Questions_from_Industry_RFP_17_May_13.pdf

Question

Par. Ref. Category Question Government Response

1 Claims Is it possible to provide further definition to where the claims took place; during truck transport, ocean carriage, and at the VPC? This will help us determine where liability occurs.

Any historical claims data available was provided on www.fbo.gov on 1 Apr 13 under the title Draft RFP.

2 PWS 1.3.2.2.1 Claims Which repair guides are to be used to determine a fair value of any claims? Is the Government requiring specific guides to use in the US, Europe, and Asia?

Repair guides are not directed for claims purposes. All claims settlements are to be negotiated with the customer or Government entity filing the claim.

3 Claims

Can we get some clarity on the claims data? Type of claims by category would be helpful. How many claims that are settled at VPC get reclaimed at a later date?

Can we receive any specific Copies of claims reports so we can analyze root cause of claims?

Any historical claims data available was provided on www.fbo.gov on 1 Apr 13 under the title Draft RFP.

4 Claims Why is there a need for an open ended claim even after the claim has been settled at the VPC? See PWS par. 1.3.2.5. and 1.3.11.

5 PWS 1.3.4.4 Claims Can you explain why the supporting evidence on the DD788 does not release the contractor from liability?

Failure to note exceptions due to the cleanliness of the POV does not provide relief from liability.

6 Claims On spreadsheet titled GPC II Regular Claims 2003-2012.xls, what is the difference between the tabs listed LMS and the tab listed as Class?

See historical claims data posted on www.fbo.gov on 1 Apr 13 under the title Draft RFP.

7 Claims In the data provided, GPC-II Regular Claims Volume, there is a breakdown of claims filed as military, member, insurance. For clarification, what is the definition of each category?

See historical claims data posted on www.fbo.gov on 1 Apr 13 under the title Draft RFP.

8 Claims

Is it possible to provide a breakdown of the claims data by Transportation Segment?

For example, there is a claims total paid out for each VPC location, but is it possible to see the breakdown of the claims based on inland, storage, and ocean carriage segment?

Any historical claims data available was provided on www.fbo.gov on 1 Apr 13 under the title Draft RFP.

9 Claims Can the claim settlement check up to $1000.00 can be for a partial release of liability? The check must be in US Dollars. Does the check have to be drawn against a US bank, or can it be drawn against a foreign bank?

Claims settlement shall be IAW PWS 1.3.11. which does not specify where checks should be drawn.

10 Claims Is there historical information regarding claims per channel available? Any historical claims data available was provided on www.fbo.gov on 1 Apr 13 under the title Draft RFP.

11 Claims Who is responsible for claim settlements that happened prior to or during transition from incumbent?

Whoever has custody when the damage occurs is responsible for settling the claim under the terms of the respective contract.

12 Claims Can you define LMS and class claims (i e tabs in the data set)? See historical claims data posted on www.fbo.gov on 1 Apr 13 under 12 Claims Can you define LMS and class claims (i.e., tabs in the data set)? p g p the title Draft RFP.

13 Claims Why have the LMS claims dropped from 2 million per year to zero in the last 10 years?

See historical claims data posted on www.fbo.gov on 1 Apr 13 under the title Draft RFP.

14 Claims 1.3.11.2: This requirement says that claims should be settled in 90 days, however, the KPI report says 60, which is correct? 90 days. See PWS.

15 Claims Would it be acceptable for us to issue payment for claims on-site using something other than checks? Please expand on the requirement.

Claims settlement shall be IAW PWS 1.3.11. which does not specify form of payment.

16 Claims Are claims to be resolved in 60 or 90 days 90 days. See PWS.

17 Claims Are there online repair estimation programs that acceptable/authorized to use for estimates? Which ones?

The Government does not direct how the amount of the claim is derived.

18 Claims The claims packet that needs to be provided to each POV owner, is the intention for that to contain the government’s claims documents, our companies or both?

See PWS 1.3.4.6., "Upon completion of the inspection, the contractor shall give the customer one legible copy of the inspection form and the contractor's claims instructions."

19 Claims Do you have historical data regarding what percentage of claims/dollars the incumbent has been able to recover from the carriers?

Any historical claims data available was provided on www.fbo.gov on 1 Apr 13 under the title Draft RFP.

19a PWS paragraph 1.3.2.2 (page 2 of 16) Claims

PWS paragraph 1.3.2.2 (page 2 of 16) uses the term “most comparable POV appearing in the guide”. What standard will the Government apply when determining “most comparable”?

The Government will consider any evidence deemed appropriate

20 PWS 1.3.12.1 IT For the website referenced in 1.3.12.1 for in-transit visibility requirements. Is there a minimum requirement for status updates, such as hourly, twice a day, daily, etc? The website shall provide in-transit visibility IAW PWS 1.3.12.2.

21 Misc Will servicemen be allowed to have their insurance lapse while vehicles are under our care?

No specific requirement exists in the DTR, JTR, or JFTR for service members or DoD civilians to carry private insurance coverage in order to ship a POV under this contract. See DTR Attachment K3 "Shipping Your POV", Section H for additional information.

22 Misc Do quality control records have to be hard copy, or can it be electronic soft copy or images of scanned documents? The PWS does not reference quality control records.

23 Misc

When a contractor inherits overseas employees by taking over GO/CO locations, what rules and labor laws are required to be considered and applied by the contractor? What are the contractual and financial obligations that we need to be aware of? For example the (TUPE) Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) regulations guarantee.

It is the contractor's responsibility to ensure contractor operations are in accordance with governing law and regulations.

