Attachment 9 - Questions and Answers - FA441725Q0012.pdf

FA441725Q0012 – Outbound Cargo Questions & Answers

10 December 2024

Question 1. Can you elaborate on the different types of products that will be shipped?

Response: Shipments consist of non-classified items, classified items, COMSEC Controlled Items (CCI), and sensitive items, etc., and Hazardous Materials (HAZMAT) assets. These assets are shipped in small packages (e.g. envelops), containers, and/or crates (freight). See PWS para 1.2.1.

Question 2. Who is responsible for the packaging instructions (SPIRES)?

Response: The packer is responsible for checking documentation for packaging requirements for assets being shipped. Also, the packer references/utilizes the Special Packaging Instructions Retrieval & Exchange System (SPIRES) for additional packaging requirements. See PWS 1.3.4.2.

Question 3. In regards to the Hazardous Materials training, is this specific to the DoD or would our own certifications apply?

Response: Hazardous Material Preparer training is DoD/service specific. See PWS paras 1.3.4.5., 1.3.4.5.2., and 4.2.10.1.1.

Question 4. The 3,700 to 3,800 per month figure, does that pertain to shipments per month or packages per month?

Response: Assets packed per month. See PWS para 1.3.10.

Question 5. Can you elaborate on the physical security referenced in section 4.4? With the product being stored currently on the base, are you referring to when the product is in transit? Or are you referring to our employees and the handling of the product?

Response: Section 4.4. refers to Government property utilized by the contractor in performance of services. This includes use of computers, MHE, and other materials (tools, equipment, supplies, etc.).

Handling of Classified items, COMSEC Controlled Items (CCI), and sensitive items have specific safeguards and guidance.

Question 6. Section 1.2.1 references commercial and military surface and air. What products and how is that determined what is moved commercial vs military?

Response: Mission requirements/needs, asset classification, delivery timelines, and weight and size of assets determine commercial vs military movement.

10 December 2024 Question 7. Is there opportunity for product consolidation using the woodworking materials / method of transit?

Response: Consolidation shipments is utilized dependent on end-point delivery destination and mission requirements/needs.

Question 8. How long do you anticipate this need?

Response: The contract is expected to be awarded as a one-year base period with an additional 4 one-year option periods. The government will conduct an evaluation each year to determine the need for continuing service and make a determination to exercise the option year IAW FAR 52.217-9

Question 9. Will the Government provide Class IV Lumber?

Response: Yes, the Government will provide Class IV Lumber.

Question 10. What hazmat items will require packaging and what are the estimated quantities per month?

Response: Shipment of hazardous items include any hazardous items as defined by the Defense Transportation Regulation (DTR). Hazardous items include, but are not limited to, lithium batteries, paints, oils, glues, gases, etc.

Estimated hazardous shipments per month, dependent on DoD/Service’s need: 75 – 100 shipments per month.

Question 11. Is a crew required to be on site every day for the length of the contract for crating and packaging? Or will PO's be issued and supply crates and packaging materials as needed?

Response: See PWS para 4.5.1. for normal hours of operation.

The government will not be issuing a purchase order (PO) for day-to-day shipment requests/requirements. Packaging/crating of assets will be determined utilizing Special Packaging Instructions Retrieval & Exchange System (SPIRES) (see PWS section para 1.3.4. for additional guidance).

Question 12. From the provided documentation, we understand that the starting location for shipments is Hurlburt Field, FL, Building 90639. However, the specific destination locations for the cargo are not clearly defined in the documents. To accurately estimate transportation costs and provide a comprehensive quotation, we kindly request clarification regarding the destination locations for the outbound shipments.

10 December 2024 Response: As identified in the PWS, Services requested is for the packaging of shipments. The PWS does not require the contractor to perform or procure the origin-to-destination transportation function of shipments. Shipments planning will utilize government/commercial vendor approved systems and is paid by the government.

Question 13. Could the government clarify if there is a phase in period associated with the contract?

Response: There is no phase in period provided for this contract requirement.

Question 14. Attachment 2 - Pricing Schedule - FA441725Q0012 provided by the government has a 6-month extension period with a quantity of 6 to be priced. However, within the solicitation on page 3 of 48, does not have this requirement in the Supplies or Services & Prices or Costs.

Could the government clarify?

Response: The proposed pricing for the 6-month extension period provides the government with the opportunity to determine whether the pricing for the extension period is fair and reasonable at the time of offer evaluations for contract award. A determination of fair and reasonable is necessary should the government need to exercise the 6-month extension IAW FAR 52.217-8.

Failure to submit pricing for this 6-month extension period could render the offer as non-responsive to the solicitation. The period of performance for this contract award is a total of five years and does not include the extension period. The extension is used only if the government determines it necessary to provide continuation of services should the follow-on contract award be delayed for any reason.

Question 15. Could the government clarify if the Attachment 2 - Pricing Schedule and the Supplies or Services & Prices or Costs in the solicitation should be submitted separate?

Response: Please provide your pricing for your offer on the Attachment 2- Pricing Schedule. Do not provide pricing on the SF-1449 solicitation document itself.

Question 16. Would the government require each proposal to include a complete breakdown of costs by labor category? Would the government consider revising the evaluation criteria to first evaluate price proposals for SCA compliance before determining the three lowest bids?

Response: This solicitation is subject to the Service Contract Act, as indicated by the incorporation of a prevailing wage determination. All federal contractors are subject to SCA compliance for service contracts over $2,500. As this is a commercial procurement, in keeping with commercially acceptable practices, the government is requesting lump sum pricing. Issues arising from a future Request for Equitable Adjustment will be addressed at that time.

Question 17. Does the government require the DD254 for validation of the Security Clearance?

If so, would the government clarify where in the proposal we provide this information?

10 December 2024 Response: In accordance with the government's local security office, a solicitation DD-254 was included in the solicitation posting on SAM.gov. Once the awardee is selected, an award DD-254 will be processed at that time. All offerors are required to meet the performance requirements on the first day of contract performance (Section 4.2 of the PWS). There is no additional time allotted for an offeror to obtain a security clearance after award. The offerors are not required to submit the DD-254 in response to the solicitation.