Atch_5_Bahrain_SRTS_QA_Supplemented_18May16.pdf

Question # Document Reference (para./line item) Question Government Response Resulting Solicitation Changes (if any)

Schedule Sch 1A, 1B, etc

Can you please clarify why Line Items covering Vehicles over 10 Metric Tons are to be priced in MT instead of EA as with other sizes of Vehicle.

Measurement Ton unit rate will cover different sizes of vehicles over 10 TON

Schedule General

General Port Tariffs in Bahrain are worked on the basis of Metric Tons, not Measurement Tons as required by the Pricing Schedule. Is there a conversion matrix available that is specific to types of Vehicle and other types of cargo that we are required to price?

Schedule of rates is based on Size of Cargo (Measurement Tons)

SF1449

Are we required to submit pages 3, 4, and 5 after manually inserting the total amount for each contract year? (Instructions to Offeror implies only the SF1449 Cover Sheet page 1, has to be submitted.)

Pages 3 ‐ 5 are just for the creation of the option periods.

Your pricing is captured in Atch 2 Schedule of Rates and does not need to be input and submitted separately as part of the contract documentation using pgs. 3 ‐ 5.

PWS 6.2.2.7

Staging. If Cargo on the way to be loaded to Vessel has to be dropped in a Staging location because of segregation requirement, does that action not make the cargo movement a “Transfer” operation rather than part of Vessel Load operation, especially if the cargo is to be grounded at the Staging Area? I.e. original point of rest to Staging area.

6.2.2.7 Yard Operations on the staging area will be

reimbursed on extra equipment and labor basis.

Compensation verbage added in PWS.

PWS 6.2.2.7

Please advise under which Schedule do we recharge the Yard Space, Segregation materials, MHE and so on for Staging activity.

Schedule 2 & 4 (Labor & Equipment)

PWS 6.2.8.2

Inland Transportation. Contractor will arrange MHE and Labor to download Cargo at Inland destination. Please confirm if we have to have MHE / Labor accompany an Inland Haulage mission, or can it be sourced at destination?

As the government's performance requirement is to have cargo downloaded at the inland destination, it is offeror's choice how to accomplish that task and to price accordingly. Assumably, sourcing at the inland destination is generally the more cost effective choice but each offeror should take their business considerations into account.

PWS 6.2.12

In‐Stow Inspection of Cargo. Is that inspection considered as part of Commodity Rates, or will it be compensated on Labor basis under Extra Labor Schedule?

In‐Stow inspection should be included as part of the commodity rates.

Compensation verbage added in PWS.

PWS 6.3.3.1

GFE Equipment. Contractor is to repair or replace any items of GFE towards mission capable status. Assuming the Contractor is not directly responsible for causing the damage or destruction to GFE, does Contractor recharge the repairs / replacement of GFE under – Out of pocket expense?

Generally, if there is damage or destruction to GFE at no fault of the contractor then repair/replacement could be charged as an out of pocket expense. It should be noted that there is no Government‐furnished property (equipment), as defined in FAR Part 45, provided on this contract at this time.

PWS 6.4

Fuel for MHE / CHE. Please clarify what documentation / evidence has to be submitted in order to claim fuel costs back on an Out‐of‐pocket basis

All out‐of‐pocket expenses must be substantiated by a paid third party invoice, as defined under PWS para. 5.5, in order to be accepted.

BAHRAIN S&RTS ‐ HTC711‐16‐R‐R011 Atch 5 18May2016

PWS 6.4.1.1

Staging area creation. As timing and size of Staging Area is unpredictable, it will no doubt be necessary to shift unknown volumes / size of Commercial Cargo to create a Staging Area. As no Port is controlled by the Contractor can costs for such movements not be considered for recharge by the US Government?

Government will be paying only for staging area. Any charges towards clearing of space will be at the sole discretion and prior approval from COR/ACOR.

Compensation verbage added in PWS.

PWS 6.4.2.1.1

Provision of Visas. Please advise if costs for this can also be recharged as Out‐of‐Pocket expense?

