GHS Solicitation Q and A Round 1.pdf

GHS Solicitation Question and Answer Round One

HTC711-22-R-C001

16 March 2022

Question Reference Question Answer

1 Is there a missing attachment 1.5? There is a document gap on SAM.GOV between Appendix 1.4 and Appendix 1.6. Per page 3 of Attachment 1 Performance Work Statement, Appendix 1.5 is reserved.

2 Attachment 1 PWS 1.1 PWS 1.1 - The contractor shall assign a Program Manager for this program that is an employee of the prime contractor. This person will serve as the primary point of contact for the government for all matters related to the contract – Q. Can the POC be from an affiliate company to the Prime Contractor having responsibility for performance of the contract?

The Program Manager should be employed by the Prime Contractor.

3 Attachment 1 PWS 1.1 PWS 1.1 - If an issue arises that is not addressed in this PWS, it should be forwarded to Contract Officer Representative (COR) and CO for resolution. Q. The Current GHS utilizes the carriers terms and conditions first not the CO. While we support advising the CO of any issues, this language suggests the CO is responsible to make all tactical decisions not addressed in the PWS. The carriers T&C's should be noted as secondary to the PWS.

The PWS does not reference the offeror's commercial industry terms and conditions; only Attachment 1, PWS applies.

Attachment 1 PWS 1.1.1.3

PWS 1.1.1.3 - International Heavyweight Size/Weight Limitations. For international heavyweight service, no single shipment shall be less than 301 lbs. Q. Is the government going to limit NGDS II to only up to 299 pounds on international?

The GHS requirement requests international heavyweight service 301 lbs. and greater. Please refer to the NGDS II solicitation for questions pertaining to it.

5 Attachment 1 PWS 1.1

All shipments MUST be over 500 miles and include an air segment. The contractor shall provide these services for international shipments over 300 lbs. In addition, the contractor will provide services within the 48 contiguous states (CONUS) for shipments over 150 lbs. and over 300 lbs. for Alaska and Hawaii.

Q. Is the requirement that all shipments must move over 500 miles and include an air segment solely for International shipments? Q. Are carriers permitted to use motor carriage for some domestic shipments as long as the RDD is met? Q. If the 500 miles and air segment is applicable to both international and domestic shipments, for shipments less than 500 miles, what is the governments' expectations? Should The carrier not consider these as part of GHS?

Per Amendment 0002, PWS 1.1 has been updated to remove 500 mile requirement.

Q1. No, the air segment applies to both international and domestic shipments.

Q2. No, all shipments MUST include an air segment under the GHS contract.

Q3. All shipments (both international and domestic) must have an air segment regardless of mileage.

Attachment 1 PWS 1.2.1.1

PWS 1.2.1.1 - Accordingly, the U.S. Government will not pay for or reimburse the contractor for customs duties, taxes, and similar charges for which no services are received. The contractor is responsible for providing duty-free cargo clearance with host nation customs officials. Recommendation - The PWS should read "the carriers will make every effort to provide Duty Free delivery". As the government knows, duty / taxes are determined by the destination countries customs officials not the carriers. Every country has their own set of rules and regulations that carriers must follow.

The government will not change the PWS. It is the policy of the DOD to not pay customs duties, taxes or similar charges where no services are received. IAW that policy where an international agreement (such as a status of forces agreement or a defense cooperation agreement) or understanding has established tax immunity or relief for the United States, that agreement or understanding shall be strictly observed. If a carrier is having a particular issue with a certain customs authority not honoring the international agreement, USTRANSCOM will work with the relevant Geographic Combatant Command to resolve the issue, after the GHS carrier brings the issue to the attention of the CO.

Appendix 1.4 - Monthly Reporting Instruction Page 13

Statement - Appendix 1.4 - Monthly reporting - Reporting page 13-14 in appendix 1.4 accessorial codes do not match Appendix 1.8 service codes.

Per Amendment 0002, Appendix 1.4 has been updated to remove the motor surveillance codes as they are not applicable. Additionally, Appendix 1.8 has been revised to reflect the domestic accessorial contract codes and now matches the Appendix 1.4 domestic accessorial codes.

Appendix 1.4 - Monthly Reporting Instruction Page 3

Statement - Appendix 1.4 - Handling of Additions section 2 - page 3 - does not provide clear instruction on how to submit additions (never reported shipments). These would not be corrections to an original file but unreported shipments being reported for the first time.

Per Amendment 0002, Appendix 1.4 has been updated to clarify the handling of additions.

Attachment 4 &7 Small Business

Attachment 4 & 7 - Q. If a carrier has a government approved Small Business Commercial Subcontracting Plan for FY22, can that be submitted under Volume I Business Proposal - (A) Subfactor I and (B) Subfactor 2 in lieu of submitting and completing Attachment 4 (Small Business Contracting Plan Template) and Attachment 7 (Small Business Participation Commitment) document? Our Commercial Subcontracting Plan is not an individual plan and is comprehensive plan to partner with small business?

