RFP_Questions_29_Nov_2016.xlsx
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- Next Generation Delivery Service (NGDS) Federal contract opportunity
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- HTC711-17-R-CC01
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Sheet1
| Question | Reference | Question | Answer |
| 1 | Appendix 6.3 | Question #1 Appendix 6.3 contradicts itself so need clarification. Page 2 states: “With the exception of Defense Logistics Agency’s (DLA) Vendor Shipment Module (VSM), cost reimbursable contractors reside in the same profile as the Federal Agency they are shipping for.” However on page 8 states: Domestic Shipper Profile 5 includes all other U.S. DoD activities not listed in Shipper Profile 4. A few examples are the Blue Grass Army Depot,DoD Cost Reimbursable Contractors. Is this saying the DoD CRC’s will align to Profile 5 and all GSA agency CRC’s will align to the profile they shipping for? This will cause issues for Agency CRC who do business with multiple agencies. This would force them to have separate account numbers for each activity / profile they do business. This will get very complex for the CRC’s and the carriers to ensure we have correct rates in place. Can I recommend one CRC profile (Profile 3) for all civilian agency CRC’s and one profile for DoD CRC’s (Profile 5 as outlined). This contract is already complex enough and ultimately the CRC is getting very best rates already using the Government rates. | |
| To clarify, "DoD Cost Reimbursable Contractors" has been removed from the Profile 5 description on Page 8 of Appendix 6.3. All Cost Reimbursable Contractors (CRCs) except for Vendor Shipment Module (VSM) will reside in the same profile as their sponsoring agency. The Government understands this may result in additional administrative efforts by the Contractor and/or CRC. | |||
| 2 | Appendix 6.3 | USTC added AFFES to profile number four but have provided no characteristics / Package Level Details (PLD) in the files posted. So the request is, 1. Can USTC provide PLD for AFFES. There are a lot of ecommerce packages shipped by AAFES which are high residential and no data was provided on those characteristics, 2. Is the NGDS contract going to be a mandatory use for all DoD agencies like AAFES? | FY2016 TDS historical shipment data for the Army and Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES) and Navy and Marine Exchange is available upon request. It will not be mandatory for agencies such as AAFES to use NGDS in accordance with United States Code Title 10 §2643. However, it is expected that agencies who use the current programs (TDS, SSP, DDS3, and small package Ground Tenders) will continue to ship under NGDS. |
| 3 | Attachment 2c | I am working with Attachment 2c and filling in the service names and zones. I need to add more zones on ground then you have provided columns and the sheet is protected. Can you provide guidance how you want me to add them when the sheet is protected. | Attachments 2b-2g have been updated to include additional columns for zones and additional rows for accessorials. |
| 4 | PWS 2.20.6 and 2.21, Pages 17 and 18 | Does this mean we can charge the government to attend the pre-proposal conference? | No. NGDS awardees can invoice and be paid for attendance at the Post Award Conference, not the Pre-Proposal Conference. |
| 5 | PWS 2.26, Page 21 | Please clarify that we do not need to provide the name of the person receiving the shipment in the Syncada feed. In addition, transactions must be paid even if the actual name is not provided. | Paragraph 2.26. addresses proof of delivery requirements and does not address Syncada requirements. Please clarify your question if necessary. |
| 6 | Solicitation, Page 35 | What would cause the Recovery Rate to change and when would notice of change be provided? | The Recovery Rate will be calculated annually by TCJ8. It is the Government's intent to provide notice of the change to NGDS Awardees in the May/June timeframe with rate adjustments effective 1 October. |
| 7 | Attachment 2b4 | Optional Standard Mail. This is only for IRS? What if other shippers have a need? Are we to use a Tender of Service? | The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is the only organization that has identified a need for Optional Standard Mail service. NGDS awardees will have the opportunity to propose rates for other shippers that identify a need after contract award to be incorporated via contract modification. |
| 8 | Attachment 2c-2g | How do we enter multi-weight for Ground service? | Attachments 2c through 2g have been updated to include Multi Piece Express shipments. These attachments have also been updated to allow Offerors the ability to propose Mutli Piece weight breaks and rates for Ground shipments. |
| 9 | Attachment 2b | Is it possible to unlock the excel spreadsheet so additional accessorials can be entered? | Attachments 2b-2g have been updated to include additional columns for zones and additional rows for accessorials. |
| 10 | Attachment 2a | CONUS-Oman and CONUS-Turkey need to be added onto Profile 7 as they are listed on Profile 6. All countries need to either be in a Region or priced individually. Our rating systems do not allow for countries to just hand out there such as Libya, Kyrgyzstan, Belgium, etc. Even if the intent is to rate using the NBS discount, they still need to be in a zone in our internal system. The volume to these countries is minimal. Why can’t these be loaded into a Region? Can Kyrgyzstan be added into Region E? Can Libya be added into Region F? Can Belgium be added into Region C? Can the Philippines be added into Region H? | CONUS-Oman is already included in Profile 7, column El. CONUS-Turkey is already included in Profile 7, column ES. The subject countries have been added to the applicable regions in App 6.7. |
| 11 | Attachment 2 | In reviewing the PWS / contract I didn’t see anything regarding number of rounds. Is this pricing a “ONE AND DONE”? | As stated in FAR Clause 52.212-1 Addendum Paragraph (g), Page 43, "the Government intends to evaluate offers and award contracts without discussions with Offerors. Therefore, the Offeror’s initial offer should |
contain the Offeror’s best terms from a price and technical standpoint. However, the Government reserves the right to conduct discussions if later determined by the Contracting Officer to be necessary."
