RFP 7200AA22R00021 Questions and Answers.pdf

USAID RFP 7200AA22R00021 QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

# QUESTIONS ANSWERS

1 Does the "evidence of responsibility" count toward the maximum required page count for the technical approach?

Yes, the Evidence of Responsibility counts towards the 18 page limit. Exceptions to the page limitation are identified in Section L6 A1 (pg 51-52).

2 Did opportunity have any previous incumbents? Or is this a brand-new opportunity not solicited for previously by the USG? Yes, this is a follow-on/recompete of an existing award.

3 Can you provide the estimated number of pallets or containers based on the metric tons provided? Per Section C4a (pg 7), approximately 35% of the commodities will be palletized. Pallets could range from 0.8 to 1.5 metric tons. A 20 ft container can generally hold 14 to 20 metric tons.

4 Is there an average Cubic Foot per Metric Ton to calculate out the Min SQ required for this requirement?

The following is provided as approximations only and will range depending on commodity type:

Palletized: ~70cuft/MT Bags (50kg): ~65 cuft/MT If racks are not used, pallets can generally only be stacked up to two pallets high

5 In the solicitation, sections L6 and L7 are different from M2. Which was this deliberate? If so, which is intended to take precedence?

The question is unclear. Offerors should address all items identified in Sections L6 and L7 in their proposal submissions.

C.4.B pg 8: The contractor must be licensed and insured at all times against liability for all manner of losses or damages that may occur during performance of the contract, including, but not limited to, losses or damages as a result of fire, water/flood, chemical exposure, heat exposure, pest infestation or theft.

Can an estimated on-hand cost be provided to obtain the appropriate level of insurance.

This is a firm fixed unit type contract. USAID does not have visibility into insurance costs.

C.4.C pg 10: The contractor is responsible for obtaining and/or generating all documentation relating to the acceptance and possession of the cargo, as well as any documentation associated with the re-delivery or export of the commodities to USAID-designated consignees or when the commodities are transported to other destinations by the contractor.

Will the contractor be required for all Custom documents? If the customer is required for processing the customs documents, is there an estimated scope of work.

The freight forwarders for USAID-designated consignees/implementing partners will typically handle most Customs documentation for export, however, the Contractor will be responsible for providing Packing Lists, Fumigation Certificates, and Phyto Certificates as applicable. Additional documentation may be requested depending on the destination country.

C.4.C pg 10: Container free time will be as per carrier tariff. Any charges due to the contractor exceeding the allowable railcar/container free time will be for the account of the contractor.

Not knowing the carrier and with the current USA logistics issue, this poses a high risk. Could the container free time be removed from the contract. If this requirement cannot be removed from the contract could a list of carriers be provided to be able to obtain their free time requirements?

Container free time cannot be removed from the contract. Carriers may include, but not limited to, Maersk Lines, American President Lines, Mediterranean Shipping Company, National Glory, Crimson Tide, U.S. Ocean. The Offeror shall identify the rail service providers for the proposed location and obtain their free time information.

F.2.1.b pg 15: Carrier or container demurrage will be the responsibility of the contractor even if the contractor meets or exceeds delivery productivity levels in accordance with their proposed throughput capability, based upon the handling resource option purchased by USAID. The contractor is responsible for coordinating delivery and re-delivery with carriers. Carrier or container demurrage caused by factors outside the control of the contractor shall not be for the contractor’s account.

A question was not identified.

L.7 pg 55 scenario: The contractor is responsible for loading the cargo into containers and draying it to the CY at the nearest deep-water port. If the contractor has a deep-water port on their facility, will all cargo be forwarded to their port or will they need to pick up at a government/commercial port?

The Offeror shall provide drayage rate to the closest Commercial deep-water port used by major liner carriers.

On page 62 of the RFP Instructions, under section M2 (a)2 – Key Personnel point b. “The offerors must fill out Bio-Data Sheets as per Section J (attachments).” I did not see this attachment included. Can you please make this available or tell me where I can locate this?

Offerors will not need to provide Bio-Data Sheets for Key Personnel. Please ensure to provide a Resume, 3 References, Letter of Commitment (per M2(a)2c), and a detailed background of the each Key Personnel's' relevant experience.

12 Regarding J.1 Price Schedule: Is it permissible to add minimum charges to certain CLIN#s via an addendum or can you describe your preference?

Please provide one rate per CLIN and performance period (Base, Option periods). A minimum charge will not be considered.

13 If we are awarded the contract in Houston, please confirm the ports or terminals we will be using? We will need this information to provide an accurate drayage quote.

The offeror shall identify the closest deep water port to the proposed warehouse location and price the drayage accordingly.

14 What is the second closest deep water port from Houston? The Offeror shall identify the second closest deep water port to the proposed warehouse location.

# QUESTIONS ANSWERS

15 Can we break out Fuel Sur Charge separately from the Drayage? With the ever changing fuel prices, it will be difficult to lock in pricing over multiple year periods. No, Drayage shall be priced based on anticipated costs for the specific performance period.

16 What freight forwarder will we be working with on this project? The freight forwarder for releases of commodities will depend on the USAID-designated implementing partner/consignee.

17 Will we be responsible for freight forwarding? Generally, the Contractor will not be responsible for freight forwarding, but may be requested on an ad hoc basis.

18 When is the contract commencement date? On/about October 1st, 2022 per Section B.2.

19 XXX has bulk bagging capabilities of PB&L’s and grains. Will bagging be needed? If so, does a rate need to be submitted as an option?

Bagging of commodities is not anticipated to be a common activity on the warehouse and logistics contract. If requested by USAID, on an ad hoc basis, pricing for the service will be negotiated at that time. Offerors are encouraged to identify their bagging capabilities on their Proposal.

20 Can a separate rate be issued (receiving per MT rate) for temperature controlled RUTF, RUSF, SCP commodities due to light weight loads in play?

Please refer to Section B.4 Price Schedule and Attachment J.1 Price Schedule CLIN 5 to determine how to quote pricing for pallets in temperature controlled storage.

21 How much airfreight is handled within a years’ time? Is cargo delivered to the warehouse at airport? Or will the cargo be delivered to our warehouse?

Handling of airfreight is not anticipated to be a common activity. This will be handled on an ad hoc basis if an emergency need arises. The Contractor may be requested to deliver or pick up cargo to/from a nearby International airport.

Q&A