Per the solicitation, page 28, Attachment 4 may be used as a template for developing a Small Business Subcontracting Plan; however, an offeror’s Commercial Plan may be submitted. Attachment 7 Small Business Participation Document is a separate requirement from the Small Business Plan and is required regardless if an offeror has an individual plan or commercial plan.

Attachment 1 PWS 1.1.3

PWS 1.1.3 Inspection of Shipments - When shipments are found to be incorrectly described on the BOL at the time of pick-up, the consignor can issue a new BOL only after putting the shipment out for bid again. Q. USTRANSCOM needs to create a GHS accessorial for initial attempt. If the shipper awarded a shipment to a carrier and their paperwork was wrong / cargo not ready then the carrier should be able to charge an additional cost for the pick-up attempt and return of the freight, possibly storage, if the error is not found until it arrives at our service center (Example reweighed), or consignor not using DIM Weight.

Per Amendment 0002, Attempted pickup/delivery, Reweigh/remeasure will be added as accessorials (See Attachment 12). Any additional charges should be brought to the COR/CO for review IAW PWS para 1.1.

Attachment 1 PWS 1.1.3

1.1.3 inspection of shipments - Correction notice cannot be issued for GHS shipments Q. What does this mean? Anytime we find a billing error we are contractually obliged to credit the overcharge.

Under GHS, correction notices cannot be used due to the NTE rates and the ability for carriers to downward adjust. Correction notices are only allowed for fixed price per lb. tenders and contract. Per PWS 1.1.3., a linked e-bill is the methodology to address any discrepancies for under/over charges.

Attachment 1 PWS 1.1.4.6

1.1.4.6 Assignment of oversize accessorial must be done prior to award. Q. The carrier can only provide proactive quotes on the specifics provided by the shipper. The carrier should be able to apply corrections and applicable charges once in the event the shipment characteristics vary from the shippers requested details. Frequently this is not discovered until the cargo is being processed at the carriers facility.

Shipper provided specific details should trigger the 520 accessorial upfront, there should be no need for additional charges after the fact. If the offeror feels there are additional charges, please refer to PWS paragraph 1.1 in which discrepancies can be addressed to the COR and CO.

Attachment 1 PWS 1.2.2.

1.2.2 Special Handling - The government is shifting responsibility from the shipper to the carrier. Refer to current GHS PWS 2.4 which places the responsibility where it should be on the shipper not the carrier.

PWS 1.2.2. states the shipper is responsible and shall provide to the contractor all necessary and required data/documentation. This paragraph is requiring the contractor to verify the shipper has provided the contractor will all of the required paperwork to properly move the cargo.

HTC711-22-R-C001

16 March 2022

Attachment 1 PWS 1.2.3.1

1.2.3.1 Rate and Price Adjustment - no provisions in PWS for year 2027 it has been omitted Please see Amendment 0002 to address this omission. Please review the revised PWS language at

1.2.3.1. Offerors will be afforded the opportunity to submit new rates which will be effective 1 Oct 2027.

Attachment 1 PWS 1.2.4.2

1.2.4.2 Domestic performance changed from RDD to service level ordered Q. Do we bill on RDD or service level? Will the performance be based on the RDD or carrier service? If service only, what will be done to prevent an invalid RDD on BOL's? The shippers need to be held accountable to provide accurate paperwork. Will the BOL clearly state the service level required and remove RDD extended so as not to cause confusion when bidding in ATR?

PWS paragraph 1.2.4.2. states domestic service will be service level driven. Therefore, on-time performance will be based on service level requested. The Government continues to work with Transportation Officers on invalid RDDs. The BOL does clearly state the service level required; however, it does also include the RDD.

Attachment 1 PWS 1.2.6

1.2.6 Attempted delivery - the first delivery attempt, if the contractor has documentation to show the consignee was notified of the delivery attempt.

Q. What proof is Transcom expecting? In addition, USTC commented on the recent carrier call the TFG is not up to date.

Per PWS 1.2.6. documentation is required. The documentation should clearly show the consignee was notified of the delivery attempt (via email, phone, etc.) and the consignee acknowledged a delay in delivery.

Attachment 1 PWS 1.2.7

1.2.7 Undeliverable shipments - last line of paragraph requires an eBill with accessorial code for return shipment. Q. What if the accessorial was not charged?

Per Amendment 0002, PWS 1.2.7 was revised to remove, "The eBill must contain the appropriate accessorial code outlined in the accessorial tab of Attachment 2a or 2c."

HTC71122RC001

Volume III

International Accessorials - Q. Does a carrier need to bid on all accessorials to be eligible for potential future Task Orders written against GHS? Does a carrier need to bid on all accessorials to be eligible to be an awarded in GHS II?

