BSR-SW Question Answers_A00002.pdf

Documents Question CG Response Document Revised (Y/N)

Combined Synopsis Pg. 1. Does this mean all the boats are to take 3 years or that you can buy more than the 24 boats in a 3-yr. period?

The Coast Guard has up to 3 years to purchase boats against the contract. N

Combined Synopsis

Pg. 10. FAR 52.222-18 Most companies we purchase from are US companies though I know some of the products they supply are from overseas. Is it ok that main company is US?

the contractor must certify that they have made a good faith effort to determine that they are not supplying an "end product" that was mined, produced, or manufactured by forced or indentured child labor. The Department of Labor maintains a list of such products and countries. Contractors should review the list to determine if this applies to any of their suppliers. N

Combined Synopsis

Pg. 12. Orders Exceeding 10 boats – The remaining boats shall be delivered at a rate of approximately four (4) boats per month thereafter. If it’s a 3 yr. IDIQ then why must they all be delivered within roughly 6 months?

Coast Guard Forces Rio Grande has been directed to procure BSR-SW in the most expeditious manner possible. The contract is designed to give the government flexibility to order at a slower rate (less than 10 boats per order) if desired. Y

Combined Synopsis Pg12. Contract type. Last sentence. Each period of the three years has yearly pricing. Does this have to do with an escalation clause of some sort for the boats to cost more as material cost rises each year? Yes there is an escalation on each ordering period.

Combined Synopsis Pg. 19. FAR 52.216-22 (c) Does this mean more than the original 24 units in three years?

IDIQ is a contract format to allow us to have a minimum and maximum. There is no gaurantee we will order up to the maximum. Coast Guard will not order more than the maximum.

Combined Synopsis Do you need a list of all subcontractors? No

It is important to assess a hull form and boat system based on the jet handling design and a prop version would easily follow, the opposite is not true; would the Coast Guard prefer to have the jet version be the initial First Article order?

The Coast Guard has udpated the Specification to allow either a jet or propeller version to be awarded as the intial First Article boat for testing. Y

Combined Synopsis

How do I enumerate to the Coast Guard why the boat system that we have proposed is best suited for the outlined operations and mission?

The contractor should avoid simply repeating the requirements and should highlight any additional benefits or unique capabilities and characteristics of their boat and trailer design to meet the outlined mission requirements in Volume I – Mission Effectiveness per the requirements of the Combined Synopsis. N

May a vendor submit two separate proposals — one for aluminum-hulled boats and another for HDPE boats — or if we should submit a single proposal covering only aluminum-hulled boats?

The specification requires the boats to be made from marine-grade, UV Stabilized HDPE N

Requirements Document Does this mean that the Jet Drive version has different Speed and Patrol Profile parameters than the propellor version as highlighted above? (in 3.17, 3.18, 3.19)

The speed and patrol profiles are the same for both the Jet and Propeller versions.

Requirements Document

This weight estimate is very low for the size and operational needs of the vessel and trailer. A reasonable weight is closer

6,500 lbs. Please review and clarify.

Max weight will be updated to 8,000lbs. Contractors should outline the weight of the boat and trailer combination in the Volume I narrative, and the weight will be considered as part of bid evaluation. Y

Requirements Document 3.1 - Do you want us to quote multiple boats? A Jet boat and and outboard prop boat?

Yes, the intent is that the contractor quote a jet version and a propeller version.

The boats should be as similar as is practical, but necessary changes to accommodate the different propulsion type should be made. Those differences should be outline in Volume I - Mission Effectiveness. Y

Requirements Document 3.14 – Did you want I.R. lights in the bow?

There is no requirement to put IR lights on the bow. The contractor should highlight any additional benefits or unique capabilities and characteristics of their boat and trailer design to meet the outlined mission requirements in Volume I – Mission Effectiveness per the requirements of the Combined Synopsis. 3.38 is removed from the Requirements Document. Y

Requirements Document 3.17 – Did you want some boats with mud motors? Jets and props do not do great with lots of weeds

Proposals should offer a solution from the technology and equipment available to best meet the requirements document. If a mud motor is best suited to meet the requirements in your determination, then yes. The intent is for industry to bring the solutions to meet the requirements document, not for the Coast Guard to mandate a particular solution, unless specified as much in the requirements. N

Requirements Document 3.28 we can do 4 hours with the larger aluminum tanksor we could quote even larger step tanks to get the 6 hours Fuel tanks should be designed to meet the mission profile outlined. N

Requirements Document 3.40 Mesh or net inside the side tray compartment? Rigging, type to be determined by Contractor Y

Requirements Document 3.48 – what do you mean by “tilting design” of trailer?

