USAFA Meteorological Services

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides responses to vendor questions regarding the USAFA Meteorological Services Combined Synopsis/Solicitation FA700026Q0015.

• Incumbent Contractor: The requirement is a reacquisition of contract FA700021C0027, previously awarded to Akima Systems Engineering, LLC.
• Staffing: The Government will not dictate staffing levels or provide historical staffing models; contractors are responsible for determining appropriate staff levels based on PWS requirements.
• Remote Support: All support is expected to be on-site, with remote operations considered on a case-by-case basis per PWS paragraph 12.1.
• Transition: A 30-day transition window is anticipated, allowing incoming personnel to shadow incumbent staff.
• Workload/Requirements: No anticipated changes to workload, mission requirements, or staffing expectations compared to the prior contract period.
• Security: Beyond the NACI, no additional security clearance requirements are anticipated.
• Historical Data: While Appendix 2 provides limited workload data, it does not cover the full scope of effort. Contractors must use this and other provided information (e.g., PWS, 306 FTG INSTRUCTION 15-101) to develop pricing, considering CBA requirements.
• Quote Submission: Formatting instructions, page limits, and submission requirements for quote parts have been updated via Amendment 1 to the solicitation.
• Past Performance Look-back: The solicitation language has been updated to allow for past performance within the last five years.
• CBA Wages: Quoters should use current CBA wage rates provided in Attachment 2 for pricing. If a new CBA is finalized before award, the solicitation will be amended to allow quote updates.
• Service Continuation Plan: The plan for continuation of essential contractor services is to be submitted within 30 days of contract award, not with the offer.

Several aspects of the solicitation have been clarified or updated, including past performance look-back periods, quote submission formatting, and the handling of potential CBA wage changes. Contractors must rely on the PWS and their own determination for staffing and workload assessments.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation (RFQ) for firm-fixed-price, non-personal Meteorological Services at the U.S. Air Force Academy (USAFA). The contract will provide all necessary personnel, equipment, supplies, and services to perform these meteorological functions as defined in the Performance Work Statement (PWS).

• Performance of Meteorological Services at USAFA, Colorado.

• Services are detailed in Attachment 1 – USAFA Meteorological Services PWS (dated 8 Apr 2026).

• Meteorological Services at USAFA are covered by a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), detailed in Attachment 2.

• Contract Type: Firm-fixed-price, non-personal services.

• Period of Performance: Includes a 30-day transition period, a 12-month base year, four 12-month option years, and an optional six-month extension.

• Anticipated Transition Period Start: July 29, 2026.

• Anticipated Contract Award Date: July 8, 2026.

• Quotes are requested via RFQ FA700026Q0015.

• Submission Deadline: June 5, 2026, 2:00 PM MDT.

• Quotes must be submitted via email to the 10th Contracting Squadron.

• Evaluation will be based on best value to the Government, considering price and past performance.

• Requests for clarification are due by May 26, 2026, 2:00 PM MDT.

• This acquisition is a 100% small business competitive set-aside.

• Offerors must be registered in SAM.gov.

• NAICS Code: 541990 (All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services), size standard $19.5M.

• PSC Code: R427 (Weather Reporting/Observation Services).

• Funds are not presently available; no award will be made until funds are available.

• The Government reserves the right to cancel the solicitation.

• Quotes must be submitted on company letterhead and include specific information as outlined in the solicitation.

• Required attachments include the PWS, CBA, Pricing Schedule, Provisions and Clauses, and local instruction.

• Insurance requirements (Workmen's Compensation, General Liability, Automobile Liability) are detailed.

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides responses to vendor questions regarding the USAFA Meteorological Services Combined Synopsis/Solicitation FA700026Q0015.

• Incumbent Contractor: The contract is a reacquisition of FA700021C0027, previously awarded to Akima Systems Engineering, LLC.
• Staffing: The Government will not provide staffing models or minimum staffing levels; contractors are responsible for developing their own staffing based on PWS requirements.
• Remote Support: All support is expected to be on-site, with remote operations considered on a case-by-case basis per PWS paragraph 12.1.
• Transition: A 30-day transition window is anticipated, allowing incoming personnel to shadow incumbent performance.
• Workload Data: Historical workload data in Appendix 2 is limited and does not reflect the full scope of effort. Contractors must use their own methodology to develop pricing, considering CBA requirements.
• Past Performance Look-back: The solicitation language has been updated to allow for past performance within the last five years.
• Quote Submission: Formatting instructions, page limits, and submission details for Parts 1 and 2 have been addressed via Amendment 1 to the solicitation.
• Continuation of Services Plan: The plan for continuation of essential contractor services is to be submitted after award, not with the offer.