A carrier does not need to bid on all accessorials to be eligible for a GHS II award. If a task order under GHS II is solicited, the task order solicitation will define the requirements including what accessorials are required for the task order award. The contractor must have the accessorials required for the task order on their IDIQ prior to the task order being solicited; therefore it is recommended carriers bid on all accessorials, but not required.

Attachment 1 PWS 1.2.8.1

1.2.8.1 Delivery Guarantee - The shipper is required to submit a claim for late shipments. Q. Based on this section, the carrier no longer has to adjust their fees based on service level provided and it is up to the shipper to initiate the service claim for a refund. Right?

PWS Paragraphs 1.2.8.2 & 1.2.8.3 have been updated with language directing the shipper to pursue credit IAW 1.2.8.1. when service ordered differs from service rendered. Please see Amendment 0002 for further details.

Attachment 1 PWS 1.2.8.2, 1.2.8.3, 1.2.11.2

1.2.8.2, 1.2.8.3, 1.2.11.2 Information on the BOL takes precedence over information on carrier airway bills. Q. If the shipper does not provide a BOL to the carrier, should the carrier reject the shipment and will an accessorial fee be added to the contract for a failed pick-up attempt created by the shipper

Yes, If the shipper does not provide a BOL, the carrier should ask for it. If it is not provided, the carrier can refuse the shipment and charge the Attempted Pickup accessorial in Attachment 12. Please reference Amendment 0002 for Attachment 12.

Attachment 8 DD Form 254

HTC71122RC001_Volume I Business Proposal_ (A) Sub-factor 1 (9) states " If proposing domestic constant surveillance, a DD254 is required. Please provide the required information for blocks 6 a-c and 7 a-c of the DD Form 254, Department of Defense Contract Security Classification Specification (Attachment

8) and return as a separate document along with the proposal. " Q. Please confirm that this form only relates to CSS shipments and that if a carrier isn't offering CSS that this form is not applicable. Q. Are ALL CSS shipment moving under GHS involve receiving, storing or generating CUI? If not, will the indication of CUI be indicated at the time the shipment is sent to carriers to bid on the shipment? Q. Could you help carriers understand what type of information that will be associated with CSS shipments is considered CUI?

Per page 27 of the solicitation, a DD Form 254 is only required if the offeror is proposing rates for domestic constant surveillance (CIS) services. No CUI information is provided with the shipment documentation. No GHS shipments involve receiving, storing, or generating CUI.

HTC71122RC001

Clause 52.212-1 (b) (10)

HTC71122RC001_Clauses Incorporated By Full Text_ 52.212-1 (b) (10) states "Past performance information, when included as an evaluation factor, to include recent and relevant contracts for the same or similar items and other references (including contract numbers, points of contact with telephone numbers and other relevant information); " Q. In looking at the evaluation criteria, past performance isn't listed. Please confirm that carrier are not required to submit past performance information in their proposal.

Per FAR 52.212-1 Addendum, Past Performance is not an evaluation criteria.

23 Attachment 1 PWS Below is an example of a 500 mile radius from New Cumberland, PA. This would stop all shipments within Region 2-2 (A rates) and most of Region 1, some of Region 4 and 3. Is this what the government expects?

Per Amendment 0002, the PWS has been updated to remove the 500 mile requirement.

HTC71122RC001

Volume III

Per the solicitation Volume III – Price Proposal states: (4) A PDF document will display with complete international rate filing instructions. The GFM spreadsheet upload feature is unavailable.

Per the international rate filing instructions. 5. Navigate to the Tender Management screen in TEOW and click (Image G). The Upload a Modified Solicitation Workbook screen displays (Image H).

Per the international rate filing instructions Note: Once a draft tender is created, the solicitation download option is no longer available. All further modifications must be made through the user interface.

Q. Since our solicitation in GFM is under new status, can we download the international spreadsheet per the international rate filing instructions number five? In the solicitation under volume III it states GFM spreadsheet upload feature is unavailable.

The international spreadsheet is available for download. The upload feature is not available for pricing submissions.

25 General Commercially, carriers provide multiple level of services in order to meet our customers RDD. The GHS NTE pricing assumes a consolidated movement vs a priority move.

Q. Would USTRANSCOM consider an accessorial for a "Priority"movement when the RDD can't be met by normal consolidated movement?

The NTE rate should encompass the worst case scenario. Additionally, a carrier should not be bidding on a shipment in which it cannot meet the required delivery date.

HTC71122RC001

Volume I

(5) Provide offeror’s street address, CAGE code, Unique Entity Identifier (UEI), and Standard Carrier Alpha Code (SCAC). The SCAC shall represent the CRAF carrier. The SCAC shall represent the CRAF carrier in both the National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA) and Freight Carrier Registration Program (FCRP) systems. If offeror is proposing on the HAZ, HMA, and HMI accessorials, the offeror shall provide its current and valid Department of Transportation Hazardous Material Certificate.

Q. Is the DOT Haz Mat certificate of the Prime or the Sub-contractor?

The DOT Haz Mat Certification should be from whomever is handling the cargo.

