October 31 2025_SOLICITATION QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Fuel Oil Testing-RFP 693JF725R000007..pdf

Question # Document Reference Section Reference Discussion/Question Answer

1 Page 25 Small Business Restriction: Is this RFP restricted to small businesses with annual global revenue under $19M USD?

See 52.204-8 Annual Representations and Certifications (DEC 2022)

2 Page 20

Subcontracting Limitations: *As per clause FAR 52.219-14 - Limitations on Subcontracting, small businesses that are under the annual sales volume threshold can sublet up to 49.99% of their scope of work. Please verify if this clause is applicable in this RFP or is MARAD looking to have zero subletting by the primary service provider? *If subcontracting is allowed, are there any specific limitations and requirements for subcontractors outside of

FAR 52.219-14?

FAR Clause 52.219-14, Limitations on Subcontracting is applicable to this RFP. See the answer to question no. 3 issued in the Question and Answer document dated October 24, 2025.

Expected Sample Volumes: * Please confirm expected sample volumes for forecasting and pricing model development purposes.

There is no way to predict an exact number of samples expected per year. The number of samples depends on the operational tempo of MARAD ships to be coverd under this contract.

2.0 Technical requirements Marine Fuels Testing Capability: * Clause 2.5 states, "The contractor's laboratory(ies) must be capable of testing all commercially available marine fuels." Does this include LNG, Methanol and Ammonia? Please provide a list of marine fuels expected to be tested.

Testing Requirements: * The document does not explicitly outline metals required to be tested. Please confirm if there is a list of metals required to be reported (for example Aluminum)? *What types of non-traditional/forensic analysis may be needed for this RFP?

* Can pricing for these services be excluded in the RFP and be provided on a case by case basis in the future?

Normal testing will meet the requirements in Attachment 1 and 2 at a minimum.

The contractor shall be capable of conducting forensic analysis of unidentified material that may be discovered in the fuel oil sample coming from anywhere within fuel oil systems including, machinery, piping, storage tanks, etc.

Examples of non-traditional / forensic testing: Biological contamination, Chemical contamination, Separability Number (or ASTM D7061).

Pricing for these services can not be excluded in the RFP and can not be provided on a case-by-case in the future. Offerors submitting proposals shall provide pricing by the date and time specified in the Amendment to the Solicitation.

Section C-Descriptions and Specifications Training and Support Clarification: * Section C of the Statement of Work mentions that the contractor shall provide "training and support to Government personnel and vessel representatives on proper sampling, labeling, storage, and shipment procedures." Could MARAD please clarify: The expected frequency and format of such training (e.g., one-time per site, recurring annually, virtual vs. in-person)? The approximate number of personnel or vessels to be trained? And whether training materials (manuals, presentations, etc.) are to be developed by the contractor or provided by MARAD?

Training is to be a minimum of 4 sessions every other year.

Training sessions can be requested to be in person or in person with virtual capability (TEAMS, ZOOM, ect).

The contractor can anticipate 10 to 20 people attending training sessions.

The Contactor is required to provide all training materials.

Clarification on Contract Extensions: Clause 52.217-9 allows for the extension of the contract term. Could MARAD please provide more details on the conditions and process for requesting and obtaining contract extensions?

FAR Clause 52.217-9, Option to Extend the Term of the Contract states (a) The Government may extend the term of this contract by written notice to the Contractor within 15 days; provided that the Government gives the Contractor a preliminary written notice of its intent to extend at least 15 days before the contract expires. The preliminary notice does not commit the Government to an extension;

(b)If the Government exercises this option, the extended contract shall be considered to include this option clause; and (c) The total duration of this contract, including the exercise of any options under this clause, shall not exceed 5 years.

Reporting and Communication: * What are the specific reporting requirements and communication protocols that the contractor must follow? *Are there any preferred formats or systems for submitting reports?

The contractor is required to provide a web-based accessible site containing test results and program information. The contractor is required to email the results to the vessel.

All request for services and supplies must be approved by the Contracting Officer’s Representative

(COR).

There is no specified format for submitting reports.

Performance Metrics and KPIs: Please clarify the key performance indicators (KPIs) and metrics that will be used to evaluate the contractor's performance throughout the contract period.

10 Page 29 Section L- Instructions, Conditions, and Notices to Bidders Will the bids be sent directly to you or through the iSupplier portal? Offerors must email proposals to Lisa Miles at Lisa.Miles@DOT.gov in accordance with the instructions and by the due date and time specified in the Amendment to the Solicitation.

11 Request offer due date extension, for subject RFP, to 11/21/25. Yes. Pursuant to Amendment 001 the due date and time for submission of offers is extended to November 21, 2025 at 4:00 pm EST.

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Issued on Oct 31, 2025 for Solicitation 693JF725R000007 to Establish a Fuel Oil Quality Management Program and to Test Marine Fuel Oils and Bunkers.

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