12639525Q0086.pdf

Notes to Quoters:

1. This solicitation is being issued in accordance with FAR Part 13, Simplified Acquisition Procedures and FAR Part Acquisition of Commercial Items and is a Request for Quote. This solicitation is for commercially available emergency air transportation services to be used in animal disease health outbreaks. For further information see the statement of work located in the attached solicitation. Quoted prices shall include all costs necessary to supply and deliver the product as described in the scope.

2. This solicitation is for award of a Firm Fixed Price (FFP), five (5) year Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contracts, consisting of five (5) ordering periods (five years). This requirement is being offered as a Small Business Set-Aside. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code for this requirement is 492110 with a size standard of less than 1,500 employees.

3. This requirement is for the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Animal Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), National Veterinary Stockpile (NVS).

5. Evaluations will be conducted using FAR part 13 procedures, award will be made based on best value, price and other factors considered. Interested vendors must submit a completed pricing schedule located in Section 1.0 below. Quoted price shall include all costs necessary to perform the work. Quoter’s are responsible for ensuring completeness of quotations. The Government may evaluate solely on the information provided in the quotation. Quotations that include additional terms may be excluded from consideration. Alternate Pricing Schedules will not be considered. Quotations must include a price for all items in the solicitation to be eligible for award. The following items are required to be submitted in order to be eligible for award:

1) A signed completed copy of the SF 1449 Form. (Please note the disclosure requirements contained in the last 17 pages of the SF 1449 that are required to be completed.) Please complete Block 17a including vendor name, address, phone number, Federal Tax ID number, and DUNS number. Then, sign in block 30a.

2) Price schedule for each year of the contract as organized in Section 1.0 of the Solicitation.

3) SYSTEM for AWARD MANAGEMENT (SAM) REGISTRATION: SAM

Registration is required of all federal contractors. SAM registration enables electronic funds transfer of contract payments. If your company is not already registered, please register in the SAM database at https://www.sam.gov/portal/public/SAM/. Quoters must be registered in SAM when they submit their quote.

a) A DUNS number is required for SAM registration. If your company does not have DUNS #, obtain one by calling 800-333-0505.

6. ANY QUESTIONS PERTAINING TO THIS Request for Quotes (RFQ) SHALL BE DIRECTED TO Linda W. Washington, BY EMAIL TO linda.w.washington@usda.gov no later than 5 days before quotes are due.

7. YOU MAY EMAIL YOUR QUOTE DIRECTLY TO Linda Washington before the time specified on the solicitation. Send quotes to: linda.w.washington@usda.gov

8. USDA IS AN AGENCY OF THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT, TAX-EXEMPT.

FEDERAL TAX. I.D. NO. 41-0696271.

1.0 Price Schedule

Service BY OY1 OY2 OY3 OY4 Express Same Day Delivery Service –Small Package

Next Flight Out/First Available Flight – within a 15 mile radius to or from any city in CONUS where direct flights are available. (Price per pound)

Over 15 mile radius to or from any city in CONUS where direct flights are available (Per mile)

Ground Transportation (includes first 10 miles)

Over 10 miles

Express Next Day Delivery Service -- Small Package 0800, 0930, 1030, 1200, 1500

Express Same Day Delivery Service -- Heavyweight Next Flight Out/First Available Flight

Ground Transportation

Express Next Day Delivery Service -- Heavyweight 0800, 0930, 1030, 1200, 1500, 1600 1700

Service Type BY OY1 OY2 OY3 OY4 Increased Liability Coverage (per $1,000 of declared Value)

Saturday Pickup and Delivery Service Sunday Pickup and Delivery Service Collect on Delivery (COD) Service Hold for Agency Pickup Hazardous Material and Dangerous Goods Service Inside Pickup and Inside Delivery for Express Heavyweight Shipments

Address Correction Invalid or No Account Number Rebilling Credit Card Decline Fee Return Shipment Special Charges

1. Additional Air Bills

2. Switch - Use of 2nd Airline

3. Commuter Surcharge

4. Waiting Time (Each 60 minute increment)

5. Additional Delivery in Same City

6. Attempted Pickup or Delivery

7. Holiday Surcharge

8. Fuel Surcharge

9. Airline Security Surcharge

Schedule Notes N/A

2.0 Statement of Work

Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal Plan Health Inspection Service’s (APHIS) National Veterinary Stockpile (NVS) emergencies shipments via air charter or land transportation

SERVICE

Emergency Land and Air Transportation of USDA’s National Veterinary Stockpile (NVS) Supplies, Pharmaceuticals, and Equipment

BACKGROUND

The US National Veterinary Stockpile (NVS) is the nation's repository of vaccines and other critical veterinary supplies and equipment. It exists to augment state and local resources against dangerous animal diseases that could potentially devastate American agriculture, seriously affect the economy, and threaten the public’s health.