HTC711-22-R-C001

16 March 2022

Attachment 1 PWS 1.2.14.5

PWS 1.2.14.5. In accordance with the Fly America Act, each bill submitted by the prime contractor for payment of international air freight transportation charges involving, in whole or in part, the use of a foreign flag transportation service provider (TSP) shall be supported by the prime contractor uploading to Syncada a copy of the air waybill showing the underlying TSPs utilized, and a certification, adequately explaining the non-availability of U.S. flag service, signed by the responsible official of the authorizing agency or the TSP having knowledge of the facts concerning such usage.

Q: FAR 47.402 states the U.S. flag air carriers must be used for air travel and the transportation of the traveler’s personal effects or property which is not in scope of the intent of the GHS contract. Furthermore, FAR 47.405 exempts commercial items contractors. Given these facts, it doesn't appear it would apply to GHS. Please advise if the Fly America Act is applicable?

This language stems from the GSA Freight Handbook and its application to BOLs. In accordance with the GSA Freight Handbook (May 2021), the carriers will be required to provide a copy of the air waybill from the foreign flag carrier and a certification letter explaining the non-availability of U.S.-flag service, signed by the responsible official of the authorizing agency or the TSP having knowledge of the facts concerning such usage. Both of these documents shall be uploaded in Syncada when the invoice is created. Additionally, Section 5 of the International Air Transportation Fair Competitive Practices Act of1974 (49 U.S.C.40118) (Fly America Act) requires that all Federal agencies and Government contractors and subcontractors use U.S.-flag air carriers for U.S. Government-financed international air transportation of personnel (and their personal effects) or property, to the extent that service by those carriers is available. Property under Act includes U.S. Government cargo. Under the Act, in the absence of satisfactory proof of the necessity for foreign-flag air transportation, expenditures should be disallowed from funds, appropriated or otherwise established for the account of the United States , for international air transportation secured aboard a foreign-flag air carrier if a U.S.-flag air carrier is available to provide such services. Given that this a contract for the transportation of DoD property that is financed by appropriated and nonappropriated funds, the PWS requirement will not change.

28 Attachment 5 Part 1(a)(8) -- Login Coordinator Letter Part 1(a)(9) -- Attachment 8, Commercial Air Constant Surveillance Service Certification (Attachment 8 on SAM.gov is the DD254 which is referred to as Attachment 12 in the checklist)

Per Amendment 0002, Attachment 5 Business Proposal Checklist has been revised to remove the CIS certification. Attachment 8 is now the DD254.

29 Appendix 1.6 There is an Electronic Systems Access letter that is in the files, but it does not appear to be required in the proposal.

Please refer to PWS 1.2.21. for more information regarding ECA or DoD-approved PKIs. An Electronic Systems Access letter is required if an offeror requires a DoD-approved PKI.

30 Appendix 1.10 For FY23 and onward, will the DeCA/DLA Perishables solicitations/awards be handled via Task Order solicitation separate from the GHS NTE/Accessorial solicitation?

At this time, the intent is for DeCA and DLA Perishables to have separate task orders under GHS II. For additional information, please reference the answer to Question 18.

31 Appendix 1.10 If so, when will the Task Order solicitation be released? The Task Order solicitations will be released once the GHS II award has been made.

32 Appendix 1.10 When will the bids for the Task Order be due? Milestones for any future task order have not been established at this time.

33 Appendix 1.10 What are the selection criteria for the Task Order? Future task order requirement packages have not been submitted to our office.

34 Appendix 1.10 If on time performance is one of the selection criteria, is the performance based on raw % or based on only controllable on time percentage? In other words, with respect to selection for this Task Order, are uncontrollable delays considered a strike against the TSP?

The Government cannot speculate on future unknown task order requirements.

Appendix 1.3 - IGC Page 1, Point 7

Q – Can GEX provide the carrier the same EDI report the Gov’t is using for performance score card, this will help the carrier to ensure its monthly report is in line with the GEX data and can also identify any carrier EDI issues that need addressing vs an after affect following the carrier monthly submission. It seem we are behind because EDI data is not being shared prior to monthly report and score card review published.

No, we are unable to require the GEX contractor to provide this data in real time. Please review the requirements in Appendix 1.3 to ensure all EDI requirements are being met.

Appendix 1.4 - Monthly Reporting Instruction Page 13

Q – The 3 codes (Z01,04 & 08 Motor Surveillance) they are no reference in the PWS or (Appendix 1.7 Domestic) or (Appendix 1.8 International) accessorial where it define the use of these codes and how they are applicable to be used for Domestic or International, can you share how this is incorporated into the contract?

Per Amendment 0002, Appendix 1.4 has been updated to remove the motor surveillance codes as they are not applicable.