24 PWS 1.3.5 Misc What is the process/procedure for Storage In –Transit (SIT)? Who gives approval for SIT? Is approval provided in writing; is an authorization number provided? Storage In-Transit is not a PWS requirement.

25 PWS 1.3.6 Misc If a POV arrives prior to RDD and the customer is not ready for delivery, at what point is storage authorized?

Storage entitlement is a separate authorization. Shipped POVs shall remain at the VPC until customer pick-up, unless otherwise directed.

26 PWS Appendix C Misc Is there a US Citizenship requirement in order to attain the designation of Senior Customs Border Clearance Agent? See Appendix C reference ECI 4002.01.

27 RFP Page 15, Paragraph (B)(3)(c)(3)(d) Misc

How can the contractor be held responsible and penalized for a missed RDD if the planned sailing of the foreign flag vessel is not met due to delays by the Contracting Officer in granting the foreign flag waiver approval?

Where the contractor follows the provisions of 252.247-7023, Transportation of Supplies by Sea, and an RDD is missed, a determination of fault will be made by the Government on a case by case basis.

28 PWS 1.3.4.3 Misc Please define the scope of the statement “The Government shall have access to all files on demand”. We believe this should be limited to solely order and customer related files, and not contractor’s proprietary and confidential files.

See PWS pars 1.3.4.3. & 1.3.15.2.

29 PWS 1.3.5.1.1 Misc Please confirm that all missed RDD’s, irrespective of cause (including delays caused by ocean carrier), will be subject to the penalty of $ 30 per day, maximum 7 days.

See PWS par. 1.3.5.1.

days.

30 PWS 1.3.12.1 Misc In the statement “Government personnel as designated by the Program Manager shall have unlimited access to system data”, please clarify the exact data you want the Government to have unlimited access to?

See PWS par. 1.3.12.1.

31 Misc 1.3.5.2.1: Do contractor employees in the VPCs have to go to Germany to attend agricultural training or can we do a “train the trainer” for agricultural training? See Appendix C reference ECI 4002.01.

32 Misc Can we get the call volume of customer service calls at VPC's and Centrally? This information is not available.

33 Misc 1.3.7.1.2: How do we send a certified letter to APO/FPO when there is no physical address?

The contractor should have a unit and home address for each customer - one of which is not an APO/FPO address. See PWS 1.3.4.3.

34 Misc Do we need valid insurance certificates for service member’s POVs prior to acceptance/turn-in? Documents required at turn-in are listed in PWS para 1.3.4.

35 Misc Is SDDC involved in the clearance processes for POVs? Can you describe what their role is in this process?

Customs clearance is the responsibility of the contractor. See PWS

1.3.5.2. and Appendix C.

36 Misc Could TRANSCOM provide volumes of abandoned vehicles in OCONUS? What is the contractors liability for abandonded vehicles in OCONUS? This information is not available. See PWS para 1.3.9.

37 Misc Are we required to take the salvage vehicle? See PWS para 1.3.11.3., "...the contractor shall also negotiate an ownership agreement with the customer for disposition of the POV."

37a PWS paragraph

1.3.3.1.3 (page 3of 16) Misc

PWS paragraph 1.3.3.1.3 (page 3of 16) states “The contractor shall provide a lock box in the reception area for customers to place comment cards.” Are additional methods that ensure delivery of customer comments directly to the COR acceptable, provided offerors also deliver the lock box in the reception area?

Yes. See PWS para. 1.3.10.3. and 1.3.10.3.2.

37b PWS paragraph 1.3.4.1 (page 4 of 16) Misc

PWS paragraph 1.3.4.1 (page 4 of 16) states “contingent upon the POV being safe and operable”. What standard should offerors use in determining “safe and operable”?

The contractor will have to make an initial determination as to whether a POV is safe and operable with questions/disputes directed to the COR.

37c PWS paragraph 1.3.10.3 (page 9 of 16). Misc When and for how long will the Contracting Officer review contractor provided customer service comments cards for approval?

The Government has not established a timeline for approval, but does not foresee this approval taking more than a few days provided all PWS requirements are met.

37d PWS paragraph 1.3.14 (page 11 of 16). Misc When and for how long will the Government review contractor report formats for approval?

The Government has not established a timeline for approval, but does not foresee this approval taking more than a few days provided all PWS requirements are met.

37e PWS paragraph

1.3.14.1.6 (page 12 of 16).

Misc On what schedule does the Government anticipate providing the contractor with the customer service comments cards in order for the contractor to prepare and deliver the required report?

The Government has not established a specific timeline for return of paper comment cards. The Contractor will not be penalized for delays caused by the Government in returning the comment cards.

37f PWS 1.3.5.8, Page 6 of 16 Misc Besides the guidance contained in the JTR, what other criteria, if any, will the

Government use to authorize door-to-door delivery?

Door-to-door shipments are only authorized between CONUS locations when a member is physically unable to drive, or there is insufficient time for the member to drive and report to the new permanent duty station as ordered (see JFTR U5415).

37g PWS 1.3.5.8, Page 6 of 16 Misc What is the anticipated door-to-door delivery volume? Approximately 150 or fewer POVs per year (Includes VPC-to-door and door-to-VPC shipments).

37h PWS 1.3.5.8, Page 6 of 16 Misc What is the anticipated VPC-to-door delivery volume? Approximately 20 or fewer POVs per year.

37i PWS 1.3.5.8, Page 6 of 16 Misc What is the anticipated door-to-VPC delivery volume? Approximately 10 or fewer POVs per year.

