and a Modular Open System Architecture (MOSA) approach.

• CAT-F System Components:

  • O-Level Handheld tester
  • Aircraft Specific O-Level Cable and Adapter Kit
  • I-Level Functional and Fault Isolation tester
  • Aircraft Specific I-Level Cable and Adapter Kit

• O-Level Handheld Tester: Must execute legacy O-Level maintenance (flightline) pre-load and clean wing requirements for F-16, F-15, and A-10. Must work independently and store test results compatible with I-Level testers. A prototype plan for a Non-Developmental Item (NDI) modification is required.

• Aircraft Specific O-Level Cable and Adapter Kit: Aircraft-specific kits for pre-load and clean wing testing.

• I-Level Functional and Fault Isolation Tester: Must execute legacy I-Level (backshop) requirements for F-16, F-15, and A-10, incorporating the O-Level Handheld tester.

• Aircraft Specific I-Level Cable and Adapter Kit: Aircraft-specific kits for fault isolation requirements.

• Component Quantities: Estimated quantities are provided for each component type across F-16, F-15, and A-10 platforms.

• Product Support/Logistics: Solution should expedite development, production, and fielding; reduce legacy footprint; be deployable worldwide; be reliable; minimize DMSMS; utilize MOSA; and address Intellectual Property (IP) considerations.

• Contractor Statement of Work (SOW): Offerors must develop a SOW using the provided template.

• Integrated Master Schedule (IMS): Offerors must provide a time-based IMS detailing tasks, milestones, and delivery dates.

• Surge Capability Plan: Offerors must detail their ability to satisfy surge production requirements.

• Contract Type: Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ).

• Period of Performance (PoP): One (1) year Basic with four (4) one-year Options.

• Proposals should use the SOO and attachments as a basis.

• Proposals must include a contractor SOW and expected Contract Data Requirements Lists (CDRLs).

• Proposals must include an Integrated Master Schedule (IMS).

Not specified in this document.

• The document references several attachments, including a System Requirement Document (SRD), Alternate Mission Equipment (AME) lists, and a SOW Template.
• Offerors have flexibility to propose innovative development approaches.

Other / Unclassified

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Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, "Attachment 15: Intellectual Property Rights," outlines the government's rights to intellectual property (IP) delivered under the contract. It specifies the licenses the contractor grants or obtains for the government concerning technical data, computer software, and computer software documentation.

• Types of Rights: Differentiates between rights for non-commercial products/services and commercial products/services.
• Contract Data Requirements Lists (CDRLs): Identifies how CDRLs will be used to specify the government's rights in delivered IP.
• Definitions: Provides definitions for key terms such as "commercial product," "computer software," and "technical data."
• License Terms: Details the scope, duration, and limitations of licenses granted to the government, including provisions for use, modification, and disclosure.
• Marking Requirements: Outlines how contractors must mark IP to indicate the government's rights and any restrictions.
• Updates and Changes: Addresses how changes to asserted restrictions and updates to IP will be handled.
• Order of Precedence: Establishes the hierarchy of provisions in case of conflicts between license terms and federal law.

This attachment is crucial for bidders as it defines the intellectual property rights the government will acquire. Bidders must understand these terms to accurately price their proposals and ensure compliance. It impacts how they can license their own IP and what rights the government will have over deliverables. The document also details requirements for proposal submissions related to IP, including the need for a conformed copy with restrictive markings.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This Request for Proposal (RFP) seeks the development, manufacture, and sustainment of a Common Armament Tester-Fighters (CAT-F) system. The system must be capable of testing F-16, F-15, and A-10 platforms for Preload, Clean Wing, and Fault Isolation Requirements at both O-Level and I-Level maintenance.

• Development, manufacture, and sustainment of the CAT-F system.

• Capability to test F-16, F-15, and A-10 platforms.

• Testing for Preload, Clean Wing, and Fault Isolation Requirements.

• Support for O-Level and I-Level maintenance.

• The government intends to award up to two Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contracts, but may award to only one offeror if in the government's best interest.

• The contract period of performance includes a 1-year basic period and four 1-year options.