PWS 1.2.8 - Page 9 Delivery Commitment/Guarant ee

Q – Regarding Covid19 non-standard on-time percentage going from 98% to 92% for Domestic and 95% to 90% for International, how is the Gov’t intending to apply this principle in the monthly report to figure out which performance score would be used? Is this the carrier responsibility to apply CVD19 exception to its monthly report for shipments that were affect by CVD19 and if so what constitute uses of CVD19 as disruption to the transportation, as they are many reasons today i.e. workers shortage, abrupt positive testing of workers, Airline network disruption, country restrictions and many others?

Per PWS Paragraph 1.2.8, the thresholds of 92% for Domestic and 90% for International will be used as the contract standard for on-time performance. A unilateral modification will occur when the Government determines the OTP shall resume to normal pre-pandemic levels as indicated in the PWS.

No particular COVID-19 code applies.

PWS 1.2.14.5 – Page 14 Fly America Act

Q – Can you clarify this portion “the use of a foreign flag transportation service provider (TSP) shall be supported by the prime contractor uploading to Syncada a copy of the air waybill showing the underlying TSPs utilized, and a certification, adequately explaining the non-availability of U.S. flag service, signed by the responsible official of the authorizing agency or the TSP having knowledge of the facts concerning such usage.” Are the carriers now required when using a foreign flag to have the CRAF carrier written certification that they are no U.S. flag service available and the use of the Foreign Flag is approved by the CRAF carrier? Would the use of the CRAF carrier AWB suffice to meet that need?

Section 5 of the International Air Transportation Fair Competitive Practices Act of1974 (49 U.S.C.40118) (Fly America Act) requires that all Federal agencies and Government contractors and subcontractors use U.S.-flag air carriers for U.S. Government-financed international air transportation of personnel (and their personal effects) or property, to the extent that service by those carriers is available.

Property under Act includes U.S. Government cargo. Under the Act, in the absence of satisfactory proof of the necessity for foreign-flag air transportation, expenditures should be disallowed from funds, appropriated or otherwise established for the account of the United States , for international air transportation secured aboard a foreign-flag air carrier if a U.S.-flag air carrier is available to provide such services. Given that this a contract for the transportation of DoD property that is financed by appropriated and nonappropriated funds, the PWS requirement will not change.

HTC711-22-R-C001

16 March 2022

PWS 1.2.18.1 – Page 17 Monthly Contractor Report

Q – Please clarify if the 18th of Month at 11:59pm is EST. or CST? Per Amendment 0002, the PWS has been updated to reflect CST/CDT.

40 Pricing Tried to download the GFM spreadsheet and it hasn’t downloaded. If Chrome doesn’t support downloading, try the Edge browser.

41 General Q. If a carrier has a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) how will carriers work with USTRANSCOM to incorporate their CBA onto the Wage Determination as being the prevailing wages?

Active CBAs will be assigned a Wage Determination Number and incorporated into Attachment 3 of the contract. Please reference Amendment 0002.

42 General Q. How many pricing rounds is the government expecting to conduct?

Per pg. 30 of the solicitation, the Government intends to evaluate offers and award contracts without discussions with offerors. Therefore, the offerors initial offer should contain the offerors most favorable pricing. However, the Government reserves the right to conduct discussions if later determined by the Contracting Officer to be necessary.

1. Reference: Section:

HTC711-22-R-C001,

Page: 27, Paragraph: 5

Question: This states: “Provide offeror’s street address, CAGE code, Unique Entity Identifier (UEI), and Standard Carrier Alpha Code (SCAC). The SCAC shall represent the CRAF carrier. The SCAC shall represent the CRAF carrier in both the National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA) and Freight Carrier Registration Program (FCRP) systems. If offeror is proposing on the HAZ, HMA, and HMI accessorials, the offeror shall provide its current and valid Department of Transportation Hazardous Material Certificate.” However, this conflicts with Attachment 5. Attachment 5 sub-factor 1, paragraph 5 states “Statement of prime and principal subcontractors address, CAGE code, DUNS code and SCAC”

Attachment 5 has been revised to also include the HAZMAT Certificate. Attachment 5 is a checklist emulating the requirements of the solicitation. When preparing your proposal, please be sure to follow the requirements of the solicitation 52.212-1.

1. Reference: Section:

HTC711-22-R-C001,

Page: 27, Paragraph:

Question: Paragraphs on this page only go to paragraph 11 while Attachment 5 has 12 “paragraphs”. Additionally, there was not Attachment 12 included with the solicitation.

The CIS certification in Attachment 5 has been removed only leaving 11 "paragraphs". Amendment 0002 incorporates Attachment 12, eBill accessorials.

Reference: Section:

HTC711-22-R-C001,

Page: 30, Paragraph:

above Paragraph (c) of

FAR 52.212-1

Question: Describes two options to file international rates. If using option 2 to submit rates, the pricing spreadsheet must be emailed before 4 PM CST 14 March. According to the IHAT Rates Entry User Manual if the TSP utilizes Option 1, rates can be reviewed within 48 business hours after uploading the solicitation, however, it also states that matrixes should be uploaded no later 72 hours prior to submission suspense. What is the last day in which rates can be upload in the GFM under Option 1?