37j PWS 1.3.3.1 (Page 3 of

16) and Appendix A (VPC) List

Misc

The RPF requires the contractor to operate VPC’s and QoL sites in accordance with Appendices “A”. Does the Government anticipate closure and/or replacement of these VPC’s with a door-to-door, VPC-to-door, or door-to-VPC process during the term of this contract and options?

No. Door to door shipments are only authorized between CONUS locations when a member is physically unable to drive, or there is insufficient time for the member to drive and report to the new permanent duty station as ordered (see JFTR U5415).

We note the change of the GPC III NAICS to 488999 from that used in previous

37k NAICS Code Misc

We note the change of the GPC III NAICS to 488999 from that used in previous GPC competitions. NAICS 488 covers support activities for transportation.

According to NAICS, industries in the support activities for transportation subsector provide “services which support transportation. These services may be provided to transportation carrier establishments or to the general public. This subsector includes a wide array of establishments, including air traffic control services, marine cargo handling, and motor vehicle towing”. We note that the GPC III scope of work excludes all three of the establishment examples provided in the NAICS definition (motor vehicle towing explicitly). Further, NAICS 488999 (the GPC III NAICS code) represents an even narrower definition of “other” transportation support services within the NAICS 488 subsector. We also note that the transportation support subsector does not capture major portions of the GPC III POV scope of work, including vehicle operability maintenance; vehicle repair; operation of government owned facilities (GOCO); operation of contractor provided facilities; storage and warehousing of POVs; customer service; claims processing; and other (non-transportation) POV processing activities. What is the basis for the Government using such a narrowly-defined transportation support services NACIS code for GPC

III?

Based on the services to be performed under this requirement and estimated costs associated with each type of service, the Government determined 488999 to be the most appropriate NAICS code.

37l NAICS Code Misc

Our understanding is that previous GPC contracts were procured under NAICS 541614. We noted that USTRANSCOM’s Acquisition Procurement Forecast (Spring, Revised April 4, 2012) forecasted GPC III under NAICS 541614. Could the Government clarify the basis for changing the GPC III NACIS code from previously provided information?

Based on the services to be performed under this requirement and estimated costs associated with each type of service, the Government determined 488999 to be the most appropriate NAICS code.

37m

PWS 1.3.5

Transportation (page 5 of 16)

Misc Is the Government conducting or anticipates conducting a pilot or test program of door-to-door, VPC-to-door, or door-to-VPC delivery during the term of this contract? No.

37n

PWS 1.3.5

Transportation (page 5 of 16)

Misc

If the Government is conducting or anticipates conducting a pilot or test program of door-to-door, VPC-to-door, or door-to-VPC delivery during the term of this contract, does the Government anticipate closing additional VPCs upon successful outcome of such test or pilot program?

The Government does not anticipate conducting a door to door pilot program.

37o GPC II Contract Modifications Misc

GPC II contract modifications have not been published since 2009. Will the Government please provide the historical annual economic price adjustment applied each year of the GPC II contract?

Releasable historical information was posted to FedBizOps on 28 Feb 13 and 1 Apr 13.

37p GPC II Contract Modifications Misc

GPC II contract modifications have not been published since 2009. Will the Government please provide detailed information regarding the opening, closing, deletion, or addition of VPC and POV storage sites under the GPC II contract since November, 2009?

Over the course of the contract, sites have been opened and closed for various reasons. Under the current PWS, opening and closure of VPCs will be negotiated on a case-by-case basis.

37q GPC II Contract Modifications Misc

GPC II contract modifications have not been published since 2009. Will the Government please provide detailed information regarding any significant changes to POV volumes at VPCs under the GPC II contract since November, 2009?

See historical information posted to www.fbo.gov on 28 Feb 13.

37r Current Contract Information Misc

In order to insure level and equal bidding opportunities for the Incumbent Contractor and all Offerors, it is requested that TRANSCOM provide complete information regarding the number of POVs stored in 2011 and 2012, and the number of vehicles received and moved from each CONUS and OCONUS location in 2011 and 2012 . The information provided to date in incomplete and contradictory. We can provide specific examples if required. This is all public record information and its production is essential to insure that all parties can have the same contract data and bid with equal knowledge

Information regarding POVs in storage in 2011 and 2012 was provided and is complete to the Government's knowledge (see GPC II Storage Inventory.xlsx). Information regarding POVs turned-in and shipments between locations was provided and is complete to the Government's knowledge (see GPC II Detailed Volume 2011- 2012.xls and GPC II Volume 2011-2012.xls).

37s Wage Determination 2013-0071 Rev. 1 Misc

We note the significant rate differences between Wage Determination 2013-0071 Rev. 1 and local wage determinations within each covered region. May offerors use Local Wage Determinations in lieu of the Regional Wage Determinations?

Offers should be based upon Wage Determinations provided in the

RFP.

Please clarify and provide a definition for each of the terms listed below, as it pertains to Attachment L-2 – Didlake – Norfolk Directed Sub Pricing:

F ll/P ti l/H dlift (O i i Shi ) St Shi F ll S i D ti ti

37t Attachment L-2 – Didlake – Norfolk

Directed Sub Pricing Misc

Full/Partial/Hardlift (Origin Shippers); Storage Shippers; Full Service Destination (Deliver to Member); Storage Pick-ups (Deliver to Member); Intermediate Service;

Commercial Shippers; Commercial Pick-ups (Deliver to Member); Conus Shippers;

Conus Pick-Ups; Commercial Storage Shippers; Commercial Storage Pick-Ups Europe. We want to make sure we understand exactly what work is being preformed for each of the terms listed above. For example, Storage Shippers – does this imply that storage is being provided for waiting for shipment, or does it imply the storage that a shipper provided?

See revised Attachment L-2 in Amendment 0004.

