RFP_no._70Z02319RM0202400.pdf

RFP No. 70Z02319RM0202400 Page 18

SECTION B – Services and Price/Cost

1.0 GENERAL

The purpose of this solicitation is to procure Recreational Boat Testing and Compliance inspection services in support of the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG), Boating and Safety Division

(CG-BSX-2), Recreational Boat Testing and Compliance Program (RBTCP) in accordance with

(IAW) Section C – Statement of Work (SOW). The North American Industry Classification

System (NAICS) code for this solicitation is 541330 – Engineering Services.

2.0 PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

The period of performance is one (1) one-year base period with four (4) one-year option periods from the date of award plus a six (6) month option to extend services.

3.0 PROCEDURES

This solicitation follows the procedures of FAR Part 12 and FAR Part 15.

4.0 CONTRACT TYPE

This will be a firm-fixed price (FFP) contract.

5.0 PRICING

The Government is requesting pricing information for the full 5 years and the 6 month option period.

See Standard Form (SF) 33 for a list of line item numbers and items, quantities, and units of measure, including options.

The Offeror’s program management, recreational boat compliance factory inspections, retailer vists, recreational boat and trade show compliance inspections, to include obtaining recreational boats and associated marine equipment from the manufacturer for recommendations to USCG, and any independent laboratory testing to support federal minimum safety standards found in 33

CFR Part 183 for services, will be incorporated into the contract as separate contract line item numbers (CLIN) as each (EA) for quantities or as a lot (LO) for other direct costs (ODC).

(End of Section B)

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SECTION C – Statement of Work (SOW)

UNITED STATES COAST GUARD

RECREATIONAL BOAT TESTING AND COMPLIANCE PROGRAM (RBTCP)

BOATING SAFETY DIVISION AND PRODUCT ASSURANCE BRANCH

1.0 GENERAL

1.1 SCOPE.

The purpose of this requirement is to acquire technical and management services for the USCG’s

Recreational Boat Testing and Compliance Program (RBTCP) for the Nation’s approximately

3,000 recreational boat manufacturers. This work consists of testing recreational boats that are less than 20 feet in length, associated marine equipment, and specialized boats and equipment manufactured for sale in the United States. The contractor acquires boats and equipment before testing, and sells or disposes of boats and equipment after testing. Compliance inspections are conducted at boat manufacturing facilities, retail operations, boat shows, and as part of recreational boat post-accident investigations. Boats tested may be outboard (O/B), inboard

(I/B), stern drive, or manually powered. The USCG does not normally test airboats, test canoes, racing boats, or catamarans; however, at times circumstances may dictate that certain tests on these types of boats be conducted. Areas enforced through the RBTCP include defect notifications, boat identification, safe loading, safe powering, and flotation for boats less than 20 feet in length. The RBTCP also ensures compliance with the regulations for electrical systems, gasoline fuel systems, ventilation, start-in-gear protection, and navigation lights. The contractor enters data collected from each factory visit into the U.S. Government-owned Recreational

Boating Safety Database (RBSDB).

1.2 BACKGROUND

The USCG, Office of Boating Safety Division and Product Assurance Branch (CG-BSX-2) is responsible for oversight and enforcement of Federal requirements for recreational boats and associated marine equipment. The Federal Boat Safety Act of 1971, as codified into Title 46

United States Code Chapter 43, gives the Coast Guard authority to establish minimum safety standards for recreational boats and associated equipment. The first Federal regulations were adopted from industry standards published by the American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC) and other boating industry associations. These minimum standards covered defect notifications, boat identification, safe loading, safe powering, and flotation for boats less than 20 feet in length.

Eventually, regulations for level flotation, electrical systems, gasoline fuel systems, ventilation, start-in-gear protection for outboard motors, and navigation lights were added.

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One element of oversight and enforcement is accomplished by physically testing boats and associated marine equipment for compliance with these Federal safety regulations. Boats, both new and used, are purchased on the open-market, targeting boats that are likely to fail one or more segments of the testing procedure. Once a boat has been tested and a report filed, it is repaired, and if needed, retested. If the boat passes the test it is sold. Historically, approximately

70% of all boats acquired for testing fail the initial test, and an ongoing goal of the test program is to maintain that 70% failure rate, thus identifying and removing noncompliant boats from the market. In addition to testing boats and associated equipment at their facility, the Contractor also administers testing of specialty boats and associated equipment utilizing recognized laboratories and testing facilities.

The Act also authorized the USCG to develop regulations outlining specific manufacturing requirements and to conduct inspections of recreational boat manufacturing facilities to ensure compliance with Federal boating safety regulations. The USCG launched the current RBTCP in

October 2003 and currently visits 350 factories, 200 boat dealers and approximately 5 boat shows a year to ensure boat builder compliance with federal laws and regulations. The number of recreational boat builders is constantly changing, and in order to allow the most flexibility to verify compliance with federal laws and regulations, the Coast Guard seeks to establish a minimum number of factory, dealer and boat show visits per year, with the option of adding more visits on a CY basis based on mission requirements and funding availability.

1.0 CONTRACTOR PERSONNEL

1.3.1 Project Manager. The Contractor shall provide a single Project Manager who shall be responsible for all Contractor work performed under this contract. The Project Manager is further designated as Key by the Government (see SOW 1.4).

