FY27 City Pair Program Final RFP Amendment 0002

Other / Unclassified

This document is a transcript of a pre-solicitation conference for the FY27 City Pair Program (CPP). It details discussions between GSA representatives and potential offerors regarding upcoming changes and requirements for the FY27 solicitation cycle. Key topics include program overview, improvements to the solicitation, specific changes to contract terms, and the process for submitting proposals.

This transcript provides crucial information for potential bidders interested in the FY27 City Pair Program solicitation. It highlights:

• Programmatic Changes: Updates on the program's focus, including relationship management, data-driven decisions, and expanding global market coverage.
• Key Improvements for FY27: Specific changes to connection times, maximum circuity for international routes, and an increase in the temporary give-back period.
• New Initiatives: Introduction of a pilot program for non-refundable fares in 30 markets.
• Solicitation Structure: An overview of the RFP's four parts, including pre-award requirements, contract clauses, and evaluation factors.
• Submission Process: Details on using the City Pair Source Selection (CPSS) tool, including user guides, training sessions, and submission deadlines for different groups.
• SAM.gov Requirements: Emphasis on maintaining active SAM.gov accounts for proposal evaluation and award.
• Evaluation Factors: Information on how proposals will be evaluated, with technical and non-price factors being more important than price for Group 1 line items.
• Timeline: Key dates for RFP release, proposal submission, and award.

Amendment / Modification

This amendment (0001) to Solicitation 47QMCB26R0001 provides the Government's responses to vendor draft RFP questions.

• Attachment 4: Updates are noted for line items FRUWAS (changed to BSZ city code) and 2730 (service requirement change). Line item 3199 has been downgraded to Pax Level B for FY27 due to passenger counts falling below the minimum. Line item 3908 service requirement is changing.
• Attachment 6: The Extended Connect column will be removed, as there are no connection time or stop limits for Group 3.
• General: Clarifications are provided regarding Contract Non-refundable Fares (_CN), including definitions, changeability, refundability, and application to different fare classes. Route restrictions can be applied as long as the minimum market requirement is met. Passenger count numbers are based on FY25 data and are subject to change. Non-refundable coach class fares are evaluated for reasonableness after award. The due date for Proposal Checklist Items and Group 1 offers is confirmed as Wednesday, March 4th.

This amendment primarily provides clarifications and updates to attachments based on vendor questions. It does not appear to change the overall submission deadlines or evaluation factors, but bidders should review the updated attachments and Q&A for any impact on their proposals.

Forms / Attachments / Pricing Sheets

This document is an Excel spreadsheet containing detailed line item information for "Group 1". It appears to be a pricing or requirements breakdown that bidders will need to reference for their proposals.

The spreadsheet includes the following columns:

• Item Number
• City Pair
• Origin
• Destination
• Group
• Dom/Int (Domestic/International)
• No Of Flights
• Minimum Service
• Pax Level
• Pax Count
• Extended Connect
• Fifth Freedom
• Business Class
• NonRefundable Fare

Bidders should carefully review this document to understand the specific flight routes, service requirements, passenger counts, and fare details for Group 1. This information is crucial for developing accurate pricing and ensuring their proposals meet the detailed requirements of the solicitation.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is an Excel spreadsheet containing detailed line item information for Group 3. It lists various city pairs, origin and destination airports, number of flights, passenger levels, and fare details. This information is crucial for bidders to understand the specific service requirements and potential scope of work related to air transportation services.

• Item Number: Unique identifier for each line item.
• City Pair: Origin and destination airport codes.
• Origin/Destination: Specific airport identifiers.
• Group: Categorization of the line item (Group 3 in this case).
• Dom/Int: Domestic or International designation.
• No. Of Flights: Required number of flights.
• Minimum Service: Type of service required (e.g., C for Commercial).
• Pax Level/Count: Passenger capacity and estimated passenger numbers.
• Extended Connect: Indicates if extended connections are permitted.
• Fifth Freedom: Indicates if fifth freedom traffic rights are applicable.
• Business Class: Specifies if business class service is required.
• NonRefundable Fare: Indicates fare type.

This spreadsheet provides the granular details of the air transportation services required under this opportunity. Bidders must review this document to accurately assess the scope, estimate costs, and prepare their proposals, ensuring they can meet the specified routes, flight frequencies, passenger volumes, and service requirements. It forms the basis for pricing and operational planning.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This solicitation is for the U.S. General Services Administration's (GSA) Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 City Pair Program (CPP), which procures scheduled airline passenger transportation services. The goal is to ensure GSA can continue to offer competitive airfares to government customers through high carrier participation and competition.

• Scheduled air passenger transportation services by certified U.S. air carriers.

• Services must be provided in accordance with commercial practices and published tariffs, with the solicitation's terms taking precedence.