| 12 | Appendix 6.7 NGDS Theaters | If the carrier builds the Bayan costs into the rates, might we be able to resume service to/from Qatar? | No, CENTCOM made the determination the Bayan fee is an impermissible fee per the Defense Cooperation Agreement (DCA) and cannot be reimbursed by the U.S. Government. Therefore, the current customer advisory prohibiting shipments to/from Qatar remains in effect. |
| 13 | Attachment 2a | Looking for some guidance on pricing lanes which are important to GSA customers yet have unusually high clearance charges for USG shipments.Honduras is in NGDS Theater B which also contains Argentina, Belize, Brazil, Chile, Costa Rica, and Panama. These are destinations of interest to the GSA agencies. Per the DTR, known additional clearance costs exist in Honduras: |
T. HONDURAS
Caution-http://www.ustranscom.mil/dtr/part-v/dtr_part_v_513.pdf < Caution-http://www.ustranscom.mil/dtr/part-v/dtr_part_v_513.pdf > Commercial Air Courier Cargo for USMILGP and Honduran Military.
(1) Shipments sent by any air commercial courier company to the USMILGP must be marked as follows:
GRUPO MILITAR DE LOST ESTADOS UNIDOS Colonia Las Torres Frente al Supermercado “La Colonia #2” Comayaguela, M.D.C., Honduras
(2) Users are advised to have freight prepaid. There may, however, be additional costs required to pay for the release of the AWB document provided by certain commercial couriers. Shipping related expenses must be taken into consideration and provided in advance to cover administrative and storage fees if incurred. SDDC POC: Patricia Green,Patricia.A.Green66.civ@mail.mil < Caution-mailto:Patricia.A.Green66.civ@mail.mil > , (618) 220-6849 (DSN: 770).
In developing the rates two options exist:
1. Increase the rates to Region B to cover the Honduras costs
2. List on the accessorial page country specific clearance costs
| It would benefit the government to allow option #2. Would this be an acceptable offering? | Honduras will remain in Region B. A separate accessorial for Honduras will not be authorized. | |||
| 14 | Appendix 6.3 NGDS Shipper Profiles | Domestic Shipper Profile 4P6 Seeking clarification on ‘The table below identifies DLA locations that require Saturday pickup service for dock clearing purposes only and is exempt from a Saturday pickup fee.’ If shipper wants Saturday pickup for onward movement, can Saturday pickup be assessed? | Yes, for other than dock clearing purposes, a Saturday pickup accessorial may be assessed. Appendix 6.3 has been updated to include the following sentence "Saturday pickup for other than dock clearing purposes will be subject to a Saturday pickup accessorial charge." | |
| 15 | Attachment 1 Performance Work Statement | 2.24.1. Shipment Details. The Contractor shall submit shipment details to the Government no later than the 15th of each month for the previous month’s activity (shipments invoiced during the previous month). The reporting requirements are significantly more complex than the current TDS detail reports (due on the 25th of each month). The proposed NGDS report will contain approximately 200 percent more data. In the event that the Government can’t extract the data themselves, would you consider revising the report date to the current TDS requirement of the 25th? | Paragraph 2.24.1. has been updated to reflect a due date of no later than the 20th of the month. Issues with data extraction will be addressed on a case by case basis. | |
| 16 | Attachment 2 | We did not see multiple piece shipment weighing in the Attachment 2s. Will multiweight be included in NGDS? | Attachments 2c through 2g have been updated to include Multi Piece Express shipments. These attachments have also been updated to allow Offerors the ability to propose Mutli Piece weight breaks and rates for Ground shipments. | |
| 17 | RFP Cover Letter | Assuming the year (2017) noted below is a typographical error. Also, will there be a teleconference option as well? | The Request for Proposal (RFP) Cover Letter has been updated to reflect the correct year, 2016. No teleconference capability will available. However, the Pre-Proposal Conference slides and minutes will be posted via FBO. | |
| 18 | Is the NGDS contract going to be a mandatory use for all DoD agencies? | As stated in the RFP Cover Letter: "As this solution supports core Category Management principles to reduce contract duplication and promote best-in-class solutions, the Government expects the resulting contracts to be the preferred source for all Federal Agencies for small package delivery services. The contracts will be available for use by all Federal Agencies and other authorized entities. The Office of Management and Budget may provide further instructions to Federal Agencies on use of this vehicle." | ||
| 19 | Has USTC received the Mandatory Use authority for the GSA? | The Department of Defense received the Delegation of Authority and Assignment of Function Agreement between the U.S. General Services Administration and the Department of Defense for package delivery services on September 28, 2016. | ||
| 20 | Profiles Appendix 6.3 - What profile will DOJ be aligned to? | As the Department of Justice is not listed in Profile 1 or 2, it would be included in Profile 3. | ||
| 21 | Attachment 2c | Attachment 2c - While working with Attachment 2c and filling in the service names and zones, we need more room to address all the ground zones however the sheet is password protected. Can you provide guidance as to how you want us to add them when the sheet is protected? | Additional columns have been added to the tabs in Attachment 2c through 2g. Additional rows have been added to Attachment 2b, Tab 2 Accessorials. | |
