BRIDGE JA 3.0 13C5303 GUAM 6.302-1 SAM Redact.pdf

J&A N103-13-C-5303-0002 GUAM Bridge on the extensive time required to develop the mandatory training program curriculum, have it approved, and successfully conduct training for license endorsements for a new crew, a six-month turnover period would be required for a new contractor. Seaward is the only responsible source that could operate USNS GUAM beginning 01 July 2021.

There is insufficient time to solicit proposals for a short-term contract to cover until the award of the follow-on contract. The time needed to synopsize, issue the solicitation, receive and evaluate proposals, make award, and allow mariners to obtain their USCG endorsement (explained in the paragraph above) is not available. Thus, an interim award to any source other than the incumbent would unacceptably delay or entirely compromise the mission. Additionally, award to a contractor other than Seaward will result in substantial duplication of costs because crew familiarization and ship turnover costs will be incurred if an interim award is made. Furthermore, a new contractor competing for a short-term 6-month contract with little to no turnover creates a high-risk and high-cost scenario. The cost to the Government will likely not be recovered by attempts to compete the extension of this contract, and the mission risk would be too high.

6. Description of Efforts Made to Solicit Offers from as Many Offerors as Practicable.

As detailed in section 5, only Seaward has the required license endorsement to operate USNS GUAM. Therefore, Seaward is the only capable offeror.

7. Determination of Fair and Reasonable Cost.

Before award of the bridge action, the Contracting Officer will determine the rates to be fair and reasonable at the time of award.

8. Actions to Remove Barriers to Future Competition.

As detailed above, MSC issued a competitive solicitation to acquire long-term follow-on services. Proposals in response to the solicitation are currently being evaluated.