A tilt boat trailer is a specialized trailer designed to make launching and retrieving a boat easier and more practical in shallow water environments by allowing the trailer's frame to angle down, reducing the amount of water needed to float the boat. N

Requirements Document 3.48 – The combo of boat, engine and trailer will be over 2,500 lbs. did you mean just the hull?

Max weight will be updated to 8,000lbs. Contractors should outline the weight of the boat and trailer combination in the Volume I narrative, and the weight will be considered as part of bid evaluation. Y

Requirements Document

3.49 – would you be ok with a walk-through informational video? Or do you need a full book? How much detail, what exactly are we looking for?

The equivalent would be a car owners manual, or a boat owners manual. 86.2 of the System Specification gives more detail on the requirements. A written manual is required, a video will not suffice. Any additional information (like a video) that a vendor wants to provide can be outlined in their proposal Volume I.

In the past vendors have provided production drawings for systems to meet the requirements of 86.2.1.2 N

Price Schedule

Should we make a few of these to be able to quote the prop version and jet version and variations of each?

The price schedule will be adjusted to allow pricing of a First article Jet, First Article Propeller, Per boat pricing for follow on orders less than 10, and per boat pricing for orders greater than 10. Additionally, pricing for other deliverables required (like the Boat Information Book), Jet and Propeller boat trailer pricing.

Bidders should put forward the best proposal to meet the requirements outlined.

- Where is the payment timing information in these documents? The contractor may invoice upon product delivery. N

SOW

2.4.3.2 What do you mean by Draft Boat Information Book?

The equivalent would be a car owners manual, or a boat owners manual for a similar size boat that is commercially available. 86.2 of the System Specification gives more detail on the requirements. A written manual is required, a video will not suffice. Any additional information (like a video) that a vendor wants to provide can be outlined in their proposal Volume I. In other Coast Guard contracts past vendors have provided production drawings for systems to meet the requirements of 86.2.1.2. As a smaller asset it is anticipated that systems line drawings will not be as complicated as larger assets. N

SOW

2.5.1 Is this required from all bidders?

Yes. Following award, the government and the contractor have the option to execute negotiated billateral contract modifications as deemed necessary or beneficial. The government or contractor may initiate contract change negotiations through an outlined process following award. N

J-1 System Spec 40.1.6 May we require certain informational / training videos if provided?

If vendors offer training videos to meet the "properly trained" portion of 40.1.6 portion that is acceptable. N

J-1 System Spec 42.1.6.3 no jet or prop will operate well in thick weeds or vegetation. Do you want to consider a third option with a mud motor?

The Coast Guard would consider a mud motor with a propeller, a version of Propeller drive outboard. Contractors may offer this as part of their design to meet the requirements outlined. Y

J-1 System Spec 42.1.8 Do you require “push knees” or just rubber bumper on the front of the bow cap?

There is no requirement for push knees or a rubber bumper on the front of the bow cap. Contractors may include any design features they deem appropriate to meet the requirement of 42.1.8. N

J-1 System Spec 45.2.2 This will require a large fuel tank, possibly multiple in different places on the boat, is that okay?

Fuel tanks should be designed to meet the mission profile outlined. Bidders should place the fuel tank/tanks as they feel appropriate to make a boat best suited to meet the requirements outlined. N

J-1 System Spec

45.3.2.1 The BSR-SW is designed for shallow water river usage though will operate fine in most calm salt conditions however 4’ seas are quite rough. When will the boat see this type of water in the river?

The BSR-SW shall have the ability to maneuver to remain upright, maintaining stability, flotation, structural, and watertight integrity in short-period, steep chop generated by wind opposing the river's current, up to 2' maximum.

The BSR-SW shall have the ability to maneuver to remain upright, maintaining stability, flotation, structural, and watertight integrity when navigating near other boats and their associated wakes. Other vessels in the area of operations wakes primary stern waves are characterized by crest-to-trough height of 2.5 to 3.5 ft and a sharp defined peak with a nearly vertical wave face. Y

J-1 System Spec

45.4.1 Is it okay to propose electronic actuated trim tabs on the propeller version while the jet boat version would be manual adjust?