| 22 | Appendix 6.3 contradicts itself so need clarification. Page 2 states:"With the exception of Defense Logistics Agency's (DLA) Vendor Shipment Module (VSM), cost reimbursable contractors reside in the same profile as the Federal Agency they are shipping for."However on page 8 states: Domestic Shipper Profile 5 includes all other U.S. DoD activities not listed in Shipper Profile 4. A few examples are the Blue Grass Army Depot, DoD Cost Reimbursable Contractors, Is this saying the DoD CRC's will all align to Profile 5 and all GSA agency CRC's will align to the profile they are shipping for? This will cause issues for Agency CRC who does business with multiple agencies. This would force them to have separate account numbers for each activity / profile they do business. This will get very complex for the CRC's and the carriers to ensure we have correct rates in place. We recommend on profile for GSA CRC’s and one for DOD. | Duplicate Question, See Answer to Question 1 | ||
| 23 | Attachment 2 | Pricing - Does the carrier have to bid on all Domestic / International lanes? | Yes, for those Offerors proposing on both the Domestic and International segments, the Offeror shall provide pricing on all Domestic and International lanes unless otherwise identified as optional in 52.212-1 Addendum. For clarity, the instructions in Attachment 2c through 2g have been updated. | |
| 24 | PWS 2.24 | If the carrier is using the GSA portal to report daily, weekly, monthly, what additional reporting is needed? The PWS is not clear. | As long as the previous month's shipment detail report data is made available or provided by the 20th of the current month, no additional shipment detail reporting is required. | |
| 25 | PWS 2.4.3 | SUNDAY is not a business day for carriers in the US. Is this PWS article inserted to accommodate for overseas like Middle East who have different rest days? If so, the PWS needs to be clarified. To hire employees to staff an operation on Sunday in the US would be costly. | Yes. PWS Para 2.4.3. has been updated to read "2.4.3. Service is required Monday through Saturday domestically and on routine international business days" | |
| 26 | Attachment 2c | is the government expecting rates for ground CWT? | Attachments 2c through 2g have been updated to include Multi Piece shipment pricing. | |
| 27 | Attachment 2a | Is there any reason the government is not using CLINS on each International lane pair? | It was determined that Subcontract Line Item Numbers (SLINs) provide no additional value to the contract. Lane pairings can be identified by the names of each pair (origin and destination) or by the Excel column. | |
| 28 | Appendix 6.7 NGDS Theaters | The following countries have been removed from REGION pricing and they include:• Belgium, Portugal, Krysgstan, Iraq, Palestine, Libya, Australia, Philippines. Are the above listed countries going to be priced as NON-BASIC service or was this in error? |
| Appendix 6.7 has been updated with the following changes: Kyrgyzstan has been added to Region E, Iraq and Libya added to Region F, Belgium and Portugal added into Region C, Philippines added to Region H, and Australia added to Region I. Shipments originating from Palestine will be priced as Non Basic Service. | |||
| 29 | Attachment 2a | The government is asking for rates to and from Italy/Italy, Germany/Germany, UK/UK and Afghanistan/Afghanistan. These are not international moves but domestic moves - intra country. What service do you want the carriers to price? Ground, overnight, deferred?? | Deferred |
| 30 | General – How many pricing rounds can the carriers expect? “ONE AND DONE”? | Duplicate Question, See Answer to Question 11 | |
| 31 | Attachment 2c – 2g | Can the carriers offer a “Ground Residential” rate chart vs offering an accessorial for Ground Residential? | No |
| 32 | Please define “foreign entity”. | A foreign entity is defined as a non-US company. Appendix 6.1 has been updated the include this definition. | |
| 33 | PWS 2.24.1 | Currently the carriers have until the 19th of the next month to report because of the complexities of the international deliveries. Please change from the 15th to 19th | Paragraph 2.24.1. has been updated to reflect a due date no later than the 20th of the month. |
| 34 |
Swoboda: Swoboda:
| 1st Round of Questions ended after 34. | Our company does not support WAWF. This came up several years ago and the government decided on Syncada which we have invested in and pay for the USG. | Invoicing in WAWF is applicable to CLIN 0003 and PWS Paragraph 2.21.1. It is the Government's understanding that all CRAF Contractors currently have the ability to invoice through WAWF. | ||
| 35 | Appendix 6.9 | All payments by the government are calculated as a whole for the period in question (i.e. payments between OCT16 and DEC16). We do not breakdown by month as it is done commercially. To provide this type of information will require extensive reprogramming and testing and we are not clear on what value it provides. Would USTC consider eliminating payment months from the report? | Yes, Appendix 6.9, Semiannual Revenue Template has been removed. PWS Para 4.1.1. has been updated to require the Contractor to submit the semiannual dollar value of revenue to the Contracting Officer (using no template). | |
| 36 | How will specialty services, which are outside the scope of NGDS and currently under contract be handled post award? Same Day and Express Freight within CONUS for civilian agencies are currently on GSA MAS and DDS3. How will the civilian agencies procure these services? Recommendation: |
Maintain GSA MAS for the services which are not on NGDS and allow other Tenders to remain.