Contractor will be compensated under Line item 207, Schedule 8 for provision of visas and should submit its price there.

PWS 6.6.6

Customs fees re‐charge. Please clarify if Contractor will be compensated on case‐by‐case basis on spot, or will charges be submitted as part of Mission D/A? And does this apply to Custom Duties charged to US Government as well?

Customs fees if and when applicable will be reimbursed on actual cost basis.

PWS 6.7

Cargo Cleaning and rinsing services. Only KBSP port has an established was rack facility in Bahrain, all other locations will require third party arrangements. As there is no provision to price for this activity on a port / location basis it could mean that submitted rates are distorted and unnecessarily high. Can you confirm if we are to quote for washing / rinsing cargo at all Bahraini locations covered in the PWS?

Cargo cleaning may be requested in all Ports. Contractor rates will provide an all inclusive cleaning and rinsing rates.

PWS 6.7.4

Wash Rack Operation and Maintenance. Can you please clarify if we are to price for Operating 3 x Washracks, with surge capability of 5 x, at all Bahraini locations specified in the PWS?

YES.

PWS 6.11

Demurrage fees re‐charge. Please clarify if Contractor will be compensated on case‐by‐case basis on spot, or will charges be submitted as part of Mission D/A?

Demurrage incurred due to government delay will be paid to contractor with prior approval from COR. Any demurrage caused due to contractor negligence will be at contractor expense.

Who is the current service provider and current billing for the year?

Inchcape Shipping Services is the current contractor. We cannot provide current billing information. You can find additional information in USTRANSCOM Procurement Forecast at https://www.fbo.gov/index?s=opportunity&mode=form&i d=c70635a2477df38fc5bffc46019db9f6&tab=core&_cview =1

Can we please ask for extension of 2 weeks from closing date to allow finalization of Joint Venture, signing Agreements with various recognized sub‐contractors in Bahrain, and asking for price reductions without sacrificing Quality of bid.

We do not anticipate an extension of the closing date at this time.

SF1449 Please specify the size of pages for this solicitation. Will it be Letter Size (8.5” x 11”)?

Confirm that the proposal page sizes are letter size (8.5" x 11").

PWS 6.4.1 Is the janitorial service required for on base office or off base On Base/Port

PWS 6.1 What is the breakup of the volume between the 4 locations?

Cargo volume at each location can differ based on the movements.

PWS Is DBA Insurance required in this Solicitation The Defense Base Act does not apply to this requirement.

PWS 5.7

The KBSP Port tariffs are governed by the ministry of port Bahrain, and if they have a change in the tariff, would there be a clause in effect for that?

Clause DFARS 252.247‐7002, Revision of Prices, is included in the contract

PWS 6.1

What is the ratio of the load between, Ports of Mina Salman Naval Base, Khalifa Bin Salman (KBSP) ASRY Dry dock, NSA base, Sheikh Isa and Riffa Air Base?

60% of the operation is conducted in Mina salman port and 15% at NSA and balance on each of the other locations.

PWS 6.2.5.1 How many are organic vessels of the US DoD Vs commercial?

100% US DoD Vessels.

25 PWS 6.4.1.2 Please advise location of the office space Minal Salman Port.

Schedule Sch 4

In Price Schedule NOTE: All Equipment Rental (Sch. 4) priced "per Day" implies 8 hours of usage time. But all LINE items in schedule 4, the unit of measure has been given as per hour. Need to clarify is it per hour or per day?

That note is in reference to line items 164 & 167, where the unit of measure is per day.

Schedule Sch 5 How does the pricing gets calculated for line items 175, 176, 179 and 180 All line items in Schedule 5 are calculated as quantity x unit price to arrive at the base period total.

Schedule

Can we quote in Bahraini Dinar. The intention of the USG is to evaluate, award and make payment in USD ($), therefore offerors should submit their price proposal in USD.

Schedule

Are the contractors allowed to escalate the prices? The price schedule assumes the Base and Option Year prices are equal.