• Pricing arrangements will include Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF), Firm Fixed Price (FFP), and Cost Reimbursement-No Fee (CR-NF).

• The contract minimum requirement is $10,000.00.

• The contract maximum requirement is $420,430,000.00.

• Proposals will be evaluated using Tradeoff Source Selection Procedures.

• Non-Government Advisors will assist in the review and analysis of proposals.

• Critical Design Review (CDR) will be followed by a downselect for CAT-F Engineering and Manufacturing Development (EMD) and Production.

• Key deadlines and submission instructions are detailed in Section L (Instructions to Offerors) and Section M (Evaluation Basis for Award).

• Not explicitly stated in the provided sections, but the use of Tradeoff Source Selection Procedures suggests a focus on best value.

• Funds are not presently available, and no award will be made until funds are available. The government reserves the right to cancel the solicitation.

• Offerors are advised that "Not Separately Priced" (NSP) items are not accepted.

• All items shall be packaged and marked per AFMC Form 158, Packaging Requirements.

• Engineering Change Proposals (ECPs) are To Be Negotiated (TBN).

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document outlines the instructions for offerors responding to the CAT-F System Design acquisition. It details a two-phase source selection process: an Initial Source Selection to narrow down to no more than two offerors, followed by a Final Downselect to award a contract for CAT-F System Design. The ultimate goal is to award a contract for Engineering and Manufacturing Development (EMD), Production, and Sustainment.

Proposals must be submitted in four volumes:

• Volume I: Completed RFP: Includes signed RFP, amendments, cover letter with exceptions, Joint Venture Agreement (if applicable), and Subcontracting Plan (if applicable).
• Volume II: Written Technical Proposal: Details the technical approach, including Systems Engineering, Statement of Work, MOSA Utilization, and Intellectual Property Rights. Specific subfactors include Technical Data Risk Mitigation Plan, Integrated Master Schedule, and Program Protection/Systems Security Engineering Plan.
• Volume III: Small Business Participation: Outlines the offeror's plan for small business participation.
• Volume IV: Cost/Price Proposal: Includes a detailed cost model, financial responsibility narrative, and other cost-related documentation.

The contract will include options for program execution beyond the basic contract, potentially leading to EMD, Production, and Sustainment phases.

• Proposals must be submitted electronically via encrypted email or DoD SAFE. Non-encrypted proposals will not be accepted.
• A test encrypted email process is outlined for establishing secure communication.
• Proposals are organized into volumes and have specific page limits for certain sections.
• Evaluation will be conducted in multiple gates, focusing on technical acceptability, technical risk, small business participation, and cost/price. Technical factors are considered significantly more important than cost/price.

Not explicitly detailed in this section, but small business participation is a key evaluation factor.

• Offerors must adhere strictly to the formatting and submission instructions to avoid disqualification.
• Communication regarding the source selection is controlled by the Contracting Officer.
• The Government reserves the right to conduct discussions if deemed necessary.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is an Excel cost model (RFP Attachment 6) that provides a template for bidders to submit their cost proposals. It outlines the structure for breaking down costs across different contract line item numbers (CLINs) and option periods. Bidders are instructed to enter data only in the yellow-highlighted fields.

• CLIN Structure: Details various CLINs for basic, option periods I-IV, covering prototype design, digital development, Engineering and Manufacturing Development (EMD), logistical support, kits, program management, travel, and technical data.
• Contract Types: Includes Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF), Firm Fixed Price (FFP), and Cost-Reimbursable No Fee (CRNF) contract types.
• Cost Breakdown: Requires proposed costs for labor, material, and other direct costs, along with associated add-on factors (Fringe, Overhead, G&A, COM, Fee).
• Data Entry: Bidders must input data in specified yellow-highlighted cells, linking to other worksheets for rates and descriptions.

This attachment is critical for bidders to understand the cost structure expected by the government and to prepare their detailed cost proposals. It specifies how costs should be categorized and presented for each CLIN and option period, ensuring consistency and facilitating evaluation. Bidders must carefully populate this model to accurately reflect their proposed pricing.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a Contract Data Requirements List (CDRL) that specifies various data items and reports required from the contractor. It outlines the title, authority, frequency, submission dates, and distribution for each data item.