37u

Amendment 0001, Instructions to Offerors,

(i) Part I – Business Proposal, page 3 of 12

Misc

The proposal states “(d) Company/Division Address, Identifying Codes, and Applicable Designations. Provide company/division’s street address, county and facility code; CAGE code; DUNS code; and size of business (large or small).” In this context, what does the term “facility code” refer to?

Block 17a shall be completed with a facility code if the contractor's geographic facility where work will be performed for this contract is different than the CAGE code listed in Block __. N/A is an acceptable fill-in for this block.

38 Past Performance

The past performance evaluation weighting gives the most consideration to relevancy of past performance, meaning that only the incumbent, as the sole provider of these services for the past 15 years, will benefit from the price benefit of the tradeoff.

In this source selection, past performance and price will be weighted approximately equally. Recency and relevancy of each past performance effort provided will be considered in the overall confidence assessment rating.

39 Past Performance Would you please provide the Past Performance Questionnaire format. See RFP.

40 RFP, Page 40, Paragraph (b)(3) Past Performance

In discussing evaluation of Past Performance, the DRFP cautions offerors to submit “in the format specified in FAR 52.212-1.” FAR 52.212-1 does NOT specify any format for Past Performance information. Please clarify?

Past Performance proposals shall be submitted as stated in the addenda to 52.212-1.

41 Past Performance Can you provide us with Attachment L-1 (Past Performance Questionnaire)? See Attachment L-1.

41a Past Performance

In reviewing attachment L-1, Past Performance Questionnaire, I note that Section 3, which reads Performance Information for Sealift and Airlift Carriers, may inadvertently have been copied from another solicitation, and as such, doesn’t make the right connection to this GPC III solicitation.

Should we nonetheless use the attachment as is, or should we hold off distributing in anticipation of a revised version being released on FedBizOps?

See revised Attachment L-1 in Amendment 0001.

41b Attachment L-1, Section 3 Past Performance

In the amendment package is a revision to attachment L-1. In Section 3, the first line of the body of the first paragraph reads “The results of this survey will aid the Government in determining whether there is a reasonable expectation that the contractor will successfully perform the required effort under the Multimodal acquisition.” How should we proceed?

See Attachment L-1 in Amendment 0002.

42 PWS 1.3.6.3 Payment/Invoicing Do tires and batteries and other equipment that is out of scope fall under some type of “reimbursable” CLIN? How will these costs be handled?

For batteries, see PWS par. 1.3.6.2. For other repairs chargeable to the customer/Government, contractor will utilize Reimbursables, Out of Pocket CLIN, IAW Appendix E.

43 Payment/Invoicing If the detention charges are due to delays, reschedule or other action not attributable to the contractor is the contractor reimbursed?

The contractor is responsible for any charges arising from subcontracted transportation services. Detention is not included in the contract and the Government is not responsible for detention under any circumstance.

44 Appendix E Payment/Invoicing What is the required supporting documentation for billing? See Appendix E.

45 PWS Appendix E Payment/Invoicing

Is there no longer an Oversize POV (in excess of 20 Measurement Tons) surcharge? Will CLIN 0204 and 0205 only apply to Abandoned POVs in Storage?

How will Abandoned POVs held at the VPC be handled and invoiced? What is the acceptable timeframe for the contractor to issue an invoice under CLIN 0100A – 0130EE for a POV delivered to destination VPC yet still on hand due to the customer’s lack of timeliness to repossess their vehicle? How is it contemplated that POVs, as diverted from their original route plan, will be rated and invoiced?

See Appendix E.

46 PWS 1.3.3.1.5 Payment/Invoicing Will the contractor be reimbursed for the expenses it incurs when directed by the Government to add, delete, or relocate a VPC or Quality of Life site?

Opening and closure of VPCs will be negotiated on a case-by-case basis.

47 PWS 1.3.4.2 Payment/Invoicing Who is responsible for payment of the excess charge after it is submitted to the COR? Is it the Government or the Service Member? See Appendix E.y g COR? Is it the Government or the Service Member? pp

48 PWS 1.3.5.2 Payment/Invoicing

In the performance of Customs clearances, should import duty, harbor maintenance fees, and other host nation import levies be imposed, please advise if these costs are for the account of the contractor. Please also confirm that the fees for intensive customs examinations, when so ordered, are for the account of the contractor.

Significant changes in foreign state levied import charges that were not anticipated or foreseen at contract formation will be handled on a case by case basis. See Appendix E.

49 PWS 1.3.5.4 Payment/Invoicing When the Government directs a change in final destination, resulting in increased cost to the contractor, how will the contractor be reimbursed?

Associated costs will be handled on a case by case basis upon request by the contractor.

50 Payment/Invoicing What is the difference between fixed pricing in tab A-1 (of the pricing template) & the mileage pricing (and kilometer pricing) on tab B-1? In which instance would each be used?

See Appendix E.

50a

Appendix E – Payment and Invoicing, Page 1 + 2, Paragraph Line Items 0100A – 0130EE, Line Item 0301, Line Item

0302-0319

Payment/Invoicing

Under many scenarios, delivery is made not to the customer (Service Member) but to a Government Representative. Can we suggest that where reference is made to “following delivery to the customer” that you additionally note, “or authorized Government Representative”?

The term customer means "eligible military and Government personnel…" In the event a Government Representative is eligible to receive the shipment, the Government Representative would be the "customer".

