Vessel Inspection Surveys Solicitation Q A - 2026-06-18.docx

MARAD Vessel Inspection Surveys Q & A Solicitation 693JF726R000014

1. Document availability

• Will MARAD provide all prior class reports, service reports, class certificates, maintenance records, and operational logs?

A: Documents will be available on the ship.

• Or is the inspection team expected to obtain some of these independently from the vessel, operator, ABS, or another source?

A: Contractor is not expected to obtain records independently.

2. Handling missing or incomplete records

• If records are unavailable, incomplete, outdated, or inconsistent, is that to be documented as a deficiency, a limitation of inspection, or a government-furnished information gap?

A: Yes, should be documented as a deficiency, limitation of inspection or government-furnished information gap.

3. Required lookback period for records review

• What period is to be reviewed for maintenance, prior inspections, drydocking history, and operational logs?

• This needs to be defined to avoid inconsistent effort assumptions.

A: Last 5 years.

4. Definition of “current” logs

• The SOW requires operational logs to be current, but it does not define what “current” means for Ready Reserve / ROS vessels.

A: Log books required to be kept for operational data.

5. Deficiency threshold

• What specifically qualifies as a reportable deficiency?

• Any deviation from best practice, only material condition problems, only mission-impacting issues, or only items tied to regulatory/class concerns?

A: C-Status Levels: C2 Minor Mission Degradation of a Primary Mission Capability, C3 Major Degradation of a Primary Mission Capability, C4 Total Loss of a Primary Mission Capability. Includes items tied to regulatory/class concerns.

6. Risk assessment standard

• The requirement to assess each deficiency against 5-day activation and 180-day cargo operations is important, but the method is not defined.

• A standard risk matrix or rating approach should be established.

A: Can the ship activate within 5 days and sustain 180-days of cargo operations. Use C-Status Levels listed above. Contractor to develop their own risk matrix.

7. Priority definitions

• The categories Critical / High / Medium / Low are listed, but no definitions are provided.

• These should be tied to safety, readiness, regulatory exposure, repair urgency, or mission impact.

A: Contractor may apply Critical / High / Medium / Low category priorities at their discretion using C-Status levels and tied to safety, readiness, regulatory exposure, repair urgency, or mission impact.

8. Regulatory baseline

• What compliance framework is the contractor expected to use when assessing deficiencies and readiness?

• ABS, USCG, SOLAS/MARPOL as applicable, MARAD internal expectations, or a combination?

A: As per commercial practices

9. Scheduling language

• The requirement to submit proposed inspection dates appears under the “Inspection Findings and Deficiencies” section.

• That appears misplaced and should likely be handled as a planning/coordination item rather than a reporting deficiency item.

A: MARAD will provide a list of upcoming Dock Trials for the vessels

10. Extent of repair planning and cost estimates

• Is the expectation rough-order-of-magnitude repair pricing for all deficiencies, or only major items?

• This could significantly affect post-inspection reporting effort.

A: Contractor to provide repair planning and rough order of magnitude cost estimates for major items only.

11. This will be a one-year FFP IDIQ contract for up to six MARAD vessels.

· For evaluation purposes, should offerors assume pricing based on six vessel inspections, even though fewer task orders may ultimately be issued?

A: Yes, assume pricing based on six vessel inspections.

12. CLIN 0001 – Price: Established per Task Order.

· Should offerors propose a single fixed price per vessel inspection, or may pricing vary by vessel class and/or geographic location at the task order level?

A: Propose a single fixed price per vessel inspection.

13. Costs and CLINs

· Other than travel, are any additional ODCs anticipated or allowable under CLIN 0002, or should all non‑travel costs be included in CLIN 0001?

A: All non-travel costs should be included in CLIN 0001

14. Any entity, other than ABS, meeting the qualifications may be considered for award

· Does the restriction regarding ABS apply only to prime contractors, or does it also prohibit the use of ABS as a subcontractor or consultant?

A: Use of ABS as a subcontractor or consultant is prohibited.

15. Six (6) vessels may be selected for inspection from the three classes listed below.

· Will specific vessel hull numbers and locations be identified at task order issuance, and should offerors assume any vessel within the listed classes for pricing?