Offerors should escalate their prices as necessary to cover the entire possible performance period of 6 Dec 2016 through 5 Jun 2022.

PWS 2.8

Please advise if the contractor is required to provide additional security at the seaport or airbases, which are secure locations. If not, under what circumstances does providing security under 2.8 apply.

Contractor will only provide extra security upon request by the COR/ACOR.

Statement "Provision of extra security measures shall be coordinated with the COR/ACOR." added to paragraph.

PWS 2.8

If the quantum of USG property that will be in the possession of the contractor is not known, how is the contractor to estimate the level of security required?

Contractor will provide security guard/s when requested by the COR/ACOR

Statement "Provision of extra security measures shall be coordinated with the COR/ACOR." added to paragraph.

PWS 2.8

2.8 mentions "at no additional cost". Does this imply the cost of providing security should be included in the commodity rates or is it to be provided free of cost?

Contractor is responsible for loss/damage of cargo while in contractor custody. As such, contractor should consider security measures sufficient to safeguard USG cargo to the extent that the contractor is responsible for the loss/damage of cargo.

Compensation verbage added in PWS for additional security guards requested.

PWS 3.2.1

Labour will be compensated at the man‐hour rates. Does this refer to the compensation for driving vehicles during port operations or the time spent by labour obtaining the training?

Compensation at the man‐hour rates is specifically for driver training time and not port operations.

PWS 4.1.2

The first and second line of the first para. Are contradictory. The first line requires contractor to absorb detentions of less than 15 minutes and the second line mentions USG will pay for detention in excess of the 15 minutes including the first 15. Kindly clarify.

Essentially, there are two conditions related to detention.

1. If the detention lasts 15 minutes or less, the contractor will absorb that time. 2. If the detention lasts longer than 15 minutes, the contractor will be paid for the first 15 minutes plus any additional detention time.

PWS 4.1.2

Please advise if the detention of the land trailers are the Force Protection/US Army controlled checkpoints (varying amounts of time), a requirement mandated by the USG, is chargeable separately under the Standby Line Item for trailers.

InLand Trailers are under section 6.2.8. Sub‐section 6.2.8.5 states Trucks will be hired for a minimum of 8 hours which will includes any delay caused at check points. Additional time will be paid under Demurrage rate per hour.

PWS 4.1.4/6.4.3.6

The practice in the commercial sector by various companies is to charge for a minimum 8 hour period.

Request that the minimum time payable for Equipment under Schedule 4 be revised to 8 hours to align with the commercial practices.

No change.

PWS 5.5

A first read of this clause gives the impression that the contractor is expected to render supplies/services without being compensated for the efforts involved in procuring the supplies /rendering the service? Is that the intention of the USG?

Correct in a sense. The out‐of‐pocket CLIN is what would amount to a cost‐reimbursement line item. The USG will reimburse the cost of procuring the supply/service, but it must be substantiated by a paid third‐party invoice. The general use of this line item is for low cost supplies that are non‐recurring in nature. An example might be providing lumber for blocking and bracing that is of a size different that under Sch. 7. Our intention is to rarely use the out‐of‐pocket line item and would actively pursue negotiating and adding a line item to the Schedule for recurring supply/services.

PWS 5.5

There can be instances where these amounts can be substantial or the amount may not be much but the level of effort might be high and in these situations can the contractor add a % markup to the cost to be compensated?

The reason for the $3,500 cap without contracting officer approval is in part to avoid having the contractor outlay funds without adequate compensation for the level of effort involved. We would expect the contractor and COR to engage the contracting office for any requested service for which no line item exists and that exceeds the $3,500 threshold to ensure the contractor is being fairly compensated.

PWS 5.5

What will be the procedure for out of pocket expenses above the $3500 threshold? Will be contractor be allowed to include a profit in the quote for these out of pocket services?

