Attachment No. 4 - FA441821Q0014 Questions & Answers.pdf

628 LRS & 628 SFS Small Boat Maintenance & Repair Services Attachment No. 4 – Q&A

Solicitation #: FA4418-21-Q-0014 o Question # 1: Is this a follow-on or a new requirement?

Answer # 1: This is a follow-on requirement.

o Question # 2: Can you please provide the most recent contract or task order number?

Answer # 2: The Contract # is FA4418-17-C-0001.

o Question # 3: Is there a specified number of contractor provided line handlers for the periodic ship/sub movements?

Answer # 3: Two.

o Question # 4: The RFQ does not reference a specific wage determination. Will the government specify which wage determination applies?

Answer # 4: Wage Determination 2015-4427 Rev. 17 dated 21 July 21 applies to this solicitation. The Wage Determination has been included as Attachment No. 5 to this solicitation.

o Question # 5: Can the government provide historical level of effort information pertinent to this effort as required in Section 5.4. (p. 9 of 18) of the Performance Work Statement (Attachment No. 1) titled, ‘Contractor Full-Time Equivalent Reporting’?

Answer # 5: Our office does not have historical data. It is believed that the level of effort is minimal as the information is provided through electronic means by answering specific questions related to Contractor labor.

o Question # 6: Will the contractor have access to government vehicles for towing vessels/trailers?

The RFQ is unclear about towing vehicles as they are not listed in Section 4 (p. 7-8 of 18) of the Performance Work Statement (Attachment No. 1) as being either government or contractor furnished.

Answer # 6: The Contractor will have access to Government Furnished vehicles for towing vessels/trailers, on the installation.

o Question # 7: Section 5.3.2. (p. 9 of 18) of the Performance Work Statement (Attachment No. 1) titled, ‘Contractor’s Employees’ states, “The contractor shall accomplish the assigned work by employing and utilizing qualified employees, including subcontractors. The Contractor’s employees shall have the appropriate combinations of education, certification, licenses, training, and experience.” -- The RFQ doesn’t specify OEM maintenance training or certification requirements for marine mechanics -- Specifically, what level of maintenance certification may be required for maintenance of Honda and Kohler equipment?

Answer # 7: Outboard Engine Certification is required. Technical Evaluation Criteria has been revised to reflect this within the Solicitation.

Solicitation #: FA4418-21-Q-0014 o Question # 8: Does the government intend that the contractor conduct complex repairs in house with certified mechanics or through local factory certified vendors and sub-contractors?

Answer # 8: The Contractor is responsible for maintenance & repair of vessels and generators.

The Contractor may perform in a manner of their choosing.

o Question # 9: Section 4.4. (p. 8 of 18) of the Performance Work Statement (Attachment No. 1) titled, ‘Contractor Provided Facilities, Tools, Equipment, Parts & Materials’ states that, “The contractor is responsible to provide all necessary facilities, tools, equipment, parts, and materials not otherwise identified as government furnished. This includes all equipment, tools, parts, and materials required to accomplish preventive maintenance and repair identified at paragraphs 2.1.1 through 2.1.6.” (p.

2-3 of 18) -- However, PWS items in Section 2 (p. 2-5 of 18) require the contractor to submit “Itemized Material & Cost Lists” and “Parts, material & tool receipts (copies of actual store receipts)” -- Are parts, materials, and consumables required for work in paragraphs 2.1.1. through

2.1.6. reimbursable?

Answer # 9: Contractors are responsible for parts, materials, and equipment required to perform OEM recommended maintenance. For repairs other than OEM preventative maintenance, repairs are reimbursable.

o Question # 10: Is the contractor responsible for providing specialized tools and equipment (other than normal hand tools) on an unreimbursed basis?

Answer # 10: No.

o Question # 11: Section 5.3.2.1. (p. 9 of 18) of the Performance Work Statement (Attachment No. 1) titled, ‘Training & Certification Requirements’, provides information on the certification requirements for coxswain and forklift operators -- For Small Vessel Coxswain Certification, is USCG licensure as a Master or AB considered equivalent to CNIC PQS qualification?

