Sample Hauling Questions.docx

Sample Hauling Questions – Macon Routes and Rayville Route 2

1. I have noticed in the PWS (Performance Work Statement), that it requires you to have reference for the last 3 years. Being a new business, I don’t have that however, my drivers do as they have received their CDL license and worked for other companies.

Question: Can I use their experience for my reference?

Answer: Yes. As long as we can check their references. Otherwise you will receive a neutral rating on past performance.

2. Also, in the PWS, I have notice that it briefly covered small female own businesses.

Question: Is there any benefits in mentioning this on the contract bid?

Answer: No. This is a small business set-aside. Not for a specific socio-economic category.

3. I wish to request the following attachments for above solicitation:

Section G – Attachments A. Wage Determination B. Maps and Route Estimates C. Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan Answer: The documents are found at the end of the solicitation. Pages 53-79

4. On the SF 1449, Item 1, the Schedule of Supplies/Services (20.), the “Labor Cost for pick up and unloading per mile is missing on all four of these solicitations. Was that intentional?

Answer: I don’t know what you are referring too. We asked for you to break your price down as shown below that makes up your price per mile. This is shown on all SF-1449’s.

6. What size truck is preferred or historically used for these Routes? Straight Box Trucks between 10 and 26 feet? Or 53 feet Dry Vans?

Answer: Box truck or trailer 16’ or larger will be sufficient.

7. Will liftgates, forklifts, pallet jacks, or any other equipment be necessary to load/unload?

Answer: NO the sacks are not palletized.

8. What is the average fully loaded, max weight for loads?

Answer: 80 to 100 sacks weighing 40 pounds each = 3,500 to 5,000 pounds normally

9. Are the delivery facilities on a route open to receive 24 hours a day (particularly on Macon Route 4, 910 miles)?

Answer: Not always, most will be but some do not operate 24 hours. The crop harvest can dictate.

10. Is there an average amount of time spent at each stop during unloading?

Answer: It can vary based on size of gin and daily output. But it can run from 5 to 15 minutes. Also how close the truck can get to sacks staging area.

11. For Rayville Route 2, I am unable to locate Section G, particularly the map and route estimates.

Answer: We can send to you but 401 every other day miles.

12. For Rayville Route 2, how many estimated round trips will there be? That information is missing.

Answer: Smaller crop this year could be 30 -50. All do not start and finish the same day or week.

13. For the Macon Route 4, 910 miles, 70 trips solicitation, on an Every Other Day Service and Peak Season Schedule, will the driver have the off day to complete the route if necessary?

Answer; The 2nd day will be needed to finish up some of the gins and delivery to Macon from Alabama.

14. There such a huge difference in the weight of the sacks, is there a more precise weight that you can give?

Answer: 40 pound average

15. If I should be awarded this contract, can I sub contract this job out?

Answer: You can subcontract it out but the Prime contractor is responsible for the work being complete, insurance, etc.

16. What type of truck is required for hauling? I have a 26' straight/box truck with a maximum load weight of 8000lbs.

Answer: Truck size should be fine. Weight will exceed 8,000 lbs. During peak may be between 12,000 and 15,000 regularly just the cotton.

17. If I win the contract do I pay the laborer the $14.23 shown on the wage chart or a minimum of $10.95?

Answer: You have to pay the prevailing wage rate shown in the attachments at the end of the solicitation. The contract is subject to auditing by Department of Labor and may request your payroll records.

18. Do I average in the cost of a laborer to the cost per mile?

Answer: There is a cost per mile for labor driving time. There is a separate line for labor for loading and unloading time.

NOTE: Cost per mile should include labor/overhead and fuel.

19. There are several contracts for this same type work, can I apply for more than one?

Answer: Yes.

20. Please confirm that subcontracting is allowed as long as the prime contractor remains fully responsible for all contractual completion.

Answer: Yes. Prime contract will bear all responsibility and have required insurance.

21. Will the Government provide a pallet jack or the necessary equipment to load the trucks?

Answer: No. They are not palletized. Single sacks loaded by driver one at a time.

22. Will the loads be floor loaded or loaded from a dock?

Answer: Can depend on pick up points. Some will have docks but they may be in use at time of pickup. Many will not have them and sacks are at ground level.

23. What kind of trailer is needed? (53ft Dry Van)

Answer: No. A 20 -24 foot will normally handle load.

24. Will the people at the pick-up and delivery location load and unload the trailer?

Answer: No. The driver is responsible for loading and unloading as stated in contract specifications.

25. For this contract, what are the exact daily miles?

Answer: Look at the maps at the end of the solicitation.

Rayville – Page 79 Macon Route 4 – Page 78 Macon Route 3 – Page 79 Macon Route 2 – Page 79

26. What are the main locations that deliveries will be made to?

Answer: Look at the maps at the end of the solicitation.

Rayville – Page 79 Macon Route 4 – Page 78 Macon Route 3 – Page 79 Macon Route 2 – Page 79

27. Are these loads hand loaded?

Answer: Hand loaded by driver and unloaded same

28. Do we have to drop trailers?

Answer: No they will be unloaded on arrival if during normal business hours

29. How long does it take to load and unload trailers?

Answer: Load may be 5 -15 minutes Unloading can take 30 – 45 minutes. Sacks are typically unloaded to buggy’s that can hold 20 – 30 sacks.

30. Number of daily sacks:

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