CAT_A_III_RFP_Questions_Round_3.pdf

Question Reference Question Answer

Attachment 4 - Wage Determinations

WD 99-0316 does not appear to apply to the type of services to be provided by air carriers as contemplated by HTC711-17-R-CC05.

On its face, WD 99-0316 applies to identified service employees “Employed on U.S. Department of the Army contracts for maintenance and modification of weapons system aircraft and support systems at government installations for Contractor Field Teams and Aviation Field Maintenance Teams. ” (emphasis added). Please confirm USTRANSCOM intends WD 99-0316 to govern the air carriers’ service employees engaged in the performance of HTC711-17-R-CC05.

WD-99-0316 will be removed from the RFP. WD 1955-222 will be the only WD applicable to this RFP and subsequent award.

Attachment 4 - Wage Determinations

The air carriers’ service employees in certain classifications identified on the Wage Determinations are subject to Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs). Will USTRANSCOM request current CAT A contract holders provide copies of applicable CBAs for USTANSCOMs’ consideration in its final wage determinations for this successor contract?

If the CAT A III Contracting Officer is notified that contractor employees are covered under a collective bargaining agreement, such agreement will be incorporated into the CAT A III contract in accordance with the requirements of the Service Contract Act and the Federal Acquisition Regulation.

Section 52.212-2 Evaluation - Commercial Items, Page 88, Paragraph

(2) Factor 2 - Price

Is the Proposed Price the actual price we will charge the Government, or a Not to Exceed price?

Section 52.212-2 Evaluation - Commercial Items, Page 88, Paragraph (2) Factor 2 - Price speaks to proposed rates, therefore this is the actual price the offeror will change the Government.

Addendum to FAR 52.212-1, Instructions to Offerors, Page 85

Previous Cat-A solicitations contained requirements for Technical Capability and Past Performance Information. Was this an intended omission from this solicitation?

Yes, this was an intended omission.

PWS Page 6, Para 1.5.1.1., Dimensional Weight

This dimensional weight is substantially different than current USTC dimensional weights. Is this accurate? If so, would you please explaing the reason behind 139 vs. the current standard of 166?

This dimensional weight is reflective of the current USTC dimensional weights. As stated in 1.5.1.1. 139 is for International shipments and 1.5.1.2. 166 is for Domestic shipments.

6 Solicitation, page

1. SF Frm 1449

Does USTC plan on supplying an actual SF1449 or continue to use the "DRAFT" as depicted in the solicitation? DRAFT version replaced with Final version via Amendment 1.

2.0_Attachment_2_ CAT_A_CLIN_Str ucture, TAB X001

DLA TROOP SPT

Was the intent to only have a single weight break? Previous Cat-A had weight breaks at: 1-300; 301-500; 501-1100; 1101-2200;

2201+. If this is the case, please confirm the volumes typically exceed 2201 pounds.

Attachment 2 CLIN Matrix has been updated to reflect the correct weight breaks for CLIN X001 DLA Troop Support.

2.0_Attachment_2_ CAT_A_CLIN_Str ucture, TAB X001

DLA TROOP SPT

and X004

NAVSUP

Believe there is an issue with the weight breaks as they all start at 2201+ for X001 DLA Troop Support and X004 NAVSUP. Also noticed that NAVSUP does not have a minimum charges. Please provide guidance.

Attachment 2 CLIN Matrix has been updated to reflect the correct weight breaks for CLIN X001 DLA Troop Support and X004 NAVSUP to also include minimum charges.