Answer # 11: No. Small Vessel Coxswain Certification is specific to Navy qualifications.

o Question # 12: For Forklift Certification, does the government provide training or is it the contractor’s responsibility to provide commercial certification?

Answer # 12: The training is the Contractor’s responsibility.

o Question # 13: Is this solicitation being set-aside as a total small business set-aside?

Answer # 13: Yes, the solicitation is being set-aside as a Total Small Business Set-Aside.

o Question # 14: Is there a specific classification that has been determined for the Wage Determination?

Solicitation #: FA4418-21-Q-0014

Answer # 14: It is the Contractors responsibility to determine the proper labor category according to the Wage Determination.

o Question # 15: What is the historical number of employees needed to fulfill this effort?

Answer # 15: The Government does not have historical information on the number of employees as this requirement differs from the previous contract of the same service. The Contractor is responsible for determining the size of the workforce necessary to fulfill the requirements of the Performance Work Statement.

o Question # 16: Who is responsible for providing the vehicles in respect to the recovery of vessels;

Government or Contractor?

Answer # 16: Refer to Question # 6 Answer.

o Question # 17: Sub-Para 5.3.2.1. (p. 9 of 18) of the Performance Work Statement (Attachment No.

1) titled, ‘Training and Certification Requirements’ – Coxswain Certification -- Will Joint Base Charleston provide the Coxswain Certification, or will the Government accept USCG Licensure in lieu of requirement. Will the Government allow time, after award, for this training to occur?

Answer # 17: The Contractor is responsible for providing the Coxswain Certification, USCG

Licensure is not acceptable. The Contractor shall submit the Coxswain Certification at the time of their offer in accordance with the evaluation criteria.

o Question # 18: Will the Government change the submission requirement as mandated in the solicitation to submit Certs with package if the Government agrees to provide Coxswain Certification?

Answer # 18: No, the Government will not be offering Coxswain Certification.

o Question # 19: Can USCG STCW PST (Personal Survival Techniques) be used as an alternative to 2nd

Class Swim since the Government has indicated during the pre-proposal site visit that they will not offer this training?

Answer # 19: No.

o Question # 20: Do we need to quote utilizing two new personnel when submitting our offer, or are we to assume that the incumbent employees will transition to the follow-on contract in the chance that a new offeror is awarded with the follow-on effort?

Answer # 20: Contractors are responsible for workforce makeup. The Government does not advise offerors how to structure their proposal.

o Question # 21: Are resumes expected to be produced for the FTE's?

Answer # 21: No.

o Question # 22: Government Furnished Equipment (GFE) – Will typical mechanic tools be provided or are the offerors responsible for providing daily mechanic tools?

Answer # 22: They will be provided by the Government.

o Question # 23: Sub-Para 5.3.2.1. (p. 9 of 18) of the Performance Work Statement (Attachment No.

1) titled, ‘Training and Certification Requirements’ -- Is a Forklift Certification required?

Answer # 23: Refer to Answer # 12.

o Question # 24: Who will be responsible for providing the Forklift if needed during the performance of the requirement?

Answer # 24: The Government.

o Question # 25: Is all the Government furnished lifting equipment maintained/inspected by the

Government?

Answer # 25: Yes.

o Question # 26: Sub-Para 5.3.2.1. (p. 9 of 18) of the Performance Work Statement (Attachment No.

1), titled ‘Training and Certification Requirements’ -- Mechanic Certification -- Based on the solicitation and PWS there is no indication on the level of experience or certifications that are required for the mechanics that you are requesting to perform maintenance & repair services; what does Joint Base Charleston expect the mechanic to have in regards to experience level and certifications?

Answer # 26: Basic maintenance (min. of 1 year experience) operating on outboard engines;

also refer to Question # 21 Answer.

o Question # 27: Are the Mechanics required to have a Honda Certification?

