Floating_Crane_Services_Solicitation_70Z04019Q61374Y00_Questions_and_Answers.docx

Floating Crane Services Solicitation 70Z04019Q61374Y00 Questions and Answers

1) Question: Please be advised that there is a conflict between 2 statements in Attachment 1 with regards to the above subject that needs to be addressed or resolved.

· See Paragraph 1.2 Background REF: on Government – provided cradles and spreader bars…..

· See Paragraph 1.3.5 Provide and or manufacture spreader bars (We can provide and or manufacture spreader bars, but those additional costs are not called out in the Schedule of Supplies or Services Line Items) Answer: We will modify the Performance Work Statement to remove Paragraph 1.3.5

2) Question: Clause 1.3.2 calls for “Contractor-Provided water tank and/or weights at the Contractor’s Facilities” to perform certain services. Is there any additional information as to the size of the required water Tanks or weight? What is the total weight required? Are these weights to be made available during every event?

Answer: The lifting rig for the 75 WLIC used a test load of 220 short tons. Approximate weight of the gear 6.25 ST.

Test load for the YP lifting gear was 204.4 St with an approximate gear weight of 20.38 St. We used two cranes for this testing.

Test load for the 87 WPB is 123 St (this includes the water tank and supporting structure), the weight of the cradle and lifting gear is approximately 16.1 St.

Test loads for the 110 requires a minimum load of 54.88 St on the forward section of the cradle and 86.24 St. This has been achieved in the past by using a test load of 144 St with the center of gravity located 20’-0” aft of the cradle frame 28.

3) Question: Clause 1.5.1 states that the contractor may be required to work Holidays. When preparing our submission, how should we handle Holiday work? Should we provide “Holiday rates” or just factor in a certain number of Holidays into our overall calculations? If we should come up with a Hybrid rate, how many holidays per year should we assume?

Answer: Answer; Typically the U.S. Coast Guard Yard does not conduct dry dockings on Federal Holidays but if an emergency should require one, contractor should use weekend/holiday rates in that event. Do not price a separate hybrid rate.

4) Question: Clause 1.5.7 (EQUIPMENT) sates that the crane barge cannot be any longer than 150’. Is there a width restriction? Should we assume that the crane barge should be able to rotate 360 degrees with the required load of 180 Short Tons or should we assume the lift will be performed with the crane is a fixed position?

Answer: Answer: The 150’ long restriction is for “Stiff Legg” derricks working in Arundel Cove at U.S. Coast Guard Yard, the shortest distance from the East Wall Bulkhead at Arundel Cove to the adjacent shoreline is 225’. Lifts can be performed in Arundel Cove in a fixed position If using a Whirley” type derrick with sufficient lifting capacity pending pier space availability. Navigational width restriction are less than 150’ due to the horizontal clearance of CSX Railroad Bridge located in Curtis Creek prior to the U.S. Coast Guard Yard.

5) Question: Given that various Cradles & Spreader Bars are to be load tested, what are the ranges of weight ranges are involved?

Answer: See Answer to Question 2 above.

6) Question: To what recognized Regulatory Authority is weight test to be accomplished? (ASME, USCG, ABS, etc.)

Answer: All of the cradle load testing must be in accordance with latest revision of Coast Guard Standard Specification SFLC 8634. Appendix C.

Certification of facilities and equipment is also covered in SFLC 8634 Table 1.

7) Question: Whom certifies the tests? (Contractor or Dock Master) Answer: We typically use an independent Professional Engineer for all certifications.

8) Question: Is the Contractor required to have a Certified Docking Officer?

Answer: No, the contractor will work under the direction of the U.S. Coast Guard YARD Dry Docking Officer in regard to all vessels being dry docked using a heavy lift crane barge.

9) Question: Other than Yard is going to Connect/Disconnect, the Spec is silent on Rigging & Jewelry, who provides?

Answer: The U.S. Coast Guard Yard will provide all lifting gear (from the main hook down) including boat cradles, lifting slings, shackles, turnbuckles and strong backs.

10) Question: Where is Crane Barge & Tug berthed when not in use?

Answer: It is up to the Contractor to provide their own accommodations for the crane barge and tug when not in use.

11) Question: Can spuds be utilized? Are there Bitts/Cleats at the Yard to moor to?

Answer: Yes, spuds can be utilized. Yes, there are bitts/cleats at U.S. Coast Guard Yard.

12) Question: Can testing be accomplished @ Yard?

Answer: No, due to the limited space, testing must be accomplished off site.

13) Question: We have taken a look at the charts for the approaches to the yard and note that there is sufficient room and bring one of our 250’ X 72’ crane barges (Columbia, NY) into the facility to perform the lift. The Columbia has sufficient capacity to make the maximum lift required off the end or both sides. In short, if site conditions allow, will a crane barge longer than 150’ be considered?

Answer: Some of the lifts will be performed on the East Side of the U.S. Coast Guard Yard in a location called “Arundel Cove”. The shortest distance from the East Wall Bulkhead at U.S. Coast Guard Yard in Arundel Cove to the adjacent shoreline is 225’. If current site conditions allow, i.e. available pier space and if the contractor is using a “Whirley” type derrick as opposed to a “Stiff Leg” derrick, will be taken into consideration.