National Security Memorandum-16 published in 2022 supersedes Homeland Security Presidential Directive 9 which established the National Veterinary Stockpile (NVS) and it directs the NVS to contain sufficient amounts of veterinary countermeasures, against the most damaging animal diseases and retaining the capability to deploy those countermeasures within 24 hours. The memorandum reflects the nation’s concern that terrorists could simultaneously, in multiple locations, release disease threats of an unprecedented magnitude; thus, the need for an NVS that could deliver at the least cost, large quantities of critical veterinary supplies and equipment to the right place at the right time for as long as is necessary.

The NVS stores its inventory in multiple locations and in sufficient volume to ensure its ability to respond to multiple, large-scale, simultaneous animal disease outbreaks.

SCOPE

The Contractor shall provide all resources and services necessary to transport shipments of the US Department of Agriculture’s Animal Plan Health Inspection Service’s (APHIS), National Veterinary Stockpile or other APHIS designated agencies during declared emergencies. Most shipments will be within the United States, its territories, and its possessions but can include international shipments, for example, of foreign produced and shored vaccines. Shipments may include temperature sensitive products, diagnostics and biologics, perishable/time-sensitive items, HAZMAT/hazardous materials, palletized items, containers, and large equipment. The contractor will select appropriate ground and/or air modes of travel and provide expediting services to ensure shipments arrive within specified timeframes at the least cost.

PERFORMANCE PERIOD:

One base year with the option of 4 additional years.

TYPE OF CONTRACT

The contract type is an Indefinite-Delivery-indefinite-Quantity.

MAXIMUM CONTRACT VALUE

No government commitment will be incurred until a task order is issued by a Contracting Officer (CO) or authorized Contracting Officer’s Technical Representative (COTR).

A. CONCEPT OF OPERATIONS AND PERFORMANCE REQUIRMENTS

During an emergency, the NVS must deliver its initial shipments anywhere in the US within 24 hours of its order to deploy. Shipments may include equipment, materials, refrigerated or frozen products, and other items.

Initial shipments may originate from multiple locations around the US or internationally, day or night, any day of the week. The contractor will accept the NVS’ shipments and, in the time remaining of the 24 hour period in which NVS' items must arrive, deliver them to specific destinations at the least cost. Delivery timeframes for subsequent NVS shipments will vary. Pickup locations for subsequent shipments may include overseas locations. Following the emergency, the contractor will transport unused NVS assets to locations that the government dictates.

While each shipment is in transit, multiple government officials in different locations will be able to view simultaneously the in-transit location of the contractor’s shipment. Should the NVS need to divert a shipment to another destination, it will be able to reach the contractor on a dedicated phone number seven days a week, 24 hours per day. The contractor will, in turn, be able to contact its driver or pilot immediately to divert the shipment.

The government will conduct unannounced tests of the contractor’s ability to respond.

B. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

The following sections define the specific transportation services of supplies, and resources required to be provided by the Contractor. The Contractor shall be fully responsible for performing the services and duties specified.

1. Land and Air Transportation Services: The services required include point to point expediting land and/or air and land transportation with real-time or near real-time in-transit visibility (ITV) to meet the delivery time requirements as ordered by a duly authorized Contracting Officer (CO) or Contracting Officer's Representative (COTR). Origin services include timely pickup and loading and moving cargo within the required transit times. Destination services include delivery notification, delivery, unloading, pallet and debris removal (debris associated with the transport.) operations during normal and adverse conditions, 24 hours a day/7 days a week. Any movement locations (present and new) will be made between multiple points in the United States, its possessions and territories. This includes the ability to transport USDA personnel and samples to and from Plum Island, via helicopter to and from ISLIP.

2. Humanitarian Relief flights provided by Commercial Airlines: In the event of natural disasters when the commercial flights are not available, USDA will use humanitarian relief flights if available to get critical supplies to the affected area. In this case, USDA may request the vendor to pick up relief supplies and transport them to the airline offering the emergency humanitarian relief flight. This would consist of services for the handling of the package from the pickup point to the airline offering the relief flight. This may require the vendor to palletize and shrink wrap items prior to transport to the airport.

The vendor would only bill charges for the services provided, palletizing, shrink rapping handling and delivery of the package only and not for the cost of the miles of the airlines that provide the commercial humanitarian relief flight. The airline provides the humanitarian flight not the vendor and that cannot be charged.

3. Performance of Service: At least twenty percent (20%) of the total amount of work to be performed under this Contract must be accomplished by use of assets owned by the Contractor, but subcontractors or interline service may be utilized by the Contractor if necessary to fulfill requirements of task orders issued by the CO or COTR. This percentage may be reduced by amendment if, during performing the work, the Contractor requests a reduction and the CO determines that reduction would be to the advantage of the Government. Such amendment may be limited to the current task.