The general procedure for requesting such services would be for 1. COR to request service, 2. the contracting office to request a price proposal from contractor, 3. USG evaluating that proposal, 4. negotiating (if necessary) and

5. modifying the contract (if necessary). The USG must evaluate a prices for services where no line item exists for any expense over the $3,500 threshold, similarly to how we must evaluate your initial price proposal for contract award. Any services not already contracted for would have to be negotiated, so it's really a case by case basis that depends upon the nature and magnitude of the requested service as to what costs or profit should/would be acceptable.

Schedule Commodity Descriptions

The descriptions of the commodities in the pricing schedule and the definitions in the PWS are not very clear in comparison to the definitions included in the current contract. The current contract describes each category of commodity based on dimensions/ weight. This classification assists in the properly pricing the commodity rates. Request further clarity on the commodity descriptions is provided.

All commodities are desribed in terms of MT or each per the individual line items on the Schedule of Rates. The USG feels each commodity is adequately described for offerors to provide pricing.

Schedule

It is mentioned that call cargo will be direct delivery.

Please advise how the costs will be reimbursed for indirect delivery?

Contractor will deliver cargo to COR requested final destination.

PWS 6.2.5.4 Please provide details of the military regulations for lashing/securing cargo on military trucks.

REFER SDDC TEA PAMPHLET 55‐22, which is publicly available at the sddc.army.mil website

PWS 6.2.8.4

What is the definition of “Qualified drivers” under this clause?

Please refer 6.2.8.2; licensed for category of vehicle, not ill, tired or under the influence of substances, possess work permit.

PWS 6.2.8.5

The 8 hour period begins when loading commences.

Please confirm that the waiting/detention time for the truck/trailers while awaiting FP clearances is chargeable separately under the relevant line item (213‐214/ 216‐ 217/ 219‐220.

Sub‐section 6.2.8.5 states Trucks will be hired for a minimum of 8 hours which will includes any delay caused at check points. Additional time will be paid under Demurrage rate per hour.

PWS 6.3.3.4 Will the USG provide storage space to the contractor for the GFE?

Yes.

PWS 6.3.3.4 Is the contractor required to obtain insurance for the

GFE?

No. There is currently no GFE provided under the contract.

PWS 6.3.3.4 Currently is there any GFE that the USG intends to provide at the start of the contract?

No.

PWS 6.4

The way the pricing schedule is structured, the contractor is required to provide ONE RATE that will be applicable for the ENTIRE DURATION (Base plus all Option years) of the contract (possibly 5.5 years. While this may be possible for services that are relatively within the contractor’s control or those that are not prone to regular fluctuations, however, given the current instability of fuel prices globally, providing a single rate per liter for diesel for 5.5 years seems unrealistic. Recommended approach:

Contractors quote for a % markup on the current fuel rates instead of a per liter rate. This will be to the benefit of both the parties. The USG will be saved from the increased costs that they may have to pay the contractor (who will be trying to hedge his risk with higher rates) and the contractor will have a reduced risk.

Agreed. Revised Line Item 168 to a percentage markup based upon actual cost. Offerors should submit the percentage markup for diesel fuel purchases made under para. 6.4. Please keep in mind that this line item is strictly for fuel purchases (primarily related to running generators) and is not applicable to the provision of fuel that is to be included with equipment rental rates per the notes in the Schedule of Rates. Removed reference to fuel from para. 6.4. and added para. 6.4.2.1.6 specifically for fuel purchases.

PWS 6.4.1.1

Will the USG decide where this staging area will be set up at the seaport or will this be left to the discretion of the seaport authorities?

Location of the staging area will be decided based on a joint feasibility study subject to availaibility on the Port.

PWS 6.4.1.1

If the USG wants to decide the location, there is a possibility of the port charging the contractor for the clearance of the area required. THE RFP mentions that the USG will not pay for these charges. Please advise what the contractor is required to do in such a situation?

Any charges towards clearing of space will be at the sole discretion and prior approval from COR/ACOR. The Contractor will engage the COR prior to clearing an area. If reimbursement for port charges related to clearing the area is applicable, this should be addressed with the COR prior to beginning work.