A: Specific vessel names and locations will be identified at task order issuance. Offerors should assume any vessel within the listed classes for pricing.

16. Six (6) vessels may be selected for inspection from the three classes listed below.

· Will specific vessel hull numbers and locations be identified at task order issuance, and should offerors assume any vessel within the listed classes for pricing?

A: Specific vessel names and locations will be identified at task order issuance. Offerors should assume any vessel within the listed classes for pricing.

17. For each vessel, the inspections are to be scheduled during a monthly Dock Trial

· If a Dock Trial is delayed or unavailable, will MARAD allow schedule adjustments without performance penalty?

A: If a Dock Trial is delayed, MARAD will allow schedule adjustments without performance penalty.

18. All Deficiencies shall be provided with an assessment of risk based on the ship’s ability to be activated within a 5-day window

· Will MARAD provide a standardized activation‑readiness risk framework, or may offerors apply professional judgment and propose their own methodology?

A: C-Status Levels: C2 Minor Mission Degradation of a Primary Mission Capability, C3 Major Degradation of a Primary Mission Capability, C4 Total Loss of a Primary Mission Capability. Offerors should apply professional judgment and propose own methodology.

19. Estimated costs for repairs (if possible)

· Are repair cost estimates expected to be ROM‑level only, with no contractor liability for variance?

A: Repair cost estimates are expected to be rough order of magnitude-level only, with no contractor liability for variance.

20. All firms must supply a sample copy of their vessel inspection report

· May offerors redact proprietary or client‑identifying information from the sample report while still demonstrating full SOW compliance?

A: Yes, may redact proprietary or client-identifying information from the sample report.

21. Technical proposal with a maximum of seven (7) pages exclusive of the vessel inspection report

· Do tables, charts, and graphics count toward the seven‑page technical limit, and can MARAD confirm that resumes are excluded?

A: Tables, charts, and graphics do not count toward the seven-page technical proposal limit. It is confirmed that resumes are excluded from the 7 page limit.

22. Period of Performance

· Please confirm current anticipated Period of Performance.

A: The current Period of Performance is anticipated to start 01AUG26 for the duration of 1 year.

23. The following information will be provided to determine the scope of the on-site inspections

· a. 2.1.1 Vessel Info Past Report Bullet: Are USCG 835's to be included, and are past and present (open) findings to be provided?

· b. 2.1.2 Required Documentation: Class Certs says "verify all relevant class certificates and regulatory compliance documents. Will MARAD provide as indicated or is this contractor requirement? SAME for the second and third bullet.

A: Yes, MARAD will provide documentation.

24. Inspections are to be scheduled during monthly Dock trials to allow machinery to be observed in operation.

· Therefore, likely no Dry Dock periods. Is underwater inspection not occurring? Would a UWIILD survey (underwater in lieu of Drydock) be expected to be carried out at dock?

A: No UWILD will be conducted. Underwater inspection is not occurring during this inspection.

25. Assess areas that are critical to structural strength, such as bulkheads, frames, and support beams.

· Is this a visual assessment only or is the contractor providing calculations for structural strength?

A: No calculations necessary.

26. Submit a plan for dates of inspections to the Ships Operations and Maintenance Officers (SOMOs) to be coordinated via area division COR. MARAD will reply within 3 business days confirmation of schedule or provide alternate date(s) of inspection.

· Is this applicable to the planning of the original inspection or does MARAD require an additional inspection to plan deficiencies inspections?

A: MARAD will provide a list of dock trial dates for vessels. MARAD does not require an additional inspection for deficiency inspections.

27. A timeline of necessary repairs and maintenance. - Estimated costs for repairs (if possible), including material and labor costs.

· Does MARAD expect these repairs to be done in a US Yard?

A: Yes, repairs to be completed in the United States.

28. Post-report consultation: Be available for follow-up discussions with the MARAD regarding the report, including answering questions or clarifying recommendations.

· What would be the timeframe for MARAD follow-up? 10 days? 30 days?

A: 30 Days

29. Deliverables accepted by COR within 10 business days of receipt.

· See above question. Does acceptance include MARAD questions and clarifying recommendations?