| Specialty services currently provided under GAS MAS and DDS3 were not identified as requirements under NGDS. According to the GSA Contracting Officer for DDS3, it cannot be guaranteed that those services will continue to be available post-NGDS award on a MAS. We cannot answer how civilian agencies will procure these services. | |||
| 37 | With regards to the selection committee, is USTC at liberty to disclose how the selection committee is chosen and/or if any civilian agencies will be on the panel? | The names, titles, and agencies of those on the Source Selection Advisory Council and the Source Selection Evaluation Board are considered Source Selection Information and will not be provided. Both DoD and Civilian Agencies are represented. | |
| 38 | Atch 1 PWS 2.15. | Question: Our commercial customers must meet/maintain an Average Daily Net Revenue (ADNR) to qualify for shipping systems and related equipment. Would USTC consider complying with Contractor’s current commercial practice with regards to volume requirements for placement of shipping systems? | No. The Government's requirement remains as defined in the PWS. |
| 39 | Atch 1 PWS 2.17.4. | Would the government consider stronger language for PWS 2.17.4? The concern is “local” contracting offices will continue to issue their own RFQs and contracts regardless of the NGDS contract and include additional terms and conditions. This puts a burden on the Contractor to respond to these unnecessary RFQs/contracts, and being pressured into honoring these extraneous terms and conditions or risk non-payment. | The PWS contains performance requirements for NGDS Contractors and will not be revised to include shipper specific instructions. If a NGDS Contractor receives RFQs from "local" contracting offices, recommend referring the office to the NGDS Contracting Officer. |
| 40 | Atch 1 PWS 2.20.5. | Would the government consider stronger language for PWS 2.20.5? The concern is “local” contracting offices will continue to specify Wide Area Work Flow or another agency’s electronic invoicing system. The MFTURP-1C clearly states that the authorized TPPS for the Military is Syncada via US Bank. Also, DFAR clause 252.232-7003 clearly states that transportation services are exempt from Wide Area Work Flow. The current solicitation language indicates the contractor must have the ability to invoice via any and all electronic invoicing system a government shipper desires. If the contractor must be enabled for Syncada and Wide Area Work Flow and any other agency’s electronic invoicing system; then is the government willing to pay for the added expense and programming to do so? | The PWS requirements will remain as written. |
| 41 | PWS 2.4.7 Page 11 | As the number of mass shooting incidents on government property has increased: Ft Hood, Navy Yard, San Bernardino, delivery personnel are expressing more concerns for their safety when required to make desktop deliveries. May 2.4.7 be modified to read, “No new desktop delivery locations will be added without mutual agreement of the Contactor.” and “If the Contractor has security concerns, desktop deliveries will be suspended with 5 day notice”? | The PWS requirements will remain as written. |
| 42 | PWS 2.10.2.3 Page 13 | Commercially, we do not allow shippers to request a money back guarantee via e-mail. This is often due to the requestor not providing sufficient information to complete the credit resulting in additional work by the Contractor to complete request. Would the Government consider the following modification, ‘Use of e-mail or phone or other means of contact to request a credit to the shippers credit card or account in accordance with the Contractor’s Service Guide”? | PWS paragraph 2.10.2.3 was updated to include "in accordance with the Contractor's Service Guide." |
| 43 | PWS 2.20.6 Page 18 | WAWF is not designed to handle the volume of transactions associated with express transportation. On 24 January 2007, the Office of the Secretary of Defense deemed WAWF as unacceptable for transportation payment. Can 2.20.6 be modified to state, ‘The Contractor is not required to participate in WAWF beyond the invoicing for the NGDS Post Award Conference.”? | As this contract is for DoD and Civilian Agencies, the PWS requirements will remain as written. |
| 44 | Atch 2 Domestic All Profiles, Tab 9 | Can Cells D1, D2, D3, E1, E2, E3 be deleted? This would be LTL and LTL isn’t part of this Contract. | Attachments 2c-2g have been updated to delete cells D1-3 and E1-3 |
| 45 | Atch 2 Domestic All Profiles | Multi-weight has three components which are missing: Minimum Charge, Minimum Average Package Weight and Minimum Shipment Weight.If Attachment 2c is modified, should these be listed as Accessorials? | Offerors may propose applicable Minimum Charges, Minimum Average Package Weights, and Minimum Shipment Weights in Attachments 2c through 2g on Tab 9, Lines 167 and below |
| 46 | NGDS Solicitation Questions and Answers, #5, PWS 2.26, Page 21 and Appendix 6.1 | These references define a POD as having the date, time, and location of delivery. In Syncada, DLA routinely asks for the name on more than ten percent of their shipments and then will not pay for the shipment if the name is not provided. Will this allow the Contractor to decline the denial of payment as the POD definition does not require a name? The date, time, and location are sufficient to provide proof that the delivery was accomplished. | If a Contractor has a current specific contractual issue, recommend bringing it to the attention of the Contracting Officer. Appendix 6.1 has been updated to include a revised definition for proof of delivery. |
| 47 | NGDS Solicitation Questions and Answers, #7 | If a Tender exists for Optional Standard Mail with an agency other than IRS, will that Tender continue to be valid after NGDS? As this is an optional service, might the agency be able to continue to negotiate on their own? | As Optional Standard Mail is an optional service under NGDS, there is nothing prohibiting an Agency from obtaining this service under a separate tender, contract, etc. |
| 48 | Q1 - Appendix 6.3 | The government responded - “ To clarify, "DoD Cost Reimbursable Contractors" has been removed from the Profile 5 description on Page 8 of Appendix 6.3. All Cost Reimbursable Contractors (CRCs) except for Vendor Shipment Module (VSM) will reside in the same profile as their sponsoring agency. The Government understands this may result in additional administrative efforts by the Contractor and/or CRC.” Please clarify, if the DLA is sponsoring an activity / contractor, would the contractor be placed in Profile 4 or 5? | If DLA is "sponsoring an activity/contractor", the contractor would be placed in Profile 5. |