9 X004 NAVSUP

SLIN

AA = AB - We believe AB should be 288 hours AC = AD - We believe AD should be 288 hours AE = AF - We believe AF should be 288 hours AH = 144 - We believe AF should be 288 hours AJ = AK - We believe AK should be 288 hours AL = AM - We believe AM should be 288 hours AN = AP - We believe AP should be 288 hours AS = AT - We believe AT should be 288 hours AV = AW - We believe AW should be 288 hours AX = AY - We believe AY should be 288 hours AR - Should AR be 288 for routine and not 144? This is a OS CLIN making 144 would be difficult if not impossible BA = BB - We believe BB should be 288 hours BC = BD - We believe BD should be 288 hours

Duplicate SLINs have been removed. The business rule for this SLIN is from the time the requirement is enetered until delievery to final destination transit time should not exceed 144 hours.

10 X005 Missing weight breaks and missing minimums Attachment 2 CLIN Matrix has been updated to reflect the correct weight breaks for CLIN X005 USAMMCE SWA.

11 X007 AG & AJ both have Haz Mat for Senegal. Which is it? SLIN X007AG is for HAZMAT shipments to Mauritania and SLIN X007AJ is for HAZMAT shipments to Senegal.

2.0 Attachment 2

CAT A CLIN

Structure

Are the weight breaks correct in the Price Matrix as the normal weight breaks are not included for the following CLINs: X001, X003, X005, X006, X007

Attachment 2 CLIN Matrix has been updated to reflect the correct weight breaks for CLINs X001, X003, X005, X006, and X007.

2.0 Attachment 2

CAT A CLIN

Structure, X004 –

NAVSUP, X005 -

USAMMCE

There are no weight breaks or minimum charge fields as with the other CLINS. Can you advise how to enter this information?

Attachment 2 CLIN Matrix has been updated to reflect the correct wegith breaks as well as minimun charge fields.

Clause 5152.225- 5908 - Government Furnished Contractor Support

In the current version of the RFP most of the GFS has been eliminated. Is this an oversight or by design? Our concerns is in AFG and without GFS support work will not be able to continue to support these shipments

Clause 5152.225-5908 has been revised. All Government Furnished Support will be evaluated on an as needed basis.

15 PWS Appendix 1.11, page one

Can you confirm that DLA “Various” under commodities does not include FF&V? Historically perishables to DLA has not included FF&V and it makes a big difference regarding pricing if by chance this solicitation does now include FF&V.

DLA "Various" under commodities does include FF&V. PWS Appendix 1.11, page one has been updated to include "Various" under commodities for all locations. There are occasions where multiple commodities need to be airlifted.

16 PWS Appendix 1.11, page two

Can you confirm that the commodity breakdown for DECA FF&V is Bagged Salads? Again historically the commodity has been Bagged Salads and it effects pricing if by chance this commodity will include items other than bagged salads.

Yes currently the primary item is Bagged Salads. There's always the probability that the shipments could include other FF&V items dependent upon a viable need or an emergency.

Section: Part I – Business Proposal, page: 85 – 86 paragraph: 12 proposal preparation instructions

Is it USTC’s expectation that only the documents referenced in this section are to be submitted? No technical is required as we are to accede to the terms and conditions?

It is USTC's expectation that only the documents referenced in this section are to be submitted.

18 Solicitation, page 85, para 12.a.3

Should the proposal be encrypted when using AMRDEC SAFE to submit the proposal?

Encryption is not required when submitting proposal thru AMERDEC SAFE. However, the offeror may select the encryption option if they so choose.

19 PWS, page 9, para 1.10.

In order to provide service in full compliance with US Export laws, would USTRANSCOM be willing to provide DLA's DEA Export License?

DLA's DEA export licence will be provided to Contractors post contract award. DLA has an exemption which allows them to send controlled substances to military facilities which are not in the address of the DEA license.

20 PWS, page 20, para 4.9.2.

Can USTRANSCOM please clarify if paragraph 4.9.2 is applicable to any resulting contract since it references tender performance instead of contract performance?

Para 4.9.2. is applicable to any resulting contract. Language will be updated in PWS posted at a later date

21 PWS, page 8, para 1.7.1

The solicitation states, when requested, a flatbed truck for specified over-dimensional moves must be provided. Can an accessorial charge for flatbeds be added, which would result in cost savings to

USTRANSCOM?