If utilizing the GFM interface (NO spreadsheet download/upload), pricing must be submitted 10 AM CST 23 March 2022.

1. Reference: Section:

HTC711-22-R-C001,

Page: 26, Paragraph: C and Page: 29, Paragraph: Volume III.

E

These paragraphs conflict. Volume III, paragraph E is an excel document which cannot be uploaded in the GFM. Shouldn’t Volume III, paragraph E be included in the documents to email TCAQ?

Per Pages 29-30 of the solicitation, to be eligible for award the offeror shall submit its entire international pricing proposal through either the GFM system or email. Please submit Attachment 2 via email by the solicitation suspense date of 10 AM CST 23 March 2022. Please see Amendment 0002 for further clarification.

1. Reference: Section:

HTC711-22-R-C001,

Page: 29, Paragraph:

Volume II Sub-factor 5.

Question: Please explain the requirements for this sub-factor as it applies to a small business. The Contract requires a Small Business Subcontracting Plan (Page 28) which only applies to a large business. The PWS deliverable table only lists FAR Clause 52.219-9 as applicable to large businesses. If the contractor is a small business, there are no requirements described in the contract or PWS, to allow the contractor to determine the technical approach to this factor.

Per Page 34 of the solicitation, the offeror's proposal must successfully describe the extend of participation of small business concerns under this contract. This sub-factor applies to both large and small offerors.

1. Reference: Section:

Attachment 1, Page: , Paragraph:

Question: Much of the Attachment 1 changed the prior contact language from “contractor” to “prime contractor”. Appendix 1.1 does not include a definition of “prime contractor”. In the last IHAT Tender, FY18, the CRAF carrier was to notify the Contracting Officer whether they will represent themselves or enter into a CRAF carrier/agent relationship. The CRAF carrier/agent relationship allows the CRAF carrier to enter into an agreement with a designated freight forwarder, who would represent the CRAF carrier and administer multiple portions of the contract, while the CRAF carrier was still legally responsible. Is the CRAF carrier/agent relationship covered under the “prime contractor” definition? For example, the CRAF carrier should be responsible for partnership changes with the designated freight forwarder and the actions of the freight forwarder. However, CRAF carriers enter into contractual agreements with their designated freight forwarder. Those agreements specifically identify each party’s responsibilities under the contract.

Such agreements would arguably be different for each CRAF carrier and their agent.

Per Amendment 0002, Appendix 1.1 has been updated to define prime contractor.

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1. Reference: Section:

Appendix 1.7, Page: 14- 15, Paragraph: CIS

Question: CIS is calculated on a per shipment basis. The requirements for this service vary significantly, depending upon whether the cargo goes on a U.S.

flag carrier or a foreign flag carrier. If transporting on a U.S. flag carrier, only one (1) U.S. citizen/qualified representative is required. However, if transporting on a foreign flag carrier, two (2) U.S. citizens/qualified representatives are required. Please either update the CIS definition to a per U.S citizen/qualified representative per shipment cost or, when evaluating the NTE for this cost, please take into account that costs will vary significantly depending on the flag of the carrier.

The NTE rate should encompass the worst case scenario. The CIS Policy came from OSD and cannot be altered.

1. Reference: Section:

HTC711-22-R-C001,

Page: 27, Paragraph: 9

Question: If proposing domestic constant surveillance, a DD254 is required. The offeror is required to fill out blocks 6a-c and 7a-c of Attachment 8.

However, Attachment 8 is marked as a Solicitation in box 2, while blocks 6a-c and 7a-c state “Completion of this Block is not approved for Solicitations”.

How is Attachment 8 to be completed?

Volume I, Sub-factor 1, Proposal Compliance, Requirement (9) states to provide the required information in blocks 6 a-c and 7 a-c and return as a separate document along with the offeror's proposal.

51 General Q. With the dynamic supply chain and costs varying wildly, would the government allow for a capacity surcharge under GHS?

The NTE rate should encompass the offeror's worst case scenario. As such, a capacity surcharge is not being considered.

Reference: Section:

Attachment 11, Page:

1, Paragraph: Effective and Expiration Date

Question: HTC711-22-R-C001 on page 34 after sub-factor 5 states the effective date will be 1 October 2022. Shouldn’t the effective and expiration dates on Attachment 11 be 1 October 2022 to 30 September 2023 instead of 1 October 2023 to 30 September 2024? Also the contact number in the header is listed as HTC711-R-22-C001 instead of HTC711-22-R-C001.

Per Amendment 0002, Attachment 11 has been updated to mirror the contract start date of 1 October 2022.