| 49 | Q2 - Appendix 6.3 | The government responded - “ FY2016 TDS historical shipment data for the Army and Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES) and Navy and Marine Exchange is available upon request. It will not be mandatory for agencies such as AAFES to use NGDS in accordance with United States Code Title 10 §2643. However, it is expected that agencies who use the current programs (TDS, SSP, DDS3, and small package Ground Tenders) will continue to ship under NGDS.” Please clarify, if NGDS is not going to be mandatory, will the services and federal agencies be able to negotiate their own separate contracts / tenders? This appears to be contrary to the goals set forth in Category Management to streamline contracts by consolidation. | Army and Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES) and the Navy and Marine Exchange Service (NEX) are nonappropriated fund activities; and therefore are not required to use NGDS. Appendix 6.3 has been updated to remove AAFES and NEX from Profile 4. If these activities do use NGDS, they will be included in Profile 5. |
| 50 | Q6 - Solicitation page 35 | The government responded - “The Recovery Rate will be calculated annually by TCJ8. It is the Government's intent to provide notice of the change to NGDS Awardees in the May/June timeframe with rate adjustments effective 1 October.” Where in the contract does it state that the CRR will be evaluated annually? The carriers are already limited by the pre-negotiated escalation factor for 4 years. Either the CRR needs to be fixed for the life of the contract, or the government needs to allow for an increase in the escalation factor should the CRR exceed 1.3%, as it is in the current PWS. | On Page 37 of the Solicitation under the "Annual Rate & Price Adjustment", it states "a. Recovery Rate. The Recovery Rate percentage addressed in PWS Paragraph 4.1 may be adjusted by the Government on an annual basis. If an adjustment is made, the Contractor may adjust all transportation and accessorial rates in an amount equal to the percentage increase or decrease of the new Recovery Rate." |
| 51 | Q18 | Will the NGDS contract be mandatory to use? The government responded - “As stated in the RFP Cover Letter: "As this solution supports core Category Management principles to reduce contract duplication and promote best-in-class solutions, the Government expects the resulting contracts to be the preferred source for all Federal Agencies for small package delivery services. The contracts will be available for use by all Federal Agencies and other authorized entities. The Office of Management and Budget may provide further instructions to Federal Agencies on use of this vehicle."The use of the word “Preferred” vs “Mandatory” is significant. The carriers are providing pricing based on the NGDS opportunities. If potential NGDS users are able to negotiate separate contracts on their own, we will be back to a situation we are today, negotiating multiple contracts with multiple entities. Will the government contemplate changing the NGDS contract to a ‘Mandatory’ use vs. a ‘Preferred’ use? | NGDS volume estimates are based on small package delivery requirements of the Department of Defense and Federal civilian agencies. Category Management actions are currently underway to require the use of NGDS; however, these actions require extensive interagency coordination which will take several months to complete. So while mandatory use of the NGDS is a goal, including this provision in the NGDS solicitation at this time would be premature since the interagency coordination process is not yet completed. |
| 52 | Q24 | “If the carrier is using the GSA portal to report daily, weekly, monthly, what additional reporting is needed? The PWS is not clear. The government responded - “As long as the previous month’s shipment detail report is made available or provided by the 20th of the current month, no additional shipment detail reporting is required.” Would the government please explain if 4.1.1 and 4.1.2 of the PWS are required of the carrier and if they are a current supporter of the portal? In addition, would the government please clarify what reports a carrier using the portal would be responsible to complete, if at all, monthly / bi-annually? | The requirement to submit a report at 4.1.1. has been removed. If a Contractor is providing monthly shipment details directly to GSA's FSSI Dashboard, the Contractor is still required (per PWS 4.1.1.) to provide the semiannual dollar value of all revenue received under NGDS, to the Contracting Officer. A Contractor submitting shipment details directly to GSA's FSSI Dashboard will be required to complete all reports at PWS Paragraph 2.24. Submitting shipment details to GSA's FSSI Dashboard satisfies the requirement at 2.24.1. and 2.24.1.1. |
| 53 | Q31 | The government responded - “NO” to allowing carriers to offer custom residential rate charts. Currently, there are large government residential shippers that enjoy custom residential rates for both Ground and Air services vs a flat residential accessorial rate. By the government only accepting a flat residential accessorial, the large residential shippers will experience a significant escalation in their costs. We request USTRANSCOM allow the carriers the option of providing residential rate charts for ground and air services vs a flat residential accessorial. At a minimum, please allow for custom residential rate charts on profile 1 and 4, where there is significant residential opportunity. | Attachment 2c has been updated to include Tab 10 for Profile 1 Ground Residential Pricing. |
| 54 | Q34 | The Government responded - “Invoicing in WAWF is applicable to CLIN 0003 and PWS Paragraph 2.21.1, 2.20.6. It is the Government's understanding that all CRAF Contractors currently have the ability to invoice through WAWF. As previously stated, we do not support WAWF. We request this be struck from the PWS as we can’t support the WAWF activity. | If a Contractor is unable to invoice in WAWF for CLIN 0003, the Contractor cannot be paid for attendance at the Post Award Conference. |
| 55 | Please clarify the government’s position - If an Agency or Service elects to use NGDS, will it be mandatory for their subordinate agencies to also use the contract? The carriers have voiced their concerns in several meetings with the government that allowing agencies to negotiate their own contracts reduces the effectiveness of the NGDS goals. | Please refer to the answer to Question 51 | |