Yes, you can include an accessorial charge for this. An accessorial SLIN will be added in forthcoming amendment

2.0 Attachment 2

CAT A CLIN

Structure, TAB X001, DLA Troop

SPT

Can USTRANSCOM please clarify if transit times for CLINS X001BQ and X001CG (Hazardous Material) should be 168 hours (same as general cargo CLINS for those lane pairs)?

Transit times should be 168 hours for both. Attachment 2 CLIN Structure will be updated to reflect this change and posted with Amendment 1

2.0 Attachment 2

CAT A CLIN

Structure

Would USTC provide historical volumes for CLINs X001 DLA TROOP SPT, X009 DLA PERISHABLES and X010 DECA by the subCLINs?

Historical volumes will not be provided. Attachment 3 states estimated volumes based on historical information.

24 Solicitation Is it possible to submit an offer for specific CLINs/locations (not every CLIN)? Yes, this is allowed.

25 Solicitation Request an extension of a week to the current suspense of Oct 6th. USTRANSCOM will allow an extension until 16 Oct 2017 10:00 am Central Time. To be reflected in a forthcoming amendment.

DeCA/DLA Troop Support, Movement of Perishables/CLIN X009 & X010

For DLA and DeCA perishables…is this a transportation-only contract?

This procurement is primarily for transportation. However, according the the PWS there are additional requirements that expand beyond the scope of transportation. This is not for the procurement of FF&V itself. Please refer to the PWS for additional information.

DeCA/DLA Troop Support, Movement of Perishables/CLIN X009 & X010

Is the FF&V contract, currently held by Parma Fruit MPG West and International Distributors Inc, included in this new solicitation for rates?

No.

CLIN Matrix, X011 Accessorial Tab

There may be times when air freight shipments are delayed in transit due to extreme weather conditions and/or other reasons beyond the providers’ control. Would USTC allow adding a CLIN for “Cold Storage” at destination?

Not at this time.

2.0 Attachment 2

CAT A CLIN

Matrix – Part II Pricing Proposal

Escalation Tab….Should offeror insert a percentage or specific dollar amount? Can response include a range?

Offeror should insert a specific percentage increase. Response shall not include a range. PWS para 4.2.1.3. states that the contractor may choose to lower their individual transportation or accessorial rates.

1.0 Attachment 1

Cat A Performance Work Statement, Para 4.2 Annual Rate and Price Adjustment

Is there a provision that allows increases in airline fuel surcharges, when applicable, throughout the contract period?

No. An annual pre-negotiated price escalation adjustment is included.

PWS Page 6, Para 1.5.1.1., Dimensional Weight

The following are volumetric standards for commercial shipments:

• 166 in3/lb = 10.4 lb/ft3 - common for IATA shipments

• 194 in3/lb = 8.9 lb/ft3 - common for domestic shipments -- Would you please provide the source for the 139"?

139 is the dimensional divisor for international shipments under the current CAT A II program. Further, market research indicates 139 is the imperial shipping factor used by several industry providers.

There are many long term market unknowns in developing pricing for large contracts exceeding 3 years. Would USTRANSCOM consider allowing for some sort of contractor termination rights under Cat A?

No contractor termination rights will be included in the CAT A contract.

Please confirm that the Wage Determinations provided with the Solicitation are applicable to work under the contract that is performed by subcontractors. In cases where a subcontractor will perform a portion of the services in the U.S. and a portion outside the U.S., should the Wage Determinations be “flowed down” to the subcontractor?

Yes, IAW FAR 52.222-41(l), Subcontracts. The Contractor agrees to insert this clause in all subcontracts subject to the Service Contract Labor Standards statute.

