Solicitation Q and A.pdf

Scheduled Fuel Barge in the Gulf Region - RFP Q&A

HTC71120RW001

Question

Para. Ref. Category Question Government Response

1 52.212-1 Volume II, Subfactor A Equipment;

52.212-2 Factor 2, Subfactor A Equipment

RFP Will the government accept barges that have not yet been built? We are looking at all possibilities for bidding, and one possibility is custom building barges to the government specifications, which would be ready for October 1, 2020 service.

1. DLA Energy is not willing to accept risks associated with equipment that hasn't been built or USCG Certified yet.

Allowing could create circumstances where DLA Energy's requirement to provide uninterrupted fuel supply and services to the Warfighter could be compromised.

2. Offeror would be unable to fulfill all Technical Proposal requirements of all outlined requirements throughout both the RFP and PWS.

2 2.2. - 2.2.1. PWS/RFP On the attached document from the solicitation, it has load locations listed for barge size 50-60,000 bbl, but the RFP states that individual barge shall not exceed 30,000 bbl each.

Is the 50-60,000 bbl listed on the attached referring to both barge combined capacity?

Updated PWS 2.2 - 2.2.2.1. This refers to combined capacity. Load locations listed for barge size 50-60,000 bbl represent entire potential cargo that is/would typically be loaded. Typical loads at port(s) range between 50,000- 53,000 bbls.

3 RFP Considering the impacts of Covid- 19 on company staffing and the number of employees working from home due to the quarantine-in-place mandated by the US Government, and considering it took 2 days after the initial release of the RFP on 31 MAR 2020 before access was granted due to the documents being listed as Controlled and not as Public, is 04:00PM CDT on 30 Apr 2020 still the submission due date/local time?

RFP due date was extended to reflect 4 May 2020 @ 1000 in Amendment 1 to the solicitation.

4 52.212-1 Vol

II

RFP For the item “For the tugs, provide the USCG COI or other documentation of proof of ownership.” As outlined in Subchapter M compliance due dates, not all tugs have COI’s in issuance yet.

In that case, is the COD accepted as proof of ownership?

If USCG Certificate of Documentation (COD) is to be used, then it should always be supported by the Vessel's abstract of Title. Reason being, COD may not be latest issue, may not show complete Ownership information, may not show any liens or encumbrances.

Abstracts can usually be obtained from the USCG with 24-48 hours.

Located the following link that may provide further assistance if necessary.

https://www.marinetitle.com/vessel-documentation/advisor.htm <https://www.marinetitle.com/vessel-documentation/advisor.htm>

5 None When was the last solicitation and period it covered?

Previous solicitation for the Gulf Barge contract was last solicited 16 September 2015 and covered the POP 1 Jan 2016 - 30 Sep 2020

6 None Who was the awardee on the last contract?

JAR Assets

7 None What was the awarded amount on the last contract?

The current operating Gulf Barge contracted award amount was $57,253,500.00

8 None Att 4 I know in the Attachment 4- it shows loading and unloading ports. Is there a document showing exact pick up/delivery locations for quoting purposes

Attachment 4 is not an all inclusive list.

This is historical document to assist industry in preparing their proposals.

There is no document showing exact pick up/delivery locations for offering purposes.

9 2.2.1.1 PWS What does the term “calibrated barrel capacity” mean? The solicitation calls for “two individual barges with the capacity not to exceed 30,000 barrels and calibrated to 25,000 barrel barges. Barges shall not exceed a 25,000 calibrated barrel capacity”.

Please see updated PWS paragraphs

2.2 - 2.2.2.1. Each barge should be able to be loaded to at least 25,000 barrels of petroleum product.

Calibrated barrel capacity means there are certified strapping tables available with volumes identified as having at least 25,000 barrel capability.

10 N/A N/A Does the barge require a hose handling crane or will that be provided by the terminal?

Hose handling crane is provided by the terminal on an "as available basis" at the location loading/offloading cargo.

Per updated PWS Paragraph 2.1.:

2.1. Contractor Furnished Equipment

and Crew.