1.3.1.1 The Project Manager shall be the single point of contact for the Contracting Officer and the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR). It is expected that the Project Manager shall be one of the senior level employees provided by the Contractor for work under this contract.

During any absence of the Project Manager, only one alternate shall have full authority to act for the Contractor on all matters relating to work performed under this contract. The Project

Manager and all designated alternates shall be able to read, write, speak, and understand English.

The Contractor shall not replace the Project Manager without prior written notification to the

COR and prior written approval of the Contracting Officer. The Project Manager must have at least four (4) years of experience in general boat construction and at least two (2) years of experience in project management.

1.3.1.2. The Project Manager shall be available to the COR via telephone between the hours of

0800 and 1700 Eastern Time, Monday through Friday, and shall respond to a request for discussion or resolution of technical problems within two (2) hours of notification.

1.3.1.2.1 All technical communications between the Contractor and the Government shall normally be through the Project Manager and the COR. At times, Compliance Inspectors may find it necessary to consult directly with a USCG Marine Investigator or Engineer for compliance or technical guidance; the Project Manager shall be responsible for ensuring all

RFP No. 70Z02319RM0202400 Page 21 technical issues raised by field Compliance Inspectors, when resolved, are posted electronically by the Project Manager in the Compliance Inspector Notations.

1.3.2 Qualified Personnel. The Contractor shall provide qualified personnel to perform all requirements specified under this contract. All Contractor employees supporting this requirement shall also be legal residents of the United States and eligible for employment. For the position of Compliance Inspector and Boat Test Engineer, each employee must use the

USCG’s established qualification process. The Personnel Qualification Standard (PQS) is provided as an appendix to this SOW. Each employee shall also pass an oral board. The COR will provide the requirements for a qualification letter to be signed by the Chief of the

Recreational Boating Product Assurance Branch (CG-BSX-23). The contractor will not allow any member to conduct the respective tasks of Factory Inspector or Boat Test Engineer on their own without a signed qualification letter.

1.3.3 Employee Conduct. Contractor employees shall present a professional appearance at all times and their conduct shall not reflect discredit upon the USCG. Each contractor employee is authorized to wear a shirt with the logo of the Coast Guard’s Office of Auxiliary & Boating

Safety. These shirts are provided at the contractor’s expense. The COR will provide the contractor with the appropriate source of supply and ordering instructions at the time of purchase.

1.3.3.1 Removing Employee for Misconduct. The Government may, at its sole discretion, direct the contractor to remove any employee for misconduct. Such removal does not relieve the contractor of the responsibility to provide the required services under this contract.

1.3.4 Employee Safety. Contractor shall ensure safety regulations are adhered to and that employees wear appropriate safety attire when visiting manufacturing sites.

1.3.5 Conflict of Interest. The Contractor shall not employ any person who is an employee of the United States Government if that employee would, or could appear to, cause a conflict of interest. All conflict of interest issues will be reported to and coordinated with the Contracting

Officer.

1.4 KEY PERSONNEL. Before replacing any individual designated as Key by the Government, the Contractor shall notify the Contracting Officer and the COR in advance, submit written justification for replacement, and provide the name and qualifications of any proposed substitute(s). All proposed substitutes shall possess qualifications equal or superior to those of the Key person being replaced. The Contractor shall not replace Key Contractor personnel without written approval and acknowledgement from the Contracting Officer. Key personnel for the anticipated contract will be the Project Manager and alternate Project Manager.

1.5 SECURITY. Contractor access to the USCG’s RBSDB is required under performance of this contract. Information contained in the database must be treated as Sensitive but

Unclassified. The RBSDB contains test results – some of which are preliminary and pending

USCG approval. In addition to this pre-decisional data, it may also contain proprietary or

RFP No. 70Z02319RM0202400 Page 22 business-confidential information. The Contractor shall not release any information in, or derived from, the RBSDB without written authorization of the Government.

1.7 PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE. The period of performance of this requirement is a one (1) year base period with four (4) one-year option periods and one (1) six month option (in accordance with FAR 52.217-8).

1.7.1 PLACE OF PERFORMANCE.

1.7.1 All work performed in accordance with recreational boat testing shall be performed at the

Contractor’s facility located within 75 miles of the Coast Guard’s Washington DC Headquarters

(2703 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave, SE, Washington DC 20593). The Contractor may engage a subcontractor to conduct secondary boat and associated equipment testing at a location determined by the subcontractor; however, the primary testing of boats must be conducted at a facility within 75 miles of the Coast Guard’s Washington DC Headquarters.

1.7.2 All work performed in accordance with recreational boat compliance inspections shall take place at individual recreational boat manufacturing and retail facilities located in the Continental

United States, Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, and any other U.S.

Territory. Additionally, compliance inspections may be conducted in Canada, Mexico or other foreign countries if mutually agreed upon between the contractor and the Coast Guard.

1.8 TRAVEL. Travel is required. The Contractor will be reimbursed for transportation expenses in accordance with the Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) – subsection 31.205-46.

