Questions and Responses 17 Oct 08.pdf

Surface Small Package (SSP) Questions/Responses

17 October 2008

20. Reference: SF 1449, Page 17, Addendum 52.212-1, Paragraph (b)(12)(4)(a) Volume III - Price Proposal and Attachment 2 – Pricing Schedule

QUESTION: There is no section on spreadsheet to enter rates for AK, HI and Canada. How do carriers submit rates for these destinations?

RESPONSE: Canada is no longer a requirement for this Performance Work Statement. The government will incorporate a spreadsheet for Alaska, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico under Zone 9.

The spreadsheet will be incorporated into Attachment 2, Pricing Schedule, under Amendment 0002.

21. Reference: PWS Attachment 1, Page 3, Paragraph C.2.4, General Shipment Discrepancies/Claims

QUESTION: The carrier's commercial practice for filing claims is 21 days after the time of delivery. Requesting the carrier accept claims up to 6 years after receipt of delivery is an unreasonable expectation.

RESPONSE: The government has changed paragraph C.2.4 to the following:

C.2.4 Claims for loss of articles or damages will be filed by the government after the discovery of the damage or loss, but not later than 9 months following the date of delivery.

Claims for an overcharge may be filed by the government no later than three (3) years following the date of delivery. Contractor claims shall be filed with the government no later than three (3) years following the date of delivery. The contractor shall promptly respond to a transportation discrepancy request for information from the government.

22. Reference: PWS Attachment 1, Page 7, Paragraph C.2.20.2, Delivery Attempts

a. QUESTION: Will the government consider including a return fee for undeliverable packages in the SSP solicitation as return fee charges are now the norm in small parcel shipping?

RESPONSE: The government will not consider a return fee for undeliverable packages. The Government will evaluate the proposals in accordance with the Government requirements and the evaluation criteria. The Performance Work Statement requirement remains unchanged.

b. QUESTION: Commercial practice is to charge return transportation charges unless damaged is caused by the carrier. Will USTRANSCOM allow carriers to assess this charge as we do commercially?

RESPONSE: The government will not allow carriers to assess the government a return transportation charge. The Government will evaluate the proposals in accordance with the

Government requirements and the evaluation criteria. The Performance Work Statement requirement remains unchanged.

23. Reference: PWS Attachment 1, Page 7, Paragraph C.2.22, Notification of Shipping Weights and/or Dimensional Adjustment

a. QUESTION: Will the government consider notification of shipping weights and or dimensional adjustment notification within seven days vs 24 hours?

RESPONSE: The government has changed PWS paragraph C.2.22 to the following:

C.2.22 Notification of Shipping Weights and/or Dimensions Adjustment. The contractor may reweigh a shipment. All weight adjustments made by the contractor shall be based on scale weight from a certified scale. The contractor shall indicate those shipments that have been adjusted for weight or dimensions in PowerTrack billing.

b. QUESTION: Notification of weights or dim adjustment will be provided on the invoice. A requirement of 24 hrs notification would require a new system to be developed which is an undue burden on the carrier. Will USTRANSCOM consider changing this requirement to mirror industry practice?

RESPONSE: The government has changed PWS paragraph C.2.22 to the following:

C.2.22 Notification of Shipping Weights and/or Dimensions Adjustment. The contractor may reweigh a shipment. All weight adjustments made by the contractor shall be based on scale weight from a certified scale. The contractor shall indicate those shipments that have been adjusted for weight or dimensions in PowerTrack billing.