4. Types of Items to Be Shipped: The following lists are examples of the types of items to be shipped.

Items will include those that support of veterinary emergencies. Note: This is not a complete list nor all inclusive:

a) Diagnostics/biologics

b) Select agents

c) Palletized per-packaged kits (roughly 8-10 pallets total 4,000lbs)

d) Vaccines, Pharmaceuticals

e) Refrigerated trailers (all sizes)

f) Generators and Construction Equipment

g) Pumps and spray equipment

h) Computer Equipment

i) Medical Supplies

j) Personal Protective Equipment

k) Pharmaceuticals

l) Water

m) CO2 and other pressurized bottled gases

n) Hazardous Material

o) Rolls of Plastic

p) Break Bulk

q) Veterinary Medical Assistance Team (VMAT) Cashes

r) Perishables/time-sensitive items

s) Personnel transport to and from Plum Island

t) Agriculture and Farm equipment

u) Horizontal Grinders

v) Animal Handling Equipment

C. RESPONSIBILITIES

1. APHIS’s Responsibilities:

a) Issuing task orders under this contract to provide emergency transportation services.

b) Issuing task orders in other non-emergencies when it has been determined to be in the Government's best interest to use the Contractor's services under this agreement.

c) Notifying the Contractor through a tasking order to continence operations.

d) Notifying the Contractor to terminate operations.

e) Providing the Contractor with a 24-hour point of contact.

f) Providing prompt payment of invoices.

g) Issue task orders sufficient to order the minimum quantity of services under this agreement.

2. Contractor Obligations, Duties and Responsibilities: In addition to other duties expressed or implied throughout this agreement, the Contractor is responsible for:

a) Arranging, coordinating, monitoring and controlling freight shipments from receipt of the request for shipment through final delivery.

b) Accepting all shipments offered by the CO or COTR, unless, at the CO or COTR's sole discretion, circumstances justify relieving the Contractor from the obligation to accept a shipment.

c) Providing exclusive use of vehicles when shipping under a task order issued pursuant to this agreement. Commingling of shipments for other customers on vehicles transporting materials or passengers under this contract is prohibited, unless expressly approved by the contracting officer.

d) Providing on time pickup and delivery.

e) Providing for the movement of freight and passengers under a task order issued pursuant to this agreement in the most cost-efficient manner.

f) Obtaining all necessary permits (including, for example, State Department permits for use of foreign aircraft), port clearances, bills of lading and other related transportation and travel documents.

g) Providing a company point of contact with a cellular phone and pager who will be available 24 hours a day.

h) Providing all services for proper transportation of shipments tendered or as requested by the CO (for example, spotting of trailers, loading and unloading freight, service and maintenance of refrigerator and power units, temporary storage, fleet management).

i) When requested, preparing items for shipment, including, for example, palletizing, blocking and bracing, loading and unloading, and door-to-door service.

j) Providing accessorial and special services required to load, transport and unload material and personnel, including, for example providing dual drivers where necessary or as specifically required by the CO or COTR.

k) Providing appropriate equipment and storage, clean, damage-free, and odor free, to perform services required by this contract, including, for example, temperature protection for vaccines, reagents, etc.

requiring temperature control.

l) Submitting damage claims in writing to APHIS within 7 days upon return of equipment to the Contractor.

m) The contractor shall pick up containers within 24 hours following receipt of notification that the container is ready to be transported.

n) Providing transportation of hazardous materials, as defined in CFR 'title 49, as required by the CO.

o) The Contractor is solely responsible for compliance with all applicable laws and regulations regarding shipment of such materials.

p) Providing continuous control of shipments. When requested by the CO, the Contractor shall monitor and trace shipments to ensure prompt completion of all required service as well as giving status and location of a shipment.

q) Designating a Contractor's Designated Representative (CDR).

1) A Contractor Designated Representative (CDR) will be available to provide full support, 24 hours a day, from the initial notification of the event until released by the CO.

r) Complying with the CO's or COTR's instructions concerning prior notification of delivery.

s) Providing proof of delivery (for example, a signed, dated delivery receipt) for any shipment that the

CO determines is needed to verify the carrier's delivery certification.

t) Working cooperatively with other Federal, state and local government agencies and other contractors in providing services under this contract.

u) Providing a cost estimate for each proposed tasking.

v) Providing the tasking agency with itemized invoices within 34 days after completion of shipment.

w) Maintaining a level of assets, including as a minimum the line of credit described in any response to the SIR or RFO issued in this acquisition, sufficient to ensure the Contractor's ability to perform services under this contract for the full contract term.

x) Processing payments to subcontractors for services rendered.

y) Insuring subcontractor's performance meets government standards.

z) Provide driver, tractor and trailer identification as required by the CO or COTR for those missions servicing restricted area access. Driver must be a US citizen without a criminal felony record.

D. SECURITY

1. The Contractor shall be responsible for providing security and safekeeping of all items during loading, movement, unloading and staging.

2. The contractor shall provide full-time supervision at origin and destination points during the entire move.

3. Supervisors shall be easily identifiable from other contractor personnel.

4. As required by the CO, the Contractor shall provide a formal subcontracting plan listing at least four-tiers from the prime contractor. The CO prior to commencement of the contract shall approve the subcontracting plan.

5. Providing financial tracking identification numbers.

E. HOURS OF SERVICE

1. The Contractor shall provide qualified personnel 24 hours a day, 7 days a week who are familiar with the contract's terms and conditions.