53 Paragraph 1.1

The PWS states: “Global Heavyweight Service (GHS) is a common-user transportation contract that provides heavyweight commercial air services for international and domestic shipments. The contractor will provide service utilizing their existing commercial transportation network only.” Would you clarify what specifically you mean by existing commercial transportation network only. Does this mean contractor cannot change providers/vendors for air or ground services during the term of the contract?

The shippers are not required to request shipping or routing plans and the carriers shall not land on military airfields. The carrier should be using their commercial network and landing on commercial airports and trucking cargo to the final destination.

54 PWS Para 1.1.3

This language seems to penalize the TSP for the USG shipper’s mistakes. A shipment discrepancy would only be noticed AFTER a Carrier has dispatched a truck for PU/D, and incurred cost to do so. In a shipment scenario, TSP would pick up freight, return it to the dock, and reweigh it, then upon noticing a discrepancy, return it to the shipper for rebidding? This means the TSP incurs actual PU/D charges because of the shipper’s mistakes. Have we interpreted this correctly? If not, please clarify.

Per Amendment 0002, multiple accessorials have been added to Attachment 12 to address attempted pickup/delivery and reweigh and remeasure. Refer to the revised Appendix 1.7 and 1.8 and Attachment 12 to submit pricing for the attempted pickup, delivery, reweigh/remeasure accessorials.

55 PWS Par 1.2.17.2 Has the US Gov’t identified which data elements in GHS are FCI and CUI? There are no elements that are FCI and CUI.

52-212-1 Addendum (12)(i)(G)

Due date is 23 March 2022. Given the recent European events, supply chain disruptions, oil prices, etc.…pricing data is in flux…is it possible to extend due date?

No, an extension request is not being considered at this time. We understand pricing data could be in flux and offerors should price NTEs as their worst case scenario.

Section ‘PWS’, page 20- 12, Paragraph 1.2.23

Will the government consider removing the Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment Policy requirement since it is Afghanistan centric? The language in the PWS is geared toward operations that no longer exist.

The requirement will remain as Afghanistan is still a required lane under this contract.

Section ‘Solicitation’, page 27, paragraph 5

The language in paragraph 5 indicates that a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) is to be provided. Attachment 5 ‘Business Proposal Checklist’ does not contain the UEI requirement. With the DUNS number being the authoritative identifier until 3 April 2022, does the government require a UEI to be provided in the RFP response?

As any resulting contracts will be awarded after 3 April 2022, the UEI is required. Per Amendment 0002, Attachment 5 has been updated to emulate the solicitation.

Section ‘PWS’, page 11, paragraph 1.2.11.1

Can the government clarify which field(s) the commercial forms are required to provide 20 alphanumeric spaces?

Yes, all fields that require reference numbers, such as a TCN or BOL. PWS Paragraph 1.2.11.1 has been revised and is included with Amendment 0002.

Section ‘PWS’, page 12, paragraph 1.2.12.2

Can the government please clarify why only one BOL can be issued and duplicates are prohibited? The processing of shipments into TSP systems most often times requires the imaging of documentation for transportation and to expedite customs clearance formalities. If only one copy of the BOL is provided, then shipments have the potential to be delayed, and/or have to be handled multiple times and paperwork returned to the shipment. Would the government consider allowing a second copy to be provided to couriers to reduce the time shipments may be delayed?

Making copies are fine; duplicating is not. Duplicating is referred to as issuing a completely new BOL for the same shipment

‘Appendix 1.6’, page 1, section 4

Will the government be able to provide the 858R feed to TSPs. In doing so, it will reduce the manual process of inputting and transferring data, as well as reducing delays in shipment movement due to potential incorrect or missing information.

No, at this time the government cannot accommodate this request due to system limitations.

Recommend the carrier reach out to the shipper for a copy of the BOL if the carrier would like it prior to pickup.

‘PWS’, page 11, paragraph 1.2.12.2

With GHS shipments being placed though the platforms noted in 1.2.12.2, what remedies will the TSP have when receiving incomplete or incorrect data as noted in ‘Individual Missions, Roles and Responsibilities. This information carries through into IGC and monthly reporting and is an upstream dependency.

If the shipper inputs the information incorrectly into the shipper system at the time of solicitation, the shipper would have to cancel that requirement (shipment) and resubmit correct information.

63 ‘Appendix 1.7’ For any accessorials beyond those shown in appendix 1.7, how can a TSP propose those additional accessorials for review? Can they be appended at the ended of the accessorial sheet in the downloaded file from GFM?

Formatting on the GFM spreadsheet can NOT be changed. All accessorials approved for GHS are listed on Appendix 1.7, 1.8 and 1.10. Per amendment 0002, pricing for approved accessorials that are not located in GFM shall be completed on Attachment 12.

HTC711-22-R-C001

16 March 2022

52.212-2, EVALUATION--

COMMERCIAL

PRODUCTS AND

COMMERCIAL

SERVICES (NOV 2021)

Please confirm this GHS solicitation will be evaluated based on the lowest price technically acceptable source selection process under FAR 15.102-1.