Answer # 27: No, Contractors are responsible for having an Outboard Engine Certification. The Evaluation Criteria has been updated on the Solicitation to reflect this.

o Question # 28: Who is responsible for providing these certificates or ensuring that the employees are properly certified to Joint Base Charleston’s expectations?

Answer # 28: The Contractor.

o Question # 29: In respect to certifications are required; when are these certifications to be completed? When submitting the offer/prior to award/post-award?

Solicitation #: FA4418-21-Q-0014

Answer # 29: At submission of offeror, except for the line handler training which is to be coordinated immediately following award with the Contracting Officer’s Representative

(COR).

o Question # 30: If certifications are required; are certifications required to be updated on an annual basis, or how frequent do they need to updated?

Answer # 30: The validity of the certification is determined by the organization issuing the certification and will be required to be updated in accordance to maintain the certification as determined by the issuing organization.

o Question # 31: Para 2.1.3. (p. 2 of 18) of the Performance Work Statement (Attachment No. 1) titled, ‘Line Handlers’ -- indicates a requirement for line handlers in para 2.1.3., are these employees to be separate employees from the marine mechanics or is Joint Base Charleston expecting the mechanics to perform line handler duties as well?

Answer # 31: Workforce makeup is determined by the Contractor. Mechanics may perform line handler duties. Performance of mechanic requirements does not relieve the Contractor from performing line handler duties, and performance of line handler duties does not relieve the Contractor from performing mechanic requirements.

o Question # 32: Is there any specific training/certification required in order to fulfill the line handler requirement?

Answer # 32: Yes, line handler training (Safety Brief) will be provided by the Government.

o Question # 33: When is the proof of completion of said training/certification for line handlers due to

Joint Base Charleston? When submitting the offer/pre-award/post-award?

Answer # 33: Upon award the Contractor will coordinate with the Government to immediately complete training. Completion of training should be done prior to any line handler duties being performed.

o Question # 34: Will personal protective equipment (PPE) be provided by the Government in order to fulfill the requirements listed within the solicitation, or will the Offeror?

Answer # 34: The Government will provide hard hats. All remaining PPE is the responsibility of the Contractor.

o Question # 35: Will the offeror have full access to any Government tools on-site?

Answer # 35: The Contractor will have access to specialized tools.

o Question # 36: In respect to para 2.1.8. (p. 4 of 18) of the Performance Work Statement (Attachment No. 1) titled, ‘Reports’; is there a specific database that the Offeror is required to have access to in order to generate and provide these reports?

Question # 36 Answer: No. The Government prefers excel-based reports.

o Question # 37: The combined synopsis/solicitation incorporates FAR 52.222-42 regarding the

Statement of Equivalent Rates for Federal Hires. The combined synopsis/solicitation provides the Statement of Equivalent Rates for Federal Hires with an Employee Class of 23530 Machinery Maintenance Repair. The Department of Labor Directory Occupation lists Employee Class 23530 as Machinery Maintenance Mechanic. Please confirm the Employee Class for the Statement of Equivalent Rates for Federal Hires should be 23530 Machinery Maintenance Mechanic.

Answer # 37: The Government has revised FAR 52.222-42.

o Question # 38: The combined synopsis/solicitation incorporates FAR 52.222-41 and 52.222-43 regarding the Service Contract Labor Standards. Please identify the Wage Determination No. and relevant Revision No. that is incorporated into the solicitation.

Answer # 38: The Government has incorporated the Wage Determination into the Solicitation.

o Question # 39: “Offerors must submit a copy of Coxswain Certification with their offer.” How will the Government confirm that a submitted Coxswain certification is held by an actual employee or proposed candidate of the offerors?

