CB-L__210-225__-_Prospective_Offeror_Questions.pdf

Prospective Offeror Questions:

1. The Draft RFP specifications state that “The CB-L shall meet the stability and buoyancy requirements of ISO 12217-1:2015 Category B, Option 3.” This standard excludes inflatable and rigid-inflatable boats, and would prohibit the proposal of a RIB with an inflatable collar.

Will the CG consider the stability requirements of ISO 6185-3:2014, “Type VIII: Powered Boats (with power > 75 kW) fitted with a buoyancy tube attached to the port and starboard sides, suitable for navigation in conditions of Design Category B capable of installing motor power rating of 75 kW and greater” as an acceptable alternative stability standard to 12217- 1:2015 in the case of a RIB with inflatable collar?

Coast Guard answer: For a non fully-enclosed boat, ISO 6185 refers back to the stability requirements of ISO 12217-1. In ISO 6185 Section 7.3, paragraph 7.3.1 “Except as described in 7.3.2 for boats which are fully enclosed, the static stability shall comply with the sub-clauses of ISO 12217-1:2013 as specified in Table 3.”

2. The Draft RFP specification states that “The (loudhailer) system shall be independent of other communication systems except the system shall interface with the crew communication system, see Spec Section 441-2.” Many Commercial VHF radios, including the model specified by the USCG in the specification, have an integrated loudhailer feature. This feature is currently used on the 17’ CB-M and 20’ CB-L vessels. Requiring the loudhailer to be a standalone system requires additional space and weight in the console and results in additional cost, and availability of marinized loudhailers with the ability to connect to a BCCS is limited. Will the CG consider revising the specification to allow the loudhailer to be integrated with the Commercial VHF radio? The Tactical VHF radio will still be available for hailing vessels.

Coast Guard answer: No

3. The SINS 2 package offers 7” and 12” Multifunction Display (MFD) models. Does the USCG have a preference?

Coast Guard answer: Our current draft specification has a 7” listed.

4. The draft pricing worksheet requests a fixed price for Operator & Maintainer training, including travel. The cost of traveling to the various delivery locations varies wildly, and bidding a fixed price which includes travel to all locations is a significant risk to the contractors. Will the USCG consider revising the pricing spreadsheet to request a fixed price for the Training, excluding travel, and request pricing for travel for each training location separately?

Coast Guard answer: The USCG is reviewing alternatives for training travel. The RFP will indicate the pricing structure for training travel.

5. Where should the cost of shipping boats to delivery locations be included? Again, the cost varies significantly by location, with shipping rates to Alaska being exceptionally expensive and difficult to coordinate. Bidding a fixed price will artificially drive the cost per boat or per shipping event up to compensate for these high cost locations.

Coast Guard answer: The USCG is reviewing alternatives for delivery pricing. The RFP will indicate the pricing structure for shipping.

6. Will the USCG allow boats to be delivered towed on their own trailers? This will significantly reduce shipping costs for delivery locations near the place of manufacture.

Coast Guard answer: The USCG is reviewing alternatives for delivery. The RFP will indicate the required delivery method.

7. What is the expected release date of the CB-L solicitation?

Coast Guard answer: The RFP is expected to be release late December/early January.

8. Is there a specific reason for the multiple RFI's in support of the CB-L solicitation?

Coast Guard answer: There were multiple RFI's due to the Government updating and refining the requirements.

9. How long will vendors have to respond to the solicitation?

Coast Guard answer: Based on input from prospective offerors, the Government is anticipating a 45 day timeframe to prepare and submit proposals. The Government does not anticipate granting extension requests.

10. Will the Government provide a mishap list in support of small boats?

Coast Guard answer: The Government has considered providing MISHAP information and has determined it would delay the acquisition without providing significant gain.

11. Will the evaluation be based upon LPTA or Trade-off?

Coast Guard answer: The Government currently anticipates that the evaluation will be a trade-off however, the RFP will indicate if the evaluation will be based upon LPTA or Trade- Off.

12. Is there a down select process and will there be a competition amongst the vendors?

Coast Guard answer: The solicitation will not include a down-select process.

13. Will the Government evaluate total ownership cost?

Coast Guard answer: The RFP will indicate the evaluation criteria.

14. When will the technical deliverables be required?

Coast Guard answer: The RFP will include a deliverable schedule.

15. How many boats are anticipated?

Coast Guard answer: The Government has 36 boats identified for replacement on four cutter classes and there may be orders for additional boats based on operation performance.