Several questions led to clarifications and updates via Amendment 1, particularly concerning quote formatting, page limits, past performance look-back period, and submission requirements. Contractors should review Amendment 1 for specific details.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document is a combined synopsis and solicitation (RFQ) for Meteorological Services at the United States Air Force Academy (USAFA). The contract will be firm-fixed-price and non-personal services. The acquisition is a 100% small business competitive set-aside.

• Provision of all personnel, equipment, supplies, facilities, transportation, tools, materials, supervision, and other items necessary to perform Meteorological Services as defined in the Performance Work Statement (PWS) (Attachment 1).

• Services are required at USAFA, Colorado.

• The contract is covered by a Collective Bargaining Agreement (Attachment 2).

• Period of Performance: Includes a 30-day transition period, a 12-month base year, four 12-month option years, and an optional six-month extension. Transition is expected to begin July 29, 2026.

• Anticipated Award Date: July 8, 2026.

• NAICS Code: 541990 (All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services) with a size standard of $19.5M.

• PSC Code: R427 (Weather Reporting/Observation Services).

• Submission Deadline: Quotes must be received by June 5, 2026, 2:00 PM MDT.

• Submission Method: Via email to the 10th Contracting Squadron (addresses provided).

• Quote Content: Must include company letterhead, solicitation number, contact information, UEI number, business size, and a statement of agreement with terms and conditions. Emails over 10MB will not be delivered.

• Quotation Preparation: Quotes must consist of two parts: Part 1 - Price Quote (firm-fixed-priced, monthly pricing for CLINs, including transition, base, option periods, and a 6-month extension) and Part 2 - Past Performance Information (up to three relevant contracts from the last three years).

• Evaluation: The Government will award a purchase order representing the best value based on price and past performance. Quotes will be reviewed for completeness.

• Clarifications: Requests for clarification must be submitted in writing via email no later than May 26, 2026, 2:00 PM MDT. Answers will be posted on SAM.gov.

• This acquisition is a 100% small business competitive set-aside.

• Offerors are required to be registered in SAM.gov.

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

• Reference publications and technical data can be found via provided links to Air Force Publishing, Executive Services Directorate, and FAA.

• Insurance requirements are detailed in Section III.

Forms / Attachments / Pricing Sheets

This document is a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) between Akima Systems Engineering, LLC and the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, Local Lodge 47. It outlines the terms and conditions of employment for specific full-time positions at the United States Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, CO, specifically Weather Forecaster I and Weather Forecaster II.

• Parties: Akima Systems Engineering, LLC (Company) and International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, Local Lodge 47 (Union).
• Effective Dates: August 1, 2023, through July 31, 2026.
• Recognition: Union recognized as the sole bargaining representative for Weather Forecaster I and II positions.
• Definitions: Defines terms such as "Full-Time Employees" and "Probationary Period" (up to 180 days).
• Management Rights: Outlines the Company's rights in managing the business, subject to the agreement.
• Non-Discrimination: Prohibits discrimination based on protected characteristics.
• Union Access: Details the Union's access to the worksite for grievance investigation.
• Grievance and Arbitration Procedure: Establishes a multi-step process for resolving disputes.
• No Strikes / No Lockout: Prohibits strikes and lockouts during the agreement term.
• Discipline and Discharge: Outlines the Company's procedures for discipline and discharge.
• Union Notifications Binder: Specifies a binder for Union notices.
• Seniority: Defines seniority and conditions for its loss or retention.
• Remote Work: Allows for remote work with approval.
• Filling of Vacancies: Details the process for posting and filling job vacancies.
• Hours of Work: Defines normal work hours and pay, but not a guarantee.
• Overtime: Outlines overtime pay rates and procedures.
• Group Benefits: Details access to group insurance plans, medical/health care, and fringe rates.
• Bereavement Leave: Specifies paid leave for death in the immediate family.
• Personal Time Off (PTO): Details PTO accrual and usage.
• Holidays: Lists designated holidays and pay for working on holidays.
• Company 401(k) Plan: Outlines the company-sponsored 401(k) plan and employer contributions.
• Short Term Military Leave: Addresses leave for active reserve members.
• Union Representation: Defines roles of Shop Stewards and Union leave policies.
• Union Security and Dues Checkoff: Details requirements for union membership and dues.
• Safety and Security: Outlines provisions for employee safety and security.
• Classifications and Wage Rates: Lists wage rates for Weather Forecaster I and II, with annual increases, and details night/Sunday pay premiums.