1.8.1 When the Contractor expects total funding expended for travel to reach 75 percent of the total funds available on each travel Contract Line Item Number (CLIN), the Contractor shall notify the Contracting Officer. The notice shall state the estimated amount of additional funds required to continue performance for the period specified in the Schedule.

1.9 KICK-OFF MEETING. The Contractor shall attend a Kick-Off Meeting with the

Contracting Officer and the COR no later than five (5) days after the date of the award. The purpose of the Kick-Off meeting, which will be chaired by the Contracting Officer, is to discuss objectives and review the Contractor’s project plan. The Kick-Off meeting shall be held at the

Government’s facility.

1.10 PROJECT PLAN. The Contractor shall provide a draft project plan at the Kick-Off

Meeting for Government review and comment. The Contractor shall provide a final Project Plan to the COR not later than five (5) days after comments are received from the Government.

1.11 PROGRESS REPORT

The Project Manager shall provide a consolidated monthly report to the COR by the 15th of each month via email. A sample of this report will be delivered to the Contractor per GFI found in

SOW section 3.6. Monthly Boat Testing Progress Report shall include the following:

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1. Total number of boats and associated marine equipment acquired for testing;

2. Test status of boats and associated marine equipment;

3. Hull Identification Number (HIN) of each boat purchased for testing;

4. Address and telephone number of seller of the each boat (individual or dealer);

and

5. Purchase price of each boat.

6. Status of repairs for any non-compliance issues

1.11.2 The Project Manager shall provide a Monthly Boat Manufacturer Compliance

Progress Report to the COR via electronic mail. The report shall cover the period beginning on the 1st day of each month and ending on the last day of each month (i.e. each calendar month). A sample of this report will be delivered to the Contractor per GFI found in SOW section 3.6. This progress report shall be submitted to the COR by the 15th of each month via electronic mail and provide the following:

1. Number of factory inspections. This number will also provide a running number on the total number of factory inspections conducted during the contract year (e.g., 145 out of

350);

2. Deficiencies recorded by manufacturer, boat type, and length;

3. Number of repeat deficiencies by manufacturer, boat type, and length;

4. A detailed description of each issue raised by manufacturer and its resolution;

5. A listing of each technical issue with its corresponding resolution entered into the Factory

Inspector Note Database;

6. A listing of each Manufacturer’s Database listing that was updated, including the updated information (e.g., corrected address, contact telephone number); and

7. Detailed report of all factory operator comments and any issues resolved (absent USCG participation).

1.11.3 The Project Manager shall provide a Monthly Recreational Boat Retailer Compliance

Progress Report to the COR via electronic mail. The report shall cover the period beginning on the 1st day of each month and ending on the last day of each month (i.e. each calendar month). A sample of this report will be delivered to the Contractor per GFI found in SOW section 3.6. This progress report shall be submitted to the COR by the 15th of each month via electronic mail and provide the following:

1. Number of retailer visits by location. This number will also serve as a running number on the total number of retailer visits conducted during the contract year (e.g., 145 out of

200);

2. Deficiencies discovered and recorded by manufacturer, boat type, and length;

3. Number of deficiencies by manufacturer, boat type, and length;

In addition to the information above, all monthly reports shall include a summary of meetings, briefings, trips (other than inspection related) and conferences during the period of the report and those planned for the following period.

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1.11.4 The Project Manager shall provide a monthly report of all inspection activity conducted in conjunction with Recreational Boat Post Accident Inspections. A report is only necessary when post-accident inspection activity occurs. The report shall contain the following:

1. Number of post boating accident inspections attended; and

2. Number of post boating accident inspections attended with USCG Investigator(s) or

Engineer(s).

1.11.5 The Project Manager shall provide a monthly Recreational Boat Show Compliance

Report of all inspection activities conducted at any and all boat show(s) or boat exposition. A report is necessary when boat show/exposition inspection activity occurs.

1.12 PROGRESS MEETINGS. The Project Manager shall meet with the COR on a monthly basis or a less frequent schedule as determined by the COR to discuss program progress, exchange information, and resolve emergent technical problems and issues. These meetings shall normally take place at the Contractor’s facility; however, meetings may be held at the

Government location.

1.13 INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY. All data, video productions, photographs, and procedures developed by work conducted on this contract are the property of the Government.

The Contractor will not release any of this material unless the USCG gives explicit written permission for release. At the completion of this contract, all data shall be returned to the

USCG. Not later than 30 days prior to the end of the final period of performance of the contract, the Contractor shall request return/disposition instructions from the COR.

2.0 REQUIREMENTS

2.1 Project Plans, Procedures, and Manuals

2.1.1 Draft Project Plan. At the kick-off meeting the Contractor shall submit a detailed draft

Project Plan for the Contracting Officer Representative’s (COR) review. The Project Plan shall provide policies and procedures for how the Contractor shall meet all the requirements in the

SOW and provide all of the deliverables. The Project Plan shall also provide timeframes and milestones, as well as staffing guidelines.

2.1.2 Final Project Plan. Within 5 days after receiving feedback from the Government concerning the Draft Project Plan, the Contractor shall deliver for approval, a final Project Plan.

2.1.3 Standard Operating Procedures (SOP). Within 15 days after the kick-off meeting, the

Contractor shall develop a SOP for use by the Contractor’s Inspectors from existing Government established Compliance Program materials. The level of detail of inspection visits shall be further broken down into categories that reflect the complexity of the manufacturer’s operation.