2. The Contractor shall provide customer service capability to respond within one hour to an order for service or request for assistance.

3. The Contractor shall accept orders for service, arrange for shipment, and perform pickup and delivery 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The CO will determine the hours of services when other than 24 hour 7-day service is required.

F. TRANSIT TIMES

The Contractor shall deliver shipments to the designated destination within the transit time stipulated in tasking order. The Contractor shall notify the CO or COTR immediately if delivery times cannot be met.

G. AIR DELIVERY CONDITIONS: The Contractor shall provide all aircraft, personnel, equipment, and supervision necessary to perform the transportation of cargo and supplies to APHIS designated sites. The Contractor is responsible for certifying the pick-up, uploading and unloading of cargo, hazardous materials (when necessary) and delivery. All goods will be unloaded and delivered to a point designated by APHIS in good operating condition.

1. Air Safety

a) Contractor is obligated to comply with generally accepted standards of airmanship, training, and maintenance practices and procedures. Contractor shall comply with all provisions of applicable statutes, tenders of service, and contract terms as such may affect flight safety, as well as with all applicable Federal Aviation Administration Regulations, Airworthiness Directives, Orders, rules, and standards. Compliance with published standards may not, standing alone, constitute compliance with generally accepted standards of airmanship, training, or maintenance.

b) The cleanliness and orderliness of an aircraft, including the visible components and surfaces thereof affect the ability to inspect an aircraft, may be valid indicators of the overall maintenance level of an aircraft, and may have a direct effect on the security of the aircraft. Therefore, contractor's failure to keep and maintain all such components and surfaces of the aircraft used in performance of this contract clean, orderly, and in good state of repair may be deemed a failure to comply with generally accepted standards of maintenance to the extent the failure goes beyond mere cosmetic or housekeeping deficiencies and relates in some manner to confidence in the safety, maintenance, or airworthiness of the aircraft.

2. Contractors must be certified by the FAA to perform the services required by the contract and each aircraft offered must have a current airworthiness certificate. Contractor will comply with all Federal and State Laws FAA rules and regulations applicable to the maintenance and operation of such aircraft and other equipment for the furnishing of such services. Pilots must be certified PART 135, FAA Regulation 5. Updated FAA Certificates shall be provided to APHIS through the contract period.

3. The airlift contractor must furnish an aircraft capable of completing the mission without requiring regularly scheduled maintenance. No scheduled major overhaul or repairs except enroute or turnaround service shall be performed at APHIS designated locations.

4. Mechanical Condition: During the contract term the Contractor must maintain the aircraft in an airworthy condition in accordance with FAA Regulation and manufacturer’s recommendations. Failure to do so will result in cancellation of the contract at no fault to the government.

5. Inspections: APHIS reserves the right to inspect and approve any aircraft and inspect and approve its documentation at any time during the contract period. The equipment and attachments offered must be in good repair and capable of performing the work for which they were designed according to FAA guidelines. At any time during the contract period, if APHIS determines the aircraft is inoperable or not in airworthy condition, the Contractor may offer a substitute aircraft, provided APHIS inspects and approves the substitute aircraft prior to use.

6. The Contractor’s aircraft shall be capable of carrying the APHIS designated assigned cargos within its cabin load and land on paved runways.

7. The U.S. Government shall have the exclusive use of the aircraft for all flights in support of the contract and is entitled to the total cargo capacity.

8. The airlift contractor shall comply with all pertinent United States Government, and contracting officer directives at any station where the airlift contractor lands.

9. Purchase Order Contract: After the Contracting Officer issues the purchase order contract, APHIS will schedule flights with the Contactor at agreed times. The Contractor shall not initiate any action to perform any work under this purchase order contract which would exceed the amount awarded hereunder unless approved by the COTR. If the contractor cannot meet a scheduled departure time, the contractor shall notify the APHIS representative as soon as possible, but no later than 6 hours prior to scheduled departure. Contractor should provide backup aircraft and crew to perform the mission at the regularly scheduled time.

10. In the event of longer term response, it is possible that regularly scheduled deliveries or missions may need to be planned between APHIS and the Contactor. Once defined and agreed to, the Contractor shall perform any scheduled missions 100% of the time. The purpose of the schedule is to minimize disruption to other missions supported by this contract. Any changes to the schedule must be approved by APHIS 48 hours in advance of scheduled mission.

11. Although the Contractor will be the sole judge on all matters affecting flight safety for weather or aircraft reasons, the Contractor will provide on-time departures as specified by APHIS for each out bound air taxi flight. Any flights that are airborne within fifteen (15) minutes of specified time will be counted as on-time departures. Flight-time commences at take-off and ceases at landing. Flight-time will be measured in hours and nearest 1/10-hours as recorded on the flight hour meter. Flight-time as measured on the flight meter will be paid at the rate specified in the delivery order. Flight-time does not include the time to load or unload equipment.

12. The contract negotiation will address potential positioning to deposition cost.

13. Standby Time

a) APHIS will be allowed 2 hours of standby-time to load and unload the aircraft at no additional cost.

