RESPONSE TO QUESTIONS RECD.pdf

Q1: SF1449, Page 3, Para 8: “Government reserves the right to issue unilateral calls”. Does this imply the government can request a quote from a single vendor even if two or more are in that area?

R1: If multiple firms have a blanket purchase agreement (BPAs) in a specific geographic area, the Government’s intent is to compete the requirement. If two firms have BPAs in place for a specific location, a unilateral call would only be issued through execution of a limited source document. In a specific geographic location where only one firm is awarded a BPA, the Government may issue a unilateral call to that individual firm.

Q2: SF1449, Page 4, top: “Basis for award of a call under a competitive action shall be defined by a request for call quote (RFCQ).” Does this imply the government may be seeking a certain capability or feature during a call?

R2: To the maximum extent possible, calls will be competed. The BPA and associated vessel requirements reflect the Government’s minimum requirements. At the call level additional specific details maybe provided for vendors to submit a call quote.

Q3:SF1449, Page 4, top: “RFCQ shall be issued no sooner than thirty days before the vessel lease is required.” If a vessel is in a maintenance period, on another job or contract, etc… and cannot be available for the performance period can the vendor “no-bid” without negative impact on the BPA and future contracts? Note: The PWS Para 3.2 states, “Requests for vessels at the call level shall be provided no later than fourteen (14) calendar days prior to a required exercise.

If a request does not comply with this timeline, the contractor is not under obligation to provide vessel leases. These seem to conflict.

R3: Conflict between SF1449, Page 4 and PWS Para 3.2 shall be resolved where PWS Para. 3.2 will be revised to reflect thirty (30) days. Downtime for maintenance is anticipated by the Government. The frequency and circumstances behind an offeror’s decision to no-bid will be considered/evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

Q4: SF1449, Page 4, Para 1.5.d: “Microsoft Office Word processing software and Excel spreadsheet software formats are required”. There are many versions of Microsoft Word, as a result, sometimes the formatting changes and despite submitting with compliant formatting it may open in a government system in a slightly altered format. Would PDF be acceptable to ensure no formatting conflicts?

R4: PDF is an acceptable format.

Q5:SF1449, Page 6, Para 3: Vessel Capability: If a vendor has multiple compliant vessels in one zone, that all meet the same vessel type, may they all be submitted to offer the government more options? If so, can separate day rates be provided?

R5: Pricing for more than one vessel by specific geographic location is permitted. Offerors are permitted to submit separate daily rates by named vessel. Offerors shall ensure that the vessel type, vessel name, vessel specifications, daily rate, and price are clearly identified where multiple vessels are submitted for consideration.

Q6: Addenda 02 – Pricing: Vessel fuel: Ref line 9 on spreadsheet (Vessel Fuel, TBD at Call Level) Will this be a separate CLIN and Cost Reimbursable to support the unpredictable fuel cost? Note: PWS Para 4.1.1 states, “The Contractor is responsible for fuel.”

R6: When a request for call quote is issued, the offeror shall provide fuel pricing based upon the specific requirement. Pricing shall be separate from the vessel pricing and will be added to the total price of the call. Fuel pricing will be evaluated and determined fair and reasonable prior to issued/awarded call.

Q7: PWS 4.1.3: Does the term “inspection” imply a current Certificate of Inspection (COI) from the US Coast Guard?

R7: Correct.

Q8: PWS 4.1.5: “Contractor shall provide a Captain to operate the contractor provided vessel”.

Any vessel receiving compensation for a voyage with passenger(s) must be operated by a US Coast Guard licensed “Master” with a tonnage rating equal to or greater the vessels documented size. Does the solicitation and PWS use of the word “Captain” imply they must be licensed for the respective size vessel?

R8: Correct

Q9: Is past performance supplying leased vessels to Naval Special Warfare required?

R9: As indicated on the SF1449, 52.212-1 Addenda, past performance is not being evaluated

Q10: Can an awarded vendor with multiple vessels terminate a single vessel with 30 days’ notice and maintain the BPA with the remaining vessels?

R10: Award will be issued by vessel type and by specific geographic location. Vessels will not be named in any resulting BPA, but vessels proposed under the solicitation should be reflective of the class of vessel your firm intends to quote. At the call level or prior to issuance of a unilateral call, the Government will request a vessel specification sheet to confirm the vessel provided at the call level satisfies the requirement.

Q11: If an awarded vendor upgrades his vessel (sells/trades), has a catastrophic failure of vessel (sinking, fire), can a like vessel (meeting requirements) be substituted for the remainder of the BPA if approved by the Contracting Officer?

R11: See response to question 10.