The category and level of factory or retailer visit must have a direct correlation with the effort by the contractor. The Contractor shall also outline methods of collection, packaging, and shipping of boats and associated equipment samples that are collected for testing at the direction of the

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COR. The SOP shall not be implemented until approved by the Government. The COR will provide written comments on the submitted SOP within 15 days of receipt of the SOP from the contractor.

2.1.3.1 Contractor shall review the SOP annually and submit changes to the Government for review and approval. Changes are due within 30 days after the exercise of each option period.

2.1.3.1.1 Contractor shall develop an electronic record keeping and sharing system to record

“Lessons Learned,” and post it to the RBSDB. It must include a Factory Inspector Notations section for documenting issues encountered during a factory or retailer visit and describing how many issues were resolved.

2.1.4 Compliance Inspector’s Manual. Within 45 days after the kick-off meeting, the

Contractor shall submit for COR review a comprehensive Compliance Inspector’s manual describing the procedures and requirements necessary to successfully perform a factory visit while minimizing disruption to a manufacturer's operations. The COR will provide written comments to the contractor within 15 days of receipt of the manual from the contractor. The

Contractor shall establish procedures to properly document findings from completed factory and retailer visits. The completed manual will become the property of the Government.

2.2 Compliance Inspector Training. No later than 15 days after the kick-off meeting, the

Contractor shall submit for COR review a Compliance Inspector Training Plan to ensure

Compliance Inspectors are thoroughly familiar with applicable laws and regulations. At a minimum this initial training shall cover the references listed in Section 5.0. The training shall also provide Compliance Inspectors with communication, record keeping and other skills that are needed by Compliance Inspectors in order to present themselves in a professional and effective manner. The COR will provide written comments on the contractor’s Compliance Inspector training plan within 15 days of receipt from the contractor. The training shall be satisfactorily completed prior to a Compliance Inspector conducting any inspections. Documentation of each

Compliance Inspector's initial training shall be provided to the Government.

2.2.1 The Contractor shall establish and implement an annual training plan for Compliance

Inspectors. This training shall ensure that Compliance Inspectors remain current with federal laws and regulations as well as changing trends in the manufacture of recreational boats.

Training offered by organizations such as the American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC), the

National Marine Manufacturer's Association (NMMA), the National Association of State

Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA), Boat U.S., the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS), or other sources that provide technical instruction in areas relative to boat structures and marine systems can be included as part of the training plan. Before implementation, the annual training plan shall be reviewed by the COR. COR will provide written comments on the contractor’s

Compliance Inspector training program within 15 days of receipt.

2.3 Recreational Boat Compliance Inspections. Once the Final Project Plan (see Section

2.1.2), Standard Operating Procedures (see Section 2.1.3), Compliance Inspector Manual (see

Section 2.1.4) and Compliance Inspector Training (see Section 3.2) are accepted by the

Government, the Contractor shall conduct a minimum of 350 recreational boat factory

RFP No. 70Z02319RM0202400 Page 26 inspections per year and provide the USCG with a case report on each inspection. Additional inspections may be added based on funding availability and mission requirements. The

Contractor shall schedule factory compliance inspections according to the size, complexity, and type of production, geography, and the manufacturer’s history of compliance. New manufacturers and manufacturers with a history of non-compliance shall be given priority status for scheduling of visits, and the Government may direct the contractor to conduct a specific factory visit. Inspections will only be conducted at manufacturing and importer facilities that are actively manufacturing or importing boats and have products available for inspection. Repeat visits shall be scheduled only at the direction of the Government. 30% of all annual factory visits may be used for new Manufacturer’s Identification Code (MIC) holders, education visits, or physical verifications for out of business visits. Phone verification of out of business shall be invoiced on a 4 for 1 cost. By way of example, for every 4 phone verifications that a builder is no longer actively building boats, and the contractor is subsequently documenting this into the database, the contractor may invoice the government for 1 factory visit.

2.3.1 The Contractor shall designate each factory inspection as a case with a unique tracking number. Each case commences with a visit and ends when all comments, conflicts, and any other pending issues have been resolved. The format of case numbers will start with the calendar year, followed by a letter designator consisting of CG, DL, BS or MF as follows below, along with a chronological 3 digit identifier:

1. CG will be used for boat test

2. DL will be used for dealer visits

3. BS for boat shows

4. MF will be used for manufacturer visits.

For boats that require re-testing, a designator of R1, R2, and R3 will be used after the chronological number to denote how many re-tests have been done on a boat. For example, a boat test case number would be 18CG003R2. This clearly states that the boat was tested in calendar year 2018, that the CG states it’s a boat test, 003 was the 3rd boat tested, and R2 states that it is the second re-test on a boat. In this particular case, there should also be a report for

18CG003 a test, and also 18CG003R1 for the first re-test.