Standby-time will not be earned for stops involving any needed break involving the pilot or crew, taxi time, fuel stops, or acts of God, such as weather, which prevent the continuation of the flight.

b) Additional Standby Time: Any standby-time in excess of 4 hours total should be negotiated.

14. Delays/Cancellations of Charters

a) Subject to at least twenty four (24) hour telephone notifications by APHIS that a previously scheduled flight has been cancelled, the Contractor hereby agrees that there will be no charge or cost to APHIS for such cancellations. Aircraft cancelled with 24 hours should be pre-negotiated with APHIS. APHIS will not be charged for is not responsible for the delay or cancellation.

b) For each flight with a late departure time (beyond thirty - 30 - minutes) because of aircraft and/or flight crew problems, the Contractor will agree to provide a backup crew and aircraft at a pre negotiated rate that can execute the original mission within 12 hours after the originally scheduled departure time.

c) In the event a loaded aircraft is delayed because of weather or maintenance, the mission must be rescheduled and flown as agreed to by APHIS. The APHIS NVS Director may request a waiting period of up to four (4) hours.

15. Contractor personnel, equipment, materials, and parts essential for the performance of the contract may be transported via the aircraft performing the contract and other APHIS contracts on a “space available” basis without reimbursement to the U.S. Government subject to the prior approval of the Contracting Officer he U.S. Government will not pay costs for personnel transported on a space available basis (i.e., meals, housing, service, etc.).

16. The Contractor shall be responsible for all cargo being shipped until received by authorized personnel at destination.

a) The Contractor shall provide for proper en-route care of the cargo necessitated by climatic conditions.

b) If cargo is offloaded at any location not designated by APHIS, the contractor shall be responsible for the offloading and safeguarding of such cargo from loss, theft, weather damage, reloading, and for all costs incidental to those services until the cargo arrives at the intended destination or another location as directed by the CO.

c) Offloaded cargo shall not remain at an unspecified point in excess of 24 hours unless weather prohibits operation of the aircraft. APHIS will be notified immediately of any offloading.

17. The airlift contractor shall conform to the United States government established communications rules and procedures. The airlift contractor, in compliance with applicable laws and regulations, shall provide all necessary air-ground communications equipment for the aircraft employed. An aircraft shall be unserviceable and unacceptable when it lacks the required air-ground communications or navigation equipment.

18. Insurance Requirements: The Contractor will carry insurance coverage of the types and in at least the minimum amount required of Common Carriers and Air Charter Operators; and, specifically, to obtain and pay the premiums for liability insurance covering injuries to persons or properties that may arise out of or due to its operations or the furnishings of the services contracted for hereunder. Said policy shall be kept and maintained in full force and effect by Contractor during the term of this agreement. The Contractor will furnish APHIS with a copy of the Insurance Certificate with the proposal and an original certificate of such insurance within ten days after the execution of this agreement. In no event shall the limit of said policy be considered as limiting the liability of Contractor under this paragraph.

19. The airlift contractor shall supervise loading the aircraft and be responsible for proper weight and balance of all cargo loaded on the aircraft. Actual weight shall be used for each mission when transporting passengers and/or cargo. Actual weight is defined as interrogated or scaled weight when transporting passengers. Scaled weight shall be used when loading and transporting cargo. An additive weight of 20 lbs. per person may be used for hand carried baggage.

20. Block Hours: Block hours are defined as “from the time the aircraft actually moves to when the aircraft comes to a complete stop and the wheels have been chocked”.

21. Contractor Representative: The airlift contractor shall furnish the name, address, and 24-hour phone number of a person who will serve as the airlift contractor’s representative to the Government. This person shall have the authority to dispatch aircraft, adjust schedules, make decisions pertinent to airlift service in the name of the contractor, and must be available during all normal flight operations.

22. Notice of Accidents

a) Notice of Accidents for APHIS Missions: When a Contractor’s aircraft is involved in an accident or incident in support of an APHIS mission as defined in 49 CFR, Part 830, the Contractor will transmit the following information by the most expeditious means available to the APHIS NVS Director within 24 hours.

2) Carrier

3) Aircraft type and number

4) Date and time of the accident

5) Last point of departure and point of intended landing of the aircraft.

6) Nature of the accident and the extent of known damage to the aircraft.

7) Total number of crewmembers and passengers on board.

8) Number of injured and fatalities aboard the aircraft.

9) Condition of baggage or government-owned material, if any, on board.

b) Notice of Accidents for Non-APHIS Missions: When a contractor's aircraft is involved in an accident or incident in support of a non-APHIS mission, as defined in 49 CFR, Part 830, the Contractor will transmit the information in paragraph 16a above, by the most expeditious means available on the next business day to the APHIS NVS Director and to the Contracting Officer.

23. Aircraft Medical Incidents: Report all aircraft medical incidents in flight, or while APHIS passengers are under control of the aircraft captain, to the first available APHIS designated representative within 48 hours.

24. Quality Control: The contractor shall develop and implement a commercial quality control plan to ensure safe and reliable air transportation service in accordance with 32 CFR861.