This document is crucial for bidders proposing to provide meteorological services at the USAFA. It establishes the wage rates, benefits, and working conditions for the employees who will perform the work. Understanding these terms is essential for accurate cost estimation and ensuring compliance with labor laws and contractual obligations. Key details include:

• Wage Rates: Specific hourly rates for Weather Forecaster I and II for 2024, 2025, and 2026.
• Fringe Benefits: Details on health insurance contributions and accrual of Personal Time Off (PTO).
• Overtime and Holiday Pay: Information on compensation for work outside normal hours or on holidays.
• Seniority Rules: Affects hiring, layoffs, and promotions.
• Grievance Procedures: Indicates the framework for resolving employee disputes.

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

This Performance Work Statement (PWS) outlines the requirements for providing comprehensive meteorological services to the United States Air Force Academy (USAFA).

The contractor shall provide non-personal services for meteorological support, including:

• Airfield Services operations
• Mission Weather operations
• Staff Weather operations
• Generating automated and augmented surface weather observations
• Providing weather contractor integration for training operations
• Issuing Mission Execution Forecasts (MEFs) for multiple airfields and training areas
• Performing METWATCH (meteorological watch) and MISSIONWATCH
• Generating and disseminating Terminal Aerodrome Forecasts (TAFs)
• Providing Pilot Reports (PIREPs)
• Supporting severe weather action procedures (SWAP)
• Providing weather support for special events and off-station operations
• Operating and maintaining weather equipment
• Providing contractor training and orientation

Services will support various USAFA entities including the 306th Flying Training Group (FTG), 94th Flying Training Squadron (FTS), 98 FTS, 1 FTS, 557 FTS, 306th Operations Support Squadron (OSS), and USAFA Staff Agencies.

The contract period of performance is from April 2021 through November 2024. Services are to be provided at USAFA, including Davis Airfield, Bullseye Auxiliary Airfield, and Aardvark Airstrip.

Performance will be evaluated based on objectives outlined in the Services Summary (SS), including:

• Surface Weather Observations (SS-1)

• Terminal Aerodrome Forecasts (TAF) (SS-2)

• Pilot Reports (PIREPs) (SS-3)

• Mission Weather Products (MWPs) (SS-4)

• Weather Watches/Warnings/Advisories (SS-5)

• Contractor personnel must be qualified and adhere to professional conduct standards.

• Security requirements include background investigations and Common Access Card (CAC) issuance.

• Contractor must comply with all applicable Air Force, FAA, and local directives regarding safety and operations.

• A Mission Essential Contractor Services Plan must be submitted within 30 days of award.

• Contractor must provide all necessary equipment and supplies, except for Government Furnished Incidentals.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a pricing schedule template for offerors responding to the USAFA Meteorological Services opportunity. It requires bidders to provide detailed pricing for various CLINs (Contract Line Item Numbers) across different performance periods.

• Offeror Information: Fields for Offeror Name and UEI / CAGE Code.
• Solicitation/Amendment Info: Fields for Solicitation # and Amendment #.
• Performance Periods: Includes columns for Transition, Base, Option Year 1 (OY 1), OY 2, OY 3, and OY 4.
• Pricing Details: Requires Monthly Price, Quantity (QTY), and CLIN Total for each CLIN within each performance period.
• CLINs: Specific CLINs are listed for the Transition/Phase-In Period (0002) and Meteorological Services (0001, 1001, 2001, 3001, 4001).
• Instructions: Bidders must fill in yellow highlighted cells, and incomplete pricing may lead to quote rejection. The template calculates 6-month extension prices.
• Totals: Fields for Total 6 Mo Ext. Price, Total Transition Period Price, Total Base Period Price, Total OY 1-4 Period Prices, and Total Evaluated Price.

This is a critical document for bidders to complete accurately. It directly impacts the evaluation of their proposal by requiring detailed cost breakdowns for all contract periods. Failure to complete this schedule correctly may result in disqualification.

Forms / Attachments / Pricing Sheets

This document, "Attachment 4 - USAFA Meteorological Provisions and Clauses.pdf," appears to be a collection of clauses and provisions relevant to a solicitation, likely related to meteorological services at the United States Air Force Academy (USAFA).

The document lists numerous clauses and provisions incorporated by reference, along with their respective clause numbers, titles, alteration/deviation numbers, year, and section. It also includes several clauses in full text, such as "Prohibition on the Acquisition of Covered Defense Telecommunications Equipment or Services-Representation" and "Wide Area WorkFlow Payment Instructions."