2.3.2 The Contractor shall develop a Recreational Boat Compliance Inspection case report format that provides essential details of each visit and each segment of the regulations the manufacturer was subject to. The format shall capture all aspects of current recreational boat manufacturing requirements as well as provide a section for updating manufacturer contact information. The Compliance Inspector shall complete this report in a draft format, which is to be completed during the factory inspection, and then enter the validated information into the computerized database no later than five (5) days after completion of each factory visit. The contractor shall keep the draft format report in a case file until it is replaced by the report from a subsequent visit. Each compliance inspection report shall be accompanied with a minimum of six (6) photographs of each boat inspected; one of which must be the boat's Hull Identification

Number (HIN).

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2.3.3 The Contractor shall use a standard letter format provided by the Government (Section 3.0) for communicating Defect Notifications, corrections to future production boats and recalls to manufacturers. These notifications shall include a method for constructive feedback from the manufacturer. The Contractor shall mail this letter to each manufacturer inspected no later than three weeks (21 calendar days) after completion of each factory inspection. Contractor shall maintain a permanent physical file for each manufacturer that contains copies of all correspondence generated during the performance period.

2.3.4 The Contractor shall develop a Recreational Boat Retailer Compliance inspection procedure that will accomplish a minimum of 200 retailer visits per year. Additional visits may be added based on funding availability and mission requirements. The purpose for retailer visits is to ensure that recreational boats offered for sale to the public comply with all outwardly visible

Federal minimum safety standards. All noted deficiencies will be forwarded to the Product

Assurance Branch for immediate action. Retailer inspections are to be accomplished in a discrete manner so as not to draw attention to the process. A minimum of ten (10) boats are to be inspected at each retailer. Retailer inspection reports will be completed in the same fashion as manufacturer reports to the greatest extent possible.

2.3.5 The Contractor shall develop a recreational boating post-accident inspection procedure to be performed at the direction of the COR. Inspections will specifically target regulatory non-compliance and manufacturer defects. Each inspection will be completed with a detailed inspection report provided to the Product Assurance Branch for forwarding to appropriate State authorities. Contractor may be assigned up to 20 post-accident inspections in any year under contract by the COR. Each recreational boating post-accident inspection will have an individual case number and tracked as such.

2.3.6 The Contractor shall develop a Recreational Boat and Trade Show Compliance

Inspection procedures that will be conducted at boat and trade shows; the contractor shall attend

10 boat shows per year. All noted deficiencies will be forwarded to the Product Assurance

Branch immediately for action. Boat Show inspections are to be accomplished in a discrete manner so as not to draw attention to the process. A minimum of 20 boats are to be inspected at each boat show. Boat Show inspection reports will be completed in the same fashion as retailer reports to the greatest extent possible.

2.3.6.1 The Contractor shall designate each Recreational Boat Show Compliance inspection as a case with its own unique tracking number. Each case commences with the visit and ends when all comments, conflicts, and other pending issues have been resolved.

2.3.7 The Contractor shall submit all data collected through factory inspections, dealer visits and boat show inspections to the Coast Guard’s RBSDB. The Coast Guard will ensure that the contractor has access to the RBSDB.

2.3.8 The Contractor shall require all persons not employed for work under this contract to sign a non-disclosure statement when afforded the opportunity to observe any inspection work accomplished in accordance with any requirement of this contract. This requirement does not

RFP No. 70Z02319RM0202400 Page 28 apply to Government employees or employees of manufacturers who are observing inspections of boats built by their employer.

2.4 Associated Material Sample Collection. When requested by the Government, the

Contractor shall collect associated boat equipment material samples used by manufacturers, and forward these samples to a testing facility specified by the Government. Purchase costs and other forwarding (shipping) expenses are reimbursable. The method of collection, packaging, and shipping instructions shall be in accordance with procedures contained in the SOP per SOW section 2.1.3.

2.5 Obtaining Recreational Boats and Associated Marine Equipment. The Contractor shall recommend to the COR candidate boats and associated marine equipment for testing. Boats shall have standard equipment and accessories supplied by the manufacturer. Recommendations shall be based on the Contractor’s judgment that there is a high probability of non-compliance with 33

CFR Part 183 and include a justification why the boat may be a failure. Upon written agreement from the COR, the Contractor shall compare prices to determine the fair market price. The

Contractor shall submit to the COR via email at least three (3) price quotes. If the boat or equipment is available from one source only (e.g. the manufacturer), then the Contractor shall submit one (1) price quote and catalogue prices for two (2) similar boats.

2.5.1 Upon written agreement from the COR, the Contractor shall buy boats and associated equipment at fair market prices. The Contractor shall submit to the COR purchasing records with its invoices. The Contractor shall obtain a manufacturer’s proof of origin (e.g. Certificate of

Origin or Manufacturer’s Statement of Origin) for each new boat purchased. The Contractor shall obtain a clear title for each used boat purchased.

2.5.2 Boats shall be purchased from a boat dealer, retailer, or manufacturer, or in the case of used boats, a private seller. Used boats are a rare exception and only with the COR’s approval. The

Contractor shall schedule the purchase of test boats with consideration to the availability of cost effective means of transportation to the test site, availability of storage at the test site, workload at the test site, and resale market opportunities. If optional equipment is offered which may have an impact on the compliance test results or the probable resale value, the Government may authorize purchase of the optional equipment. The Government, at its discretion, may select boats offered by manufacturers and individuals at no cost.

