Addendum_II_-_Air_Cargo_020317.pdf

Solicitation AG-6395-S-17-0068 for Air Cargo Transport

ADDENDUM II

VENDOR CLARIFICATION QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

Question: Does the awarded provider need to submit and manage the customs entry and customs release process as well?

Answer: Yes. The requirement includes the customs clearance process.

Question: Will larva boxes be transported on pallets? If so, can pallets be broken down to load larva boxes individually?

Answer: Boxes are not transported on pallets, because the quantity and typo of aircraft from Guatemala to US. Boxes must be handled individually since these flights accepts a limited weight and dimensions per piece. These are handled individually and marked with an AVI level we provide to shipper.

If boxes are transported on pallets, then air freight would be more expensive because of weight increasing, and should not be broken down since in origin would be delivered one joined but when arriving into destination would be another count piece.

Question: Will USDA provide cooling equipment for larva boxes? What is expect voltage for cooling power source?

Answer: USDA does not provide cooling equipment to transport larvae boxes. Each box contains gel packs and internal insulation to keep a stable temperature.

Question: Should the quote be door-to-door or airport-to-airport?

Answer: The quote should be airport-to-airport (except Edinburg, TX) with the boxes being delivered by USDA to Combex in Guatamala.

Question: Is an import permit necessary (what kind) Live Vectors or Live animals?

Answer: There is a special permit from USDA that is glued in each box by the local USDA staff, and each sticker has a number. Every two months we received the stickers from USDA for the shipments schedule for that period.

Question: How are the shipments handled once they reach the US destination airports? Does someone from the USDA simply pick up the cargo at the airport?

Answer: To Los Angeles, Sarasota, and San Diego, the consignee goes to airport locations to pick up documents from airline, gets the release from Customs and USDA, and then picks up the cargo.

Solicitation AG-6395-S-17-0068 for Air Cargo Transport

The consignee at Edinburg, TX receives boxes straight from the transport company, custom clearances and delivery are charged on the Air Waybill (AWB).

Question: What HTS Classification is currently being used for the US Customs entry of this product?

Answer: Because the value is under $200.00 USD, it is cleared on what’s called a SEC 10.151.

The correct HTS# for these would be 0106.49.0090.

Question: We currently hold a 135 Air Charter certificate with the capability of transporting freight and would like clarification as to whether this solicitation is strictly for 121 Airline operators or will USDA consider 135 operators, as well?

Answer: Yes, a charter aircraft can be used assuming that the requirements of the statement of work can be met and using a charter aircraft is cost competitive.