• Data Item Numbers: Unique identifiers for each deliverable (e.g., A001, B001, etc.).
• Title of Data Item: A description of the deliverable (e.g., Briefing Material, Integrated Program Management Data and Analysis Report, Status Report, Trip Report, Technical Report - Sustainment Plan, etc.).
• Authority: The Data Acquisition Document number authorizing the requirement.
• Frequency: How often the data item is required (e.g., LT, ASGEN, Monthly, ONE/R, ASREQ).
• Submission Dates: Specifies the date of first submission and subsequent submissions.
• Distribution: Identifies the addressees and number of copies required.
• Remarks: Provides additional details, instructions, or clarifications for the data item, including distribution statements and handling notices.
• CLIN/Exhibit/Performance Period: Links the data item to specific contract line items and performance periods (Basic, Option I, II, III, IV).

This document is crucial for bidders as it details all the required deliverables and reports throughout the contract performance period. Understanding these requirements is essential for accurately estimating proposal costs, planning project execution, and ensuring compliance with contract terms. It clarifies the scope of work beyond the primary service or product delivery, highlighting the reporting and documentation obligations.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, "RFP Attachment 14, Additional CDRLs," lists Contract Data Requirements List (CDRLs) that may be needed based on an Offeror's unique approach as identified in the Offeror's Draft Statement of Work (SOW).

The document provides a list of specific CDRLs, each identified by a unique code and a descriptive title. These include various types of reports, plans, data, and manuals such as:

• Reliability and Maintainability Program Plans and Reports
• Safety and Hazard Analysis Reports
• Program Protection and Logistics Support Plans
• Technical Reports (e.g., Study Services, Architecture Analysis)
• Engineering Data and Product Drawings
• Training Materials
• Cybersecurity and Test Reports
• Calibration and Measurement Requirements Summaries

Bidders should review this list to understand potential data deliverables that may be required as part of their proposal. The specific CDRLs that will be incorporated into the final contract may depend on the Offeror's proposed approach to fulfilling the requirements outlined in the Statement of Work. This list helps bidders anticipate and plan for the documentation and data submission requirements.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document outlines the "Industrial Safety & Health Requirements" that a contractor must adhere to. It details the necessary components of a contractor's Safety and Health Plan, emphasizing compliance with federal, state, and local laws, including OSHA standards. It also specifies requirements for program elements such as pedestrian and motor vehicle safety, housekeeping, personal protective equipment, medical and first aid, and various specialized safety programs (e.g., confined spaces, electrical safety, hazardous materials).

• Contractor Requirements: Development of a Safety and Health Plan addressing specific government interests and local procedures.
• Program Requirements: Compliance with Environmental, Safety, and Occupational Health (ESOH) standards, including Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP).
• Contractor Employees: Ensuring a safe work environment, briefing employees on hazards, and flowing down safety requirements to subcontractors.
• Inspections: Air Force officials may inspect contractor workplaces; non-compliance can lead to work stoppage and fines.
• Mishap Notification: Procedures for reporting accidents, injuries, and property damage, including contact information for various Air Force Safety Offices.
• Impoundment Procedures: Requirements for securing sites and equipment following an incident.
• Program Elements: Detailed requirements for specific areas including pedestrian/motor vehicle safety, housekeeping, PPE, hearing conservation, medical/first aid, respiratory protection, confined spaces, electrical safety, lockout/tagout, hazardous materials handling, hazardous waste operations, fire protection, and Foreign Object Damage (FOD) prevention.

This document is critical for bidders to understand the safety and health obligations they will be responsible for if awarded the contract. It outlines the extensive requirements for developing and implementing a comprehensive Safety and Health Plan, which will likely be a significant factor in proposal evaluation and contract performance. Bidders must ensure their proposed approach and resources adequately address all stipulated safety and health requirements.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a "Pre-award Survey of Prospective Contractor Accounting System Checklist." It is designed to gather information about a contractor's accounting system to determine its adequacy for government contracts, particularly cost-type contracts.

