H9242126QE008 QA Answers.docx

RASOFAM NTV Rental Vendor Questions H92421-26-Q-E008

Q1: Page 10 of 29 it refers to the inspection and acceptance location in Colorado. Can you please clarify that this is the division of the DOD signing for the contract, not the actual picks up location of the vehicles? This contract is intended to pick up the vehicles in Fairbanks, AK.

A1: Yes. The vehicles will be used in Fairbanks, AK.

Q2: It is listed that you are looking for the vehicle to have chains or wheel socks on these vehicles, is it acceptable to have studded tires on them as an alternative? (Please note that winter tires are subject to availability and the passenger vans/cargo vans may not have available winter tires in the state of Alaska, we will do our best to meet this request but may not be available. All other vehicles, trucks and SUVs will have studded tires, no issues.)

A2: Studded tires are a viable alternative. For vehicles without studded tires, snow sock kits must be provided.

Q3: To better understand your needs and ensure we’re recommending the best possible vehicle options, could you please confirm what you intend to tow with the vehicle(s) you’ve requested (type of trailer/equipment and approximate weight)?

A3: Trailers with no sides capable of holding 2-4 snowmachines. Or one axial enclosed trailer.

Q4: Traction devices listed in RFQ state snow socks, or wheel chains. Will you accept/approve the alternative that all vehicles have studded tires (SUV’s, truck’s, and van’s)? (Studded tires are the most commonly used winter tire set up in Alaska.)

A4: Studded tires are an acceptable alternative. For vehicles without studded tires, snow sock kits must be provided to mitigate getting stuck or spinning.

Q5: Hitches listed in the RFQ:

- Trucks and Vans have hitch receivers. (size varies depending on vehicle, truck, or van, 2” or 2 ½” hitch receiver).

- Hitches will not be provided due to towing liability. This will not prevent you from towing with the leased vehicles, but supporting equipment will need to be provided by the DOD to ensure that you understand and take liability for towing, if needed.

A5: Understand the government must provide the hitches. All vehicles must be equipped with hitch receivers.

Q6: Page 15 is showing that funds are not available for this solicitation. What is the estimated time for funds to be available?

A6: Funds are available now. At time the solicitation was posted, they were not, thus FAR 52.232-18 was included in the solicitation.

Q7: Page 3 and 4 are showing that wheel chains are needed for every vehicle. Is this a must have, because rental companies don't offer them?

A7: The wheel chain / snow sock request is to mitigate risk. If the vehicle is equipped with studded tires, the requirement for chains / snow socks is not necessary. Any vehicle without studded tires must have snow socks or chain kits.

Q8: Can you provide us a tax exemption form before the award is made?

A8: A tax form will be provided at time of award.

Q9: Traction Devices (PWS 4.1.1–4.1.5): The PWS requires one (1) set of wheel chains or comparable snow socks per vehicle. Would the Government consider studded winter tires as an acceptable equivalent, or must chains/snow socks be provided in addition to studded tires?

A9: It is an acceptable equivalent, however, any vehicle without studded tires must have snow socks or chain kit.

Q10: Tow Package / Tow Straps (PWS 4.1.1–4.1.5): The PWS requires a functional tow package and a tow strap on each vehicle. If the rental provider supplies hitch receivers/tow packages but does not provide tow straps, may the contractor furnish the required tow straps separately to satisfy this requirement?

A10: Yes Q11: 15-Passenger Vans – Winter Tire Availability: If studded tires are not available for 15-passenger vans due to statewide supply constraints, will providing the required chains/snow socks per van meet the traction requirement?

A11: Yes Q12: Vehicle Availability Timing (PWS 4.3.1 / Section 4.1 dates): Please confirm that vehicles may be staged and made available for pickup at the contractor’s local facility (Fairbanks area) by 08:00 AM on the applicable start dates listed in the PWS/CLIN schedule.

A12: Yes