50b

Appendix E – Payment and Invoicing, Page 2, Paragraph Line Item

0300 POV Inspection/ Processing

Payment/Invoicing

Please clarify the conditions in which this CLIN is applied. The current explanation “The amount for this line item will be paid when inspection/processing services are performed on POVs where transportation is not priced under the zone-pair transportation prices of line items 0100A through 0130EE…” Under what scenarios do you envision that transportation is not priced under the zone-pair transportation price schedule?

Where the contractor performs a shipment not priced in the zone-pair transportation prices (for instance, using CONUS or OCONUS linehaul instead of a zone-pair rate), the contractor may also invoice for the inspection(s) associated with the shipment, as inspections would not be included in the per mile linehaul rates, contrast to zone-pair rates, which would include the inspection(s). See also Question #72 (below).

50c Appendix E, Line Items

0100A – 0130EE –

Transportation Pricing

Payment/Invoicing

In the instructions for this line item, the first sentence uses the term “VPC”;

however, the second sentence uses the terms “origin” and “destination”. Should the second sentence read: “The zone-pair price will be determined using the point at which the contractor accepts the POV at the origin VPC and the point of delivery to the customer at the destination VPC.”?

No. The first sentence describes only the applicability of these Line Items to the transfer of POVs in and out of storage via a VPC. The remainder of the description describes the applicability of these Line Items to shipped POVs. The "origin" and "destination" for the majority of shipped POVs will be VPCs, however, shipments covered under PWS para 1.3.5.8. will also be billed under these Line Items.

50d Appendix E, Line Items

0100A – 0130EE –

Transportation Pricing

Payment/Invoicing If in this instruction, “origin” does not mean “origin VPC”, could the Government please provide the definition of “origin”?

The term "origin" means the location where the contractor accepts a POV for shipment.

50e Appendix E, Line Items

0100A – 0130EE –

Transportation Pricing

Payment/Invoicing If in this instruction, “destination” does not mean “destination VPC”, could the Government please provide the definition of “destination”?

The term "destination" means the location where the contractor delivers the POV to the customer (or authorized recipient).

50f Appendix E, Line Items

0100A – 0130EE –

Transportation Pricing

Payment/Invoicing Could the Government please confirm that the use of “origin” and “destination” in this clause does not mean door-to-door?

Correct. "Origin" and "destination" is not specific to "door-to-door" shipments. See answer to question 50c (above).

50g Appendix E, Line Items

0100A – 0130EE –

Transportation Pricing

Payment/Invoicing For POV’s delivered to a VPC other than a VPC nearest the storage facility, do the zone rates apply? Yes, as described in Appendix E.

50h Appendix E, Line Items

0100A – 0130EE –

Transportation Pricing

Payment/Invoicing For the POV’s delivered to a VPC other than a VPC nearest the storage facility, do the Linehaul rates apply? No.

51 Attachment 3, Pricing Schedule Pricing Why is the Storage, Misc line prepopulated in each Contract year and the 6-month extension with $ 346,500 and $ 173,250 respectively?

The pre-populated amounts are totals for the line items for each applicable year added together. These amounts will change as offerors insert their proposed prices in Attachment 3.

52 Attachment 3, Pricing Schedule Pricing

Why are estimated quantities listed in zone to zone routes for full service contract requirements when there is no full service VPC at either origin or destination for the respective zone?

See Attachment 3. Pricing represents zone to zone shipments.

53 Attachment 3, Pricing Schedule Pricing How do we propose pricing for shipments to and from the Chievres VPC? See Attachment 3.

54 Attachment 3, Pricing Pricing

Why is the Storage table pre-populated with price per unit values of 25.00 and

12.50 for Abandoned POV Monthly Rate and Abandoned POV Half Month Rate respectively? Why does the Transition table list a quantity of 8500 POV? If this is to represent the estimate of POVs that will transition out from current contractor’s

Storage rates for abandoned POVs are established by the Government Transition quantity is based on estimated number of54 , g

Schedule Pricing represent the estimate of POVs that will transition out from current contractor’s storage custody to new contractor’s storage custody, what is the estimate of POV’s that will transition from the current contractor’s in-transit shipping network?

Shouldn’t offerors also price this part of the transition?

Government. Transition quantity is based on estimated number of POVs to be transitioned at the time of contract start.

55 Attachment L-2, Didlake Pricing Pricing Please explain the definition of work to be performed by Didlake for each line item. See PWS par. 4.4.

56 Pricing How are fuel surcharges and accessorial charges handled?

There are no fuel surcharges, all other charges are billed in accordance with invoicing and payment will be IAW the payment procedures.

57 Pricing Are the current CLIN prices all inclusive to include payment of the US FLAG carriers or are these billed in a separate manner?

Invoicing and payment will be IAW the payment procedures. See 52.212-1 para 3(D)(v)(b).

58 Attachment 3, Pricing Schedule Pricing

For Ocean Transport, is the Bunker fuel surcharge a pass through to the Government or must it be worked into the offeror’s rates? For Inland Transportation, is truck fuel a pass through to the Government or must it be worked into the offeror’s rates? For Inland Transportation, is rail fuel a pass through to the Government or must it be worked into the offeror’s rates?

There are no pass throughs on this contract. Rates are all-inclusive.

See Addendum to 52.212-1 in RFP p.33 (v) Part V - Pricing Proposal and Appendix E.

59 PWS 4.3 Pricing

Under the premise that the offeror bases proposed pricing in the transportation rate schedule on the basis as an authorized user of USTRANSCOM ocean transportation contracts (for example, USC-07 and RDC-05S), and with the understanding that USC-07 rate refresh for effective date 9/1/2013 and new RDC- 06 contract with effect on 12/1/2013, will result in changed rates and costs from current rates and costs, if these rates result in increases, can the offeror’s proposed pricing be adjusted upward accordingly to recover the increase as agreed to by USTRANSCOM in the USC-07 rate refresh and the new RDC-06 contract?