The Contractor shall furnish all supplies, materials, equipment, and personnel necessary to perform the services, incidental to the operation of the equipment listed below. If available, the Government may provide equipment at locations for contractor use but is not guaranteed and the contractor shall arrive at required locations with all equipment ready for loading and offloading cargo.

11 N/A Att 6 Do the barges require a mid-ship manifold or a stern manifold?

Per updated PWS Section 2.2.2.: The term tank barge or “barge”, for this acquisition, is defined as a single 25,000 bbl tank barge. The tank barge capacity shall not exceed 30,000 bbls and shall be calibrated to at least 25,000 bbls and must be calibrated up to its maximum safe fill capacity. The barge(s) shall have a stern manifold configuration.

12 N/A N/A Does the US Domestic Shipyard Report apply to only the equipment we are bidding as part of this solicitation or for all equipment in the operating company that would be bidding this contract or the Centerline Logistics fleet?

The RFP section 52.212-1, Subfactor B:

2.(a) states:

As part of this volume, the offeror shall provide the following information using Attachment 6 (U.S. Domestic Shipyard Report), addressing all covered vessels (as defined in DFARs 252.247-7026) for which overhaul, repair, and maintenance work has been performed during the period covering the current calendar year, up to the date of proposal submission and the preceding four (4) calendar years

This list should be an all-inclusive listing of the company's vessels, regardless if they will be used on this contract or not.

13 Page 32 RFP Is there historical data for use of on-call equipment?

Each year on-call had one on-call utilization, DLA did not activate 2 On-call's at the same time.

Base Year: 5 Months of On-call utilization OY1: 6.5 Months of On-call utilization OY2: 12 Months of On-call utilization OY3: 6.5 Months of On-call utilization OY4: 7 Months to date of On-call utilization

14 2.2.1. - 2.2.3.

N/A Page 32 of the RFP states:

“Provide the names and capacities of the two (2) barges, two (2) tugs, two

(2) on-call tow barges and two

(2) on-call tow tugs that meet the requirements in PWS 2.2.1, 2.2.1.1, and 2.2.3.” Please confirm that the equipment needed is as follows:

a. 4, 25- 30kbbl barges

b. 2 tow boats

c. 4, 25-30kbbl on-call barges

d. 2 on-call tow boats

2.2.2. Tank Barge.

The term tank barge or “barge”, for this acquisition, is defined as a single 25,000 bbl tank barge. The tank barge capacity shall not exceed 30,000 bbls and shall be calibrated to at least 25,000 bbls and must be calibrated up to its maximum safe fill capacity. The barge shall have a stern manifold configuration.

2.2.2.1. Tank Barge Tow Defined.

The term tank barge tow or “tow”, for this acquisition, is defined as two 25,000 bbl tank barges navigated by one tug.

Each tow shall consist of two (2) tank barges with a total calibrated capacity of 50,000 barrels. An individual tank barge should be calibrated to at least 25,000 barrels and each tank barge shall not exceed a 30,000 barrel capacity. Two tank barge tows are required for this contract. This contract also requires two additional on-call tank barge tows.

The contractor is responsible for all costs associated with positioning the equipment at the initial loading point.

Fuel cost for services performed will be reimbursed in accordance with Appendix C, Paragraph C.3, Bunker Fuel Reimbursement.

15 Subfactor B, Pg. 29-55

RFP Will barges larger then 30k bbl be accepted?

Barges larger than 30k bbl will not be accepted.

16 Section B.

Volume II,

pg. 30-55 para 1(a)1

RFP As the size of the shipyard report will be a very sizeable document if printed to PDF, Can we include a statement in the

The Domestic Shipyard Report can be submitted as a separate document due to email size limitations. The Domestic Shipyard Report is the only exception to the RFP submission guidelines.

Volume and indexed, that states “US Domestic Shipyard Report” is included in the email submission as an Excel Spreadsheet and the post the name of the included attached file?

17 Section B.

Volume II,

pg. 30-55 para 1(a)2

RFP Who will do the certification and review of the equipment supplied by the contractor and ensure the 2 barge tow can indeed hold the full 50,000 barrels required by the contract at the safe operating draft of the waterways that are to be transited?