25. Unscheduled Expenses

a) Crew Expenses: When flights conducted in the performance of the contract are diverted to points other than APHIS designated locations through no fault of the contractor or at the specific request of APHIS, crew expenses for food and lodging are authorized. All expenses will be reimbursed in accordance with FAR 31.205-46(a) (2). Paid receipts shall be furnished for lodging expenses.

b) Landing fees: In the event the airlift Contractor is directed by the Government to stop at a commercial airport or location, other than the named points in the purchase order, and is assessed a landing fee, the Government will reimburse the Contractor for such landing fees and all en-route navigational service charges. Paid receipts shall be furnished for landing fees.

c) Loading and offloading costs: In the event the Contractor is directed to load or offload at an airport or location not identified in the purchase order and the Contractor is required to pay for such loading/offloading, the Government will reimburse the Contractor the actual cost of the service as a pass through charge to APHIS. No additional cost for overhead or profit shall be allowed. Paid receipts shall be furnished with invoices for payment of such loading/offloading costs.

H. TRACKING AND REPORTING MOVEMENT/MANAGEMENT INFORMATION

SYSTEM/INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

1. The Contractor will provide mission-critical visibility of shipments to be viewed on street level maps via a secure web browser by multiple government officials simultaneously from different locations from the initial receipt of the order until final point of delivery. The Government requires a two-way location on-demand devise be operational on each means of transport (land or air) whether leased or Contractor owned to provide complete in-transit visibility of each shipment throughout the supply chain. The APHIS and its designated government agencies will require at a minimum to be given real-time access to the data (such as temperature readings for temperature sensitive shipments) and street level mapped location of shipments through secure web access. APHIS requires at least one position/status reports per hour until the shipment is offloaded at the final point of destination. The complete tracking system will be available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at a required 99.95% service dependability.

2. The Contractor shall maintain the capability to exchange information with current government systems utilizing the internet, simple mail transfer protocol (SMTP), file transfer protocol (FTP), electronic data interchange (EDI), value-added networks (VANS), or other methodology agreed to by Contracting Officer.

3. At a minimum, the Contractor's database must contain shipment order information, prices applied to each shipment, movement data, trailer Vehicle Identification Numbers (VIN) and other shipment information the government deems necessary to generate the reports specified in this contract.

a) The Contractor's system shall include screen-print capability and the facility to download reports as either ASCII files or as database files.

b) The contractor's database must be secure and accessible by the World-Wide Web or personal computer station. The Contractor's database must be updated at least once every four (4) hours.

4. Unless otherwise directed by the CO, the Contractor shall maintain on-line electronic access to all database elements associated with each shipment for a period of 90 calendar days from the date of shipment delivery.

a) After 90 calendar days, an electronic record of each shipment file shall be archived for the life of the contract and turned over to the Government upon contract completion.

b) Archived data may be requested by the Contracting Officer (CO) or the Contracting Officer Technical Representative (COTR

c) Archived data shall be retrievable within two (2) calendar days of a Government request for information, unless otherwise agreed to by the CO and the Contractor.

d) The Contractor shall not archive shipment files with claims, billing disputes, or similar areas that are unresolved. These files shall stay on-line until settlement is reached or full payment is obtained.

5. The Contractor shall furnish the Contracting Officer with Management Information System user manuals and other written instructions that clearly explain the procedures for accessing and using the database. The Contractor shall provide the Government with training on the use of the Contractor's system (operating procedures, reports, query capability, and performance parameters) within seven (7) days after the award of the contract.

I. BACKUP MIS CAPABILITY

The Contractor shall have backup MIS capability available within one (1) hour of a primary system failure.

1. At a minimum, the backup MIS shall secure and protect all databases, information, and systems in support of this contract against deliberate or inadvertent loss, degradation, alteration, or damage of information.

2. The primary and backup systems should replicate each other on a real time basis.

J. REPORT REQUIREMENTS

1. The Contracting Officer (CO) will require management information reports from the contractor. The reports shall be provided by the Contractor's management information system with the frequency and contents indicated below. The Contractor's information management system shall be available to the CO and other designated Federal agencies via the World Wide Web. The Contractor's system shall have the capability to allow users to print the reports designated below. Reporting capability shall consist of standard on-line reports and ad hoc queries.

2. The types of required reports and frequency are listed below:

a) Daily Status Reports: A minimum of four daily reports compiling detailed data for tracking in route shipments. The reports shall include at a minimum the government number, mission/control number, the contractor identification number, the requesting agency, the shipper point of contact, the bill of lading or manifest number, brief description of commodity, quantity of cargo or passengers, unit of issue (lbs., pallets, gals), special needs, vehicle ID, departure city, point of embarkation, point of debarkation, arrival city, date and time of estimated departure, date and time of estimated arrival, date and time of actual departure, date and time of actual arrival and shipment delay information.

The report should include total quantities of similar commodities that are awaiting transport, are in route or have arrived at the final destination.

b) Weekly Shipping Report: A report compiling the detailed data for all shipments shall be provided on a weekly basis. The report shall provide the following details indexed by both the contractor's unique shipment number and the APHIS Government's control number for the shipment.