2.5.3 All purchases of boats and associated marine equipment shall be completed in a discrete manner; the Contractor shall not indicate to the seller in any way that the boat is being purchased on behalf of the USCG for compliance testing. When circumstances of the purchase of the boat make it necessary to disclose its purpose, the Contractor shall examine the purchased boat to ensure that it is representative of that type of boat available to the general public.

2.6 Transportation and Storage of Boats. The Contractor shall ensure that purchased boats are transported to the test facility. Invoices for transportation cost, records, and quotations must be retained by the Contractor and provided to the Government along with the Contractor’s invoice seeking reimbursement.

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2.6.1. The Contractor shall be responsible for storage and security of boats and associated marine equipment before, during, and after testing. The Contractor shall be accountable for all boats and associated marine equipment and must maintain a verifiable inventory at all times. Stored boats and associated marine equipment shall be sheltered to preserve their characteristics and value.

2.7 Inspection of Boats and Associated Marine Equipment. The Contractor shall, during the course of Factory Compliance inspections, Retailer inspections, and Boat Show inspections identify recreational boats and associated marine equipment that should be acquired for flotation and other testing. All flotation testing of boats must be conducted at a testing laboratory or facility capable of conducting in-water testing of boats in accordance with the USCG’s Test

Procedure Documents (see SOW 5.15). At the direction of the Government, the Contractor shall acquire the targeted recreational boat(s). A minimum of 35 recreational boats will be tested per year. Additional boat tests may be added based on funding availability and mission requirements. In addition to flotation testing, all purchased boats will be inspected for full regulatory compliance with all applicable statutory and regulatory requirements. Primary testing of boats and associated marine equipment shall be conducted at a suitable location that will accommodate the testing being performed within 75 miles of the Coast Guard Headquarters located at 2703 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave, SE, Washington DC 20593. Secondary testing subcontracted to independent laboratories may be conducted wherever practical.

2.7.1 When a boat fails flotation testing, the repaired boat shall be re-tested within 15 days after corrections to the boat have been made. Manufacturers are responsible for all repair decisions and procedures regarding the preparation of failed boats and their re-test. Boats undergoing re-test do not require a second 18-hour pre-soak. If the boat passes flotation testing and fails other aspects of the inspection, the electronic test report (see SOW 2.7.2) will reflect each aspect of the inspection failure. The boat will be retested until it passes federal regulations. If the boat fails a second retest, the third will be paid for by the government at a single test cost.

2.7.2 The Contractor shall provide an electronic test report for each boat tested. The Contractor shall retain an electronic test report file under this contract. The Test Report shall contain the following:

1. Hull Identification Number;

2. Pre-test Boat weight (obtained from calibrated scales);

3. A physical description of the boat;

4. The manufacturer’s name and address;

5. The manufacturer’s stated Maximum Capacities;

6. Test date and test values of capacities with indications of pass or fail for each test;

7. Inspection of boat for compliance with 33 CFR Parts 181 & 183

8. A sketch summarizing all test weights and their location in the boat for each safe loading and flotation test;

9. Calculations for all tests with references to the applicable parts of 33 CFR;

10. A summary sheet of test results and information, which, in the case of the paper report, must be stapled to the front inside cover of the report folder; and

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11. Color photographs of the boat, size 3 ½” x 5” minimum, that include: 1) a legible photograph of the hull identification number; 2) a legible photograph of the capacity plate; 3) a side view photograph of the boat; 4) a view showing the inside of the boat 5) a stern view of the boat; 6) a photograph of each boat test performed showing the placement of the weights within the boat. A sample test report is included as Enclosure 1. All images shall be affixed (two per page only) to a piece of white bond paper, size 8 ½” x 11”and attached to the end of the report. Boat pictures 3 & 4 shall show the boat number and hull identification number displayed by 2” white characters on a black background).

2.7.2.1 Each report shall be labeled at the top, in bold print with: MIC, Manufacturer’s name, a case designator consisting of six numbers and an alpha-numeric suffix. The first two digits of the case number must designate the current Contract Year (CY) of the funds used to purchase the boat; the third digit shall be the number 1. The final three digits, beginning with 001, shall be used throughout the life of the contract to designate the number of the boat that was tested. A suffix of R1, R2, etc., shall be added to indicate a re-test and number of re-test performed (e.g., 14123R1 designates the first re-test of boat 23 [out of 35 to be tested] that was purchased with

CY14 funds).

2.7.2.2 Each electronic test report shall consist of a computer file in Portable Document Format

(PDF) using Adobe Acrobat® Standard 2017 or higher and uploaded to the RBSDB with an email notification to the case engineer and the COR that the report is available. The electronic file name shall contain the words “Green” or “Red” corresponding to pass/fail and the case designator as described in SOW.

2.7.2.3 Not later than seven (7) calendar days after a test or re-test, the Contractor shall:

1. Send the Government an electronic copy of the cover letter and test report. The

COR will review the test report and provide the Contractor feedback in the form of approval or disapproval. If disapproved, the report will be returned to the

Contractor with COR comments attached within 7 days of receipt from the contractor. The Contractor shall return the corrected report within seven calendar of receipt of the disapproved report and COR’s comments;

2. Provide the manufacturer via U.S. Mail a paper copy of the test report with cover letter.

2.7.2.4 Test Reports for failed boats shall include the following enclosures when the report is provided to the manufacturer:

1. One Defect Non-compliance Report (DNR) form;

2. Four Campaign Update Report (CUR) forms;

3. A two-page excerpt from the United States Code (U.S.C.) that covers recall campaigns.

Master copies of the DNR and CUR shall be furnished to the Contractor by the COR at the kick-off meeting.

