Questions and Answers for CAPE T Layberthing Solicitation 693JF724B000001.docx

Questions and Answers for CAPE T Layberthing Solicitation 693JF724B000001

1. SF 1447 Box 5 is not checked - Is this solicitation an IFB or an RFP? This is an Invitation for Bids (IFB). See SAM.gov for the MS TEAMS invite and Call number.

2. SF 1447 Box 8 provides an NAISC code of 541380, which is used for Testing Laboratories and Service and is inappropriate for layberthing services and provides for a size standard of $19 million. The appropriate code is NAISC code of 488390 which provides for a size standard of $47 million. The NAICS CODE is hereby Corrected to 488390.

3. C-4, (D) provides for the following NEPA requirements: "The successful bidder will be responsible for the completion of MARAD’s NEPA documentation, in collaboration with MARAD’s NEPA Coordinator in the Office of Environmental Compliance, prior to execution of the contract award”. Please clarify what is required by “completion of MARAD’s NEPA documentation”. MARAD can’t answer the question until we know what work will be required. For example, if the only improvements they need to house our vessels are electric upgrades, that would likely be a Categorical Exclusion. If they need pier repairs that include in water work, that would likely be an Environmental Assessment. For any federal project, there is a requirement to complete NEPA pursuant to 40 C.F.R. § 1500. This is an evaluation of the potential for environmental impacts from the project. The Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) updated its implementing NEPA regulations on May 1, 2024 (effective July 1, 2024). MARAD’s current NEPA procedures are attached but note that they will be updated before June 2025 and future projects will be required to adhere to the revised procedures.

4. C-4 (E) 4 - provides for 50’ clearance from channel if a vessel is berthed parallel to the channel. This will exclude facilities currently layberthing up to 10 vessels (see Table A below), which will EXTREMELY restrict competition by excluding an otherwise efficient and safe layberth, as has been demonstrated in the past and have been approved by local pilots. The requirement should NOT be included in any layberthing solicitation. No change in solicitation. Requirement to remain.

5. C-5, (A) 2. Provides that no parking can be closer than 100 feet from a vessel. This will exclude facilities currently layberthing up to 41 vessels (see Table B below), which will EXTREMELY restrict competition by excluding an otherwise efficient and safe layberth, as has been demonstrated in the past. Parking should be allowed on the pier, near the vessel. MARAD changed the language from prior solicitations from recommended to shall. MARAD changed the language in C-5 (A) 2 from: “The parking area shall be no closer than 100 feet to the nearest vessel and no farther than 500 feet from the nearest vessel and must meet the criteria specified below” to “The parking area shall be no closer than 50 feet (100 feet recommended) to the nearest vessel and no farther than 500 feet from the nearest vessel and must meet the criteria specified below. In increased MARSEC Levels or Force Protection Conditions MARAD may require a greater distance.”.

6. C-5 (B) 8 and 9 provide for garbage and recycle services. Garbage requires a 4 yd container and recycle requires an 8 yd container. Based on experience, if the 2 are the same size, the garbage fills up MUCH faster than recycle. We feel that there should be an 8 yd container for garbage and a 4 yd container for recycle. MARAD will change the language in C-5 (B) 8 from: “The Contractor shall provide for pier side garbage collection. An industrial size dumpster (minimum size shall be 4.0 cubic yards), shall be located within 100 feet of the gangway base of each ship.” to The Contractor shall provide for pier side garbage collection. An industrial size dumpster (minimum size shall be 8.0 cubic yards), shall be located within 100 feet of the gangway base of each ship.”.

7. C-5 (B) 11 provides for hydrant service of 1500 GPM at 100 psi. This is a Class AA hydrant and is EXTREMELY expensive if not already available at a layberth facility. Previous MARAD specs provided that if firefighting first responders can be on site within 15 minutes that this requirement would be satisfied. Also, it provides that flow test is required, if applicable. The only way it wouldn’t be applicable if hydrants weren’t required. Please clarify. MARAD will add the additional language to C-5 (B) 11: “This requirement is satisfied if a local firefighting agency can provide pumps or pumper truck on site and functional at the layberth within 15 minutes after receiving an alarm.”

8. C-12. 3 provides that the fence must be designed to restrict unauthorized access to no close than 100 feet to the vessel. This will exclude facilities currently layberthing up to 41 vessels (see Table B below), which will EXTREMELY restrict competition by excluding an otherwise efficient and safe layberth, as has been demonstrated in the past. This requirement should provide that the fence should restrict unauthorized access. The recommended distance is 100 feet, required distance is 50 feet for ISC and UFC 4-010-01. MARAD will change the language in C-12 (A) 3. b from “The fence shall be designed, constructed, installed, and maintained to prevent unauthorized personnel and vehicles from approaching closer than 100 feet to the vessel(s). However, any placement of the fence must take into account that a minimum of 35 feet is required to provide adequate room for two-way traffic of AASHTO HS-20-44 vehicles.” to “The fence shall be designed, constructed, installed, and maintained to prevent unauthorized personnel and vehicles from approaching closer than 50 feet (100 feet recommended) to the vessel(s). However, any placement of the fence must take into account that 1) a minimum of 35 feet is required to provide adequate room for two-way traffic of AASHTO HS-20-44 vehicles and 2) a minimum of 15 feet is required to provide for adequate room for bollards and utilities.”.

9. C-12, 5 provides that the contractor will provide 24/7 security guard service. Every other MARAD layberth under contract now has either a guard for 8 hours per day, 5 days per week and some layberths have no security guard at all. Please clarify that this is MARAD’s minimum requirement for a layberth. If so, it will ADD SUBSTANTIAL costs to a layberth contract. No change in solicitation clarification is that the layberth operator will be solely responsible for security and the Ship Manager will no longer supply additional security.

10. C-12, 6 provides the lighting specifications. Again, this spec seems overkill as previous MARAD specs have been for 1 FC and in some place, it calls for 10 times that amount. This will increase costs significantly. No change in solicitation. Requirement to remain per UFC 3-530-01.

11. Can responses be electronically sent? MARAD requires public bid openings to be physical copies to be received before the end of the solicitation opening. MARAD does not have a system in place for electronic commerce as per FAR Policy.