• Contractor Information: Company name, CAGE code, DCAA office, point of contact.
• Audit History: Questions regarding previous DCAA audits, their outcomes, and any changes since.
• CAS Compliance: Questions about applicability of Cost Accounting Standards (CAS), disclosure statements, and compliance notifications.
• Accounting System Functionality: Detailed questions assessing the system's ability to track costs, segregate direct/indirect costs, identify costs by contract, allocate indirect costs, maintain general ledger control, use timekeeping and labor distribution systems, determine interim costs, exclude unallowable costs, identify costs by line item/unit, segregate preproduction costs, provide financial information for limitation of cost/payments clauses, support progress payment requests, and develop data for follow-on acquisitions.
• Cost-Type Contract Information: Questions regarding current and planned involvement with Cost-Type contracts.

This checklist is crucial for potential bidders, especially those planning to bid on cost-type contracts. It outlines the specific accounting system capabilities and compliance requirements that the government will assess. Bidders must be prepared to provide detailed responses and supporting documentation to demonstrate that their accounting system meets these standards. Failure to meet these requirements can impact a contractor's ability to be awarded certain types of government contracts.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, "RFP Attachment 5_GFP List.xlsx", provides a list of Government Furnished Property (GFP) items relevant to the opportunity. Bidders should review this list to understand the equipment and materials that will be provided by the government.

The list includes:

• Item Name
• Item Description
• NSN (National Stock Number)
• MFR Cage (Manufacturer Cage Code)
• Part Number
• Model Number
• Quantity
• Unit of Measure

Notable items include various missile launchers (LAU series), ejector racks (TER, BRU series), pylons, gun systems (M61A1), and specialized systems like AN/ALE-47 CMDS and JDAM components. A specific instruction notes to input the quantity in column H for the first item.

This attachment is crucial for bidders to identify government-furnished equipment that will be available for use in fulfilling the contract requirements. Understanding the GFP list helps in proposal planning, resource allocation, and assessing the overall scope of work.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document (DD Form 1653) provides additional transportation data for solicitations. It specifies recommended F.O.B. (Free On Board) terms, transportation provisions, and clauses relevant to the procurement. It also includes details for shipping instructions and transportation appropriation.

• F.O.B. Terms: Recommends F.O.B. terms, with options for Origin, Destination, or specific evaluation criteria. Several F.O.B. clauses are indicated with checkboxes.
• Transportation Provisions/Clauses: Lists various FAR (Federal Acquisition Regulation) clauses related to transportation, such as "Zero dollar PR to establish IDIQ type contract," "REPORT OF SHIPMENT," "F.O.B. ORIGIN," and "F.O.B. DESTINATION."
• Shipping Instructions: Includes specific instructions for Foreign Military Sales (FMS) and general shipping requirements, emphasizing the need to contact DCMA/ACO for shipping addresses and instructions.
• Ship To Address: Provides a specific "SHIP TO" address for Eglin AFB, FL.
• Contact Information: Lists contact details for transportation and packaging support.

This form is crucial for bidders to understand the government's intended transportation terms and conditions. It clarifies where responsibility for goods transfers (F.O.B. points) and outlines specific clauses that will govern transportation aspects of the contract. Bidders should pay close attention to the selected F.O.B. terms and any indicated clauses, as these will impact shipping costs, logistics, and contractual obligations. The "SHIP TO" address is also essential for accurate delivery planning.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document outlines the specific packaging and marking requirements for items related to contract PR. MIPR, Document Number FD2060-25-30016. It details how items should be preserved, packed, and marked for shipment.

