Amendment A00001.pdf

Solicitation No. 70Z04020Q6109200 Amendment No. A00001

Overhead Gantry Crane and Column-Mounted Jib Cranes

Responses to Questions

1) QUESTION: Are drawings available for the project and how can I access them?

RESPONSE: Available drawings and photographs are posted on beta.SAM.

2) QUESTION: Is there a planned preferred column location layout with jib crane placement?

RESPONSE: There is no preferred column layout. We are asking the contractor for a column layout so that the Coast guard will know where the footers need to be placed.

3) QUESTION: Is there a known soil pressure available or Geotech report available for footer/foundation design?

RESPONSE: Yes there is. Coast Guard Facilities Dept. will be constructing the footers for a 20T crane and railway system.

4) QUESTION: Is there going to be a site visit scheduled prior to closing the bid?

RESPONSE: Contractors can visit the site by appointment.

5) QUESTION: As there is a statement existing equipment will be removed by others?

RESPONSE: The existing crane will be taken down by the Coast Guard.

6) QUESTION: Is there a building drawing available?

RESPONSE: Available drawings and photographs are posted on beta.SAM.

7) QUESTION: Please confirm language that this is a “travelling bridge crane” on a fixed elevated runway mounted on free stand columns.

RESPONSE: The crane shall travel back and forth and side-to-side on a fixed elevated runway mounted on stand columns.

8) QUESTION: Is the crane inside a building or outside.

RESPONSE: The crane will be located inside a building.

9) QUESTION: Is a radio remote, a pendant required or floor mounted control? We normally tie off the pendant or disconnect it for storage?

RESPONSE: Pendant off the crane.

10) QUESTION: Is the crane a free standing traveling bridge crane or a traveling gantry crane?

RESPONSE: The contractor shall construct a crane railway system that an overhead gantry cane can traverse the length and width of the building. Two pictures are provided as a separate attachment.

11) QUESTION: There may be a height restriction for the jib crane, if 15’ is required and the engine sits

12.5’ off the floor, that only leaves 2.5’ RESPONSE: There are no height restrictions.

12) QUESTION: From the bottom of the jib crane girder to the top of the engine. Can you tell me how the engine will be lifted (Spreader bar, or rigging, etc.)

RESPONSE: More than likely with a spreader bar and rigging.

13) QUESTION: The bid states that the footers will be designed, supplied, and installed on a separate bid request?

RESPONSE: This is correct.

70Z04020Q61092Y00 Amendment A00001

14) QUESTION: We are an overhead crane company specializing in the type of equipment requested in the above request for quote (RFQ). I was wondering if you were accepting bids for the gantry and jib cranes direct or if we are to submit to general contractors?

RESPONSE: Direct quotes are accepted as long as Offerors can fulfill all the requirements of the performance work statement (PWS).

15) QUESTION: Is the contractor to supply the crane electrification feed bar, and the crane rail?

RESPONSE: The contractor will supply all the electrical wires they are installing and crane rail. The Yard will be supply electricity to the building. See PWS, Section 5.1 and 6.1.

16) QUESTION: Will the US Coast Guard supply power to one end of the new runway?

RESPONSE: The Yard will supply power. See PWS, Section 5.1.

17) QUESTION: Will the US Coast Guard supply the hoist air supply to each of the jib cranes?

RESPONSE: The Yard will supply air. The Contractor will supply tubing from Yard's air supply to jib cranes. See PWS, Section 5.1 and 6.1.

18) QUESTION: Are we providing the runway beams, rail and conductor bar as well as the crane?

RESPONSE: The Contractor shall provide beams, rail, and conductor bar. See PWS Section 6.1.

19) QUESTION: Is there a specification or Terms and Conditions for this crane?

RESPONSE: The requirements for the crane are contained in the Performance Work Statement which is posted with the solicitation on beta.SAM. A professional engineer shall certify this crane to work properly and to hold the capacity of 20T.

20) QUESTION: Is there any special paint requirements for an outdoor crane?

RESPONSE: This is an indoor crane. PWS, Section 2.1 states the paint shall be yellow.

21) QUESTION: Does the jib crane have manual rotation or electric?

RESPONSE: PWS Section 2.2 indicates the jib cranes will be electric or air. The Offeror’s design will determine if it will be electric or air.

22) QUESTION: Is the hoist trolley for the jib cranes manual or electric?

RESPONSE: The Offeror’s design will determine if it will be electric or air.

23) QUESTION: For the Overhead Gantry Crane is there any specific requirement for ASCE rail or square bar for bridge runway and trolley runway?

