TCAQ Response to Industry Questions_10 Jul 08.doc

CAT A Solicitation/Preproposal Questions

10 Jul 08

Inbound to Middle East - Dangerous Goods (DG)

Q1. What are the different DG classes that we are expecting to move?

A1. The Government has a requirement for Dangerous Goods, Classes 1 – 9. See PWS, para 1.3.1., for additional clarification.

Q2. A contractor stated, “we cannot move accessible DG into Oman– we need confirmation that no accessible DG will be shipped into Oman”.

A2. The Government has a requirement for Dangerous Goods into Oman. See PWS, para 1.3.1., for additional clarification.

Refrigerated Shipments

Q3. What are the operational requirements (cold storage, temperature control…etc.)?

A3. DLA Medical Prime Vendor shipments are prepared for shipment based on the destination. The transit time requirements are being revised and there are no re-icing requirements unless a delay occurs.

Q4. Do shipments need re-icing at any transit point, given that we meet the required transit time?

A4. For the DLA Medical Prime Vendor line items (0001AA-0001AT), the transit time requirements are in the process of being revised. The Government does not anticipate any re-icing requirements based on the revised transit times.

INBOUND Iraq/Tal Afar

Q5. Shipments will be dropped off at Mosul and shipments will be tendered to Military convoy to transport into final destination at Tal Afar. Please confirm feasibility.

A5. The Government does not have a requirement for cargo to be dropped off at Mosul for final delivery by the military to Tal Afar.

INBOUND Oman

Q6. What percentage of volume is destined to Thumrait?

A6. This is a new requirement for DLA Medical Prime Vendor and the estimate is 12,000 pounds per year.

Q7. Can we increase the transit time for Thumrait destined shipments only?

A7. No, the transit requirement is 120 hours.

OUTBOUND to US

Q8. Example Iraq & Bahrain: Freight must be picked up within 24 hours – does it mean that we physically have to move the freight or just label it and take custody until departure flight is available?

A8. The Government requires the carrier to take physical custody, move the cargo from the shipper’s site within 24 hours, and meet transit time requirements.

Q9. Do we receive a daily/weekly pre-alert for all outbound volumes per origin?

A9. No.

INBOUND/OUTBOUND – Outsize Cargo Q10. How are the below two units currently being moved?

Blade, Rotary Rudder – dims: 517 * 268 * 36 – weight: 41 lbs – outsize width

Aircraft Hoisting Unit – dims: 36 * 36 * 168 – weight: 1380 lbs – outsize height

A10. The current service is provided by commercial contractors utilizing their existing transportation network.

Q11. With the given Rotary Rudder Blade dimensions, the piece will not fit in a 747. Can it be tilted/positioned in a way to fit an AN-12 and/or other aircrafts? The total weight is 41 lbs.

A11. The Blade, Rotary Rudder, dimensions were listed incorrectly. The Schedule of Supplies/Services will be amended. The correct dimensions are as follows:

Blade, Rotary Rudder – dims: 270 * 36 * 16 – weight: 450 lbs – outsize width.

Q12. For the Aircraft Hoisting Unit, can it be positioned in a way where the height will be 36” instead of 168”?

A12. Yes, the contractor can position the aircraft hoisting unit in accordance with commercial loading practices as long as the cargo is loaded to prevent damage during transportation and orientation labels cannot be violated.

Additional Questions

Q13. Is there a page length limit for the technical proposal?

A13. Yes. The RFP will be amended to reflect a 20-page double-sided limit.

Q14. Do we need to bid all CLINs/SLINs or is it possible to decline to bid certain ones and bid others?

A14. You do not need to bid all CLINs/SLINs, only those services/routes your company intends to provide services.

Q15. Will Traffic Managers ordering services utilize Global Freight Management (GFM) for the purpose of seeking quotes.

A15. No. The CAT A requirement is a limited source contract for the Department of Defense (DOD). DOD agencies/organizations must be approved and validated by USTRANSCOM J3 to use this contract.

Q16. For SLIN 0005AG – positional weight, we appreciate this surcharge being added to the allowable surcharge SLINs, but it is difficult to determine a flat surcharge per shipment, as positional weight charges vary greatly based on the size of the freight and the aircraft. Request the ability to add an appropriate surcharge for each applicable shipment and not be limited to one surcharge amount.

A16. The Government is reviewing the positional weight issue to determine possible options. The Government will provide this information when the RFP is amended.

Q17. Can a waiver be issued for the Service Contract Act (SCA)?

A17. USTRANSCOM has requested the Department of Labor review the CAT A program and determine if a SCA waiver can be issued. Unless otherwise notified, the SCA is applicable.

Q18. For CLIN 0003 – AMCOM, the minimum weight is listed as 1 lb. Please confirm. Is a minimum charge allowed for these routes?

A18. For CLIN 0003, the minimum weight is listed as one pound because several of the outsize pieces identified weigh less than 300 lbs. The only cargo that will be shipped weighing less than 300 lbs on CLIN 0003 is outsized. A minimum charge is not allowed. Each offeror is allowed to provide different rates based on the shipment weight breaks.

Q19. Can the Government develop a separate line item rate for Okinawa, Japan? This request is based on carrier input stating that cargo destined for Okinawa is transported to mainland Japan and trans-loaded to either sealift or regional airlift for the final leg to Okinawa, thereby, skewing the cost-per-lb rates for the other mainland Japan locations included in the line items.

A19. The Government will revise the Schedule of Supplies/Services and add a separate line item for Okinawa.

Q20. Are you going to include a fuel table?

A20. No. The Government reviewed the request for a fuel surcharge table and determined the Economic Price Adjustment (EPA) clause will remain the same. The solicitation and resulting contract will not include a fuel surcharge table.

Q21. How will the customers compete business on a day-to-day basis?

A21. See PWS, para 1.8.

Q22. Regarding the multiple award contract approach, how many contracts do you intend to award?

A22. The exact number of awards cannot be determined until after proposal evaluations are completed.

Q23. If you do not bid on a SLIN (route) can you bid in the option year?

A23. No.