The Government Technical Team will review the equipment, COIs and other information required under the technical factors/subfactors.

18 2.2.1. PWS There is a statement in the PWS Section

2.2.1 that the equipment must have a “capacity not to exceed 30,000 barrels and calibrated to 25,000 barrel barges” which does not make sense and is further muddled by the next statement that “Barges shall not exceed a 25,000 calibrated barrel capacity”. The two line items contradict themselves. Can someone clarify this for us?

2.2.2. Tank Barge.

The term tank barge or “barge”, for this acquisition, is defined as a single 25,000 bbl tank barge. The tank barge capacity shall not exceed 30,000 bbls and shall be calibrated to at least 25,000 bbls and must be calibrated up to its maximum safe fill capacity. The barge shall have a stern manifold configuration.

2.2.2.1. Tank Barge Tow Defined.

The term tank barge tow or “tow”, for this acquisition, is defined as two 25,000 bbl tank barges navigated by one tug.

Each tow shall consist of two (2) tank barges with a total calibrated capacity of 50,000 barrels. An individual tank barge should be calibrated to at least 25,000 barrels and each tank barge shall not exceed a 30,000 barrel capacity. Two tank barge tows are required for this contract. This contract also requires two additional on-call tank barge tows.

The contractor is responsible for all costs associated with positioning the equipment at the initial loading point.

Fuel cost for services performed will be reimbursed in accordance with Appendix C, Paragraph C.3, Bunker Fuel Reimbursement.

19 2.2.1. PWS The contract requires the Tow’s to transit the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway which in normal circumstances restricts loading barges to a safe operating draft of 9’6”. A 25,000 barrel barge is calibrated to a fully loaded maximum capacity of 25,000 barrels and would have a draft greater than 11’ fully loaded.

Similarly, a 30,000 barrel barge calibrated to 30,000 barrels fully loaded will also have a draft greater than 11’, neither of which could safely transit the waterways at an 11' draft. BUT, a typical barge with a calibrated capacity of 30,000 barrels CAN safely load 25,000 barrels at a 9’6” maximum draft.

Thus, item 2.2.1.

as written cannot

Per update PWS section 2.2.3.4.1.

Calibration Charts lines 1 - 4:

The Contractor shall provide copies of the calibration charts and trim correction tables to the Government representative and the Contracting Officer Representative (COR) at the time of pre-service inspection and prior to loading/discharge operations. The Contractor shall provide the COR a list showing the maximum load capacity of each barge at safe draft, updated whenever equipment or regulation or traffic area depths change.

Deliverable: Calibration Charts and Trim Correction Tables load 25,000 barrels of product at a safe operating draft of 9’6”.

20 N/A Past Performance

Regards to the past performance and their customers needing to complete the past performance questionnaires, will their customers email those completed questionnaires to the Government only and will the contractor not be included on those emails

Past Performance Questionnaires will come directly to TCAQ and the offeror will not be included on those emails.

21 Slide 10 Since these are fill-in clauses and in SAM, do these need represented in the bid

Instructions are on Pg. 26 of RFP:

Provision 52.212-3 Offeror Representations and Certifications – Commercial Items (Oct 2018). The offeror shall complete only paragraphs

(b) of this provision if the Offeror has completed the annual representations and certification electronically via the System for Award Management (SAM) Web site located at http://www.sam.gov/SAM. If the Offeror has not completed the annual representations and certifications electronically, the Offeror shall complete only paragraphs (c) through

(u) of this provision. No hardcopy submissions for SAM will be accepted unless the clause specifically states you may complete a portion that differs from what has been certified in SAM, please see 52.213-3 instructions in

SAM.

22 Technical Proposal, Factor 2, Subfactor A.

Pg. 32

RFP In the examination and bidding of the equipment, who in the Government reviews and determines the suitability of the equipment for performance of the contract

The Government Technical Team will review the equipment, COI's and other information required under the technical factors/subfactors.

23 Technical Proposal, Factor 2, Subfactor A.

Pg. 33

RFP Will they also review the QCP?