Bidders should review this document to understand the specific contractual requirements, representations, and clauses that will apply to any resulting contract. Key areas of interest include:

• Telecommunications Restrictions: Clauses related to covered defense telecommunications equipment and services (e.g., 252.204-7016, 252.204-7017, 252.204-7018, 252.204-7019, 252.204-7020, 252.204-7022).
• Payment Procedures: Details on Wide Area WorkFlow (WAWF) for payment requests and receiving reports (252.232-7006, 252.232-7003).
• Limitation of Government's Obligation: Information on incrementally funded contracts (252.232-7007).
• Evaluation Factors: How offers will be evaluated, including price and past performance (52.212-2).
• Small Business Requirements: Clauses related to subcontracting limitations and post-award rerepresentations (52.219-14, 52.219-28).
• Other Requirements: Various clauses covering topics such as labor standards, safety, contractor access to installations, and environmental considerations.

Bidders must ensure their proposals address all applicable clauses and representations outlined in this attachment.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, "Attachment 5 - 306 FTGI 15-101 dated 24 Mar 2022.pdf", is an instruction publication that implements Air Force Policy Directive (AFPD) 15-1, Air Force Weather Operations. It establishes weather support responsibilities and procedures for USAFA, including weather observations, forecasts, watches, warnings, advisories, space weather data, and base-wide reciprocal support. It applies to all units assigned and attached to USAFA, including tenant units.

• Scope: Covers weather support for the 306 FTG, USAFA, 10th Air Base Wing, and other assigned units.
• Content: Details general information, airfield services, mission weather, staff weather, emergency actions, resource protection, weather and communications systems, and reciprocal support.
• Key Sections: Includes information on weather operations, types of observations (METARs, SPECIs, LOCALs), Terminal Aerodrome Forecasts (TAFs), Mission Execution Forecasts (MEFs), weather watches, warnings, and advisories, and severe weather action plans.
• Attachments: References numerous attachments covering specific topics such as glossary of references, duty priorities, points of contact, observation criteria, cooperative weather watch, sensor maps, mission-limiting thresholds for various aircraft, 7-day forecast outlook, MEF explanation, and severe weather notification matrices.

This document defines the comprehensive weather support structure and operational procedures at USAFA. While not a solicitation for services, it provides critical context for any vendor operating at or supporting USAFA, particularly those involved in aviation, base operations, or emergency management, by outlining the expected weather services, protocols, and responsibilities. Understanding these procedures can be crucial for bidders whose services might be impacted by or interact with weather conditions or weather support operations.

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

This Performance Work Statement (PWS) outlines the requirements for providing comprehensive meteorological services to the United States Air Force Academy (USAFA).

The contractor shall provide non-personal meteorological services, including:

• Airfield Support Functions (ASF): Conducting weather observations (METAR, SPECI, LOCAL), issuing Terminal Aerodrome Forecasts (TAF), and performing meteorological watch (METWATCH).
• Mission Integration Function: Providing weather support for various USAFA operations, including flying training, aerial events, and special missions. This includes generating Mission Weather Products (MWP) and critical environmental thresholds.
• Staff Integration Function: Offering staff weather briefings and support to USAFA leadership and various squadrons.
• Weather Systems Operations: Operating and maintaining meteorological equipment and communication systems.
• Emergency Actions: Responding to aircraft emergencies, mishaps, and severe weather events.
• Contractor Training: Ensuring personnel are adequately trained and qualified.

The PWS includes specific performance objectives and thresholds for key services, such as:

• Surface Weather Observations: No more than 5 errors per 100 reports and no more than 1 valid customer complaint per month.
• Terminal Aerodrome Forecasts (TAF): No more than 5 errors per 100 reports and no more than 1 valid customer complaint per month.
• Pilot Reports (PIREPS): Minimal errors and on time, with PIREPS issued within 10 minutes of notification.
• Mission Weather Products (MWP): Minimal errors and on time, with MEF published on time.
• Weather Watches/Warnings/Advisories: Minimal errors and on time, with observed weather warnings disseminated within 5 minutes of observed lightning strike.

Services are to be provided 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to USAFA, prioritizing airfield-based operations. Specific airfields supported include USAFA Airfield (KAFF), Bullseye Auxiliary Airfield (KABH), and Aardvark Airstrip.

• Non-personal services contract with no government supervision or control over contractor personnel.
• Contractor personnel must meet specific security, background investigation, and training requirements.
• Compliance with all applicable Air Force, federal, state, and local safety and environmental directives.
• Maintenance of a Mission-Essential Contractor Services Plan.
• Adherence to specific dress codes and identification requirements.