USAID Responses.docx

Questions for Cap Haïtien Port - SOL-720521421R00020

1. Please consider additional time to submit the proposal, as many of the suppliers are off for the holidays and other complications that it is taking considerably longer for hard quotes for our supplies, which makes it difficult to submit pricing. – See Modification 2 to the RFP. Proposal submission date extended to February 11, 2022.

2. Please consider additional time to submit questions regarding the project – See Modification 2 to the RFP. Bidders may submit additional questions by COB January 12, 2022.

3. Please provide attendance list to the site visit – See Modification 2 to the RFP. List is attached

4. Can the contractor dock on the existing pier with a living accommodation ship? - USAID is in discussions with APN and will advise bidders as soon as possible.

5. Is there a bid bond? There is no bid bond required.

6. Is a Performance Bond Required? See original RFP Section B.7.C, Retainage. USAID Haiti will implement 10% retainage in lieu of a Performance Bond.

7. Will USAID assist with importation process (Customs clearances?) – The winning bidder Contractor must register with the MoF (Ministry of Finance) and apply for the tax-exempt status. The US Mission will provide a letter of introduction as a USAID contractor.

8. Is the project exempt from TAXES? Is there an agreement between USAID and government of Haiti that we can use to be tax exempt for local procurements –The Contractor must register with the MoF and apply for the tax-exempt status. The US Mission will provide a letter of introduction as a USAID contractor.

9. As mentioned in the site visit, this project has been out to bid on several occasions in which we have prepared the quote and supporting documentation, what is the guarantee that this project will come to fruition given the current political situation in Haiti? In other words, we have invested a lot of time and money and efforts on the previous bids which are similar in scope in which no award decision was made - how do we know that this isn’t going to happen again?? – USAID and the Government of Haiti are both motivated to initiate this activity as soon as is practicable and complete the activity within the allotted time.

10. Is project security required for the US Citizens working in Haiti? Currently Haiti is under a level 4 do not travel list due to kidnappings and other political issues – See Modification 2, additional security requirements. See RFP Table F-1, Reports and Deliverables, Health, Safety and Security Plan, and Section L.10, Security Information. Security requirements should be built into the bidder’s proposal and costs.

11. What are the port access hours? Can contractor work 24/7 – double shifts? – 6-day work weeks are authorized. Contractors can work extended hours for short periods (e.g. during major concrete pours) provided they are within constraints of local labor laws, but full double shifts are not feasible as the Construction Management Consultant (CMC) is only set up for a single shift.

12. Can an alternate pre-engineered building be provided for the APN and Guard shack? i.e. FRAMECAD system? - No alternate building will be accepted in lieu of the Government Furnished Equipment which includes the APN and Guard Shack. See Modification 2 that adds Attachment J.25, USAID Government Furnished Equipment (GFE) and additional instructions regarding bidders’ responsibilities for receiving and installing GFE, which include the APN Pre-Engineered Building and Guard Shacks.

13. Specifications 024116-3 section 3.2 B calls for salvaged items – please clarify what items are to be salvaged? - See Attachment J.4, Civil Technical Specifications, for detailed guidance on salvage processes and requirements. The existing port generator is to be salvaged and reinstalled alongside the new 1MW generator once operational. The incinerator is to be salvaged and placed in storage on the port (exact location TBD by APN) before demolishing the incinerator building. Bidders are encouraged to reuse the concrete rubble from demolished CMU buildings and other concrete structures for fill if it meets design parameters. All other bulk waste must be transported to a location in Cap Haitien for the Govt of Haiti to recycle (exact location TBD, but within 16 km of the port).

14. Does the contractor need to provide furnishings? – No furnishings are required.

15. Who will be the CMC for this project? – The current CMC contract expired and a new one is in solicitation. Information will be provided to bidders upon award.

16. What is the Government ROM for this project? – The cover letter of the RFP says “more than $10,000,000.”

17. What is the POP for this Project – See F.19.C, Schedule Delays, page 33. Per the RFP, the estimated POP is 605 days. Bidders must plan their own feasible schedule as part of their proposal, which can vary from this timeframe, but bidders should strive to keep the schedule as much under two years as possible.

18. Section I.4 52.232-12 Advance Payments states that advance payments will be made under this contract - what is the advance payment amount?– Advanced Payments are an option if necessary, and may be negotiated between the successful bidder and USAID in accordance with the terms in 52.232-12.

19. Are there any certifications that are required for the fire suppression system installation? – See Attachment J.8, Fire Protection Technical Specifications, for detailed supplier and technician qualification requirements in the Quality Assurance and Field Quality Control sections for each sub system (e.g. fire fighting pumps and distribution systems). The new vertical buildings will utilize portable fire extinguishers – there are no installed fire suppression system requirements.

20. Does the Mechanical system have to be installed by a certified license contractor? – See Attachment J.10, Mechanical Technical Specifications for qualification and certification requirements. Installation contractors shall be licensed for the required work in either the US or in Haiti.

21. What are the qualifications for the electrician – is an electrical engineer required as a key personnel? - See J.6 Electrical Specifications in the Quality Assurance paragraph of each subsection. Engineer and Technician qualification requirements are outlined there.

22. Does the CCTV system have to be installed by a certified company? - See J.6, Electrical Specifications, telecommunication specification Section 28 23 00; the CCTV system shall be installed by a licensed company.

23. Did the port installations in Cap Haitian have a transformer bank or a Monoblock transformer already installed and functional. In the drawing # 47 we can see the dead-end concrete pole and the medium voltage 23kv drop cable from the fuse cut out - The bidder is not responsible for supplying the 23KV utility transformer; it will be provided by the local power company.