A: Draft report to be delivered within 45 days after vessel inspection, followed by a period of 30-days for follow up discussions with MARAD regarding the report, including answering questions or clarifying recommendations. The final report shall be submitted to the COR who will provide acceptance within 10 business days of receipt.

30. Deliverables accepted by COR within 10 business days of receipt.

· See above question. Does acceptance include MARAD questions and clarifying recommendations?

A: Draft report to be delivered within 45 days after vessel inspection, followed by a period of 30-days for follow up discussions with MARAD regarding the report, including answering questions or clarifying recommendations. The final report shall be submitted to the COR who will provide acceptance within 10 business days of receipt.

31. Period of Performance

· Period of performance is listed as 04/30/2026 to 04/29/2027. Please confirm that these will be be changed to start after contract is awarded.

A: The Period of Performance will be updated when the contract is awarded and is anticipated to start 01AUG26 for the duration of 1 year.

32. Period of Performance

· Period of performance is listed as 04/30/2026 to 04/29/2027. Please confirm that these will be changed to start after contract is awarded.

A: The Period of Performance will be updated when the contract is awarded and is anticipated to start 01AUG26 for the duration of 1 year.

33. Notice for scheduling inspections

· How much notice does MARAD expect when scheduling an inspection?

A: MARAD will provide a list of upcoming dock trial dates soon after contract award for contractor to coordinate inspection schedules.

34. Thickness Measurements

· Does every vessel that MARAD intends to inspect under this contract have steel thickness inspections in the past 5 years?

A: Gauging reports per ABS requirements available

35. Hull Condition

· Does MARAD forsee the winning company taking new thickness measurements to confirm the previous inspections?

A: No

36. Number of vessels

· Solicitation states that MARAD may select six vessels. Does MARAD foresee selecting less than 6 vessels for inspection?

A: No

37. Duration of onsite inspections

· Our assumption is that the onsite inspection portion will take 2 days with a team of inspectors. Is this MARADs?

A: Onsite inspections will be conducted during dock trials which typically last 3-5 days.

38. Sample Reports

· For submitting the sample report does MARAD want to see a sample of a previous completed report or a sample of a blank report made for an RRF vessel with our assumptions of what equipment is onboard?

A: Please submit a sample of a previously completed report.

39. Electrical system inspection

· Is this electrical system inspection intended to be a visual inspection and paperwork verification or are there electrical tests that MARAD intends to request?

A: Methodology and scope are up to the contractor to ensure equipment is in good order

40. Access to drawings/class/USCG documents

· Will we have access to drawings/class/USCG documents prior to attending? Only while in attendance? Are these documents electronic or paper copies?

A: MARAD will provide electronic copies as requested

41. Taking photographs while on the vessel

· Are there any restrictions to taking photographs while on the vessel?

A: There are no restrictions for taking photographs needed to complete the inspection and the report while on the vessel.

42. Interactions with the vessel crew

· When interacting with the vessel crew are there any restrictions on what can be said about the purpose of these inspections?

A: There are no restrictions on what can be said to the vessel crew about the purpose of these inspections.

43. Period of Performance

· The Period of Performance listed on page 2 has expired, what is the anticipated start date?

A: The Period of Performance is anticipated to start 01AUG26 for a duration of 1 year.

44. Incumbent

· Is there an incumbent contractor?

A: No

45. Invoice schedule

· What is the invoice schedule?

A: Contractor shall invoice upon acceptance of each final report per ship.

46. Pricing format for labor

· CLIN 0001 states the ‘Price: Established per task order” The RFP requires a price proposal. What is the method and format for pricing the RFP labor; T&M rates for labor categories? Estimated hours?

A: Offeror shall submit a fixed price to complete the SOW per ship.

47. Pricing for travel

· CLIN 00002 Travel is TBD; how do we price CLIN 00002 for the proposal submittal A: Assume 6 ships from locations listed in 2.1.1 Watson Class (6ea): Baltimore, MD, Norfolk, VA, New Orleans, LA, Vancouver, WA Bob Hope Class (5ea): Newport News, VA, Portland, OR Cape S class (5ea): Norfolk, VA, San Francisco, CA

48. Travel labor pricing

· CLIN 00001 Labor and Direct Reimbursables: The location of the vessel inspections is TBD which affects the travel labor pricing; how does the offeror price labor based on travel TBD?