| 56 | Escalation factors - Will the government allow the carriers to propose separate escalation factors for 1) Small Package services (1-150 pounds) and 2) Heavy Weight services (151-300 pounds) under NGDS (to include the Ground, Air, International small package and a domestic and international heavy weight factors). This is critical, since forecasting costs 5 years out is a very difficult process due the multitude of variable costs (e.g. fuel). | Only one escalation factor (proposed per each year of contract performance) may be proposed. Contractors will be allowed annually to forgo their proposed escalation, take a lower escalation percentage, and even futher decrement individual rates. Please see the answer to question 58 for further information. | |
| 57 | PWS 1.3.5. | Mail service prices are impacted by the USPS’s rate increases, and not by the government fiscal year. The carriers need language flexibility that will allow them to change mail service rates based on the USPS rate increases. Currently, PWS 1.3.5 infers that a rate increase on mail services is allowed on the annual escalation dates only, which would coincide with governments fiscal year. The USPS increases are applied at random. | NGDS is not a cost-reimbursement contract that allows for reimbursement based on a contractor's cost experience. The only adjustments to price will be accomplished in accordance with the Annual Rate & Price Adjustment language in the solicitation. This PWS language remains as written. |
| 58 | For the option years of NGDS, will the carriers have the flexibility to adjust their rates, by shipping profile / weight cell / by lane / by service as long as the carrier doesn’t exceed the agreed upon escalation factor for that service? This process would be similar to the current process for TDS or SSP contracts. | NGDS does not include option years, it includes a five year period of performance. Contractors will be allowed to adjust rates by profile, weight, and lane. | |
| 59 | PWS - 1.1.3.1. | We request the government define the Max length at 108 inches for small package shipments and 119 for Domestic / International Heavyweight since the small package carriers have a maximum length in their standard Terms and conditions and cannot exceed those standards. Both the Domestic Ground 1.3.3.1 and Domestic Air 1.2.3.2 are correct. Please add clarity to the language or reduce to 108” only. | PWS Paragraph will remain as written |
| 60 | PWS 2.5.1 | The language conflicts with the carriers right to charge for address corrections. We request this article either be further qualified or removed from the PWS. | PWS Paragraph 2.5.1. has been revised to clarify no accessorial charge will be assessed unless an actual address correction is made. |
| 61 | Will carriers be able to charge a fuel surcharge in the NGDS? | No. | |
| 62 | For GSA Profiles 1, 2 and 3, will Heavyweight Domestic Air be limited to 151-300 for AK, HI and PR like they are in DoD Profiles 4 and 5? Under MAS and DDS, GSA agencies utilize the carriers for heavier shipments without penalty. If this is the intent, what options would be available for those agencies requiring Heavyweight domestic air shipments 151 lbs. and CONUS to OCONUS? | Yes, domestic shipments up to 300 lbs. are limited to AK, HI, and PR. We cannot answer how civilian agencies will procure heavyweight domestic air services. | |
| 63 | Please provide a status update on the proposed post payment audits by the GSA team. | No updates to report at this time. | |
| 64 | Solicitation Doc. (pg. 42 of 76) – Vol. III (A) Subfactor 1 – Technical Approach | The offeror shall describe its technical approach to performing the international express and/or domestic express and ground transportation services identified in the PWS paragraphs 1.1, 1.2 and 1.3, as well as other services identified in PWS paragraph 2. Is‘Paragraph 2’ the same as 2. General Information (2.1 through 2.30) of the PWS? | Yes, Paragraph 2 is the same as 2. General Information (2.1. through 2.30.) |
| 65 | Solicitation Doc. (pg. 37 of 76) – Vol. I | How does USTRANSCOM wish to receive Volume I, Corporate Experience by November 14, 3:00 p.m. CST? Are you looking for onesoft copy to be provided on a CD-ROM as stated for the rest of the proposal? Please confirm. | Yes, one soft copy. |
| 66 | Solicitation Doc. (pg. 38 of 76) – Paragraph 2 | USTRANSCOM states that they want onesoft copy of the submittal of the proposal on CD-ROM. Would you like a hard copy printed as well? | No. One soft copy will suffice. |
| 67 | Appendix 6.7 | Where are the HVSL routes identified in Theater and Regions? | The term High Volume Shipping Location (HVSL) does not exist in NGDS. Those lanes included in Attachment 2a on Tabs 2 and 3 are the lanes that experienced the highest volumes under the TDS contract. |
| 68 | Appendix 6.7 | Several countries missing from Theaters and Regions? a. Example: Region F: Oman, Turkey, Palestine Authority missing. b. We would like to price Iraq separately from Region F due to costs. c. Oman is missing from Region F and it has its own column in the pricing matrix does that mean we can price separately from Region f. d. Djibouti, Okinawa and Azores are also missing from Appendix 6.7 and have their own columns in the pricing matrix. Does that mean we can price separately from the regions they are supposed to be in? | As CONUS to OMAN and OMAN to CONUS lanes have been included in Attachment 2a, Tab 2, it will be separately priced and not included in a Region. A Turkey to CONUS lane and a Iraq to CONUS lane has been added to Attachment 2 a, Tab 2. Palestine Authority will be priced as Non Basic Service (Discount for Originating Locations not listed above). Correct, as CONUS to OMAN and OMAN to CONUS lanes have been included in Attachment 2a, Tab 2, they will be separately priced. As CONUS to Djibouti, Djibouti to CONUS, CONUS to Okinawa, Okinawa to CONUS, CONUS to Azores, and Azores to CONUS lanes have been included in Attachment 2a, Tab 2, they will be separately priced. |
| 69 | Appendix 6.9 | What is difference between two colors on sheet? We are unable to calculate the fee due to the sheet being locked? | Appendix 6.9, Semiannual Revenue Template has been removed and the Appendix number reserved. |
| 70 | Appendix 6.10 | Are National Account Parent/Sub Group Number fields required as we only have one account number per shipper and does not roll up to parent? Can we use one account number or leave fields blank? | National Account Parent/Sub Group Number are required fields. Please refer to the requirements in PWS Paragraph 2.24.4. |
| 71 | Appendix 6.10 | Are Service Category & Service Type Code requirement for domestic only? Only one level of service offered. | Yes, Appendix 6.10 has been updated to clarify. |
| 72 | Appendix 6.10 | Is Package Type field mandatory? | Yes |