• Packaging Standards: Specifies adherence to MIL-STD-2073-1 (Military Preservation and Packing) and ASTM D3951 (Commercial Packing). Substitutions are allowed if specified.
• Marking Requirements: Items must be marked in accordance with MIL-STD-129 (Military Marking for Shipment and Storage).
• Wood Packaging Material (WPM): All WPM must be debarked and heat-treated (HT) to 56 degrees Celsius for 30 minutes, with certification required by an accredited agency. This aligns with ISPM No. 15 regulations for international trade.
• Hazardous Materials: Packaging and marking of hazardous materials must comply with various regulations including CFR Title 29, CFR Title 49, AFMAN 24-604, ICAO Technical Instructions, and IMDG Code.
• Data Requirements: Contractors may need to provide packaging data using DD Form 2326 (Preservation and Packing Data) and/or DD Form 2169 (Special Packaging Instructions), referencing MIL-STD-2073-1E.
• Engineered/Specialized Containers: Existing DoD containers can be used or adapted. New containers require government approval and may involve life-cycle cost and capability assessments.

This document is critical for bidders to understand the precise requirements for packaging and marking their proposed goods. Failure to comply with these standards could lead to rejection of shipments or non-compliance with contract terms. Bidders must ensure their proposed packaging solutions meet the specified military standards and international regulations, particularly for wood packaging and hazardous materials.

Other / Unclassified

This document, "RFP Attachment 11_Techincal Manual Contract Requirements (TMCR).docx", outlines the specific requirements for developing and delivering technical manuals for the Common Armament Tester - Fighter (CAT-F) program. It details the standards, processes, and deliverables related to technical order (TO) program requirements, focusing on the S1000D/IETM standard.

• S1000D/IETM Compliance: Technical manuals must be developed in accordance with ASD/AIA S1000D Issue 4.1 and MIL-STD-3048C (Air Force Business Rules for S1000D).
• Technical Manual Content and Product Plan: Contractors must develop and deliver a plan detailing technical content, Data Module (DM) and Publication Module (PM) development, and solution architecture.
• Tailoring: Contractors may propose tailoring of Technical Manuals Specifications and Standards (TMSS) and S1000D Business Rules (BRs).
• Deliverables: Key deliverables include the Common Source Data Base (CSDB), Business Rules Exchange (BREX) files, DMRL, stylesheets, output generation tools/files, multimedia files, graphic files, authoring guides, and the Technical Manual Content and Product Plan.
• Quality Assurance: A Technical Manual Quality Assurance (TMQA) Program Plan is required.
• Reviews & Verification: Contractors must participate in In-Process Reviews (IPR) and support Government verification activities.
• Data Rights: Governs the government's rights in technical data, generally requiring Unlimited Rights.
• Schedules: An Integrated Technical Manual Schedule and Status must be maintained.
• Specific Manual Types: Requirements cover Time Compliance Technical Orders (TCTOs), Operation and Maintenance Instructions, Illustrated Parts Breakdowns, and more, as detailed in Section 2 tables.
• Functionality: Detailed IETM functionality requirements (mandatory and optional) are specified, including navigation, search, printing, and update capabilities.
• Business Rules: Project-specific business rules for S1000D implementation are defined, covering various aspects from authoring to data management.

This document is critical for understanding the technical data development and delivery expectations for the CAT-F program. Bidders must assess their capability to meet the stringent S1000D/IETM requirements, including content planning, quality assurance, review processes, and specific deliverable formats. The detailed functionality and business rule requirements will heavily influence the technical approach and resources needed.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, "Cross Reference Matrix - Attachment 8," serves as a tool for prospective offerors to understand the interrelationships and dependencies between various technical requirements and proposal submission elements. It maps requirements from documents like the Statement of Objectives (SOO), Systems Requirement Document (SRD), Contract Line Item Numbers (CLINs), and Contract Data Requirements Lists (CDRLs) to specific sections of the solicitation (Section L - Instructions to Offerors and Section M - Evaluation Basis for Award).

The matrix is organized by subfactors (e.g., Systems Engineering, Statement of Work, MOSA Utilization, IP License Rights). For each subfactor, it lists corresponding sections from the SOO, SRD, CLINs, and CDRLs. It also indicates the relevant sections in Section L and the proposal reference (Subfactor I, II, III, or IV).

This matrix is crucial for bidders to ensure they have addressed all evaluation criteria and proposal submission requirements. It helps in demonstrating a comprehensive understanding of the technical requirements and how they align with the government's expectations for award. Offerors should note that if this matrix conflicts with any other part of the solicitation, the other reference takes precedence.