Q and A 030ADV25R0005 - Release 2.docx

030ADV25R0005 – Customs Brokerage Support Services IDIQ

Questions and Answers – Release 2

1. We would like to know if this is a brand new contract OR if there is (was) an incumbent performing these services.

Library Response: This is a reoccurring requirement, the current incumbent is Heizwerthy Customs & Freight Solutions under contract number LCISS20D0003 with a maximum value of $700,00.00.

1. Does the library of congress currently hold a bond?

Library Response: Yes, but each year our broker is required to renew the continuous bond on our behalf in July at our cost.

1. Do you have an example of what would be imported in?

Library Response: Yes, for the most part our international field offices send books that are provided to universities and libraries within the US once we received them from abroad.

1. What are the dimensions of lift vans typically used?

Library Response: They vary 16 (BOX) 20FT LIFTVAN,

1. How many containers per shipment?

Library Response: It varies, we get PKG, CTNS, and BOX air and sea freight. In most cases (not all) it will be 16 boxs (liftvan),

1. What are the H&S codes being used?

Library Response: 9808001000.

1. How many invoices per shipment?

Library Response: One invoice per shipment.

1. How many line items typically per commercial invoice?

Library Response: The Library would prefer to see as many line items as needed to align with incoming freight shipments. The customs broker will primarily deal with incoming freight shipments.

1. will we be able to drive them out of the containers or will we have to find other means of unstuffing?

Library Response: The library does not have advanced knowledge of how each container will be packed. The contractor would be expected to unstuff containers as required based on the containers received.

1. Attachment Price Sheet, #6: Please confirm liftvan clearance and delivery is per liftvan? Is it the LOC’s normal practice to consolidate liftvans into containers, perhaps to minimize customs clearance costs?

Library Response: Yes, the liftvan clearance and delivery is per liftvan. The Library does not have control over how the items are packed for import into containers.

1. Would it be possible to submit pricing based on a range of weight breaks (for example, in increments from 1,000 to 20,000 pounds) rather than just one fixed price? This approach could allow for more accurate pricing that better reflects the variable costs associated with different weight brackets, ensuring optimal value for the Library of Congress.

Library Response: The Library wants one fixed price, assuming 5,000 pounds or less.

1. What amount will the continuous bond need to be? $50,000? $100,000?

Library Response: The Library will have a lower limit bond of $50,000.00.

1. Will LoC share any historical volumes (aside from the quantity stated in the pricing sheet)?

Library Response: Quantities vary from year to year but the estimates provided are as accurate of a depiction of the historical volumes that the Library can provide at this time.

1. Does the LoC currently hold any amount of surety bond amount (i.e. $50K, $100K etc.)?

Library Response: $50,000.00.

1. Regarding SOW clause C.3.1.2 (“Offeror must provide a copy with the proposal, and within one day of request from the COR at any time during the period of performance.”), what is the bidder to actually provide within the proposal itself?

Library Response: Please provide a PDF copy of a similar bond to indicate proof of your company’s ability to obtain required bonding, as well as applicable Customs Broker License(s) issued by CBP for your company and/or individuals that are intended to provide services.

1. (C.3.2.3) Please further explain the actual expectation that the LoC has for this requirement:

Contractor shall review all documents for completeness in accordance with US Customs requirements and contact Freight Forwarder to resolve any issues, this includes tracing freight documents and shipments as needed. Contractor shall notify the Library if they are unable to correct any issues.

Library Response: The contractor shall ensure that paperwork is complete and acceptable to customs and work to resolve issues to the maximum extent possible. Any issues or missing documentation shall be brought to the attention to the Library COR with recommended resolution actions to the extent possible.

1. How will LoC remit payments to U.S. Customs (for example, will LoC remit U.S. Customs payments by ACH remittance)?

Library Response: It is expected that the Broker will be paid by LOC using a government purchase card. The Broker will make all payments required to get the item to the designated destination (includes, US Customs, storage, freight, ground transport, etc.).

Q&A RELEASE 2

1. For the Ocean Freight shipments coming in from Kenya, India and Thailand, would you like for us to quote the Ocean Freight into Baltimore/Norfolk or is that outside the scope here?

Library Response: We have quotes for both, but most of our items come into Baltimore. We are glad we had Norfolk in our contract thought as when the Baltimore Port was closed due to the collapse of the bridge, our items came into Norfolk.

1. Is the origin booking party providing the Lift Van Containers?

Library Response: I have never seen a charge for Lift Van Containers. It is typically a part of the shipping export charge, not a part of the import portion.

1. Is every container a 20' container or are there also 40' containers used?

Library Response: This varies depending on the shipment. Since we do not initiate the shipment we have no control over that portion.

1. For clarity on Section C.4-6: It says the offsite screening location cannot accept the ocean containers directly, so we need to transload the cargo from the ocean container within the port at our facility, and load it into a Truck to deliver to the offsite screening location, and return the empty container.

20. Is my interpretation correct?

Library Response: Yes

20. Can the offsite location accept 53' Dry Van trucks for delivery, or is there a certain type of truck required (i.e. Box Truck, etc.)

Library Response: The trucks that deliver can only fit 8 crates at a time. I would assume that is a box truck. The truck needs a lift gate because the dock is ground level.