Answer # 39: The Government will rely on the Contractors submission of certification as valid for valuation purposes. Contractors are required to maintain certification throughout contract performance. The Government reserves the right to question the validity of Contractors submission of the certification.

o Question # 40: Para 4.4 (p. 8 of 18) of the Performance Work Statement (Attachment No. 1) titled, ‘Contractor Provided Facilities, Tools, Equipment, Parts & Materials’ indicates that the contractor is responsible for providing all tools. However, Para 2.1.6 (p. 3 of 18) titled, ‘Preventative Maintenance and Inspections for Vessels and Support Equipment’ indicates that “copies of actual store receipts” should be submitted. Will tools purchased for performance on this contract be reimbursed by the Government?

Answer # 40: Para 2.1.6. is for data collection by the Government. See Answer to Question #

10 referencing reimbursement of tools.

o Question # 41: Similarly, Para 4.4 (p. 8 of 18) of the Performance Work Statement (Attachment No.

1) titled, ‘Contractor Provided Facilities, Tools, Equipment, Parts & Materials’ indicates that the contractor is responsible for providing all parts “not otherwise identified as government furnished.”

However, Para 2.1.6. (p. 3 of 18) titled, ‘Preventative Maintenance and Inspections for Vessels and Support Equipment’ indicates that “copies of actual store receipts” should be submitted. Will parts purchased for performance on this contract be reimbursed by the Government?

Answer # 41: Refer to Question # 10 Answer.

Solicitation #: FA4418-21-Q-0014 o Question # 42: Para 4.1. (p. 7 of 18) of the Performance Work Statement (Attachment No. 1) titled, ‘Government Furnished Equipment/Tools/Materials’ indicates that “The Government shall provide the facilities, fixtures, equipment, materials, and services listed under section 8.2.” Since section 8.2

(p. 15-16 of 18) titled, ‘Equipment Maintenance List’ does not indicate any facilities, please confirm that the contractor will be provided access to the facilities listed in para 4.2.1 (p. 7 of 18) titled, ‘Joint Base Charleston Facilities’?

Answer # 42: The awarded Contractor will be granted access to the identified facilities in para

4.2.1.

o Question # 43: Will the Government provide facility heavy equipment such as boat lifts, cranes, engine hoists, generators, air compressors …?

Answer # 43: Yes.

o Question # 44: Will the Government provide use of a Government owned vehicle for performance of maintenance tasks (towing trailers, moving large parts)?

Answer # 44: See Question # 6 Answer.

o Question # 45: Will the Government provide emergency equipment such as eye was stations, fire extinguishers, first aid kits…?

Answer # 45: Yes.

o Question # 46: Should the costs for materials, parts, and tools be included in FFP CLINS 0001 and

0003?

Answer # 46: Yes.

o Question # 47: Please confirm that for CLINs 0002 and 0004 the Government is only requesting regular and overtime labor rates without the addition of parts or supplies.

Answer # 47: Attachment No. 2 titled, ‘Small Boat RFQ - FA441821Q0014 - Pricing Worksheet’ has been revised to remove the inclusion of regular labor hours. Please include only after-hours labor rates for CLINs X002 & X004.

o Question # 48: Please clarify the number of Harbor Security Boats. para 8.1.1. (p. 15 of 18) of the

Performance Work Statement (Attachment No. 1) titled, ‘Workload Estimates’ indicates 4 boats, whereas para 8.2 (p. 15-16 of 18) titled, ‘Equipment Maintenance List’ indicates 6 boats.

Answer # 48: Six HSB’s and two Whalers; Total of eight boats.

o Question # 49: Is there a specified or minimum level of contractor liability and service insurance coverage?

Solicitation #: FA4418-21-Q-0014

Answer # 49: The Contractor must carry worker’s compensation and employer’s liability at a minimum of $100K or provide the same insurance in accordance with the State of South Carolina laws and regulations. The Contractor shall provide general liability for bodily injury of at least $500K per occurrence and property damage liability of $500K per occurrence.

