MOT003_RFP_Q&A_Matrix_1.pdf

RFP 70Z02318RMOT00300

Questions and Answers

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Text Question Answer

1 Att. 7, para. 2 Both volumes shall be on an 8x11 sheet. Does the USCG mean 8.5 x 11? Yes. Attachment 7, Proposal Page Limit, Copies, has been updated.

2 Att. 7, para. 2 Both volumes shall be on an 8x11 sheet (11” x 17” for drawings), with a font size of Arial 11

Can graphics, table, and caption font be of a smaller font size? Can headings be of a larger font size?

Yes. Attachment 7, Proposal Page Limit, Copies, has been updated.

3 Att. 7, para. 2 Both volumes shall be on an 8x11 sheet (11” x 17” for drawings), with a font size of Arial 11

Can supplemental data be provided on 11” x 17” (e.g. weight estimate tables)?

Attachment 7, Proposal Page Limit, Copies, has been updated to allow calculations to be provided on an 11x17 sheet.

4 Att. 7, para. 2 The page limit for Volume I is 50 pages (25 double-sided pages) total, not including the following documents: Table of Contents, Compliance Matrix, Renderings, General Arrangements and System Drawings.

Is the Executive Summary not included in the 50 page limit, similar to the Table of Contents, Compliance Matrix, Renderings, etc.?

An executive summary is not required. If an executive summary is provided, it will be included in the 50 page limit.

5 Att. 7, paras. 1 and 2

The page limit for Volume I is 50 pages (25 double-sided pages) total, not including the following documents: Table of Contents, Compliance Matrix, Renderings, General Arrangements and System Drawings.

Renderings are mentioned in para. 2 of this section. However, they are not included in the “in addition to the narratives” list of documents. It is assumed that renderings are to be included in the Appendix.

No. Attachment 7, Proposal Page Limit, Copies, has been updated to remove renderings from the page limit exclusion. If renderings are provided, they will be included in the 50 page limit.

6 Att. 7, para. 1,

pg. 3

Provide the stability calculations of the proposed CB-L.

Submit a weight estimate of the proposed CB-L. It shall include the weight and center of gravity for each of the loading conditions listed in Statement of Work Section 096-3.

Provide Structural system ISO 12215-5 calculations for the proposed

CB-L.

Claims should be supported by calculations or comparisons to the parent craft or other existing craft with similar characteristics.

Due to the length of these documents, can they be included in the Appendix and not count toward the total page count?

Yes. Attachment 7, Proposal Page Limit, Copies, has been updated to add calculations (e.g., stability, weights, centers of gravity, structural stability) to the page limit exclusions, provided that the vendor also summarizes their results in the main body of Volume I, which does count toward the 50-page limit.

7 Att. 7, 52.212- 2 (iii) and (v)

(iii) Past Performance

(v) Total Evaluated Price

Section 52.212-2 (iv) is not listed. Is this a typographical error or is para. iv omitted?

Yes. Attachment 7, 52.212-2, has been updated.

8 Att. 7, para. 2,

pg. 6

Both volumes shall include a Compliance Matrix mapping the Offeror’s proposal sections to the respective parts of the solicitation (e.g. , SOW, specification, evaluation factors).

To which heading level of the SOW and Specification should the Compliance Matrix reference (e.g. 040 vs. 040-1)?

Attachment 7, Proposal Page Limit, Copies, has been updated to remove the Compliance Matrix requirement for the entire proposal.

Matrix is required for Attachment 2 (CB-L specification) mapping down to the lowest numerical paragraph marking.

9 Att. 7, para. 1,

pg. 4

Describe the quality practices that will be employed to ensure that critical logistics functions are accomplished.

Can the Government please define the term “critical logistics functions”?

Attachment 7, Instruction for Proposal Content, has been updated to clarify quality assurance in regards to logistics functions.

10 Att. 4, Pricing Worksheet, Item No. 04 and 05

Training and Travel for Training (FFP) Att. 7 does not require a narrative regarding Training. Was this an intentional omission or would the USCG allow for inclusion in Volume I with additional page count allocation?

Attachment 7, Instruction for Proposal Content, has been updated to require a narrative regarding Training. No additional page count allocation will be granted.

11 Att. 1, Section 096-3.1.1

Lightship Weight Condition: Weight of the boat and outfit items without fuel or people. Engine and propulsion system lubricants are at normal operating levels.

What is included in the “weight of the boat” and “outfit items”?

Specifically, are weapons outlined in Attachment 2- Section 703, and lift systems outlined in Attachment 2- Section 582-5 included in the Lightship Weight?

Attachment 1, Section 096-3.1.1, has been updated to identify what items are included in the Lightship Weight Condition.