RESPONSE: The professional engineer (PE) will certify the drawing as indicated in the PWS. The PE should have the specific requirements for the overhead crane.

24) QUESTION: Is there any special paint requirements for the Overhead Gantry Crane?

RESPONSE: PWS, Section 2.1 states the paint shall be yellow. The paint shall be strong enough, under commercial usage, to prevent corrosion on metal.

25) QUESTION: When will government provide physical plans, photographs, ingress/egress points and all related information regarding the facility where the gantry and jib cranes are to be installed? This information is required so that vendors can develop proposals and appropriately plan for delivery of the project.

RESPONSE: One drawing is available and posted to beta.SAM.

26) QUESTION: Will the government extend the solicitation proposal submission deadline to provide at least 10 calendar days from the final posting of responses to the all questions submitted before the 11:00 AM 13Apr20 question submission deadline?

RESPONSE: The solicitation will be extended to Wedneday, April 29, 2020 at 11:00 AM.

27) QUESTION: Referencing the “SCHEDULE OF SUPPLIES OR SERVICES AND PRICES/COSTS” (page 3 of 19 in “Combined Synopsis_Solicitation_Overhead Gantry Crane and Column Mounted Jib Cranes.pdf”), what does the “JB” Unit of Measure mean?

RESPONSE: JB means Job.

28) QUESTION: Referencing the “Required Delivery Schedule” (page 3 of 19 in “Combined Synopsis_Solicitation_Overhead Gantry Crane and Column Mounted Jib Cranes.pdf”), what calendar and deadline changes will the government allow with regard to current and evolving Covid-19 circumstances?

RESPONSE: This is an unknown factor. Proceed as if there is not a COVID-19 impact to schedule.

Once the contract is awarded we will work with the contractor for a period of performance; however current schedule start for crane is not until 2020-2021 winter time frame.

29) QUESTION: Referencing CLIN 0007 in the “Required Delivery Schedule” (page 3 of 19 in “Combined Synopsis_Solicitation_Overhead Gantry Crane and Column Mounted Jib Cranes.pdf”), will one (1) day of training be acceptable?

RESPONSE: One day of training seems to be acceptable. The Coast Guard Yard (CG Yard) will complete training as required by the vendor. CG Yard members will attend required training on date(s) as agreed upon by the vendor and CG Yard.

30) QUESTION: Referencing CLIN 0007 in the “Required Delivery Schedule” (page 3 of 19 in “Combined Synopsis_Solicitation_Overhead Gantry Crane and Column Mounted Jib Cranes.pdf”), if one (1) day of training is NOT acceptable, what are the training requirements?

RESPONSE: One day of training seems to be acceptable. The Coast Guard Yard (CG Yard) will complete training as required by the vendor. CG Yard members will attend required training on date(s) as agreed upon by the vendor and CG Yard.

31) QUESTION: Referencing the “Offeror’s Proposed Delivery Schedule” (pages 3 and 4 of 19 in

“Combined Synopsis_Solicitation_Overhead Gantry Crane and Column Mounted Jib Cranes.pdf”), what format is required if the vendor wishes to provide multiple price/delivery schedules?

RESPONSE: There is no standard format as long as it is clear as to pricing and design, and meets the requirements of the PWS and solicitation.

32) QUESTION: Referencing the “Offeror’s Proposed Delivery Schedule” (pages 3 and 4 of 19 in “Combined Synopsis_Solicitation_Overhead Gantry Crane and Column Mounted Jib Cranes.pdf”), what substitutions will the government accept for the 1.5-Ton Column-Mounted Jib Crane? Based on our initial research, we believe we can provide a 1-Ton or 2-Ton version.

RESPONSE: The minimum requirements is a 1.5 ton column-mounted Jib crane.

33) QUESTION: Referencing paragraph (c) at the top of page 19 of 19 in “Combined Synopsis_Solicitation_Overhead Gantry Crane and Column Mounted Jib Cranes.pdf”), what payment schedules will the government accept? Lump sum payment upon completion of the contract is not a small-business friendly framework and might be prohibitive for our team.

RESPONSE: The CLINS are set up to allow for invoicing upon completion of the work. Payment in advance of work performed is not a normal practice of the Government. Progress payments will not be added to the resulting contract at the time of award.

34) QUESTION: What are the specific processes or forms that must be completed for vendor employee access to goverment facilities? There are references to RapidGate in the solicitation and/or Performance Work Statement, however, the RapidGate program no longer exists.