| 73 | Appendix 6.10 | How do we account for Package Dim Length, Width, and Height in multi-lot shipments? If AWB has 3 pieces of varying dimensions, how do we account for it on report? We can provide only total dimensions for the shipment not for the individual pieces. | The Contractor shall provide total dimensions for the multiple piece shipment. |
| 74 | PWS Section 1.1.5.1 | How do we account for countries without a SOFA, i.e. Senegal and Cameroon as duty-free cargo clearance is not available? Section 1.1.5.1 only works when the US has a SOFA agreement in place or a memo of understanding. Currently, Senegal and Cameroon has been confirmed by the US Embassy they don’t have an agreement with the local country hence duty and taxes are assessed to the US Government and US Embassy shipments. In order to protect the carriers we propose this language: 1.1.5.1. The Contractor is responsible for providing duty-free cargo clearance with host nation customs officials only in countries in which a SOFA agreement is in existence. | PWS Paragraph 1.1.5.1 has been updated. |
| 75 | Vendor Shipment Module | In the current TDS the carriers accepted to provide HVSL rates to VSM. However, these locations are not high volume they are mostly ad hoc, scattered origins that are more in line with the DoD standard locations. We want TCAQ to consider seriously changing VSM to standard rates that are more in line with the shipper profile. | The Government understands that VSM does not ship high volumes as many DLA locations do. Therefore, domestically VSM has been included in Profile 5. Internationally, Profile 6 includes only those DLA locations listed on Appendix 6.3 that shipped high volumes under TDS. All other shippers not specifically identified in Profile 6, including VSM, will use Profile 7 rates. |
| 76 | Attachment 2b | Tab 2 Accessorial We need the ability to expand the cell in columns B, E , F. The text does not fit into the cells. There is really no need to protect this sheet and it will be more efficient for the carriers to input the accessorial descriptions. | Attachment 2b has been updated to unprotect Tab 2 |
| 77 | Attachment 2b | Tab 4-Optional Standard Mail – is this domestic mail shipping? | Yes. The PWS has been updated to clarify "Domestic" in the table of contents and at Paragraph 1.3.5. |
| 78 | Attachment 2c-2g, Time of Delivery Cells | We need to clarify our service using the attached delivery area codes, which are Confidential and Proprietary. As the attached chart demonstrates, this information will not fit in the cell designated for commitment.Question: Where would you prefer to see delivery area service information or legend in the proposal? | Attachments 2c-2g have been updated to include additional rows for time of delivery for Contractor input. |
| 79 | Attachments 2c – 2g and Appendix 6.1 | Should we refer to carrier’s Service Guide language for definitions of multi-weight and minimum weight? | Offerors may propose applicable Minimum Charges, Minimum Average Package Weights, and Minimum Shipment Weights in Attachments 2c through 2g on Tab 9, Lines 167 and below |
| 80 | None | Category Management – Please confirm with subcategory of the Transportation and Logistics Services Category Management that is applicable to the NGDS solicitation. | NGDS falls within the Package Delivery and Packaging subcategory under the Transportation and Logistics Services category. |
| 81 | CLIN 0004AA-CLIN 0004AF | Is the number “23”under the “Maximum Quantity” column for each of these CLINs meant to be limit the number of Domestic Greenhouse Gas Emission Report that may be ordered under this NGDS solicitation? Please explain the meaning of the information in the “Maximum Quantity” column of these CLINs. Alternately, should the “Maximum Quantity” column of these CLINs read “UNDEFINED” as is set forth in the “Maximum Quantity” column of CLIN 0004? | The Max Quantity under SLINS 0004AA through 0004AF represents the maximum number of reports that may be ordered within the associated ordering period. |
| 82 | Clauses | The NGDS Solicitation contains two (2) lists of “Clauses Incorporated by Reference” located in two (2) different parts of the solicitation document – see pages 11-13 and pages 33-34. Can these two lists be consolidated into one list? | No. In accordance with FAR 12.303, the commercial contract format dictates the placement of all clauses and provisions within solicitaiton and contracts. |
| 83 | The NGDS Solicitation contains three (3) lists of “Clauses Incorporated by Full Text” located in two (2) different parts of the solicitation document – see pages 13-33, pages 34-36, pages 43-76. Can these three lists be consolidated into one list? | No. In accordance with FAR 12.303, the commercial contract format dictates the placement of all clauses and provisions within solicitaiton and contracts. | |
| 84 | Given the varying scope of the NGDS Solicitation and the applicability of certain clauses based upon the type of customer (civilian or military) and the scope of services (domestic or international), the NGDS Solicitation should contain express statements explaining the applicability of the terms. Please consider adding the following statements into the NGDS Solicitation as follows: Statement at the beginning of the FAR clauses of the “Clauses Incorporated by Reference” section (page 11, above / before Clause 52.203-3 Gratuities) |
The following FAR clauses incorporated by reference herein shall apply and be incorporated into all task orders issued under this Solicitation.
Statement at the beginning of the DFARS clauses of the “Clauses Incorporated by Reference” section ( page 12, above / before Clause 252.203-7000 Requirements Relating to Compensation of Former DoD Officials) The following DFARS clauses incorporated by reference herein shall only apply and be incorporated into task orders issued by agencies subject to the DFARS.
Statement at the beginning of the TRANSFARS clauses of the “Clauses Incorporated by Reference” section (page 13, above / before Clause 5552.216-9003 USTRANSCOM TASK AND DELIVERY ORDER OMBUDSMAN) The following TRANSFARS clauses incorporated by reference herein shall only apply and be incorporated into task orders issued by agencies subject to the TRANSFARS.
Statement at the beginning of the FAR clauses of the “Clauses Incorporated by Full Text” section (page 13, above / before Clause 52.212-5 CONTRACT TERMS AND CONDITIONS REQUIRED TO IMPLEMENT STATUTES OR EXECUTIVE ORDERS – COMMERCIAL ITEMS (DEVIATION 2013-O0019) (SEP 2016) The following FAR clauses incorporated by full text herein shall apply and be incorporated into all task orders issued under this Solicitation.