No. This is a firm fixed price contract.

60 PWS 5.0 Pricing

Motorcycles and Mopeds are mentioned within the definition of a Privately Owned Vehicle. When a motorcycle or moped is delivered to the contractor for shipment, will the contractor have to package and crate the POV for shipment? If so, will they be paid for packing and crating?

See Attachment 3 and Appendix E.

61 RFP Attachment 5 Pricing

We note that IL is contained within the East North Central Zone and that MO is contained within the West North Central Zone. An offeror has the option to locate the required CO/CO VPC in either IL or MO and still be within geographic requirement. How will this be addressed in Attachment 3 – Pricing Schedule where estimated quantities are reflected by Zone?

See Attachment 5.

HTC711-13-R-R003,

Page 17, Paragraph EPA Clause

Pricing

Please confirm that unit prices will be adjusted as of October 1, 2014, the second year of the base period, and not as of October 1, 2015, the first of the 3 option years. Please also confirm the unit prices will be adjusted for each of the 3 option years. Please also advise how an offeror can learn more about the two indexes that will be used for the purposes of calculating the annual unit price adjustment – are these indexes reflective of underlying cost drivers experienced by the LTL Trucking industry and the Deep Sea Freight Transportation industry, or do they represent commercial selling rates of those two industries, in which case they wouldn’t be appropriate.

Yes, see EPA CLAUSE - transportation prices will be adjusted beginning 1 Oct 2014 and annually thereafter. Information on IHS Global Insight (GII) is commercially available at www.ihs.com The indexes used are reflective of underlying cost drivers. For instance, the LTL Trucking index includes cost drivers such as labor, vehicle maintenance and repairs, trucks, tire manufacturing, diesel and supplies for nonmanufacturing industries; while the Deep Sea Freight index includes cost drivers such as labor, diesel, equipment and industrial production (manufacturing).

HTC711-13-R-R003,

Page 40, Paragraph (5) Part V – Price Proposal

(A)

Pricing Please define and specify for each annual performance period the “proposed discount rate” and how this “proposed discount rate” will be applied to the TRANSFARS EPA calculated Price Index.

See revised Appendix E in Amendment 0001.

64 Pricing

SDDC has provided the estimated volume of POVs. However there is no mention of the mix of POVs (sedans, SUVs and pickups are limited to 800 cubic feet). Since the ocean rates are based on cube, the rates vary by size. Potential bidders will need this breakout to correctly price the ocean leg. Previously campers and boats were excluded, will that continue in GPC III

Historical information on POV size is not available. See PWS definition for Privately Owned Vehicle (POV).

65 Pricing Also noted that there is no location to insert the actual ocean rates. Does SDDC want to see the ocean rates being used. Offerors shall propose prices IAW the RFP.

66 Pricing How will SDDC handle the vessel bunker fuel adjustment? Is bunker fuel included in your CPI formula and what time frame will the rates be adjusted? Any lag could have a substantial impact on cash flow.

There are no fuel surcharges. Prices adjustments will be annually IAW the TRANSFARS EPA Clause.

If included how will the cost to crate and uncrate be handled? Again there is no67 PWS 5.0 Pricing If included how will the cost to crate and uncrate be handled? Again there is no place on the spread sheets motorcycles. See Attachment 3.

68 Pricing Additionally we will need guidance for ocean rates for motorcycles. Offerors shall propose prices IAW the RFP.

69 Pricing How will the strip and stuff charges be handled? Offerors shall propose prices IAW the RFP.

70 Pricing How will the drayage charges to and from the ports be handled? Offerors shall propose prices IAW the RFP.

71 Pricing Where do we insert rates for hard-lifts?

Hardlift shipments will be paid based on the applicable zone to zone prices where service is performed. See revised Appendix E in Amendment 0001.

72 Pricing There are a few POVs that move to and from Canada. Where do we insert the Canada rates?

Since Canada is not a zone, contractor may invoice for services performed under the Accessorial Line Items in Attachment 3.

73 Pricing Where do we price claims estimates and charges Offerors are responsible for claims settlement and payment. Claims are not separately priced or reimbursed

74 Pricing

The Didlake portion has two tabs labeled FFP Portion and Per POV Portion. On the FFP portion there is volume numbers plus Monthly and Annual Costs with no correlation between the two. This appears to be a double payment. The $1,097,406 is the total annual operating cost. If you also add the Per POV Portion, Didlake will have been paid twice for the same work. This needs to be clarified with Didlake and the potential bidders.

Annual Firm Fixed Price Offer on the "FFP Portion" tab applies up to the quantities listed in this tab. Per POV prices on the "Per POV Portion" tab apply to quantities in excess of those listed on the "FFP Portion tab".

75 Pricing

What costs do you wanted to be included in the VPC Monthly Operations charge on Tab B-1 MISC and what cost do you wanted included in Tab A-1 Tx Prices. In order to provide you the costs, bidders need to know what specifics SDDC expect to be included.

Offerors shall only include costs associated with operating VPCs in the VPC Monthly Operations charge on Tab B-1 and shall include costs associated with zone-to-zone transportation on Tab A-1.

76 Pricing What specific types of moves will be included for [trucking CONUS and OCONUS] rates? See Appendix E.

77 Pricing Labor rates provided are from 2011 and have been updated for 2012. Which rates do you want bidders to use and will you update for 2012. Additionally, what will be the process if the rates are again increase prior to contract start?

Attachment 2 - Wage Determinations is current as of 4/8/2013. See 52.222-43 - Fair Labor Standards Act and Service Contract Act - Price Adjustment (Multiple Year and Option Contracts).