A: For bidding purposes, assume 1 ship in New Orleans, LA, 2 ships in Norfolk, VA area, 2 ships in San Francisco, 1 ship in Portland, OR / Vancouver, WA

49. Pricing for complete onsite inspection

· Price Proposal states “The rates for one complete inspection for one complete site visit.” This sentence appears incomplete; what is the meaning of this statement?

A: Price to complete a study for one ship, including an onsite inspection site visit.

50. Equipment operation

· For equipment that will be observed while its running, will MARAD provide the equipment operators? How does MARAD want to address equipment that is visually inspected but not run?

A: Ship’s crew will operate equipment during dock trial. For equipment that is visually inspected but not run, contractor will provide observation notes in static condition.

51. Drawings and documentation shared after award

· Will system as-builts, modifications, SRDs, ABS and USCG inspection records, ship maintenance records, current Coast Guard 835s, etc. be shared upon request after award but prior to selection of the vessels for inspection?

A: Documents will be provided after award as vessels are selected.

52. Level of detail for estimated cost of repairs

· What level of detail regarding the estimated cost for repairs is required?

A: Rough order of magnitude

53. Hull inspection

· Thickness Measurements - states to review the most recent UT gauges. Is the contractor also required to conduct a UT analysis? An underwater inspection?

A: The contractor is not required to conduct a UT analysis nor an underwater inspection.

· Tanks and Coatings Inspections - Does MARAD have a plan for the inaccessible areas or confined spaces such as Voids. Who will open and gas free these spaces?

A: Ship will open and gas free tanks and voids.

· The vessel inspections will take place during dock trials. The exterior hull inspection can be done visually above the waterline. Is it expected that the water line and below inspection will be done internally? If so, is there a plan for interferences such as compartment insulation?

A: The contractor will inspect internally as feasible without removing interferences.

54. Electrical system

· Is this to include all associated cabling?

A: No. Inspect the main electrical panels, circuit breakers, and safety systems to ensure they are in good order.

· Is this to include a Thermal IR Survey of all Panels and Breakers to look for anomalies in temperature?

A: No, but thermal reports available upon request.

· For the inspection of Switchboards, Panels, breakers, etc. – will MARAD provide personnel to remove and re-install the enclosure covers so the contractor can access the internals of the equipment for inspection or is the Contractor responsible for this?

A: Ship’s crew will remove and re-install enclosure covers.

55. Piping and valves

· Is the contractor required to take UT readings to check for corrosion?

A: If the contractor deems necessary to assess material condition.

· For the equipment of the piping systems. There will be a visual inspection, will system operation be done so that proper operation is observed? Will all valves be cycled and safety devices operated? Will all of this be done by Marad during the inspection?

A: Yes, systems will be operated with all valves cycled and safety devices operated. Will be operated by ship’s crew.

56. Piping and valves

· For the HVAC system, a visual inspection will be accomplished and the systems turned on and inspected for proper operation. Will MARAD run the HVAC system A: Yes, ship’s crew will operate HVAC system as able.

· Will the HVAC system need to have air flow recorded, to have heating systems checked, compartment insulation reviewed?

A: Yes.

56. Safety equipment

· Navigational Equipment - Does an actual calibration of the navigation equipment need to be accomplished or is the contractor to verify that calibration stickers are current/up to date A: The contractor is to verify that calibration stickers are current and up to date.

57. Past performance questionnaires

· Past Performance instructs offerors to download the questionnaires from the attachments section; there are no attachments aside from the RFP. Please advise A: Past Performance Questionnaires will be uploaded.

58. Format for reports

· Does MARAD have a particular format or forms that they want used? Have there been inspections on vessels of this class already or similar vessels that can be provided as samples to show format/expectations.

A: No, MARAD does not have a particular format or forms to be used. There have not be similar inspections on these vessels.