The Government Technical Team will review the QCP

24 N/A N/A Were the Pre- Proposal slides shared by e-mail

The Pre-Proposal Conference Slides were available to the public on www.beta.sam.gov for download prior to the conference

25 Volume III para c.

52.212-1 Volume III, Past Performance

If using a subcontractor to provide the barges, do they need to demonstrate how the resources will affect the successful completion of the contract?

52.212-21- C. Volume III - Past Performance

Paragraph a. If the offeror submits the past performance on an affiliate, subsidiary or subcontractor, the past performance shall state how the affiliate subsidiary or subcontractor will perform on the current solicitation requirements and how the offeror controls/obligates the affiliate, subsidiary or subcontractor.

Paragraph c. states: If an affiliate, subsidiary or subcontractor is offered as part of the proposal for the completion of this contract, then the offeror must demonstrate how the resources of the subsidiary, affiliate or subcontractor will affect the successful completion of the current solicitation.

Paragraph d. states: Affiliate, Subsidiary or Subcontractor Consent (if applicable). Past performance information pertaining to an affiliate, subsidiary, or subcontractor cannot be disclosed to the prime Offeror without the affiliates, subsidiary’s or subcontractor’s consent. Provide a letter from your proposed affiliate, subsidiary or subcontractor(s) that will perform principal aspects of the requirement consenting to the release of their past performance information to the prime contractor.

Provide the Government with information on the subcontractor and the vessels they will use to perform the service so we can assess if they (the subcontractor) have acceptable equipment from a technical perspective and then look at the subcontractors past performance to determine a confidence level. The subcontractor will also receive a performance rating.

52.212-2 D. FACTOR 3 – PAST

PERFORMANCE.

j. Past performance regarding predecessor companies or principal affiliates, subsidiaries or subcontractors, subsidiaries or affiliates that will perform major or critical aspects of this requirement will be weighted the same (equally as important) as the past performance information for the Offeror.

26 Volume II Technical, Subfactor B.

para a.

52.252-2 The contractors should demonstrate how we control the quality of our subcontractor?

This is spelled out in the QCP/technical approach. The technical approach, past performance, and QCP will be looked at as a whole by the Government.

27 52.228-3 Clause There is no DBA requirement from an insurance perspective, correct?

No, this is not correct. DBA is required and listed on page 15 of the solicitation, Clause 52.228-3.

28 2.2.1, page 4 Attachment 2, Pricing Matrix, Monthly Pricing

There seems to be a contradiction between Attachment 1 PWS and Attachment 2 Pricing Matrix:

Please confirm whether 1 tow tug with 2 fuel barges of a total of 50,000 BBL capacity is required or 2 tow tugs with 4 fuel barges of a total of 100,000 BBL (capacity of 25,000BBL per fuel barge).

The PWS has been updated to:

2.2.2. Tank Barge.

The term tank barge or “barge”, for this acquisition, is defined as a single 25,000 bbl tank barge. The tank barge capacity shall not exceed 30,000 bbls and shall be calibrated to at least 25,000 bbls and must be calibrated up to its maximum safe fill capacity. The barge(s) shall have a stern manifold configuration.

2.2.2.1. Tank Barge Tow Defined.

The term tank barge tow or “tow”, for this acquisition, is defined as two 25,000 bbl tank barges navigated by one tug.

Each tow shall consist of two (2) tank barges with a total calibrated capacity of 50,000 barrels. An individual tank barge should be calibrated to at least 25,000 barrels and each tank barge shall not exceed a 30,000 barrel capacity. Two tank barge tows are required for this contract. This contract also requires two additional on-call tank barge tows.

The contractor is responsible for all costs associated with positioning the equipment at the initial loading point.

Fuel cost for services performed will be reimbursed in accordance with Appendix C, Paragraph C.3, Bunker Fuel Reimbursement.

29 Attachment 8/Slide 11

Is the 10-K form strictly for publicly traded companies?

Anyone can submit this form. The Government is providing an alternate option. Publically traded companies already must submit this report to the securities and exchange commission. If companies are already submitting this form they can use it instead of the Financial Questionnaire.

