HAP Q and A.docx

MassDOT- Highway Division Highway Assistance Patrol Response to Bidder Questions October 2014

1. Is MassDOT requiring any evidence to be submitted of the Bidder’s financial capability to obtain bonding for the initial RFR submittal? Is MassDOT requiring a Good Guy Letter as part of the RFR submittal to ensure the bidder can obtain the performance bond post-bid?

No. No.

2. Does MassDOT have an objective scoring system for respondents to know how many points will be attributable to pricing, WBE, discounted payment terms, etc.?

Yes

3. Section 5.2 discusses the evaluation process of the RFR which includes interviews, review of qualifications, etc. Can MassDOT add clarity on how each of these will be scored?

MassDOT will share this information with all vendors after award.

4. Can the respondent submit extra information in addition to the items on the RFR checklist to give MassDOT more information on innovations we have created relative to Freeway Service Patrol?

Bidders can include a cover sheet on company letterhead providing additional information.

5. Is MassDOT requiring sealed bid submittals to ensure the integrity of the process to the Purchasing Department?

MassDOT is requiring bids to be sent to the email address included within the RFR.

6. 3.7.1 Ramp truck Specs: GVWR 15,000 pounds, 19’ Aluminum platform, 96” Overall Width is this correct?

MassDOT has changed the proposed minimum GVWR from 15,000 Lbs to 25,000 Lbs. Also, changed the minimum aluminum platform length from 19 feet to 21 feet w/ 3/16” thickness on Cross-members 2 -5/16” on 6” centers w/96” Overall width.

7. 3.7.2 States Van wheel base is minimum 135”. Is this correct?

MassDOT requires a minimum of 135” wheel base. Dependent upon vehicle make/model, the wheel base may be greater.

Equipment:

8. Vans: Why do we need Tow Hooks (J-Hooks) on vans? Or does this mean you want frame mounted hooks on the chassis?

RFR Language should include - Frame mounted tow hooks on chassis.

9. Van Lighting: Can Federal lighting be used lieu of Whelan from a manufacturer perspective?

MassDOT requires Whelen lighting to be installed on all vehicles. This is MassDOT’s lighting specification.

10. 3.13.1 Are radios mounted and portable or mounted or portables?

MassDOT will issue portable handheld radios to be used by HAP operator’s, however, a select group of vehicles will be required to have mobile radios installed due to limited communication capabilities within specific HAP routes.

11. 3.20 Minimum Pay for drivers by class of “Ramp” drivers and “Van” drivers paid at same rate or different?

Minimum pay rate will be the same for a van driver and ramp truck driver.

12. 3.23 $500 fines for out of service for 45 minutes, time that spare van arrives on scene or response time to get spare to designated route? Does fine accrue based on length of time to get there?

If a HAP vehicle is out of service due to an emergency then:

The Service Provider will not be paid for the time the required HAP vehicles are not in service. The fine is based upon a time period starting 45 minutes after the vehicle is out of service and will continue until a spare HAP vehicle is put into service.

13. 3.23.2 Do trained Managers and Supervisors qualify as Spare drivers?

Yes, MassDOT will authorize anyone meeting the required qualifications including training, eligible to operate a HAP program vehicle.

14. Page7 Area 5 estimate of overtime hours says 600 over 3 years and bid detail says 1,200. Which is correct?

The estimate of overtime hours for Area 5 should be 1200 hours.

15. Is RFR to be submitted 100% electronically in a PDF format to the email provided or are printed copies accepted? If so how many copies are required?

MassDOT requires all bids to be emailed to the address included in the RFR and by 10/31/14, 3:00pm.

16. Is there a minimum experience qualification for bidders to be qualified respondents? Example: Corporation established and in business for xxx years? Must presently hold or perform like services as a corporation or entity?

Yes. Bidders must have at a minimum, three (3) years experience in servicing disabled vehicles.

17. In Area 2 and 3 are patrolled by both vans and ramp trucks. In these areas do you need to have a spare van and Ramp truck?? If yes then do you need spare vehicles for each area or will one spare of each work to cover 2 different areas?

MassDOT requires an awarded bidder provide a backup vehicle for each area and for the type(s) of vehicle(s) operating in that area.