Yes, the intent is that there is a jet version and a propeller version. The boats should be as similar as is practical, but necessary changes to accommodate the different propulsion type may be made. Those differences should be outline in Volume I - Mission Effectiveness. N

J-1 System Spec 45.10.1 Change length over all on trailer with engine to approx. 28’

Max Length will change to 45'. The bidders should outline the length of the boat and trailer combination in the Volume I narrative, and the length will be considered as part of bid evaluation. Y

J-1 System Spec 45.10.1.3 The prop version will not have as shallow of draft as the jet version.

The intent is that there is a jet version and a propeller version. The boats should be as similar as is practical, but necessary changes to accommodate the different propulsion type may be made. Those differences should be outline in Volume I - Mission Effectiveness. Y

J-1 System Spec 45.0.1.8 The maximum height requirement does not appear tall enough based on our analysis, can you update it? Maximum height has been updated to 13' 6" for safe transport on the roads. Y

J-1 System Spec 45.10.1.9 change to less than 4000 lbs. The maximum weight has been raised to 8,000 lbs. Y

J-1 System Spec

45.11.7 we were planning to integrate the bimini with the cable guard. The bimini could be removed with cable guard left but not the other way around

This has been updated to indicate a fixed sun shade is acceptable and does not require removal. Any sun shade shall be sturdy enough to allow trailering and transportation while attached. The cable guard shall be removeable. Y

J-1 System Spec

45.12.2 the outboard vendor we are considering has a warranty for 1 year. They have no published guarantees or documents stating promised use before overhaul of 2,000 hours. This requirement has been eliminated.

J-1 System Spec 72.2.3 Can we use brass fuel fittings? There are no dissimilar metals like when on an aluminum boat so no issues there.

Brass fittings may not be used. Brass can experience dezincification. The Rio Grande has areas that are brackish with a higher salinity level then other fresh water rivers. N

J-1 System Spec 77.1.4 should say “Virgin, Pipe grade HDPE” The requirement has been updated to Marine-Grade, UV-Stabilized HDPE

J-1 System Spec 78.2.1.1 Is there a particular shape required to be able to recover someone?

Contactors should test, or validate through mathematics and phsysics calculations, whether their design is capable of recovering a person in the water.

In the Volume I narrative contractors may explain how they meet this requirement. N

J-1 System Spec

86.1.1 Are standard manual that come with the components ok or do you want us to scan all those digitally to have on DVD format? That seems overkill

This requirement has been revised. DVD is not required or recommended. It can be transferred by email to the KO (if not too large) or the Coast Guard can provide a link to DOD-SAFE file transfer for large files. Standard manuals that come with equipment are acceptable. Y

J-1 System Spec 88.1.1 May vendors provide videos regarding operation of the boat for crew members to review?

Contractors may offer training videos on operation of the boat as part of the bid.

This should be included in the Volume I narrative. N

J-1 System Spec 95.1 Will this be required of all vendors even if the Coast Guard operates boats by a vendor already. Yes, all First Article boats will undergo First Article Testing. Y

J-1 System Spec 252.2.1.1 This is not possible

The verbiage has been updated to reflect the intent that the boat and motor combination should be such that the propeller version can surive impact to the lower unit against the ground or submerged articles. An example, but not a requirement, would be a mud motor combined with a breakaway jack plate. The bidder should outline in their Volume I narrative how their design best meets this requirement. Y

J-1 System Spec 252.3 Does a Yamaha engine with digital gauge which has alarms and the motor has an alarm built in. Are you ok with this?

If the engine / motor manufacturer has gauges and alarms included, or possible as an accesory on their engine / motor, then these gauges and alarms must be visible at the coxswain station. Y

J-1 System Spec 261.1.4 This will require a large fuel tank, possibly multiple in different places on the boat, is that okay?

Fuel tanks should be designed to meet the mission profile outlined. Bidders should place the fuel tank/tanks as they feel appropriate to make a boat best suited to meet the requirements outlined. N

J-1 System Spec 300.2.1 The alternator in the engine will do the charging of the batteries. Are you requesting a secondary battery charger?