PWS 6.4.1.1

72 hours’ notice may not be sufficient as the time would depend on the area that is requested, the volume of cargo already in that area and the time it takes the port to free up the space (which is not something within the control of the contractor). Request that this notice period be removed and the contractor on receipt of request will advise the end user on the time period to prepare the staging area

72 hours notice applies for a readily available space. Any space not readily available will be coordinated with Port Authorities and COR.

PWS 6.4.1.1 What is the minimum rental period that the USG envisages for this hire?

No Minimum time. Please reference estimated quantity on Schedule of Rates as a basis for pricing.

PWS 6.4.1.1 What minimum area does the USG intend to hire? No Minimum Area. Please reference estimated quantity on

Schedule of Rates as a basis for pricing.

Schedule 185 What is the minimum rental period that the USG envisages for this hire?

No Minimum time. Please reference estimated quantity on Schedule of Rates as a basis for pricing.

Schedule 185 What minimum area does the USG intend to hire? No Minimum Area. Please reference estimated quantity on

Schedule of Rates as a basis for pricing.

Schedule 185 There is no description of the type of warehouse required in the PWS. Please clarify requirement.

Specific details will be provided at the time of requirement.

PWS 6.4.1.2

Currently the USG hires a portable office space from a USG selected vendor. Is it the intention of the USG to continue with this vendor for the next contract as well?

Portable office space has to meet the required specifications with best value to USG.

PWS 6.4.1.2

Please provide specifications of the internet connectivity required under this CLIN. How will the contractor be compensated for the internet and data charges?

Office space would require a hi‐speed internet connection.

Compensation for internet and data usage (variable cost) will be as an out‐of‐pocket expense. Any fixed charges will be paid under the office space CLIN. E.g. if there is a fixed monthly cost for hi‐speed service, it should be priced into the office space CLIN, but if the charges are variable based upon usage it will be reimbursed via the out‐of‐pocket

CLIN.

Compensation verbiage added to PWS.

PWS 6.4.1.2 What is the minimum size of the office space required? Atch 2, Schedule of Rates indicates the 96 SQM is required.

PWS 6.4.1.2

For the permanent office space, please advise the location that the USG would be willing to consider or the maximum distance from the port the permanent office space can be provided? Or is it required only within the port premises?

On Base/Port

PWS 6.4.1.2

Please provide specifications of telephone required for the office space? And the number of telephones required? Please advise how the contractor will be compensated for the call charges?

Minimum of 1 phone Lines and instrument with handsfree/wireless/speed dial. Call charges will be compensated on actual cost reimbursement basis.

Compensation verbiage added to PWS.

PWS 6.4.2.1 Please specify what duration visa is required (1 month/ 3 months) as the rates are different?

One month visa renewable upto max.3 months. Compensation verbiage added to PWS.

PWS 6.4.2.1

These rates are decided by the government and can change without notice? Will the contract be modified if the rates are changed by the government?

Reference DFARS 252.247‐7002, Revision of Prices. If the price of services set by law are changed during the life of the contract, contract modification can be done to recognize the updated prices.

PWS

6.4.2.1.2/6.4.2.

1.3

Please confirm that the commodity rates only include the labour for the tarping/lashing of cargo and the cost of the tarps/dunnage will be compensated under Schedules 7 and 8

Confirm that lumber and dunnage and lashing materials are compensated under Sch. 7 & 8 respectively. Labor for actual tarping and lashing activities are included in the commodity rates.

PWS 6.4.2.1.4 Please provide specifications of the phone requested Basic cell phone with Camera and Internet connectivity options.

66 PWS 6.4.2.1.4 How will the call charges be settled? "OUT‐OF POCKET" COST REIMBURSEMENT BASIS Compensation verbiage added to PWS.

PWS 6.5.1/6.5.2

Are these perceived to be permanent positions under this contract? If so, request that the UoM be changed to per month I/O per hour.

Can be permanent or temporary. Permanet will be paid on hourly pro‐rata basis based on acutal hour worked.