• Carriers must make available all services on their own metal (aircraft) and offered codeshare partners.

• Specific requirements for domestic, international, fifth freedom of the air, and business class line items are detailed.

• Minimum service standards include daily flights, specific timebands, and connection limitations.

• Solicitation Number: 47QMCB26R0001

• PSC: V211 - Transportation/Travel/Relocation- Travel/Lodging/Recruitment: Air Passenger

• NAICS: 481111 - Scheduled Passenger Air Transportation

• Period of Performance: October 1, 2026 (or Date of Award) through September 30, 2027, with two (2) option periods.

• Contract Type: Requirements contract with economic price adjustment for fuel surcharges.

• Offer Due Dates:

  • Final RFP Questions: February 13, 2026
  • Proposal Checklist Items: March 4, 2026
  • Group 1 Offers: March 4, 2026
  • Group 2 Offers: April 10, 2026
  • Group 3 Offers: April 24, 2026

• Submission Method: Via CALM CPSS Module.

• Evaluation:

  • Group 1: Tradeoff process (technical factors significantly more important than price).
  • Group 2 & 3: Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA) methodology.

• Key Deadlines: Specific dates for questions, proposal checklists, and offer submissions are provided.

• The acquisition is listed as "Unrestricted."

• Offerors must review "Attachment 2 FY27 RFP Significant Changes" for details on modifications.

• Requests for information should be directed to james.santini@gsa.gov, matthew.racchini@gsa.gov, with a copy to onthego@gsa.gov.

• Offers must be submitted electronically via the CALM CPSS Module.

• A comprehensive list of definitions for terms used in the solicitation is provided.

Amendment / Modification

This document details significant changes and updates to the solicitation, primarily focusing on the introduction and clarification of "Contract Non-refundable (_CN) Fare" and adjustments to technical requirements for various route types and fare classes.

Key changes include:

• Introduction of Contract Non-refundable (_CN) Fare: This new fare type is offered in addition to existing YCA/_CA fares and is subject to administrative fees/penalties for rebooking, re-ticketing, or cancellation. These fares are subject to auto-cancellation if not ticketed within 24 hours of booking.

• Definition of _CN Fare: Clarified as a three-character code for capacity-controlled coach class non-refundable contract fares, generally lower in cost than YCA and _CA fares.

• Government Non-Refundable Coach Fares: Offers may include these fares in addition to basic fares, coded as "_CN".

• Technical Requirement Adjustments:

  • Domestic line item connect times have been adjusted (e.g., Group 1 and 2 domestic line items now have a maximum connect time of 160 minutes).
  • International line item connect times have been updated, with specific changes for extended connection line items and for flights to/from Canada and Mexico.
  • Maximum circuity percentages for international business class line items have been revised.

• Temporary Reduction or Cessation of Service: The period for GSA to re-award affected contract line items has been extended from a maximum of 120 calendar days to 180 calendar days.

• Price Reduction Minimum: The minimum duration for any price reduction offered by a contract carrier has been reduced from thirty (30) to seven (7) calendar days.

• Evaluation Factors: For Group 1 line items, technical and non-price related factors are now considered "significantly" more important than price.

• FAR Overhaul (RFO): The RFP incorporates GSA's class deviations that implement the RFO and GSA Class Deviation CD-2025-03, with updated provisions and clauses referenced.

• B.2 Definitions (Contract Non-refundable (_CN) Fare, _CN Fare)

• B.4 Pricing Schedule for Group 1, Group 2, and Group 3 Line Items

• C.3 Technical Requirements (Domestic Routes, International Routes, International Business Class Line Items)

• F.4 Service Below the Minimum (Temporary Reduction or Cessation of Service)

• G.3 Price Reduction

• M.1(a) Evaluation Factors (Factor 3: Price)

• M.5 Price Evaluation for Group 1

• Revolutionary FAR Overhaul (RFO) GSA Deviated Clauses and Provisions

• The introduction of the _CN fare may impact how bidders structure their pricing and offerings.

• Changes to connect times and circuity requirements may affect route planning and service availability.

• The reduced minimum duration for price reductions offers more flexibility.

• The increased emphasis on technical and non-price factors for Group 1 line items requires bidders to focus more on these aspects.

• Bidders must review updated provisions and clauses related to the FAR Overhaul.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a template for a Model Commercial Subcontracting Plan. It provides instructions and a framework for offerors to develop and submit their subcontracting plans, which are required by FAR clause 52.219-9. The plan outlines how a contractor intends to use small businesses, including various socio-economic categories, for subcontracting opportunities.