Statement at the beginning of the DFARS clauses of the “Clauses Incorporated by Full Text” section (page 22, above / before Clause 252.225-7043 ANTITERRORISM/ FORCE PROTECTION POLICY FOR DEFENSE CONTRACTORS OUTSIDE OF THE UNITED STATES (JUN 2015):
The following DFARS clauses incorporated by full text herein shall only apply and be incorporated into task orders issued by agencies subject to the TRANSFARS.
Statement at the beginning of the TRANSFARS clauses of the “Clauses Incorporated by Full Text” section (page 25, above / before Clause 5152.225-5901 FITNESS FOR DUTY AND MEDICAL/ DENTAL CARE LIMITATIONS (JUN 2015):
The following TRANSFARS clauses incorporated by full text herein shall only apply and be incorporated into task orders issued by agencies subject to the DFARS.
| The Next Generation Delivery Service solicitation will result in a consolidated contract which will obtain small package delivery services on behalf of the U.S. Government. This contract is being awarded by the United States Transportation Command and will include all required clauses and provisions. Separate caveats regarding applicability of specific clauses and provisions will not be included. | |||
| 85 | 52.204-21 | Basic Safeguarding of Covered Contractor Information. We do not believe that the data/ information (i.e. package level detail) that will be provided to a contractor under this solicitation is not information “not intended for public release” and rather are publicly available information. Please confirm whether “Federal contract information” as such term is defined in FAR 52.204-21 shall be provided to the contractor under this NGDS Solicitation. | Package level detail shall be provided to the contractor under the NGDS contract is considered Federal contract information as defined in FAR 52.204-21 and is not intended for public release. |
| 86 | 52.222-17 | Nondisplacement of Qualified Workers. We do not believe this clause is not applicable to the scope of commercial services to be provided under the NGDS Solicitation –please remove. | FAR 52.222-17 is applicable to this acquisition and will remain in the solicitation. |
| 87 | 52.222.43 | Fair Labor Standards Act and Service Labor Contract Labor Standards – Price Adjustment (Multiple Year and Option Contracts). FAR 22.1006(c)(1) provides that FAR 52.222-43 is only required to be inserted into “fixed-price, time-and-materials, or labor-hour service contracts” – not IDIQ contracts. As such, please remove Clause 52.222-43. | FAR 52.222-43 is applicable to this fixed price indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity contract and will remain in the solicitation. |
| 88 | 52.223-2 | Affirmative Procurement of Biobased Products Under Service and Construction Contracts. Does the NGDS Solicitation involve the use of USDS-designated items? If not, then FAR 52.223-2 is not applicable – please remove. | The NGDS Solicitation does involve the use of USDS-designated items (shipping and packaging materials, shipping pallets, etc.). FAR 52.223-2 is applicable to this acquisition and will remain in the solicitation. |
| 89 | 52.223.17 | Affirmative Procurement of EPA-Designated Items in Service and Construction Contracts. Does the NGDS Solicitation involve the use of EPA-designated items? If not, then FAR 52.223-17 is not applicable – please remove. | The NGDS solicitation does involve the use of EPA-designated items (paper products). FAR 52.225-6 is applicable to this acquisition and will remain in the solicitation. |
| 90 | 52.225-6 | Trade Agreements Certificate. Per FAR 25.1101(c)(2), Clause 52.225-6 is only required to be inserted if FAR 52.225-5 is included in the solicitation. The NGDS Solicitation does not contain FAR 52.225-5. As such, please remove FAR 52.225-6 | FAR 52.225-6 is not applicable to this solicitation and has been removed. |
| 91 | 52.228-3 | Workers’ Compensation Insurance (Defense Base Act). We believe that FAR 52.228-3 is not required because the conditions of FAR 28.309(a) have not been satisfied–please remove. | The conditions of FAR 28.309(a) have been satisfied. The United States Transportation Command interprets the definition of "public-work contract" at FAR 28.305(a) to encompass service contracts, including those for transportation services. This interpretation is based on the definition of "public-work contract" at FAR 28.305(a) which states (in part) the inclusion of "operations under service contracts and projects in connection with the national defense or with war activities, dredging, harbor improvements, dams, roadways, and housing, as well as preparatory and ancillary work in connection therewith at the site or on the project." |
| 92 | 252.204-7009 and 252.204-7012 | Limitations on the Use or Disclosure of Third-Party Contract Reported Cyber Incident Information and Safeguarding Covered Defense Information and Cyber Incident Reporting. Please confirm that a contractor will not be provided any “Covered Defense Information” as such term is defined by DFARS 252.204-7012. As such, please confirm that DFARS 252.204-7009 and DFARS 252.204-7012 will not apply to this NGDS Solicitation and contractors will not be required to comply with DFARS 252.204-7009 and DFARS 252.204-7012. | |
| The NGDS acquisition does not identify any services as being Covered Defense Information. As such, DFARS Clause 252.204-7009 will be removed. DFARS Clause 252.204-7012 is required to be included in all solicitations and contracts except for solicitations and contracts solely for the acquisition of COTS items. | |||
| 93 | 252.225-7012 | Preference for Domestic Commodities. Please confirm that the obligations in DFARS 252.225-7012 do not apply to the scope of services provided under the NGDS Solicitation. As such, please remove. | DFARS Clause 252.225-7012 is required to be included in solicitations and contracts, including solicitations and contracts using FAR part 12 procedures for the acquisition of commercial items, that exceed the simplified acquisition threshold. |
| 94 | 252.225-7040 through 252.225-7997 (Dev) | Please confirm that these DFARS clauses are only applicable to certain places of performance. Please provide a qualifying statement to that effect. | DFARS Clauses 252.225-7040 through 252.225-7997 (Dev) are required to be included in this solicitation. Applicability to specific places of performance are as stated therein. |
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