RFP No. 70Z02319RM0202400 Page 31

2.7.2.5 Final Notification to Manufacturer and Notification to COR of Non-Response by

Manufacturer. If the manufacturer fails to respond to the Contractor’s first boat failure report and letter within 15 calendar days of mailing, the Contractor shall send out a second letter to the boat manufacturer via Registered U.S. Mail, return receipt requested. If a reply to the second letter is not received within 15 calendar days of mailing, or is returned undeliverable, the

Contractor shall contact the COR within 5 calendar days and indicate the lack of progress in getting the manufacturer to correct the boat.

2.7.3 The Contractor shall require all persons not employed for work under this requirement to sign a non-disclosure statement when afforded the opportunity to observe any testing accomplished in accordance with any requirement of this contract. This requirement does not apply to Government employees or manufacturers employees.

2.8 Independent Laboratory Testing. Upon written direction from the COR, the Contractor shall develop work plans for independent testing and development of testing protocols to support

Federal minimum safety standards (33 CFR Part 183). The Contractor shall provide support in accomplishing testing and development utilizing government furnished boats and associated equipment; or, in the event that government furnished equipment is not satisfactory to complete a particular requirement, procurement of boats and associated equipment is authorized in accordance with SOW section 2.5.

2.9 The Contractor may allow the manufacturer to repair boats at their test facility at the discretion of the contractor. However, in most cases, repair work will be performed offsite. If a boat is released to the manufacturer for repairs, the Contractor is not authorized to bill the

Government or seek reimbursement from the Government for such transportation costs. Prior to release of the boat, the Contractor must obtain written agreement from the manufacturer stating that said manufacturer will return the boat to the Contractor's facility for re-testing within 30 calendar days. The agreement shall also state the name and title of the person taking possession of the boat for transportation and the name and telephone number of the manufacturer’s representative that will be responsible for the boat. The Contractor shall notify the Government within seven (7) calendar days after the boat has been released to the manufacturer and within seven (7) calendar days of the boat’s return. If more than twenty-five (25) calendar days is required to repair the boat, the Contractor shall notify the COR of the expected return date of the boat for re-testing.

2.10 Post Test Sale or Destruction of Boats and Associated Marine Equipment. Purchased boats shall be sold or destroyed after testing.

2.10.1 Boats that pass initial testing and boats that are repaired and passed after a failure may be sold at the Contractor's discretion.

2.10.2 Boats selected for destruction shall be destroyed in a manner that prevents later use in the water. In some cases a boat may not be able to be repaired to a level where it meets federal requirements, because:

RFP No. 70Z02319RM0202400 Page 32

The boat builder goes out of business voluntarily;

The boat builder’s MIC is suspended or revoked by the Coast Guard and the boat builder does not take the necessary steps to get their MIC reinstated; or

Some other unusual circumstance that prohibits the sale of the boat after testing.

If any of these instances occur, the contractor may request 100% reimbursement of the full cost of the boat and then subsequently destroy the boat. The Contractor shall, at least 7 calendar days prior to the planned destruction date, request destruction approval from the COR and Contracting

Officer by email providing details of the destruction method, place, and time. The Government will notify the Contractor of approval/disapproval of destruction of each boat within five (5) calendar days of receipt of the Contractor’s destruction request. For boats approved for destruction, the Contractor shall take one photograph of each boat before, during, and at the completion of destruction to serve as proof the destruction was completed. Each picture shall include a placard identifying the boat number, hull identification number, and date of destruction. The contractor shall be responsible for removal of destroyed boats to the local landfill. The Government will reimburse the Contractor for the full purchase price of any boat that must be destroyed.

In addition, tested boats that cannot be sold may be donated to organizations that work directly with the USCG’s boating safety mission. This decision will only be determined by the COR. All costs of transportation shall be the burden of the organization seeking the donation.

2.10.3 Boats that are provided at no cost will be returned to the manufacturer or individual upon completion of testing.

2.12 Optional Testing. The Contractor may conduct testing of boats and associated equipment on behalf of, or sponsored by, other governmental agencies (Federal and State) at the direction of the Contracting Officer and witnessed by the COR. This work requirement will be accompanied by an addendum to the SOW, which will outline requirements necessary for completion.

3.0 GOVERNMENT FURNISHED INFORMATION AND PROPERTY. At the Kick-off meeting, the Government will provide:

3.1 Current Procedures and Policies for Factory Visits including the Boat Builder’s Handbook in electronic format (see SOW section 5.0).

3.2 Master copies of the DNR and CUR Forms.

3.3 Templates of cover letters used for various test result possibilities – e.g., initial test pass, initial test fail, re-test fail, re-test pass – with address, date, and case number to be filled in by the

Contractor.