• Identification Data: Basic information about the offeror and the contract.
• Goals: Specific dollar and percentage goals for subcontracting to different small business categories (Small Business, VOSB, SDVOSB, HUBZone, SDB, WOSB).
• Supplies/Services: Description of items to be subcontracted and identification of types for each business category.
• Method for Developing Goals: Explanation of how goals were established (e.g., historical data, market research).
• Method for Identifying Sources: Description of how potential subcontractors are identified (e.g., SAM.gov, trade associations).
• Inclusion of Indirect Costs: Statement on whether indirect costs are included and how they are allocated.
• Program Administrator: Details of the individual responsible for administering the subcontracting program.
• Equitable Opportunity: Efforts to ensure small businesses have a fair chance to compete.
• Assurances: Commitment to include FAR clause 52.219-8 in subcontracts and require subcontractors to adopt compliant plans.
• Reporting and Cooperation: Agreement to submit reports (e.g., Summary Subcontracting Report - SSR) and cooperate with government studies.
• Recordkeeping: Description of records to be maintained regarding subcontracting efforts.
• Additional Assurances: Commitments regarding good faith efforts, timely payments, and communication with the Contracting Officer.
• Signature: Required for plan submission and government approval.

Bidders must use this template to create their subcontracting plan if they intend to subcontract. The plan details their strategy for engaging small businesses, which is a critical component of proposal evaluation and contract compliance. It requires setting specific goals, outlining methods for identifying and soliciting small businesses, and committing to reporting requirements. Failure to submit an acceptable plan can make an offeror ineligible for award.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, "47QMCB26R0001_DRAFT RFP Attachment 5 - Group 2 Line Items.xlsx", is an Excel spreadsheet containing detailed line item information for Group 2 of the draft Request for Proposal (RFP).

The spreadsheet includes the following columns:

• Item Number
• City Pair
• Origin
• Destination
• Group
• Dom/Int (Domestic/International)
• No. Of Flights
• Minimum Service
• Pax Level
• Pax Count
• Extended Connect
• Fifth Freedom
• Business Class
• NonRefundable Fare

This attachment provides specific details on the flight routes, service requirements, and passenger volumes that are part of Group 2. Bidders interested in this group should review this data to understand the scope of services, potential flight schedules, and passenger demand for each city pair. This information is crucial for developing accurate pricing and service proposals for this specific group within the overall opportunity.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a template for vendors to submit questions regarding Solicitation No. 47QMCB26R0001 for the FY27 Requirement for Scheduled Air Passenger Transportation Services under the City Pair Program. It provides a structured format for bidders to ask specific questions and for the government to provide answers.

• Solicitation Reference: Identifies the specific solicitation the questions pertain to.
• Vendor Question: A section for the vendor to clearly state their question.
• Section: Field to reference the specific section of the solicitation the question relates to.
• Page #: Field to indicate the page number in the solicitation where the question originates.

This template is crucial for bidders to effectively communicate any ambiguities or seek clarification on the solicitation requirements. Using this standardized format ensures that questions are organized and can be efficiently addressed by the government, facilitating a clearer understanding of the opportunity and requirements for all potential bidders.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, "Auto-Cancellation Template," provides guidance and requests specific information from airlines regarding their implementation of auto-cancellation rules for City Pair Program (CPP) fares for Fiscal Year (FY) 2027. It aims to ensure that Travel Management Companies (TMCs) and online booking tools (OBTs) can effectively notify federally funded travelers about these rules and avoid unintended cancellations.

• 48-Hour Auto-Cancellation: Airlines are requested to provide details on their plans for implementing a 48-hour auto-cancellation rule for standard CPP fares. This includes providing Global Distribution System (GDS) screen captures of fare rules and carrier-appended messages (OSI/SSR) at the time of booking and cancellation.
• 7-Day Auto-Cancellation (Business/Premium Economy): Airlines are also requested to provide similar GDS screen captures for the 7-day auto-cancellation rule applicable to Business Class and Premium Economy CPP fares.
• Required Notifications: The document outlines three key traveler notifications that TMCs need to provide:
  • Notification on Itinerary (Itinerary Remark)
  • Notification Prior to Ticketing Window (Email Message)
  • Notification of Cancellation (Email Message)
• Information Requested: Airlines must submit GDS screen captures detailing:
  • Fare rule text for CPP fares effective October 1, 2026.
  • Carrier-appended messages (OSI/SSR) at booking, including specific examples for different booking windows (more than 8 days prior, 8-7 days prior, 7 days or less prior).
  • Carrier-appended messages (OSI/SSR) upon cancellation, with examples for different booking windows.
  • Definitions of queue/category for updated PNRs in various GDSs.

This document is crucial for airlines participating in the CPP. It outlines the specific technical information and GDS formatting requirements that airlines must provide to GSA to enable TMCs and OBTs to automate traveler notifications related to auto-cancellation policies. Airlines need to submit the requested screen captures and information to ensure compliance and facilitate seamless travel booking for federal employees.