78 Pricing On the pricing template there used to be a transportation cost to move to and from storage locations. Since it is no longer there, where would a contractor price transition to and from storage locations?

See revised Appendix E in Amendment 0001.

79 Pricing

There are three regions in the US that we are asked to price that do not have VPCs, and there are partial service locations where service is not part of scope of work?

Why are we being asked to price these items? Please reference pricing in Tab A-1:

Tx Prices (of the pricing template)

Pricing represents zone to zone shipments. See revised Appendix E in Amendment 0001.

80 Pricing Can government provide details on the historical measurement tons (MsT) of vehicles processed over the past contract term? The contractor needs this in order to price ocean shipments.

This information is not available.

81 Pricing

Does the Government intend for the Contractor to include the cost of VPC processing into the Monthly Operations charge or into the Transportation Zone rates? Since the volume will be variable, particularly with the change in VPC’s from 13 to 9, it will be difficult to estimate the POV throughput.

Offerors shall only include costs associated with operating VPCs in the VPC Monthly Operations charge on Tab B-1. Estimated volumes are provided in Attachment 3.

82 Pricing Storage in OCONUS. Where would contractors price the movement of the vehicle to storage? This is a CLIN in the current contract, but not in the Draft RFP. See revised Appendix E and PWS para 1.3.3.2. in Amendment 0001.

83 Pricing

As an authorized agent under the USC or RDC contract, how will the accessorials be handled? Particularly BAF, CAF, and FAF. Since these change every month with the Economice Price Adjustment Clause, how would a contractor fix a rate for even one year when these are changing so frequently?

There are no fuel surcharges or pass-through charges under this contract. Prices adjustments will be annually IAW the TRANSFARS EPA Clause.

84 Pricing When the USC contract is renewed each year with new prices, how would the GPC contract’s fixed door to door transportation prices stay in line with these changes?

This is a firm-fixed price contract. Price adjustments will be annually IAW the TRANSFARS EPA Clause.

85 Pricing Is the contractor mandated to use the USC contract for linehaul movement to/from the ports, or just the port-to-port rates?

The Government does not direct how movement to/from the port is accomplished.

86 Pricing Could you explain how the Government intends to use the EPA clause inserted into the Draft RFP? For which fees? How does this relate to the Carrier EPA's in the USC contract that we are to use as Authorized Agents.

There are no fuel surcharges or pass-through charges under this contract. Prices adjustments will be annually IAW the TRANSFARS EPA Clause.

Can you confirm that the Ocean transportation rates that we will be using (as

87 Pricing

Can you confirm that the Ocean transportation rates that we will be using (as Authorized Agents) are the pre-negotiated rates that are currently in the USC 7 contract. There will be no difference in the rates that the carrier charges SDDC for the same movement of goods.

The contractor is considered an "authorized user" of USTRANSCOM ocean transportation contracts and will have access to the rates current on those contracts.

87a Pricing Pricing related: As the Linehaul figures roll into storage totals ONLY, does this mean SDDC does not want to see the "Processing related" trucking rates?

See Attachment 3 - Pricing, Tab B-1, CLIN 0200-0201 et seq. See also Appendix E, "Line Items 0200 Storage Processing-In" and "Line Items 0201 Storage Processing-Out".

87b Pricing Pricing related: SDDC is requesting New England to New England rates where there are no VPC locations, yet there is volume. What type of volume would this be?

A limited number of shipments with special entitlement are executed outside the VPC network. See PWS para. 1.3.5.8.

87c

RFP Page 20 – EPA Clause – 5552.216- XXXX; Reference

DAMT01-03-D-0184

–C.2.5.6 and C.2.5.6.1 -

Pricing

The EPA clause for Ocean shipping (483111) is insufficient as this index does not reflect the movement in rates based on the mandated US Flag carriers, which are changed annually via the USC contract . US Flag rates are based on many factors specific to the US Flag industry and not comparable to Commercial ocean shipping rates or commercial market factors that influence rates. We recommend that you either tie the EPA to the changes in the annual USC refresh, or allow contractor to adjust rates annually to take into account the changing USC rates. The clause that was used in the previous PWS (below) would be a better solution to protect the contractor and the government from price changes: "The Contractor shall submit a proposal for adjustment of the contract prices within 30 days of notification of a change in the terms and conditions of the GDS that increases or decreases the cost of performing services under this contract. The Contractor’s proposal shall be sufficiently detailed and contain such supporting documentation as is necessary to permit the negotiation of revised prices. Upon receipt of such a proposal, the Contractor and the Contracting Officer shall negotiate promptly in good faith to agree upon prices for services to be performed on and after the effective date of the

The Government is aware of differences in US Flag and commercial base rates and has instructed offerors to base prices on US Flag rates [see RFP Addendum to 52.212-1 para 1.(b.)(3)(D)(v)(b)]. The contractor is not precluded from proposing or requesting equitable or contractual adjustments.

87d Pricing

Does the Didlake prices provided in the RFP include the use of a facility, or is the contractor expected to provide a facility while contracting for services with Didlake?

The Program Manager for this contract will not discuss the contract with bidders, and referred all questions to USTRANSCOM.

Prices provided in the RFP represent only prices for the services expressly stated in PWS para. 4.4. and do not include a facility.

87e Pricing

2. Carrier BAF – In analyzing the last 5 months of BAF fluctuations, they range from a 10% swing to a 53% swing depending on the lane and the month. Since the EPA’s only address commercial carrier price inflation (which do not include Bunker nor the US Flag market price movements), how does USTRANSCOM intend to protect the contractor from large Bunker price swings as an Authorized Agent under the USC and RDC contracts?

