NOTICE_TO_OFFERORS_HICKORY.docx

NOTICE TO OFFERORS

1. This is a Request for Proposal (RFP), Total Small Business Set Aside, for the dock-side repair of the CGC HICKORY (WLB 212), a 225’ “B Class” Sea –going Buoy Tender at Coast Guard Base LA/LB, 1001 S Seadise Ave, San Pedro, CA 90731.

2. This project will be performed, during the period of 14 January 2013 through 11 March 2013 at the above Coast Guard Base LA/LB.

3. In order to be selected for award, offerors will be required to submit written offers consistent with the requirements of this solicitation. Award will be based on evaluation factors outlined in FAR 52.212-2 Evaluation-Commercial Items.

4. Offerors must complete and submit all applicable items of this solicitation, with particular emphasis on Schedule of Items – Supplies/Services and Prices, contract clauses, and 52.212-3, Offeror Representation & Certifications – Commercial Items.

5. Offerors that elect to use commercial delivery services for delivery of contract proposals/bids are advised that such delivery must be made to Suite 800N on the 8th Floor of the Oakland Federal Building by the delivery time provided in block No. 9 of the SF-1449 to be considered timely.

6. All prospective offerors are urged to visit the cutter and visually inspect each item of work and to become acquainted with local conditions, locations of items and fixtures, removals, replacements, interference and the nature of work. Contractor is advised to contact CWO Mike Kimberlin, Engineering Officer, at (907) 299-0583 to arrange a ship check.

7. Contractors are required to offer prices for all items in Schedule of Items to be considered.

8. Offerors 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 10 October 2012 at 2:00 P.M., Pacific Local Time, and be directed to: Jay McReynolds, at e-mail: jay.s.mcreynolds@uscg.mil telephone (510) 637-5975, or FAX (510) 637-5977. Alternate: Jack Rodman e-mail: jack.e.rodman@uscg.mil or by phone (510) 637-5988.

11. Funding of this project is contingent on Congressional Funds Appropriations Act.

NOTICE FOR FILING AGENCY PROTESTS

United States Coast Guard Ombudsman Program

It is the policy of the United States Coast Guard (USCG) 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 Government Accountability Office (GAO).

Interested parties are encouraged to seek resolution of their concerns within the USCG as an Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) forum rather than 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 a specific USCG procurement is unfair or otherwise defective should first direct their concerns to the applicable Contracting Officer. If the Contracting Officer is unable to satisfy their concerns, interested parties are encouraged to contact the U.S. 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 office, 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 in 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. 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 submitted to:

COMMANDANT (CG-9131)

U S COAST GUARD

OMBUDSMAN PROGRAM FOR AGENCY PROTESTS

2100 2ND ST SW STOP 7112

WASHINGTON DC 20593-7112

The Ombudsman Hotline telephone number is 202.372.3695.