PWS 6.5.1/6.5.2

If not, please clarify on how the time sheets need to be maintained and vetted by the COR as the COR may not always be around when these specialists are performing their tasks?

Specifics will be outlined upon contract award.

PWS 6.6.3

Please confirm that the compensation for the customs broker here (under the man hour schedule) will be in addition to the customs broker clearance fees under line item 205 of the pricing schedule?

Confirmed. Customs broker charges will be applicable only if customs inspection is required.

PWS 6.6.7

Please advise how the service under this clause (compensation under Schedule 2) is different from the service under line item 205 of the pricing schedule.

Anytime the contractor employs the use of a licensed Customs Broker, that person(s) will be compensated on a labor rate basis. Line item 205 is specifically related to the fees and administration costs of physically processing the customs documents, outside of the labor cost.

PWS 6.12.5

Normal working hours at the port are 0700 to 2100 hrs Saturday to Thursday. Overtime starts at 2100 hrs and not 2200 hrs.

OVERTIME STARTS AT 2200 HOURS.

PWS 6.6

Please confirm that the timeline of 7 days is subject to receipt of valid and accurate customs clearance documentation from the USG.

Confirmed. Contractor is not accountable for failing to meet the timeliness performance standard of customs clearance due to circumstances out of their control.

Schedule 5, 6, 7

Please advise if the LOLO operations are from Quay/Shed or Land Transport?

These line items apply to LOLO operations from both Quay/Shed and Land Transport. Experience demonstrates that the price of operations from either location tend to be priced at the same rate and so were combined into a single line item to ease contract administration.

Schedule 11,12,13 Please advise if the RORO operations are from Quay/Shed or Land Transport?

See #73.

Schedule 14,15,16 Please advise if the Tow Away operations are from

Quay/Shed or Land Transport?

See #73.

Schedule 21,22,23 Please advise if the LOLO operations are from Quay/Shed or Land Transport?

See #73.

Schedule 27,28,29 Please advise if the RORO operations are from Quay/Shed or Land Transport?

See #73.

Schedule 30,31,32 Please advise if the Tow Away operations are from

Quay/Shed or Land Transport?

See #73.

Schedule 45 Please advice if the loading/offloading if from/to a land transport or Quay Shed?

See #73.

Schedule Sch. 2

MHE operator – please advice if this means a forklift operator or crane operator?

Equipment Rental rates in Sch. 4 include operator/driver.

This line item covers the need additional operators where we are not renting the equipment. This should never apply to crane operation.

Schedule 129, 215

Please advise how these services are different? Trailers in Sch. 9 are specifically for inland transportation/onward movement of cargo operations.

Trailers under Sch. 4 recognize any other situation where rental of a trailer is necessary.

Schedule Line item 78 to99

Please clarify what is "Shift Differential Time" ? Section

6.12.5 only refers to overtime above 8 hours, and overtime at the port starts at 22:00. Special overtime are Fridays and Holidays.

Differntial rates are applicable for the hours between 1900‐ 2200 hours.

Schedule Line Item 101 to 121

Shall we quote the full overtime hourly rate or the difference between the straight time and the overtime rate; i.e. if the straight time is $20 and the overtime rate is $30 shall we quote $30 or $10?

These cells are locked at the differential rate applicable.

They are calculated based upon the straight time rate, then multiplied by the differential, so you will only input the straight time rate. Example: If the straight rate for a longshoremen (line item 78) is $10, a differential rate of 30% is applied at line item 89 resulting in a $13 rate. If any differential rate is incorrect, we will adjust accordingly.

PWS 6.2.8.5

The time begins at the the beginning of loading operations. Question: As per USG requirement, the equipment to be positioned for FP inspections at least 2 hours before the requirement time. Hence the hire time should be counted from the time equipment positioned for inspection

Hire time will be at the time of positioning for FP inspections.

Schedule Line item 126

Rough terrain Container lifting forklift available only at Khalifa Bin Salman Port in bahrain. Hence the rate request should be limited to that port only in Bahrain.