12 Att. 2, Section 071-1.7

Access shall be provided to bilge areas. Bilge areas are those that are below the static waterline in the full load condition as per SOW Section 096-3. Access is to ensure that bilges can be checked for water content and completely dewatered and wiped clean of any residue.

Bilge access points shall provide access to the lowest point of the bilge when the CB-L rests in a level position. The crew shall be able to access bilges for inspection and damage control without the use of tools.

As is common of vessel of this size and configuration, areas such as beneath the installed fuel tank and engine bed cannot meet this requirement. Can the Government please clarify the scope of this requirement?

Attachment 2, Section 071-1.6, has been updated to clarify access to bilge spaces.

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13 Att. 2, Section 075-1.5

All Contractor supplied nuts shall be self-locking of the plastic insert type nuts or all metal locking nuts of distorted type to prevent loosening of fasteners due to shock and vibration.

May self-locking screws/bolts be used in lieu of self-locking nuts in blind nut applications?

No. Attachment 2, Section 075-1.5, has been updated to prohibit the use of self-locking fasteners in blind applications.

14 Att. 2, Section 233-2.1

The engine shall be equipped with a Fast Lube Oil Change-out System (FLOCS). The system shall consist of required piping/hose, fittings, portable pump, etc. for removal of lubricating oil from the marine diesel engine.

Is the portable pump to be included in the vessel light ship weight? No. Attachment 1, Section 096-3.1.1, has been updated to identify what items are included in the Lightship Weight Condition.

15 Att. 2, Section 505-3.5

All valve handles shall be stainless steel. The industry standard for garden hose fittings is brass composition.

CB-L specification section 256-1.3, requires the use of garden hose fitting attachments. Any stainless steel valve in direct contact would represent a potential for galvanic corrosion. Contractor recommends an exception for the connection of garden hose fitting per 256-1.3 and 505-3.5

Attachment 2, Section 505-3, requires that the raw water system garden hose cooling connection valve, including its handle, shall be made of stainless steel. An exception is not granted.

16 Att. 2, Section 529-1.7

Each bilge pump discharge shall incorporate a check valve that is installed in accordance with the OEM recommendations.

Many bilge pump OEMs explicitly forbid check valve installation in line with bilge pump discharge. Recommend option for use of siphon loops.

No. Attachment 2, Section 529-1.7, requires each bilge pump discharge to incorporate a check valve. The vendor shall select a bilge pump from an OEM which does not explicitly forbid the installation of a check valve in line with the discharge.

17 Att. 2, Section 555-1.2

The engine compartment shall have a sight port to inspect the space visually for fire and a small opening port to discharge the fire extinguisher into the engine compartment without opening the main engine access hatch.

Can sight port and fire extinguisher port be one in the same? Yes. Attachment 2, Section 555-1.2, has been updated.

18 Att. 2, Section 581-2.1.1

The forward anchor/tow post and the supporting deck structure shall be designed with a factor of safety of 1.5 on the ultimate as-welded yield strength of the fitting material under an applied load equal to breaking strength of the specified line, applied in any direction. Coast Guard reserves the right to test the fitting by loading it to 125% of the breaking strength of the specified line. The horns of the tow post shall be a single continuous extra strong pipe or solid bar running through the vertical tow post. If the tow post is not completely sealed it shall be provided with a drain at the lowest point.

Contractor assumes subject safety factor is applied to material as welded yield strength. Recommend the word "ultimate" is removed.

Attachment 2, Section 581-2.1.1, does not include "ultimate" in describing the as-welded yield strength. The word "ultimate" in this section was used in the pre-solicitation specification published on 10 May 2017 which was superseded by the RFP.

19 Att. 2, Section 910-1.13

Lifting eyes shall be provided for lifting the trailer with boat by a crane or securing the trailer with boat to the deck of a cutter.

Subject specification implies that the trailer must be capable of lifting the boat rather than utilizing the boat lift fittings to lift the boat and strapped on trailer. Please clarify strength criteria for trailer and trailer lift fittings.

Attachment 2, Sections 582-4.1 and 910-1.9.2 have been updated to specify that when the boat and trailer are hoisted together, the boat lifting eyes are used as lift points.

20 Att. 2, Section 631-2.2.1 & 631-2.2.2

The surface preparation shall be by abrasive blast to bare metal with clean, fine aluminum oxide, garnet, or equivalent inert material conforming to CID A-A-59316, Type I & IV / (1.5-2.5) or SSPC-SP

WJ-2/NACE WJ-2.

The coating system shall be with two coats of a High Build Epoxy, black in color (Fed-Std-595C # 17038) at 5 mils Dry Film Thickness (DFT) qualified for use under MIL-PRF-23236 or MIL-PRF-24647.

