NOTICE TO OFFERORS.doc

NOTICE TO BIDDERS

1.

This is an Invitation for Bid (IFB) 100% Total Small Business Set Aside for the Dry-dock & Repairs of the USCGC KUKUI (WLB-203) 2.

The work will be performed during the period of 01 JUL 2009 through 08 SEP 2009.

3.

In order to be selected for award, bidders will be required to submit written bids consistent with the requirements of this solicitation. Award will be based on evaluation factors outlined in Section M. As stated under paragraph M.3, AWARD, prospective bidders must submit their dry-dock certification in accordance with MLCPAC Standard Spec 997 and documentation showing the class and size of cutters lifted. Failure to submit required documentation will result in bid being considered non-responsive and ineligible for award.

4.

Bidders must complete and submit all applicable items of this solicitation, with particular emphasis on Section A, B, I, K and L.

5.

Bidders that elect to use commercial delivery services for delivery of contract proposals/bids are advised that such delivery must be made to Suite 807N on the 8th Floor of the Oakland Federal Building by the delivery time provided in block No. 9 of the SF-33 to be considered timely.

6.

USCGC KUKUI will be available for ship check during the solicitation process. Bidders are highly encouraged to visit the cutter to determine layout and inspect interferences. Please call the Project Manager for this availability, CWO Witbracht, at (510)637-5844 to make arrangements for ship check.

7.

Contractors are required to offer prices for all items in Section B to be considered.

8.

Bidders are advised that some of the drawings, diagrams, and reports that are provided with this solicitation are for information use only. The Coast Guard does not warrant the accuracy of this information. This is the best information available to the Coast Guard and is provided to the offerors to assist them in preparing their competition proposals.

9.

All questions must be submitted, no later than 26 MAR 2009, and be directed to:

Ryan dela Cruz, at e-mail: ryan.r.delacruz@uscg.mil , telephone (510) 637-5989, or FAX (510) 637-5978. Alternate: Valerie Rivera-Chase: valerie.s.riverachase@uscg.mil, telephone (510) 637-5972

OMBUDSMAN NOTICE

NOTICE FOR FILING AGENCY PROTESTS

It is the policy of the Coast Guard to issue solicitations and make contract awards in a fair and timely manner. The Ombudsman Program for Agency Protests (OPAP) was established to investigate agency protest issues and resolve them without expensive and time-consuming litigation. OPAP is an independent reviewing authority that is empowered to grant a prevailing protester essentially the same relief as the General Accounting Office (GAO).

Interested parties are encouraged to seek resolution of their concerns within the Coast Guard as an Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) forum, rather filing a protest with the GAO or some external forum. Interested Parties may seek resolution of their concerns informally or opt to file a formal agency protest with the contracting officer or Ombudsman.

INFORMAL FORUM WITH THE OMBUDSMAN. Interested parties who believe that a Coast Guard procurement is unfair or otherwise defective should first direct their concerns to the cognizant contracting officer. If the contracting officer is unable to satisfy the concerns, the interested party is encouraged to contact the coast Guard Ombudsman for Agency Protests. Under this informal process, the agency is not required to suspend contract award performance. Use of an informal forum does not suspend any time requirement for filing a protest with the agency or other forum. In order to ensure a timely response, interested parties should provide the following information to the Ombudsman: solicitation/contract number, contracting officer, and solicitation closing date (if applicable).

FORMAL AGENCY PROTEST WITH THE OMBUDSMAN: Prior to submitting a formal agency protest, protesters must first use their best efforts to resolve their concerns with the contracting officer through open and frank discussions. If the protester’s concerns are unresolved, an independent review is available by the Ombudsman. The protester may file a formal agency protest to either the contracting officer or as an alternative to that, the Ombudsman under the OPAP program. Contract award or performance will be suspended during the protest period unless contract award or performance is justified, in writing, for urgent and compelling reasons or is determined in writing to be in the best interest of the Government. The agency’s goal is to resolve protests in less than 35 calendar days from the date of filing. Protests shall include the information set forth at FAR 33.103(d)(2). If the protester fails to submit the required information, resolution of the protest may be delayed or the protest may be dismissed. This will not preclude re-filing of the protests to meet the requirement. To be timely, protests must be filed within the period specified in FAR 33.103(e). Formal protests filed under the OPAP program should be forwarded to the address below:

Commandant (GG-913)

Acquisition Planning and Performance Measurement

1900 Half St. SW, Room 11-0402

Washington, DC 20593

Telephone: (202) 372-3692

Fax: (202) 475-3904