Contractor should be able to provide equipment at the location requested by COR.

Schedule Line item 122 to 163

1. Is there any minimum hire hours clause applicable for the equipment hire? Eg: an equipment hired can be billed for 4 hrs minimum even if that equipment was used for only 2 hrs?

2. Can the standby time be considered from the time of equipment positioned for FP inspection?

3. Please define "Operating Time" and "Standby Time" based on above questions ?

Minimum time chargeable will be 4 hours. Yes, standby time will be considered at the time of poisitioning for FP inspection. "Operating time" is when the equipment will be used for operations and "Standby time" is the waiting time for delay caused by USG.

Schedule Line 187

Cellular phone with international access . Please clarify whether the call charges can be billed separatley ? Or any credit limit suggested on the phones eg: USD 30 or USD 60 etc

Call charges will be Out‐of‐Pocket cost reimbursement basis.

Compensation verbiage added to PWS.

Schedule Line 189 & 190

Refuse container: This is port charge item at Khalifa Bin Salman Port and Mina Salman Port. Can this be billed under Port tariff rates?

Provide requested unit rates.

Schedule Line 211

Out of Pocket Expenses . Would you consider allowing the contractor to apply afee or a service charge for the expenses made towards these purchases , considering the effort made for procuring these services.

See #37 ‐ 39 above. Most out‐of‐pocket requests should require little effort on behalf of the contractor to comply.

Higher value, more complex requests above the $3,500 threshold are open to negotiation.

PWS

Section 4.3.1 Property

Please provide a list of the property (GFP) that will be subject of 100% physical inventory that will be transferred to the incoming contractor.

No GFP is currently anticipated to be provided under this contract.

PWS

Section 4.3.1 Property

Please provide the location of the GFP? Is it at NSA base, Mina Salman Naval Base, KBSP?

See #90.

92 General What's the name of the incumbent? Inchcape Shipping Services is the current contractor.

General

Please provide the average annual number of vessels serviced, the average number of days of service per vessel, and percentage of ports location among the 3 listed ports.

60% of the operation is conducted in Mina salman port and 15% at NSA and balance on each of the other locations.

General

Please provide annual historical table for the last 3 years for the current contract listing the number of vessels serviced, by port, size, Number of days used to service each vessel, by month.

Historical data is not currently being tracked under the current requirement. Cargo volume can vary from time to time but the Schedule of Rates represents the USG's best estimation of quantities of cargo.

B‐Part 1 Technical

Proposal page

1) Are there any required font and margin size allowed for the 25 page limited technical submission? If yes, would tables, figures, and graphs be exempt from the font requirements?

2) What's the page size 8:1/2 x 11?

3) If a page is printed on 2 sides will it be considered 1 page or 2 pages? 4) Is a foldout page (11x17) considered 1 page or 2 pages?

1. Font size is 12 with exception for tables, figures and graphs (must be readable). Margins should be 1" to accommodate printing of your proposal. 2. Page size is letter 8.5" x 11". 3. Each side of a page is considered a page. 4. Page size should not exceed letter size 8.5" x 11".

Schedule Line item‐138 What is the maximum tonnage of crane that we may be required to provide?

Line item 139 is for a maximum of 500 tons

Schedule Line item‐146 Please clarify whether the equipment required is a forklift, container handler, or a reachstacker.

Container Handler

Schedule Line item‐181 and 182

Are the costs for internet services and international telephone services to be charged as 'out of pocket' expenses or are they included in the schedule rates under 'office space'?

Fixed charges should be included in the office space line item. Charges based on usage will be reimbursed under the out‐of‐pocket CLIN.

Schedule Line item‐185 and 186

There is no mention in the PWS for the warehousing requirements to be priced under this schedule. Please provide specific requirements (area and volume requirements, climate controls needed, distance from the ports, must it be owned by the bidder or can it be leased, services requried at the warehouses, etc.) so that this schedule may be more accurately priced.