30 2.2.2.1. PWS On the capabilities of the vessels, should the on-call vessels be included? Do we need to have additional vessels available strictly for on-call?

The on-call vessels should be included as they are additional equipment as stated in PWS 2.2.2.2., in addition to the equipment listed in updated PWS 2.2.2.1.

31 Slide 23 Pre-proposal Slides

The lowest bid won't win on its own?

Per RFP, 52.212-2 Evaluation - Commercial Items, Paragraph I.(A), A. Basis for Award. The Government intends to evaluate offers and award a contract to one responsible offeror as a result of the solicitation. The Government will utilize a Best Value, Performance-Price Trade-Off (PPTO) source selection IAW FAR Parts 12, 15.101-1, DoD source selection procedures, and the trade-off process identified below to identify the offeror who represents the best value to the Government. To receive the award, offerors must (1) be deemed responsible IAW FAR Part 9, (2) conform to all required terms and conditions, and (3) represent a best value to the Government, price and other factors considered.

We are not awarding based on Low Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA).

32 Slide 25 Pre-proposal Slides

Is there a scale to tell us what percentage past performance is worth?

Per RFP section: 52.212-2 Evaluation-- Commercial Items Paragraph A.2.

Relative order of importance: Offerors' past performance will be evaluated on a basis approximately equal to price.

Business Proposal and Technical Capability Proposal subfactors are rated on an Acceptable/Unacceptable basis. Price is evaluated but is not rated. All evaluation factors other than cost or price, when combined are approximately equal to cost or price.

33 Slide 38 Pre-proposal Slides

Can we elaborate on the first bullet on slide 38?

If an offeror has a higher relevant score, we can give greater consideration to that offer. As stated on page 34 of the RFP under D. Factor 3 - Past Performance paragraph d., the Past Performance Confidence Assessments Rating is based upon all of the information submitted, obtained and determined relevant by the Government, regardless of whether the information is for a prime, affiliate, subsidiary or subcontractor.

Page 34 of the RFP under D. Factor 3 - Past Performance paragraph e. states In evaluating past performance, the Government reserves the right to give greater consideration to information on those contracts deemed most relevant to the effort described in this RFP. This conclusion is based on the assigned Confidence Assessment Rating as provided in the table on page 34 labeled Past Performance Confidence Assessments Ratings. This rating is a result of the relevancy and quality assessments of the recent contracts evaluation.

34 2.2.1. - 2.2.1.1.

PWS Is the monthly rate for the tows in addition to the rate for the on-call?

The on-call tow is additional. Per Attachment 2 there are 4 CLINs; CLIN 1 tow consisting of two 25,000 barrel barges for a 50,000 barrel capacity;

CLIN 2 for the reimbursable, and CLINs 3&4 are for the optional on-call CLINs.

The PWS has been updated to:

2.2.2. Tank Barge.

The term tank barge or “barge”, for this acquisition, is defined as a single 25,000 bbl tank barge. The tank barge capacity shall not exceed 30,000 bbls and shall be calibrated to at least 25,000 bbls and must be calibrated up to its maximum safe fill capacity. The barge(s) shall have a stern manifold configuration.

2.2.2.1. Tank Barge Tow Defined.

The term tank barge tow or “tow”, for this acquisition, is defined as two 25,000 bbl tank barges navigated by one tug.

Each tow shall consist of two (2) tank barges with a total calibrated capacity of 50,000 barrels. An individual tank barge should be calibrated to at least 25,000 barrels and each tank barge shall not exceed a 30,000 barrel capacity. Two tank barge tows are required for this contract. This contract also requires two additional on-call tank barge tows.

The contractor is responsible for all costs associated with positioning the equipment at the initial loading point.

Fuel cost for services performed will be reimbursed in accordance with Appendix C, Paragraph C.3, Bunker Fuel Reimbursement.

35 2.2 - 2.2.1.1 PWS 12 tows (1 tow per month/12 for the year) and 2 additional on call tows. When do you convert from the monthly rate to the on-call rate?

