RESPONSES_TO_QUESTIONS_RECEIVED_FOR_SOLICITATION_89243518RFE000008_9-24-2018.pdf

RESPONSES TO QUESTIONS RECEIVED FOR SOLICITATION

89243518RFE000008

Q1. The solicitation appears to be calling for storage of gasoline blendstock components only and does not make mention of ethanol storage requirements. If for example we are bidding on the entire 1 million barrels, should we assume 900,000 barrels is RBOB and 100,000 barrels is ethanol since the RBOB alone is not a usable on-road fuel? If not, under what mechanism does the DOE expect to obtain ethanol in times of emergency?

A1. For clarification, the basic requirement for this solicitation is for 1 million barrels of ‘ready for issue’ RBOB and/or CBOB. Blendstock components should not be interpreted to take into account ethanol storage. The basic premise (requirement) of the NGSR is for expedient attainability and distribution of gasoline in emergency situations to include but not limited to Hurricane relief efforts, other natural disasters, national emergencies, etc. The ability to obtain ethanol would be incumbent on the organization storing the

RBOB.

Q2. RVP Transition: During the term, as we make the transition from winter to summer gasoline the RVP goes from high to low. Is it an acceptable exception to our proposal to maintain the entire inventory but gradually transition the product from winter to summer spec during the month of April? For example, April 30th is the last day terminals can sell winter grade. On May 1 all product must meet a summer specification. I am trying to understand do we need to be holding 1 million barrels on April 30th of winter and then on May 1 be holding 1 million barrels of summer or can we convert from winter to summer gasoline throughout April. For example, on April 20th can we hold 500,000 barrels of winter grade gasoline and 500,000 barrels of summer grade gasoline with the goal of getting to 1 million barrels of summer by May 1? I am happy to jump on the phone if this question is not clear.

A2. Yes, it is acceptable to maintain the entire inventory but gradually transition the product from winter to summer spec during the RVP transition period.

Q3. I am preparing the past performance questionnaires in connection with the gasoline reserve solicitation and ran across seemingly contradictory instructions. Per the solicitation materials, the references are supposed to send the questionnaires directly to you; however, on the bottom of the first page of the questionnaire, it states that the client should submit the questionnaire back to the offeror, who then will submit it as part of its proposal. Can you please let me know which the government would prefer? I am happy to oblige either way.

A3. Past Performance Questionnaires may be submitted with the proposal, or submitted directly to the solicitation POC at justin.dudenhefer@spr.doe.gov.

mailto:justin.dudenhefer@spr.doe.gov