Questions and Answers 1.doc

QUESTION 1. Is the Port of Praia referred in this solicitation located in the Republic of Cape Verde/ Cabo Verde?

ANSWER 1. Praia da Vitória is a municipality in Portugal's Autonomous Region of the Azores. It is located on the eastern fringe of the island of Terceira.

QUESTION 2. If it is, please let us know if you can accept 28 days transit time from CONUS to Port of Praia, Cape Verde.

ANSWER 2. “The frequency of service shall be a vessel call at Azores at intervals not to exceed twenty-five (25) days between deliveries”, as stated in the PWS Para 2.1.1. is a firm requirement. A 28 day transit time will not be acceptable.

QUESTION 3. We just want a clarification on section 2.4.1. Is the government guaranteeing a minimum of 514 FEU of cargo over the 9 sailings?

ANSWER 3. The resultant contract will be a Requirements Contract, there is no minimum guarantee.

QUESTION 4. Section 2.0 Scope, Page 15, Paragraph 2.1.1 Basic Service advises the contractor must be a "Vessel Operating Carrier", meaning we must own the ship and operate it in its entirety. We are NVOCC, a non vessel owning common carrier, thus are we even eligible to bid on this project?

ANSWER 4. As a NVOCC, you would not be eligible for contract award. Award will be made to a “Vessel Operating Carrier” with a preference given to VISA carriers per the Evaluation Criteria.

QUESTION 5. Is there a date when the first voyage needs to depart from Norfolk? Or is it simply within 25-days of August 1, as the RFP is for all cargo received on or after August 1, 2008?

ANSWER 5. Amendment 0001 will be issued to revise the PWS, para 2.6. to add the following sentence: “The first sailing (Norfolk to Azores) shall commence no later than 10 Aug 08.”

QUESTION 6. I am trying to make certain I am filling out the certifications correctly. If we are in the ORCA than per 52.212-3 on page 63-75 of the RFP we are to only complete paragraph (k).

Under paragraph (k) it notes the Contracting Officer will advise if k1 or k2 applies. This is on page 73 of 75. However since neither is marked can we assume that neither certification is required for this contract?

ANSWER 6. Neither k1 or k2 applies.