On-call tows would be in addition to the monthly service (i.e. if there was a surge exceeding the monthly requirement). If required, 2 Tows (4 barges) will be needed each month for the year and may need 1-2 on call tows in addition to the monthly barge tow.

36 2.2 PWS This is based on 2 tows a month, is this correct?

In normal day to day services the answer is yes. Minimum 2 tows per month operating all month long. In addition, there may be 1-2 on call tows used as needed for a range of time (weeks to months).

37 PWS 2.2.2. - 2.2.2.2 Contractors could be performing the regular two tows and also have an on-call tow at the same time?

There is the possibility of all barge tows running concurrently to include the on-call tows.

38 2.2.1.1. PWS Where does the additional tug and barge come in?

Updated PWS reference 2.2.2.2. On-call does not stop the regular towing of fuel. The on-call would be simultaneous to the regular barge movements. Capability of 4 tows (8 barges at one time) is needed. There are 2 on-call CLINs that can be activated.

39 N/A N/A Will questions asked by other bidders be posted?

All questions received from industry will be posted on beta.sam.gov.

40 2.2. - 2.2.1.1.

PWS How much equipment is required (firm and on-call equipment?)

The PWS has been updated to:

2.2.2. Tank Barge.

The term tank barge or “barge”, for this acquisition, is defined as a single 25,000 bbl tank barge. The tank barge capacity shall not exceed 30,000 bbls and shall be calibrated to at least 25,000 bbls and must be calibrated up to its maximum safe fill capacity. The barge(s) shall have a stern manifold configuration.

2.2.2.1. Tank Barge Tow Defined.

The term tank barge tow or “tow”, for this acquisition, is defined as two 25,000 bbl tank barges navigated by one tug.

Each tow shall consist of two (2) tank barges with a total calibrated capacity of 50,000 barrels. An individual tank barge should be calibrated to at least 25,000 barrels and each tank barge shall not exceed a 30,000 barrel capacity. Two tank barge tows are required for this contract. This contract also requires two additional on-call tank barge tows.

The contractor is responsible for all costs associated with positioning the equipment at the initial loading point.

Fuel cost for services performed will be reimbursed in accordance with Appendix C, Paragraph C.3, Bunker Fuel Reimbursement.

41 52.212-2, Factor 4 Price, Page

RFP In order to conduct the analysis for a fair and reasonable price, please confirm which technique will be applied (ref FAR

Per FAR 15-404-1(b)(2) states: "The Government may use various price analysis techniques and procedures to ensure a fair and reasonable price".

The Government is not restricted on use of techniques.

Part 15.404-1 (b)).

42 Appendix C - Out of Pocket Expenses

PWS We understand that the contracting authority has set aside a monthly amount for out of pocket expenses. Can you please explain the process should the allocated amount for out of pocket expenses be exceeded, but substantiating invoices are being provided.

Please confirm that the contractor shall be reimbursed for any amounts in excess of the allocated monthly expenses, as long as all substantiating invoices are made available.

The out of pocket expenses are just estimates and are always approved by the COR. The COR is already tracking how much is spent and what's left on that CLIN. When/if the funds remaining gets within two (2) months average spend, the COR should notify the DLA Energy transportation office that additional funds will be needed for that CLIN.

Contractor will be reimbursed for all substantiated invoices.

43 52.212-1 Volume III - Past Performance para. C(e)

RFP Do we send out the Past Performance Questionnaire to our current COR/ACOR or someone else, or do we do so by submitting our company's SCAC code along with our current

Per RFP Section 52.212-2 C. Volume III - Past Performance, paragraph (e), The Government reserves the right to obtain information relative to present and past performance on its own. If you are aware that one or more of your contracts is in the Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS) and specifically relates to the requirements in this acquisition, please provide this information. Past performance information may also be obtained by the Government through contract number?

the Federal Awardee Performance and Integrity Information System (FAPIIS), Electronic Subcontract Reporting System (eSRS), interviews with Program Managers, Contracting Officers, Fee Determining Officials, or any other source available to the Government.

The government has access to CPARS and will access CPARS to download individual CPARS reports.