1) Origin and destination of shipments

2) Date of pickup and delivery of each shipment.

3) Shipping Cost - Average cost per hundredweight (cwt) and average cost per ton-mile for the entire week's data provided by the report

4) Number and percentage of shipments delivered on time and of those delivered 4 hours or longer later that the requested delivery time.

c) Monthly Billing Report: A monthly billing report detailing shipment and accessorial services provided along with a complete breakdown of the charges by percentage as they apply to contract items. The report is due the 14th day of the month.

d) Final Billing Report: The contractor will provide a final billing report within ninety (90) days after being released from an event by the Contracting Officer. The report shall include detailed accounts of all shipments and accessorial service provided along with a complete breakdown of the charges by percentage as they apply to contract items.

K. AUTOMATED IDENTIFICATION TECHNOLOGY (AIT)

Government shippers frequently use AIT devices to facilitate the tracking and processing of shipments. When any of these devices are part of a package or shipment, tendered by the government under this agreement the Contractor is required to ensure that the device does not become separated from the package. AIT devices usually consist of one or more of the following:

1. Linear bar codes

2. 2D bar codes

3. Radio frequency (RF) identification devices

4. Optical memory cards (also known as Automated Manifesting System (AMS) cards)

L. RAPID RESPONSE CAPABILITY

1. The Contractor will provide one 24/7 US phone number to provide all transportation support to APHIS.

2. Within one (1) hour of receiving the initial Order for Service (OFS) from the Contracting Officer the Contractor shall acknowledge receipt of the OFS by electronic commerce or fax and shall provide the following information by electronic commerce, facsimile, or telephone: name and phone number of the CDR time of arrival at designated operations site, name and 24 hour phone number of company representatives involved in the response.

3. Within two (2) hours of receipt of an Order for Service OFS, the Contractor shall make transportation equipment available at the shipment place of origin to commence movement of cargo and passengers, using air and surface modes of transportation. The Contractor shall meet all pickup and transit deadlines.

M. PERSONNEL REQUIREMENTS

1. The Contractor shall designate a Contractor's Designated Representative (CDR) and alternate(s) who are responsible for the contract operations.

a) The CDR (and alternates) shall have full authority to act for the Contractor on all matters and shall be responsible for the overall management and coordination of work.

b) Not later than five (5) calendar days after the contract award, the Contractor shall identify in writing to the CO, the name, address, and phone number of the CDR and alternate(s).

2. The CDR, alternate(s), and contractor employees who have contact with customers must be able to read, write, speak, and understand English fluently. English shall be the only language used for written correspondence, discussions, and other business transactions.

3. The Government may restrict the entry of contractor personnel onto U.S. Government premises through the use of entry passes.

a) Irrespective of the issuance of passes on government facilities contractor personnel may be subject to search at the discretion of the facility manager.

b) Some shipment locations may be limited-access military posts with controlled gate openings and closures. All vehicles entering and leaving military installations are subject to being searched.

Unscheduled gate closures by the Military Police may occur at any time, and personnel entering or exiting the installation may experience a delay. Under these circumstances, the Contractor shalI contact the CO, if making a pickup, or consignee, if making a delivery, for instructions. The Contractor will not be held liable for missing the specified delivery date because of an unscheduled gate closure.

N. TRANSITION OF SERVICE

1. The Contractor shall take all actions necessary to ensure a smooth transition of operations at the beginning and end of the contract, to include termination or normal expiration of the contract. Coordination and cooperation with the predecessor/successor contractors and/or Government activities are essential to ensure an orderly and efficient transition of services, Problems encountered in the transition of operations shall be reported to the CO.

2. The Contractor shall provide to the CO a transition plan to ensure the efficient and thorough transfer of data from predecessor contractors and or Government operations. The plan shall be provided to the CO a minimum of 90 calendar days prior to the last day of the previous contract period and shall identify the nature and extent of the transition activities required and the time frame for accomplishing each activity.

3. If the Contractor is involved in an emergency response at the time the contract ends, the Contractor shall accept movement orders for shipment up to the last day of the contract and is responsible to complete the shipments. The Contractor may request that the last day be advanced to accommodate transition between the Contractor and its successor, subject to joint agreement between the CO and all other parties. Unless otherwise specified, the contractor shall provide to the successor contractor or to the Government, paper and electronic copies of shipment information for all undelivered shipments on or before the contract expiration date. The transfer of these files shall be coordinated through the COTR.

O. SHIPMENT ROUTING, SCHEDULING, AND TAILORED LOGISTICS SERVICES

1. All shipments referred to the Contractor shall be routed, scheduled, managed, and controlled from receipt of shipment request through delivery. Complete shipping documentation shall be in accordance with acceptable commercial practices and applicable Federal and State laws.

2. The Contractor shall evaluate the data provided for each shipment request and determine the appropriate mode and carrier to provide the required service. The Contractor shall advise the CO or COTR prior to routing or scheduling the shipment if shipment data are incomplete, insufficient, or inconsistent.