Closed warehouse space available inside the port. Please reference quantity information on Schedule of Rates for pricing purposes.

Schedule Line item‐181 to 186

What is the estimated size of the staging area (in square meters) and the warehouse space outside and inside (square meters, cubic meters, pallet positions) the port that is required to be priced under this schedule?

Size can be variable depending on the requirement. Please reference quantity information on Schedule of Rates for pricing purposes.

Schedule Line Item 218 Please confirm that it is the USG's intent to have bidders price for a 15m WIDE lowbed.

The requirement is for a 15 FT wide trailer. Schedule has been corrected.

PWS

Please confirm when "Khalifa Bin Salman (KBSP) ASRY Dry dock" is referenced that the Government is referencing the dry dock and not the port and the dry dock.

Khalifa Bin Salman (KBSP) and ASRY are 2 separate ports.

KBSP is a commercial port. ASRY is a dry dock and also has a berthing space where US vessels are berthed at the dry dock and loading/unloading operation may be required to be performed.

PWS 5.3.2

"Operational Reports", "Warehouse Reports", and "Cargo Accountability Documents" often differ from client to client. Can SDDC offer any template reports so bidders may more clearly understand what information is required in these reports/documents?

Contractors will be responsible to provide copies of these reports to the COR/ACOR, who will advise with necessary alterations to the reports.

PWS 5.3.4

Can the USG provide examples of what documentation is required to be used for cargo accountability purposes?

Contractor will demonstrate their knowledge on required documents for cargo accountability. Any additional document that may be required will be advise by the COR/ACOR accordingly.

PWS 2.2

PWS Section 2 Security, Paragraph 2.2 states that contractor personnel may require access to NIPRNET applications. Could the government provide a list of USG systems/applications that the contractor may need access to during the execution of this contract?

Currently there is no requirement for contractor employees to have access to NIPRNET. If the need develops, the COR can provide information related to specific systems and applications to the contractor.

Schedule Line Item 165, Unit or Measure is "per month" basis and Units required are 2. Does that mean that we are to price for 1 x Generator on permanent use for a 2 x month period in each year? (I.e. the generator available around on a 24 hour basis for approx. 60 consecutive days in the year?

If you check the total calculation (column G) for CLIN 165 and 166, you'll notice it is calculated as 2 units x unit price x 12 indicating it is 2 units for 12 months.

Schedule Line Items 218 ‐

Description of the Lowbed trailers specifies that Width is up to 15 Metres. Is the unit correct? (15 Metre wide trailer does not exist as it would not fit on any highway).

Maximum width is 15 Feet. Schedule has been corrected.

Schedule Line Item 189

Can you please clarify if the Refuse container required is a dust bin type unit to be stationed outside office premises?

Or is it a compulsory Port provided "Skip"? (If it is compulsory skip that remains alongside a Vessel during operations then the 3 units required x port tariff rate x 365 days per year will make the quoted rate extremely high.)

The Refuse container requested is the type that remain alongside the vessel (Dumpsters)

Schedule Sch. 1B

This Schedule is named as being "Import Loading Vessels".

Can you please clarify that this CLIN actually covers Discharge from Vessels.

This Schedule is for discharging vessels. Changed to Import Unloading Vessels

Schedule Sch. 2

Concerns were relayed that companies' may not have the same shift differential and overtime rates as the port.

In consideration of contractor employment arrangements, we have unlocked these cells. The original formula remain input, but can be freely removed.

Lines Items 89 ‐ 110 have been unlocked.

Schedule

Would you unlock cells Columns E, F, G, H, and I line 308 through 334 in the Summary section in order to apply escalation

The Government advised all potential offerors in the preproposal teleconference that any escalation they wish to apply should be incorporated into the applicable unit rate, as that rate will apply for the entire period of performance. The basis of rates for which the contractor has limited control, e.g. a port tariff increase, will be open to negotiation per the Revision of Prices clause after performance begins. Unlocking these specific cells to apply escalation at the schedule level would not work as services are ordered at the line item level.