The Government is aware of differences in US Flag and commercial base rates and has instructed offerors to base prices on US Flag rates [see RFP Addendum to 52.212-1 para 1.(b.)(3)(D)(v)(b)]. The purpose of the EPA clause is to provide for fluctuations to the base price as a result of conditions which would be shared by both US Flag and commercial carriers, and for which the included EPA clause is appropriate.

87f Attachment 5 - Zone

Map and Attachment 3 - Pricing

Pricing

The East North Central region does not contain a VPC; however, Attachment 3 includes over 2,500 POV. Will these volumes be moved via a VPC (for instance, the St. Louis VPC), or will these be moved as part of a door-to-door, VPC-to-door, or door-to-VPC move?

See Attachment 3, Amendment 0002.

87g Attachment 5 - Zone

Map and Attachment 3 - Pricing

The Middle Atlantic and the New England region does not contain a VPC; however, Attachment 3 includes over 4,000 POV’s. Will these volumes be moved via a VPC (for instance Baltimore VPC) or will these be moved as part of a door to door VPC

See Attachment 3, Amendment 0002.g p Pricing g (for instance Baltimore VPC), or will these be moved as part of a door-to-door, VPC-to-door, or door-to-VPC move?

87h Attachment 5 - Zone Map Pricing

With the reduction of the Orlando VPC, should offerors assume these volumes will now be directed to an alternate VPC, or will these be handled via a door-to-door, VPC-to-door, or door-to-VPC move?

Door to door shipments are only authorized between CONUS locations when a member is physically unable to drive, or there is insufficient time for the member to drive and report to the new permanent duty station as ordered (see JFTR U5415). Note that estimated quantities take into consideration the VPC requirements and locations as stated in Appendix A.

87i Attachment 5 - Zone Map Pricing

With the reduction of the New Orleans VPC, should offerors assume these volumes will now be directed to an alternate VPC, or will these be handled via a door-to-door, VPC-to-door, or door-to-VPC move?

Door to door shipments are only authorized between CONUS locations when a member is physically unable to drive, or there is insufficient time for the member to drive and report to the new permanent duty station as ordered (see JFTR U5415). Note that estimated quantities take into consideration the VPC requirements and locations as stated in Appendix A.

87j Attachment 3 – Pricing Sheets Pricing

Tab A-2 Tx Prices; Tab A-3 Tx Prices; Tab A-4 Tx Prices; and Tab A-5 Tx Prices, all include a cell entitled “Discount Rate”. Our understanding is that all price increases and decreases will be based upon the Global Insight Index. What does this Discount Rate field represent?

Offerors may, at their discretion, offer a discount to transportation rates for anticipated efficiencies in contract years 2 thru 5. See RFP Amendment 0002

87k Appendix E Pricing Line Item 0200 include the transportation rate to and from the storage facility? If not, what Line Item is this transportation cost associated to?

See Attachment 3 - Pricing, Tab B-1, CLIN 0200-0201 et seq. See also Appendix E, "Line Items 0200 Storage Processing-In" and "Line Items 0201 Storage Processing-Out".

87l Pricing CLINs Pricing

Under GPC II, ocean transportation was billed weekly as a pass thru to the Government, enabling timely reimbursement of the contractor for these charges.

Under GPC III, ocean transport is included the offeror’s total move pricing; hence, ocean transport charges can not be invoiced until a vehicle is picked up. This will creating much longer time periods for contractors to finance costs incurred under the contract, thereby increasing the need for working capital, and, eventually, higher overall costs for the Government. Can invoicing for ocean transport be separated from total move invoicing to reduce working capital requirements and added cost?

No. The Government's payment terms for this contract are pay on delivery and remain unchanged.

87m Attachment 3 –

Pricing.xlsx file, Zone New Zealand

Pricing

On the origin side of the matrix, “New Zealand” was replaced by “Reserved” and the quantities were input as zero for all corresponding destinations; however, the New Zealand destination zone and quantities still remain. Did the Government intend for the New Zealand Destination zone to remain, or should the New Zealand destination zone also be changed to “Reserved”, with all quantities changed to zero? Please clarify.

See revised Attachment 3 in Amendment 0004.

88 RFP We would like to formally request at least 60 days to respond to this RFP. See the RFP for proposal due date.

88a RFP [Company] respectfully requests that the Proposal due date be extended to 9 August. See Amendment 0001.

88b RFP With the pre-proposal conference taking place only 2 weeks before the proposal is due, we kindly request an extension of 3 weeks. See Amendment 0001.

89 RFP, Page 34, Paragraph 1.(b)(1)(A) RFP

The Draft RFP does not have Section Headings which precludes including the Section identifier in the communication format as specified. Will the traditional Section Headings be included in the final RFP?

See RFP.

90 RFP, Page 33, Paragraph 1.(b) RFP This paragraph specifies a proposal submission deadline of 4:30 pm on 28 May 13.

The SF 1449 specifies 4:00 pm on 28 May 13. Which is correct? See RFP.

91 RFP, Page 34, Paragraph 1.(b)(3)(B) RFP Are 11X17 inch foldouts permitted for large graphics/tables? No, proposals shall be submitted IAW the RFP.

92 RFP Can we get a draft of the applicable FAR clauses? See RFP.

93 RFP Page 1 RFP

Block 12 of the SF 1449 must be completed. We understand block 12 is used to offer the Government a prompt payment discount. Standard terms are net 30 from date of invoice. If an offeror elects to offer the Government a prompt payment discount, what are the payment terms?