RESPONSE: The Awardee will provide employee names and driver’s license numbers for all personnel requiring access to the Coast Guard Yard in support of this project.

35) QUESTION: Referencing paragraph (c) a the top of page 19 of 19 in “Combined Synopsis_Solicitation_Overhead Gantry Crane and Column Mounted Jib Cranes.pdf”, how will the government enforce an awarded but unsigned contract? Please include in the answer references to the related Federal Acquisition Regulations?

RESPONSE: The contracting officer will sign the contract after it has been signed by the contractor.

36) QUESTION: Referencing PWS Sections 2.3. and 2.4.2, will the government allow for delivery of CLINs 001 and 002 within 120 calendar days after government provides, and vendor accepts, the third-party provided footings and pilings? If not, what timeframe will be acceptable?

RESPONSE: Delivery and installation can commence once the footings and pilings are installed. The 120 days is the projected/anticipated start of the installation of the cranes. There is much storage space at the CG Yard. If equipment, tooling, or supplies are needed to be stored at the Yard. The Yard will accommodate, just please provide notice so we are not responsible for items that show up with no notice

37) QUESTION: Is this a 100% small business set aside contract?

RESPONSE: Yes, this is 100% small business set-aside.

38) QUESTION: Is there a wage classification with this contract?

RESPONSE: No.

39) QUESTION: What is the lowest overhead clearance for the 20T overhead crane?

RESPONSE: There is 21’ 6” from shop floor to building’s internal structural support framing.

40) QUESTION: What is the minimum hook height for the 20T crane RESPONSE: Allow a minimum 15 ft. clearance for the engine. The hook must travel all the way to the floor. Upward travel must stop within 2-feet of the winch. There must be some type of safety mechanism to not allow the lifting hook to get caught up in the winch

41) QUESTION: Are we supplying the complete crane structure (i.e. columns, runways, and rail) RESPONSE: The Offeror shall supply the complete crane structure to include columns, runways, and rails.

42) QUESTION: What is the column spacing along the 200’ runways (i.e. 20’ or 25’ span) RESPONSE: The column spacing is based on the manufacturer’s design.

43) QUESTION: Which columns are to be designed for the (9) 1.5T column mount jib cranes RESPONSE: The new columns that are being installed for the 20T runways.

44) QUESTION: Who is responsible for the column footers or pilings RESPONSE: The government is responsible for the column footers and pilings installation.

45) QUESTION: Referencing PWS Section 2.1, is a push-type Jib Crane Trolley acceptable? The standard for 10 foot jib cranes is a push trolley.

RESPONSE: A manual push-pull type crane is not acceptable. Crane shall move by air or electric.

46) QUESTION: Referencing PWS Sections 2.2 and 2.4.4, is the government air header capable to provide the air volume required to operate more than one Jib Crane simultaneously?

RESPONSE: Yes. Heavy duty airlines are provided to every building with air operated equipment.

47) QUESTION: Referencing PWS Sections 2.2 and 2.4.4, will the government consider accepting delivery of the Jib Cranes using 110V AC?

RESPONSE: Yes it would be considered as long as it will as it will meet the requirements of the 1.5T Jib Crane in in the PWS, function in the capacity requested lifting 1.5T and traveling back and forth on the 10ft. beam.

48) QUESTION: Referencing PWS Section 2.6, what are the minimum acceptable warranty terms?

RESPONSE: The standard commercial/manufacturer’s warranty is acceptable.

49) QUESTION: Referencing PWS Section 2.9, what meetings will the government allow the vendor to conduct virtually?

RESPONSE: Due to COVID-19, the government will be flexible in terms of conducting meetings virtually. If there is a meeting that needs to happen on-site, the government will follow Federal/State/Local guidelines to provide a safe environment.

50) QUESTION: Referencing PWS Section 6.2, what is the limit of this liability? It is difficult for a small business to provide unlimited protection.

RESPONSE: The contractor should be insured/bonded. If there is an unsafe work environment caused by the contractor where property is damaged, or if personnel is injured, than the contractor would be responsible for the costs associated with the incident, not the government.

51) QUESTION: Where in the solicitation can I email RFI’s RESPONSE: Responses to the solicitation shall be emailed to Linda.B.Lassiter@uscg.mil,, with a copy to Kimberly.Milewski@uscg.mil

52) QUESTION: Do you have any pictures, drawings or sketches or what this Gantry Crane with nine jib cranes should look like?

RESPONSE: Available drawings and photographs are posted on beta.SAM.

53) QUESTION: What is the measurement to the lowest over head obstruction?