The side sheet faying surfaces on CB-OTH are coated with an epoxy that is qualified for use under MIL-PRF-23236 and MIL-PRF-24647.

The application data sheet allows for surface preparation by power tool cleaning (SSPC SP-3) to achieve the required surface anchor profile. Is SSPC SP-3 power tool cleaning acceptable for surface preparation for CB-L, providing it meets the OEM requirements for the coating system?

No.

21 Att. 2, Section 631-2.1

A faying surface is the contacting surfaces or faces of two similar or dissimilar materials placed in tight contact to form a joint that may be able to collect moisture. These surfaces shall be coated for corrosion resistance.

Contractor assumes structural components 100% welded-on components are not considered a faying surface since no moisture can be trapped between the surfaces. Would the Government consider the use of bedding compound (e.g. one-part polyurethane) on non-welded components an acceptable alternative?

Yes. Attachment 2, Section 631-2.2, has been updated to clarify the definition of a faying surface.

Yes. Attachment 2, Section 631-2.3.2, has been updated to clarify when a bedding compound may be used.

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22 If the offerors plans to employ a subcontractor or teaming partner for key portions of the contract work, (e.g. vessel hull design, operator training, fendering system design & supply), may the offeror be allowed to submit additional Past Performance References and Questionnaires for the subcontractor/partner, in addition to the maximum 3 references for the offeror? These additional Past Performance References will help the government better understand the full capabilities of the offeror together with its proposed teaming partners/subcontractors.

No.

23 Should the Compliance Matrix address each individual item of the Specification and the SOW (this would be a very large document), or is the Compliance Matrix only intended to address the Threshold and Objective Characteristics on page 2 of the CB-L Provisions document?

See question 8.

24 RFP

Attachments 2 and 7

There is an inconsistency between RFP attachments 2 and 7, related to the objective and threshold requirements. Attachment 2 descopes the objective and threshold separation and sets required values at the threshold limits from the draft RFP, while attachment 7 maintains separate objective and threshold requirements. Please clarify whether or not Attachment 7 has outlined a true objective requirement for Attachment 2, or if there are typographical errors in the RFP documents.

All distinctions between threshold and objective values were deliberately descoped from Attachment 2, and consolidated in the table on page 2 of Attachment 7. Attachment 7 contains objectives for selected performance characteristics, and shows how they differ from the corresponding threshold values. These are true objective requirements, and not typographical errors. The Government intends to incorporate items from the winning proposal which exceed threshold requirements into the as-awarded specification.

25 Att. 2, Section 088-4.1, 660- 1.4.2, 660- 1.4.3, & 660- 1.4.4

Section 088-4.1 specifies that the CB-L shall be designed to allow completion of all operations by personnel with a hip/knee breadth (seated) of 28 inches. Section 660-1.4.2 specifies that seats shall maintain a minimum leg/knee clearance of 7 inches.

This creates a requirement that personnel be spaced 42 inches apart laterally if they are to be seated next to one another, resulting in a difficult design situation for vessels restricted in overall beam. It is also in conflict with Section 660-1.4.3 which requires that if high-density saddle style seats are utilized, they should be configured a minimum spacing of 26” laterally from center to center. This is more in line with seating manufacturer’s recommended spacing.

Additionally, Section 660-1.4.4 states that seats arranged side by-side shall have a minimum of 3 inches between armrests or the outermost part of each seat and that the sitting hip/knee breadth of a 95th percentile male in full PPE is 26”. What is the required lateral seat spacing for saddle style seats? What is the required lateral seat spacing for more traditional/bench style seating

Attachment 2, Section 088-4.1, has been updated to the correct hip/knee breadth dimension.

Attachment 2, Section 660-1.4.2, has been updated to clarify the 7" leg and knee clearance requirement.

Attachment 2, Section 660-1.4.3, has been updated to clarify the lateral spacing for seats with armrests or other lateral attachments.

Attachment 2, Section 660-1.4.4, has been updated to clarify the lateral spacing for seats without armrests or other lateral attachments.

Attachment 2, Section 660-1.4.5, has been added to clarify bench seat requirements.

26 Att.1 SOW 089-1

089-1.1) “The Contractor shall provide one day of training at each delivery location within two (2) days of the boat being delivered”, (089-1.3) Operator Familiarization Training……(089-1.4) Maintainer Familiarization Training…

Is the CG’s expectation that there will be one day of training that covers both Operator Familiarization and Maintainer Familiarization?

Or is the expectation one day of Operator Familiarization and one day of Maintainer Familiarization training? Approximately how many students will be in a training class?

Attachment 1, Section 089-1.1, has been updated with the addition of Section 089-1.1.2 to clarify Operational and Maintainer training requirements.