3.4 Factory Inspector and Boat Test Engineer PQS program.

RFP No. 70Z02319RM0202400 Page 33

3.5 Example Factory Inspection Compliance checklist

3.6 Example of Progress Reports.

4.0 CONTRACTOR FURNISHED EQUIPMENT AND PROPERTY. The Contractor shall furnish all labor, tools, materials, safety equipment and clothing, supplies, hardware, software, computers, internet access, communications equipment, other associated calibrated tools and equipment, and any other materials or facilities not specified necessary to perform all aspects of the requirements except for what is provided under SOW 4.0.

5.0 REFERENCES

The following federal regulations and documents shall serve as reference materials used by

Compliance Inspectors during visits to recreational boat manufacturing facilities and as the basis for Compliance Associate training.

Document Title

5.1 33 CFR Part 159 Marine Sanitation Devices

5.2 33 CFR Part 179 Defect Notification

5.3 33 CFR Part 181 Manufacturer Requirements

5.4 33 CFR Part 183 Boats and Associated Equipment

5.5 33 CFR Parts 84 Navigation Lights

5.6 46 CFR Subpart 25.30 Fire Extinguishing Equipment

5.7 46 CFR Subpart 25.35 Backfire Flame Control

5.8 46 CFR Subpart 25.40 Ventilation

5.9 46 CFR Subpart 58.10 Backfire Flame Control

5.10 46 USC Chapter 43 Recreational Vessels

5.11 Commandant Manufacturers Identification Code List

5.12 Commandant COMDTINST M16761; Boating Standards

Manual

5.13 Commandant NTIS Report No. CG-B-001-80; Safe Powering

Standard Test Procedure

5.14 Commandant NTIS Report No. CG-B-002-80; Safe Loading

Standard Test Procedure

5.15 Commandant NTIS Report No. CG-B-003-80; Flotation Standard

Test Procedure

(End of Seciton C)

RFP No. 70Z02319RM0202400 Page 34

SECTION D – Packaging and Marking

Reserved - Not applicable

SECTION E – Inspection and Acceptance

See Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP).

RFP No. 70Z02319RM0202400 Page 35

SECTION F – Deliveries and Performance

DELIVERABLES / EVENTS

Item SOW Ref. Deliverable/Event Due Date

1. 1.9 Kick-off meeting NLT 5 days after receipt of contract award

2. 2.1.1 Draft Project Plan At kick-off meeting

3. 2.1.2 Final Project Plan NLT 5 days after comments are received from the

Government

4. 1.11 Monthly Boat Testing Progress Report 15th day of each month

5. 1.11.2 Monthly Boat Manufacturer

Compliance Progress Report

15th day of each month

6. 1.11.3 Monthly Recreational Boat Retailer

Compliance Progress Report

15th day of the month

7. 1.11.4 Recreational Boat Post Accident

Inspections

15th day of the month following when post-accident inspection activity occurs.

8. 1.9.5 Recreational Boat Show Compliance

Report

15th day of the month following when boat show inspection activity occurs.

9. 2.1.3 Standard Operating Procedure NLT 15 days after kick-off meeting

10. 2.1.4 Compliance Inspector's Manual NLT 45 days after kick-off meeting

11. 2.2 Compliance Inspector Training Plan NLT 15 days after kick-off meeting

12. 2.7.2.4 Test Reports NLT 7 days after test or re-test

13. 2.7.2.5 Final Notification to Manufacturer NLT 30 days after initial delivery of test report

14. 2.7.2.5 Notification to COR of Non-response by Manufacturer

NLT 10 days after initial delivery of test report

16. 2.12 Optional Testing NLT contract completion date.

(End of Section F)

RFP No. 70Z02319RM0202400 Page 36

SECTION G – Contract Administration Data

INVOICE SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS

On a monthly basis, if all services are in compliance with the contract, the contractor may submit an invoice for the amount of support services provided. Invoices shall be consistent with established unit prices per CLIN and/or within the total not-to-exceed CLIN limit. If services are not in compliance with the contract, payment will be withheld on those associated CLINs until in compliance with the contract.

(a) Each invoice shall contain the following information:

(1) Contract Number (70Z02319CM0202400)

(2) Name of the Contract Specialist (Christopher Wellons)

(3) Invoice Routing Code (IRC) provided in paragraph (b) below

(4) Status as a Small Business (if applicable) for accelerated payment

(b) The Invoice Routing Code (IRC) is: CG-9122

(c) Each invoice must be submitted to the designated billing office via one of the following modes (listed in descending order of preference):

(1) Coast Guard Finance Center (FINCEN) Website invoice receipt form:

http://www.fincen.uscg.mil/electron.htm

(2) Mail to:

COMMERCIAL INVOICES

U.S. COAST GUARD FINANCE CENTER

1430A KRISTINA WAY

CHESAPEAKE, VA 23326

(d) To facilitate processing, invoices and any supporting information submitted electronically using the FINCEN web based invoice submission capability must be submitted as a single Adobe .pdf formatted file, unless otherwise specified in the contract.

(e) Prior to submittal to the designated billing office, supporting documentation and a copy of the invoice shall be e-mailed to the COR at:

William.Y.Hillyer@uscg.mil http://www.fincen.uscg.mil/electron.htm mailto:William.Y.Hillyer@uscg.mil