Pg. 87 of the Solicitation states that “this acquisition is a competitive best value source selection.” However, a review of the evaluation criteria on pages 85-86 suggests that the technical evaluation will be limited to whether the offer is “Acceptable” or “Unacceptable” – more akin to a lowest-price-technically-acceptable (LPTA) procurement. Are there any criteria other than those stated in the Solicitation that will be used to determine best value? In particular, must offerors include a detailed description of how they will meet PWS requirements and relevant experience and past performance?

No additional criteria, other than what is stated in Clause 52.212-2 of the solicitation, will be used to evaluate offers. Offerors are not required to include a detailed description of how they will meet PWS requirements. Additionally, the contractor is expected to comply with Clause 52.212-1 in regards to the content of the offer

The Solicitation incorporates FAR 52.222-41, Service Contract Labor Standards, and incorporated a Department of Labor Wage Determination. Would TRANSCOM allow, as have the Department of Labor and other agencies on similar contracts, the contractor to use the rates set forth in its existing collective bargaining agreement (CBA) as the prevailing wage rates? As you know, CBA wages are the result of an arms-length negotiation and often cannot be easily changed or re-negotiated.

Please see answer in Question 2

Given the scope of carrier networks, the foreign entity vetting requirement in ¶ 4.9 of the solicitation is extremely burdensome on contractors and may result in increased costs to the Government.

Moreover, this requirement is inconsistent with commercial practices and the principles set forth in FAR Part 12. Would TRANSCOM limit the applicability of this clause to those contractors for which an audit is required by ¶ 1.2 of the Solicitation, or otherwise consider narrowing the scope of the requirement, consistent with carrier standard, commercial practices?

The current foreign entity vetting (FEV) requirement will remain, however the USTRANSCOM FEV working group is looking at changing the requirement across USTRANSCOM contracts.

FAR 52.222-62, Paid Sick Leave Under Executive Order 13706, is not included in the contract. Was the omission of this FAR clause inadvertent or does the Government believe that compliance with FAR 52.222-62 is not required under this contract?

Question in being researched and the answer will be posted at a later date.

Question 19, Clarification: The government answered Q19 that they would “provide a copy of DLA Export license after award”.

In anticipation of regulatory inquiries that may arise, will TRANSCOM please supply the DLA exemption documentation from DEA Export License requirement before award? This will be a major determining factor weather we bid on these lanes or not.

Question in being researched and the answer will be posted at a later date.

Please provide guidance on CLIN X001BL. The destination in the spreadsheet only reflects a “C” with no destination country / address / DODACC. Please provide actual destination.

Attachment 2, CLIN Structure has been updated to reflect the correct "TO" location for SLIN X001BL.

Amendment 1, file 2.0_Attachment_2_ CAT_A_CLIN_Str ucture_Amendment

1, TAB X001 DLA

TROOP SPT, Cell C235

This cell shows "c" as the "To"/Destination Instead, should it show "FM5270 Kadena, M97115 Camp Kinser, N68470 Camp Lester, W81CRD USAMMA Camp Kinser?

Attachment 2, CLIN Structure has been updated to reflect the correct "TO" location for SLIN X001BL.

Amendment 1, file 2.0_Attachment_2_ CAT_A_CLIN_Str ucture_Amendment _1

Tab X004 NAVSUP, cells F7, F13, F19, F25, F31, F37, F43, F49, F55, F61, F67, F73 show weight breaks 305-1100 Instead, should it show 501-1100?

Attachment 2, CLIN Structure has been updated to reflect the weight break correction of 501-1100 for X004 NAVSUP.

Amendment 1, file 2.0_Attachment_2_ CAT_A_CLIN_Str ucture_Amendment _1

Some of the cells in the recently released pricing matrix are locked and are rounding to a whole dollar.

Attachment 2, CLIN Structure has been updated to round two decimal places.

Amendment 1, file 2.0_Attachment_2_ CAT_A_CLIN_Str ucture_Amendment _1

There are many CLINs that do not have 1 -300 weight break. Current weight breaks reflected on Attachment 2, CLIN Structure are correct.