This is not a LPTA solicitation. 52.212-2 states, the Government intends to award multiple indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity contracts resulting from this solicitation to responsible offerors whose offer conforms to the solicitation requirements and is most advantageous to the Government, price and other factors considered. The Government intends to award multiple contracts to provide Government shippers flexibility of choice and service coverage. The Government will utilize FAR Part 15, Source Selection, Department of Defense Source Selection Procedures as implemented on 1 April 2016, and the provisions contained within the Request for Proposal (RFP) to evaluate offers and determine the best value. Contracts will be awarded to all offerors who are responsive, responsible, have been determined acceptable under the Business Proposal and Technical Proposal, and have proposed fair and reasonable prices.

Business Proposal Checklist

Several attachments on the Business Proposal Checklist do not match those identified on page 21 of the RFP: (1) Referenced Attachment 12 in the Business Proposal Checklist appears to be Attachment 8 in the RFP; (2) There is no Attachment 8, Commercial Air Constant Surveillance Service Certification, in the RFP

Per Amendment 0002, Attachment 5 Business Proposal Checklist has been revised to remove the CIS certification. Attachment 8 is now the DD254.

66 Appendix 6 What authentication documents are being requested from the users?

Appendix 1.6 is in relation to requesting a DoD-approved PKI. Please refer to PWS 1.2.21. for more information regarding ECA or DoD-approved PKIs. An Electronic Systems Access letter is required if an offeror requires a DoD-approved PKI.

67 Solicitation HTC711-22 Under Service Code “CIS”, by submitting that the carrier does not offer Constant Surveillance And Custody Service, will this disqualify the carrier from only GHS future Surveillance task orders or all GHS task orders?

If the carrier does not have CIS on the IDIQ contract, they would be disqualified from any task orders/shipments that require CIS.

Attachment 2_Escalation Rate Template

Does this need to be sent via email or can it be sent through GFM? If sent by email, is the deadline March 14th?

Attachment 2 shall be sent via email. Per Amendments 0001 and 0002, the solicitation states, "All submissions within GFM are due 10 AM CDT 23 March 2022. Attachment 12 and Attachment 2, Escalation Rate Template are due 10 AM CDT 23 March 2022."

69 PWS 1.1.1.1 Please provide Attachment 2a Please refer to solicitation section Volume III, page 29-30 for instructions on submitting pricing.

70 PWS 1.1.2 Please provide Attachment 2c Please refer to solicitation section Volume III, page 29-30 for instructions on submitting pricing.

71 General If pricing is deemed out of tolerance for any lane or accessorial, will carriers be informed of the acceptable high and low limits and given the opportunity to adjust and resubmit?

Per pg. 30 of the solicitation, the Government intends to evaluate offers and award contracts without discussions with offerors. Therefore, the offeror's initial offer should contain the offeror's most favorable pricing. However, the Government reserves the right to conduct discussions if later determined by the Contracting Officer to be necessary. During these discussions, we will not inform offerors of high and low limits.

72 Attachment 8 Please provide Attachment 8 (or 12) – Commercial Air Constant Surveillance (CIS) Service Certification The CIS certification in the Business Proposal Checklist (Attachment 5) was inadvertently included.

Amendment 0002 removes the requirement from Attachment 5.

73 Attachment 12 Please clarify whether Attachment 12 is the DD Form 254 or the CIS Service Certification Per Amendment 0002, Attachment 8 is the DD form 254 and Attachment 12 is the Task Order and eBill Accessorials.

74 General Do we need to include Past Performance in our proposal? If so, please provide the Past Performance information that is required. No, past performance is not an evaluation criteria.

75 Attachment 6 In the case of a Carrier / Agent relationship, and the nature of the contract, can an Agent representative be designated as the Program Manager or Alternate Program Manager?

No, in accordance with PWS Paragraph 1.1, the Program Manager must be an employee of the CRAF contractor.

76 Attachment 8 Can you please confirm that DD254 required only for Domestic CIS?

Yes, per Volume I Business Proposal, Sub-factor 1 Proposal Compliance, a DD form 254 is only required for those offerors that intend to offer to perform shipments requiring Domestic CIS.

77 Attachment 7 Is an offeror that is a small business required to submit a Small Business Utilization Plan (Attachment 7)?

Yes, Source selection factors are required to be addressed by all offerors in their proposal and evaluated on the same terms. Small Business utilization will be evaluated in all offerors proposals in accordance with Defense FAR Supplement (DFARS) Subpart 215.304(c)(i)(B). This subpart states "Proposals addressing the extent of small business performance shall be separate from subcontracting plans submitted pursuant to the clause at FAR 52.219-9 and shall be structured to allow for consideration of offers from small businesses."

78 Attachment 8 Understand that Attachment 8 and 12 are inter-related. But, there isn’t an attachment 12 on SAM. Do you just want the DD 254 filed out twice? Per Amendment 0002, only one DD254 is required (if applicable).