Contractor’s are required to provide liability insurance as prescribed by FAR 28.307-2 Sub- Paragraphs (a)(b)(i) and (c). The Contractor shall also provide property damage insurance in the amount of $500K per occurrence in accordance with FAR 28.307-2 Sub-Paragraph (b)(ii).

Additionally, see DFARS clause 252.217-7012, Liability and Insurance.

o Question # 50: Since this solicitation is registered as a Small Business Set Aside, we request that past performance be extended to include the past 5 years to allow additional citations.

Answer # 50: The Government intends to leave the past-performance recency at 3 years.

o Question # 51: Who is the incumbent on this contract?

Answer # 51: Acquisition Logistics, LLC.

o Question # 52: If a company purchases materials, supplies, and parts and they are not consumed before the end of the contract, what happens to that material? Does the company receive reimbursement; do they remain with the government?

Answer # 52: If the Contractor purchases preventative maintenance parts and materials, the

Government will retain ownership.

o Question # 53: Are contractors required to propose the SCLS Wage Grade positions listed in the solicitation?

Answer # 53: Contractors are required to adhere to the Department of Labor wage regulations and guidance to include providing minimum rates as required by Wage Determination 2015- 4427 Rev. 17 dated 21 July 21 o Question # 54: Para 8.1.1. (p. 15 of 18) of the Performance Work Statement (Attachment No. 1) titled, ‘Workload Estimates’ lists 4 harbor security boats and 2 working vessels for workload estimates. Para 8.2 (p. 15-16 of 18) titled, ‘Equipment Maintenance List’ lists 6 Sea Arks and 2 Boston Whalers. Please clarify the number of harbor security boats.

Answer # 54: Para 8.1. Identifies the workload estimate. Para 8.2. Identifies the number of vessels.

o Question # 55: Para 2.1.4. (p. 2-3 of 18) of the Performance Work Statement (Attachment No. 1) titled, ‘Vessel Availability’ provides for a minimum of 2 whalers to be mission capable at all times.

Are there more than 2 whalers? Would the contractor still be in compliance for being “mission capable” if one of the whalers is removed from the water for cleaning, maintenance, preservation, or repair?

Solicitation #: FA4418-21-Q-0014

Answer # 55: Yes. Para 2.1.4. of the Performance Work Statement has been revised to reflect one mission capable whaler at all times versus two.

o Question # 56: Para 8.1.3. (p. 15 of 18) of the Performance Work Statement (Attachment No. 1) titled, ‘Repair Service Calls’ specifies that there are 300 routine service calls and 2 emergencies per year. Would the government provide some kind of historical details to facilitate pricing, to include government-provided tools, equipment, and facilities and contractor provided supplies and parts?

For example, are boat lifts required or a vehicle for towing?

Answer # 56: See questions above related to Government provided tools, equipment, facilities, and Contractor provided tools. Parts and materials will be reimbursed in accordance with para 2.1.8.1. of the Performance Work Statement.

o Question # 57: Are resumes and Letters of Commitment required for the proposal?

Answer # 57: No.

o Question # 58: Language of the Solicitation – Section L & Section I – Under the section discussing evaluation criteria, the combined synopsis/solicitation lists technical, price, and past performance (in that order). As the instructions DO NOT call for a technical capability part of the proposal, I am operating under the assumption that the government desires to see any/all references to the contractor’s technical capability relevant to the PWS (including the required certifications and Mission Essential Services Plan mentioned above) listed in the Part II – Past Performance section of the proposal. Is that accurate?

Answer # 58: Technical capability will be evaluated on a pass/fail basis as stated at para (ix.) of the combined synopsis/solicitation under the Technical heading. Past Performance references are limited to no more than five during the three years prior to the date of the combined synopsis/solicitation posting as stated at para (viii.) of the combined synopsis/solicitation. The second paragraph of para (viii.) has been revised.

o Question # 59: I did not see any page limit information in the combined synopsis/solicitation. We have no desire to bury you in unnecessary page submissions, but does the government desire to have a page limit requirement for Parts I and II of the response?

Answer # 59: No.