3. The Contractor shall coordinate with the CO or COTR to arrange scheduled pickup locations and times.

The Contractor may recommend procedural changes that could lead to more efficient shipment processing, transaction processing, or improved services. Implementation of Contractor recommendations will be at no cost to the Government and must be approved by the CO.

P. EQUIPMENT POOL

Pool equipment may be required at some shipping activities. The size of the pool shall depend on the government's requirements. After evaluation of the equipment pool needs, the contractor may offer an alternative proposal to meet pool requirements. Charges for detention at origin or destination, for vehicles furnished but not used, will not apply to pool equipment.

Q. SEIZURE OF CARGO

The Contractor agrees that it shall not assert any type of lien on any property shipped under this contract. The Contractor further agrees that it shall not take any action to seize, arrest, hold, or otherwise detain any shipment through any judicial process in the United States, its territories or possessions or through any other means whatsoever.

R. SAFETY

1. The Contractor shall comply with all Federal, State, and local authorities having jurisdiction and with safety and fire regulations promulgated by the Department of Labor (OSHA) under Title 29, Section 1910 of the Code of Federal Regulations. The Contractor is solely responsible for compliance and cost of compliance with Federal, State, and local laws and regulations pertaining to environmental protection; occupational health and safety; and the transportation, storage, and disposal of hazardous materials and hazardous waste.

2. Shippers will be responsible for certifying hazardous materials shipments prior to pick up. If the Contractor repacks any shipment containing hazardous materials or selects a mode other than that for which the shipper prepared the shipment, then the contractor shall be responsible for any over packing required and for certifying the shipment. Title 49 CFR Parts 171-175 and 176-178 governs the packaging and transportation of hazardous materials. The Contractor will comply fully with additionally applicable terms of this contract, including Clause 3.6.3-3, "Hazardous Material Identification and Material Safety Data."

3. The Contractor shall provide written notification to the CO within 24 hours of being notified by any Federal, State, or local agency that a safety law and/or regulation has been violated. This report shall provide at a minimum the following: time and date of occurrence, who discovered the violation, a description of the violation, required corrective action(s), and a projected correction date.

4. Delays either caused by the contractor's need to comply with laws or resulting from failure to comply with laws shall not excuse failure to complete tasks.

5. The Contractor shall notify the CO within 24 hours of each accident that occurs at shipper locations or enroute involving injury to a contractor or subcontractor employee. The Contractor shall provide the CO with the following information within 48 hours of the incident:

a) A written description of the accident, including the location of the accident and the names of the individuals involved.

b) Copies of any police reports regarding the accident.

c) Copies of any reports filed with the contractor's insurance carrier(s) regarding the accident. In addition, within 14 days of the incident, the Contractor shall provide the CO with a summarized explanation of the occurrence and corrective action(s) that have been taken.

6. In the event the Contractor violates Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) or Occupational Health Administration (OSHA) regulations, the Contractor shall be held responsible and shall hold the U.S.

Government harmless from any and all administrative and financial involvement. The Contractor shall perform, and is responsible for, all necessary cleanup and treatment costs.

7. Vehicle registration may be required on U.S. Government installations. All vehicles operated in support of this contract shall be registered, insured, licensed, and safety-inspected in accordance with all Federal, State, and local requirements.

8. The Contractor shall ensure that appropriate personnel have driver's licenses as mandated by Federal, State, and local laws.

S. COST ESTIMATES/PRICING

1. The contractor shall furnish the Contracting Officer with a price breakdown for each Task Order in writing. Unless otherwise directed, the breakdown shall be in sufficient detail to permit an analysis of all material, labor, equipment, subcontract, and overhead costs, as well as profit, and shall cover all work.

2. Cost estimates/pricing associated with this statement of work are subject to review and approval by the government. The Contractor shall provide fair and reasonable charges for services performed under this contract.

T. CONFIDENTIALITY AND NONDISCLOSURE

1. It is agreed that:

a) The draft and final deliverables and all associated working papers, application source code, and other material deemed relevant by APHIS which has been generated by the contractor in the performance of these tasks are the exclusive property of the U. S. Government and shall be submitted to APHIS at the conclusion of the tasks.

b) APHIS will be the sole authorized source for releasing verbally or in writing any data, the draft deliverables, final deliverables, or any other written or printed materials pertaining to this task order.

No information shall be released by the selected contractor. Any request for information relating to these tasks presented to the selected contractor shall be submitted to APHIS for response.

c) Press releases, marketing material, or any other printed or electronic documentation related to this project shall not be publicized without the written approval of APHIS.

U. EXERCISE REQUIREMENTS

1. The contractor shall be available for unscheduled exercises and notification drills to demonstrate preparedness throughout the term on this contract. These exercises include;

a. Notification drills: To demonstrate call out procedures, availability of personnel, and to conference call all details required to transport supplies to a named location. Maximum frequency is 6 per year.

b. Partial deployment exercise: Test call out procedures, correctly load and move of a push pack from storage, generate a load plan, position…