Q and A Amendment No.2 RFP 693JF726R000016-URN Vessel Design Challenge.pdf

Solicitation No. 693JF726R000016 URN-Vessel Design Challenge

Amendment No. 2

The purpose of amendment no. 2 is to respond to the following questions.

Question-4.

Is MARAD open to all forms of propulsion to gain fuel efficiencies - for example, hybrid diesel-electric equipment with electric motors and batteries?

Response-4.

There are no limits or specific requirements for the type of propulsion or fuel. Technologies, including fuels and propulsion, should be centered around performance and demonstrating the feasibility and economic achievability of these combined approaches and should be dictated by capacity needs set by industry requirements (tug capacity, crew capacity, operations support, range, TEU, cargo etc.). Designs should note specifically the technology readiness level and the commercial availability of any technologies used.

Question-5.

Under the Eligibility Information section of the subject notice, it states that the opportunity is "open to all types of domestic applicants other than individuals."

In reviewing the statutory definition of a “domestic source” under 50 U.S.C. § 4555(7), “the term “domestic source” means a business concern— (A) that performs in the United States or Canada substantially all of the research and development, engineering, manufacturing, and production activities required of such business concern under a contract with the United States relating to a critical component or a critical technology item.”

Based on this definition, which appears to include qualifying Canadian businesses as domestic sources for certain USG

Response-5.

For the purposes of this RFP a domestic applicant is considered to be a contractor organized or existing under the laws of the United States. Keep in mind that the RFP states preference will be given to proposals with team leads represented by U.S. companies, those with U.S. headquarters, and those operating under the U.S. flag; the RFP does not exclude those with team leads or team members outside the U.S. "

Question-6.

Confidentiality of design information: Our understanding is that the final report and presentation will be publicly shared, while sensitive supporting information, such as calculations, design plans and drawings, modeling results, technology details, and cost information, can be provided to MARAD without being made public. The terms and conditions, however, grant MARAD broad rights to reproduce, distribute, and display project materials. Could you clarify whether sensitive design information submitted during the project can be designated and maintained as confidential, and whether MARAD’s rights to distribute it would be limited?

Response-6.

Confidential business information or sensitive design information will not be shared publicly without permission. Prior to publication, MARAD and the project team will discuss the extent and limits of the information that will be shared.

Question-7.

Subcontracting limits: Are there any restrictions on the value or proportion of work that may be subcontracted to organizations outside the named project team, such as model testing facilities or noise specialists?

Response-7.

The proposed project team should include all intended team members including those that would be subcontracted such as testing facilities or noise specialists. The specifics of subcontract awards are not determined by the MARAD project manager.

Question-8.

Work outside the United States: May project funds be used to subcontract specialized work outside the United States? If so, are there limits on the type or value of that work?

Response-8.

The proposed project team should include all proposed team members. Preference will be given to those team leads represented by U.S. companies, those with U.S. headquarters, and those operating under the U.S. flag. There is no specific requirement for subcontractors.