27 Att. 2, Section 582-4.5

The two transom tie down points shall be located on the transom below the fendering and above the waterline in the Performance Weight Condition. They shall be sized and arranges to be used with the trailer straps to secure the boat down to the trailer.

The requirement to have the fender system above the static water line was removed from section 114. However, in section 582–4.5 it calls for the transom trailer tiedowns to be located below the fendering and above the waterline. This would conflict with having the aft portion of the collar be below the waterline for stability.

Attachment 2, Section 582-4.5, has been updated by removing the waterline requirement.

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28 Att. 2, Section 410-3.3

Controls and displays identified on the Control Criticality Table (Table 410-1) as “Viewable and Reachable” shall be within 35 degrees left and right of center and 25 degrees above and 35 degrees below the horizontal line of sight for the Coxswain and Navigator positions

There are wireless Crew Communications Systems that use a clip on two-button nearly 100% tactile interface. However, it is clipped to an operator's gear, resulting in an interface that is not visible within the prescribed requirements. Would the Government consider an exception for tactile interfaces without an operational display?

Yes. Attachment 2, Table 410-1, has been updated to allow certain exceptions for tactile interfaces.

29 Att. 1, Section 041-4.1

Engineering Change Proposal (ECP) - The Contractor can propose changes to the FCB or the PCB on the Contractor's own initiative by submitting a DD Form 1692 supplied as GFI. Before the Contractor submits an ECP, the Contractor shall request an ECP number from the USCG Configuration Manager. The first ECP number will be in this format, “ECP-101”.

Cannot identify acronym definition for "FCB". Attachment 1, Section 042-1.7, has been added to define this term.

30 Att. 1, Section 092-5.1.2

The Underway Trials are to verify that the CB-L is safe and seaworthy in all respects, and that the boat meets the contract performance requirements underway. If USCG participates, the Contractor may limit the number of USCG representatives on board the boat during underway trials to one. Underway Trials shall not last for more than 10 hours without the opportunity to change out USCG observers.

It is highly likely that not all sea states will be available to test seaworthiness for all contract performance requirements. What is the Government’s position is this regard?

Attachment 1, Sections 092-5.1.2, 092-5.5 and 092-5.5.3, have been updated. There is no requirement to test in any sea state above sea state 0.

31 Att. 2, Section 073-1.2

Noise levels shall be measured with noise dosimetry Type II equipment at the five forward facing seating positions at head level while in the seated position. Testing at each location shall be over a minimum of 15 minutes.

Shall testing be completed for all sea trial conditions? Wind noise in some conditions may not be able to be tested and may exceed stated thresholds; (i.e. 30 knot wind speeds per section 051-2.5)

No. Attachment 2, Section 073-1.1, has been revised to clarify that noise dosimetry Type II testing shall be conducted in Sea State 1 or less.

32 Att. 2, Section 075-1.2

No fasteners shall be directly threaded into aluminum alloys. Stainless steel helical coil inserts or stainless steel pressed-in threaded inserts shall be used when direct threading is required.

For pressed-in threaded inserts, does the assumed concern regarding thread galling outweigh the probable impacted of galvanic corrosion due to attached dissimilar metals?

Yes.

33 Att. 2, Section 261-1.2

The fuel system shall have the capability to be mechanically or electrically primed

Must the system be primed with or without assistance from propulsion package (i.e. fuel pump)?

Attachment 2, Section 261-1.2, has been updated to clarify that the fuel system shall have the capability to be primed without the engine running.

34 Att. 2, Section 505-1.4

Non-metallic through hull fittings shall not be used in any form. The marine industry standards have long included polypropylene glass reinforced through hull fitting meeting and exceeding the requirements of ABYC. Would not the potential for galvanic corrosion of attached dissimilar metal depose dissimilar metal through hole fittings in favor of equivalent inert material based fittings?

Metallic through-hull fittings are required due to the nature of USCG operations (e.g., coming alongside steel-hulled commercial vessels).

35 Att. 2, Section 167-1

Hatches shall be designed so that they do not permanently distort and leak under operational conditions. Hatches shall be arranged so they are held open allowing free access to the space. Hatch fasteners, latches and/or hinges shall be flush to the deck to eliminate tripping hazards.

Shall hold opens include flush mounted deck hatches? Can deck hatches simply be completely removable?

Attachment 2, Section 167-1.4, has been updated to address the use of hold-opens for flush mounted deck hatches and requirements for removable deck hatches.

36 Att. 2, Section 581-2.2 & 582- 1.1

Several specifications require “polished” surfaces. Please define the term “polished”. Attachment 2, Sections 581-2.2 and 582-1.1, have been updated to specify the maximum allowable surface roughness to which these surfaces must be polished.