RESPONSE: There is 21’ 6” from shop floor to building’s internal structural support framing.

54) QUESTION: How will the jibs be laid out all on one side? Half and half?

RESPONSE: Please see the attached drawing.

55) QUESTION: What column spacing are you looking for 20’ center to center 30’ center to center?

RESPONSE: There is no specific design spacing, however it must be appropriate for a 20T crane.

56) QUESTION: Is there a budgetary number?

RESPONSE: The price for the complete job is what the Offeror determines is needed to cover his/her costs with a reasonable profit, while meeting all the requirements stated in the PWS.

57) QUESTION: Is the installation area free and clear of equipment?

RESPONSE: The government will be removing all existing equipment prior to the crane installation.

58) QUESTION: I am respectfully requesting a (3) three week extension due to current workload, COVID-19 related delays.

RESPONSE: The solicitation will be extended to Wednesday, April 29, 2020 at 11:00 AM

59) QUESTION: After review of the specifications, there is no clear direction on the type of equipment required for the crane and jib equipment. Cranes and hoisting equipment are similar to cars, they can be as inexpensive as a Kia or as expensive as a Ferrari. Typically the specifications dictate the indoor/outdoor classifications, Crane Manufacturer’s Association of America (CMAA) duty classification, Buy America(n) Act, and many more things that make sure all of the bidders are quoting the same equipment so there is fairness in the proposals. None of this information is given in the specifications which allows any bidder to choose whatever the cheapest is not necessarily what is required by the site.

RESPONSE: As stated in the solicitation, award shall be made to the lowest priced technically acceptable offeror. The Government will evaluate the lowest-priced quotation first for technical acceptability and acceptable past performance. If found to be acceptable, evaluations will stop and award will be made to that offeror. If found to be unacceptable in either technical or past performance, the Government will move to the next lowest-priced quotation and repeat the evaluation. This process will be followed until award is made.

60) QUESTION: Specification 2.1 states “The crane and crane railway system shall have a braking mechanism that will apply a brake when there is a loss of power or mechanical failure.” I respectfully request you indicate whether this is a “mechanical” load brake or just an “electric” brake as the mechanical load brake adds significant cost whereas an electric brake is a standard offering. In an effort to be fair for all bidders, it would be much clearer if this was clarified as this could be misconstrued from the wording.

RESPONSE: The requirement calls for a brake system as a safety measure when using the crane, both a mechanical or electric braking systems are appropriate. The offeror may use either one in their design.

61) QUESTION: Specification 2.2 for the jib cranes states “The column mounted jib cranes will be electric or air powered. Due to limited electric powering capability, air powered jib cranes are highly considered in the contractor design.” – For your info, air powered equipment is typically more expensive than electric. Without being specific on what the government wants, bidders will choose the less expensive equipment which means you will most likely get electric. If you prefer air then I suggest you remove the option for electric.

RESPONSE: PWS Section 2.2 indicates the jib cranes will be electric or air. The offerors design will determine if it will be electric or air.

62) QUESTION: Please provide a drawing or drawings indicating the layout of the 20 ton crane and jib cranes. There is no information noting the spacing of columns down the 200ft length. Do you want the columns spaced at 20ft, 30ft, 40ft, etc. Without this information it leaves it up to the bidder to choose the most economical whereas this might not be the requirement of the site or the government. In addition, there is no information as to which columns will support the jib cranes. This information would be required in order to design the columns for the combined loading.

RESPONSE: The spacing of the columns is to be determined by the offeror in their design of the 20T crane.

63) QUESTION: Specification 2.5 regarding training states “The contractor shall conduct accurate and appropriate training to qualify staff to operate all machinery installed in the SOW.” I respectfully request you give a timeframe of training. We offer several different types of training, one being about 30 minutes up to other training that is classroom oriented with tests and certificates. We want to make sure the bidders are all providing the same requirement since the 30 minute course will be performed on the last day of installation which is typically no charge whereas the classroom training is a separate day which costs significantly more.

RESPONSE: PWS Section 2.5, states the Contractor shall conduct accurate and appropriate training to qualify staff to operate all machinery installed in the PWS.

64) QUESTION: Field Labor. Is this project Prevailing Wage, Union, or Open Shop? If Union, can you please publish the local union rates for Iron Workers, Millwrights, and Electricians?

RESPONSE: There is no prevailing wage or union wages to consider in this procurement.

14c. The new due date for receipt of quotations is 11:00 AM EST on April 29, 2020.

(END OF QUESTIONS)