70Z02325ICICC1100 - RFI.pdf

Ship Management and Training Support Services RFI

REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI)

Market Research – Ship Management and Training Support Services

Introduction The United States Coast Guard (USCG) is conducting market research to identify sources capable of providing ship management, training, maintenance, crew services, and associated support for the M/V AIVIQ, a specialized vessel soon to be incorporated into the Coast Guard fleet. This effort may result in a new contract awarded on a sole source or competitive basis, depending on the responses received.

This RFI is issued solely for information and planning purposes and does not constitute a Request for Proposals (RFP). The government may use responses to inform the acquisition strategy and whether to proceed with a sole source or competitive solicitation. Responding to this RFI does not guarantee the respondent will receive a contract. The government is not liable for any costs incurred by respondents in preparing responses.

Background The Coast Guard is in the process of acquiring the ice capable anchor handling vessel M/V AIVIQ and is seeking information regarding comprehensive ship management support and training services.

The M/V AIVIQ is a complex, ABS-classed Polar Class 3 offshore vessel originally designed for Arctic operations. It is currently undergoing reactivation and outfitting, resulting in unique mechanical, electrical, and structural configurations.

Following this initial effort, the government requires comprehensive ship management and training support services to ensure vessel availability, readiness, compliance with regulatory and environmental standards, and the cost-effective management of parts and consumables.

Requirements Services in consideration include the following.

A. Ship Management

The crewing, operation, and maintenance of the vessel both in-port and underway, providing licensed commercial mariners conducting at sea operations, vessel maintenance and sustainment, and management services. The assigned crew will train Coast Guard personnel on the safe operation, machinery operation, safety procedures, emergency protocols, maintenance, and sustainment of the vessel, including hands-on training sessions while underway. This includes the execution of operations in both open and ice-covered waters and the implementation of safety and security procedures to ensure safe and efficient operation of the vessel, in compliance with regulatory and environmental requirements.

B. Crew Training (Land-Based)

The development and implementation of specialized simulator courses, labs, and engineering training for Coast Guard personnel assigned to operate and sustain the vessel.

C. Advisory Support

Providing vessel-specific information and data to the Coast Guard crew to strengthen their individual and institutional capability to safely and efficiently operate the vessel in open and ice covered water conditions, including during ice trials and similar events. This shall include two bridge and two engine room personnel.

D. System Stock, Spares, Consumables, and Outfitting

Includes the procurement and management of spare parts, system stock, equipment, consumables, and outfitting necessary for the operation and maintenance of the vessel to ensure it remains operationally capable and safe.

Response Instructions Responses should be submitted electronically in PDF format to Kayode.A.Adewole@uscg.mil and Christopher.A.Wellons@uscg.mil by 3:30 PM EST on December 30, 2024.

Limit responses to 5 pages, excluding attachments.

Clearly identify proprietary information. The government will use the information provided solely for market research.

For additional details regarding the M/V AIVIQ, please see https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aiviq

RFI Questions General Please describe your corporate information, including company name, address, Unique Entity Identifier (UEI), point of contact, and business size and socio-economic status (e.g., Small Disadvantaged Business, HUBZone, WOSB, SDVOSB, etc.).

Please provide a brief overview of your company's experience and capabilities in supporting the operation and maintenance of polar icebreakers or similar vessels?

Please briefly describe how your firm would assume operational control with minimal downtime, learning curve, or additional costs.

Ship Management and Training Please describe your experience operating the M/V AIVIQ or a similar vessel in Arctic conditions.

Please describe your experience and/or your approach to training a Coast Guard crew on the operations and maintenance of M/V AIVIQ or a similar vessel.

Please provide a brief summary of past experience providing ship management and training support services for polar icebreakers or similar vessels, within the last five years? Please include scope, contract type, client agency, references or CPARS ratings, and outcomes.

Can you describe your approach to managing the day-to-day operations of a vessel, including crew management, logistics, and maintenance?

How do you ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, such as safety and environmental regulations?

What is your estimated timeline from contract award to safely getting underway with a prepared, knowledgeable crew?

Can you provide examples of your experience with vessel maintenance and repair as part of a ship management support services effort?

What experience do you have in conducting operations in the Polar regions?

Training (Land-Based) What training programs do you offer to support the operation and maintenance of polar icebreakers or similar vessels today? What could you offer and in what timeframes, following contract award?

Can you describe your approach to developing and delivering training programs, including the use of simulation-based training and other methods?

What experience do you have in providing training to new hires, cadets, apprentices, and other trainees?

Advisory Support Can you describe your approach to providing technical advice and guidance on vessel operations, maintenance, and repair to new hires, cadets, apprentices, and other trainees?

What experience do you have in providing advisory support to operations in the Polar regions?

Can you provide examples of your experience with advisory support services?

System Stock, Spares, Consumables, and Outfitting What experience do you have in managing and procuring system stock, spares, consumables, and outfitting for polar icebreakers or similar vessels?

Can you describe your approach to managing inventory levels, including inventory management techniques?

What systems and processes do you have in place to manage and track procurement and delivery of system stock, spares, consumables, and outfitting?

Price Information Note: while the actual solicitation may vary, for purposes of this pricing request, please consider a base period of six months, with two three-month option period, land-based training for forty personnel per period, advisory support of four personnel (two bridge, two engine room) for 30 days per period, and reimbursable system stock, spares, consumables, and outfitting.

Can you provide a rough order of magnitude (ROM) estimate by requirement type, i.e., ship management and training, training (land-based), advisory support, and system stock, spares, consumables, and outfitting, for the services described in this RFI, as well as including a day-rate for a full crew?

What are the key cost drivers for each of these services, and how do you manage and control costs?

Points of Contact Contracting Officer: Kayode A. Adewole, Email: Kayode.A.Adewole@uscg.mil

Contract Specialist: Christopher A. Wellons, Email: Christopher.A.Wellons@uscg.mil