RESPONSE_TO_QUESTION___2_-_16_(HTC711-17-R-W001).pdf

RESPONSES TO QUESTIONS #2 - 16

SOLICITATION # HTC711-17-R-W001

SCHEDULED FUEL BARGE IN ATLANTIC REGION

QUESTION # 2: For the stripping system requirement, is the expected fuel to be stripped to go to an onboard holding tank on the barge or to a holding tank at the dock?

RESPONSE: The water stripping system should go to a slop tank on the barge.

QUESTION # 3: Is there any requirement regarding segregations for barges carrying multiple products types at once?

RESPONSE: The Government will only load one fuel type on a barge.

QUESTION # 4: For draft restricted areas, specifically Port Mahon DE, is it acceptable to shore load to meet draft restrictions?

RESPONSE: Shore loading is not allowed under this contract.

QUESTION # 5: Do all barges in the 20-30k bbl. class have to be under the maximum length of 270 ft.? We are potentially looking at one barge in this space that meets that requirements for deliveries to Virginia Beach.

RESPONSE: The Government will utilize a 20K bbl. barge at Virginia Beach. The contractor is responsible for ensuring all barges meet the restrictions at all loading and discharging ports listed in the PWS.

QUESTION # 6: Regarding the 50-60k barge, would the contracting office consider a larger barge (80k bbl.) that met the draft and length restrictions?

RESPONSE: The Government's requirement remains unchanged.

QUESTION # 7: In the current operation, are all barges meeting the above requirements or have requirements changed since prior award?

RESPONSE: Only questions relating to the current solicitation will be answered.

QUESTION # 8: Is there a requirement for the barges and or boats to be in Class such as ABS or others. If so is there a requirement for A1 unlimited ocean service with all the equipment or can the Inland equipment be restricted to coastal routes if class is required.

RESPONSE: The contractor must comply with all regulations during performance.

QUESTION # 9: The RFP does name Inland Ports but does not reference using Inland routes.

The assumption is that the routes will be largely offshore with the exception of the named river routes and Inland approaches from sea.

RESPONSE: The contractor is responsible for determining the route between loading and discharge ports.

QUESTION # 10: The question is based out of an equipment choice of fuel barges rated for coastal service as opposed to barges that are strictly Inland service. The typical Inland Tank Barges can only work in semi-protected routes such as rivers and intracoastal waterways. These barges are configured in units and are pushed from the stern. The coastal rated barges can be taken offshore, are designed for higher sea states and can be towed on a hawser or on the hip when they come inland. We did not want to make an assumption on the equipment and choose incorrectly. From looking at your port list there are destinations that require running outside. Is there an equipment list available currently in use?

RESPONSE: An equipment list will not be provided.

QUESTION # 11: Section 3.1 states “one (1) tank barge having a total calibrated capacity of 50,000 barrels (and not more than 60,000 barrels) with ocean going capability. , Would it be acceptable to use an ocean going ATB that has a calibrated capacity of 63,000 barrels for service or is 60,000-barrel limit firm?

RESPONSE: The 50k - 60k barrel requirement is firm. The Government's requirement remains unchanged.

QUESTION # 12: Section 3.1 indicates size restrictions for barges, specifically one at DFSP North Landing has a length restriction of 270 ft and width of 40ft. If Appendix E is correct, DFSP North Landing is a port that will require a 20,000-30,000 bbls inland unit. Langley AFB also has a width restriction of 40ft. The majority of standard inland barges at 30,000 barrel are ~275-300 ft x 50-55ft. At the smaller end of 20,000 barrels the width restriction is prohibitive.

Does DFSP North Landing require a 20,000-30,000-barrel unit while operating under the length and width restriction?

RESPONSE: The DFSP North Landing normally utilizes a 20,000 barrel barge. The contractor is responsible for ensuring all barges utilized meet restrictions at all loading and discharging ports listed in the PWS.

QUESTION # 13: How soon after responses due on the 24th do you anticipate awarding the contract?

RESPONSE: Award is anticipated in late September with performance commencing on 1 October 2017.

QUESTION # 14: Section 1.1 of the PWS describes that the Scope of Work encompasses ports, ocean, inland waterways etc. on the Atlantic Coast. However, Section 1.1.1 lists ports in the U.S. Gulf and even Guantanamo Bay. The solicitation also further describes the port restrictions and environment for Guantanamo Bay. Can you please confirm if other that Atlantic Coast ports are part of the Scope of Work or not.

RESPONSE: The scope of work stated in paragraph 1.1 also includes all the ports identified in table 1 of paragraph 1.1.1.

QUESTION # 15: Section 1.1.2 of the PWS states that the Government will pick the load and discharge ports but we can not find anything in the PWS that describes the maximum time allowed once the Government picks the load port until the barge must arrive.

RESPONSE: PWS paragraph 1.1.3. provides that equipment and crews in support of this service must be available for scheduled service to the Government at all times, 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. The Government will consider the barge’s current location and will provide adequate transit time to the load port once it has been determined.

QUESTION # 16: In light of the confusion regarding the Scope of Work described above, we hereby request a one week extension to the closing date of the RFP.

RESPONSE: The Government is not considering an extension to the due date of proposals at this time