A contractor proposal with a design that utilizes an outboard motors alternator to charge batteries would be acceptable. N

J-1 System Spec

313.1.2 We will isolate the house from starting with an ACR and specific switch and you can combine them in an emergency to start if both are low but you can not start from the house battery only "(2) the house battery bank alone (emergency)" has been removed. Y

J-1 System Spec

313.2.3 We can put the batteries in their individual battery boxes for protection. Will this suffice? Building an enclosure to put the batteries in will add unwanted weight and cost If the battery boxes are weather-protected, it would meet this requirement. N

J-1 System Spec 332.2.1 Why? Halogen is pretty much a way of the past and LED is what has been a standard for some time now.

Vendors may propose any type of navigation light meeting the requirements outlined. Contractors can elaborate on their design selection in the Volume I - Mission Effectiveness narrative. The words, "non-LED", have been removed. Y

J-1 System Spec

404.1 Can you give a brand and model of VHF radios you will install so we can confirm we have enough room without making the console larger One Motorola APX-8500, Tactical Radio System N

J-1 System Spec 410.3.1 Is cable steering acceptable on the jet boat, or do you want hydraulic in both jet and prop boats?

The desire is for as much standardization between the jet version and the propeller version as possible to allow CG crew to easily transition between the two platforms. Any differences should be outlined in the Volume I narrative on the benefit/purpose of the diferences. Y

J-1 System Spec 410.4.2 What do you mean by propulsion monitor gauges/displays.

If the engine / motor manufacturer has gauges and alarms included, or possible as an accesory on their engine / motor, then these gauges and alarms must be visible at the coxswain station.

J-1 System Spec 436.1.1 What if the there are no propulsion alarms with the outboard jet.

If the engine / motor manufacturer has gauges and alarms included, or possible as an accesory on their engine / motor, then these gauges and alarms must be visible at the coxswain station. N

J-1 System Spec 505.3.1.2 are you referring to the bilge pump?

If the bilge pump utilizes hoses, they should follow the standard outlined for hoses. N

J-1 System Spec 561.1.1 Do you want hydraulic with the jet?

The desire is for as much standardization between the jet version and the propeller version as possible to allow CG crew to easily transition between the two platforms. Any differences should be outlined in the Volume I narrative on the benefit/purpose of the diferences Y

J-1 System Spec 582.1.1 How critical is this?

The purpose of this paragraph is to ensure the lines, if used to tie the boat to a mooring, or use in tow, are not damaged by sharp edges. Minor adjustments have been made to the paragraph. Bidders may outline in the Volume I narrative how they believe their proposal meets this requirement. Y

There is still a requirement for a (Standard?) outboard motor for shallow water, hyacinth. If we provided a surface drive, mud motor, horsepower is pretty short. Max is 40 hp, we need two engines, which isn’t specifically allowed in the spec.

If a contractor determines that multiple outboards are necessary for the propeller version to meet mission requirements they may propose that. The specification and requirements document have been updated to allow that. Y

Is there any desire to allow an aluminum hull? I understand the desire for the HPDE for rock abrasion, we could install PTFE sheets over an aluminum hull, similar to an airboat.

The Coast Guard does not intend to update the specification to allow other hull material types N

If launch retrieval is an issue, a better spec on the trailer would be reasonable.

The contractor should avoid simply repeating the requirements and should highlight any additional benefits or unique capabilities and characteristics of their boat and trailer design to meet the outlined mission requirements in Volume I – Mission Effectiveness per the requirements of the Combined Synopsis. Y

A fully loaded vessel @ 2500 lbs, including the trailer in that 2,500 lbs will not give the best solution. There simply isn’t enough weight budget for a vessel.

Max weight will be updated to 8,000lbs. Contractors should outline the weight of the boat and trailer combination in the Volume I narrative, and the weight will be considered as part of bid evaluation. Y

- Is a a foreign outboard engine acceptable as an outboard to meet the Buy American Act (BAA) requirements

Possbily. To meet the BAA, the end product must be manufactured in the United States and the cost of it's domestic components must exceed a certain percentage of the cost of all it's components. The "end product" the government is buying is the fully assembled boat, not the individual engine. Contractors must certify that the boat is a domestic end product. This means the cost of all domestic components (your hull, labor, U.S.-made wiring, etc.) must exceed 65% of the total component cost. A foreign outboard is simply one of the components. N